Interview With Brad Convissar

It is with a great deal of pleasure that I welcome my guest today author, Brad Convissar. He has graciously agreed to take time from his busy schedule and answer some questions for us. So lets get to it.

Bio: Not much interesting to say about me. I was born on Fort Benning Army Base in Georgia in 1977 but spent most of my formative years in southern NJ, outside if Philadelphia.

I attended Tulane University in New Orleans in the late nineties, where I earned my bachelors degree in evolutionary biology, then spent the next four years trapped in scenic Newark, New Jersey, earning my DMD from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

Now in my thirties, I find myself living back in the same zip code I grew up in, but in a different house with my own family. I have a son and a daughter and a diabetic Daschund named Friday who is prematurely going blind. But I love him anyway. When I am not filling cavities or performing root canals or extracting teeth or fabricating dentures, I am writing, playing with my kids, playing video games, reading comic books(yes, I am a geek and proud of it) or watching my beloved Philadelphia Phillies or less than beloved Philadelphia Eagles.

My favorite writers are Stephan King, Clive Baker, Neil Gaiman, Jeffrey Deaver, Jim Butcher, Simon Green, and the duo of Preston and Child, both individually and when they write together.

 

Tell us a little bit about your book Dogs of War and how it came to be.

Dogs of War is a different type of ghost story.  I like to refer to it as a a brutal, heart-wrenching tale of love, sacrifice and revenge.  The story is told from the first person point of view, but the main character is not the narrator, Gary, but his dog, Molly. Gary is the vehicle through which Molly's story is told.  How did it come to be... that is tough to talk about.  Life can be difficult sometimes.  You look around at the news, on the internet, on the radio, and see bad people, evil people, get away with committing horrendous crimes.  And you feel powerless, even if it doesn't affect you directly, because there is a feeling that there is no justice in the world.  And sometimes the only way I can fell some semblance of justice is to write.  Because when I write, the bad people generally get what's coming to them.  Dogs of War is a story written for this reason.  I don't know if everyone remembers Michael Vick.  He was the quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons.  He committed awful crimes.  Heinous acts of torture and murder.  And he only got two years in jail. Because his victims were only dogs.  I was angry, but time heals wounds, and I forgot about it over the years.  But when my home town football team, the Philadelphia Eagles, signed him several years ago, I was disgusted and angry and I wrote Dogs of War in response to this monster being re-introduced back into my life.

The book cover is rather unusual and spooky. Did someone design it for you? Did you have any input?

I actually used a free graphics program called GIMP to take picture I found of a barking pit bull (from Flickr under the Creative commons attribution license) and transformed it into an eerie black and white sketch.  I wanted to do something professional, but the cost is prohibitive, especially for a $.99 novella, so I went at it on my own.  I was happy with the results.

How did you happen to go from evolutionary biology to dental school?

My dad's a dentist.  I always knew I was going to be a dentist.  36 hour work weeks, good pay, make my own hours, take vacations when I want to.  Plenty of free time to spend with the family I knew I would have, and plenty of time to write.  Not a bad life.  At Tulane, if you were going pre-med or pre-dental, you needed to be a biology major.  And it was either molecular biology or evolutionary biology.  And I hate molecular bio.  Funny thing... I needed recommendations for dental school, so I went to the two professors I was closest with, an English professor and a Biology professor.  Neither of them wanted to write me recommendations, because they both felt that my talents would be wasted.  My English professor thought I should be writing for a living, and my biology professor thought I should be traveling the world and studying animals, like Darwin or the late Stephen Jay Gould.  But both relented and finally wrote me recommendations.

I find it even more fascinating that a dentist ends up writing horror stories. How did that come about?

I grew up reading Stephen King, Dean Koontz, John Saul and Clive Barker.  My dad was a fan, so the hardcovers were always lying around.  I love the psychological horror of the eighties and nineties.  And I miss it.  At the risk of stepping on other author's toes, I feel that the "horror" genre has changed in the past decade.  Now, when people think horror, they think vampires and zombies and viruses and post-apocalyptic futures and slashers and gore and violence.  Just as with movies today, when you say horror, people think the SAW movies, not Jaws and the Exorcist.  I struggle with my genre regularly.  What I write is horror, I think.  But not really, not by today's standards.  So is thriller, then?  Supernatural thriller?  Dark fiction?  Anyway, whatever it is I write, I do it because I like to explore the dark corners of the human mind, where men become monsters, monsters become men, and no one is truly safe from others or themselves.

