Stories and recipes from that magical island - Sicily!

 

Diane has taken the time to answer some ‘normal’ and ‘not so normal’ questions for us today.
 
‘Normal’ Question Spot

1. You just released a novel. What is the name of it?   

The Bastard of Saint Genevra

2. What is it about?  

The Bastard of Saint Genevra is a story of family secrets revealed.  It is a sweeping tale of three women that spans half the world and nearly a thousand years.  Elena steps off a plane in Trapani in search of her birth mother. Genevra undertakes a spiritual journey that begins with an unexpected pregnancy.  Cristiana gives up her child and leaves her half a world away to return to her life and family in Sperlinga. It is an exploration of what mystical connections ties these three women together.

3. If you could have anyone take something away from having read your novel, what would it be.  

That secrets kill families.There are no secrets that are worth keeping.

4. What are you working on right now?   

I am doing a final edit on a book called The Rose: A Hirsute Horror.  It is a psychological horror about a man powerless to leave his apartment in a building with hallways stalked by a monster.

5. Do you have a book inspiration story to share with us?  

I think it is more of an “author inspiration” story.  Like so many people, I had always wanted to write a novel, but the thought of writing one to conclusion seemed so daunting, especially as I was a working single mother, that I had pretty much given up on the idea.  One day, when I was 48, I heard Sylvia Olsen as she was giving a talk to a group of teens.  She said that she had published her first book at age 50.  I thought to myself, if she can do it, so can I.  I entered the Three-Day Novel Contest, wrote Greenwich List, and it was published 16 months later, on my 50th birthday.
 
‘Not so Normal’ Question Spot

1. If you could invite any 5 people (i.e. cartoon character; famous person; rock band; poet; artist; living or dead) for a meal together, who would they be? 
 
Sorry, it can’t be five.  I can’t decide on five.  Merlin (yes, the wizard), JK Rowling, Stephen King, Craig Ferguson, JRR Tolkien, and Oscar Wilde.  This took some thinking.  There were other people that, if I could have met them individually, I would have listed them, but as the guests at a literary dinner party, I think this would make an interesting group. Rowling, King, and Wilde are obvious.  Craig Ferguson is a decent novelist, knows how to get people talking, and is (I suspect) a lot more intelligent that he would have people believe.  Merlin could shed light on the Arthurian tales – plus I think it would be interesting to hear what an old-time druid would think about the literary scene now, especially since the druids were very much against anything written down. I would also love to host a dinner party of world changers – Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Viola Desmond, Charles Dickens, Malala, and the Dalai Lama – but that would be an entirely different meal.

2. What magical place that you’ve read about would you like to visit?   

#1 is Hogwarts, of course, and then Narnia. Oh, and the Shire.

3. Would you rather have the ability to read minds or see into the future?   

Oh, neither. I don’t want to know what other people think about me and I don’t want to really know what is going to happen.  That isn’t to say that I don’t like getting my tarot cards read, but I want there to be an element of surprise in what is coming up.  If I could have an ability, I’d like to be able to see into the past – what it was really like.  What did it look like?  What did people talk like or dress like or believe.  And if it couldn’t be that ability, I’d like to be fluent in every language – real or imagined – that there is.

4. You have an imaginary friend that only you can see.  What does he/she look like?   

I’ve had a number of imaginary friends in my life.  When I was little, it was an imaginary bear named Teddy (I know, super original, right?) who travelled all over the world with me on horseback.  When I was a teen, it was Elton John.  Not so imaginary, just imaginary in my life.  And in my twenties…. Well, let’s just say he had a monster chest, great abs, and….  Nope.  Not saying anymore.  :)

 


Love your answers! And it makes sense that you would choose the ability to see into the past over seeing into the future given you are a historical fiction author. I too love history. It’s so interesting and there is so much to learn from it.

YOU CAN FIND DIANE AT:
Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/dianegallagherwritings/
Twitter -> https://twitter.com/diane_writes  @diane_writes
Website -> https://dianegallagherwritings.com
Goodreads Author -> https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8092262.Diane_Gallagher
Goodreads THE BASTARD OF SAINT GENEVRA -> https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34565584-the-bastard-of-saint-genevra

LET'S GENERATE A BUZZ! Authors, artists, and poets if you would like to be a BUZZ GUEST on ‘FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS—OH MY!’ please DM me on Twitter https://twitter.com/kay_latour or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kaylatour/
 
 
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Today we are featuring Andrea’s CLAIMED series.

Andrea R. Cooper has taken the time to answer some ‘normal’ and ‘not so normal’ questions for us.
 

‘Normal’ Questions

1. What genre do you write in?  

I write primarily in paranormal romance but also have a historical romance and a fantasy romance series.

2. What do you love about it?  

With paranormal romance, there are so many possibilities of characters, worlds, and romance. I love reading the genre because writing in the paranormal world is never enough.

3. What are your series titles? Can you tell us a little about them?  

Claimed – is my new series and are paranormal romance stories based on either an Incubus or a Succubus and their love interest. There is plenty of action and adventure in all my stories and passion.
 
Viking Fire – is my historical romance series. The prequel is all from Bram’s POV and how he falls in love with Karieen, the feisty Irish Laird’s daughter. Viking Fire is primarily from Karieen’s POV and her struggle to overcome her prejudice and fall for Bram.
 
Legends of Oblivion – Fantasy romance series and is based on what happens if a vampire were to bite an Elf (Lord of the Rings Elvin, not the shoemaker kind).
 
 
‘Not So Normal’ Questions

1. If you could invite any 5 people (i.e. cartoon character; famous person; rock band; poet; artist; living or dead) for a meal together, who would they be?   

J.K. Rowling, Terry Goodkind, George R.R. Martin, Anne Bishop, and Yasmine Gaelnorn. And I’d talk story and writing with them for as long as I could.

2. You’re dressed to attend a Medieval Fair.  What are you wearing? 
 
A medieval warrior costume similar to the picture here:

But with a sword and bow.

3. You’re on a quest to find a magical gem. What magical creatures or persons are on your team?  

A dwarf, because they can sense gems if close enough. A witch because with the gem being magical, there will be spells and enchanted traps to avoid. A paladin and a ranger– for the heavy fighting.

4. What magical place and time period would you like to visit?   

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A close runner up would be the Silvan Elves in Lord of the Rings series.
 


Awesome answers! Love your medieval costume choice.

YOU CAN FIND ANDREA R. COOPER AT:
Website -> www.AndreaRCooper.com
Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/AndreaRCooper.author
Twitter -> https://twitter.com/AndreaRCooper  @AndreaRCooper
Goodreads -> http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6934877.Andrea_R_Cooper
Blog -> http://andrearcooperauthorblog.wordpress.com/
Pinterest -> http://www.pinterest.com/andrearcooper/

LET'S GENERATE A BUZZ! Authors, artists, and poets if you would like to be a BUZZ GUEST on ‘FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS—OH MY!’ please DM me on Twitter https://twitter.com/kay_latour or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kaylatour/

 

Here we are at the ‘Normal’ and ‘Not so Normal’ question spot. 😊
 
‘Normal’ Question Spot

1. What genre do you write in?   

I write mostly Paranormal romance, but I've also written suspense and ghost stories as well.

2. What do you love about your genre?  

Everything. LOL. I have always been fascinated with spooky stories, movies and tales. I grew up in a haunted house so that should tell you something about me. But its not just the scare, its the chance to create my own worlds, creatures and scenarios. Vampires, who doesn't love a vampire, are so much fun to write because you can make them into anything you want.

3. Do you have a new release coming soon?  

I have two, actually. The seventh book in my Darkness series, Consuming the Darkness and the third book in my Demon series, Conquer the Demon will both be out later this month and next month. You can go to my website to catch a glimpse of them both.

4. What are you currently working on?   

Right now, I am rewriting the last book in my Darkness series, Surviving the Darkness. All of the Darkness books have been previously published. When my latest publisher, Champagne Books took them under their wing, I got to do some rewrites. Penetrating the Darkness is a whole new book so if you've read the original you might want to get the new one. Surviving needed some major repairs so instead of hacking it to bits, I decided just to rewrite it.
 

‘Not so Normal’ Question Spot

1. You’re dressed to attend a Cosplay event. What are you wearing?  

Wow, that's a tough one. There are so many. Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy would be one. Harley Quinn because she is just Bat shit crazy. LOL. And Deadpool.

2. If you had wings what would they look like? Fairy or Angel? What color and size?  

If I'm going to have wings they are going to be huge. What is the point to small wings. I'm thinking dragon wings.

3. You have a magical pet. What is it? What does it look like?  

Its a toss between a dragon and a Pegasus.The dragon would be gold, red and black, not as large as the ones you see in movies but large enough to scare predators. The Pegasus would be white with a silver mane and tail.

4. If you could invite any 5 people (i.e. cartoon character; famous person; rock band; poet; artist; living or dead) for a meal together, who would they be?    

Ryan Reynolds and Deadpool. Marylin Monroe. Michael Jackson. Prince.
 
 

Wow! You grew up in a haunted house! Maybe someday we’ll get to hear about some of your ghostly encounters. Fingers crossed. 😊

YOU CAN FIND SHIELA AT:
Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/shiela.stewart
Twitter -> https://twitter.com/ShielaSue  @ShielaSue
Website -> www.shielastewartsbooks.com
Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/shielastewart/

 
LET'S GENERATE A BUZZ! Authors, artists, and poets if you would like to be a BUZZ GUEST on ‘FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS—OH MY!’ please DM me on Twitter https://twitter.com/kay_latour or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kaylatour/
 
 
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Celia has a short for this series called VAMPIRE CODE.

