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Tuesday, March 14, 2023

My Book Blog on Hiatus... or Closed?



 I have been running a book blog, offering reviews and promotions of indie authors now for three years. Apart from a two month hiatus, I have not taken any breaks.

I began the book blog as a way to support my community of independent authors. I am a reader by nature, so it was a skill set I could offer. In a discussion with my good friend Kelle Z Riley, I have taken a bit of time to assess where I am in my own writing career.

I have a small group of writers I meet with and want to pour into those relationships. I am also looking for ways to encourage local high school students (I'm a teacher) to move toward publication. And, if honest, am ready to knock down the stack of "to read" I have from favorite and new bestselling authors.

If you are looking for a review on one of the major sites (I usually do the Zon and Goodreads), feel free to reach out to me. jerryharwoodbooks is the name. Gmail is the game. Those reviews don't involve setting up pictures, html, or setting timers for publication. If the book interests me, I will take it on and post a review online. However, I won't add it here or run any book promo blog tours. 



Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Slaves of an Alien Game by Nina Schluntz

Slaves of an Alien Game

by Nina Schluntz


 

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

 

GENRE: Science Fiction Romance

 

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

 

Series BLURB:

 

Game Wardens rule most of the galaxy by a fierce empire built on enslavement and brokered deals. The only means to earn one’s freedom is by playing in the Alien Games. Two slaves go in the arena, the survivor, if there is one, is given their freedom and crowned a king, earning them a small country to rule and slaves of their own.

 

To make the battle more fun for spectators, genetically enhanced monsters, sahalias, are given to the combatants, but they must found in a scavenger hunt. Five orbs, each hatching into a lizard that will bond with their keeper, are hidden on a random planet. If the competitor finds all five, they have a great imbalance of power over the other, who will have none. The sahalias are created with one purpose, to battle to the death and destroy the other competitor.

 

Slaves of an Alien Game - Book 1

 

Caden works at an all night diner in a small town near the interstate. When a man comes in late at night, asking for access to the roof, Caden knows the man is a bit off. But his ruffian nature and a small bribe makes Caden decide to let him go up.

 

“It’s a scavenger hunt,” the man says. Caden thinks he’s being helpful when he finds the item, a black orb, but when he touches it, he unknowingly becomes a competitor in an intergalactic competition that ends in a battle to the death. Manipulated and lied to, drugged by the alien Incubus, Raghib, whom he is now allied with, he must train his lizard battle creatures to fight for him on an unknown planet with rules he barely understands.

He has little chance to survive and although he wants to trust, Raghib, who will earn his freedom if Caden wins the battle, he worries he is simply being used. A bit of truth is revealed when one of the Game Wardens takes a liking to Caden, but his alien species is known to eat humans, so Caden isn’t sure if the desire is that of hunger or true romance.

 

Either way, Caden is nothing but a slave to their alien games.

 


Excerpt One – Book 1:

 

I reached what looked like the bar and surveyed the drinks. I needed alcohol.

 

“You do not disappoint.” The voice was male and silky. I pried my eyes from the beverages I couldn’t identify and aimed my angry glare at the speaker.

 

He was tall and lanky, sporting a sharp graying goatee and a braided ponytail that trailed down past his waist. Both matched his gray suit and sparkling blue eyes. He was handsome but in an unnatural way, as though it was a quality designed to lure in prey. Instinctively, I knew who this man was.

 

“You’re one of the Game Wardens,” I said. He smiled like a tiger soothing a mouse.

 

“And you are the man making me rich. The fans love you. And that rant back there…” His eyes fluttered, and he groaned softly as if what I’d just done turned him on, or maybe the thought of how his TV ratings would spike was the reason. “You can’t buy that kind of drama.”

 

“You’re welcome,” I said because what the hell else was I supposed to say?

 

“I can’t decide if I want you to die or win in the battle.” He stepped closer, and I felt fear for no reason other than an instinctive fear you get when you know you are around something more powerful than you. He had this hungry look in his eyes, and I couldn’t help the words that came out.

 

“Is that because you can’t decide if you want to eat me or fuck me?”

 

His eyes widened. Perhaps no one had ever spoken to him like that before.

 

“You think I eat the people who die in the arena?”

 

“Why not? You’re already a sicko for making money off watching people battle to the death.”

