Tag: author anthony avina
Ogwen Blues by George Veck Review
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A toxic family dynamic threatens to burst in an explosive way in author George Veck’s “Ogwen Blues”.
The Synopsis
Fifty-year-old football referee Colin Tudur has endured a pitiful, people-pleasing existence up in the mountains of north Wales. But his time has come! Now finally chasing his dream, he quits his steady job and commits to full-time training, itching for promotion to the Welsh Premier League and the chance to ref on S4C. But such selfishness far from serves his parasitic, coercive wife Clare and stepson Dale, who have long grown dependent on his salary.
Now thwarted in his pursuit of freedom by North Wales’ second-home owner induced housing shortage, twenty-year-old Dale’s forced to wallow in the family’s toxic, co-dependent bubble. Someone’s bound to break…
Hard hitting and fiercely raw, Ogwen Blues charts their plight to thrive in an area starved of adequate opportunities.
The Review
A genuinely compelling and thought-provoking read, author George Veck once again captures the raw, visceral, and emotional tidal wave that often overpowers everyday people in harsh living environments. The culture and social aspects of life in Northern Wales are skewed by the toxicity of this family dynamic and the chilling nature of the drug trade and life lived immersed fully into the world of drugs. The author creatively weaves the tension and heavy atmosphere into the narrative, allowing the painful memories and layers of the family’s toxic history to manifest and bloom naturally on the page.
The heart of this narrative is in the character development and powerful themes the author explores. The narrative allows the reader to look behind the curtain of life in Northern Wales and glimpse the dysfunction within this family unit. The raw, nearly overwhelming nature of human cruelty and the viciousness of drug use skillfully bring this story to new heights and allow the reader to explore the complex depths of human relationships and the cruel nature of life itself.
The Verdict
Memorable, honest, and gritty, author George Veck’s “Ogwen Blues’ is a must-read suspense thriller. The seamless blend of action, drama, and suspense will keep readers invested in the developing story, and the emotional rollercoaster that these characters find themselves on will make the chilling events of the narrative stay with readers long after that final page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Born in Hastings but raised in North Wales, George mostly writes gritty crime fiction set in Wales.
His inspiration partly derives from political greed, and the plights of those who suffer as a result; whether that’s from mental health issues our criminally underfunded health system won’t treat, housing shortages, domestic abuse, or living in crippling poverty without hope.
As of 2024 George has published six books. Dark domestic thriller Belabour is his latest.
My Year of Casual Acquaintances (The South Bay Series Book 1) by Ruth F. Stevens Review
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman hurt by the man she loved seeks to reinvent herself through casual acquaintances, but finds a man who wants more from her than she is willing to give as she struggles to find within herself the strength to open her heart up again in author Ruth F. Stevens’s “My Year of Casual Acquaintances”, the first book in The South Bay Series.
The Synopsis
When Mar Meyer’s husband divorces her for another woman, she reacts by abandoning everything in her past: her home, her friends, even her name. Though it’s not easy to start over, Mar is young-looking, fit, and ready for new adventures – as long as she can keep things casual.
With each passing month, Mar goes from one acquaintance to the next. Among them: a fellow gym member down on her luck, a flirty hip-hop instructor, a bossy but comical consultant, a kindly older gentleman . . . and Charlie, a handsome best-selling novelist who wants more from Mar than she’s able to give. She learns something new from each encounter. But can she change enough to open herself up to happiness and true connection?
Surrounded by an ensemble of quirky, endearing characters, Mar follows a tortuous and unpredictable path as she navigates the first year of her reinvented life. My Year of Casual Acquaintances is packed with laugh-out-loud moments mingled with scenes of loneliness and self-doubt that will put a lump in your throat.
The Review
What a compelling and engaging read. The author expertly weaves together a story that is equal parts women’s fiction and character-driven narrative. The rich dialogue and atmosphere the author gave this story gave the reader a sense of familiarity and relatability to the narrative and the characters. The tension and tone the author establishes for the protagonist are great motivators for the character’s arc overall, something readers will instantly connect with.