  
The third book in this series is in the works with a tentative title of ORIGINS.
 
 
Here we are at the ‘normal’ and ‘not so normal’ question spot.

 ‘Normal’ Question Spot

1. What genre do you write in?  

I write fiction; primarily urban fantasy and paranormal romance.

2. What do you love about it?  

I love bringing my stories into the world. There are a lot of characters and ideas running amok in my head.

3. Who, or what, inspired you to write?  

I’ve been writing stories since I was a kid. My Irish grandmother inspired me with her stories of the Fae, including one tale of her personal encounter with a Banshee in her root cellar. Imagination fueled, I wrote a lot of tales as a kid. And I haven’t stopped yet.

4. You have two book series, THE BLACK HILL WOLVES, and THE TRANQUILLI BLOODLINE. What are they about?  

Decadent Publishing’s Black Hills Wolves line is a paranormal romance, multi-author, shared world centering around the Tao wolf pack of Los Lobos, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. All books are standalone and can be read in any order.  I wrote a “Moon” trilogy about my Luparell siblings for the series: Diamond Moon (Ross and Darci), Under A Mating Moon (Lexi and Jake), and Jasmine Moon (Evan and Jasmine). In my three stories, I introduce my new characters and locations to the world, use some preexisting town locales for a few activities (such as Gee’s Bar), and have other author’s characters make cameos. And, of course, romance is front and center in all my stories, as my heroes and heroines work for their Happily Ever Afters.
 
The Tranquilli Bloodline is my urban fantasy, vampire series, published by Champagne Books. The series stars Carina Tranquilli, a San Francisco dance club owner whose world is turned upside down when she discovers she has a vampire family. Dysfunctional family drama ensues, complicated by her family’s numerous enemies who’d love to use Carina as a pawn. Or, kill her. They’re not too picky.  In between much vampire mayhem, Carina meets her soul mate Alexander, a sexy, undead musician… Two novels and one short story are currently available in the series:  Haven (#1), Destiny (#2), and Vampire Code (.5). The third novel, Origins, is in progress… 
 
‘Not so normal’ Question Spot

1. You’ve been bitten by a werewolf the month before.  It’s the full moon and tonight’s the night of your first change.  How do you prepare for this?  What color is your fur?  

Oh, easy!  I hang out with my wolf shifters:  my Black Hills Wolves and also the sexy-as-sin Wallace wolves from the Tranquilli Bloodline series. Knowing the Wallace men, they’ll likely ply me with a bit of whiskey before the shift happens. I’m sure all of them will provide me with numerous pointers and then take me for my first-ever run, in the Marin Headlands (just over the Golden Gate Bridge). My fur is red, of course. I’m a redhead, after all.

 2. Are you a lone wolf or part of the pack?  

Definitely part of a pack! Have I mentioned the sexy Wallace men? Oh, right. I have, LOL.

3. Your sire has sent you on a quest to bring back one of his flock. What magical creatures or persons do you bring with you to accomplish that task?
 
Assuming the missing flock member was kidnapped… I bring along two vampire enforcers (Primo and Segundo) and the Wallace wolf brothers because they’re all fierce fighters and excellent trackers.

4. You’re a newly sired vampire. Where do you sleep? What do you hunt and with who?  

I sleep in my bedroom in my comfy bed, of course. With blackout curtains on the windows. I don’t hunt; my sire’s minions bring us blood from the blood bank or from a willing donor.
 
 
Awesome answers! I would love to hear about your grandmother’s experience with the Banshee someday. Scratch the surface and you often find that the unexplained has visited us all in some way, shape, or form.  

YOU CAN FIND CELIA AT:
Web site: http://www.celiabreslin.com/
 
Blog: http://www.celiabreslin.com/blog/
 
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/celiabreslin
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CeliaBreslinAuthor
 
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/CeliaBreslin
 
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/celiabreslin/
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celiabreslin/
 
Newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/bxqwRL

LET'S GENERATE A BUZZ! Authors, artists, and poets if you would like to be a BUZZ GUEST on ‘FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS—OH MY!’ please DM me on Twitter https://twitter.com/kay_latour or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kaylatour/
 
 
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Here’s the Blurb for TRAITOR KNIGHT!

When Morgan McRobbie rescues a damsel-in-distress from a dragon, he expects she’ll swoon, murmuring “My hero!” Instead, Marissa has only loathing for the man everyone believes will betray Kilbourne. That’s fine with Morgan. A woman in his life would just complicate things.

A high-level informer threatens the kingdom’s security, and Morgan is out to stop him. Posing as a turncoat himself, he’s walking a fine line between honor and betrayal. A single misstep could result in disaster, and his mission is fraught with distractions: the pesky dragon, a pair of conniving courtiers, and the disillusioned damsel who’s certain Morgan can’t be trusted.

If Morgan’s going to save the kingdom, win the girl, and manage to stay alive, he’ll need to step up his game. Because the traitor is lurking in the shadows, and his scheme calls not just for the betrayal of Kilbourne, but also the destruction of Morgan McRobbie.

Here’s the BLURB for DESPERATE KNIGHT!

Morgan McRobbie and Lady Marissa duBerry swing back into swashbuckling action, facing old enemies, new threats, and a diabolical conspiracy. Not to mention a more personal battle, one with hearts and pride at stake.

 As the pair escorts Prince Robert to the dwarf king’s court, a fiendish scheme is unfolding, intended to hurl men and dwarves into a devastating war. Morgan ends up sidetracked by a kidnapped dwarf and a centuries-old feud, while a mysterious wizard’s revelations shake Marissa to her core, throwing into question everything she thought she knew about her past and future. And the advent of a rival for Marissa’s affections threatens any hope of a happy ending—if they survive.

Once again, the desperate knight and indomitable damsel must hazard everything on a single throw of the dice, gambling on untested allies and unimagined weapons to save their world. And the odds have never been worse.  

Keith has taken the time to answer some ‘normal’ questions and ‘not so normal’ questions for us.
 
‘Normal’ Question Spot
1. What is the name of your book?  

My debut novel , out for about 18 months, is Traitor Knight
 
2. What is your book about? 

Traitor Knight is a fast-paced fantasy/romance that’s an homage to both the Saturday-matinee swashbucklers of Errol Flynn and the bantering screwball comedies of the 30’s and 40’s. A dashing knight who’s thwarted at every turn and a fast-talking damsel-in-distress with trust issues meet, courtesy of a dragon with an inconvenient case of hiccups. As they dodge assassins and chase spies in order to save their kingdom, Morgan and Marissa must contend with lies and deceptions, mistaken motives and identities, and the unwelcome realization that they might just be falling in love.

3. What inspired you to write it?

I’ve always loved fantasy, and especially fantasy laced with humor (Sir Terry Pratchett and Christopher Stasheff, for example). When I began Traitor Knight I had the first scene pretty much fixed in my mind—I knew I wanted to begin with the traditional Knight vs Dragon trope, but turned on its ear a bit. So the only way my hero gets out of the first chapter alive is because the dragon comes down with hiccups. And the distressed damsel he rescues despises him for the traitor she (and everyone else) believes him to be.

Another strong inspiration (for the hiccupping dragon) was the classic Looney Toons short Knighty Knight Bugs, the only Bugs Bunny cartoon to win an Academy Award. This is where the notion of the hiccupping dragon came from…

4. Is it a standalone or a series?

Traitor Knight is the first of a series; book two, Desperate Knight, is set to be released this summer. And I have the third book in its beginning stages, along with a companion volume of short stories that provide a glimpse into the backstory of both main characters and a lot of the secondary characters. These tales were things that really didn’t belong in the novels, but were too good to just let go.

5. Do you have a favorite author?

Too many to name, but I’ll toss out a few: Terry Pratchett; Christopher Stasheff; Michael J. Sullivan; Robert A. Heinlein; Isaac Asimov; Rex Stout; PG Wodehouse; Dorothy Gilman; Georgette Heyer; Lauren Willig; and Phoebe Atwood Taylor. And eclectic bunch, to be sure.

‘Not so normal’ Question Spot

1. You have a favorite sword. What did you name it? Is there a special gem or sigil on it? How do you sharpen it?

I’m afraid I’m going to disappoint a lot of folk here, because my sword is pretty boringly prosaic. It’s a weapon, not a magical frou-frou. It has no mystic powers or mysterious heritage. And definitely no gems or sigils; they get in the way. No name, either. It’s actually the Clint Eastwood of swords---The Sword With No Name… It’s a rather utilitarian piece, sharpened to a fine edge by my local smith, who does nice work and comes highly recommended. And I use it when I have to. To kill people before they kill me.

2. You have a magical pet.  What is it?  What does it look like? 

He’s large. Very large. With azure iridescent scales, leathery wings, a spiked tail, and faceted emerald eyes. Oh, and he can breathe fire. And cleaning out his litter box can be a real chore.

