Category: Interviews

Feature + Interview with Matthew Miller of the Orlando Informer

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We all remember the first time we stepped into a theme park. Whether it was a local park native to your state or a significant park like Disneyland or Universal, our memories and heartfelt experiences in the park were childhood memories we won’t soon forget. The smell of fresh popcorn or the excited screams of parkgoers on a nearby roller coaster are staples of any park. Yet the new technology that has come forward in recent years has elevated the park-going experience to all new heights. From the recently released Super Mario Land to Halloween Horror Nights and Avengers Campus, the worlds we fell in love with on the big screen and beyond are something we can all walk into and experience ourselves.

One of the things people don’t always consider in these parks is the people who create them. The people who make the technology and the people who implement and build it into what we see today. One such man is Matthew Miller of the Orlando Informer, who recently had his name added to IMDB. He is currently the senior director of technology & business development at Orlando Informer, and formerly was a theme park technologist who had a hand in helping to develop some of the most brilliant and beloved experiences for both Disney and Universal. His accolades include numerous awards and a patent for his research and technology development for wearable technology. Having traveled the world, from Orlando to Osaka, one of the leaders in theme park technology has taken the time to speak with us today to learn a little bit about the man himself, his inspiration, and the world of theme park technology development.

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into the world of theme park technologists?

I grew up in the extraordinary small town of Wewahitchka, FL. It’s an incredible place and where I became very interested in math, science, and theme parks. I would later move to Orlando, FL. to attend the University of Central Florida. While trying to get my foot in the door at a major theme park, I landed an internship with a small design firm that produced special effects for the parks. This allowed me to work on my first big projects for the big players as a third-party vendor, and then I used this experience to land an internship at Universal. While at Universal, I secured a full-time job as a theme park technologist working on incredible theme park experiences.

2) What inspired you to work in this industry?

I’ve known that I wanted to be a roller coaster designer ever since the 1st grade. My family took a week-long trip down to Orlando, Fl, and visited several parks. I can still vividly remember that trip and the feelings I had walking through the theme parks with my family. I knew then what I wanted to do that for the rest of my life.

3) What has been one of the most complex yet rewarding pieces of technology enjoyed by parkgoers at a particular theme park?

The level of recent in-park interactives is absolutely incredible. From Super Nintendo World to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the wearables and interactive merchandise really have helped place the guests in the middle of the action. It’s amazing to walk into these stunning lands and then get to play a dynamic role in the story via these interactives. It makes every visit to the parks completely unique.

4) What are some of the most popular attractions you’ve been a part of?

I’ve been very fortunate to work on incredible attractions all around the globe. Some of my favorites have been Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge.

5) If you could have a hand in any particular theme park’s creative properties, what project would you love to work on?

Shanghai Disneyland is currently working towards the opening of the City of Zootopia. I’ve always loved the sights, stories, and music of that property – I’m really excited to see the new land open in a few years. That project would have been a lot of fun to be on!

6) What social media site do you enjoy using the most, and has it helped bring attention to your given field?

I’d say the absolute best in the entire industry is Orlando Informer, but of course, I’m completely biased. 😃 I feel very fortunate to work with our team and our social media division works around the clock to showcase the most updated information on the web.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting theme park technologists out there?

Never give up. There are days when the dream will seem impossible and there will be people who tell you to stop dreaming so big. However, if you know in your heart this is what you were born to do, then literally anything is possible with enough passion, imagination, and grit. Don’t be afraid to start where you are and always look for small projects to help build your resume when you are first beginning.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Are any new projects on the horizon?

I’m extremely grateful to be working with Orlando Informer and I hope to be here for a long time. I feel so incredibly lucky to be part of the theme park industry and I hope to continue on this path for many more decades! I’m also very passionate about helping others land their dream jobs, and I will continue to do that on the side too.

Thanks to Matthew for speaking with us today. Be sure to check out his page on IMDB and support his incredible work.

https://m.imdb.com/name/nm15089090/

Interview with Author Caleb Brabham

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I’ve always enjoyed stories. As a child I enjoyed drawing pictures or my own comic books but I didn’t particularly enjoy writing – it felt like work. 

In high school I had the fateful assignment to write a combined ten short stories in a single week for two separate classes. I freaked out and cheated – I recruited someone to help me write the lion’s share of the stories. One of my teachers called me up to see him. He did worse than catch me. He complimented me. I will always remember his burning commendation. 

“You are light years ahead of the rest of the people in this class.”

 That summer I wrote my first short story for fun. It was pretty bad. But I kept tweaking it. Then I wrote another. And another. Trying to be worthy of those words until I was doing it for the joy of writing and creating. 

2) What inspired you to write your book?

A sentence, really. What if a man woke up in hell and didn’t know how he got there. That starting conceit is a long way from where I ended up, but it’s still there. 

It took me ten years and well-over ten drafts to complete the book. In fact, it wasn’t until I discovered Azrael Abaddon and made him my protagonist that the book really started rolling. His voice perfectly matched the story I was telling and eventually, discovering more about him led me to the startling revelations found at the end of the book. 

Sometimes all it takes is the right main character.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Messages of forgiveness are important to me. It’s critical for us as people to understand as long as we’re willing to change, we are never too far gone. 

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

The trappings of noir were attractive to me even at a young age – even before I really understood its meaning. What kid doesn’t enjoy the idea of putting on a fedora? But noir kept interesting me at different stages in life – showcasing itself as a valid expression for life’s ineffable mysteries and moral struggles.

Noir is less about the mystery than the morality. While there is still truth to uncover, the mystery never outweighs the melodrama. It became natural in my mind to tie it to the afterlife and even traditional Western theology to see what the result would be. One is obsessed with damnation, the other salvation. There had to be a story that answered both.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I’d like to think I have the good sense to stay away from most of the characters in ‘Godthread.’ Azrael, Morningstar and Bethesda would get me in trouble in a hurry and I don’t think I could bring myself to look Krysis in his many eyes. 

The Almighty, perhaps. Though I don’t know what it is I’d ask Him. I think it would be peaceful just to sit with Him. I think we could have a good conversation without saying anything at all.