The heart of this narrative rests with the heartfelt themes and the strong character dynamics at play here. The heartbreak of losing a relationship, especially in the way that Mar has, plays well into the character’s sense of reinvention and the themes of friendship, love, and identity, playing off one another often in life. The balance that the author finds in Mar rediscovering who she is and the ability for her to open her heart to new possibilities in the face of betrayal makes this such a tremendous read.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, engaging, and memorable author Ruth F. Stevens’s “My Year of Casual Acquaintances” is a must-read novel. The character-driven and character-focused story helps elevate the overall narrative, and the slight inclusion of romance allows the reader to relate and root for this protagonist as her journey progresses slowly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Ruth F. Stevens likes to create stories that will make readers laugh and cry. A former public relations executive in New York and Los Angeles, she is a produced playwright and author of a previous novel, Stage Seven, which was a featured selection of national online book club and Alzheimer’s awareness organizations. Ruth is a proud member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and the Dramatists Guild of America and serves as a volunteer and acquisitions editor for AlzAuthors.
Ruth lives in Torrance, California with her husband. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, hiking, hip-hop and fitness classes, yoga, Broadway musicals, wine tasting, leading a book club, and visiting her grandsons in NYC. Visit Ruth at https://ruthfstevens.com and consider signing up for her monthly newsletter to receive publishing updates, book reviews, and special offers.
Website: https://ruthfstevens.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthfstevensauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rfsauthor
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ruth-f-stevens
Purchase a copy of My Year of Casual Acquaintances on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. Add to your GoodReads reading list.
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Blog Tour Calendar
September 23rd @ The Muffin
Join us at The Muffin when we celebrate the launch of Ruth F. Stevens’ book My Year of Casual Acquaintances. We’ll be interviewing the author and giving away a copy of her book.
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
September 24th @ The Faerie Review
Join by Lily’s blog for a spotlight of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://www.thefaeriereview.com
September 25th @ Words by Webb
Visit Jodi’s blog for her review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog
September 27th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews
Stop by Lisa’s blog for an interview with author Ruth F. Stevens.
September 29th @ Book Review From an Avid Reader
Visit Joan’s blog for her review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com
September 30th @ Just Katherine
Visit Katherine’s blog for an excerpt from My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com
September 30th @ Choices
Visit Madeline’s blog for a guest post about how casual acquaintances play an important role in our life.
http://www.madelinesharples.com/
October 1st @ A Storybook World
Visit Deirdra’s blog for a spotlight of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://www.astorybookworld.com
October 2nd @ Create Write Now
Visit Mari’s blog for a guest post by Ruth F. Stevens about why fifty is nifty for a fictional character.
https://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog
October 3rd @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy’s blog for a review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/
October 5th @ What Is That Book About
Stop by Michelle’s blog for an excerpt from My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com
October 6th @ Storey Book Reviews
Visit Leslie’s blog for a review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
October 7th @ Life According to Jamie
Stop by Jamie’s blog for a review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://lifeaccordingtojamie.com
October 9th @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog
Stop by Beverley’s blog for her review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com
October 11th @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog
Visit Beverley’s blog for an excerpt from My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com
October 12th @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog
Join Anthony for his review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://authoranthonyavinablog.wordpress.com/category/blog-tours
October 13th @ Rosh’s Reviews
Visit Roshni’s blog for her review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://roshreviews.blogspot.com
October 15th @ Frugal Freelancer
Visit Sara Trimble’s blog for a guest post by the author about whether AI is a friend or a foe.
https://saratrimble.wordpress.com
October 18th @ A Wonderful World of Books
Visit Joy’s blog for an excerpt from My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com
October 20th @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie’s blog for an interview with author, Ruth F. Stevens.
October 23rd @ Boys’ Mom Reads!
Visit Karen’s blog for a review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://karensiddall.wordpress.com
October 26th @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion
Visit Linda’s blog for an interview with author Ruth F. Stevens.
