Interview and Review with Craig Leener

 

BUY IT HERE

Today, we have an opportunity to talk to Craig Leener. Craig Leener has written the book, There’s No Basketball on Mars. 

 

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

 

There’s No Basketball on Mars

 

Website — https://craigleener.com

 

Twitter — https://twitter.com/CraigLeener

 

Amazon —https://www.amazon.com/Theres-Basketball-Mars-Craig-Leener-ebook/dp/B09XJQ4K35

 

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

Despite being relatively earthbound most of the time, I’ve long maintained a keen interest in space travel. I’m also a big fan of basketball, having immersed myself in the game since my youth as a player, coach, referee, fan and, later in life, as a sportswriter.

 One of my mentors as a young man played for Coach K at Duke. We used to play horse all the time. he won. How are your skills?

I have a solid perimeter jumper and an above-average ability to go to my left. My free-throw percentage on my backyard home court is an implausible 87 percent — and to this day, that number remains 100-percent unverified. And what I lack in foot speed, leaping ability, and defense, I make up for in court smarts and postgame snacks.

 

I’m also a lifelong opponent of the instant replay in sports. I maintain this contrarian point of view because of the intrinsic value I place on the human element’s potential to influence the outcome of athletic competition, inadvertently or otherwise.

 BUY IT HERE

Good thing about writing is there is very little instant replay and a lot the human element as we invite folks to read our works. Tell me about yours.

There’s No Basketball on Mars is my fourth YA novel, following the publication of the Zeke Archer Basketball Trilogy.

 

Like everyone who writes, I’ve always felt that I had a book in me, and I arrived at a point in my life around five years ago where I felt it was time to make good on the threat.

 

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

I get my inspiration when I visit old churches and cemeteries. That’s when storylines fall from the sky, and I’m standing there wearing a giant mental catcher’s mitt, and then I race home and sit in front of my iMac, and this thing happens where I’m serving as the typist for some higher power. I’ve written four YA novels, and it happens the same way every time.

 

Sounds like divine inspiration if I've ever heard it! What advice would you give someone who wants to be a writer?

Drop everything you’re doing and tell everyone you know that you’re writing a book. That way, you’ll have nowhere to hide. You will have to do it, or else.

 

That is true. My friends who ask me also motivate me. What is the best advice you have ever been given as a writer?

I have a journalism mentor, a former sportswriter for the Los Angeles Times. He used to tell me, “Leener, put a period on it and file it.” The message there is you can’t tinker with something forever. Eventually, you’ll need to release it to the world and move on to the next project.

 

This is too true. I have some friends who struggle with edits and edits. Putting your best work out there means also putting it out there. There is a time to let it fly into the world. As it does, we wait and see how it is received. In that light, what does literary success look like to you?

Dedicating a book to my grandson.  

 BUY IT HERE

Cool. Please tell us about your current release.

Lawrence Tuckerman, a neurodiverse 15-year-old on the spectrum, dreams of being the mathematics flight specialist on NASA’s first-ever manned mission to Mars. Lawrence’s dream comes true more quickly than he’d expected when he is suddenly and unexpectedly recruited for a top-secret mission while still in high school. And Lawrence soon discovers that mathematics isn’t the hardest part of working with a team of astronauts and mission control specialists. Can Lawrence handle the pressure and isolation without his best friend, basketball star Zeke Archer, by his side? 

Can you provide us with a small exert?

And I also navigate my way through the world by my sense of taste, especially with pepperoni pizza, but only from the best pizzeria in Los Angeles, Mike’s Pizza on Broadhurst Parkway, and only when my pizza has been cut into seven slices, instead of the customary eight.

 

Whenever there’s a rookie pizza-slicer guy hired at Mike’s, and he slices my pepperoni pizza using the conventional eight-slice pizza-slicing method, I don’t eat it.

 

Ever.

 

Once I threw a whole pepperoni pizza against our kitchen wall because it was cut into the standard eight slices instead of seven, and my dad told me if I did that again, it would be a long time before we had takeout pepperoni pizza from Mike’s.

 

So I stopped doing it.

 

When the angle of the sunlight streaming in through our kitchen window is just right, I can still see the shadowy grease stain on the wall, because Mike’s pepperoni pizza is as greasy as it is tasty.

 

And we have pepperoni pizza from Mike’s every Tuesday because it’s the only day of the week whose name is constructed using precisely seven letters.

 

That's great. What exciting story are you working on next?

I’m writing a sequel to the Mars book.