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I’m not as active on social media as I’d like to be. Still, I have had some success with Instagram.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Write the book. Write it and rewrite it. Don’t ever be afraid to start over from scratch.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

Lately I’ve been working on a murder mystery set in Victorian London. 

About the Author

Caleb Brabham is an editor, journalist and photographer currently living in New Orleans. His first book, Apocalypse of Bob, was published in 2010 by Charisma Media.

https://calebtbrabham.com/index.php
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/godthread-caleb-brabham/1143277661?ean=2940185577301

Interview with Author Mike Robinson

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Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

As I often—maybe crassly—put it, writing was my brain’s way of going to the bathroom. I had the fortune of being read to at a very early age, which gave me an appreciation of storytelling and the written word. Soon, the ol’ (or, young) creative bladder was full of ideas that had to come out. There were some detours—for much of my adolescence, I routed my creative energy into screenwriting and designing video games—but I returned to prose for its refreshingly solitary nature. With fiction, I’m not producing a blueprint. I’m making the thing, and it’s all on me if it doesn’t get done. So I began selling short stories when I was about 19, and wrote a novel a year till I sold one—Skunk Ape Semester—to a small press when I was 27.

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What inspired you to write your book?

Like a lot of my books, it came from the intersection of different interests: physics, cosmology, mythology (from ancient Egypt to Celtic), paranormal phenomena, spirituality, and more. All these swirled together like cosmic debris for a while, before my subconscious eventually coalesced them into workable galaxy of an idea, which became Walking the Dusk. My books tend to be strange marriages. Dreamshores: Monster Island mixes stop-motion B-movie monsters with pantheism and the nature of consciousness.

What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Mostly to meditate on the vastness of not only the universe out there, but the universe within you and other people. Altogether, we inhabit, share and exist as one great mystery, and the book fancifully explores the possibilities of that mystery based on what crumbs we’ve been able to sweep together, as well as the limits of what a human brain can know.

What drew you into this particular genre?

I’ve always been drawn to speculative fiction—meaning any shade of fantasy, science fiction and horror. Particularly what’s now called “curio fiction”, which takes our world gives it an offbeat, mystical or fantastical edge. I think it’s a perfect vehicle to combine what I see as the more attractive qualities of a “literary” story—psychology, philosophy, culture, intellectual insight—with the broader imaginative probing of the supernatural, the nature of existence, God, consciousness, otherworldly realms, etc. The ideal is to fulfill the best that both “literary” and “genre” have to offer.

If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I would ask Megan Barry, the protagonist’s sister, how she reconciles in her head the bizarre things she witnessed as a child, and what worldview grew out of that that compelled her as an adult to seek whatever it was she sought. Did she know exactly what she was seeking? Does she now? She sort of represents a fear of mine: bright, creative, and restless, with no outlet, and no real direction.

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What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

If any, it would be Facebook, my only one. I’m taking a stand against all our time with social media. I think it’s been a net drain on society, honestly. And the years I tried building a platform on Twitter yielded little more than a sea of bots and people rudely and nakedly out for themselves. Sorry to sound like a downer. I just think we could all benefit from scaling back. Way back.

What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Keep the balance between hubris and humility. Hubris keeps you doing, from idea to idea, rejection to acceptance. It affirms you have a contribution to make. Humility allows you the self-awareness to make that contribution shine, to know when to check your worst impulses, or when your editor is right, and to ultimately grow your craft and career. Go to conferences, too. Meet people—in real life. Listen to what others have to say and develop a fine enough radar to know when it applies to you, and when it doesn’t. It’s unhealthy to always accept or always reject a piece of advice.

What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I have a dark urban fantasy coming out February 29th, 2024, Ancient Tides Ashore, which takes place on the Hawaiian island of Kauai and explores a psychic connection between a modern woman, an ancient Polynesian, and a mysterious elemental spirit in the local waters. I also have stories coming out in the anthologies December Tales II (Curious Blue Press) and Tangle & Fen (Crone Girls Press).

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About the Author

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Mike Robinson is the award-winning author of multiple speculative fiction novels and dozens of short stories which have appeared in the likes of 2019’s American Gothic Fantasy anthology, Storyteller Magazine, A Woman Unbecoming, Underland Arcana and more. He has received honors from Writers of the Future, Publishers Weekly’s BookLife Contest, the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Maxy Awards and others, and is also the editor of J.P. Barnett’s popular, award-winning “Lorestalker” series.

In between, he hikes (often with his two dogs), swims, draws, tries to learn the didgeridoo and, yes, has even been known to actually write a screenplay or two, some of which have received their own notices.

www.mike-robinsonauthor.com

Interview with Author Jennifer Renson

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

Writing has been my passion since childhood. It has been my dream since then to be a writer as a long-term career. 

Aside from writing I love cross stitching,  photography and crafting. I’ve been writing for Fansided for years, more specifically Show Snob where I cover television show recaps and news for several shows including The Walking Dead and Bridgerton. 

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

I have had a deep love, passion and interest in Ancient Egypt since I’ve been about 12 years old. 

I wanted to write a book that could transport readers to that time, with the focus being the story of a strong but vulnerable young woman. I wanted her story to appeal to readers, get them invested and want to follow her journey through several books.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Firstly I hope readers will learn a lot about Ancient Egypt, with the possibility of loving the time period as much as I do. It is a very rich and plentiful time period that we constantly discover and learn more about. 

Secondly, my hope is for readers to connect with Aoh, almost to the point where they believe she once existed. Although she is fictional, she’s inspirational in the sense she’s brave, loyal, and stays true to herself and her beliefs.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Honestly, I wasn’t drawn to the genre. When I get inspiration for a story, I let the idea run wild. If the story winds up becoming scary, then it will fit into the horror genre. If it takes a more whimsical, magical and eerie route, like my other book Carousel, then it will fit into the fantasy genre. Admittedly, writing a historical fiction/young adult book has been a lot of fun as I got to apply my love for Ancient Egypt and turn into a tale that I hoped readers would find to be refreshing, new and compelling. 

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

It’s hard to choose just one but probably the Pharaoh’s mother Aneski. Admittedly she was not a planned character upon my first draft of Aoh but she’s become one of my favorite characters overall. She’s quick witted, honest but sassy as well. I’d probably ask her about all of the palace gossip, since she seems to know and observe a lot. She’d probably deny knowing anything though. 