 

“And you also think I have sex with the victors? Or are you implying it’s what you want, should you survive?” His eyes went down my body, appraising me.

 

“What? Don’t be weird,” I said. I pointed to the bottles on the counter. “Are any of these similar to alcohol on Earth? I want to get drunk.”

 

“You are the one who suggested it. And now you want me to get you drunk?”

 

“It’s the least you could do since I’m getting you such great ratings.”

 

“Oh, I do like you.”

 

“How flattering,” I said. “Buy me a drink then?”

 

Raghib finally appeared next to me. Where the fuck had he gone? Had he been apologizing to the pervert? I glanced at him to say as much, but mister slick put a finger on my cheek and turned my head back to him.

 

“If I am buying you a drink, you should keep your attention on me,” he said.

 

“Really? You think the viewers want to watch you schmooze me?”

 

His jaw fell open, and he gaped speechlessly at me. I wasn’t entirely sure what kind of fire I was playing with, but I didn’t want this guy to request me to personally entertain him or some shit either. And that look on his face was really starting to come across as sexual predatory-ish.

 

“Never mind,” I said. “I’ll just take some glamour. Nice talking.” I pushed on Raghib’s arm and moved away from creeper number three of the night.

 

“I leave you for two minutes, and I find you with a Game Warden?” Raghib hissed in my ear.

 

“He was thanking me for all the great ratings we are getting for his show,” I said. “What happened to you anyway? We’re tethered. How did you lose me?”

 



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

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Nina Schluntz is a native to rural Nebraska. In her youth, she often wrote short stories to entertain her friends. Those ideas evolved into the novels she creates today.

 

Her husband continues to ensure her stories maintain a touch of realism as she delves into the science fiction and fantasy realm. Their three cats are always willing to stay up late to provide inspiration, whether it is a howl from the stray born in the backyard or an encouraging bite from the so called “calming kitten.”

 

https://mizner13.wordpress.com/

 

https://twitter.com/mizner13

 

https://www.facebook.com/nina.schluntz.novels

 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1980193.Nina_R_Schluntz

 

https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/nina-schluntz/

 

Series link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMXTJLSV

 

Book 1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BM4HLGJL

 

Book 2

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BMY6H3P7

 

Book 3

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BMZC24SF

 

Kindle Vella (serialized version of the series, available in USA only)

https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0BKTF9LMF

 

Book Video Links

 

Book 1: https://youtu.be/uN3P7D3oY4c

 

Book 2: https://youtu.be/4AXEX23pA3A

 

Book 3: https://youtu.be/_d_7Ki4S_MI

 

 

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

 

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

 

 

One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $25 Amazon/BN.com gift card.

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f4492

If you cannot embed the code, please use this HTML link:

 

___________________
THANK YOU 


Thank you for reading Jerry's Circumlocution where I promote independent authors, toss out a few reviews, wax eloquent occasionally on writing, or shamelessly self promote. 

Speaking of which, if you haven't picked up one of our featured author's works please do so. If so, and looking for more to read, please consider one of mine! And on behalf of all Indie authors including the one highlighted here, we live off of good reviews. Please consider dropping one to help them (and me) out! 


Freckles: The Dark Wizard  Middle Grade Fantasy

Simon is bullied. He also just discovered he is the only kid in school who can conjure a dragon.



InPassage

 Dystopian Western

Pitch knows three things. This is not his America, someone is trying to hunt him, and he is very good with a gun.


Or keep an eye out for these other titles!




A book is like a child. The author gives it birth. Then it is raised by the author and a team of teachers, coaches, and family (we call these people editors, beta readers, and publishers). all of this is to prepare the book for its journey into the world where it hopefully will meet you, the reader. I have the privilege of being my books' parent, but you are whom it is truly meant. Thank you.

Sunday, February 19, 2023

Street Siren by Tom Batt


 Today, we have an opportunity to talk to Tom Batt.  Tom Batt has written the book, Street Siren.  


First, let me thank you for joining me.  I appreciate you giving me your links and I want to share those with our readers.


Website: toms-tales.com

Twitter: @picklez4uk

Instagram: @pickles4uk

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21796417.Tom_Batt

Amazon US: https://a.co/d/2weJZBP

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BJF4YTL2/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_EZ3D6SK8BP44265ZZSJ4 


That is great.  Can you tell us a little about yourself and what led you to start writing?


