Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don’t forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.
Author’s name:
Lia London
Title of book and/or series:
The Gypsy Pearl
The Gypsy Pearl
Brief summary of the story:
Caz has lived on an Interplanetary City Station all her life and is bored to the point of rebellion. When a fight with a class bully gets her sent to a reformatory on “the Surface”, she heads down to the planet Caren full of anticipation. She hopes for adventure, and is more than rewarded with it when she meets an escaped delinquent, gypsies, and the alien creature that travels with them. A bizarre encounter with the creature leaves Caz with a gypsy pearl inside of her arm, and the side-effects alter the course of her destiny.
Caz has lived on an Interplanetary City Station all her life and is bored to the point of rebellion. When a fight with a class bully gets her sent to a reformatory on “the Surface”, she heads down to the planet Caren full of anticipation. She hopes for adventure, and is more than rewarded with it when she meets an escaped delinquent, gypsies, and the alien creature that travels with them. A bizarre encounter with the creature leaves Caz with a gypsy pearl inside of her arm, and the side-effects alter the course of her destiny.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
The planet Caren is somewhat Earth-like, though it spins a little faster, causing more violent fluctuations in the weather. There is an ocean with golden beaches, and mountains with green forests. The overall climate is approaching tropical. There are only about a dozen colonies on the entire planet, all located on the land mass just north of the planet’s equator. The colonies are like small villages, each with some specific purpose that serves the Granbo Solar System (with its two other inhabited planets and the Interplanetary City Station system). The Rik Peninsula is known for fishing, but it also hosts the juvenile Lamond Reformatory for delinquent youths.
The planet Caren is somewhat Earth-like, though it spins a little faster, causing more violent fluctuations in the weather. There is an ocean with golden beaches, and mountains with green forests. The overall climate is approaching tropical. There are only about a dozen colonies on the entire planet, all located on the land mass just north of the planet’s equator. The colonies are like small villages, each with some specific purpose that serves the Granbo Solar System (with its two other inhabited planets and the Interplanetary City Station system). The Rik Peninsula is known for fishing, but it also hosts the juvenile Lamond Reformatory for delinquent youths.
If we were to visit Caren as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
Definitely spend some time scuba diving, as the water is not too deep, and is not teeming with predators. Charter a fishing expedition on a hovercraft.
What dangers should we avoid in Caren?
Definitely spend some time scuba diving, as the water is not too deep, and is not teeming with predators. Charter a fishing expedition on a hovercraft.
What dangers should we avoid in Caren?
The mountain and forest regions have some dangerous animals, most notably the black vipers. They are fat snake-like things whose venom can kill in less than a minute.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Caren?
Most meals feature revos, which are a root vegetable akin to turnips or potatoes. They can be prepared in a variety of ways. Also duspies are like a purple cross between grapes (in clusters) and corn (on stalks). These are primarily eaten raw as a fruit, but can also be made into juice. The leaves of the Rik trees are also used by gypsies to make tea. The leaves contain medicinal properties that aid the memory. Rik Tea, however, is not sold in most public houses.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Caren?
Laser rifles are used by guards at the Reformatory or security patrols, but in general, the colonies on Caren do not have much weaponry. Crime is not rampant, and weapons would mostly only be used for defense against wild animals.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel on or to Caren?
To get to Caren, one would have to have gone through Quarantine on an ICS (if traveling from another planet), and then be vaccinated against local diseases. A Ferry (an egg-shaped shuttle with no windows) takes passengers into the atmosphere from the ICS and then uses parachutes for a water landing. From there, a hovercraft water ferry comes to retrieve the passengers and takes them to the docks. Magnetic planks attach to the docs, and from there people can travel by foot, by wheeled vehicles that have a driver’s cabin and a passenger cab in the back, or by skimmer–which is a two-seater motorcycle/scooter type thing that can travel parallel to the ground regardless of the angle of the terrain. There are also standard 4-seater type planes.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Caren that we don’t see on earth?
The aforementioned vipers are the largest animals indigenous to Caren, but faneps–humanoids about the size of a cat with larger eyes and razor sharp fishy teeth–can be found in swarms in the mountains and forests. These animals (unbeknownst to almost everyone) are telepathic. Sometimes they are “domesticated” and travel with gypsies as guard-dog type help, but generally they are considered repulsive and dirty.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Caren?
The Gypsy Pearl itself (the one in Caz’s arm) carries a supernatural power to make her much stronger physically, able to heal from wounds quickly, and able to defy gravity if in falling situations so that she can land safely. She can also link herself mentally to work in unison with other faneps, again defying gravity in certain maneuvers. There is more to come, but in this volume of the trilogy, that’s all we get to see.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Caren? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
Comlinks are egg-shaped communicators that can link from the Surface to any ICS in range. The communication display is a blue-ish cone of holographic display.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Caren.
Children often play with Turbo Chips, like playing cards except that each plastic piece has different shapes and purposes. There is a digital end to it, too. Holographic ids replace TV.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Caren as on earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
Earth holidays are not referenced, but the 7-day week has been artificially imposed regardless of what is actually happening. The rotation of the planet makes for 20 hour days.