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6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

That is a tough question as I believe social media is very tricky in general. It’s always changing and social media platforms seem to shift in relevance constantly. But I will say Facebook has been the most helpful. I created my Facebook page: Books and Poetry by Jennifer Renson some years ago and since then I’ve learned how to use it effectively. 

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

If you want to write, do it. Go for it. Don’t be afraid to try. You don’t have to start with a full blown novel. You can start small and grow from there. Remember there is no apology for passion.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I’m currently writing a new book that is separate from Carousel and Aoh. Don’t worry there is a Aoh sequel coming. Aoh’s story isn’t over yet.

I am in the process of planning several book talk and signing events for later this year.

My hope is that as I work hard in promoting my books and passion more opportunities will arise. 

I’d love to be able to attend conventions and events where I can meet my readers, dive into Aoh’s story, and see my book on top selling charts.

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About the Author

Jennifer Renson-Chiappetta’s passion for writing began in childhood. Her writing career spanned from articles in Lost Treasure Magazine to her self-published poetry books; Delightfully Dark: A Collection of Poems and Tales, Eo: Go, walk, ride, sail, pass, travel and Uncharted. She is the author of the modern-day fairy tale novel Carousel. Presently she is a mother and wife; she enjoys spending her time with her family and friends, writing, crafting, specifically cross stitching and reveling in Victorian Era ambiances while living in New Jersey. 

Social media links:

Instagram  @jenny.renson Jennifer Renson-Chiappetta (@jenny.renson) | Instagram

Facebook Book and Poetry by Jennifer Renson Facebook

Goodreads  Aoh by Jennifer Renson | Goodreads

Purchase links:

Amazon.com:  Aoh: Renson, Jennifer: 9798397459280: Amazon.com: Books

Barnes & Noble: Aoh by Jennifer Renson, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Interview with Author Oscar Fernandez 

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

Ever since I was a teenager I took an interest in writing. Since then, I have been keeping a journal where I document my life, travels, experiences, and mostly my thoughts about my current affairs, the way I view myself the world, and how I need to proceed to accomplish the life I want to live. One thing I noticed while writing though, was the ease by which words kept on flowing from my hand into the paper… So I kept on writing! On this note, I love to write on paper with a fountain pen; it feels smooth and somehow intellectual. I do this mostly for my personal writing on my journal, but for business writing I most definitely use my laptop.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

What inspire me to write my book was a genuine desire to demystify cybersecurity for non-technical individuals who may be entrepreneurs of business owners. Another reason to write the book came from the fact that I am an authorized distributor of a cybersecurity software, and based on the intricacies of the software, I realized how important it was to break down -even further- how cybersecurity works; in particular for entrepreneurs, and small to midsize businesses (small business: 1-99 employees; mid-size businesses 100-1000 employees). In a way, it is a venue to saying: here is cybersecurity for the rest of us!

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

The theme I would love for my readers to take with them is to realize that cybersecurity is not complicated as it may seem, and that it is more affordable than ever. Not only that, but base on a simple analysis of the current technologies use by a business, one can determine what are the technologies needed to protect them. So while the reader is going through the handbook, they can literally pick and choose what is best for them based on what areas of the business they need to protect. For instance, is it the WIFI? Their VPN? Or protecting the business from phishing attacks? Etc. etc.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I have been working in technology for the past fifteen years, and throughout this time, cybersecurity kept on taking a bigger and bigger role for companies and individuals alike. For the most part, I have worked as a consultant -a one man operation,-  so one day I asked myself, how can I grow my practice to create a bigger impact while helping clients protect themselves? So cybersecurity came to mind as a topic that it is extremely important -besides their day-to-day operations.- Not only that, but I didn’t want to become just another business providing cybersecurity solutions; I wanted to differentiate myself through the demystification of cybersecurity. 

Another aspect that drew me to write this book, is the realization of how vulnerable all of us are to cybersecurity attacks. We are note safe, at all! From identity theft to ransomware attacks, and everything in between, we are a moving target. So I wanted to become part of the solution. 

5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I am a brand new author, and this is my very first book. So I haven’t have enough exposure in social media to know which one can work. So far, the book is published in Amazon both in the Kindle and paperback versions. And hopefully soon on an audible version as well.

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

The advice I would give to aspiring authors is to not wo worry too much about the format itself; just start writing. As one moves along with the writing process, one can begin structuring it. Eventually, all will come into place as you read what you wrote while providing flow, and structure. For publishing, there are companies out there that will format the file for you, so no worries there.

7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

My mind is always on the go -for better or for worse,- but I would love to continue writing and make it be my living. To start, I would love to create a series of the book I just wrote, and eventually move to another genre, for instance, social and cultural affairs and even a personal biography. I feel there is so much material in my head waiting to be written!

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About the Author

Oscar is an avid technologist with over fifteen years in the IT industry. He has worked and consulted with IBM, Apple, Anthem, Genentech (Roche), small to mid-size businesses, non-profits, city government, and most recently with TC Energy.

His ability to understand business processes, network security and find IT solutions to fulfill business needs is unparalleled.

Oscar holds a master’s degree in Global Management from Georgetown University and ESADE School of Business. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Notre Dame de Namur University, and he also obtained an Entrepreneurial Management Certification from UCLA Anderson School of Business.

Oscar is Cronus Cybersecurity’s CEO, and through his networking abilities and international experience, he has led the company to new highs. 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5465RP7 

Website: www.cronuscyber.com

Instagram: cronuscyberbiz

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/oscarfern

Interview with Author Shari Lopatin 

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

Let’s see, I was born and raised in Phoenix, Ariz. (where I still live today) to two liberal, Jewish parents who moved from Queens, N.Y in the 1970s. They were both teachers and always encouraged my creativity. I’ve been writing since I was a kid. In fact, I wrote my first short story when I was seven years old. It was about a girl who befriends a group of aliens named after different foods. I was always a creative, hyper, and somewhat neurotic kid, and I think writing just gave me an outlet. It also became a buffer against relentless bullying, and as life went on, writing became my therapy–my way of processing the world and everything happening around me. I started my career as a daily newspaper reporter, but had to leave journalism due to the Great Recession. I then got into strategic communications and public relations, but I never stopped writing creatively on the side. I just love great stories! 