I noticed on your bio on Smashwords that you listen to some rather strange and unusual CD's while driving your car. Can you enlighten us about that?

Some people write while listening to classical music. Some people write in silence. I like writing to loud, angry music. It just gets me in the proper mood for writing; I can't get into my work unless my blood is pumping and I'm snarling slightly.

Do you have any WIP? If so, can you tell us about it?

Let's see... I am in the process of combining the six short story collections I have released into two volumes, making it easier and cheaper for people to pick them up.  I am editing another novella, King of the Merge, for release around Halloween. Another ghost story, inspired by an episode a couple of years ago when when the driver next to me almost got crushed by an eighteen wheeler.  He was so intent on beating me to where our two lanes merged that he blew through a red light. And after that... I have several started novels that I can continue work on.  Haven't decided which one, though.

Tell us something about Brad Convissar that the readers may not know about.
There is nothing more satisfying for me than when the tooth I've been struggling to extract for the past half hour finally comes out with a soft pop.

Where I can be found:

Blog: http:  www.pandoraschildren.com

Follow me at: http://twitter.com/bconvisdmd

Like me at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bradley-Convissar-Author/178862205471284

Purchase me at:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SHNS0K



Special Announcement from Seventh Star Press

Seventh Star Press is proud to unveil the title and brand new cover art
for Stephen Zimmer's third Rising Dawn Saga novel: The Seventh Throne.

A bold, ambitious series that pushes the boundaries of urban fantasy, The
Rising Dawn Saga has gained a steadily growing, very dedicated following
since the debut of The Exodus Gate in spring of 2009.  Showing the
epic-scale possibilities of urban fantasy, the series draws heavily upon
mythical and supernatural lore, weaving it into a modern day tale of a
world tilting swiftly towards a dystopian nightmare.

Readers who have been journeying along in the Rising Dawn Saga will need
to hold on to their seat, as a conflict of cosmic scope escalates rapidly.
They will join the human soul Friedrich as he accompanies the powerful
Avatar Enki into the depth of the Abyss, to discover the fate of
Erishkegal, who crossed the Veil to spare a horde of outcast Nephilim ages
ago.  It is a quest that will take them to the brink of hell itself, but
it is one that may hold astounding revelations.

Elsewhere, martial law is installed across the UCAS during the outbreak of
a deadly virus, and the onset of a war to the far east that threatens the
stability of the entire world.  The imposition of a diabolical technology
looms, as centuries-old organizations in the service of Adonai race to
confront the looming menace.

Gregory Andreas, an ex-marine, leads a budding resistance to the
authoritarian government, as Dagian Underwood, the mastermind behind the
oncoming Living ID technology, reaches out to the dark realm of Set to
gain the help of an ally with a rare, formidable ability.  Seth Engel and
his teenaged friends venture forth once again to seek proof of spreading
rumors; this time of rounded-up townspeople being herded into large
detainment facilities close to Godwinton.

Even the shapeshifting An-Ki are caught in the maelstrom of uncertainty,
as Godral and their others of Sargor's clan struggle to find their place
in the strange modern world, and Uria leads his renegade new clan into the
unknown.  His path leads to an encounter with a mysterious individual
possessed of supernatural powers; who expresses the desire to be his
guide.

Threads intertwine as the dangers increase, and nowhere is safe as the
things of the material and non-material worlds clash.  The Seventh Throne
will leave the reader hungry for the next installment, after a revelation
of tremendous magnitude culminates the latest Rising Dawn Saga adventure.

"I am very excited about this installment, as with three books out in the
Rising Dawn Saga I can really show readers how I build a series," Stephen
Zimmer commented.  "Everything builds, and threads that may have seemed
ambiguous in the earlier books pay off in droves.  For the dedicated
reader, I have worked hard to bring a level of range and depth that can be
explored again and again."