3. What magical place that you’ve read about would you like to visit? 

The most magical place on earth, Disn… Oh. That’s not what you meant, is it? Well, I did order Fodor’s “Guide to Mordor on a Budget”, but after reading it, I don’t think I’ll go. No beach, and the natives don’t sound particularly friendly. So I guess my choice would be the Discworld. As long as I can take The Luggage…

4. You’re going on a quest to save the Queen who is trapped in a tower. What magical creatures or persons are on your team?

Hmmm. Not a lot of information here to go on, is there. How tall is the tower? What’s it made of? Are there guards? If so, are they big? Are they intelligent? Are they bribable?

All things considered, however, I think I’d bring my magical dragon (who is NOT named Puff…); my friendly neighborhood wizard, who might be able to cast an invisibility spell (if he’s having a good day); and my magical burglar and his magical lockpics. Oh, and The Sword With No Name…
 
 

Awesome answers Keith! And I think The Sword with No Name can classify as a name all by itself. Love your hiccupping dragon and the Knighty Knight Bugs video. Fun!

YOU CAN FIND KEITH AT:
Website -> http://www.keithwillisauthor.com/
Twitter -> https://twitter.com/kilbourneknight   @kilbourneknight
Facebook (personal) -> https://www.facebook.com/keith.willis.581
Facebook (TRAITOR KNIGHT) -> https://www.facebook.com/TRAITOR-KNIGHT-191368320972613/

LET'S GENERATE A BUZZ! Authors, artists, and poets if you would like to be a BUZZ GUEST on ‘FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS—OH MY!’ please DM me on Twitter https://twitter.com/kay_latour or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kaylatour/

 

J. S. Marlo has taken the time to answer some ‘normal’ and ‘not so normal’ questions for us.
 
‘Normal’ Question Spot

1. What genre do you write in?

I write romantic suspense, which is a mix of romance, suspense and mystery.
 
2. What do you love about it?

Romance may make the world go round, but suspense creates unpredictable twists and turns and mystery adds a layer of suspicion. I love playing with all those elements.
 
3. Do you have a favorite character from your novels?

I love all my characters, even the ones I love to hate. When you spend a year with them you get to know them pretty well. Between you and me, I cried when some of them died. Each one contains a small part of me or someone I love (or don’t love so much).
 
If I had to choose, I’d pick Star from Salvaged. Star was my first “imaginary” baby and her character was based on my first “real” baby. Scuba diving is a huge part of my daughter’s job and life. One summer many years ago, she explored shipwrecks on the Atlantic Coast. Some wrecks were hundreds of years old. Her tales were fascinating and her discoveries intriguing. That’s when the idea of having a young female scuba diver as the heroine of my story struck me. My daughter served as my technical adviser and she even got me to put on her scuba gear so I’d know what it feels like, but I stayed away from ships. Instead, I gave Star an old Model-T sunk at the bottom of a lake to explore – and gave my daughter a cameo in the book.
 
4. Do you have any work in progress?

I’m working on the last edits of Hot Water #3, the last book of my Heart & Endurance Series, which is scheduled to be released in August 2017. That being said, Thin Ice (Heart & Endurance 2) is coming out this Monday on May 8th, and release week is always busy. I’m also halfway through my next novel Voted Out. I’m not sure yet if it’ll be a stand-alone or the first book of a new series...I guess I’ll have to wait till the end to see if my characters want to come back or not.
 
5. What do you do in your spare time when you’re not working, writing or reading?

I go to the gym four times a week. It’s not that I “love” training, but I love eating chocolate. Now, I went to visit my aunt back east some months ago, and while I was there, she taught me how to weave dish towels on a big floor loom. Not only was it the most relaxing afternoon I spent in a very long time, I also made three gorgeous dish towels. Okay, I admit there were a few mistakes in the pattern of one of them, but the other two looked amazing. So, I’m actually looking for a used floor loom to buy. That’s a traditional craft I’d really like to share to my granddaughter one day.
 
‘Not so normal’ Question Spot

1. If you could invite any 5 people (i.e. cartoon character; famous person; rock band; poet; artist; living or dead) for a meal together, who would they be?

- Queen Cleopatra – to discover Ancient Egypt.
- The mother of modern nursing Florence Nightingale – to listen to the changes she implemented to improve patients’ care and the struggles she encountered.
- The physicist Marie Curie – to learn what prompted her to research radioactivity.
- The musical group ABBA – to hear them sing.
- The author Dan Brown – to chat about his Robert Langdon’s series.
 
2. You have an imaginary friend that only you can see. What does he look like?

You know those funny yellow creatures with one or two eyes called Minions that yell “banana” and turn purple when they go crazy? Well, I worked in an election office for three months a few years back and every day someone brought a new quote featuring a Minion. One of my favorites was “You know it’s gonna be a bad day when your imaginary friend files a restraining order against you”. From then on, I’ve pictured my imaginary friend as a Minion. A purple Minion.
 
3. If you had wings what would they look like? Fairy or Angel? What color and size?

I’d like small butterfly wings that sparkled teal and purple in the misty dawn.
 
4. Would you rather have the ability to read minds or see into the future?

I wouldn’t want to see into the future because it would mean everything is predetermined. It would also take away the good surprises and make you grieve ahead of the bad events. At the same time, I don’t think I’d like to be able to read mind. You know what they say about the truth, “All truth is good, but not all truth is good to say”. Sometimes it’s not about lying to people, it’s about protecting their feelings by not telling them everything. Being able to read mind would take away that protection. I’m good at multi-tasking but guess I wasn’t born to handle superpower.
 
Love your answers! I could totally see a purple Minion as an awesome imaginary friend.

YOU CAN FIND J. S. MARLO AT:
Twitter -> https://twitter.com/JSMarloAuthor  @JSMarloAuthor
Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005715001393
Website -> https://sites.google.com/site/jsmarloauthor/home

Goodreads -> https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2079858.J_S_Marlo

LET'S GENERATE A BUZZ! Authors, artists, and poets if you would like to be a BUZZ GUEST on ‘FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS—OH MY!’ please DM me on Twitter https://twitter.com/kay_latour or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kaylatour/

Available June 3rd, 2017.

Here's the Blurb!

After several weeks of being investigated for possible involvement in stock manipulation crimes, Maddie Windsor is getting on with her life by taking a vacation on the island of Utila, the scuba diver’s Mecca. She is determined to achieve one of her fondest wishes, to pass her PADI scuba diving basic level.
 
It's daunting to tackle her first trip outside of North America, let alone navigating Honduras by herself and arriving at the Utila Dive Lodge, luggage intact. So it's a good thing Maddie’s protective Dive Master in Vancouver, knows a guy. Deke Ellis is that guy and is also bound for the dive lodge.
 
Except Deke was already volun-told to track Maddie by his boss, as a favour for the RCMP. Seven million is missing and so is Alan Greenway, Maddie's ex-boyfriend. If Alan shows his face in Utila, Deke has to stay focused, even if he finds Maddie unbelievably tempting.
 

Yvonne has taken the time to answer some ‘normal’ questions and ‘not so normal’ questions for us today.
 
‘Normal’ Question Spot
1. What is the name of your new book?     

"Diving in Heart First"

2. What is it about? 

After several weeks of being investigated for possible involvement in stock manipulation crimes, Maddie Windsor is getting on with her life by taking a vacation on the island of Utila, the scuba divers Mecca. She is determined to achieve one of her fondest wishes, to pass her PADI scuba diving basic level.
It's daunting to tackle her first trip outside of North America, let alone navigating Honduras by herself and arriving in Utila, luggage intact. So it's a good thing Maddie’s protective Dive Master, Chris, in Vancouver "knows a guy", Deke Ellis, who is also bound for Utila.
 
Except Deke was already volun-told to track Maddie by his boss, as a favour for the RCMP. Seven million is missing and so is Alan Greenway, Maddie's ex-boyfriend. If Alan shows his face in Utila, Deke has to stay focused, even if he finds Maddie unbelievably tempting.

 3. What was your inspiration for this book? 

We were on a scuba diving vacation at the Utila Dive Lodge and I got to thinking about writing a romance located on the island. So many things that happen in the novel, happened to us or travel companions. Even the crocodile.

4. What is the crossover between this book and your VIC books?

The hero, Deke Ellis, works for the same covert agency, Security and Protection Services, SPS, as Helly Cooper and Will Conall from Hell Cat. It is also mentioned that Deke knows Will.There is also a small cross over from this novel to "Trusting the Wolf", book 3 of the VIC Shapeshifter series, out this summer. The heroine, Maddie Windsor's brother Matt has a small part in that novel and the upcoming book 4.
 
‘Not so normal’ Question Spot

1. If you could invite any 5 people (i.e. cartoon character; famous person; rock band; poet; artist; living or dead) for a meal together, who would they be? 

Jamie Oliver, he's cooking! Author Tanya Huff, Leslie my daughter, Tammy daughter-in-law, Jann Arden.

2. You’ve been bitten by a werewolf the month before.  It’s the full moon and tonight’s the night of your first change.  How do you prepare for this?  What color is your fur? 

I arrange to be out in the woods or the bush for my first change. I want a Mage with me, just in case to tap into creation magic if it's necessary, and when I change under the glow of the new moon, my pelt it cinnamon with slashes of beige, excellent camouflage.

3. Are you a lone wolf or part of the pack?

Pack is everything, we all need to belong to something larger than ourselves.

4. You have a mystery to solve. What magical creatures or persons are on your team?

A witch, a mage, a shaman, a selkie and a dragon. Earth, wind, fire, and water are covered, and magic.
 