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

The story of how “The Condemned: A memoir told through selected early works of short stories, essays, and poetry” came together is kind of random and haphazard. I’ve always written my way through every major life adversity, until COVID hit. I just couldn’t write during 2020; I was honestly traumatized. Things got a little better in 2021, but I struggled to regain my creativity and motivation. I guess that’s a typical trauma response. I began writing a little in 2022, then lost my job due to a COVID layoff, so I stopped. By 2023, I felt depleted and seriously missed writing, yet I could not come up with anything creative. In an effort to reignite my writing muscle, I started re-reading a bunch of older works from my past, much of it unpublished. 

What I found was a plethora of stuff I’d written throughout the first 20 years of my formative life: poetry from high school and college, MySpace rants and essays from my early twenties, fictional short stories from my early thirties. I realized that when combined, these writings told my story, that of a millennial coming of age through the 1990s and early 2000s while navigating typical young adult issues exasperated by historical events like The Great Recession, September 11, and personal injustices like Antisemitism. I decided to select my best work from those years, lightly edit it, then combine it into a memoir that became “The Condemned.”

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

“The Condemned” has a variety of deeply emotional pieces that touch on themes still relevant today such as mental health, the search for home, the awkwardness of dating, and love and heartbreak. But ultimately, the most prevalent theme is one of feeling othered. I often struggled to find myself within a confusing and sometimes ostracizing world, especially once faced with Antisemitism that came from a personal and unexpected place. However, I managed to pull through many of those obstacles and found a greater sense of self-acceptance, hope and truth. My hope is that others find empathy, solidarity, and maybe even healing by reading my words and stories. 

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I’m not sure! I don’t think I was particularly drawn to memoir; it just seemed to be the right genre for the collection I was putting together. As for the short stories and poetry, I’ve always been drawn to deeply emotional writing, probably because I’m highly emotional. I really enjoy the genres of contemporary fiction (which my short stories fall into), as well as dystopian fiction (which my debut novel, “The Apollo Illusion,” falls under) because they make you think, and they make you feel. 

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5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Substack! I wouldn’t consider Substack a social media site necessarily, more of a cross between an email newsletter and blogging platform. However, they’ve woven elements of social media into their platform and really built a tool for writers to grow their followings. My favorite aspects of Substack are that you can use it for free, you can monetize when it’s right for you, and you can access the email addresses of your followers. That means if you ever decide to leave Substack, you can take your followers with you. I sort of see Substack as the YouTube for writers, but with more control. I currently publish my newsletter on Substack, “Rogue Writer,” where I write original serialized fiction, personal and political essays, poetry, and occasional book or movie reviews. I also share updates and deals on my latest books there. Consider signing up as a free or paid subscriber, and stay in touch with me that way!

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Write, write, write. If it’s a blog, or privately within your journal, or just on your personal computer, always write. Always work to improve your craft. And READ. Don’t just read what you think others enjoy. Read what excites you. Get to know what works, and what’s boring. Then, incorporate those strategies into your own work. Finally, be patient and persistent. You won’t improve overnight, but if you keep working at it, you’ll see yourself getting better each year. One day, you’ll write a novel that’s good enough to pitch to literary agents. When that time comes, keep pitching, even after years of “no’s,” because it only takes one YES! And if that yes doesn’t come fast enough, self-publish. Get your work out there and start building your readership while you keep pitching to literary agents. Life is too short to wait. 

7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

Oh yes! I have one completed novel that I finished several years ago on which I’m currently doing a hard edit/rewrite. I’m hoping to find an agent for that one. I also have another novel that I’m halfway through writing and hope to finish a year from now. Finally, I have a new serialized fiction story that I’m planning to publish in my Substack newsletter, “Rogue Writer,” a few months from now. It’s called “Once Upon a Time on Half Day Road.” Go sign up for “Rogue Writer” as either a free or paid subscriber so you don’t miss it! 

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Author Bio

Shari Lopatin writes stories that matter. An award-winning journalist in her earlier years, she now writes novels that tie into modern-day social issues, serialized fiction, short stories, personal and political essays, and poetry. Over the course of her seventeen-plus year career, Shari has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine writer, public relations professional, social media manager, and earned the title of “Cat Mom of the Year.” Her next book, “The Condemned: A memoir told through selected early works of short stories, essays, and poetry” is publishing Sept. 9, 2023. Pre-order the Kindle version now for just $2.99! Prices will go up after publication, so get it for less while you can. 

Follow Shari:

Interview with Author Ted Galdi

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Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I loved movies as a kid, and still do. I’d make these storyboard-style short stories on paper when I was pretty young. In high school, I wrote my first screenplay. Though I was of course shocked at the time, it was not made into a major motion picture. However, I really enjoyed writing a feature-length script. 

Reading turned into a big hobby of mine once I was in my twenties. I wrote my first novel in my late twenties.

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What inspired you to write your book?

My latest book is an action thriller called Black Quiet. It’s about a former Special Forces commando who hunts for revenge after a gang beats his brother into a coma.

Though the ex-soldier, Cole, has some allies in the story, for the most part, he’s taking on a powerful, mysterious criminal enterprise on his own. He’s forced to rely on his own instincts and take big risks. I felt people out there would connect with a character like that.

What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Cole breaks quite a bit of rules to accomplish what he’s after. Though I’m of course not advocating for readers to break the law, I do hope they take the story as a metaphor for solving problems in creative, unconventional ways.

What drew you into this particular genre?

All of my books are thrillers. The genre has the capacity for stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. 

A good thriller is loaded with suspense. It has that “page turner” feel. But that’s not all. A good thriller will take a social or psychological concept, present various sides of it, and take a unique view on it. Thriller themes often make interesting points about criminal justice, risk, regret, economics, and more.       

If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

Many characters in this book are trying to kill people. Sitting down in the middle of all that could get dicey. 

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What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I use quite a bit of them. I find they’re helpful in their own ways. For instance, TikTok is a great way to reach readers who don’t yet know who you are, while Facebook is a great way to engage with readers who already know you and want to stay connected about your latest releases, updates, etc.

