Meet the Author: K D Rose

Enjoy getting to know, K D Rose.

Thank you for joining me today. Tell us in three words how you would best describe your writing.

Eclectic, imaginative, metaphorical

Share your favorite passage from your book in one paragraph or less.

I’ll share a passage from one that has been not been published yet. There are two published on Amazon and one that is with Lycaon Press, the Young Adult/New Adult Arm of Breathless Press Publishing that will be out before the end of the year. I am extremely excited to have been picked up by Lycaon Press!

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“So basically, everything is FUBAR,” said Stu, using an old military term. “Only no one is really sure how FUBAR it all is…”

“Basically,” agreed Jonathan, plopping down on the couch, whose stuffing was showing.

“And young master Michael still hates my guts.”

“Basically,” agreed Jonathan.

“Yet you still want my help,” Stu stated more than asked.

“Basically,” answered Jonathan. He knew Stu would help. They were good friends now. No one knew that, for good reason, but they also didn’t know Stu had a decent heart inside all that bluster and arrogance.

“Well, since I’m the only one that really kept up study and work on the astral, with you somewhat too, it makes it pretty damn difficult.” Stu sat backwards on one of the ‘dining’ chairs.

“Yep,” agreed Jonathan. “I have an idea though.”

“Oh you do, do you.” Stu grinned. Jonathan knew that grin. Stu liked trouble.

They settled in and discussed the idea at length. They both agreed that, although troublesome, and likely to cause problems with the others, it probably was still the best idea to employ.

“But you know,” said Stu, “Michael will never forgive you if we do this behind his back.”

“Yes, he will,” said Jonathan, hesitating. “Or, he will if it works.”

Stu shrugged. “He’s your brother. I’ll need a couple hours to prepare.”

“What do you want me to do in the meantime?” asked Jonathan.

“Just go home. I’ll find you.” Stu had a wicked grin on his face.

“You know you have to be normal, right?” Jonathan looked worried.

“Don’t sweat it bro. I’ve got it covered,” said Stu.

Jonathan put his face in his hands but went ahead and left. The screen door screeched behind him.

Stu began to prepare. He had never done anything of this scope before but he felt ready. Yep. It promised to be a fun week.

——————-

You’ve been presented with the opportunity to be a best-selling author but can never write again or write forever but never have a bestseller. Which scenario sounds more tempting?

One thing you should know about me is that I am a quantum Idealist. I don’t believe in binary choices. Ha Ha. I will try to answer where I can, but you may find third options in here. In my world, Schrödingers cat is dead, alive, and is also living out multiple lives in different realities.

In the above question it would definitely be write forever but never have a bestseller. Writing is part of my DNA and I am more concerned that the few people who did read it got something out of it, or even better, what I was trying to get through the writing to them!

If you could live on a college campus and never leave or in a small town but be able to travel, which one would you choose?

I would live on a college campus forever if I could and go for degrees until they ran out. I’m getting older now though so it would have to be where all the Ph.D.s hang out and not near the keggers. LOL Of course this is a fairytale godmother pumpkin answer.

Okay, how about in an amusement park or an airport?

If I had to choose I could say amusement park and just park myself somewhere and people watch (they’d be happier people to watch than in an airport.)

And how about Australia or Scotland?

How about London?

Who is your favorite 90’s band (I’m thinking Counting Crows, Blink 182, Hootie & the Blowfish)?

I would have to say I still love some of the 90s bands who are still around, like U2 (ok they started before the 90s) and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Then there’s Radiohead, Janes Addiction, The Cure. Actually aren’t all these actually still around? Then there’s Matt Nathanson, who started in the 90s and is still going, though not technically a band, he puts out songs that kill my heart so I have to include him. Then there is Jeff Buckley. Oh there’s Indigo Girls too.  Hey why don’t you just list all the bands that exist. That would work. ; )

Is there any good band out there today that we’ll talk about in 50 years?

Man that’s hard. I think we’ll still be talking about Bob Dylan and Jeff Buckley in 50 years. Bands. That’s hard. I love Cage the Elephant but I can’t say we’ll be talking about them in 50 years. Though they’re pretty young so maybe!

And what about your favorite comedy on TV (My favorite is The Office)?

The Daily Show and Doctor Who are pretty much the only shows I watch. When do I have time for TV?

Is there anything you’re currently working on?