Ever since school I’ve enjoyed writing stories. When I was fourteen I got into writing screenplays and found some success in competitions. It wasn’t until 2020 at the start of the pandemic I tried my hand at writing short stories building up a collection. Unfortunately I couldn’t get them published anywhere so I put together the best ones and self-published Old Wounds: A Nick Shelby Case and Other Crimes Stories. It received good reviews and encouraged me to keep writing. Street Siren is actually based on one of the stories from that book.


-Where do you get your inspiration, information, and ideas for books?

For me inspiration comes from everywhere. When I’m out and about I might see a person who inspires a character or a situation that sparks a plotline. I also get inspiration from films and on occasion songs. My mind is always open and absorbing what is around me in case one day I want to use it in a story.


-What is your favorite part about writing?

My favourite part about writing is fleshing out the initial idea as it feels like anything is possible at that moment and you’re not tied down to any specific plot points. Once things become locked in any new ideas you have may not fit in without disrupting what you already have.


-What does literary success look like to you?

Literary success for me would be people telling me how much they enjoyed reading my stories. Whether it made them laugh, cry or feel frightened the thought of knowing words I typed onto a page forced someone to have an emotional reaction is quite a thrill.


-Please tell us about your current release.

Street Siren is a revenge thriller following call girl Devlin as she pursues retribution for the brutal murder of her girlfriend Roxy. Despite falling back into drug addiction she has to dig deep and find the strength to punish those responsible and find some form of justice and peace in herself. When the police pick up on her trail it becomes a race against time to finish her quest before they figure out what she is doing and try to stop her.


-Can you read / provide us with a small exert? 


The city was silent. Lights twinkled in the dark like the stars in the night sky. The hard windowsill wasn’t exactly comfortable, but it allowed Devlin to relax as she admired the view. She drew on a cigarette, blowing the billowing smoke out the open window, the soft wind taking it away. As she pulled the burning stub from her full lips, her blood-stained hand was shaking, a charm bracelet slipping down her arm.

Although she was skinny and wore nothing more than lingerie, she was immune to the cold. Her mind was on other things. Her eyes were glazed over, blood dripping from her face. She flicked the cigarette butt out of the window and slipped off the sill with ease. As she made her way across the studio apartment, she glanced over at the carnage she was responsible for only a few moments ago. His head was almost gone, and what remained was unidentifiable. His naked body was drenched in blood, soaking the silk bed sheets beneath. There was a spray of red up the headboard and wall. Devlin entered the bathroom, flicking on the bright light. She twisted on the tap, and the water splashed down heavy, ricocheting off the bowl.


One more time, where can someone go to purchase your book?


Amazon US: https://a.co/d/2weJZBP

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BJF4YTL2/


___________________
THANK YOU 


Thank you for reading Jerry's Circumlocution where I promote independent authors, toss out a few reviews, wax eloquent occasionally on writing, or shamelessly self promote. 

Speaking of which, if you haven't picked up one of our featured author's works please do so. If so, and looking for more to read, please consider one of mine! And on behalf of all Indie authors including the one highlighted here, we live off of good reviews. Please consider dropping one to help them (and me) out! 


Freckles: The Dark Wizard  Middle Grade Fantasy

Simon is bullied. He also just discovered he is the only kid in school who can conjure a dragon.



InPassage

 Dystopian Western

Pitch knows three things. This is not his America, someone is trying to hunt him, and he is very good with a gun.


Or keep an eye out for these other titles!




A book is like a child. The author gives it birth. Then it is raised by the author and a team of teachers, coaches, and family (we call these people editors, beta readers, and publishers). all of this is to prepare the book for its journey into the world where it hopefully will meet you, the reader. I have the privilege of being my books' parent, but you are whom it is truly meant. Thank you.

Sunday, February 12, 2023

Killer Case Files by Jamie Malton

Killer Case Files tour banner

This is my post during the blog tour for Killer Case Files by Jamie Malton. Killer Case Files is a true crime anthology of 20 stories, Killer Case Files delivers gripping accounts of depraved and horrifying murders.

This blog tour is organized by Lola's Blog Tours and the tour runs from 13 till 26 February. You can see the tour schedule here.