I’d recommend writers try as many sites as possible. See which ones you like posting on and see which ones wind up leading to good engagement and book sales. Over time, focus on those.

What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

I actually recently started an online-education platform for writers. The intro course, which is free, was made with aspiring authors in mind. Anyone can take it here: https://www.writegrippingstories.com/

The course focuses on character development, plot, theme, and emotional impact. Here are some other tips:

  • Write in your favorite genre to read. You’ll have an intuitive sense of what’s working and what’s not.
  • Create an outline before writing the chapters. You’ll save a ton of time with rewrites if you figure out the story’s major pieces, and how they tie together, early on.
  • When it’s time to write the chapters, just try to finish 500 words a day. It’s a very doable number, even for a first timer. However, if you stick with it, you’ll have a first draft done in a pretty quick time frame. If you write every day, you’d have a 60,000-word manuscript done in just four months. 

What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

My book Black Quiet is the first in a series. The sequel, Razor Moon, comes out on August 22. The main character, Cole, goes on a dangerous search for a missing fifteen-year-old girl.  

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Author Bio

Ted Galdi is an Amazon #1 bestselling thriller author. He’s been featured by Kirkus magazine, ABC, FOX, iHeartRadio, and many other media outlets. He’s a winner of a Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award and a Silver Medal in the Readers’ Favorite Book Awards.

For a free book, visit his website, www.tedgaldi.com.

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OWI Blog Tour: When a Man Loves an Alien by (Tentacular Tales Book 3) by Chloe Archer Interview and Blog Tour

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, InterviewsLeave a comment

Interview

What was your first published work? Tell me a little about it.My first published book was It’s Not Unusual To Be Loved by an Alien. It’s the first in my ongoing M/M sci-fi rom com series, Tentacular Tales. Think Men in Black meets The Princess Bride–but hella gay, and with tentacles! A sunshiny sci-fi nerd discovers aliens are real and living incognito here on Earth. Where might you ask? Las Vegas, baby! What better place to hide in plain sight! It’s a wild, zany ride full of all kinds of sci-fi nerdy goodness, pop culture references galore, hilarious shenanigans, and spicy fun! What is the most heartfelt thing a reader has said to you?I’m still fairly new at all this (my first year publiversary isn’t until September) but I’ve already received many heartfelt messages and comments from readers. The ones that are really touching are from folks who tell me my series is their go-to comfort read when they’re feeling down or sad. When I decided to write the series, I really hoped the book would speak to other readers and give them all the warm, happy, and laughter-filled feels possible! What was one of the most surprising things you’ve learned in writing your books?I learned that I largely have to dictate my first draft. Writing on a blank page doesn’t go well for me. My internal editor/critic wants to come out and nitpick every word I write so it becomes a two steps forward, one step back kind of situation. Not fun! When I heard about dictation, I thought I’d give it a try because I was quite stuck in making forward progress on my first book. I was a natural from the first attempt! I dictated a solid 20-minutes that day. Dictation has made my writing goals possible. In general, I will dictate for 30-40 minutes at a time and then I will edit the transcription before moving on. It has sped up my whole process and I can easily get my word count goals each day when I do this.What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?When a Man Loves an Alien is the third book in the series and it continues to follow the main couple, River and Kai. I knew this was the penultimate book in their main story arc, so there were a lot of things that needed to happen to expand on story lines from the first two books and new ones leading into the epic finale of the next book. I knew it was going to be a fairly action packed ride, but as I’ve told some people, imagine it more as a Mr. Bean-style of adventure. I’m all about the humor, after all! I also wanted to continue to show growth in my main characters and deepen their relationship. Then there’s all the side characters—there are so many and more keep clamoring in my brain to join the story world! It’s a lot to juggle but I try my best. On the whole, I think I achieved my goals based on what readers have been telling me. Phew! Fingers crossed I can do it again with Book 4…gulp!Who did your cover, and what was the design process like?The fabulous and super talented Natasha Snow did my cover. She’s done all my covers so far. I always wished I was artistically inclined, but alas, I don’t have the gift. I’d been drawn to a number of Natasha’s covers for other authors in the past and I knew going into it that she was the person I wanted to work with. Her process is very streamlined. She has a form you fill out with details about the book and thoughts, images, or inspirations for the cover. I gave her a couple of suggestions, but mostly let her do her thing since I trust her judgment. What secondary character would you like to explore more? Tell me about him or her.I’m excited to explore River’s stoner Gen X uncle, Benji, some more. He’s kind of a cross between The Dude in The Big Lebowski and Keanu Reeves. He’s an interesting guy with a complicated backstory. I’ve already seeded plenty of hints in the series that he is going to end up having a romance with River’s boyfriend’s brother, Mal. Their story is going to be Book 5 in the series!As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?An author! I knew in about fourth grade. Books were my safe space and my passion. At the same time, when I read them I would get all sorts of ideas for my own stories and wanted to be able to share them with others. But I grew up at a time when traditional publishing was the only option available and most of the adults in my life didn’t consider it a viable career path and steered me toward pursuing other things. It’s taken me a long time to get here but I’m glad to have finally started achieving my dreams!We know what you like to write, but what do you like to read in your free time, and why?I read loads of LGBTQ+ romance when I have free time. I like to keep up with favorite authors but also discover new ones. In general, I’m not a fan of anything super dark when it comes to romance. I lean more toward stuff that is lighter and funnier. I love a good paranormal (as long as it isn’t super angsty or dark), fantasy, urban fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery. While I do read a lot of M/M, I also enjoy F/F and other LGBTQ+ configurations of couples. The rainbow spectrum is beautiful, and as a queer person myself, I enjoy reading widely across the spectrum.

When a Man Loves an Alien - Chloe Archer/

Chloe Archer has a new MM sci-fi romance book out, Tentacular Tales book 3: When a Man Lies an Alien. And there’s a giveaway.

A grumpy-sexy alien and his (mostly) human mate are just trying to get married for goodness sake! But the road to matrimony is riddled with obstacles that could prove deadly…

RIVER

Being engaged to my adorable alien boo is a dream come true. Too bad there’s a target painted on my back. Come on universe, quit messing with true love! For reals. Kai and I need to plan our wedding—which is going to be hella quirky and fun, because I say so.