As with the previous Rising Dawn Saga books, readers can expect another
full set of Matthew Perry illustrations, with eight brand new ones
included in the regular edition of the book.  The extensive Matthew Perry
body of artwork produced for The Rising Dawn Saga is, without a doubt,
highly unique in the publishing of fantasy works today, regardless of
major press or small press classification.

A pre-ordering window is now open for readers interested in a limited
edition hardcover of The Seventh Throne, which features a Matthew Perry
illustration not included in the regular editon.  Only 75 numbered/signed
copies of the limited edition will be issued, at a price of just $35.95.

There is also a special pre-order offer for the regular trade paperback
edition.  Both of the pre-order offers include an array of collectibles
from The Seventh Throne.  Copies can be pre-ordered in the online store at
http://www.seventhstarpress.com/documents/books.html and all pre-ordered
packages will be shipped no later than August 16th.

The Seventh Throne will ultimately be available in trade paperback,
hardcover, and a variety of eBook editions.

Updates and additional information can be obtained at the official site
for Seventh Star Press, at www.seventhstarpress.com , or at the author's
site at www.stephenzimmer.com

The Soldier

The Soldier

Grace Burrows

Sourcebooks Casablanca

ISBN 9781402245671

   Devlin St. Just is the illegitimate son of the Duke of Moreland. He arrives at his new estate, battered physically, as well as, emotionally. To make matters worse, the estate is no better off then he is. While working on the estate, St. Just discovers the previous owners illegitimate daughter is there, and has now become the responsibility of St. Just. He manages to connive Winnie's cousin to act as temporary governess to the girl; but he discovers she can nurture him as well.

   Devlin's broken spirit calls to Emmie; but she has secrets of her own that she is hiding. Devlin is determined to find out the truth and capture Emmie in the process. Will the three of them be able to find love and happiness together? Will the brokenness draw them together or further apart?

   This is the second book in the Duke's Obsession Series. I have not had the pleasure of reading the first book; but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It is a heart warming story of love and devotion. It is a witty, sensitive read full of seduction and romance. All three of the main characters are consumed with pain and heartache. All are suffering from pasts that have brought them to a place where their lives are full of desperation and need. Once I started reading this book, I was hard pressed to put it down. If you are fond of historical romance, I highly recommend this book.

   I wish to thank Sourcebooks for providing me with an ARC for reading and reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated in any way except for receiving the book to read and review.

I give The Soldier 4 out of 5 stars

Interview with Author Kelvin O'Ralph

It is my pleasure to have as my guest, author, Kelvin O'Ralph on my blog today. My blog is todays stop on his LS: The Beginning Blog Tour

1-Tell us a little about your book, LS: The Beginning.
   LS: The Beginning is the first book of a paranormal romance series, and it's set in a fictional city called, Sloutenville. It's written in first person and also in a style young adults would enjoy.

Blurb: A handshake between strangers has never held so much promise for discovery.

When Stephen Wilson meets Lisa Morgan at his new school in Sloutenville, it is the simple act of extending his hand in greeting that flips both of their worlds upside-down. With the gesture, both discover that in some way they are connected, and that they share the ability to manipulate the elements, fire and water. Though their abilities vary, they share the gift of telepathy allowing them to communicate without words, which creates a bond between them stronger than either had expected.

As the two begin to spend more and more time together, David, Lisa's ex becomes wild with jealousy, and launches multiple attacks on Lisa. In the fight against the dangers that await them around every corner, Stephen and Lisa soon discover that they are up against much greater odds than they had originally known, and that their struggles are far from over.

2-Does 'LS' have a particular significance to the story? If so, what is it?   The story is mainly about the adventures the male and female MC encounter. I wanted to name it "The Adventures of LS" but decided to stick with LS.

3-The title tells me there will be more to follow. Is that the case and if so, when can we expect them? Can you give us a little info?   As I aforesaid, this is the first book in series, and there's going to be definitely more. I've written the sequel to this book, and will release it during fall when it's been edited by a professional editor.

4-Are there any other WIP? Anything you can share with us?   Yes, certainly. I'm working on a fantasy romance comedy at the moment. it's not in a series, but all I can give out for now is that it's going to be epic. Hopefully, I should release it on Amazon Kindle before the year ends.