What is the political or government structure in Caren? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Each of the colonies on the various planets has its own Governor, though as recently as 50 years ago, there was a Queen on Caren who managed to unify the colonies on her planet and several on the other two planets (Craggy and Type). That was known as the Empire. She was assassinated, and the colonies went back to autonomy loosely guided by the Granbo Charter, a series of laws put in place to keep relations between colonies efficient, mutually beneficial, but mostly isolated. It’s as if everyone only interacts as much as they absolutely have to.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Caren?
Caren citizens and gypsies don’t mix much. Gypsies will be hired for migrant work, and often can make a living trading valuables like the gypsy pearls, but groups just don’t mingle much.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
The whole trilogy will be looking at the balances of power, and whether or not uniformity for efficiency’s sake is truly the most productive (or happy) way to live.
The whole trilogy will be looking at the balances of power, and whether or not uniformity for efficiency’s sake is truly the most productive (or happy) way to live.
Author Autobiography:
I was born in Oregon, but spent several years living in North Carolina, Scotland and Guatemala as well as traveling in Europe and South America. Since my youth, I have loved to read and write, as well as sing. Starting in grade school, I wrote skits for class presentations and school assemblies, and by my freshman year in college had written a musical comedy which was produced by Salem, Oregon’s Children’s Educational Theaters summer troupe. I taught English, Geography, and Spanish in high schools and private language institutes until my first child was born, at which time I became a stay-home mom, tutoring for pay and writing scripts and narrations for non-profit organizations (choral, dramatic, educational and religious). In 2011, I published my first full-length novel, The Circle of Law, and entered the world of indie publishing. Since then, I have published four more books with a fifth due out this fall. Last year, I created Clean Indie Reads, a blog and FB network promoting books free of explicit content. We now have over 700 authors and a readership beyond my most ambitious aspirations. I have returned to Oregon and live with my husband, two children, a dog, and a cat. I’m also a black belt in Taekwondo.
 |
| Lia London as a “Wild Thing” when Performing a Dramatic Interpretation of “Where the Wild Things Are” in a Church Talent Show |
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)? The Gypsy Pearl is available through Amazon in both Kindle and Paperback format.
Where can readers connect with you online? Come see me at LiaLondonBooks.com or on Facebook or Twitter!
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Caren. Questions about the planet or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the planets and moons of our solar system a hundred fifty years in our future, in Realm Explorers Part IV!
-Annie Douglass Lima
Are you an author who would like your world to appear on Realm Explorers? Click here to download the instructions and interview form, or email me at [email protected] for more information.
A themed book tour through Prism Book Tours.
The Valley of Decisionby Shannon McDermott
Adult Fantasy
Paperback, 416 pages
May 31st 2014 by SALT Christian Press
Adult Fantasy
Paperback, 416 pages
May 31st 2014 by SALT Christian Press
ìA solid fantasy that wears its spirituality lightly yet effectively.î
~Kirkus Reviews (read the entire review here)
Where the Black Mountains pierce the sky, they divide the south from the north, Alamir from the kingdom of Belenus. Belenus, the undying master of the north, commanded Keiran ñ the Captain of the Hosts ñ to conquer Alamir. But the Captain is deep in conspiracy, and he has his own plans.
The Valley of Decision is a fantasy novel, a saga of slavery, freedom, and choices.
Shannon McDermott is a Christian author of speculative fiction, as well as a humorous detective series called “The Adventures of Christian Holmes“. She has written both fantasy and science fiction, and has yet to decide on which one to like better.
She was born to Wisconsin, expatriates in California, grew up on the East Coast, and now lives in the Midwest. Her principal hobbies are politics, history, novels, and coffee.
Post 8 (Beyond the Maps): The Northmen
In the uttermost north, beyond even the kingdom of Belenus, icy mountain peaks look down on the Coldlands. The Coldlands are not on our maps, not even the borders. The Alamiri do not venture even to Belenus’ home, let alone past it. But rumors come to us – from foreigners, adventurers, and far-travelers, brave, reckless, wild men.
Winter is an early-comer and a late-goer in the Coldlands. In the months of its supremacy it is fierce, scouring the country with frozen storms and bitter cold. The Northmen are pale in their looks, as if somehow brought to conformity with the ice and snow. Their eyes are blue, their hair and skin very fair.
It is said that the Northmen worship gods of war and thunder with superstitious rites, that they wear the pelts and fangs of animals, that they know nothing of letters and reading. They are called barbarians.
Are they? I suppose we shall know if we ever see them. I don’t know why we should see the Northmen; the Coldlands are so far away. But the chances of the world are strange. Maybe we will someday know the Northmen after all.