Yeah, a seven book series.  Erasing: Shadows, which comes out this year, is the first book. Seven is daunting, I have to say. We plan to put out at least two books a year. And that doesn’t include my indie books which I will keep putting out. The next one is called I AM (Poetry in Motion). Poetry is the language of the Gods. It’s a shame more people don’t read it.

Who is your favorite author and if you could ask him/her one question, what would it be?

It’s a toss- up between Harlan Ellison and Philip K. Dick. I’d have to give the edge to Harlan because he involves my gut, whereas Phil is more cerebral. It’s that passion of Harlan’s that got me, even as a kid. Harlan can still make me cry.  I don’t have a question for him, just a command that he must live forever. And if he can’t live forever, then he has to find a replacement just like him before he goes.  It’s a requirement of some groups you know, that you can’t move up until you replace yourself. Yes, I’m serious.

Lightning round:

Ocean or mountains? Ocean

Yogurt or ice cream? Ice cream

M & M’s or Skittles? M&Ms (Chocolate must win the day)

The Daily Show or The Colbert Report? Daily Show though I love Stephen Colbert.  Funny Truth gets me more than satire. But have you ever seen Stephen Colbert have physicists on and give them a run for their money? Smart, funny men are super sexy.

Happy or sad ending to a novel? Happy. I’m not reading to be depressed. Life is hard enough! That’s novel’s though. You can have your way with me with poetry.

Beer or wine? I don’t drink either.  Once a year I’ll have one of those coffees with some Baileys in it. Does that count?

Flying or driving? Driving as long as there is light traffic. Because let me tell you, driving in real traffic isn’t driving, it’s parking.  Never flying, it’s gotten to where it really bites the big one. I want a tour bus. That’s what I want!

Hemingway or Twain? E. E. Cummings. (I warned you!)

I like him 🙂

You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take two things with you as well as two people. What and who are you bringing?

Two things: music and something to play it on. (I know you thought I’d say books, but music inspires me *for* books)

Two people: Mother and Husband

You’re able to sit down with any leader in world history. Who would you choose, what would you talk about, and would you rather have him over to your house or meet at their place of royalty.

Oh good grief. Like I am the person to pick for that. I’d send a proxy with some actual skills and probably sit down with George Bush and Dick Cheney. That or send an assassin to Hitler or Genghis Khan. And no, I don’t want any of them over to my house.  Me- I’d only send me to Harlan Ellison. But that would be just to fan out.  LOL  If you wanted to get some serious work done, send me to Neil deGrasse Tyson.  (No, really, send me!)

You can wish for one thing and one thing only, not world peace and no more wishes. What’s it gonna be? 🙂

I’d wish to write the most important book in history.

 

K.D. Rose is an author and poet and currently has two books on Amazon: “Heavy Bags of Soul” and “Inside Sorrow”- A Silver Award winner for the 2013 International Readers Favorite Awards. See 2 pertinent reviews here: http://readersfavorite.com/book-review/11314 and http://readersfavorite.com/book-review/8667

K.D.’s current book, Erasing: Shadows, the first in a series, has just been picked up by Lycaon Press, the Young Adult/New Adult Arm of Breathless Press Publishing. Look for Erasing: Shadows before the end of 2013!

K.D. has an eclectic mind and loves language, physics, philosophy, photography, design, art, writing, symbolism, semiotics, codes, spirituality, and Dr. Who.

KD Rose is an avid supporter of music, the arts, cutting edge science, technology, and creativity in all forms that encourage us to expand and explore past the artificial limits we often set for ourselves, and see the everyday connections that exist among all things.

K.D. Rose values the question more than the answer and loves creativity and innovation. K.D. is also a sucker for cutting edge thought and has been known to bring some into reality herself.

Check out her books. Writing like no other!

Join K D Rose on the following social media sites:

Twitter: @kdrose1
Website: http://www.kdroseauthortales.com  (You are just as likely to find music on here as writing.)
Email: kdroseauthor@gmail.com
Facebook Personal Page: I encourage friending by all authors and writers in order to build networks! https://www.facebook.com/kdroseauthor

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/K.D.RoseWriter?skip_nax_wizard=true

Network Blogs: http://www.networkblogs.com (Feeds go here to over 400 followers, rather than directly to the website.)
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6038789.K_D_Rose
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=184204909&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Vote for THE EARTH BLEEDS RED in this Cover Contest

Click on the photo below and vote for “The Earth Bleeds Red” in Amber Skye Forbes cover contest. Mine is small, on the bottom, so I NEED your help 🙂

 

 

Jennifer Moorman’s Interview of Jackson Paul Baer

The talented Jennifer Moorman graciously interviewed me on her blog. Check it out by clicking on the picture below:

 

Meet the Author: Esther Wheelmaker

Enjoy getting to know, Esther Wheelmaker.