5-Who has had the most influence on your writing?   Hmm, I would say, Amanda Hocking. She'd inspired me to keep writing with her successful life as a writer. Same with J. K. Rowling.

6-What has been your biggest obstacle to date, as far as, your writing is concerned?   Meeting a deadline. I always get swamped in the process of writing, either work or college get in the way of my writing time. I hope someday I'll be able to focus fully on writing.

7-Do you design your own cover art or does someone do it for you?   As a matter of fact, I do design my own art. I use a bit of photoshop and fotoflexer to design the covers. I'm releasing the cover of my next book (the sequel to LS: The Beginning) very soon.

8-What do you do for fun and relaxation?   Read and go to the cinema. Occasionally, I go out with friends to the park or anywhere interesting to have fun.

9-Tell us something about Kelvin O'Ralph that your readers may not be aware of.   Some people read LS: The Beginning and wonder if I'm writing my life-story. Sadly, I'm not. It has 100% nothing to do with, and after reading the subsequent books, you'd understand better.

Kelvin is giving away two ebooks to two winners who comment on this post. The winners will be announced on the last day of the blog tour. You do not need to be a follower of my blog to comment. Please be sure to leave your email address so that Kelvin knows where to send the ebooks if you are a lucky winner.

Heart of the Highland Wolf

Heart of the Highland Wolf

Terry Spear

Sourcebooks Casablanca June 2011

ISBN 9781402245527

   Ian MacNeill, modern day werewolf and laird of Argent Castle, allows a film production crew to use his castle for filming, albeit reluctantly, in an attempt to save his ancestral home from possible ruin from unpaid taxes. To make matters worse, his people are being used as extras in the filming.

   Beautiful Julia Wildthorn, an American werewolf romance author, slips in under the guise of working for the production company. She is actually there to do research for her new book and to steal an ancient relic for her grandfather. When she sees Ian, she decides he will make the perfect hero for her new book. She would even be willing to provide a tumble, for research purposes only!

   Julia is actually a red werewolf female and Ian knows she is trouble when she keeps showing up in places she is not wanted. The sexual tension starts flying between these two; but will Ian be able to trust her when she keeps withholding vital information from him.

   This is a wonderfully written paranormal romance set in Scottish Highlands with a storyline that draws you in from the beginning. The sexual tension between the two main characters practically sizzles from the beginning. The dynamics of the the wolf pack is so well written that you can actually believe in its existence. This is a wonderful romance with mystery, action, violence along with a passion that just won't quite. If you are a fan of the paranormal, I highly recommend this book. If you are into werewolves, you can't go wrong. If Scottish Highlanders are your scene, you will be panting after these hunks. You can bet I will be anxiously waiting for the next one in the series to come out.

   I wish to thank Sourcebooks for providing me with an ARC for reading and reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated in any way except for receiving the book to review.

I give Heart of the Highland Wolf 4.5 out of 5 stars

  

Interview with Author Liz Borino

I wish to introduce my guest today, Liz Borino. She has kindly agreed to stop by my blog and answer some questions for her fans and to tell us about her books. So, without further ado, lets get started.

Bio: Liz Borino is the debut author of Expectations and it's sequel What Money Can't Buy, released from Lazy Day Publishing. Throughout her education, including a Bachelor's Degree from Hofstra University, she's kept her stories to herself, but this only child is all grown up and wants to share them with the world. Her roots are in Bethlehem, Pa, but she loves to experience new cultures. As fun as that is Liz likes nothing better than curling up at home with a good book or her work in progress.

1-Okay Liz, I have to ask, why a story about gay guys?

   It's not about gay guys. Two of my main characters happen to be gay. When brainstorming Expectations, Chris spoke to me very strongly. He couldn't get married and have a son as easily as his father expected. Why? He's in love with his male roommate.

2-Are Expectations and What Money Can't Buy part of a trilogy or a series? If so, can you tell us a little bit about the next one?

   They are part of a series. In the third book, A Change of Heart, both couples deal with the changes parenthood brings to their lives and relationships. A loss rocks the family and once again everyone has to bond together to get through it. There will be new characters and we'll be reminded the past isn't always bad.

3-How did the twins, Chris and Matt come to be in the first place?

