Books to #Win From #Author #Interview - Tannis Skye - The Shade Series - 1 The Shade and The Nine Lower Levels

Tannis is offering both of her first 2 books in the series to be given away to one lucky winner – just leave your comments and email address below to go in the draw.  Winner will be randomly drawn on the 29^th Feb 2012.

NOTE: #2 The Shade and The Unholy Priest released middle of Feb, 2012 and #3 The Shade and His Redemption, to be released late 2012.

Hi Tannis, where were you born and where do you call home? 

Born in the small fish town of Madeira Park, B.C – I don’t really call anyplace home thought since I moved a lot. But I can see myself calling San Diego home. J

Tell us about something that has just happened or is about to happen in your life that you would like to share.

About to make the leap from Canadian citizen to San Diego-er! (within the year.)

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?

It’s the second book in The Shade Series; The Shade and The Unholy Priest. The second book is darker than the first, more action packed and a hint of forbidden (for now) romance.

If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?

Simple: “No dice.”

Riley is my favourite character to write about, but if given the chance to say something, she would turn it now.

Do you have plans for a new book?   Is this book part of a series?

I am just completing the cover for the second book in The Shade Series and already writing the third, The Shade and His Redemption. I am not sure if the series ends after the third book. It will be as much of a surprise to me as anyone else.

What books have influenced your writing?

I like John Locke himself more than his books, which are great, but he as a person, is an influence. And for a darker, high action packed book with all sorts of forbidden fruit kind of love like mine, I can only mention one man: Brent Weeks. His Shadow Series is brilliant.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?

Brent Weeks.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

Funny enough, I usually have the book I like in paperback or hardcover and as an eBook. When I am on the go, say on a sky train or a passenger in the car, I like to read the book from my iPhone, but when I am home, I want to hold the book in bed or the bath.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

Online though Amazon, borrowed from or suggested by a friend, or Chapters.

Are you a self published (Indie) Author?

I am for sure a part of the self-published and indie author club.

What book would you like to read again?

I sound like his spokes model, but any and all of Brent Weeks’ Shadow Series. Who doesn’t love sexy assassins?

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?

I would get stoned to death if this were the old days, but… I liked Interview With a Vampire as a movie much more than a book.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?

I write in third person and my friends know I want to write in first someday, and since my best friend really liked The Hunger Games, she brought me all the books and now I am hooked and envious.

Patti Says: I have been reading the Hunger Games – one the last one now and really enjoying them!  Looking forward to the movie!! 

Are there any Authors that have grasped your interest recently and why?

Amanda Hocking and John Locke, not because of their books but how they, much like me, self-published and a small fish in the big sea of people, made it.

Who designed the cover of your book?

I did and I hate it. I had a model for the front but when contracts were brought up, I said screw it, sat for the picture myself and had my friend ass mist and so on. I had just finished The Shade and The Nine Lowe Levels and was so excited to have it open for others to read, I rushed through the cover page process. Now that #2 is done and #3 is being written, I want cohesion for the cover and it will be re-done when #2 is released near the middle or end of Feb, 2012.

Patti Says:  Make sure you LOVE your cover!!! – lots of readers DO judge a book by the cover – me included!  They wont even get to the synopsis if the cover doesn't grab them!!  There are lists on Goodreads where people vote JUST on the cover!!


Do you buy a book by the cover?

I become interested in a book by its cover but buy it for the interesting synopsis.

Do you have a book trailer?

Nope.

What are your thoughts on book trailers?

Uh…I think some are done well, but most are tacky. It could be because I am used to the high quality trailers in commercials or movies and that is what I have come to expect, which isn’t do-able for most.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

All I can really say is if you’re starting out, acknowledge that you get something out of your writing. For me, it is the ability to create something creative. If I looked at it like a pay cheque, then with the hours I put in, I should be getting paid for eight hour weeks. That mind-set will sap you. Eventually you’ll ask what the pay off is and when you’re starting out, financially it is very little or nothing.