Killer Case Files tour banner
Killer Case Files (Killer Case Files #4)
By Jamie Malton
Genre: Non-Fiction True Crime
Release Date: 1 November, 2022

Blurb:
Shocking and brutal true crimes against innocent victims who deserve to have their stories remembered.

A true crime anthology of 20 stories, Killer Case Files delivers gripping accounts of depraved and horrifying murders. These killers can range from seemingly normal people to psychopaths and serial killers who commit years of murder and mayhem.

Follow law enforcement as they use forensic science and old school detective skills to identify and apprehend these violent criminals, deviant predators, and serial killers.


20 Shocking Stories in Each Volume

Volume 4 includes . . .
Death in the Desert: A girl walking to high school in Las Vegas was found dead after being viciously sexually assaulted. The case went cold for thirty two years until a local philanthropist donated $5,000 to a company specializing in DNA genomics - stipulating that it be used on a cold case. Soon, not one, but two murders were solved.
A Nun Killer: In 1981 an elderly nun was murdered in her bedroom. In 1992 a young man was executed for her murder. That much is certain. What is not certain is whether the convicted and executed man was really guilty.
Just a Drifter: When a twenty-two year old woman goes missing while walking her dog it doesn’t take long for solid clues to lead to a senior citizen who is a drifter. But police can’t help wondering whether a drifter in his sixties has finally committed his first murder, or whether he’s previously committed several others.
Washington Axe Murderer: A beautiful area of Seattle, popular with both locals and tourists, had its residents living in fear during the summer of 1990 as an axe murderer stalked the neighborhood and left terrifying messages inside homes.

. . . plus 16 more shocking, true crime murder stories from Jamie Malton's Best True Crime.

If you enjoy the books from top authors like Jack Rosewood, Robert Keller, and Jason Neal – you’ll love Jamie Malton’s Best True Crime series.

Each volume in this series includes a 21st bonus chapter and additional supporting Case Files from every story - available free at the author’s website, where readers can join the author to dive further into additional photos, news reports and disturbing specifics of each case.

A Word of Warning
The explicit details of these murders come directly from eyewitness accounts, interviews, police reports, court transcripts, crime scenes, and autopsy reports. They contain disturbing facts that may not be for everyone.


Links:
- Goodreads
- Bookbub
- Amazon

Killer Case Files Volume 4 graphic



Jamie Malton author picture
About the Author:
Amazon best-selling author Jamie Malton is an American non-fiction writer.

She is the author of Killer Case Files: Jamie Malton’s Best True Crime Series which is an anthology of crime stories where the author examines the homicides perpetrated by murderers and serial killers.

Drawn to the how and why of real crime stories and fascinated by the detailed police work, DNA reconstruction, and genetic genealogy, she started writing her books to share the details of these stories with her readers.

For book research, she splits her time between American and European destinations where she often visits some of the places where crimes have occurred.

With criminal apprehension and victim restitution as a personal cause, she donates a portion of her book sales to charities that fund DNA reconstruction to solve cold cases and charities that support the families of murdered victims.

You can reach her at JamieMalton.com where she curates her research into Case Files for her readers who want to dive deeper into any case in her books.

Author links:
- Website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Instagram
- Goodreads
- Amazon

Giveaway
There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Killer Case Files. The author is giving away one $50 Amazon gift card.

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Killer Case Files square tour banner


Lola's Blog Tours graphic


___________________
THANK YOU 


Thank you for reading Jerry's Circumlocution where I promote independent authors, toss out a few reviews, wax eloquent occasionally on writing, or shamelessly self promote. 

Speaking of which, if you haven't picked up one of our featured author's works please do so. If so, and looking for more to read, please consider one of mine! And on behalf of all Indie authors including the one highlighted here, we live off of good reviews. Please consider dropping one to help them (and me) out! 


Freckles: The Dark Wizard  Middle Grade Fantasy

Simon is bullied. He also just discovered he is the only kid in school who can conjure a dragon.



InPassage

 Dystopian Western

Pitch knows three things. This is not his America, someone is trying to hunt him, and he is very good with a gun.


Or keep an eye out for these other titles!