Thank you for joining me today. Tell us in three words how you would best describe your writing. 

Fantastical. Intriguing. Funny. HA! I did it. ::smile::

Share your favorite passage from your book in one paragraph or less.

I think one of the best scenes from Gravely Inanimated is when Lucy is showing Garrett how to play the piano. It is a moment where they finally see each other and connect on a different level. Here is part of the scene:

I rested my hand under his. “It’s simple.” I played a few keys in slow sequence while his fingers moved along with mine. “You try.”

When he didn’t move, I peered at him; he was staring at me with the smallest expression of content on his face.

“Sorry.” He brought his attention back to the keys and pressed each one the way I had shown him. “Like this?”

“Yes. Only, slow down a little. And put that finger over this one before you have to hit the black one.” From the corner of my eye, I took note of the way he continued to stare at me. “Do I have something on my face?”

“No. You are perfect.”

A breath came out my nose and I giggled. “You are a silly boy.”

“Do you like that?”

Facing him, I straightened up. I hid my face by turning toward the window to stare out into the garden. “I find it endearing.”

His hand came over mine again. “Good. I wish to do what endears you.”

You’ve been presented with the opportunity to be a best-selling author but can never write again or write forever but never have a bestseller. Which scenario sounds more tempting?

For sure I would have to take write forever but never have a bestseller. That’s just who I am. My passion lives in my writing, without it I think I would not care for life as much.

If you could live on a college campus and never leave or in a small town but be able to travel, which one would you choose?

Small town!! I love to travel and I don’t mind small towns. Could you imagine all the small town gossip I would get to hear every day? Epic.

Okay, how about in an amusement park or an airport?

Amusement park! LoL. Don’t ask me why that was hard to answer but it was.

And how about Australia or Scotland?

Oh that’s a hard one….you want me to tear my hair out of my head thinking don’t you? Hmmmm. Scotland. Because it’s right next to Ireland. ::grin::

Who is your favorite 90’s band (I’m thinking Counting Crows, Blink 182, Hootie & the Blowfish)?

Alice in Chains was pretty bad ass.

Is there any good band out there today that we’ll talk about in 50 years?

V is for Villains. They are an up and coming Steampunk band from Chicago and they rock hard core. Total Awesome SAUCE.

And what about your favorite comedy on TV (My favorite is The Office)?

Big Bang Theory! I laugh out loud when watching that show. OOOOOOo! Or Archer… hehehehe.

Is there anything you’re currently working on?

Is there anything I’m not working on? That would be a better question. Lets see:

Demonic Charms (book 4 in the last witch series)

Dealing Death (book 2 in the zombiepunk series)

Last Witch Short

Zombiepunk Short

Demonic Craving Novella (featuring Serena and Kasidy)

Call of the Diren (erotica Steampunk fantasy mix)

And I think that may be about it. I write a little word count in each every day so I can have them done no later than the new year.

Who is your favorite author and if you could ask him/her one question, what would it be?

Tamora Pierce because she is the one that ignited my passion for writing over all other authors. My question would be…Can I be in your next book? LOL. OR Can I have your autograph? No no no! Can I take a picture with you? Ok ok…seriously now… ::deep breath in::

How do you write through the blocks?

Lightning round:

Ocean or mountains? Ocean

Yogurt or ice cream? Ice Cream

M & M’s or Skittles? Skittles

The Daily Show or The Colbert Report? The Daily Show

Happy or sad ending to a novel? Happy

Beer or wine? Wino over here!

Flying or driving? Flying unless within driving distance, like no more than 10 hours.

Hemingway or Twain? Hemingway!

You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take two things with you as well as two people. What and who are you bringing?

Notebook and pencil. My dog and cat. Haha. No ummm. I don’t want to pick. People will get mad at me.

You’re able to sit down with any leader in world history. Who would you choose, what would you talk about, and would you rather have him over to your house or meet at their place of royalty?

Caesar. He was smart. Like really really smart. Too much hubris but he got really far. I think I would talk to him about his reasons behind taking over the world and ask him his skills at doing so. And we would so meet at his place, since he’s the rich one and all.