Now, if I was financially stable as a writer or in some other way, I would look at my words and books like employees and expect a pay-off from them.

Do you write under a pen name?

I use Tannis Skye, though my last name is Campbell (until Aug26th anyways.) Skye is myself given middle name as I dislike the one I was born with.

What date were you born? - you can leave off the year if you like.

March 11^th, 1988, Pisces.


Do you have a nickname? 

Tanned-ass, T-Bird.

Did you have a favourite toy as a child?

No really. I really liked riding my horse

An early childhood memory - 

Looking for my mom and always finding her in a scolding bath with bubbles and a romance novel.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?

I writing this in my PJs.

What are your pet peeves? 

Novels with more conversation than description – I need to be able to see the picture. Biting nails – which I do, so I am a horrible hypocrite. Disorganization.  Snow, rain, grey skies, cold.

Anything  that you would like to tell us about, share a pic?

I owned and competed with my horse for several years until I moved. I would share a pic of the cats I owned, but it would make me too sad as I needed to give them away when I randomly, after two years, became very allergic.

White wine or red?

Bleh.

Coffee or tea?

Peppermint or green tea.

So you like to cook?  Do you have a favourite food?

I love to ‘cook’ in the sense that I am a mostly raw-vegan, so any ‘cooking’ I do is dehydration or for my fiancé` and I love it. Another creative outlet.

Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream?

Chocolate almond or chocolate coconut ice cream is criminal. Yum!

What do you normally eat for breakfast, of do you skip it and get straight to work?

Eat it. Always. It’s usually a fresh veggie and fruit juice or cinnamon mini wheat in almond milk.

What are 4 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)?

Laptop. iPhone. Book. Lunch. (Car keys and house keys or money can always be snatched from the fiancé!)

Sleep in or get up early?

Sleep in. I like to wake up around 8:30.

Laptop or desktop for writing?

Laptop

Your favorite gadget - 

iPhone – my books, calendar, GPS, twitter, face book etc are all on there.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

I can write anywhere that is a little darker and reasonably quiet.

Your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad - 

They’re exciting. Even if someone doesn’t like my book, just knowing it was read is a thrill. They’re also shattering. There is nothing more personal than my books so when they’re not as well liked, it is like you’re saying you don’t like me.

If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?

Mantracker, any cast member from The Big Bang Theory and anyone who has survived Survivor.

Where is one place in the world that you would really love to visit someday?

Any 3^rd world country because I believe everyone should try and make a difference; for a more selfish desire, I really want to visit Australia and Japan.

Patti Says:  Australia is pretty awesome – but then again, I am biased!

One of your favourite quotes –

“What the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve.”

List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?

The Hunger Games #1 and #2, John Locke’s “How I sold 1,000,000 eBooks in 5 months.”

List 3 of your favourite movies?

Interview with a Vampire, Priest, Underworld Rise of the Lycans.

An actor or a book character you have a crush on –

Shane West, actor in Nikita. Any strong female kick-ass lead.

What is a movie or TV show that you watched just recently and really enjoyed?

BombGirls as a TV show.

If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters?  Feel free to add pics.

That is a hard one. I have looks of people that fit what I have in mind, but no faces of Hollywood actors/actresses to match my ideas. I would likely, such as Harry Potter, mostly find a bunch of talented unknowns.

Riley: wild red curls, obnoxious, vocal, cocky and lethal.
Fly: shot – like 5’0 short, mousy brown hair, big glassy eyes. Shy, but spicy when needed.
Willow: motherly, average height, identical to her little sister Fly.
Kai: British solider, shoulder length wavy hair, pale grey eyes, average male height and a haunting secret.
Abaddon: Denzel Washington.

Where can your readers stalk you?

My blog: www.tannisskye.blogspot.com

My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/TannisSkyeBooks/363329320359533

My Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6733750

Twitter: @TannisSkye

Amazon: The Shade and The Nine Lower Levels by Tannis Skye

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/99480

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?

eBook! Paperback by demand. 