A book is like a child. The author gives it birth. Then it is raised by the author and a team of teachers, coaches, and family (we call these people editors, beta readers, and publishers). all of this is to prepare the book for its journey into the world where it hopefully will meet you, the reader. I have the privilege of being my books' parent, but you are whom it is truly meant. Thank you.

Sunday, February 5, 2023

The Metaphysical Detective by Kirsten Weiss



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Kirsten Weiss will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Midlife Magic and Murder... and a Dog Named Dog.

When Riga Hayworth finds her new client dead, she smells a setup of metaphysical proportions. Now, to find a killer, Riga must travel from San Francisco to the underworld of Greek mythology... and make it back alive.

Donovan, Vinnie, Pen and Brigitte – the story that started it all. The Metaphysical Detective is the prequel to the Riga Hayworth series. If you like Gen-X, no-nonsense heroines and supernatural with your mystery, you’ll love The Metaphysical Detective.

Buy this quirky paranormal women’s fiction and explore the magical world of Riga Hayworth today!




Read an Excerpt

It was nearly five o’clock, still light out, and Riga figured she had time for a quick drink before dark. She grabbed her suede jacket off the office’s lopsided coat rack and ducked past her neighbor’s martial arts studio.

Thuds and masculine grunts drifted through its frosted glass door. She’d missed old Mr. Chen’s last two classes and knew he’d be coming after her soon, demanding explanations.

Riga trotted down the stairs to the ground level. The first floor had been leased to a billiard parlor – her default social life. It served beer and cheap, airline-grade wine. She’d taken to keeping her own bottles behind the bar in self-defense.

“It’s Riga HAYworth!” the owner, Takako, shouted as Riga swung through the door. Takako bustled past, flipping her glossy black hair over one shoulder and nodding toward the bar. “Good to see you, hon. Your friend’s at the bar.”

Processing that, Riga peered toward past the pool tables. Cones of light illuminated the green felt and clacking balls, but the bar, far to the back, lay in shadow. She didn’t have friends.

Realizing she was blocking the entry, she willed her legs to move. Riga sensed a pair of bikers stopping play, watching covetously as she passed. She ignored them, used to the looks. She was the ultimate cosmic joke. Riga Hayworth was a near twin to Rita, the forties screen goddess, curves and all.

She neared the bar, and the dim figures resolved into three people: a dark-haired man in an expensive business suit and bracketed by two willowy blondes in silver miniskirts. The blondes twined around him, their hands roving across his broad shoulders. An image flashed into Riga’s mind of the blondes as faceless automatons. She shuddered and carefully did not look at them.

About the Author:
Kirsten Weiss conjures up action-packed witch mysteries based on contemporary and historical magical practices. Her witchy heroines aren’t perfect (and neither are their familiars), but they’re smart, they struggle, and they succeed.

Kirsten writes in a house high on a hill in the Colorado woods and occasionally ventures out for wine and chocolate. She is best known for her Doyle Witch and Riga Hayworth paranormal mystery books. Are you ready to be enchanted? Just turn the page and… voila!

Website
Newsletter
Amazon Author Page
Facebook
Instagram

Amazon
iBooks
Barnes and Noble
Google Play
Kobo

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Lola

___________________
THANK YOU 


Thank you for reading Jerry's Circumlocution where I promote independent authors, toss out a few reviews, wax eloquent occasionally on writing, or shamelessly self promote. 

Speaking of which, if you haven't picked up one of our featured author's works please do so. If so, and looking for more to read, please consider one of mine! And on behalf of all Indie authors including the one highlighted here, we live off of good reviews. Please consider dropping one to help them (and me) out! 


Freckles: The Dark Wizard  Middle Grade Fantasy

Simon is bullied. He also just discovered he is the only kid in school who can conjure a dragon.



InPassage

 Dystopian Western

Pitch knows three things. This is not his America, someone is trying to hunt him, and he is very good with a gun.


Or keep an eye out for these other titles!




A book is like a child. The author gives it birth. Then it is raised by the author and a team of teachers, coaches, and family (we call these people editors, beta readers, and publishers). all of this is to prepare the book for its journey into the world where it hopefully will meet you, the reader. I have the privilege of being my books' parent, but you are whom it is truly meant. Thank you.