Voices of the Civil War (Voices of History Book One) by Barry Robbins
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Barry Robbins shares a unique look into the history of the U.S. Civil War through narrative storytelling in the book “Voices of the Civil War”, the first book in the author’s Voices of History series.
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The Synopsis
“Voices of the Civil War” offers a revolutionary approach to experiencing America’s defining conflict. This groundbreaking work brings the Civil War to life through meticulously crafted first-person narratives, imagining the thoughts and words of those who lived through this tumultuous era.
From the highest halls of power to the bloodiest battlefields, readers witness the war unfold through the eyes of presidents and generals, soldiers and civilians. Each chapter presents a unique voice, offering intimate perspectives on key moments and decisions that shaped the course of history. Feel the agonizing weight of command, the terror of battle, the hope of emancipation, and the anguish of a nation torn apart. “Voices of the Civil War” goes beyond mere facts and dates, plunging readers into the raw emotions and moral complexities of America’s bloodiest conflict.
This isn’t just a retelling of history—it’s an immersive journey into a nation at war with itself. Prepare to experience the Civil War in a whole new way, through voices that bring the past vividly to life.
The Review
What an engaging and thoughtful approach to one of the United States’ most brutal and morally vital wars. The heartbreak and divide this book explores in the Civil War (before, during, and after the battles fought) lets the readers experience the tumultuous time in American history like never before. The imagery in the author’s writing style and the atmospheric nature of the writing draws the reader in, immersing the reader into the lives of those living through these harsh realities in a way that feels real and relatable all at once.
The story’s history, setting, and narrative became the heart of this story. The transformative nature of the stories being told and the morality around the central conflicts of this war became about allowing the reader to think critically about the war while also feeling the emotional stories being told. The first-person narrative each chapter brought and the variety of different people each chapter captured, from everyday Americans on both sides of the war to historical figures and more, gave a well-rounded conversation starter for readers to engage in surrounding the Civil War.
The Verdict
Remarkable, passionately written, and thoughtful in its approach, author Barry Robbins’s “Voices of the Civil War” is a must-read history meets historical fiction book. The blend of first-person storytelling to get into the mindset of Americans during this war and the use of speculation amongst scholars allowed the reader to get both an entertaining yet educational look at this era and, more than anything, feel the emotional and mental weight of what this war cost and what people were fighting for. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Barry Robbins is a celebrated author, having penned five notable satirical works that earned him three gold medal awards, and the first book in his ‘icons’ series. With a 26-year tenure as an accountant for an international firm under his belt, he took a bold leap, relocating to Finland’s tranquil shores. There, amidst its enchanting landscapes and in the company of his Finnish wife and two beautiful daughters, he found a renewed passion for storytelling and mastered the subtle intricacies of expatriate life (including, notably, the fine art of taking out the trash). Now, from his home in Florida, Barry crafts tales that are both engaging and thought-provoking, adding to his diverse literary canvas.
Schroeder by Neal Cassidy Review
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A seemingly ordinary man unleashes terror on an unsuspecting city in author Neal Cassidy’s psychological thriller, “Schroeder”.
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The Synopsis
A gripping new psychological thriller by author Neal Cassidy, SCHROEDER, weaves together elements of the literary thriller/horror genre, stream-of-consciousness narration, and critical social commentary.
When an ordinary young man wakes up in his quiet neighborhood on a day seemingly like all the others, the city he’s lived in all his life has no idea what’s about to befall it once he sets out on a day-long bike ride carrying a purposefully packed backpack and a definitive plan.
Who is Schroeder, and what motivates his brutal killing spree? As he cycles from one victim’s home to the next, keeping pace with the rhythm of a city that burgeons to life under an increasingly dazzling sun exposing both its beauty and vivacity and its dark, dirty, underbelly, Schroeder lays bare his dreams, disappointments, delights, and dismays, establishing himself as a compelling contemporary antihero. The day rolls ominously towards its climax through hectic city streets, lush suburban gardens, stately mansions, and decrepit housing projects, punctuated by Schroeder’s reflections on a society in shambles and a deeply damaged, if not broken, humanity—but not without revealing life’s boundless wonder and infinite possibilities for joy and redemption through moments that are within—and yet tragically beyond—Schroeder’s grasp. A tell-all denouement brings Schroeder out of the shadows of his actions, the pathos of his questions about the kind of world we live in lingering long after.