Cue Shilgar the Deadly, who’s screwing up everything—what with trying to kill me and all. My life is becoming even more unbelievable than my fictional characters, Lord Vardox and Captain Starblade.

There’s no way I’m not walking down the aisle with Kai, so help me! I fully intend to ‘get me to the church’—I mean Vegas wedding chapel—on time. This fool of an assassin thinks he can mess with my dreams of wedded bliss? I don’t think so. He’s about to learn he’s met his match in River Sullivan!

KAI

My relationship with River is solid and wedding bells are in the air. Unfortunately, other parts of my life are…less stable. Between juggling a highly inconvenient Mating Fever that can strike at any time, and dealing with an investigator from Intergalactic Alliance Headquarters, I’m finding it hard to hold onto my usual equilibrium.

When Shilgar the Deadly finally shows up on Earth, gunning for River, the control I cling to is stretched razor thin. I’m desperate to do whatever I can to keep my mate safe—but I’m not sure if I can.

Yet things aren’t all that they seem. New secrets come to light and we’re all left reeling. Apparently, that famous Earthling playwright was correct when he wrote, “the course of true love never did run smooth….”

When a Man Loves an Alien (Tentacular Tales #3) is a (96k words) M/M sci-fi rom com and the third book in the series. It should be read in chronological order. This installment features an assassin who just won’t quit, little old ladies at slot machines who should NOT be messed with, a zipline action-hero moment, shocking secrets and revelations, a death-defying climax, and just maybe…a zany Vegas wedding? This book has an HFN ending and no cheating. Never fear—there is a guaranteed HEA by the end of the series!

Warnings: sex involving tentacles, some violence

Series Blurb

Tentacular Tales is an M/M sci-fi rom com series that follows the adventures of humans falling in love with aliens who are living incognito on Earth–in the wild and fabulous, Las Vegas. Of course that’s where aliens would be hiding right under our noses! Enter a world full of plenty of geeky humor, zany shenanigans, sexy aliens, and tentacles galore! Think Men in Black meets The Princess Bride–but hella gay! Note: This series should be read in chronological order.

Universal Buylink | Goodreads

Giveaway

Chloe is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card with this tour:

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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47286/?

Excerpt

When a Man Loves an Alien meme

RIVER

“Step right up and get your Tentacular Tales merch! We’ve got T-shirts in all sizes, made to accommodate folks of various shapes and appendages.” My old neighbor—and incognito alien—Tom Jones holds up one of the aforementioned shirts. “For those die-hard fans of our favorite villain out there, we have our brand spanking—no pun intended—new Team Vardox FTW tees!”

There’s an enthusiastic murmur among the crowd. Tom drapes the shirt over his shoulder like a bar towel and plucks up another. “For the more daring among you, we have I got tentacled by Lord Vardox…and I liked it or Villain in the streets, Tentacled-Lover in the sheets.”

There’s some enthusiastic whistling at that one. He tosses it aside and grabs a different one. “And let’s not forget about our Starblade stans in the crowd.” There are answering whistles and cheers. “Of course we have Team Starblade FTW. We can’t let Team Vardox have all the fun! We also have I’m too sexy for this shirt, and so is Captain Starbladeor Tentacle Lover on the DL. Get your favorites before we run out!”

Aliens of all shapes and sizes begin surging forward, cash in hands and other appendages, as they surround the folding table where Tom is selling his wares.

I shake my head in awe, turning to my super-sexy alien boo, and now fiancé, Kai. “Did you know about this?”

He shakes his head. “Nope. Looks like Tom took a cue out of your book and went the route of T-shirt design.”

I glance down at the black cotton tee I’m wearing. On the front, in multicolored sequins, it reads Team ANAL,and on the back it says in shiny metallic gold font, Kicking butt from here to Uranus. My design is a work of art and classy as fuck—it also promotes team spirit, thank you very much. I’ve had quite a few orders from folks at work already. “Just so you know, I’m going to keep wearing this until it grows on you.” I beam. “I’ve got a different colored one for each day of the week!”

Kai rolls his eyes but favors me with a teasing smile. “Save me now.”

I give his arm a light and playful smack. “You know you love it.”

His mouth twitches and he arches an eyebrow. “I wouldn’t go that far, darling. But I’ll put up with it for you.”

I clutch my hands to my heart. “OMG, honeybuns. You’re getting to be sooo romantic! You just called me darling. It’s like we’re an old married couple already.”

Kai flushes adorably pink and sputters. I love getting a rise out of him at moments like this. He can be a bit too tightly wound, so I have to help him let go of his iron grip on duty, responsibility, and propriety.

I’m like Yoda, teaching him the ways of the Fun-Loving Force.

A microphone crackles to life and my new friend Nirblob addresses the crowd from atop the small impromptu stage against the wall at the far end of the bar. “Good evening, friends, and welcome to Vardox’s Cantina. Tonight, it is my supreme pleasure to usher in our very first Open Mic night!”

There’s an enthusiastic round of applause and some loud whistles.

Nirblob grins, which admittedly is a little freaky since he has no lips. I still haven’t quite gotten used to that. “This evening, we are most fortunate to have a very special guest. Here to kick things off with a sneak peek from the next chapter in the Tentacular Tales of Captain Starblade, please join me in welcoming the one, the only, River Sullivan, a.k.a. KirklovesSpock4eva!”

The crowd goes wild, which in a super-secret alien bar can be a bit surreal. After all, this bar is mainly for extraterrestrials who don’t pass easily in human society, or ones who do but want the opportunity to be their true selves in a safe space. Some folks here make even Nirblob look somewhat ordinary. It’s a bit like being a real-life version of the Mos Eisley Cantina in Star Wars—only less violent!

“Looks like you’re up,” Kai murmurs, giving my arm a squeeze.

I grin. “Give me a kiss for luck, boo.”

He sighs at the endearment, but his eyes darken as he leans down and takes my lips in a way that makes me want to ditch this event and go get our freak on.

When Kai pulls back, I’m tingly all over and more than a little hot and bothered. But I’m pleased to notice, as he adjusts himself discreetly, he isn’t exactly unaffected either.