Tour-Wide Giveaway
– INT Grand Prize: $25 Amazon gift card and ebooks of The Valley of Decision and The Sunrise Windows
– 2 print copies of The Valley of Decision (US only)
Follow the Tour:
ONE BELOVED STORY
FIVE EXCITING WRITERS
A COLLECTION TO CHERISH
What happens when Cinderella is so painfully shy that she cannot bear the idea of attending the royal ball? Or when the slipper fits . . . but on the wrong girl? What happens when Cinderella is determined to oust an imposter prince from her rightful throne? Or when she is a cendrillon miner working from a space station orbiting a cthonian planet? What happens when Cinderella, a humble housemaid, is sent with a message for a prisoner trapped in a frightening fairy circus?
Here is Cinderella as you have never met her before, wearing glass slippers and off on unforgettable adventures!
Kindle eBook Sale!
The Five Glass Slippers collection will be on sale for only $.99 in Kindle formatfor the duration of the blog tour (June 23-28)!
About “What Eyes Can See” by Elisabeth Brown
Painfully shy Arella begs her stepmother to let her stay home from the prince’s ball. But kindly Duchess Germaine is determined that her beautiful stepdaughter should be presented at court along with her own two daughters. So, dressed in a gorgeous gown and a pair of heirloom slippers, Arella catches the eye of the crown prince . . . and finds her life suddenly far more complicated than she ever desired.
*
About “Broken Glass” by Emma Clifton
The slipper fits . . . but on the wrong girl! Rosalind never once danced with Prince Marius at the ball, for she is in love with his brother Henry. If only Rosalind and Marius would stop bickering long enough to invent a scheme, perhaps the three of them can find the real mystery lady. But they must work quickly, for dark deeds are afoot, and the kingdom is poised on the brink of disaster.
*
About “A Cinder’s Tale” by Stephanie Ricker
It’s a dangerous life, yet Elsa wouldn’t trade this opportunity to work at Tremaine Station, mining cendrillon from the seething surface of planet Aschen. Nevertheless, when a famous deep space explorer and his handsome son dock their starcraft at the space station, Elsa finds herself dreaming of far galaxies beyond Aschen’s blistering heat. There is no time for dreaming, however, when danger threatens the space station, and Elsa and her fellow miners are tested to the limits of their courage.
*
About “The Moon Master’s Ball” by Clara Diane Thompson
After her terrifying experience there several years ago, the one place young housemaid Tilly longs to avoid is Bromley’s Circus. But when kindly Lord Hollingberry begs her to deliver a message to the mysterious Moon Master hidden away among the circus dwellers, Tilly can’t refuse . . . and finds herself ensnared in a web of enchantment cast by the loathsome Mrs. Carlisle and her beautiful goddaughter.
And now for the story by this post’s featured author:
About “The Windy Side of Care” by Rachel Heffington
Alisandra is determined to have her rights. She knows that she is the king’s secretly dispossessed daughter, the true heir to the throne. Prince Auguste is an imposter, and if she plays her cards right, Alis will prove it to the world! That is, if charming Auguste doesn’t succeed in winning her heart before she gets her chance . . .
About Rachel Heffington
Rachel Heffington is a Christian, a novelist, and a people-lover. Outside of the realm of words, Rachel enjoys the Arts, traveling, mucking about in the kitchen, listening for accents, and making people laugh. She dwells in rural Virginia with her boisterous family and her black cat, Cricket.In February 2014, Rachel released her debut novel, Fly Away Home, and is excited to collaborate on Five Glass Slippers with her fellow authoresses. She hopes to release her second full-length novel and first mystery (Anon, Sir, Anon) in autumn 2014. For more on Rachel, her current projects, and writing in general, visit her on her blog: www.inkpenauthoress.blogspot.com.
*
Answer: I would not like to meet Laureldina, the step-mother character, because she is one of those people who never gets angry. By that, I mean she never displays anger, but smiles a sort of venomous smile and pretends to like you while entirely undoing you in the back of her eyes. Her personality works well, if briefly, in The Windy Side of Care because she proves a foil to Alis and I could just sense how awful it’d be to end up having her for a … well goodness. I almost spoiled it.
I had the opportunity to ask Rachel one question about The Windy Side of Care. Here’s my question and her answer:
Question: Tell us about a character in your story who you would NOT want to meet in real life. What is he or she like, and why does his/her personality work well in the story?
Answer: I would not like to meet Laureldina, the step-mother character, because she is one of those people who never gets angry. By that, I mean she never displays anger, but smiles a sort of venomous smile and pretends to like you while entirely undoing you in the back of her eyes. Her personality works well, if briefly, in The Windy Side of Care because she proves a foil to Alis and I could just sense how awful it’d be to end up having her for a … well goodness. I almost spoiled it.
* * *
Giveaway
Here’s your chance to be Cinderella of the ball! One lucky winner will receive a paperback copy of Five Glass Slippers, several Cinderella-themed items (including a bookmark crafted by Belle on a Budget, a journal, and a DVD copy of the Disney movie), as well as special gifts handpicked by a few of the collection’s authors (a glass slipper cookie cutter with recipe, freeze-dried astronaut ice cream, and an Apple Tree Inn cup and saucer). This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.