 

What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

I bought a waterproof notepad kit called Aqua Notes. It comes with 40 sheets of waterproof paper, a No. 2 pencil and suction cups that attach the pad and pencil to my shower glass. Now whenever all those negative ions are flying around and I get a storyline brainstorm, I can capture it. Best eleven bucks I ever spent.

That is awesome. I looked it up - you can buy it HERE.

What is your writer’s kryptonite?

Self-doubt. It creeps in every time I speak with my developmental editor, and she tells me there’s a better way to say something, and I end up wondering whether I’m good enough to keep going.

 

 BUY IT HERE

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

There’s No Basketball on Mars is available now wherever books are sold in the solar system.

Thanks!

MY REVIEW: I was given a copy for review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

"Math equals Truth. That's why I never lie. Ever." 

I am new to Craig Leener's fictional world but one does not need to read the first three books on Zeke to enjoy this excellent work on one of the original trilogy's minor characters. The book focuses on Sherman Tuckerman. He is autistic, likes routines, avoids loud noises or physical contact, loves the number seven (don't cut his pizza into eight slices), prefers not to talk, and goes by Lawrence. Lawrence's life is routine as he works on an old Chevy, receives notes from his college bound friend Zeke, plays chess, and responds to his dad (and others) by passing notes instead of talking. That is, until Dr. Murakami and Flint Garrison show up. They have exactly seven months to get a basketball size package rescued in order to change the medical world forever. And they need Lawrence.

The story picks up pace after he is enlisted and is a great read. It offers much of the excitement Any Weir's The Martian offers on a teen level as well as portrays well a child with autism. It reminded me as well of that old movie Space Camp where the kids get launched into space and have to figure it out sometimes in spite of the adults. And as for Lawrence, I was drawn in to love him as a central character the same way I am with Young Sheldon. Just quirky enough to be intriguing, but enough like me to be identifiable. As Stone Godfrey asks while in outer space, "What does this Zeke fella's recoiled shooting arm have to do with capturing a sample container orbiting Mars?" Only the young mind of Lawrence can tell how the same principals he used to help his friend Zeke (previous trilogy by the author) can now save their mission and perchance help advance the world of medicine forever. 

There's No Basketball on Mars is a great read offering the limelight to an autistic (albeit autistic savant).

Divine Direction

This is my stop during the bookstagram blitz for Divine Direction by Benecia Ponder. Divine Direction is a non-fiction inspirational book.

This bookstagram blitz is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. This bookstagram blitz runs from 22 till 28 August. See the tour schedule here.

Don’t miss the tour wide giveaway! There are three prizes you can win. You can enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post.

Divine Direction
By Benecia Ponder
Genre: Non-fiction Inspirational
Release Date: 28 February 2022

Blurb:
Divine Direction is a collection of stories of ordinary people who received extraordinary guidance in their lives. Whether it was a career or life change, a relationship in trouble, or a crisis, each of the authors found a way to listen to the Divine and let Him steer them in the right direction at just the right time.

The stories are often raw and vulnerable, reflections on the human experience in all of its messy yet perfectly aligned beauty.

Readers are encouraged to approach this book in whatever way feels right. The stories can be read in order and from beginning to end, or at random. Either way, take time to pause and reflect on the story and its message before moving on to the next chapter.

The authors’ journeys and revelations will help you gain insight into the messages and lessons you’ve received in your own life, providing clarity and inspiration as you endeavor to find our own divine direction!

•• Divine Direction Co-Authors ••
Ardra Caldwell • Breyuna Williams • Cheryl Graham • Cindy Beckles • Crystal Reilley • Jennine Carter • Karen Lynn Robinson • Karen Skinner • Katherine James • Kathy Haynie • Kelly McCausey • Kenya Williams • Lady Rayven Monique • Lesa Dale • Lisa Antley • Maureen Riley • Patricia Ortega • Paula Ames • Stephanie Sherwood • Sue Fattibene • Tracy Mitchell • Treyonda Towns

Links:
- Goodreads
- Bookbub
- Amazon

About the Author:
Benecia Ponder is a Story Coach and Book Publishing Mentor to Inspirational Authors—purpose driven entrepreneurs who share their God-given gifts and life experiences through powerful stories that make an impact.

Benecia's clients want to tell their story and have a real impact on the world. They want to open doors to connect with people they feel called to serve.

Since 2006, Benecia has been helping entrepreneurs and organizations clarify, hone, and share their messages to inspire change.

With more than 10 years of passionate experience helping storytellers go all the way from outlining to publication, Benecia loves to speak, teach and motivate entrepreneurs.

Want to show your people how to write, publish, and leverage a book that boosts their business with more clients, credibility, and cash flow? Benecia would love to be a part of that.