Ebook short description

When the Upper and Lower Levels wage war on each other, Abaddon sends out his army of demons to retrieve souls. If a soul is taken and the body does not die, they live on as a shade. Unwilling to let the resident vampire turn Riley, Kai faces Keetes and reveals his superior strength as a stronger vampire; he is a shade. Kai sets out to the Lower Levels to reclaim his soul. With it... he is human.

Extended description

Below our feet, where the damned roam undetected, a whole other world exists. Once a distinguished, high ranking tier nine angel, Lucifer challenges the vision of The Light King. Before a rebellion can be formed, Lucifer is banished from the Upper Levels, where he plummets to the center of the Earth...... (Read more)

Buy your copy in all ebook formats -  HERE - just 99c


Published: Oct. 26, 2011
Words: 70685 (approximate)
Language: English

 

New Publishing Group to donate to Child Helpline International #ficstory

Every Child is Entitled to Innocence will be the first publication of the newly- formed Orangeberry Publishing Group. Due to release on February 14th, profits from the sales of this e-book will be donated to Child Helpline International.

Says initiator of the project, Dr. Niamh Clune, “I met many writers through the Internet that experienced difficult childhoods yet have overcome their brutal beginnings. I wanted to make the first Orangeberry publication a celebration of creative imagination. This powerful friend of damaged children, plays an essential role in an abused child’s recovery. Gathering this series of stories was a joy. Orangeberry Books has developed special, vibrant relationships with contributors and has forged many lasting friendships.

We encouraged happy stories that reflected the innocence of childhood when infants feel wrapped in the warmth of loving arms. We wanted to contrast these with the sad ones, making them stand out in relief against a bright backdrop. We felt this comparison would demonstrate, without explanation, what happens when innocence is stolen.

In this book, the reader will find many wonderful, heart-warming stories; whilst the sad ones demonstrate the magnificence of the human spirit as it triumphs against all the odds.”

Executive Editor, Karen S. Elliott stated, “While I looked at all the stories in the Every Child anthology, I edited only a few. I thought it was important, for this tome, that the writers be able to express the heartbreak and joy of childhoods past without censorship.”

Spokesperson for Orangeberry Books, Niamh Clune, explained how The Orangeberry Group is at the vanguard of a new wave of Internet publishing companies. Orangeberry aims to put quality first and bring exciting, exceptionally talented authors to the reader’s attention. Its focus is not on commercialism, but on quality, beautifully written, well-told stories. Orangeberry will also publish poetry. A further aim of the publishing company is to bring a collection of exceptional artists from across many different art disciplines to collaborate on projects in a personal, hands-on, mutually supportive manner.

The motto of the company is, ‘Paying it Forward.’ The company relies on a well-developed social network, the dedication of the core team members, their talent and enthusiasm coupled with a socially entrepreneurial spirit. Supporters and members of this group will also benefit from on-line mentoring, a book-club, the Youth Tube Channel, and the OBBlog.

For further information visitwww.orangeberrybooks.com www.theobblog.com

Join the FB group @ http://www.facebook.com/groups/orangeberrygroup/

@CHIamsterdamhttp://www.childhelplineinternational.org

Author Interview with H.O. Charles - The Fireblade Array

Where were you born and where do you call home? 

Born in Yorkshire. Now living in Suffolk. (Feel free to suffix England/UK, if necessary)

Tell us about something that has just happened or is about to happen in your life that you would like to share.

One of the handbrake drums on my car seized up, my laptop's power unit melted and my neck hurts.

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?

Nation of Blaze: A murderer becomes king of his country and invests considerable expense in securing the affections of his reincarnated lover.

If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?

Artemi D'Avrohan (The Fireblade): "The world is full of idiots, so you might as well fight the worst of them and drink with the rest."

Do you have plans for a new book?   Is this book part of a series?

I am currently writing the third book in the series, The Fireblade Array.

How many pillows can you hold? 