Wow! A crocodile? Yikes! I love how your romance novel has a crossover to your urban fantasy series. That makes it all the more fun.

YOU CAN FIND YVONNE AT:
Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/yvonne.havelangerediger
Twitter -> https://twitter.com/blackyvy  @blackyvy
Website -> http://blackyvy50.wix.com/yvonnerediger
Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/yvonnerediger/

LET'S GENERATE A BUZZ! Authors, artists, and poets if you would like to be a BUZZ GUEST on ‘FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS-OH MY!’ please DM me on Twitter https://twitter.com/kay_latour or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kaylatour/
 

#vicshapeshifters #paranormal #pnr #Suspense #holiday #diving #fantasy #fantasybook #fantasybooks #fantasyseries #fantasytales #fantasytale #fantasystory #fantasystories #urbanfantasy #urbanfantasybook #urbanfantasybooks #urbanfantasynovel #urbanfantasynovels #supernatural #writing #book #books #bookworm #bookseries #novel #novels #indieauthors #amwriting #amreading #amreadingfantasy #writers #authors #author

Ron has taken the time to answer some ‘normal’ questions and ‘not so normal’ questions for us today.

‘Normal’ Question Spot
1. What genre do you write in?
Mainly Fantasy, (because I like to make things up and hate too much research?) and Science Fiction (because that’s a lot of what I grew up reading and still enjoy it.) I also do a bit of horror (and have an idea for a horror novel that may never get written.) I’ve had editors tell me I could put in more romance, and also editors tell me not to.
 
2. Do you have a favorite book(s)?

This week? Almost anything by Terry Pratchett or Guy Gavriel Kay. For example: “Colour of Magic” “Hogfather” “Children of Earth and Sky” “Red Planet Blues” (Sawyer) And the Game of Thrones Song of Ice and Fire Series.
 
3. Do you have a favorite author?

Too many! Obviously Pratchett, Kay, Sawyer, and of course, George R.R. Martin. Have a new author I have to look into I’ve never read, James S.A. Corey, because I really enjoy the TV series “The Expanse” based on his books. I usually go from the book to the TV show or movie, not the other way around.
 
4. What inspires you?
Do you mean what inspires me to write a story? I’ve written stories based on seeing an interesting face on a TV screen, a newspaper headline, a documentary. Anything to get me thinking. For example, I watched a documentary on the ancient city of Troy. That got me thinking about how terrible it would be to be trapped in a burning city under siege. That resulted in the opening scenes of The Queen’s Pawn which then galloped madly off in a completely different direction.
 

‘Not so normal’ Question Spot
1. You have a murder case to solve. What magical creatures or persons are on your team?

Would be handy to have a wizard as back-up, and a hero for muscle, and a seer who could peer into the future. And maybe a quiet little somebody no one would notice or be suspicious of.
 
 
2. If you could invite any 5 people (i.e. cartoon character; famous person; rock band; poet; artist; living or dead) for a meal together, who would they be?

Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, Mel from Firefly, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Elvis.  No idea what we are having for dinner though. Might want to do more than one dinner party with another group, this list could be endless.
 
 
3. You’ve been bitten by a werewolf the month before. It’s the full moon and tonight’s the night of your first change. How do you prepare for this? What color is your fur?

Probably a good idea to find someone I trust to lock me in a strong room until this is over. Plan B would be to head a long way out into the country and a lonely remote cabin in the woods. Black fur.
 
 
4. Would you rather have the ability to read minds or see into the future?
I think I’d rather see into the future especially if I could see a long way. I’m curious about the future. Reading minds might get very messy very fast.
 
Awesome answers Ron! I’m a GAME OF THRONES, BUFFY and FIREFLY fan myself. BROWNCOATS FOREVER!

YOU CAN FIND R.J. HORE AT:
Facebook -> www.facebook.com/RonaldJHore
Goodreads -> https://goodreads.com/author/show/5752744.R_J_Hore
Website -> www.ronaldhore.com

LET'S GENERATE A BUZZ! Authors, artists and poets if you would like to be a BUZZ GUEST on ‘FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS—OH MY!’ please DM me on Twitter https://twitter.com/kay_latour or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kaylatour/

Judith has taken the time to answer some ‘normal’ and ‘not so normal’ questions for us:

1. What is the name of your novel? 

Ghosted: A Novel of Life, Love and Moving On

2. What is your novel about?

Hannah wants to relocate herself and her cat, Jimi, to the countryside of Calgary. So when she finds a turn-of-the-century home in a small town at a good price she jumps at the opportunity.
Shortly after she moves in, strange noises, disturbances, and slamming doors hamper her efforts to make any changes in the house. Jimi starts acting odd, and the disturbances only increase in intensity. But Hannah is no quitter, and by talking with long-time residents of her town, and with the help of a psychic, Hannah pieces together the tragic story of her resident ghost. By understanding why the ghost is unable to let go, Hannah comes to terms with her inability to let go of her own heartbreaking past.

 3.  Is this the first in a series?

No. This is a standalone story.
 
4.  What inspired you to write this book?

It was a number of things, actually. A friend introduced me to a shaggy, black kitten she was fostering. She said that she had named the tiny cat Jimi, because he looked like Jimi Hendrix. I thought of my grandfather, who, although he had a gruff and severe personality, loved cats. I could imagine my grandfathers ghost hanging around an old house just because he liked the resident cat. I thought about all the old houses that are still around in some of the small towns around Calgary. I put together a black cat, a grumpy ghost and an old house in the foothills of Calgary, and the story fell into place.
 
5.  What kind of books do you enjoy reading?

I read a variety of books, but I really enjoy science fiction and historical fiction. While I dont read much in the paranormal genre, I do love a good ghost story.
 
‘Not so normal’ Question Spot:
1.  If you could invite any 5 people (i.e. cartoon character; famous person; rock band; poet; artist; living or dead) for a meal together, who would they be?

Wow, I have a huge list, actually! However, Id start with these five incredible authors: Ursula Le Guin, Margaret Atwood, J.K. Rowling, Ann Rice and Diana Gabaldon.
 
2.  Would you rather encounter an alien or a ghost? 

A Ghost. It would be nice to get some irrefutable evidence, and maybe ask some historical questions. Ill leave the aliens to the Men in Black.
 
3.  Would you rather have the ability to read minds or see into the future? 

Read minds. It would be more immediately useful. There are many days when Im fairly certain that I dont care to see into the future.

Awesome answers! I love your inspiration story. Thanks for sharing it with us. And for those who want to avoid buying a house with a ghost in it you can ask your realtor if your house is ghost free. Yes people, it’s a thing.

YOU CAN FIND JUDITH AT:
Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/JEDocken/
Twitter -> https://twitter.com/JudithDocken
Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/jedocken/
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/jedocken/

LET'S GENERATE A BUZZ! Authors, artists and poets if you would like to be a BUZZ GUEST on ‘FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS—OH MY!’ please DM me on Twitter https://twitter.com/kay_latour or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kaylatour/


#Ghosted #supernatural #paranormal #ghosts #hauntedhouse #ghosttales #ghoststory #ghost #haunted #hauntednovel #writers #supernaturalphenomenon #urbanfantasy #fantasy #writing #book #bookworm #novel #novels #indieauthors #amwriting #amreading #mystery

Cathy has taken the time to answer some 'normal' questions and 'not so normal' fun questions for us.

1. What is the name of your book?

My recent release is The Pirate’s Bride
 
2. What is it about?

It’s a pirate romance, set in the Caribbean and New Orleans. After a disastrous Coming Out season, Sophie Bellard wants nothing to do with men. She’d rather sail the oceans like her pirate father before her. Instead, she is married off to the most powerful, most arrogant pirate in all the pirate kingdom. This book follows their clashes, and their rocky road to love. It’s punctuated with lively dialogue, realistic shipboard descriptions, and steamy love scenes.
 
3. Where did this book first appear?

It first appeared on Wattpad, an online writing site that I belong to. The book won first place in their up-and-coming historical romance category back in 2012, and eventually gathered 1.3 million reads.
 
4. Were there any technical issues that arose from having different languages?

Oh, yes! I know some Spanish, but I don’t know French at all! Readers were always correcting me, until I put out a request for help. A reader in France came to the rescue.
 
5. What was the inspiration for this novel?

The last movie of the POTC franchise. I really thought Capt. Jack should get his HEA, so I started to write a story. It quickly turned into something completely different.

'Not so normal' Question Spot

1. If you were a pirate what would your name be?

Probably Cathy the Relentless, because when I put my mind to something I don’t give up. (My husband might call me Chatty Cathy, though)
 
2. What is the name of your pirate ship?

The Queen of the Sea
 
3. Where would you like to sail to and during what time period?

I’d have to sail now. I like my creature comforts. As for where? Maybe along the western coast of Mexico. I’ve never been, and I’ve heard they have amazing beaches. Or, I would sail north, towards, British Columbia.
 
4. As a pirate, what would you wear?

I’d have to wear capris. They are nice and loose. Sneakers, for traction. And layered shirts: short sleeve, with a jacket or two. And a really gorgeous, feathered hat, like Sophie in The Pirate’s Bride.
 