"I believe we all have a message...a beautiful, transformational message that has the power to create a positive impact in the lives of others.”
-Benecia Ponder

Author links:
- Website
- Instagram
- LinkedIn

Giveaway
There is a tour wide giveaway for the bookstagram blitz for Divine Direction. This giveaway is open international. Here are the prizes you can win:
- A paperback copy of The Overnight Success Journal by Benecia Ponder
- A paperback copy of Detox Your Soul by Benecia Ponder
- A free book strategy call with Benecia Ponder

You can enter the giveaway here.

Or use the rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

MY REVIEW:

The stories are brief and remind me a lot of the devotional material my home church used to have in the lobby. Short inspirational moments from other's lives. Within them you can find connections to your own. Whether it is a child whose parents struggle with substance abuse, a lady seeking to live her faith through a divorce, a businesswoman just starting out, or discovering your talents through the DISC personality indicator at a church meeting these stories reflect the best of people searching for meaning and finding it within their faith community. Each chapter ends with a passage of scripture and a prayer - perhaps this is what reminded me so much of those little Upper Room devotionals. Well done.

I was given a copy as part of Lola's Blog Tours. The opinions are my own.

Interview: Ruslan Alabaey

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B855DK7G

 

Today, we have an opportunity to talk to Ruslan Alabaev. Ruslan has written the book, “The Cave”. 

 

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

 

My book is  The Cave

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B855DK7G

 

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

 

I’ve had a passion for writing since I was a kid, and as I got older, I wanted to write something significant. I wrote my first book when I was 18 and my second at 23, but both were in Russian and meant to be more of an exercise that allowed me to share my ideas. But 4 years ago, I decided to write a book in English to reach and influence many more readers. Back then, I was ready to publish it, but this year, I finally found the courage to self-publish it and take that next step in my writer’s career.

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

 

I consider myself to be an “idea generator.” Imagine a melting pot, where you throw bits and pieces of information from reading, movies, series, computer games, general knowledge, scientific papers, and anecdotal knowledge. I use all these sources as inspiration to come up with ideas for my books. Believe it or not, I often get the initial ideas in my dreams. Sometimes I dream vividly about something exciting, and when I wake up, I write down the dream’s plot to the best of my ability and later use it as the core inspiration for one of my books.

 

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

 

Yes, all the sources of information I mentioned earlier are my hobbies. Reading scientific articles and news, watching movies, reading, and even playing computer games – all contribute to my writing. I also enjoy sports, but that hobby usually doesn’t make it into my books.

 

What advice would you give someone who wants to be a writer?

 

My advice is to just start writing. Many writers spend too much time planning the plot and every little detail in the book, which often gets them in a loop of perfecting everything without actually writing anything. I think a person should prepare a baseline plot and just start writing. As you write, many ideas and plot details come to you, making the process more fluent and productive. Besides, you can always edit anything you don't like. The first draft doesn't have to be perfect.

 

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

 

Currently, fictional writing is more of a hobby for me. But coincidentally, my job involves writing too! It’s a different kind of writing (Direct Response Copywriting), with different rules, formats, and goals.

 

As for the schedule – I don’t have one. If I feel inspired and have a day off, I can write all day.

 

How many hours a day do you write?

If we’re counting fictional and non-fictional writing, I would say an average of 5-10 hours a week. It’s not something I do every day.

 

What is your favorite part about writing?

 

My favorite part is when I get a fantastic idea or plot twist and think, “Wow, that’s going to be really good, I love it!” Sure, the readers might disagree with me when they read it, but having that satisfaction of coming up with something unique or funny makes me love what I do.

 

What does literary success look like to you?

 

Personally, I would like more people to read my books and enjoy them. That’s success in my book (no pun intended). So, I don’t care about fame or money – all I want is to reach more people, and hopefully, they’ll appreciate my writing style and my ideas.

 

 Please tell us about your current release.

 

“The Cave” is my first published book, and it’s a mix of genres. I have difficulty pinpointing it to a specific category because it has elements of horror, thriller, suspense, mystery, adventure, and even sci-fi. One of the contributing factors is that my protagonists tell stories of their own – each has a unique subject and genre. So, all in all – I would say that no matter what books you like to read, you’ll probably find something in it that you’ll enjoy.

 

Who are your favorite authors?

 

Hands down, my biggest influence is Stephen King since I love all the “scary” genres myself, although not all my books are necessarily from those categories. But still, I feel like he’s my role model. He came up with many “groundbreaking” ideas that are considered revolutionary to this day. And I also would like to come up with ideas that give readers something refreshing and new rather than reiterate the same concepts that have been written about hundreds of times.