You can wish for one thing and one thing only, not world peace and no more wishes. What’s it gonna be? 🙂

Hmmmm. Probably, like, to never feel pain. I have bad knees and a bad back I live with and I’m only in my 20’s. I would like to know what other people feel in their day with no pain. ::smile::

Connect with Esther below:

Esther’s Website

B & N

Amazon

Review of The Earth Bleeds Red, by Elgon Williams

I received my first good review this week from a very talented author, Elgon Williams. Williams has written seven books and his new book, “Fried Windows,” will be out in the next few months.

The Earth Bleeds Red is Jackson Paul Baer’s latest book, the first with Pandamoon Publishing. It’s a solid story I highly recommend. Having waited for a while to read this one, when I received an opportunity to review an advance copy, I jumped at it. It did not disappoint.

The novel is set in the usually rainy and chilly northwest. There are a lot of references to places in that part of the country that should satisfy anyone who lives there or has some knowledge of Oregon and Washington State. It is the story of a great family that must overcome a number of challenges that test the strength of their individual character, as well as their family bonds. Sorry, no spoilers in this review, though. It is a mystery with a lot of suspense and several surprises that you need to experience first hand. I’ll bet you won’t put it down.

It is well paced and told with a good mixture of imagery in description and believable dialogue that seamlessly advance the story. And what a story it is! It could have been pulled from the news and as it is set in present time, let’s hope it is not prophetic. No one should suffer as these characters do. At the beginning we are introduced to a loving family while the story marinates for a bit. We learn to care a lot about these people and they rapidly become our friends. Then, later on, we are pulled into their lives and the conflicts as a good mystery should do.

There are more emotional peaks and dips than a roller coaster, and like being a well-designed amusement park ride, this book reserves the best for the finale. All the elements of a well-crafted novel are brought together and tightly woven into the fabric of the story.

This book is not a commentary on the human condition, but it certainly visits some of the problems in the modern world as the plot develops. Suspense builds around the key event and how it affects many lives, and causes many to draw premature conclusions about others. Reading it is comparable to sharing a real life experience. Afterwards, we are left changed and with a better understanding of what it is to be alive and part of a loving, but also very realistic family.

Elgon Williams

Pick up the New Release: Calastan

 

Book synopsis:

Follow Jein Kyominias, a girl who does not entertain the established roles other females of the upper class take in her land. Her rearing in a matriarchal society has certain paths laid out. She has chosen to be an elite hunter instead of a mere matron. She is unique in her fondness for activities that are specifically bequeathed for men. She decides she will be different—strong and different that is.

Each person has a distinct trait that’s either held in reserve or pursued without inhibitions. For reasons that vary, the latter may seem an egotistic act. However, not for Jein. Taking a path other than the one she believes is right is like betraying her own soul.

This book features a young girl who deals with her individuality in admirably different ways. It tell a story of how she accomplishes exceptional feats in a world that draws an unyielding line between men and women.

Follow her on her journey of discovering who she is and who she will become

Excerpt:

“My people are an ancient one, with a history as long as our worlds. Our world is one of beauty and mystery known only to a few humanoid races, Euphasia. We are the fifth world in our galaxy of twelve. The other planets are Arouyura, Kylia, Qalitinym, Talinusia, Sedariaum, Perutiuous, Remjein, Anastasinay, Makyli, Cajostan and Aliyaminum. My home is known as Calastan, the capital of all Euphasia.”

About the Author

Cheryllynn’s vivid imagination comes through in all she does in life. Her writing started in junior high and although she never truly shared her work until recently she kept them hidden away in an old tattered orange folder. Original works she wrote from 1984 still holding ink on the pages may one day be shared, but for now she shares her newer creations. Science Fiction and Fantasy are her favorite genres with mystery and thrillers in close running.

Born in Northwest Florida and raised in Southeast Georgia she gained a love for nature and the outdoors. Currently living in Central Texas with two of her four children, she has begun a new chapter in life that has opened her heart and soul to many great adventures. Her dreams are to one day return to her native homes and settle in for life with her kids and all her family and to continue writing.

 

Get the book on Amazon

Cheryllynn’s Amazon Page

Jein’s Journey on Facebook

Jein’s Journey on Twitter

Blog

Website

GoodReads

Book Trailer for “Killer on the Wall”

Check out the trailer for “Killer on the Wall,” by Wendy Sand Eckel. Click on the photo below:

Megan Johnston had been in the water for three days when Rosalie Hart discovered her. Megan’s Vera Bradley backpack was still strapped to her back.