5. What does a pirate eat for breakfast?

Well, since I don’t want scurvy, I’d eat oranges and pineapples. I would love scrambled eggs and bacon, or pancakes, but I would think the rocking of a ship might make those a challenge, ha ha. And, of course, a pot of hot tea, steeped just the right amount of time!


Wow! Sailing on The Queen of the Sea, sounds like a vacation dream come true. Thank you, Cathy, for sharing with us today.

YOU CAN FIND CATHY AT:
Twitter -> https://twitter.com/cskendrovich
Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/Cathy-Skendrovich-249667925220631/
Website -> http://www.cathyskendrovich.com/

Goodreads -> https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14232546.Cathy_Skendrovich
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/cathyskendrovich/

LET'S GENERATE A BUZZ! Authors, artists and poets if you would like to be a BUZZ GUEST on ‘FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS—OH MY!’ please DM me on Twitter https://twitter.com/kay_latour or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kaylatour/

 David is an avid comic book and action novel lover. He’s taken some time out to answer a few ‘normal’ and ‘not so normal’ questions about his books and inspirations.

1. You have created a series. What is its name and what is it about?

The Asanti Series is the tale of Demorn, exile of the dead world of Asanti, an assassin who works out of Babelzon. Blessed or cursed by the goddess Alodin Mars, Demorn can move across dimensions and she is a legend across multiple universes, pulled by the burning sword within her chest, forever fighting a war against Ultimate Fate and the dark demon gods from the Void which claw against reality. She is also trying to resurrect her dead girlfriend, Kate, killed in their adventures. 

2. What inspired you to create this series?

I was sitting watching TV in the dead of the night. My brain disconnected from what I was watching and the first third of BLADE OF EXILE (the first book in the Asanti Series) came to me - I visualized the Clubhouse and the character of Demorn and her battle.

3. What are your long-term goals for the series?

The plan for the Asanti Series is a 7-volume series, which will encompass Demorn's complete battle against Ultimate Fate and the demon gods from the Void, her vengeance over the loss of her girlfriend and her home world of Asanti, along with an exploration of her origin and Demorn's steps in taking leadership of the Innocents, the clubhouse of assassins and thieves she calls home in Babelzon City. And more! I would love to see the Asanti Series become a TV and movie series, and I am definitely open to it becoming a video game or having spin off comics.

4. Can you tell us about your new standalone volume, DEMORN: Soul Fighter?

In Soul Fighter Demorn has travelled across the Glass Desert, to Bay City, to visit an old friend. She has left the war behind her. But Bay City is filled with shadows and a comet is about to crash into the City, killing millions. Demorn is dragged into the conflict, as she confronts and exposes secrets that the City has hidden, plunging her into a battle against the forces of life and death, as she fights to save the soul of a close friend.

5. I happen to know that you love comic books and action novels. Can you tell us how these have influenced you?

I enjoy the fast-paced nature of much comic book storytelling, the episodic storytelling and developing subplots. I enjoy building a layered story and mixing action with some sly humor and raw emotional beats. I do highly reading action and thriller novels, and I greatly enjoy the work of writers such as Chuck Dixon, David Baldacci, PD James, Greg Rucka and Lee Goldberg, among others!

‘Not so normal’ question spot:

1. Who is your favorite Superhero?

Tough one! Batman, Punisher and Catwoman! And Spider-Man!

2. Let’s say you’re a Superhero. What is your superpower?

Wiping the guilty from the streets!

3. What does your Superhero costume look like?
 
I wear all black! With perhaps a neon skull icon! :)

4. As a Superhero, would you rather work alone or with a team?

I'm a lone wolf! I can do team-ups but no regular team!

5. What does a superhero eat for breakfast?

Coffee, a banana, and a winning attitude!
 
Awesome answers! I love that your Superhero costume is all black. Black just happens to be my happy color for clothing. And I too receive my best ideas at night. Thank you, David, for sharing with us today.


YOU CAN FIND DAVID AT:
Twitter: @redlantern2051
Facebook: The Asanti Legion, https://www.facebook.com/Demornasanti/

LET'S GENERATE A BUZZ! Authors, artists and poets if you would like to be a BUZZ GUEST on FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS—OH MY! Please DM me on Twitter https://twitter.com/kay_latour or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kaylatour/

#demorn #asanti #adventure #scifi #fantasy #alternateworlds #actioncomics #actionstory #actionstories #comicsaction #timetravel #amreadingfantasy #urbanfantasy #fantasy #amreading #books #bookworm #novels #novel #series #bookseries #magic #paranormal #AmWriting

Note: This interview was conducted just before Christmas 2016

Wendy has graciously taken some time to give us an update on her life.

1. You've written a new book! What is it called? And what is it about?

'Claudia's Special Wish' is a magical Christmas Story that I was invited to write by Tony Curtis MBE, from Dreams and Wishes. The wonderful non-profit charity supports seriously ill children and their families.

A short synopsis of the story:
One snowy night Claudia Quash makes a special wish on the biggest star in the sky. Later that evening, she is woken by a jingling sound and soon finds herself stepping into a frozen forest. Whisked away by an elf in a magical sleigh, she flies through the sky, and embarks on an unforgettable adventure.

2. Are there any characters that you are especially fond of?

I like Claudia Quash, because she’s a unique and inspiring character, but I also like, Figgy, the elf as he makes toys and magical angel bells for the children at Christmas.

3. I happen to know that you are giving away all proceeds of this latest novel to charity. How is this awesome plan going?

It is going very well. So far, the book has raised nearly £5,000 for the charity and this is only the start.

4. When you read 'Claudia Quash' in the House of Commons what was that like?

It was an honour to be asked to read, “Claudia’s Special Wish” in the Houses of Parliament with John Bercow, The Speaker of The House of Commons present. Once I started reading the book, I became so absorbed in the magical adventure that I didn’t realise that I was being filmed. The children said that they loved the story and hearing about Santa Claus and Rudolph in Lapland.

5. What is your next project?

I will be releasing my third book, “Claudia Quash and the Cursed Crystal” which follows on from “The Spell of Pencliff” in the new year.

6. I know that Claudia has a Christmas wish. What is your Christmas wish?

My Christmas wish is to spend more time with the seriously ill children supported by Dreams and Wishes, and to help to raise as much money as I can for them.
Also, I would love a to sell my film script or television series for “Claudia Quash: The Spell of Pencliff” as I believe that she would inspire children.

7. What are you hoping Santa leaves under your tree?

I would like a First Edition of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, my favourite book and film and a large bottle of luxurious perfume.  


Wow! Your work with Dreams and Wishes (@dreamsandwishesorg) is a truly beautiful and inspiring thing. And as a Claudia Quash fan, I’m looking forward to ‘Claudia Quash and the Cursed Crystal’. Thank you so much for updating us on your books and good works. 

YOU CAN FIND WENDY AT:
Twitter -> https://twitter.com/WendyfHobbs    @WendyFHobbs

Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaQuash/

Website -> http://www.wendyhobbs.com/

Natalia was kind enough to provide us with a few pictures to go along with her interview questions. I love that!

'Normal Questions'

1. How did you come up with the concept for your book?

My childhood summer adventures played a major role. Early in the last century, four brothers and sisters purchased summer homes in a village near Moscow. One of the sisters was my great-grandmother, and family mythology places her in the midst of paranormal events. I grew up with those stories. My experience included no supernatural phenomena, but I understand how easily the atmospheric setting could spark spooky tales.
A cold, leisurely flowing river, groves and forests, wildflower meadows—the place is poignantly beautiful. It also offered an abundance of sites irresistible to a child’s imagination, and I had wonderful friends to explore them with.
Springs with clear, ice-cold water, hidden in the fields and ravines; fascinating inhabitants of pools and ponds—newts, frogs, fish, a multitude of insects and crustaceans (have you ever seen a tadpole shrimp that looks like a tiny horseshoe crab?); an abandoned 18th-century cemetery with weathered gravestones, sinking just a little deeper into the moss-covered ground with each passing year; a water-pump station left from the age of steam engines…When I began to work on the manuscript, I had the setting and my heroine’s emotional connection to the place. I only needed to add a supernatural flair to her quests.

2. Is this a series or a stand alone? Will we hear more from you?

SOUL OF THE UNBORN is Book 1 in a series called AURAS OF NIGHT. In Book 2, set in New England, my new heroine will have to figure out which one of the two men she’s attracted to is a murderer.

3. Where do you write?

I tend to migrate around the house. I mumble as I write, pronouncing sentences to hear their rhythm. Fortunately, it doesn’t bother my husband, so I love joining him while he reads or watches TV.

4. Do you prefer creating short stories, or novels?

I prefer to write longer tales, but sometimes the secondary characters from my novels deserve a spotlight of their own. Short stories are a perfect vessel to present the accounts of their adventures.

5. What kind of books do you enjoy reading?

Crime fiction and atmospheric horror.

6. Do you have a favorite author(s)?

Zola. Kafka, Hesse, Camus. Bulgakov. Kurt Vonnegut. Anne Rice, Ayn Rand. Shirley Jackson. Michael Koryta.

7. I happen to know that you are a top-notch gardener. What is your favorite flower?

Matthiola bicornis, or Night-scented Stock. It’s an inconspicuous annual plant that looks dead during the day. Its flowers open at dusk, and their divine fragrance drifts in waves throughout the garden all night long.