Young Adult Author, Emerald Barnes, is releasing her latest novel, Entertaining Angels, today. It’s a Young Adult Christian romance that faces the issues of self-esteem and weight in teens. It’s a story that will hopefully grab the attention of girls and boys alike, and help them understand that no matter what, they are beautiful.
About Entertaining Angels
“I’ve read many books that tackle the issue of spiritual warfare, but I especially loved this one. Mads was alive and real and jumped off the page! Her character is so strong, she needed strong characters to balance her, and Barnes certainly provided that in the characters of Chase and Zach.” – Author Precarious Yates
“This story is beautiful and so profound.” – Author Sylvia Stein
“I would recommend Entertaining Angels as a graceful stepping stone to self-acceptance and self-love.” – Author Christine Cunningham
———————————————————————————–
Madison Andrews can’t face her reflection in the mirror. All she sees is a big, fat nobody. Yet, deep inside she longs for something more, something that’s not skin deep.
Along comes Zach, the new guy in school. He’s smoking hot and totally out of her league. She somehow catches his eye, and he makes her feel beautiful for once. But just as she gets close to Zach, her nerdy best friend, Chase, won’t let Madison doubt her true beauty, no matter how many meals she skips. Even as Madison begins to realize that she is more than what she thinks, darker forces are at work, darker than the lies and mocking from her peers, stopping her from amounting to her full potential. Can Madison find true happiness in her own skin?
———————————————————————————–
A Word from the Author
Entertaining Angels is near and dear to my heart. Essentially, it’s my story. I have struggled with my weight issues for many years, and I remember clearly the very first day I fell victim to the word fat I am more than that label. I am a Child of God, and He wanted me to see that. Making a long story short here, I have began to realize that although I am overweight, it’s not who I am. I am so much more, and He wanted me to share that story with everyone else, especially young adults and woman who need to be reminded just how beautiful they are. If you do buy Entertaining Angels, I hope that it shows you just how beautiful, or handsome if you’re a guy, you are.
———————————————————————————–
Giveaway Time!
Enter to win this autographed (by Emerald) tote bag with the Bible Verse Psalm 91:11 on it, and this notebook that says “God Makes Beautiful Things.” (US Only please. If you’re international, Emerald will send you an e-book and choose another winner.)
————————————————————————————
Where can you purchase Entertaining Angels?
Amazon / Barnes and Noble
Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don’t forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.
Author’s name:
Katy Huth Jones
Title of book and/or series:
Leandra’s Enchanted Flute
Leandra’s Enchanted Flute
Brief summary of the story:
Fourteen-year-old Leandra is brought to a magical land by a talking Carolina wren named Songcatcher. He believes she can save them from a canker destroying the land, since she beat cancer and her flute has been transformed by the magic of Finian Jahndra.
Fourteen-year-old Leandra is brought to a magical land by a talking Carolina wren named Songcatcher. He believes she can save them from a canker destroying the land, since she beat cancer and her flute has been transformed by the magic of Finian Jahndra.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Finian Jahndra is the magical heart of a distant world, bordered on three sides by ocean. The only land border is formed by mountains and a wide, swift river. Most of the inhabitants are sentient birds. For millennia they have remained isolated from humans except for a trusted few who help protect the realm from invasion.
Finian Jahndra is the magical heart of a distant world, bordered on three sides by ocean. The only land border is formed by mountains and a wide, swift river. Most of the inhabitants are sentient birds. For millennia they have remained isolated from humans except for a trusted few who help protect the realm from invasion.
If we were to visit Finian Jahndra as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
Definitely begin in the Enchanted Forest, where you’ll find trees with bell-like leaves, flowers that smell like chocolate, and rainbow-colored birds who will sing along with you in a delightful chorus. Next visit the humans’ lovely castle made of stone, and if you have time, travel north to the eagles’ Aerie in the mountains. You may want to avoid the plains in the west; the ostriches are not very hospitable.
Definitely begin in the Enchanted Forest, where you’ll find trees with bell-like leaves, flowers that smell like chocolate, and rainbow-colored birds who will sing along with you in a delightful chorus. Next visit the humans’ lovely castle made of stone, and if you have time, travel north to the eagles’ Aerie in the mountains. You may want to avoid the plains in the west; the ostriches are not very hospitable.
What dangers should we avoid in Finian Jahndra?
Since only the great eagles are larger than their Earth counterparts, if you see anything else larger than usual, such as vultures, cockroaches, worms, etc., then RUN!
Since only the great eagles are larger than their Earth counterparts, if you see anything else larger than usual, such as vultures, cockroaches, worms, etc., then RUN!
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Finian Jahndra?
If you’re not partial to insects (live or cooked), there are starberries and graflax cakes available, which taste like honey granola.
If you’re not partial to insects (live or cooked), there are starberries and graflax cakes available, which taste like honey granola.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Finian Jahndra?
The humans use bows and arrows, slings, and catapults as defensive weapons. The birds use beaks and talons to great advantage, especially when flying in formation or running, in the case of ostriches.