The Review
This was definitely a thrilling, chilling, and shocking read. The author perfectly touches on the culture of bullying and violence and the actions society often takes to give violent people a place to grow. The author’s writing style, namely the stream-of-consciousness style of narrative work given by the protagonist, allows the reader to feel the adrenaline and tension that mounts as the deadly actions intensify throughout the story.
The heart of this narrative is the character-driven story, namely the protagonist Schroeder. The eerie, calm direction of the character’s mindset and the haunting ease with which the character takes these heinous actions is mirrored by the emotional backstory of what this individual endured, from loss and harassment to enduring depression and more. The thoughtful contemplation and examination of society and the daily actions people take against one another showed the depth of this character and the haunting mindset of a violent individual, one born out of tragedy yet still disturbing in his approach.
The Verdict
Memorable, haunting, and entertaining author Neal Cassidy’s “Schroeder” is a must-read psychological thriller. The narrative’s twists and turns and compelling commentary on the violent state of our world today will stay with readers long after the final page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today or grab your own copy on October 15th, 2024!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Neal Cassidy is the author of THE FINAL WEEKEND:A STONED TALE and SCHROEDER. He was born in 1975 and raised in Forest. He is a graduate of The Nene School and lives nowhere in particular.
https://www.facebook.com/theNealCassidy
IG – @thenealcassidy
Kindred of the Unseen: The New Temple by Micah Beardsley Review
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A group of individuals are called to find what is unseen in author Micah Beardsley’s “Kindred of the Unseen: The New Temple”.
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The Synopsis
Which is real and which is shadow? The unseen has webs that draw and realms that open to those who will knock . . .
At the start of the fourth age of mankind, the Kindred of the Unseen are being called to awaken to discover the worlds and realities that exist beyond their five senses.
Four travelling musicians in pursuit of new adventures; new stories and new sounds for their songs, never imagine they would be invited to discover the nature and power of sounds born of the unseen . . .
Prince Léyondir faces a crossroads; down one path is the life he planned for himself, on the other is a mysterious summons, an invitation to a path shrouded in ambiguity . . .
Beldrien, a sorcerer-hunter, serves as the chief spiritual advisor and right hand to a king but there is more to hunting darkness than he has learned in his years of spiritual study . . .
And in the far east wilderness of Auburntungle, an unassuming hunter dreams of a greater destiny than the life which he presently knows. Are they dreams or something else . . .
A fantasy novel by acclaimed author Micah Beardsley. Beware! It will leave you spellbound and may draw you to the unseen yourself.
The Review
What an engaging and marvelous read! The author immediately distinguishes their narrative, playing with spirituality and destiny through the introduction pages with the Council of Thunders and the Lords of Light that come forth when this fourth age arrives. The world-building and mythos that come to life on the page instantly draw the reader in and keep the narrative flowing at a great rate.
The balance of action and storytelling with fantastic character arcs was outstanding to see come to life on the page. The ideas and themes the author introduces, from finding spirituality amongst the epic tales and legends of fantasy storytelling to the concept of music having its kind of power and so much more, allowed the reader to feel more connected to this fictional world and the narrative itself.
The Verdict
Memorable, thought-provoking, and entertaining author Micah Beardsley’s “Kindred of the Unseen: The New Temple” is a must-read fantasy novel with a spiritual twist. With the compelling character dynamics at play here, the multiple points of view the story is told from, and the immersive mythology, the author has created a thrilling tale that readers will instantly fall in love with. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
The reality of the supernatural has been evident throughout my life.
Through a passion for music and sound, I have discovered and explored unseen mysteries – the realms of spirit my training ground as I continue to grow and learn of even greater realities.
In writing this book, I have explored these realms in a new way, using fantasy to push the limits of what I believe to be reality – this genre is the perfect environment to expand that foundation.