Sunday, January 29, 2023

Titanian Warrior by Victoria Saccenti

ENTER OUR a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Victoria Saccenti will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

One woman holds the key to his destiny—and his people’s salvation. Hagen drags himself to the gates of Hell, body and soul shredded by the bloodlust that consumes all the unmated of his kind. Awaiting the painful atonement that will buy him ten more years to find his eternal mate—or face oblivion. But Hades himself kicks him out with the bloodlust still prowling, unsatisfied, in his veins.

Bargained away by her parents to Master O, a mysterious, cruel wizard, Faiza serves in his household, keeping her small magic a secret, plagued by wild, confusing visions of a strange, suffering man. Then the master brings home a wounded Titanian warrior whose touch sends ice, fire, and desire racing through her body.

When she learns Master O plans to use Hagen as a weapon to conquer all races, she devises a desperate plan to free him—a plan that opens a portal to a world she’s never known. And a destiny entwined with danger that could destroy them all.


Read an Excerpt

The towering pair of boulders stood as gatekeepers and markers of the way. A steep path snaked between them until farther down the hill, the road disappeared in thick fog. Leaning on the closest rock, Hagen steadied himself to catch his breath, then pushed on.

Bloodlust crippled his Titanian vision. Still, he stumbled, rolled, and crawled over jagged rocks and gnarled roots with single-minded determination to reach his appointed meeting place, the cavern at the base of the Shivaliks, and the sole entrance to Hades’s domain on the earthly plane. A perverse satisfaction filled him each time he scraped and sliced his exposed skin, as this was only a precursor to the punishment he deserved. If he could shred his flesh to strips in anticipation as he had done with his clothes, so much the better.

Hagen advanced through the haze, seeking the deity’s promised signal. Images of his frenzy during the last skirmish prodded him. He strained past gore-filled images, and the effort paid off. There, deep within the haze, a faint red light marked the spot. Alecto had not forgotten. A hitched breath escaped his lungs as he stood and trod on a more secure step.

As the haze dissipated, the cavern’s hungry mouth gaped before him. Healing and deliverance acquired through pain would soon be his. As he inched closer to the wavering light, he removed the last remaining strips of clothing. The offering had to be bare and unadulterated. Nothing but skin would satisfy the Fury, purify his spirit, and postpone the horror of termination for another ten years—a mere blip in the lifespan of a Titanian.

About the Author:
Award-winning, multi-genre author Victoria Saccenti writes romantic women’s fiction, contemporary romance, and paranormal romance. Not one for heart and flower stories, she explores the edgy twists and turns of human interaction, the many facets of love, and all possible happy endings. After thirty years of traveling the world, she’s settled in Central Florida. She splits her busy schedule between family and her active muse at Essence Publishing. However, if she could convince her husband to sell their home, she would pack up her computer and move to Scotland, a land she adores. On a side note, in one form or another, Scotland appears in most of her stories.

Website
Twitter
Facebook
Amazon Author Page
BookBub Author Page
Instagram
TikTok
Goodreads

Buy the book for only $0.99!

Amazon
iBooks
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
Smashwords
Books2Read

 Lola

___________________
THANK YOU 


Thank you for reading Jerry's Circumlocution where I promote independent authors, toss out a few reviews, wax eloquent occasionally on writing, or shamelessly self promote. 

Speaking of which, if you haven't picked up one of our featured author's works please do so. If so, and looking for more to read, please consider one of mine! And on behalf of all Indie authors including the one highlighted here, we live off of good reviews. Please consider dropping one to help them (and me) out! 


Freckles: The Dark Wizard  Middle Grade Fantasy

Simon is bullied. He also just discovered he is the only kid in school who can conjure a dragon.



InPassage

 Dystopian Western

Pitch knows three things. This is not his America, someone is trying to hunt him, and he is very good with a gun.


Or keep an eye out for these other titles!




A book is like a child. The author gives it birth. Then it is raised by the author and a team of teachers, coaches, and family (we call these people editors, beta readers, and publishers). all of this is to prepare the book for its journey into the world where it hopefully will meet you, the reader. I have the privilege of being my books' parent, but you are whom it is truly meant. Thank you.

Monday, January 2, 2023

Interview: Brendan O'Meara

 

BRENDAN O’MEARA BLOG INTERVIEW:

 


Today, we have an opportunity to talk to Brendan O’Meara.  Brendan has written the book, Cut From Stone.  First, let me thank you for joining me.  I appreciate you giving me your links and I want to share those with our readers.

