Tabitha Ormiston-Smith talks, Patti Roberts, Paradox and the Witchwood Estate series.

The first time I met Patti, she was propping up the bar at the Writers’ Club. Well, actually we were both propping up our keyboards several thousand miles apart, but hey, an author’s got to have some licence, right?

We actually met on Facebook. We hit it off straight away when I assumed for some reason that Patti was American, and told her off for calling Australians ‘Aussies’. Patti showed her true class by refusing to take offence, and a long, rewarding friendship began.

Shortly after I got to know Patti, I lost my beautiful Deerhound, Beau. While I was grieving, spending much of every day in tears, writing morbid poetry and generally being a pain in the backside to everyone, Patti asked me if I would look at a couple of chapters of her current work. I was amazed at how much doing this helped me; I found the tight focus of editing made the grief and pain recede into the distant background for as long as I was doing it. I must have done ok, because after a few weeks Patti asked me if I would be interested in doing it for money. Practically before I could say ‘yes’, there were referral clients contacting me, and my editing business took off.

Since that time we’ve worked together quite a bit. I do editing for Patti and she does truly amazing cover art for my books. I have come to admire her so much, for her talent, her kindness, her generosity, her no-bullshit attitude, and her ability to deal with tossers without losing her temper.

I’ve watched with delight as Patti branched out into the hugely entertaining Witchwood Estate series. I get so excited whenever she tells me she’s starting a new episode! Really it’s like being a kid on Christmas morning.

As a writer, I am always in awe of Patti’s ability to describe a scene and bring it alive. Her gift for physical description is immense, and the Paradox series is richly visual, alive with light and colour. This is shown most strongly in her creation of different peoples in the Paradox world. In particular, the beautiful, delicate Bakhna Rakhna people and the mysterious, powerful Atnangker people (inspired by our own First People) give a wonderful depth to the books.

My other favourite thing about Patti’s writing is her tremendous gift for bringing the evil characters to life. Many writers make the mistake of taking their villains too seriously, and I think that is what makes Patti’s gift really special in this area is the way she always injects a little spice of humour. One of my very favourite villain scenes anywhere is in ‘Going Home’ (Witchwood Estate II), where the evil witch summons a host of cockroaches to nibble the calluses off her feet. In the instant work, coffee shot out of my nose when Pandora compared a nightclub full of teenagers to a sushi train. (You owe me a new keyboard, Patti!) If she ever decides to write in the horror genre, Richard Laymon must look to his laurels.

Readers of the Paradox series are certain to enjoy this new instalment, not least because the shock ending makes it very clear that there is more coming. I, for one, can’t wait.


Paradox - Equilibrium. ARC Review by: Tabitha Ormiston-Smith on Dec. 07, 2013 :      
I enjoyed this book very much. It's fast-paced and full of action. 

One of the things I particularly enjoy about this author's work is its the visual quality; Roberts is brilliant at descriptive writing, you can see the colours, smell the smells. This series is well designed with a rich background. A less meticulous writer could have written the story without bothering to create in detail the beautiful, civilised Bakhna Rakhna people, the mysterious Atnangkers, and so on - but every corner is filled with exquisite detail in Roberts' work.
The other thing I really love about Roberts is her villians. She has a wonderfully light touch with them. You see the depths of evil, but you see it with a smile - there's always a leavening fillip of humour to offset the dark. 

The only criticism I have of this fourth book is that it stops rather than ending - in my opinion a novel ought to stand alone as a completely self-contained thing. However, readers of today's series will be well accustomed to the series as serial, so I doubt if this will be a problem for most readers.

Tabitha Ormiston-Smiths facebook editing page - HERE

Advanced reading copies (ARC) are available on request from the author pattiroberts7@gmail.com

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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

 

Do You Believe...? #1 Free download on Amazon - - Near-Death Experiences & Angels

Do You....?