8. When you wander/travel where do you go?

I was born in Moscow, where I still have family and friends whom I see often. I’m accustomed to long transatlantic flights. There’s always a place I long to visit. For a while, it was Edinburgh. I finally made it there last summer, and the city is magnificent. What replaced it on top of the list? Iceland—the majestic coastline, the waterfalls, the Blue Lagoon. But I live in the foothills of Pikes Peak. My best brainstorming is done on mountain trails.

'Not-so-normal Questions'

1. If you could invite any 5 people (i.e. cartoon character; famous person; rock band; poet; artist; living or dead) for a meal together, who would they be?

I’m a proud owner of a Roman bronze fibula brooch, also called dolphin brooch for its shape. The piece was unearthed by a metal detecting club in Colchester. It may not look like proper jewelry (strangely shaped and covered with green patina) and doesn’t have much monetary value, but I find the fibula fascinating and often use it as a pendant. Every time I put it on, I wonder about its original owner, the person who used it to fasten his or her toga nearly two millennia ago. I’d love to spend a day in the company of that Roman and his or her loved ones.

2. A wicked old witch has turned you into a frog. What are you going to do with your days?

You mean, if I called a beautiful, colorful swamp bustling with life my home? I’d sit on a grassy, fragrant mound, enjoying a warm drizzle on my back, watch Venus flytraps and sundews catch gnats that are too small for me to eat, and croak…croak…

3. You've been bitten by a werewolf the month before. It's the full moon and tonight's the night of your first change. How do you prepare for this? What color is your fur?

I’d spend the month making friends with a pack of hybrid wolves living down the street. I’d buy a few pounds of steak, sneak into their enclosure on the night of transformation, and we would have a nice meal together. The color of my fur—I would be eager to find out!

4. When you were a child what did you always want to be when you grew up?

I didn’t want to be a ballerina. Everything else was fair game. My brief interest in archeology kept my friends and me busy for a week and resulted in enormous craters all over the garden.

5. What magical place that you've read about would you like to visit?

I’ve been on a lookout for the real-life Paradou garden (Emile Zola’s “Abbe Mouret’s Transgression,” the only book I own both in English and in Russian) since I was a teenager. Last August, I visited Lakemount Gardens in Ireland. It was the Paradou I imagined.

6. Would you rather encounter an alien or a ghost?

Neither! I like to imagine eerie things, but I let my characters deal with them.


Wow! Loved your answers and the pictures were a real bonus. I happen to be reading Natalia’s book right now—and no. I will not give you spoilers. Don’t worry. However, the picture of the river looks very much like the one in her book.  Wait…does that count as a spoiler? Nah, let’s just say it doesn’t. And Natalia, the Roman who wore your broach just got added to my list of five people.  

YOU CAN FIND NATALIA AT:
Website    -> http://nataliabrothers.com/
Twitter      -> https://twitter.com/NataBrothers   @NataBrothers
Blogs         -> http://mycookbookofwriting.blogspot.com/
                   -> https://mycompassroseofwriting.blogspot.com/
Facebook  -> https://www.facebook.com/NataliaBrothersAuthor/
Pinterest   -> https://www.pinterest.com/nataliabrothers/

My BUZZ GUEST today is RUDY KEMPPAINEN, CEO-PUBLISHER at KEMPNET SYNDICATIONS.

Rudy has had a fruitful forty-year writing career. Twenty-six of those years have been spent in the newspaper business. Rudy is a correspondent for the “Eagle-Scribe” weekly that is run out of Augusta, Illinois.  And as busy as he is, he still managed to write and publish thirteen books! His latest book is called The Talking Christmas Tree: Christmas Eve Adventure with Austin McFir.

When we discussed Rudy being interviewed for ‘FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS—OH MY!’, he said, “being on the receiving end of the table will be a nice change for me. I am usually the questioner.” Having said that, here is Rudy’s interview complete with an actual encounter with a ghost! Uh huh…that’s what I said--a ghost!  Check it out:
 
“Normal Questions”

1. What drew you to writing? 
   

 
I started out pretty young. I was inspired by a high school English teacher to pursue it. My parents didn’t really approve of that choice. They were always telling me to get a “real job”. Of course, after I received my first advance check from a publisher that was more money than either of them had seen in one lump, they pretty much shut up about it. ~grins~ I started out as a not so invisible ghost for business books, working with Prentice-Hall. I did a practice management book for dentists, a handbook for hospital administrators, and then a business guide for funeral directors. That was how I got my start.
 
I moved over to John Wiley & Sons after that. I wrote a book for them on “Power Consulting: Using the Media to Expand Your Business.”Gradually, though, I became disenchanted with major book publishers and began dreaming of starting my own publishing house.
 
Commercial book publishing and books created by that route tend to be a cumbersome process. Everyone knows that old cliché about a camel being a horse created by a committee. That’s what commercial publishers, at least the bigger ones, are like. They look at your stuff and say, “We like it, but we’d like you to change this and this.”
 
You do what they ask, the project goes to the next level of management, and you hear, “We love it, but we’d like you to change this and this and this. By the time, you get done with all of this, you look at it—and it bears no resemblance to the original concept which you started on. You wonder, “What the Hell am I working on here?” I got sick of that idea and began to dream about starting my own publishing company. That was a dream that took nearly thirty years to ultimately achieve.
 
That’s what I achieved in starting Kempnet Syndications. We had our kick-off on June 1, 2016.
 
2. How long did it take you to create your first book?
 
The practice management book for dentists was actually a second effort. I worked with a controversial dentist who was nearly persona non-grata within his profession because he had medical research which showed that teeth could actually heal themselves. He based his practice model on that—and I wrote the national book on that basis. That took me about six months.
 
3. How long did it take you to create the last?
 
My fastest turn-around time now is sometimes a week or less. I am pretty prolific by most standards. My latest, “The Talking Christmas Tree”, was something that I put together from memory from the first short story that I wrote back in 1968. I was only sixteen at the time. I changed and embellished from the original. It’s a short story, as far as length goes. But it’s pretty appropriate for the holiday theme, which is what I was trying to achieve.
 
4. Do you prefer creating short stories, or novels?
 
In fiction, I tend to prefer the longer works. Novels give you greater flexibility in terms of description, developing character motivations, packing surprises. You name it and novels have it all over short stories, at least in my opinion.
 
5. Where do you write? 
 
I have an office at home where much of my work is done. Standard tabletop computer is my usual venue. But I also keep a tablet handy. I will set my butt in my recliner, put my feet up, and have one of those little lap desks that I set my tablet on. I look like the laziest son of a b**** on the planet when I do that. But I don’t appear busy, even when I am. I lock out the world around me mentally when I am truly in the zone, a fact which bugs the Hell out of my wife. But that, again, is another story.
 
I can work virtually anywhere without a problem. I have journalism colleagues here who tease me, whenever they see me with my tablet out, that I must be writing one of my “smutty romances” during breaks. They actually aren’t smutty, though, which probably disappoints them. They were probably hoping for something which they could get their one-handed pleasures on.
 
6. Are there any genres you prefer?
 
I do a lot of reading these days in the romance genre, mainly because I am open to learning new nuances in the craft. I am actually surprised by the level of description that is acceptable these days. Scenes like that used to be relegated to the back rooms of adult book stores back when I was younger. Even in the 1970’s, they weren’t as open about sexuality as they are today. I wrote a few of those kinds of books back in the day, the books that people hid under their pillows out of a sense of prudishness. I don’t go that far with my romances. It isn’t a case of sex for the sake of sex. In my Alexander Longshaft books, yes, there’s sex. But that comes as a result of the natural evolution of a relationship. I try to build a sense of commitment in my characters before I let them engage in the “wild thing.”For most people, I think that comes across as more realistic. I doubt that women generally, or guys either, for that matter, get off on the Part A goes into Part B logistic. They want it to be a consummation of sorts, whether or not they have become legally married at that point. That’s what I try to build into my books.
 
7. I see you have a cookbook for sale it looks interesting.  Are those really your grandmother’s recipes?
 
Nearly all of them are, yes. But, back in her day, they didn’t have things like slow cookers or things which made life easy. Believe it or not, I learned how to cook on a wood burning range very much like the one pictured on the book cover. I place a heavy emphasis on the preciseness of the cooking art. I also try to show readers how to make their own judgments regarding how to create a final product to suit their own tastes. Cooking and baking are actually as much art as it is science. Some original recipes will tell you to add this or that to it. If my experience says that this isn’t necessary, I will tell my readers exactly that.
 
I remember being the only boy to compete in cooking and baking projects in my county’s 4-H show. It turned out that I ended up beating all the girls, in the opinions of the judges. One of them was a master baker who was regionally famous for his work. He offered me an apprenticeship in his business—and was thinking of turning over his business to me when I was done with high school. My parents were excited about that, but I wasn’t. You should have heard the grumbling from them when I turned the guy down. They thought I had done something truly shameful in saying no. But, even at that time, I had my eyes on a different line of lifetime work, that of being a writer. I fought with them—and I won!!I’ve always been a bull-headed a**hole when it came to what I wanted to achieve.
 
I always viewed cooking and baking as a hobby for me, not a profession. That doesn’t mean that I don’t take it seriously. But I like my creativity to stick around for a while. Food turns into poop in 48 hours or less. There’s simply no posterity there to be had.
 