I desire to bring others along for the ride, that together, we would journey the unseen realms, and discover more about the dimensions we cannot see, and ourselves, in the process.
https://www.micahbeardsley.com
Whiskey and Warfare by EM Hamill Blog Tour OWI Blog Tours
E.M. Hamill has a new queer women-led space western out (pan, lesbian, aro/ace), Team Huntress book one: Whiskey and Warfare. And there’s a giveaway!
Running on caffeine and spite with nothing left to prove. GOLDEN GIRLS meets FIREFLY in this rollicking space opera adventure.
Maryn Alessi retired from mercenary service after her last assignment went horribly sideways and settled down on a quiet planet with the love of her life. Unexpectedly widowed, Maryn must fulfill a promise to return her mate’s ashes to zer home planet for funeral rites, but a brutal civil war has destabilized space travel.
Former Artemis Corps sisters-in-arms and their sassy ship, the Golden Girl, are up to the task, counting on luck and their rather sketchy cargo business to get Maryn passage through the contested star lanes. But when the crew of the Girl rescues survivors of a ruthless war crime, Maryn and her ride-or-die friends must take up their old profession to save the lives of innocents from a genocidal dictator.
Warnings: violence, genocide, aging, chronic illness, grief (death of spouse), PTSD
Praise for the Book:
“This is the story we all need now — filled with so much love and respect and genuinely fun adventure.” –KD Edwards, author of The Last Sun
“Every element of it just SANG. The story was *chef’s kiss*. This book is truly special.” –Sarah Chorn, author of The Necessity of Rain
“A fantastic read, a thoroughly delightful romp through space with an all-female main cast that blends crazy action scenes with deep reflection on what it means to grow older. This isn’t your parents’ Golden Girls.” –J. Scott Coatsworth, QueerSciFi.com
Universal Buy Link | Goodreads
Giveaway
E.M. is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card with this tour:
a Rafflecopter giveawayhttps://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js
Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47318/
Excerpt
Jac regarded Col with an arched eyebrow. “What happens to your species as you age? I don’t see you looking any different than the last time we got together.”
“You can’t tell?” Col stroked her furry cheeks. “I have more hair on my face.”
“Don’t we all?” Maryn gave a shaky laugh. “I look like I just hit puberty. I think my moustache is glorious.”
“I have also developed lower breasts,” the Boshi said, revealing her catlike teeth in a silent snarl of disgust.
“Mine are heading south too.” Jac cupped her tits, staring at them in contemplation.
“No. Lower breasts.” Col motioned to mid-abdomen beneath her tunic when it became clear they did not follow. “My second set.”
All three humans stared at her with varying degrees of curiosity. “What are they for?” Scylla asked.
“In my society I would be expected to help nurse the litters of my children. If I had any.” Col’s furry ears flapped as she shuddered. “Mewling, damp little things. Why anyone would want them is a mystery.”
“Ours turned out okay, and I didn’t have to get cozy with anything but a syringe,” Jac said with a laugh. “But I’m pretty sure Maya doesn’t expect me to breastfeed our grandkids.”
“Don’t look at me. I got rid of the plumbing a long time ago.” Scylla slapped her flat chest with both hands.
“How old is Maya now?” Maryn was chagrined to realize she hadn’t asked after her honorary niece.
“Twenty-one. She finished her first degree and she’s in medical residency on Telluride Station.” Jac beamed with pride. “Her gene dads still practice in New Denver, so she’s living with them. They’ve been trying to convince us to settle down there, where it’s safe and boring, but we’re not ready for that.” Something Maryn couldn’t name flitted through her expression before Jac’s face softened. “She sends her love, by the way.”
“Sweet kid. I owe her a graduation gift. What a lousy aunt I am.” She sniffed and wiped her nose with a tissue.
“You’re not.”
“I haven’t even seen her since she was six, when you came to visit.”
“She gets it, Mar.” Jac’s voice was gentle but firm, trying to head off Maryn’s slide into self-recrimination, but it was too much.