Free Download on Amazon
Free Download on Smashwords 

• #1 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Nonfiction > Religion & Spirituality > Occult > Near-Death Experiences
• #1 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Nonfiction > Religion & Spirituality > Spirituality > Angels
•  

Review by: Jayde Scott   :
I'm one of those people who kinda believe when we die, something must stay behind, be it the soul, a higher conscious, or a residue of our inner self so, naturally, I picked this up, not least because it was free. I Believe was such an amazing, eye opening read, comprised of several accounts of people and their experiences with something 'out of this world.' It was interesting to the point that I couldn't put it down. The writing was sharp and to the point, leaving you eager to read on to find out what the next person had to share. Very good and inspiring novella that I'd thoroughly recommend.

I am currently compiling stories to publish in the free ebook "I Believe."  And eventually, publish the paperback version.  Patti Roberts

This is a book in progress and it is about real people's thoughts and beliefs about Angels, Heaven, Soul mates, The afterlife, Near death experiences...

Reincarnation....  The spirit world.  ghosts...?

Did something strange happen to you after a loved one died?

Is there a Heaven?

Have you ever experienced anything unexplainable?  


Did you know when something bad was going to happen...?

Have you ever met someone and taken a great liking or disliking to them straight away....  Like you have known them before?

Some stories should be told, should be read!  Your story can inspire others in a way that you could never have imagined or understood.   

If you would like to have your story or belief's included in this free ebook, and eventually paperback, or would like to know further information, please email me.  You can remain ANON if you like.


Stories can be as long or as short as you wish. 


For those that submit editorial, Links can also be added if you choose directing readers to your blog/facebook/twitter/web. 




Email: pattiroberts7@gmail.com

Did you just receive a bad book review?

Of course we all love receiving great book reviews - but books are very personal and mean different things to different people.  Effect people in different ways.

Some People "LOVE" my paranormal book Paradox - The Angels Are Here, while others, not so much - not at all.  For some, it makes them cry - and that tells me that I have achieved what I set out to do, to touch people's emotions.  People will 'feel' your book, or they won’t. 

And I for one think that is a good thing - that different things affect people in different ways - it is what makes us unique.

The world would be a very boring place if we all liked the same things and all felt the same way.

What do I do if I get a bad review...?  Easy, I pick a really popular Author on Amazon and go read their bad reviews.  This reinforces in me that even the greats get bad reviews from time to time and they are still doing GREAT!  They kept on writing and became even more successful Authors.

Offer your book to bloggers and book reviewers that are happy to give you an honest book review. Trust me, you want the truth. Anything less is worthless. You can learn far more from a bad honest review than you can a great dishonest one.

You need a tough skin, but at the end of the day it is worth it :) A bad review doesn't mean your book is bad, it just means that the wrong person read it! You serve a person that prefers vanilla ice-cream strawberry and the chances are, they aren't going to like it very much. No matter how good it is.

John Locke says something like - Write for the people who love your book, not for the ones that don't.  I for one think that is great advice!  And the last I heard, John is going GREAT with his 99c ebooks on Amazon.  He is one of Amazon's all time best sellers, week after week. 

Go check out John's reviews for his books!  And you will see what I mean.  The man, no matter how popular and successful he is still gets some really BAD reviews.

Yep, I'm a huge John Locke fan yet I have never read any of his Donovan Creed novels.  And probably never will - but John wont care because he has a host of loyal fans that will continue to buy every book he publishes.  

However, I do swear by his $2.99 ebook - How I Sold 1 Million eBooks in 5 Months!  When John talks - I listen!  Read his book, it will be the best $2.99 you ever spent on a book.  

If you have a friend who is an indie author or who is thinking about becoming one - buy it for them.  They will thank you for it!

So a bad review to me just means, OK, we have different tastes in books.  No big deal.  Some prefer chocolate or strawberry ice-cream, while I prefer vanilla!

My advice is, chin up and keep writing!  Because there are people out there who are going to LOVE your book.