 

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

 

So far, it has been easy! The challenging part is reaching out to potential readers as an indie writer. Since nobody knows me, I must try extra hard to get my book out there and into the readers’ hands or e-book readers.

 

 

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

 

At the moment, my book is only available on Amazon, so if you’d like to purchase it (either in digital format or paperback), here’s the link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B855DK7G

Now a member of Goddess Fish Book Tours!

 

 

http://www.goddessfish.com

 

http://www.goddessfish.com
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Celebrating Eleven Years of Helping Authors Succeed!

We offer book editing services, graphic design, virtual tours and more...

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I will continue to do blog interviews and reviews for authors who contact me directly as well and I am still connected to Lola's Blog Tours.

And as always, you can find me on the Book Blogger List

https://bookbloggerlist.com/

Dark Goddess by Kelsey Ketch

This is my post during the blog tour for Dark Goddess by Kelsey Ketch. Dark Goddess is a vampiric retelling of the Eye of Ra.

This blog tour is organized by Lola's Blog Tours and the tour runs from 7 till 13 August. You can see the tour schedule here.

Dark Goddess (A Dark Reflections Short Story #1)
By Kelsey Ketch
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Age category: New Adult
Release Date: August 2022

Blurb:
Chaos has descended on Egypt, and the people are revolting against their immortal king. Little do they know the wrath he is about to unleash using his daughter as his weapon.

Links:
- Goodreads
- Bookbub
- Amazon
- B&N
- Kobo
- Smashwords
- Google Play
- Apple

Other book in the series:

Dark Creation (A Dark Reflections Short Story #2)
By Kelsey Ketch
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Age category: New Adult
Release Date: 30 April 2021

Blurb:
Long before Charissa began her murderous rampage through history, she was a young woman living in ancient Alexandria.

Oppressed by society and cursed by the color of her hair, Charissa had hardly seen the world beyond the four walls of her home. So, when her husband leaves for extended military duty, she takes the opportunity to tour the city her brother once loved. Little does she know the Fates have other plans in store for her when she runs into an exotic woman in the Rhakotis District. The encounter will change her life forever.

Links:
- Goodreads
- Bookbub
- Amazon
- B&N
- Kobo
- Smashwords
- Google Play
- Apple

About the Author:
Kelsey Ketch is a young-adult/new-adult author, who works as a Wildlife Biologist and Data Analyst. During her free time, she can often be found working on her latest work in progress. She also enjoys history, mythology, traveling, and reading.

Author Links:
- Website
- Newsletter
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Pinterest
- Instagram
- Goodreads
- Amazon
- Bookbub

Giveaway
There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Dark Goddess. The author is giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card (INT).

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

SPECIAL GUEST POST BY THE AUTHOR:

"How did you research and prepare to write about Egyptian lore?"

The first thing one needs to have to write about Egyptian lore (or any lore, really) is a curious mind. The seed of curiosity was planted in 2007, when my Reading Shakespeare professor told us the legend of Isis and Osiris. I don’t remember why she told us this story or even how it related to our course. We were probably reading Antony and Cleopatra. Anyway, I’m grateful she did. The legend stuck with me all these years.

 

During that time, I still held a lot of fear and bias about ancient Egypt. Then, in 2011, I started writing my first novel, Daughter of Isis, and I began my journey into researching ancient Egypt. Not having a degree in Egyptology, I started my research by digging into books, online articles, and magazine articles. I watched any documentaries I can get my hands on, including every National Geographic I could either purchase or get through streaming. I purchased video lectures on ancient civilizations and architecture. I visited museums, studied ancient Egyptian artwork, and listened to ancient Egyptian-based music. Additionally, to prepare creatively, I pinned inspirational artwork and photographs onto Pinterest boards and watched some of my favorite Egyptian-based movies (i.e., Stargate, The Mummy, Gods of Egypt, Death on the Nile). The only thing I haven’t done, but wish to soon, is visit Egypt.

 

My resources have grown over the years. But most often, when I begin a new novel or short story, I’m basically starting from scratch and looking at the information with new eyes. First, I focus on the boarder spectrum of the concept, then work my way into the details as I’m finalizing the first draft. Unfortunately, not everything I research makes its way into my books. But, for the most part, I think I strike the right balance between creating something enjoyable to read along with providing accurate knowledge.

 

Blog Tour Dark Goddess by Kelsey Ketch

 

This is my post during the blog tour for Dark Goddess by Kelsey Ketch. Dark Goddess is a vampiric retelling of the Eye of Ra.