The humans use bows and arrows, slings, and catapults as defensive weapons. The birds use beaks and talons to great advantage, especially when flying in formation or running, in the case of ostriches.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Finian Jahndra?
The only way to travel to Finian Jahndra from Earth is via a song discovered by Songcatcher the Carolina wren. Within Finian Jahndra one must walk, fly, or ride an obliging ostrich.
The only way to travel to Finian Jahndra from Earth is via a song discovered by Songcatcher the Carolina wren. Within Finian Jahndra one must walk, fly, or ride an obliging ostrich.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Finian Jahndra that we don’t see on Earth?
The trees are sentient, even though their language is felt, not heard, so don’t even think about cutting firewood. The birds are also sentient, with some being more verbose than others. All species are similar to those on Earth with the exception of the great eagles.
The trees are sentient, even though their language is felt, not heard, so don’t even think about cutting firewood. The birds are also sentient, with some being more verbose than others. All species are similar to those on Earth with the exception of the great eagles.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Finian Jahndra? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
The magic of Finian Jahndra emanates from the life force of the trees and birds, radiating out from the Enchanted Forest. As long as the balance of nature remains, so does the magic, extending long life to the birds. Allseer, for example, is over 2,000 years old. Since the humans are not indigenous to Finian Jahndra, their health is merely improved so most of them live a full 70 or 80 years, barring accidents.
The magic of Finian Jahndra emanates from the life force of the trees and birds, radiating out from the Enchanted Forest. As long as the balance of nature remains, so does the magic, extending long life to the birds. Allseer, for example, is over 2,000 years old. Since the humans are not indigenous to Finian Jahndra, their health is merely improved so most of them live a full 70 or 80 years, barring accidents.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Finian Jahndra.
For most of the birds, music is the most important activity (after eating), and because of this the humans all learn to sing and/or play a musical instrument.
For most of the birds, music is the most important activity (after eating), and because of this the humans all learn to sing and/or play a musical instrument.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Finian Jahndra as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
The days are close to 24 hours, and a year is similar to ours, but the birds don’t reckon time as we do; because they live so long, only the four seasons of each year matter to them. The humans do celebrate birthdays as well as the anniversary of the king’s reign.
The days are close to 24 hours, and a year is similar to ours, but the birds don’t reckon time as we do; because they live so long, only the four seasons of each year matter to them. The humans do celebrate birthdays as well as the anniversary of the king’s reign.
What is the political or government structure in Finian Jahndra? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he?
There is always a bird who is Lord of the Enchanted Forest; in Leandra’s Enchanted Flute it is Allseer the wise owl. The humans have a king who consults with him. Currently on the throne is King Willow Bunting, but he is absent for most of LEF.
There is always a bird who is Lord of the Enchanted Forest; in Leandra’s Enchanted Flute it is Allseer the wise owl. The humans have a king who consults with him. Currently on the throne is King Willow Bunting, but he is absent for most of LEF.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Finian Jahndra?
Never forget that the birds of Finian Jahndra feel themselves equal to or a little better than us humans, so we should never treat them like “wild animals.” After all, they were here first.
Never forget that the birds of Finian Jahndra feel themselves equal to or a little better than us humans, so we should never treat them like “wild animals.” After all, they were here first.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
My three years living in Hawaii inspired the Enchanted Forest to be a colorful paradise.
My three years living in Hawaii inspired the Enchanted Forest to be a colorful paradise.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
Not sure if it’s “controversial” but some might be uncomfortable with a main character who has incurable cancer.
Not sure if it’s “controversial” but some might be uncomfortable with a main character who has incurable cancer.
Author Autobiography:
When not writing, Katy Huth Jones plays flute and piccolo with a regional symphony. She’s been a published author since 1992, mostly for children, and her favorite genres to write and read are fantasy and historical fiction. She and her husband Keith live in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, and their two sons, whom she homeschooled, have flown the nest. Like Leandra, Katy is a cancer survivor.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)?
Right now Leandra’s Enchanted Flute and its sequel, Return to Finian Jahndra, are only available in digital format from Amazon.
Where can readers connect with you online?
www.katyhuthjones.blogspot.com, on Twitter @KatyHuthJones, or [email protected]
www.katyhuthjones.blogspot.com, on Twitter @KatyHuthJones, or [email protected]
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Finian Jahndra. Questions about the world or the series? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the planet Caren in Realm Explorers Part III!
-Annie Douglass Lima
Are you an author who would like your world to appear on Realm Explorers? Click here to download the instructions and interview form, or email me at [email protected] for more information.
Adam’s Animals – Fun Facts About God’s Creation just released this spring!
Is your church running a Vacation Bible School (VBS) program this summer based on the Weird Animals curriculum? http://www.group.com/vbs/weird-animals
Consider using Adam’s Animals along with the accompanying craft book, Super Simple Animal Crafts http://bit.ly/SuperSimpleAnimalCraftsin your Sunday School program leading up VBS. It’s a great resource for your church to generate interest in your summer programs.