Mark Twain wrote - 

“Sing like no one's listening, love like you've never been hurt, dance like nobody's watching, and live like its heaven on earth.”

 

Perhaps he should have also added - "write like ..........."  what would you type there?

If you have enjoyed reading this post, chances are one of your friends will too - please forward, twitter or facebook - it just might make someone’s day!

Patti Roberts - Author the Paradox Series (book 1 & 2 - book 3 - 2012 release)
I Believe - free on Amazon, smashwords and other online ebook stores. 
David Oxley - Mirror Image (2012 release)
Andy Alexander - The Gecko Diaries (2012 release)

The Paradox Series Book Trailers
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Smashwords - all world wide ebook formats
US - ebook from Amazon
UK - ebook from Amazon
Nook - Barnes & Noble
Paperback - Createspace
Thesaurus Bookstore - Melbourne

Which cover would you choose? Comment and go in the draw to win.

The Mystical World of Altair awaits....

Book 2 in the Paradox Series is due out in November - Progeny Of Innocence and I would like you to help me choose a cover.

All people leaving a comment will automatically go in the draw to win a free ebook on publication....  So please leave you email address where you can be contacted if you would like to be in the draw.

Thank you for your voting, Patti Roberts :)

Book 1 book trailer

Australian ebook -  bookstore
ebook from Smashwords - all formats
US - ebook from Amazon
UK - ebook from Amazon
Barnes & Noble - Nook
Createspace Here (paperback)
Thesaurus Bookstore Melbourne - paperback in store soon.
Paradox Blog
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Paradox - The Angels Are Here (Book 1 in the Paradox Series)

I love Patti’s style of writing, it is a book you have to read slowly and carefully, but only so that you don’t miss anything, Patti does such a phenomenal job at describing every detail. I have to thank Patti for allowing me to read her novella and I would recommend this book to all. It is a superb book and I think you will all enjoy it as much as I did.  Patti, yes I loved the book, can I ask one question, can I pleaseeeeeee review book 2 for you - it really was the most amazing book I have read in a long time, and that cliffhanger at the end *panting for more* !!  Natalie Hillier

Review by: Suzy Turner on July 28, 2011 :
This is so totally different from anything I’ve read recently and I have to say… WOW. Patti Roberts is a truly remarkable writer. The way she weaves her tales among the story is extraordinary. I can honestly say I was in awe of the way she managed to do it. I’d love to have that talent.

Jayde Scott rated it  
There's no doubt Patti Roberts is someone who knows how to build strong characters and a vivid setting. I liked the darker side of some of the angels. It was a unique and convincing way to view spirituality and the angels' role within humanity. I also liked how they were connected to Grace and Grace's role within the larger picture. I do agree with others who said some questions were left unanswered, but I feel that was necessary in order to be able to explore those in detail in books to follow.

I wasn't supposed to read this book until I finished two others I had in front of it. After a peak inside I was sucked in and finished the book in one evening. I rarely give five stars, but the fact that I couldn't sleep until I finished it deserves it. Julia Crane

Patti Roberts writes clearly and evokes an emotional reaction as well as deep thought in her readers, clearly an amazing writer. The reader will look forward to the sequel of this novel. – Krystal

I honestly couldn’t stop reading and finished the book in less than 3 hours because I wanted to know what was going to happen next – Alaiel Kreuz

For myself it gave me my first taste of the world of Angels through Patti Roberts eyes and I was not disappointed. – Darkiss Reads

Read chapter 1 of Progeny Of Innocence here

free ebook for review - Interview with Alan Parr - Author of "Renewal"

Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born in Liverpool, England and I live in Lake Elmo, MN.

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?

My book is called Renewal, and it is about a technology-addicted world starting over after a singularity, as witnessed by a boy called Stig and the last gadget on Earth, iFriend.

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

Renewal is the first book in a series looking at humanity’s slippery relationship with technology, with itself, and our beliefs about the way in which the world works. I’m writing the second book right now, and it’s about the revival of technology among humans and how quickly events can escalate, particularly when you have an evil piece of gadgetry pushing the buttons (so to speak). I'm also working on a book of short stories in between drafts.