Wendy on Facebook

Ramblings and Reflections of an (unpublished) Writer- Carmen Botman

Thank you Carmen Botman for your insightful thoughts regarding the world of writing.

 

Ramblings and Reflections of an (unpublished) Writer

by

Carmen Botman

I’m from Cape Town, South Africa. For anyone who hasn’t been there, it’s a beautiful place. Well, in the warmer months, at least. During winter you won’t get anything more than rain and wind and the occasional snow on the mountain tops.

But in summer, it’s a city renewed. You get to do all the outdoor things like going to the beach or climbing the mountains or just enjoying a meal outside without the fear of being drenched or frozen to death. It’s also the time when you get to see artists working on their crafts. They are always interesting characters to watch, whether it be the painters producing portraits or landscapes in their beautiful colours, or the musicians playing their different instruments with passion, or the writers sitting quietly in the corners of coffee shops with massive cups of steaming brew and A4 notepads, frantically scribbling away. One thing they all have in common is that they are intriguing to watch. My dad calls them ‘eccentric.’ And somehow that sort of lifestyle – the artists’ life – has always appealed to me.

But of course, like my parents (rightly) told me when I was nearing the end of high school and told them that I wanted to be a writer, is that I would probably struggle to make a living as one. I was encouraged to go to University and study for a respectable degree. They said that I could always write in my spare time. Looking at the tough market out there, and especially in South Africa, I understand what they had meant.

Fast forward seventeen years. I’ve earned my respectable degree which has allowed me to live in other countries and travel a bit of the world, for which I will always be grateful for. And lo and behold, I’m still writing madly.

The thing is that I am now at that awkward phase. I feel sort of like the geeky teenager with the braces in a world of adult writers, not really sure where I fit in yet.

I still work for the occupation I’ve been trained for during the day in the corporate world. I write at night (when I’m not too exhausted) and in any other spare time I can find and I have completed my first full-length novel in a series, along with a number of other shorter pieces and poems. The thing is, I haven’t been published yet, either independently or traditionally. It’s a strange, conflicting feeling I have when I think about self-publishing, because I grew up in a time when we visited the library religiously to take out books – paper books published by traditional publishers. So a big part of me is still emotionally attached to actual paper books.

I’m sure this scenario is not uniquely mine, but I am now in a place in my life where I am considering myself more and more to be a writer rather than the Occupational Therapist that I had studied to become. But, am I really a writer if I haven’t been published yet? And if I publish independently, has my work really been validated? Do I really need a third party to authenticate my novel and say ‘I now proclaim thee an official a writer’ for me to actually be considered a writer by fellow writers and readers? Do I need the approval of other writers? Certainly I would need the approval of readers, wouldn’t I? I mean, they’re the ones who buy the books.

These are all tough questions that I battle with daily. When someone asks me, “So what do you do?,” I so much want to say “I’m a writer,” and then proceed to tell them all the things that I have already written and projects still in the making. But I timidly answer “I’m an OT,” (and there is absolutely nothing wrong with being an OT!) because I know that the very next question will be, “So what have you published?” And I would look like a complete idiot if I say “nothing,” wouldn’t I? I cringe when people who have discovered that I do indeed write refer to it as ‘a nice hobby,’ because to me it’s so much more than that. It’s my life!

So I suppose I need to decide what is going to be the best for me. A big part of me still desperately wants to be traditionally published, but I imagine that I’m going to have to move with the times and may have to consider self-publishing, should things not pan out. And maybe one day I’ll be able to boldly state, with absolute confidence, that I am a writer, when someone enquires of my occupation. And perhaps one day I’ll be one of those intriguing people, sitting in parks and cafes and coffee shops in Cape Town, honing my craft.

Carmen Botman is a writer from South Africa. Born and raised in Cape Town for most of her life, she now resides in Gauteng with her husband and two Labradors. She writes fantasy/fiction novels for the older teen and young adult. She is a member of the dynamic Pretoria Writers Group and a Nanowrimo participant. Some of her work can be found on Wattpad for free. She is in the process of getting her first book of The Ternion Series published.

You can connect with Carmen on:

Carmen on Twitter

Carmen on Facebook

Carmen’s Blog