As a side note here, my grandmother didn’t always turn out the “perfect dish”, even with her efforts. In those cases, she would dismiss it with her favourite line, “Well, it’s good enough for what it turns into.”LOL!Most people would have considered even those efforts as being quite edible. But she was a perfectionist to the extreme, a fact that made my own mother disdainful of cooking and baking. She never liked the striving for perfection.
 
 
8. What kind of books do you enjoy reading? 
 
I’ve had a lifelong penchant for medical novels, in particular. But I haven’t found any truly good ones lately—or I would be reading them. But I do like romance novels, especially if there’s a nice “happily ever after” conclusion to them.
 
9. Do you have a favorite author(s)? 
 
I would have to cite two in particular, Robin Cook, who authored “Coma”, and James Michener. My favourite book of his was “Final Diagnosis.”I don’t remember all of the details anymore about that one, except for one scene. The hospital had a serious stomach virus spreading through the patients. They decided to test fecal samples to find out what was happening.
 
The lab director told the staff that they would be reviewing over 400 samples. Then he asked the staff for questions. One of the staffers piped up and said, “That’s a lot of shit.”
 
I got a good laugh out of that one—and probably that gives you an idea as to my rather strange sense of humor. But that’s an entirely different story.But I thought it would be illustrative of me as a person.
 
I personally prefer authors who set up a surprise, even a small scene that is unexpected. With that in mind, I think I try to emulate that preference in my own work. My readers seem to enjoy that as well.

 
“Not-so-normal Questions”
1. If you could invite any 5 people (i.e. cartoon character; famous person; rock band; poet; artist; living or dead) for a meal together, who would they be?
 
I think that mine would be something of an eclectic mix. They would probably be Tennessee Ernie Ford, Leonardo Da Vinci, Norman Rockwell, Johnny Cash, and maybe John F. Kennedy. Okay, so I’m a complicated dude. Just goes with the territory.
 
2. You have an imaginary friend that only you can see.  What does he look like? 
 
I will run with this one. Knowing me, that friend would definitely be a she, not a he. I tend to identify with women much better than with men. Of course, with my temperament, I would prefer that she be a curvy specimen. I like to know that I’m talking to a woman without asking them to drop their pants. LOL!Hopefully, she’s also a reasonably good conversationalist. Eventually, even with delicious curves, she would become boring. Of course, considering that I am already 64 years old, I’m not as drawn to the erotic fantasies as I used to be in my prime.
 
3. Would you rather encounter an alien or a ghost?
 
I would have to say that a ghost would be my preference. Ghosts were, after all, human at one time or another. I’ve actually seen one, many years ago. Turns out that she was a very tortured soul, based on what I sensed. Later, I learned more about her and found out that she was a murder victim in the area. She would turn up from time to time, based on reports, and would briefly visit the house where she was killed, then move on. I haven’t heard any more reports about her in over ten years. Maybe she finally found her peace. I was probably about twenty feet away from her and tried to talk to her. But all that I ever heard were these sad moans—and nothing more—coming after midnight on an otherwise deserted street. It was just the two of us out there, but I never felt threatened. I think she appreciated that I accepted her as she was.
 

Thank you, Rudy, for being today’s BUZZ GUEST! I really enjoyed your answers and our chat time setting up for this interview.And I think your lady ghost did appreciate your compassion for her situation. Awesome stuff.

 YOU CAN FIND RUDY AT:
Facebook -> www.facebook.com/kempnetsyndications
Twitter -> @rudykemppainen 
Amazon as Rudy Kemppainen -> https://www.amazon.com/author/rudykemppainen
Amazon as Alexander Longshaft -> https://www.amazon.com/author/alexanderlongshaft

 BUZZ GUESTS are always featured on my PINTEREST BOARD -> BUZZ GUESTS ON "FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS--OH MY!" BLOG.

 RUDY'S OTHER CREATIONS:

My BUZZ GUESTS today are MORPHEUS, INC.!

When we last talked to Morpheus, Inc. (May 20th, 2016 blog) they had finished writing a novel called THE VIVID DREAMER.

Morpheus, Inc., has branched out once again and written a screenplay called SAGE OF NEXUS POINT.

The talented writers at Morpheus, Inc., have taken some time to answer a few normal and not-so-normal questions for us: 

1. What is your screenplay about?

Science Fiction/ Fantasy: Sage of Nexus Point follows four sets of ordinary people as they struggle with challenges that are starting to crush them. The trials they face include reconnecting with relationships, fighting with personal identity versus religion, finding the good within oneself, and battling what is right with what is expected. The realness of their struggles is offset by the action and irreverence of both The Key and The Sage.

2. Are there any characters you are fond of?

We love the Sage and the Key, and David is particularly special to us as well.

3. You've written a novel.  What made you decide to change venues and write a screenplay?

We really are diverse in our writing styles and interests.  Some stories just seem better suited for one media form over another and we are always looking to explore and play with our writing.

4. Was the screenplay a collaboration as the novel was?

It was.  The four of us who wrote The Vivid Dreamer took part in this project as well.

5. What is your next project? 

We are currently working with Neo Tomes Publishing on some of their Make Your Fate novel projects.  Kurt has co-written one of the I Will Faithfully Execute novels and Sean, Jason, Suzanne, and Kurt have collaborated on a Make Your Fate novel entitled The Road Less Traveled: A Half-Elf’s Journeys (working title)

Also, since last we spoke, Kurt Wagner won the writing contest for the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park and has his short story “Cutter’s Blood” published in their first annual journal Hemingway Shorts.

NOT-SO-NORMAL QUESTION SPOT:

1. You're dressed to attend a Cosplay event.  What are you wearing? 
Kurt – Either Deadpool or Harley Quinn.  Gotta love the crazy butt-kickers.  Suzanne – Katniss Everdeen.  Badass feminist archer set out to save the world.  Jason – Nathan Drake. He’s a handsome, charismatic adventurer…basically an idealized version of me.

2. You just bought a spaceship.  What did you name it? 
Kurt – Odysseus.  Love an adventurer who encounters new places, overcomes tremendous obstacles and still can figure out how to get back home.  Suzanne – Light Years Away.  That’s how far I want to go.   Jason – Infinite Potential.  Unlimited possibilities to explore.

3. You have an imaginary friend that only you can see.  What does he look like? 
Kurt – I already have several and they are currently fighting to be described in this interview.  So, thank you very much, Kay.  You’ve caused a lot of drama in my imagination.  Suzanne – a floating blob of energy that could transform into anything it felt like.  I can’t control my imagination’s desires and its preferred color is neon yellow.  Jason – Someone who is slightly less attractive and slightly less physically capable.  This way I have a constant boost to my own self-esteem.

4. If you had wings what would they look like?  Fairy or Angel?  What color and size? 
Kurt – They would be black and more demonic and bat-like.  They are tougher and better in a fight situation.  Plus, I don’t have to worry about molting.  Suzanne – Orange, but not bright orange.  More like a rust color.  They would be angel wings, but more hawk-shaped.  They would have to be twice my height because…physics.  Jason – Angelic, muscular and silvery.  Very flashy because I want to show them off.

5. Would you rather encounter an alien or a ghost? 

Kurt – Ghost.  If ghosts exist, it means that the world to the supernatural is open and I can start accessing the magic and powers of the universe.  Suzanne – Alien because then I could sweet talk it into taking me back to its planet so I could learn from it and write about it. Jason – Alien because it has future technology that I could take for myself.


Thank you, Morpheus Inc., for being today’s BUZZ GUEST!  Awesome answers!  Sorry about causing a fight between your imaginary friends Kurt.  Lol.  And congrats on winning your award! J

Suzanne, Sean, Jason and Kurt, I’m looking forward to hearing about your future projects with Neo Tomes Publishing and their Make Your Fate novels.  It all sounds very exciting! 

You can find MORPHEUS, INC., at:
Twitter: @MorpheusWriters, @Neotomes
Instagram: @MorpheusWriters
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorpheusWriters/
 
LET'S GENERATE A BUZZ! Urban Fantasy/Paranormal/Sci-Fi Authors Artists Poets if you would like to be a BUZZ GUEST on FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS—OH MY! Please DM me on Twitter https://twitter.com/kay_latour or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kaylatour/
 
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 Summer Wandering in the town of Sparta
Would you like one ghost or two with your tea? 
If your answer is two . . . then come to ‘The Sparta House Tearoom & Restaurant’.

On first glance it looks like ‘The Sparta House’ has its own TARDIS.  Seeing that old fashioned red phone booth made me think of ‘Dr. Who’ right away.  But no.  It’s just a phone booth.  But don’t be disappointed because ‘The Sparta House’ does have other delights. 

Like . . .

They also serve a delectable shepherd’s pie with your choice of salad (Caesar for me).  And while you’re waiting for your meal you can have a look at the tea pots on display (350 at last count).  Here are some I managed to snap a picture of before our meal was ready

Gee that one tea pot on the right looks a little familiar . . . hmmm . . .

It’s Miss Piggy!  Wow, there are even tea pots of famous people here! 

But what was that about a ghost?  Or two? 

Yes, apparently ‘The Sparta House’ has two ghosts living under it’s roof.  When Ken and Norma Roberts moved into their tea house/home they noticed some strange things happening.  Heavy objects inexplicably moved.  Doors locking shut and opening—by themselves.  Sightings of a woman dressed in gray at the top of the stairs.  So they called in the ‘Rescue Mediums’.  If you want to watch the show here is the link.