What or who inspired you to write?  And how long have you been writing?

I actually started out writing non-fiction for business a few years ago. Seth Godin, marketing guru, wrote a blog post titled “You Should Write An eBook”, and I thought why not? I wrote a couple of short eBooks with my business partner through ChangeThis.com and then a couple more through Scribd. My foray into fiction was simply because I wanted to write a story for my kids, something that I would really enjoy writing, and that’s why Renewal is a humorous piece of science fiction and fantasy, and has a six-legged dog called Barf in it. It’s just fun, pure blue sky fun that I couldn’t find in the world of business writing.

Would you like to giveaway a copy of your book on this blog?

I would be happy to give away a copy, and would ask for a review in return. Seems fair?

How did you come up with the title and cover design?

Titles generally suggest themselves during writing, in fact it’s that kind of word play that gets my mind working on story lines. I designed the cover for Renewal myself (I’m an artist in my spare time).

Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?

I think every character is the author in part, and an amalgamation of real people, character traits observed in others, and any necessary ingredients to suit the plot and to add a touch of verisimilitude. We all write from experience to some extent, and that includes people, places and events. I’ve never taken an actual event and put it directly into my writing, although I’m quite willing to take an event and twist it to make it more interesting. That's one of the joys of writing fiction, creating your own worlds and events.

What books have most influenced your writing most and why?

Stephen King’s “On Writing” has been a huge influence in terms of helping me to form good writing habits, and I would recommend it for any writer. In terms of authors I have read who have bowled me over and made me green with envy, definitely Douglas Adams, and also Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett.  Gaiman has a dark humorous side I love, and Pratchett is incredibly witty.

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

Stephen King. I would dearly love to meet the man and say thank you.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

I'm a big proponent of the e-book revolution.  As Seth Godin said, "ideas that spread win" and ebooks (along with social media) breakdown the barriers between writer and reader.  I like paperbacks for casual reading and to throw in a suitcase, and while it is not great for the environment I do buy hardbacks for those special books that I want to collect and keep in my library.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

Smashwords (shameless plug), Barnes and Noble for my Nook, Amazon, and TheBookDepository.com

Have you ever read a book more than once?

Most definitely, it's a bad habit especially considering the number of new books out there and that life really is short.  But there are some books that capture a particular time and place, or perhaps the experience of reading a new idea or of being swept away by a writing style. I re-read books to experience these things over and over again. "The Hobbit" obviously, but also Nelson DeMille's "Gold Coast", and Neil Gaiman's "Neverwhere" are good examples. I just love these books, that's all.

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

I can’t think of a movie that was better than the original book. You could look at that as a sign that I don't watch enough movies, but I'd prefer to think of it as an indication that I read the right books.

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

I'm always on the lookout for great books to read - I'm reading Susanna Clarke's "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell" in hardback after hearing Lev Grossman give it a huge recommendation on Minnesota Public Radio. If you have a suggestion, drop me a line at one of the sites listed below.

Is there anything you would change in your last book and why?

I actually started writing the second book while taking a rest between drafts of the first book, with the intention of ensuring I had sufficient character development and had run out plot lines neatly enough in the first book to support where I wanted to go in the second. Kind of a pre-emptive strike on post-publishing regrets.

Who designed the cover of your book?

I did. I had the picture of the wave in my mind as I wrote about the wave of Renewal, and I turned that image into a wave about to wash over the Earth (it also looks a little like a hand, on purpose) because I thought it would be easier for the reader to interpret without having opened the book. You can checkout some of my other work here: http://www.coroflot.com/alanparr/illustrations

Do you have a book trailer?

No I don't.

What are your thoughts on book trailers?