 

YOUR INFORMATION:

 https://www.cutfstone.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFTMJJVF

https://www.instagram.com/cutfstone/

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62063908-cut-from-stone

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/brendan-o-meara

https://twitter.com/cutfstone

 

Title of book we’re promoting: Cut From Stone

 

That is great.  Can you tell us a little about yourself and what led you to start writing?

I started writing because I always had an overactive imagination. Whether I was sitting on a plane, walking to school, or actively sitting in class trying to pay attention I often found myself drifting off to stories I came up with in my head. These stories were all based on books, tv shows, or movies that I was interested in. When I was working as an intern in DC I had more time on my hands than I thought I would and I randomly decided to start writing down one of the stories that I had thought of years earlier. After I started thinking more and more about the story I realized it needed more history to it and years later here I am with the finished product!


Where do you get your inspiration, information, and ideas for books?

I get inspiration from history and my personal life a lot of the time. When it comes to history there are some incredible stories that have been told a million times, but within those you can always find twists and “what ifs” that are fun to merge into my own storytelling. In terms of personal life I don’t pretend I’m some sort of special person who can save the world, but I write how people interact with one another and grow over time in my own life. I think that has a great connection to the reader and puts things into a real life perspective.

 

What are your hobbies and do they ever play into your writing?

My family and I have a very active lifestyle and that definitely plays into my writing and storytelling. I also am a big believer in spending time with friends and family which also seeps into my writing quite a bit especially when I am developing characters.

 

What is the best advice you have ever been given as a writer?

Your best writing comes when you stop thinking about publishing. I think that was such an important thing to hear and really puts things back into focus. It makes the writing the reason you do what you’re doing and not someone else’s acceptance of that writing.

 

Do you write full-time or around another job? How do you schedule your time to write?

I have a day job and a relatively time consuming one at that. I usually write at night at 730 or at 9 depending on how busy my wife and I are.

 

How many hours a day do you write?

I try to write a half hour at least when I sit down, but I stopped forcing myself to do a certain amount when I sit down. Sometimes if I’m stuck I find going back and editing is the best way to get things moving.

 

What is your favorite part about writing?

The mental exhaustion is incredible. After I finish a big chapter or particularly difficult section that mental exhaustion coupled with the feeling of satisfaction makes it all worthwhile.

 

What does literary success look like to you?

I really don’t know yet. I know I want to write full-time, but I can’t say I’d be happy at a low level or only with amazing success. I think I’ll have to figure it out when I get there.

 

EXCERPT:

“The world is changing. The Federation is no longer alone in the world and the BlankZone’s aggression will become more prevalent in the years to come. We must prepare in the present or we will have no future. We are doing all in our power to maintain friendly relations with the rest of the open world, and we will succeed with the support of our citizens. The embodiment of strength and perseverance has forever been the backbone of this country. We will triumph as a people, a country, and a driving force for the rest of the world to take notice. They will learn we are the strongest nation in the world, and we will not fail.”

            The TV turned off, and James turned around to see his mother holding the remote, staring shakily at the screen while his dad looked out the window at nothing.

  

What exciting story are you working on next?

I am working on the next installment of the Crafting Humanity series. I’m hoping to get a good chunk of it done over the next winter so I can start the editing process in the spring.

 

Who are your favorite authors?

My list spans a lot of different genres, but Erik Larson, Scott Lynch, Pierce Brown, Christopher Paolini, Brian Jacques, Harper Lee, Suzanne Collins, Michael Lewis, Tolkien and C.S. Lewis are just some of my favorites.

 

What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?

The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger. It is so well written and lays out the story in such a way that it feels like fiction.

 

What part of writing and publishing was most difficult for you?

I think marketing is such a difficult thing to spend money on. I am fine with every other aspect of publishing and trying to get my work out there, but justifying the expense of marketing without knowing what will pan out is very stressful.

 

 

One more time, where can someone go to purchase your book?

Add your links here again

https://www.cutfstone.com/

https://twitter.com/cutfstone

https://www.instagram.com/cutfstone/

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62063908-cut-from-stone

https://www.amazon.com/Cut-Stone-Brendan-OMeara/dp/B0BFTMJJVF?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/brendan-o-meara