 

This blog tour is organized by Lola's Blog Tours and the tour runs from 7 till 13 August. You can see the tour schedule here: http://www.lolasblogtours.net/blog-tour-dark-goddess-by-kelsey-ketch

 

Dark Goddess (A Dark Reflections Short Story #1)

By Kelsey Ketch

Genre: Dark Fantasy

Age category: New Adult

Release Date: 7 August 2022

 

Blurb:

Chaos has descended on Egypt, and the people are revolting against their immortal king. Little do they know the wrath he is about to unleash using his daughter as his weapon.

 

Links:

- Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57836873-dark-goddess

- Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/dark-goddess-a-dark-reflections-short-story-book-1-by-kelsey-ketch

- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B1JMQX65

- B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-goddess-kelsey-ketch/1141486239

- Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ebook/dark-goddess-12

- Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1148092

- Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=mP1vEAAAQBAJ

- Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/dark-goddess/id6442828482

 

Other book in the series:

Dark Creation (A Dark Reflections Short Story #2)

By Kelsey Ketch

Genre: Dark Fantasy

Age category: New Adult

Release Date: 30 April 2021

 

Blurb:

Long before Charissa began her murderous rampage through history, she was a young woman living in ancient Alexandria.

 

Oppressed by society and cursed by the color of her hair, Charissa had hardly seen the world beyond the four walls of her home. So, when her husband leaves for extended military duty, she takes the opportunity to tour the city her brother once loved. Little does she know the Fates have other plans in store for her when she runs into an exotic woman in the Rhakotis District. The encounter will change her life forever.

 

Links:

- Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55076541-dark-creation

- Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/dark-creation-a-dark-reflections-short-story-book-2-by-kelsey-ketch

- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08WPCVKMB

- B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-creation-kelsey-ketch/1138833395?ean=2940162277101

- Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ebook/dark-creation

- Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1069458

- Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=fRMeEAAAQBAJ

- Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/dark-creation/id1553933977?mt=11&id=1553933977&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

 

Stephen R Babb's Skallagrim

BUY HERE

Email Stephen R. Babb: soundresources111@gmail.com

www.stephenrbabb.com

Twitter: @GlassHammerProg

MY REVIEW:

Babb's Skallagrim is a tour de force. It recalled for me all the love I had of the DragonLance books. It has some nods to the great epic fantasies such as Tolkein including a great scene at the end on the edge of a pit. But make no mistake, those familiar moments are intertwined into a unique and riveting story. 

The beauty of the work is the language implemented for the high paced, immersive action. Babb is by profession a songwriter and it shows. The novel has almost an epic Homerian quality. It drew me back to the sword and sorcery books I loved in my childhood.  Yet here the imagery has the masterful twist that offers enough to ignite imagination without smoldering it.

The story is a classic chase-after-the-princess quest with enough twists, turns, and surprises to leave you enjoying the ride and satisfied with the ending. You might even sit back and blow a few smoke rings on your pipe as well as you wait for volume two. The plot flows well and gives satisfactory conclusion while still setting up future offerings. However, the real joy of the book for me was not the superb plot but the simply fantastic monsters. For example, here is one nasty encounter with a ghoul:

"But this was a monster, a ghoul, a thing of legends, born of horror and death. The sorcerer's arrogant, leering visage was nothing compared to the malevolent, hateful face that hovered inches from Skallagrim's own, slinging venom in every direction as it strove to deliver a bone-crunching bite to the thief's head. Skallagrim could hear more than see Swanhild beating the ghoul with his staff, which at least had the effect of distracting the fiend from his attack."

And one of my faves (I'm a sucker for the dark that is both terrifying and tantalizing):

"every time he considered walking out on Forneus, his mind was inevitably drawn back to the door and to the whisperer in the darkness beyond. Such promises it had made. He dreaded the sound of it but was fascinated by it as well. Those whispers, like the exhalation of a dying man, had thrilled him, filling his mind with visions both ghastly and grotesque.... Straker was a killer with a killer's heart, but the whisperer in the dark was death itself. 'Come down and dream with me, my son,' it had said. 'Cast aside your doubts and fears. Come down, confess all to me, and I shall make you whole, for I am the Father of Death.'"

Overall, I would highly recommend this read for any and all epic fantasy fans. Further, Stephen Babb is part of the band Glass Hammer and they have two albums connected to this book. I have yet to listen to them, but can't wait to see how they play out some of the work. If done with the same careful hand this book was given, I imagine they are fantastic and offer an even deeper level of craft to the world of Skallagrim.

Tag Post

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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.