I’m not a fan of book trailers, and here’s why. Firstly, I believe the magic in books has to do with the connection created between the writer and the reader, and it is a magic created by words. Not pictures. Also, a lot of the trailers I have seen are not done well and they don’t present the book or the author in the best possible light. If you're going to create a book trailer, remember that this is marketing: put that thought front and center and throw yourself into selling your book. Move me, make me want to open your book. I don't think you need a trailer for that - a good description and a favorable review will do nicely. My opinion is probably old-fashioned, but it's what I believe.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Read. Read as much as you can, and as widely as you can. That's hardly a painful task, now is it?

What is the best advice that you have ever been given when it comes to writing?

There is a piece in Stephen King's "On Writing" that I love: "Now comes the big question: What are you going to write about? And the equally big answer: Anything you damn well want. Anything at all ... so long as you tell the truth." That opened up the world of writing for me, gave me the creative freedom I was looking for, and reminded me to ground my fiction in reality.

Do you write under a pen name?

No. It's hard enough as it is without having to be someone else.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?

I have never tried. Another one for the bucket list?

Cats or dogs?

Cats – I have a character-reformed feral cat, Cookie, the scourge of anything small, furry and squeaky, who graces us with his presence.

White wine or red?

Depends on what I’m eating, but red usually.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee in the morning, tea at any other time.

Vanilla or chocolate icecream?

I'd actually prefer chocolate over either of them.

What do you normally eat for breakfast?

Granola, fruit and yogurt.  Disgustingly healthy.

What are 4 things you never leave home without?

Keys, wallet, glasses and pants – had one too many of those dreams to take a chance on the latter.

Laptop or desktop for writing?

Laptop – I’m a MacBook Pro user. I haven't had a desktop for a number of years now and don't miss it, particularly when I kick back in my writing chair each morning with my trusty MacBook Pro firing up.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

I write early in the morning before I go to work (I'm an IT pro) with the goal of 1000 words or more, and I sit in the little library in my house - this routine is carved in stone. I like early mornings best as my mind is clear, there are no distractions, and my imagination is free to roam. Usually the words come easily, but if not I can work late at night too, although I prefer to read in the evenings.

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

John Lennon for entertainment, Julia Child to provide the food and drink, and Tom Baker as Doctor Who - that Tardis would really come in handy once the food and drink ran out.

One of your favorite quotes -

My mother said to me, “If you are a soldier, you will become a general. If you are a monk, you will become the Pope.” Instead, I was a painter, and became Picasso.

-Pablo Picasso

List 3 of your all time favorite books?

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

Red Dwarf (All of the books, even though this is cheating) by Grant Naylor

List 3 of your all time favorite movies?

The Godfather

Play It Again, Sam

Star Wars (Part IV)

Where can your readers stalk you?

My blog: http://alanparr.blogspot.com

My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/people/Alan-Parr/1061265627

My Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/parr_alan

Twitter: @Parr_Alan and http://twitter.com/#!/Parr_Alan

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

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?

E-book (Smashwords currently).

Description

The Earth's technology-addicted culture is wiped out during a singularity in which time is outstripped by events. The planet is recreated from scratch by the process of Renewal. Stig is the lone survivor in a new world where gods and magic have returned, where time does not yet exist, and a single piece of technology survives despite being reduced to the intellectual capacity of a hair dryer.

Extended Description

In a time born of technology so advanced it runs the planet, in a place that smells of melting plastic and weapons-grade coffee, there emerges a boy. Stig defies the iFriend technology culture and becomes the only survivor of a singularity in which time is outstripped by events and the Earth disappears in an embarrassingly small flash of light around dinnertime (but doesn't make the news). Fortunately there is a divine plan B, known as Renewal. Humanity is given the chance to start over, and Stig finds himself living in a place where gods and magic have returned, where time does not exist, and a single iFriend unit survives despite being reduced to the intellectual capacity of a hair dryer. Pursued by gods, hunted by a six-legged dog with a stick obsession, and guided by Old Father Time, Stig must stay one heart-pounding step ahead while learning to survive in a beautiful but primitive new world.