“I hate this. All of it.” She balled up the soggy paper in her fist. “I have six days left to take Andelek to Xyri before the scheduled rites and I have got to pull my shit together. I could check interplanetary express freight pricing, I guess. They’ve probably raised the rates because of the war, but I can afford it.”
Her eyes grew hot again. “But it just seems so wrong. Ze isn’t a box of supplies to be shuffled off world by a robotic pilot like so much cargo. But I don’t know what else to do.” Maryn made a frustrated noise as her voice snagged on the words. Tears came again whether she wanted them or not, and she swept the back of her hand over her eyes. “I’m running out of time.”
“About that.” Jac exchanged a long glance with Scylla before she continued, “We were talking. We want to take you to Xyri.”
The warm burst of astonished gratitude faded against an electric-jolt corkscrew of anxiety drilling into her chest. Shame came next, as always, and self-disgust filled her mouth with a sour, acetic burn.
“Are you sure?” she stammered. “It’s such a dangerous flight plan right now. It won’t complicate your business?”
“Nah. We’re still freelance.” Scylla shrugged. “Mostly private transactions. We’re our own bosses.” Her husky voice softened. “And you know the Girl would love to see you.”
“I miss her too.” Golden Girl was the well-loved privateer cruiser they’d pooled their end of tour bonuses to purchase when they left the Corps. The ship had been their home, their means of independence, and she had a definite personality. Its AI learning interface had picked up more human nuance with every mission until they treated it like a fifth crew member.
“The Girl’s small enough she doesn’t attract much attention on sensor sweeps. We need to go through Konecthedot system anyway on … business.” Jac traded another secretive nod with Scylla, and Maryn wondered what they weren’t saying.
“That is next to the front.” Col wasn’t fooled by the innocence act, her peridot eyes narrowed.
“Doesn’t mean it won’t be risky, but we can get you there in plenty of time for the remembrance rites.” Scylla cocked her head and her deep brown eyes, so dark they were almost black, glinted with hope and mischief. “Whatcha think, Mar? We can make it a girls’ trip if Col wants to tag along.”
“Yes!” the Boshi exclaimed in her sweet, breathy voice. “I have been bored out of my skull. I can work anywhere since CosBank gave me remote branch equipment.”
What her friends offered was too generous to turn down. She took a deep, steadying breath. “I don’t know what to say, except—” she gestured helplessly. “Thank you.”
Scylla gulped the rest of her wine, her enthusiasm building. “Konecthedot sector might be close to the front, but we haven’t had any issues yet. It’s less dangerous than anything we did when we were mercs. We’ve got two stops to make on the way, but after that, we head straight for the wormhole and Xyri. We can transport you faster without picking up passengers at every station like the star liners do.”
“Globney said the Qetish fleet is blocking the Pashni.” Maryn twisted her fingers together to keep them from shaking.
“They don’t bother flights that originate anywhere other than Khepra, from what we heard,” the pilot assured her, and amended with a skyward glance, “Leastways, not much.”
“I haven’t been off world since …” she faltered.
Terror. Black, endless space. Isolation. The memory threatened to overwhelm her already fragile composure.
“We know.” Jac stroked her forearm.
Of course they did. They’d saved her life.
Author Bio
E.M. (Elisabeth) Hamill writes adult science fiction and fantasy somewhere in the wilds of eastern suburban Kansas. A nurse by day, wordsmith by night, she has sworn never to grow up and get boring.
Frequently under the influence of caffeinated beverages, she also writes as Elisabeth Hamill for young adult readers in fantasy with the award-winning Songmaker series.
She lives with her family, where they fend off flying monkey attacks and prep for the zombie apocalypse.