Adam’sAnimals is anentertaining and educational book that offers children loads of fun while they learn about the Bible.
Inside you’ll find:
• Bible stories about the animal
• Fascinating facts about each animal
• Whimsical illustrations for creative coloring fun
• Word search puzzles to learn new words and improve spelling
Watch a video of author Kimberley Payne reading from Adam’s Animals http://bit.ly/ReadingFromAdamsAnimalsView sample pages from Adam’s Animals
What others are saying about Adam’s Animals
“Kimberley looks at the creatures found in the Bible and gives children some incredible scientific facts about them. She then follows those facts up with Scripture references from the Bible on what God has to say about the many animals she has listed in this book. If your child is one who likes “Did you know…?” books, they’ll love this one. Included in the book are word search activities and pictures to color. ” – Laura Davis
“Author Kimberly Payne has done a thorough job of researching the animal kingdom and combining it with scripture and biblical stories. This book has many fascinating facts about animals and is laid our in a very organized manner with pictures to color and word puzzles.” – Carol Stratton
“From ants to worms, children will not only find the facts interesting, some will even make them giggle. At the same time, they are learning how creative God is that he would make so many animals with distinct characteristics.”– Carol Round
“I plan to use this book in our home school program as it integrates faith, science, language and art.
My kids love it – there is much information in it, our 12 year old couldn’t get through it in one sitting.” – Michelle Evans
My kids love it – there is much information in it, our 12 year old couldn’t get through it in one sitting.” – Michelle Evans
“This is a delightful book filled with (as promised) fun facts about God’s creatures. I appreciated the focus on scripture and how Kimberley aligns God’s word with God’s creatures. The word challenges are a wonderful way to hone other skills such as spelling and reading, too, so this is a great activity to go along with the information. “– Glynis Belec
“This children’s activity book cleverly ties in scripture, so not only does it teach the inquisitive child about God’s creations, but also about God’s word.“—Melanie Fischer
About the Author
Kimberley Payne is an award-winning author who combines her teaching experience and love of writing to create educational materials for children about family, fitness, science and faith. You can visit her website at www.kimberleypayne.com
Service Station AngelBy Lisa J. Schuster
About the Book:
Sometimes God places you in a situation of great perplexity, but you perceive His intentions are premeditated and purposeful. Do you trust His lead? “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” – Psalms 37:7 (NIV)
Ernie Price is a middle-aged, humble-hearted man who owns and operates a service station in a rural Midwest town in Upper Michigan, back in a time when full service was the only service, and you got your windows cleaned and your tires pumped for free. Ernie’s life has been a reflection of God’s love, giving of himself fully and graciously to people in the community and his church. As music director for the children’s choir or hosting the yearly Christmas party for the less-fortunate children in town, Ernie impacted lives and was loved by many. When trouble rocks the small town and Ernie is physically incapacitated to offer his help, the community is left to pick up the pieces, mourn, and move on, while Ernie wrestles with the spiritual questions of his accident:
My glimpse of heaven is for what purpose on earth?
Why do I feel compelled to help this stranger know the love of the Lord? Who is this stranger anyway?
This heartwarming story of love, faithful forgiveness and following God’s perfect plan, will inspire and delight!
Faith, family and friends inspired Lisa J. Schuster to write again and God nudged her to publish her first novel, Service Station Angel. She believes the words in this book are her service to others, so that they may find joy and comfort during a season of time when they need it most. “May your hand reach up towards His so that you may touch another with Jesus’ abundant love,” prays Lisa. Lisa lives in Highlands Ranch, Colorado with her husband and two children. She enjoys creative writing, traveling, working with inner city youth, bible study groups, singing and theater.
Follow Lisa J. Schuster
Enter to Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!
Enter below to enter a $50 amazon gift card, sponsored by author Lisa J. Schuster! a Rafflecopter giveaway This book blast is hosted by Crossreads. We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!
Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don’t forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.
Author’s name:
Dyego Alehandro
Title of book and/or series:
Avarice Dynasty: Evasion
Brief summary of the story:
Drevin Cantrim awakens to find out he’s one of the few survivors of a starliner explosion, and that the tragedy was no accident. He must race to try and figure out what he might have done to anger the Barons before their unstoppable assassin finds him and his friends.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
The Frontier Worlds are on the other side of the Milky Way galaxy in a dense supercluster of stars. There are 105 star systems with habitable planets or otherwise exploitable celestial bodies. One of the planets visited in the story is New Mercury, a frozen rock that’s farthest from its star. It is a harsh existence but the mineral and liquid wealth of the planet means that there are always people living there. It is located in the Canine Taurus star system, in the Canine Star Province.
If we were to visit New Mercury as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
During Sunside, there are regular tourist tours out to the mining facilities and the Worlds-famous Hosgen Glaciers. Several of the enclosed cities, known as Habitats, have excellent spas using fresh glacier water. New Mercury is not generally considered a tourist destination, however, so most of the locals would point you elsewhere for a visit.