   I'd have to check with their father, but I believe they came from their mother, Victoria, four minutes apart. Judging from his domineering personality, he probably...No? Not what you want?

   I've always had an obsession with brothers. I find their relationship fascinating. Twins, especially identical twins like Matt and Chris, lend itself to a great exploration of this. They have such a great connection. Very few other people can understand it.

4-Have you been writing long and have you always wanted to be a writer?

   I've told stories my whole life. I don't actually think someone chooses to be a writer, they either are or they aren't. I've always had stories needing to be told. Writing was the best way to share them with most people.

5-What has been your greatest obstacles with your writing?

   Keeping my stories realistic, hands down. I have to remember, for example, parents with three kids cannot go out every night without feeling guilty, no matter how great their baby sitter. And if a kid is sick? No alone time. And my boys like their alone time.

6-Do you write full time or do you write whenever you are able like many authors?

   I also edit for two publishers. This makes my schedule more flexible, at least a little.

7-Who has had the most influence on your writing?

   I don't know that any one person really has. I take in life and it all affects my writing. Yes, even you.

8-What do you do for fun and relaxation?

   Relaxation? I think that's up there with weekend, as in a foreign concept. No, actually, I love playing with dogs, watching House, and reading a good book.

9-Is there anything you would like to tell your readers and fans that they may not know about you?

   First of all, thank you for being a reader! I love to hear from readers/fans. Please look me up!

   Secondly, I believe in the Law of Attraction. I think we get what we give in this life. So, please send love and positivity into the world around you. It'll make all the difference in your life and other peoples.

Expectations blurb: Expectations depicts the struggle between what we desire for ourselves and our familiar obligations. This is personified by Chris and Matt Taylor, identical twins who are trying to win their overbearing father's approval and acquire their trust funds. Their best friend and roommate, Aiden O'Boyle, left his family behind in Ireland to pursue a career in dance.

Robert Taylor, Matt and Chris's father has set certain conditions that must be met in order for them to receive their trust funds. Matt must work at a job he hates while struggling with alcoholism. Chris has to deny his own desires and deep love for Aiden, to get married to Matt's girlfriend. All the while, their father continues to use extreme measures to ensure his sons' compliance. Will they learn to lean on each other and discover their strength or succumb to their father's will? Amazon

What Money Can’t Buy blurb: What Money Can’t Buy, the sequel to Expectations, finds the two couples, Chris and Aiden and Matt and Carley, eagerly anticipating parenthood. However, their personal struggles continue. Though Matt overcame his dependency on alcohol, new temptations present themselves. And with Carley on bed rest, these temptations put a greater strain on their relationship. Chris continues to deal with issues regarding his father. These issues increase with greater proximity. When tragedy strikes, the best and worst in everyone is revealed. Can they stick together, or will their reactions tear them apart? Amazon

Review of A Dragon Forsaken

A Dragon Forsaken

Krystal McLaughlin

Kindle Edition

   This is the second book in the Enchanted Island Series. In this episode, we encounter Daphne. She is quite unique in this fantasy world of mystery and magic. Daphne was born a dragon, unlike her friends  who have become awakened to the magic inside themselves. In this installment, Daphne's past resurfaces to haunt her which forces her to form alliances and end up risking everything for love. This is the one thing she swore she would never do.

   This episode starts off with Daphne searching for her sister who has been lost for some time. Along the way, she encounters some sinister goings on that threaten her very existence and the lives of those around her. Will she be able to remain strong in her convictions and save the person she has grown to love?

   This story started off just a little slow and I was uncertain about it. After a few chapters, it took off and kept moving until the end. The ending was most definitely a surprise and I just did not see it coming. Daphne is a bit of a hard character and it was rather difficult getting into her. She was kind of a hard case. As the story progresses, her character grows in intensity and compassion. She becomes quite the likable young woman. The storyline is well written and even with the slow start was very enjoyable. If you are into fantasy reads, I highly recommend it. It contains love, hatred, betrayal, and murder.

   Keep your eyes open for the third book in the Enchanted Island Series coming in the fall 2011, The Goblins Daughter.

   I wish to thank the author for providing me with a copy to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated in any way except for receiving the book to read and review.

I give A Dragon Forsaken 4 out of 5 stars