Author Website: https://emhamill.wordpress.com
Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/EMHamill
Interview with Author Zakary Kerr
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I joined the Marine Corps at 17, but I always wanted to create and share stories. This was initially by way of video games, but as time went on and I began approaching 30, I realized that making my own game studio is unlikely for me. Still wanting to share stories and coming around to teaching, my wife actually suggested that I write and publish my ideas as books! I began looking high and low for how to structure a story, writing habits and advice, and of course information on publishing. I started in fiction, which remains unpublished, but shifted my focus to educational non-fiction as a start.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
A Practical Guide to Spanish was inspired by three things. First, my love of languages. Spanish is the fifth foreign language that I’ve taken seriously and I’d like to think that, by now, I have something of a process down. Second, is how I enjoy teaching. The more I learned, the more people came to me for advice. After noticing a series of FAQs I got and how I was able to help those around me, I figured getting it all into one place might be helpful. Third, frankly, is my personal aversion to publishing my fiction. In this genre, it’s fact-based, tried and true, where fiction is much more personal. This route was undeniably easier in more ways than one.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
What I hope my readers take from A Practical Guide to Spanish is really two things. First, that Spanish is a series of logic and patterns that can be quickly mastered if you have a keen eye for said patterns, chunk the language down to what will directly benefit you, and develop a sense of fluidity with meaning. Second, that this mindset can be applied to any language. Grammar is finite worldwide; things are things and actions are actions, no matter the language. If you understand the “theory” of grammar, learning the “practice” is exponentially easier and even more so when you can notice patterns and similarities.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
I started taking educational non-fiction seriously because I love learning and I deeply enjoy teaching. Not only is it an opportunity for me to share what I’ve learned and to help people reach their language goals, but it’s also a form of self-help exercise in my opinion. I believe that many people, at least in the US, believe that learning a language is simply out of reach for them and they couldn’t be more mistaken. There are a series of problems with how we approach language acquisition in the US whether it’s via apps, classes, or courses, ranging from the material of the media to the very mindset that they instill. Over time, I developed a strong sense of wanting to remedy that in whatever way I could which is another reason why I paused my fiction to pursue this genre.
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5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
While I have a page on Facebook and I’m active on YouTube, I’ve found the most success and engagement on TikTok. Language Haus is the channel on both YouTube and TikTok, where I share my language focused material, habits, and resources. Now that I’m posting on social media, I’m discovering first hand the challenges with it, but I’d never say no to a good learning experience even if that’s all I get from it.
6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Let your ideas run and understand that it’s as hard and expensive as you make it. Whether it’s a daydream that inspires a series or a passion or interest that you want to share, make a basic outline and start writing. The hardest part is starting, but once you do, not only is it extremely rewarding to see your final product online and/or physically, it opens up a world of opportunity. 95% of the writing, editing, and publishing processes can be done by yourself and if you have a decent eye for design, know someone with high attention to detail, and use technology as a tool (not a replacement for the human touch), then cover design, editing, and marketing can also be free or low cost. You are your own worst enemy; a limiting mindset will ruin your book a hundred times before anything else.
7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
A Practical Guide to Spanish is the first in what I call the Spanish Master Suite of Language Haus. I’ve also published a language journal and one beginner story book, but I have another Spanish story book, coloring books for kids and adults with vocabulary, and courses in the works for Spanish. This same model is going to be ported into other languages like French, Mandarin, German, and others that I know or can find partners for. I haven’t let go of my fiction though. Over time, I’d like to get back to that since psychological thrillers and historical fiction definitely take up some of my headspace. For now, though, I’m set on Spanish.
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About the Author
Zakary Kerr is the founder of Little House Publishing and the creative force behind Language Haus, a unique educational initiative dedicated to making language learning accessible and enjoyable for adults and children alike. With a passion for linguistic education and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by language learners, Zakary has developed the Language Haus Master Suite, a comprehensive series of educational resources designed to guide learners from beginner to advanced levels.
The first Language Haus Master Suite, focused on Spanish, combines a concise, practical guide, graded readers, children’s books, and engaging multimedia content. Zakary’s approach emphasizes real-world application, cultural understanding, and a structured yet flexible learning process. His materials are crafted to help learners independently achieve fluency in their target language while enjoying the journey.
Zakary continues to expand Language Haus with new language offerings, aiming to foster a global community of enthusiastic language learners.