What dangers should we avoid on New Mercury?
Never try to fly or visit the surface without protection, and definitely don’t do it during Farside. That’s when the planet’s long rotation turns it away from the sun. The temperatures drop so quickly that the methane freezes right out of the atmosphere, dropping in large, dangerous chunks of ice.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served on New Mercury?
Amazingly enough, there are six types of aquatic animals that can survive the extremely harsh environment. Three of those species are edible as expensive delicacies that are only available onsite.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common on New Mercury?
New Mercury is in the realm of the BloodGutters, one of the six currently-ruling Alpha Cartels. The BloodGutters, as their name implies, favor vicious warfare with a lot of chemical weapons. The planet itself has never been the site of a battle during either of the Cartel Wars; the locals figure they have a rough enough existence and don’t bother with war.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter on New Mercury that we don’t see on Earth? The only plant life are microscopic algae that populate the vast frozen oceans, and which feed two of the six aquatic species. The six-foot-long Mercales are the top predators and make for an excellent soup.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology on New Mercury?
New Mercury is one of the few planets where the cities are completely enclosed. The large transparent domes must be protected during Farside, otherwise the constant methane-ice bombardment would crack them open. Large metal armor plates are raised over the cities every time the planet starts to head Farside. This armor system is one of the greatest, and most expensive, technological wonders of the Frontier Worlds.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same on New Mercury as on Earth?
New Mercury does not have a local calendar that is anywhere near Old Earth’s. The planet with the calendar closest to Old Earth is called Prime. To give an example, New Mercury’s nights last six Prime days and it has no moon so there are no technical months. Its year, measured by how long it takes to orbit, is 204 Prime years. The locals are kept in sync with the rest of the Frontier Worlds because every planet goes by Prime time, regardless of local conditions. That’s a good thing, because none of the locals would ever get to celebrate a birthday if they went by New Mercury time.
Is there a particular religion practiced on New Mercury? Please describe what it involves.
Religion is a varied thing in the Frontier Worlds. Most of the people who left Old Earth brought a form of religion with them, but by the time they reached the Frontier Worlds these had changed. Most believe in a God of some sort, and the Bible is still regularly used, but there are not many standardized religions left after the Anarchy and the Cartel Wars. Spur Tarc is fairly famous on New Mercury as a radical preacher who claims that a person’s footwear is exceedingly important in gaining God’s approval.
What is the political or government structure on New Mercury? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
The power structure in the Frontier Worlds goes Barons > Alpha Cartels > Local Government. In the more populous and frequented worlds, the Barons and Alpha Cartels exert a huge amount of influence. New Mercury is a distant and harsh planet, so the Barons barely even notice it. There is a BloodGutter Governor-General in charge, but she rarely visits the planet. The local Habitats have a loose coalition of mayors who make and enforce the day-to-day laws. Government is something that isn’t really on the minds of the locals; survival is a more pressing and urgent need.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit New Mercury?
If the Habitat you wish to visit is on the Farside they will be completely out of contact for up to six days. This has led to a culture where people are regularly cut off from the outside world and must rely on each other for anything they need. Patience is a huge virtue among New Mercurians, and anybody who tries to force a conversation or a landing with a Farside Habitat is usually shot out of the sky with little warning. They take their survival and their culture very seriously.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
New Mercury was inspired by the three years I spent in a small town in Iowa when I was 9-12. The world froze over every winter, something I wasn’t used to in southern California, and everything seemed to grind to a halt. The town was close-knit and everybody knew everybody else. Going outside required effort and at times great expense.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
I write mostly for entertainment value. If I had to pick a theme, it would be this: humans are quite capable of ruining our own lives without needing evil alien overlords invading. But despite the sunken depths of humanity, there will always be those few who stand up and try to make things better. Drevin Cantrim is one of those people.
Author Autobiography:
I was born not far from Los Angeles and spent the next nine years living in seven or eight different locations in southern California. I moved to Iowa for three years (and two different houses) and then back to California. Then I moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1999 and have lived in that hot dustbowl ever since. I started writing just before the move to Iowa and haven’t stopped since. I enjoy playing computer and board games with my wife, and am an Adult Fan of Legos.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)?
The ebook is available from Amazon in kindle format, and available as every other format from Smashwords. There is also a print edition available from Amazon as well.
By the way, there is a FREE short story collection set in the same universe, in case anyone wants to see some other worlds and characters or just find out if they like my writing style. Click here to download your copy now!
Where can readers connect with you online? There’s my blog, which I don’t update nearly often enough. There’s also Facebook, Twitter and GooglePlus. There’s also the main portal to all of my books, including those I’ve co-authored.
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to New Mercury. Questions about the planet or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you! Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the fantasy world of Finian Jahndra, in Realm Explorers Part II!
-Annie Douglass Lima
Are you an author who would like your world to appear on Realm Explorers? Click here to download the instructions and interview form, or email me at [email protected] for more information.