“Knock ‘em dead.”

I give him a jaunty little salute. “Aye, aye, captain!”

He can’t keep the fondness from his eyes when he tries to glare at me, which turns my grin into that of a lovesick fool. And I basically am. I have no qualms about owning it.

I make my way over to the stage, offering variants of high fives along the way—to a tail here, a hand with eight fingers there, a furry paw every now and then. Two months ago, I never could have imagined this would be my life. A longtime Roswell alien conspiracy believer and total X-phile, I—by some remarkable twist of fate—actually foundaliens here on Earth, living incognito among humanity.

What are the odds?

Author Bio

Author Chloe Archer

Chloe Archer writes M/M sci-fi and paranormal rom coms with laugh out loud humor because she’s all about bringing the funny-sexy back. Oh, yeah!

She currently calls Minnesota home, but has lived abroad in places like Montreal, Edinburgh, and Tokyo. She’s hoping to relocate to Scotland permanently one day if the stars align.

Chloe is a fur mama to two adorable Yorkies, Jasper and Teddy, and she loves them in a crazy dog mama kind of way. When she isn’t busy writing, she enjoys visiting friends and family, traveling, reading, binge watching movies and TV shows, and practicing her karaoke skills. She does a mean cover of Pat Benatar and Cher, or so she’s been told.

Author Website: https://chloearcher.com

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071621497295

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/chloearcherwriter/

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloearcher_author/

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22694415.Chloe_Archer

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Chloe-Archer/author/B0BB1CCYM9

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Blog Tour + Character Interview: A Priest, a Plague, and a Prophecy by M.D. Grimm

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, InterviewsLeave a comment

Good day lovely readers! Thank you for joining me. I am M.D. Grimm and I am here to promote my newest release, “A Priest, a Plague, and a Prophecy.” This is a single title involving a sweet man who enjoys food, plants, and books, and the manly (secretly sweet) orc warrior who falls in love with him. I am thrilled to finally publish this story. I finished it as the dreaded virus ramped up and decided to shelve it since it involves a plague. But the plague is an off-page impetus to certain events later in the book. Rest assured this is a sweet, low(er)-angst, no-sexy-times-but-lots-of-snuggles, sort of story. Elias is ace but wants romance, and Gurrkk is just the orc to give that to him!

Let’s meet the man—or orc—of the hour, Gurrkk.

ME: Welcome back lovely readers! Thanks for joining me for another interview. This time with Gurrkk, the orc in the relationship. We’ve fed him and strapped him down so he can’t leave.

GURRKK: I bet I can break ropes.

ME: Please don’t. Now—

GURRKK: (wiggles and yanks at ropes) I can do it.

ME: But we don’t want you to. Please stop. Now, when you first met Elias, what did you think? Was it love at first sight?

GURRKK: (still straining against ropes, growling) Nah. He smell nice and no run me through with sword. And he feed me. And get me out of trap. He save my life.

ME: When did you realize you were in love with him? (whispers) Stop trying to break the ropes!

GURRKK: When we hide in his room with bed. Slept on bed. And bathed together.

ME: Oh, uh, right. Let’s move on—

GURRKK: He was shy. No touch. (grins) He not shy now.

ME: Right. About your clan—

(Gurrkk snaps the rope off one arm and bends to use his teeth and claws on the other)

ME: Seriously, Gurrkk, please stop. I only have a few more questions. All these people came to see you and—

GURRKK (muffled by rope) I almost ‘ave it! I will win contest.

ME: There is no contest! I just needed you to sit still for—

(Gurrkk tears free of rope and jumps to his feet, waving his hands in the air.)

GURRKK: Did it! I WIN.

ME: Good lord.

GURRKK: Where is prize?

ME: There is no prize. There’s no contest!

GURRKK: (sounding sad) No prize? But I win.

ELIAS: (off screen) Just give him something please! Or he’ll pout for the rest of the day.

ME: For the love of… here, take my last chocolate bar.

GURRKK: (cruelly snatches bar) Chocolate.

ELIAS: (off screen) What do we say, Gurrkk?

GURRKK: (mumbles) T’ank ‘ou.

ME: (sighs) You’re welcome. Can we get back to the questions now?

GURRKK: (looking puzzled) Questions?

ME: Yes. The reason we’re here.

GURRKK: I thought it was for contest.

ELIAS: (off screen) Stop playing with her, Gurrkk!

GURRKK: (smirks)

ME: Get out. Just get out. Smart ass.

GURRKK: Chocolate good. (exits)

ME: Now I really need alcohol.

I am currently working hard on the final draft of the next The Shifter Chronicles. This will be book 16 (!), and will revisit the couple from book two, Love is a Whirlwind. This one is Blood of the Whirlwind, and I hope to have it ready for a January 2024 release.

As for this year, I have book 9 of The Stones of Power, Jade: First and Last available for preorder, due out in July 2023, and the first book in my Sisters of Song duology, titled Song of Flames will hopefully be ready by October. Flames will be a mmf involving two dragon mates and the woman thief who steals their hearts (instead of their treasure).

More information on my catalog can be found at my website. (Make sure to sign up for my newsletter!)

I hope you stay safe and healthy, and may dragons guard your dreams,

M.D. Grimm

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A Priest, a Plague and a Prophecy - M.D. Grimm

M.D. Grimm has a new MM fantasy romance out (ace, bi, demi): A Priest, a Plague, and a Prophecy. And there’s a giveaway.

“Orcs are the answer but what is the question?”

Elias is a priest at the Temple of the Divine Sibyl. When he becomes lost in the woods after his brother’s hunting party abandons him, it’s just his luck that he’d stumble upon an angry orc caught in a trap. Unable to stomach the suffering of others, Elias throws self-preservation to the wind and frees the orc. Then Gurrkk—that’s a name?—ends up leading him to safety.

Gurrkk finds himself rather smitten by the sweet, awkward human. He’s always been fascinated with his people’s sworn enemy, and now he has a life debt to fulfill to maintain his honor.

Hiding an orc among the temple’s crypts wouldn’t have been Elias’s first choice but Gurrkk is stubborn about leaving. As they learn each other’s languages and spend more time together, Elias realizes they’ve become friends… and maybe more. And when the dying sibyl gives her last prophecy, Elias knows it wasn’t chance that brought them together, it was the gods.