Five hollowfibre, nine feather.

What books have influenced your writing?

Everything I've ever read, seen, eaten, walked upon or smelled has influenced my books. I read anything from science journals to popular fiction, history, social anthropology textbooks, Viz, 'classics', horror and psychology. I wish I could be more specific on who has influenced me, but it would be like recalling three meals I'd recently eaten and saying they influenced my chef-ery. Those meals may be prominent in my mind because they were either great or terrible, but they won't form the greater part of me. Most of me is made of chocolate.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?

Many people probably say this, but I'd have loved to have met Jane Austen. She comes across as very sarcastic, witty and probably a bit mean. She seems to despise many of her characters, which makes me like her even more.

Can you ASCII your own face?

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Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

Few things compare to the musty smell of a paperback that's over forty-years-old. 

Could you express your love for bean sprouts in the form of a limerick? 

When I eat a sprout from Saxony,

It makes me get out my klaxon-y,

I give a big honk,

Sniff with my conk,

Makes me high, it only lacks an E.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

Train station and airport shops: clinical and usually lacking the volume you're after, but always in the right place to sell you stuff. No place like them.

If you were to remake a film using only kittens which one would you choose? 

E.T.  I'd want to see them try to ride a bike.

Are you a self published (Indie) Author?

Yes.

Which is more important to you; a regular income or artistic integrity?

Integrity when I'm poor, income when I'm rich.

What book would you like to read again?

Given more time, I would probably re-read everything I was made to study at school. My understanding of those books will have completely changed, and I'd expect it to be more fun the second time around. 

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?

Bit controversial and not quite a movie, but I thought Game of Thrones was better as a TV adaptation than as a book.

Patti Says:  Loved the Game of Thrones on TV so went and read the book.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?

Viz - Roger's Profanisaurus Rex (hardback)

Are there any Authors that have grasped your interest recently and why?

E. E. 'Doc' Smith, but for all the wrong reasons. My father gave me a copy to educate me on the follies of popular writing, and I nearly fell off the chair when I read the first page. He's very popular, but his style is... um... doughnut-y.

Who designed the cover of your book?

Me. I know. I should probably apologise for it.
Do you buy a book by the cover?

Never. All the books I've read have terrible, boring covers that I hate. I really can't remember one that I've liked. Nope. 

What "proper" job do your parents still secretly hope you'll get?

They want me to be Phil or Carenza off that there Time Team.

Do you have a book trailer?

I don't think so.

What are your thoughts on book trailers?

Does it go on the back of your car?

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Expect nothing in return for the hours of slavery you put into your work. That way, every sale and review is a pleasant surprise. Also, order your food online so that you don't have to leave the house and socialise. I find socialising is a terrible distraction as I tend to get drunk and have fun.

Do you write under a pen name?

Of course! No one I know knows I write and I want to keep it that way.

What date were you born? - you can leave off the year if you like. 

June

Do you ever get writer's block? If so, what medications would you recommend? 

Mint julep.

Inny or outy? 

Inny.
What is the best way to deal with the Israel/Palestine situation?  

Everyone knows the answer is hummus.

Do you have a nickname? 

No. My pen name only has internet friends. 
Did you have a favorite toy as a child?

My brother's toys. Anything he had I wanted more than my own possessions. 
An early childhood memory - 

Dancing to the bells of a church in Florence.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?

No. I sleep naked.
What are your pet peeves? 

People who promise something and never deliver. Applies to politicians, bosses and many more.