Today I’m interviewing Allyson Carter, author of Wounded Hearts. Make sure you read to the bottom for a description of the story and links to buy the book or connect with the author online.
Tell us about things you enjoy — what you do for fun or personal satisfaction besides writing?
I like to spend time with my family, singing, but what you can find me doing most of the time in my spare time is knitting. I can’t be without needles in my hands.
Tell us about working with any people who help you create your books — do you use beta readers? Hire an editor or proofreader? How do you get your covers?
I do use beta readers and critique partners as I write. At this moment my cover art comes from my publisher, which by the way, they have some great cover artist. I have a couple in mind for when I self-publish later this year.
Tell us about your newest book. Make us want to read it.
This book is like totally my baby. It was the second book I’d written, and it has been rewritten three times. It just wasn’t there where it should be, so I’d play around with some more. Once I added suspense it just clicked.
It’s about a woman who’s been scorned by men. She just wants nothing to do with them at this time, except her brother’s best friend comes back from war and moves in across the street from her. She begins to get threatening messages and runs into the hero’s arms. They have to fight their way to make it out alive.
What is the “message” of your writing? (For example, is your purpose to encourage old-fashioned values, encourage romance, or do you have different purposes in different books?)
I want to show that you can have sweet and Christian romance and still show attraction and chemistry. They don’t have to cross the line but it can still be there. Another thing is to show that love is worth fighting for and God has a plan for us all.
Share something that’s amazing, touching, or that makes you angry.
That would have to be seeing how children and people in general with Autism are treated unfairly at times. I have three on the spectrum so this touches close to home for me. I wish people would understand they want what we all want. They want to be heard, loved and treated just like you would anyone else.What’s your next project? Tell us so we can’t wait for it to come out!
That would be book to in the Southern Morality series. It will focus on Shelby’s best friend Mary and her brother Jace.
I don’t want to give too much away as there’s some spoilers in book one. Someone’s killing off people she loves and she finds herself next on the list.
I don’t want to give too much away as there’s some spoilers in book one. Someone’s killing off people she loves and she finds herself next on the list.
What is your current work in progress?
I’m working on book 2 along with rewriting my first book that was published under my pen name. The rights have been reverted back to me, so I plan on publishing it later this year.
About the Book:
After a bitter divorce, Shelby Johnson is looking to rebuild a life for her and her daughter, Hannah, while avoiding the thing she mistrusts most: men. Her resolve is tested, however, when her brother’s best friend, Mark, moves in across the street and her long-buried feelings for him return. Can she possibly open up her heart again? Is she willing to let herself love? When someone threatens her life she quickly realizes that her heart isn’t the only thing on the line and she turns to the only man she feels she can trust.
Reliving everything he lost overseas, Mark Daniels goes back to his hometown to try and live a peaceful life but instead gets caught up in Shelby’s troubles.. He knows she needs someone to protect her but can he be that man? Except, being near Shelby again is making him feel things he’d rather never feel—again. When his past comes to haunt him in a way he never excepted, he vows to protect Shelby and her daughter until his last breath.
Excerpt from the Story:
“Stay right here, sweetie.”
Reaching in, she picked up the paper. At first the words written on the thing didn’t register. She had to re-read them twice.
Keep quiet or else.
Her hands shook. A lump formed in her throat. When Mark walked out to the car, their gazes met. She noted the concern on his face as he stared at her.
“What’s the matter, Shell?”
She tried to talk, but nothing would come out. When he rushed to her side, she gave him the note. The words had been created with letters out of magazines or something, glued to the paper. She tightened her hold on Hannah. Someone had put the paper there when they were a few feet away. Why?
“Take Hannah and move to the sidewalk.”
Shelby nodded then moved to where he told her. He pulled out his cell and punched in a number. Mark moved with determination as he talked on the phone with the police. Within moments, a squad car showed up. So much for not having attention on her while she was out with Mark. Who had put the note in her car? Better yet, how did they get in when she’d locked the car?
“Shelby, do you have someone mad at you?” Detective Moore asked as he shut the door to his car and made his way over to her.
You can buy Wounded Hearts from Sweet Cravings Publishing, Amazonand ARe.
Let Me Walk with You: Letters of Faith and StrengthBy Gisela Yohannan
About the Book:
Are you feeling alone or overwhelmed in your journey with the Lord Jesus? In this volume of letters, originally addressed to women serving on the challenging mission fields of South Asia, Gisela Yohannan shares precious lessons from her own life and insights from God’s Word that will fill your heart with faith and strength, no matter where you are in your walk with Jesus. By His grace, you will make it!
Gisela Yohannan serves the Lord along with her husband, K.P. Yohannan, who is the founder and international director of Gospel for Asia. Gisela ministers to thousands of Christian women in many countries, teaching God’s Word with deep insight and practical life application. She has written four other books.
Follow Gisela Yohannan
Enter to Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!
Enter below to enter a $50 amazon gift card, sponsored by author Gisela Yohannan! a Rafflecopter giveaway This book blast is hosted by Crossreads. We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!