But why?

This is a sweet, ace romance, so no sexy times, but plenty of snuggles and cuddles!

Universal Buy Links | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords

Giveaway

M.D. is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card with this tour:

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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47285/?

Excerpt

A Priest, a Plague and a Prophecy meme - M.D. Grimm

Elias closed his eyes and clasped his hands under his chin, sending a fervent prayer to the gods, asking for a sign. Any sign that would lead him home. Seconds passed. Minutes. He cracked open one eye to look around. Seeing nothing, he glared and set his fists on his hips.

So much for divine intervention.

“I’m one of your priests, and you don’t give me the time of day,” he mumbled as he set off down the left-hand path.

He was hungry again.

Even as he was contemplating the pros and cons of eating one of his last apples, he stumbled around a thick tree before halting in shock.

An orc sat on the ground, his greenish-gold skin glistening with sweat and his coal-black eyes glaring with menace. He was almost bald, except for a spiky strip of green hair running from his forehead to the back of his skull. The lack of hair accentuated his large ears that moved independently of each other. Two pronounced fangs jutted up from his lower jaw, which was square and blunt, and more sharp teeth showed when he growled.

Elias stayed frozen, taking in the long black tunic cinched at the waist by a gold cord. The short sleeves were trimmed with gold thread, baring muscled arms. The stately garb struck Elias, making him wonder as to the status of the orc. Did they have hierarchy as humans did? The tunic ended around his knees, leaving the rest of his muscled legs bare. Also, this orc wasn’t of monstrous size, so he couldn’t be of the mountain variety. He was certainly taller and broader than Elias, but also leaner, corded with muscle, like that big cat Elias had spotted earlier. And his face was… not horrible. Brutish and sharp but not hideous or even ugly. Those illustrators of tomes really set out to depict orcs as the most horrific creatures ever to grace the earth.

The urge to run made his palms grow damp and his breath to quicken. Not that he could run for more than a few steps before wheezing because he was so damn out of shape, and why the hell didn’t he train with his brother? I’m going to die, I’m going to die….

Then his gaze traveled down to the reason the orc was sitting on the ground and not eating his face. Vicious steel jaws had the orc by the ankle, piercing deeply into his flesh. The jaws were attached to a chain that was buried into to the earth. The fact the orc hadn’t freed himself meant this was one of the trick jaws. One specifically made for capturing orcs. The scoured earth around the chain proved that the orc had tried to dig himself free but clearly hadn’t succeeded. His ankle was a mess of torn flesh and caked blood, and only then did Elias notice the buzz of flies.

How long had he been sitting there, in pain? In fear?

Sympathy rose with anger not far behind. Elias and the orc stared at each other, and Elias found himself stepping closer without consciously deciding his actions. The orc growled deeper, eyes narrowed in warning. Elias stopped again, wondering what he was doing. This was an orc! The enemy! The beasts that kept trying to take their lands. Attius’s tirades whirled through his mind even as the battle songs about marauding orcs jangled in his memory.

He’d never joined in. He’d never had anything personal against orcs. He never thought one way or another about them. Fighting them wasn’t a part of his world. Most of his life had been spent ensconced in the Temple of the Divine Sibyl, which was safely behind fortified stone walls and separated from the general populace of the city.

He was sheltered and he knew it. To see such ugly pain in another living creature struck him to the core. That was one of the reasons he didn’t eat meat. He couldn’t reconcile killing just to feed himself when there were plenty of other things to consume if he simply looked.

At that moment, this orc was no different than any other wild animal caught in a trap. And would he let such a creature die so horribly? No, he would not.

Taking a deep breath, and with more courage than he would profess to have, Elias crouched before slowly pushing off his pack. He kept his eyes on the orc and opened the top flap before tilting it to show the orc that it only held medicines, plant samples, parchment, and ink.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” he said gently. “Can you understand me?”

The orc made no indication either way. He continued to growl and glare.

“I want to help you.” Elias took the one weapon he had, a long dagger, and showed the orc the blade before tossing it away. The orc stopped growling and blinked in apparent surprise. Elias shuffled closer on his knees, keeping his demeanor as non-threatening as possible. He almost snorted—as if a soft priest like him could be threatening. He kept speaking in low tones as he would to a frightened animal. He kept his pack held out in front of him, hoping the harmless items would convince the orc he wasn’t a hunter.

The orc’s large nostrils flared, and he squinted into the bag. He must have smelled the remaining apples, the plant samples, and the few healing ointments Elias carried with him everywhere. Elias set the bag within easy reach of the orc just in case he wanted to investigate. Then he took a good look at the steel jaws and winced.

The orc didn’t wear shoes, his sturdy, rough feet tough enough not to need them. His nails were more like claws, almost identical to those on his fingers. The trap would have been covered, and he’d stepped directly onto the triggering mechanism. The blades had barely missed his foot to cut into his ankle, probably scraping against the bones and tendons.

Elias took a moment to fight nausea.

“Damn. Once I free your leg it’s going to bleed profusely. I have to wrap it fast and tight.” He glanced up and met the orc’s eyes. Grim determination stared back at him and Elias blinked. “You do understand me.”

Author Bio

M.D. Grimm logo

M.D. Grimm has wanted to write stories since second grade (kind of young to make life decisions, but whatever) and nothing has changed since then (well, plenty of things actually, but not that!).

Thankfully, she has indulgent parents who let her dream, but also made sure she understood she’d need a steady job to pay the bills (they never let her forget it!). After graduating from the University of Oregon and majoring in English, (let’s be honest: useless degree, what else was she going to do with it?) she started on her writing career and couldn’t be happier.

Working by day and writing by night (or any spare time she can carve out), she enjoys embarking on romantic quests and daring adventures (living vicariously, you could say) and creating characters that always triumph against the villain, (or else what’s the point?) finding their soul mate in the process.

Author Website: https://www.mdgrimmwrites.com

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001710645622

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4574220.M_D_Grimm

Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/m-d-grimm/

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/m-d-grimm/

Author Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/M.D.-Grimm/e/B00I0KZMY6/

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