Also agents and publishers. I know I'm no Salman Rushdie or Hemingway; nor shall my work be deemed worthy of any description above (god forbid!) 'entertainment'. For I am supposed to be reverent and polite and all that to my more learned industry colleagues on the chance that they may one day work with me, but damn the sodding gits! Damn them all for their lack of responses and template emails. "Oh, we're sooo sorry we can't get behind your work and represent you... simper, blah, blah, platitude etc..." You're sorry are you? Sorry? Don't pretend you give a flying fragment of half-digested digestive biscuit! I'm sorry too! Why don't you take my manuscript, stick it up your poorly educated, over-commercialised, spreading arse, and then sit in the remains of the bloody tree you made me cut down so that I could waste all that paper? Yes, that's right. Sit on that freshly-sawn tree in Brazil and consider your self-appointed position of superiority, high above all those desperate, illiterate and idiotic authors. Feel its lignin-y proddiness and the rough tread of bark upon your thighs as you gaze at the humic remnants of humanity. Yeah, that'll teach you! What a bleak, pointless existence you and that tree had!

Well... do that or give me a list of all your contacts for a fiver. Just a thought. 

Any pets that you would like to tell us about, share a pic?

I had a budgie once. 

Patti says:  Was his name Pete

White wine or red?

Finish the white wine, top it up with red, call it rose, drink that and then add champagne.

Coffee or tea?

Both are water with brown rubbish in it.

So you like to cook?  Do you have a favorite food?

I like it better if other people cook, but I can rustle up a decent curry when required. The best sort of food is clearly Thai. Well, Thai and Black Forest gateau.

Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream?

Chocolate, but it's even better with crunchy bits in.

What do you normally eat for breakfast, of do you skip it and get straight to work?

If there's something left in the cupboard I'll have cereal. Though, for the fourth day running my Special K Red Berries has been devoid of berries. This is not satisfactory.

What are 4 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)?

Plasters (I think Americans call these band-aids), shoes, a hat and underwear.

Patti says:  clean I hope :)

Sleep in or get up early?

Early!

Laptop or desktop for writing?

Laptop.
Your favorite gadget - 

A computer is always the best gadget: always more powerful, modifiable and versatile. Keys and locks are pretty cool too. I like those.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

In bed, on the sofa, kitchen worktop, bathroom floor, all day.

If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?

Charlie Brooker to chop up trees for a shelter, Anthony Worrall-Thompson to do the angling and Stephen Fry to do the cooking. Come to think of it, that is a celebmix of nightmares.
Where is one place in the world that you would really love to visit someday?

Bali. I want to swing in the rainforest and then do a little surfing. 

One of your favorite quotes -

"They're eating her... and then they're going to eat me. OH MY GOD!" Look it up on Youtube if you're not familiar with that particular work of genius.

List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?

William Blake: Complete Poems

Charles Dickens: A Christmas Carol (finally decided to sit down to it after seeing a thousand adaptations - the original's brilliant)

Robert Bittlestone, James Diggle and John Underhill: Odysseus Unbound.

List 3 of your favorite movies?

Troll 2

Shark Attack 3

Fatal Deviation

An actor or a book character you have a crush on -

None at the moment. They've either been around for ages, have caterpillar eyebrows or come across as dull. 

What is a movie or TV show that you watched just recently and really enjoyed?

The Hottie and the Nottie. I don't understand how a film can be vain, offensive, vulgar, poorly-written and hilarious all at once, but this film at all of that in abundance. I'd recommend everyone watch it for laughs.

If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters?  Feel free to add pics.

I've yet to see an actor both good-looking enough and accomplished enough to play Morghiad. He goes through the entire gamut of emotions through the series and his character changes considerably. I'd want someone who was very good at playing the inexpressive hero and also very good at portraying believable insanity to do him. Artemi's character is a bit more straight-forward, and there ought to be more handsome actresses around who could play her. Then again, they'd have to look wise. Unfortunately, it's very hard for young people to look wise and a little world-weary. I'd want the role to go to a real red-head though. It's asking too much perhaps, but as a genuine ginge myself, it always annoys me when the actors have their hair dyed a ludicrous shade of orange. 

Where can your readers stalk you?

My blog: cityofblaze.blogspot.com

My Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5241538.H_O_Charles

Twitter: @HOCharles

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/H.O.-Charles/e/B0069VYKB4/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/HOCharles

Other: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/hadleighocharles

Is your book in Print, ebook or both? Both.