We didn’t see any ghosts but we did sit at the table near the window that one ghost reportedly likes to look out from.  And our meal was awesome! 

My ever patient friend letting me snap yet another picture of her. 

Sparta is a romantic sort of town.  It has an assortment of shops under the title ‘The Village Collective’.  And they are fun to wander around in. 

One of the places I love to visit is ‘Shelley McVittie’s Gallery & Heritage Line Herbs’.  Shelley is herself an artist who supports other artists.  When you enter the store you are immediately struck by the variety of art, jewelry, books, home crafts and herbs Shelley has on display.  And they are all from artists and crafters from around the area.   

 I purchased a couple of crystals from her store.  They came from Kate Vanner who refers to herself as ‘The Witch Down the Road’.  I’ve met Kate and found her to be a lovely person. 
Here are the crystals I purchased with Kate’s card in between them. 

 Here are a few other stores in the area. 

The ‘Anything Used’ store and the sign on the far right gives directions to ‘Rush Creek Wines’ which I’ve also visited and enjoyed. 

 The Bear Friend Factory at ‘Whistle Stop Peddler’s’. 

And what’s a bear factory with out a bear? 

If you’re still thinking about those ghosts at ‘The Sparta House’ you may be interested in the ‘Guided Sparta Spirit Walks’. 

 Here is a link with more information: 

Wandering at The Six Nations – Grand River Pow Wow

It was an extremely hot day but I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Even though my clothing was stuck to my skin from sweating so much, I decided to ‘embrace the wet’.  Why?  Because I believe that ‘thoughts are things’ and I was determined to make sure that my energy and attention was focused on ‘having a good time’.  Plus, I reminded myself that my shower that night would feel extra good. 

I had only been to one Pow Wow before this one.  That was last year—and I loved it.  There is a part of the Pow Wow when everyone is invited to dance.  I danced and did my best to keep to the beat.  What was really awesome was when we would pass by the drummers and chanters.  I swear I could feel the spiritual power flowing through my body.  I found myself smiling for no reason.  That was last year. 

This year we did not come at the right time to dance but it was still awesome seeing the First Nations people in all of their regalia.  Here are some pics. 

Then we wandered to all of the various tents. 

I found an amazing dream catcher to hang over my writing chair.  It was made by Darlene Nolan of the ‘Gemah Street Merchants’.  This is her husband Michael holding it up for me. 
He tucked this little explanation in the bag with my dream catcher.  

Here is my friend Sandra and Charlie Fife of ‘Charlie’s Trading Post’.  I bought a small black medicine bag from Charlie that had a wolf talon on it. 

During my stay in Mount Bridges I had the chance to participate in a type of energy work called ‘Sonic Bliss’.  I’ll talk about my experience in a later blog called ‘Spiritual Energy Work I Did’.  It was this experience that made me realize that I wanted to explore the effects of music during meditation. 

So I bought . . . 

 From . . .

In case you’re interested in adding some music to your prayer or meditation time, here is the company I bought my CD from . . .

Then we happened upon a unique artist, Jay Soule, who has created a whole line of clothing, stickers, digital prints, skateboards, original paintings and Indigenous Movie Monster series.  His company name is CHIPPEWAR. 

 Here is Jay holding up a piece of his artwork. 

This is that same artwork on a t-shirt. 

I bought this one . . .

She just really appealed to the fantasy writer in me. 

 Wandering at the Home County Fair in London, Ontario. 

Much like the Sunfest (last blog) there were rows of treats and foods to enjoy. 
The Home County Fair also had tents of clothing, accessories, bath items, garden statues and jewelers. 

Fairy doors for your garden. 

Natural Soaps that smelled awesome and some very creative names. 

 This one was my favorite.  Yes, I’m a fan of ‘Orange is the New Black’.

We found this little fella hard at work keeping the fair grounds safe.    

So many fun statues for your garden. 

Then we ran across a musical duo that we just had to stop for. 

That is a Celtic Harp people! 

And the percussionist, Robert McMaster, who accompanies her has found some GENIUS ways to make tinkling sounds.  Those are car keys attached to a spinning plate.  The sound is fantastic!    

My friend, Sandra, getting Reflexology done.  Sandra’s other tattoo of the butterfly faded almost the same day so she got the one you see here on her arm at the Home County Fair. 

While she did that I wandered around to the different tents and found a woman selling gemstones. 

In this pic she is putting the wire on a couple of amethyst stones I had picked out.  Love the Dread Locks.  They look so good on her!  And such a charming person. 

This was her card. 

After that we wandered some more and found this fellow selling Eco Lamps. 

And these for your lawn . . .
 

Interesting golden lamps and a few funky skeleton lamps behind them. 

We ran into another soap maker who also put a different spin on her soap names. 

I bought the Tart one and it was lovely. 

At that point I decided that my dragon henna tattoo needed a companion and so I got a salamander henna tattoo to keep him company. 

I realized later that I had picked two fire elements and I’m an air sign!

Wandering at Lake Huron

A day or so later we went to the beach on Lake Huron.  The water levels were high this year so the normal amount of sand was smaller than usual.  But it was still a beautiful day. 

The seagulls kept us company.  You could tell they were used to people because they kept walking by us at a nonchalant pace.  One of them kept sneaking closer and closer.  I think he was hoping we had food he could snatch-and-grab.  We did not.  When he realized we didn’t have anything for him I swear he gave us a dirty look before walking away.      

Those are my toes.  I’m standing on the area where the waves crash to the shore.  The water was really warm.  If you look hard you can see my purple toenail polish. 

Well that's it for now.  Hope you enjoyed the sites and the uniquely gifted artists and crafters as much as I did.  Feel free to share your vacation stories in the comments below. 

Kay Latour :)

LET'S GENERATE A BUZZ! Urban Fantasy/Paranormal/Sci-Fi Authors, Artists, and Poets.  If you would like to be a BUZZ GUEST on FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS—OH MY! please DM me on Twitter https://twitter.com/kay_latour or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kaylatour/

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Summertime Wandering

Some people go on vacations.  Some people go on staycations.  I prefer to wander.  Not completely wander without a destination in mind, or a place to lay my head at night.  But I do enjoy unwinding in a sort of mixed pattern of wander-for-a-bit, rest-for-a-bit.  And lucky me, I have a trusted friend (Sandra) and a lovely mother (Mary Lou) who like to do the same thing. 
 
Wandering with Mum

My visits with mum consist of a bit of duty-visiting with my relatives from back home, a visit to Stratford Shakespeare Festival to see some plays (awesome!), and me trying to keep up with my very in shape and healthy mother. 

I’m not kidding about my mother.  A bunch of years ago, I’m thinking maybe fifteen, my mother took up Tai Chi.  She loved it and did so well she decided to share her knowledge.  She started out with just a few people at first.  Fast forward to now.  Her students are leading their own classes and Tai Chi has spread and grown in her little town improving the health and well being of everyone. 

But that’s not all she does.  Three years ago she started up with a very excellent Fitness Trainer.  Again dedication has paid off.  She has the strength and gait of a twenty-year-old. 

Me?  Not so much. 

The reason?  Excuses and time constraints.  Yep.  That about sums it up.  I’m not going to detail all of the excuses or time constraints for you.  Mine are just like everyone else’s.  It wouldn’t take much imagination to figure them out. 

But.

I noticed something this year.  My kids are older.  I actually have time once again.  So with all the determination of a new year’s resolution before the fall, I have decided to pick up weight training once again.  I did it when I was young before the kids . . . so . . .yeah . . . I know what I’m doing.  At least I’m pretty sure I do.    

Anyway here are some pics of Stratford, a place I absolutely love and home of the famous Stratford Shakespeare Festival and Avon Theatre.  You’ll also see some signs that I thought were interesting.  As a writer I’m always interested in names and signs.  Some people put a lot of thought into them.   

We saw two plays:  As You Like it (Festival Theatre); and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Avon Theatre). 

'AS YOU LIKE IT' at the Festival Theatre
I couldn’t get you any pictures of the actors as it is frowned upon to take pictures during a performance but I did snap an awesome picture of the Stratford Festival’s famous THRUST STAGE. 

And to think the first season of Stratford Festival, in 1953, was performed UNDER A TENT!   

It was Tyrone Guthrie’s idea to build a THRUST stage with the intent of recreating the actor-audience closeness of Shakespeare’s time.

Even before I decided to become a writer I have always loved stories.  In any media whether it be through books, poems, movies, art, or plays.  The first time I went to Stratford was when I was eight years old.  I was hooked immediately!  There is something special about live theatre. 

This year’s production of ‘As You Like It’ did not disappoint.  It always amazes me how each year they strive to put a fresh take on each play and it’s always good.  For this show ‘As You Like It’ was set in 1980’s Newfoundland with lively music, dance and audience participation.  It was a delight!

Stratford Shakespeare Festival

Front entrance and balcony above. 

Amazing gardens

‘THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE’ at the Avon Theatre. 

Again, I could not take pictures during the performance but I did snap a few pics before and during intermission.

As before, live theatre did not disappoint.  I was pulled in immediately and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. 

History Bit:  The Avon Theatre used to be a vaudeville theatre many years ago!

The Avon Theatre. 

After the plays . . . we wandered.

Me at the Theatre store.  I did not get the mask.  Where would I wear it?  But I did get a few t-shirts.

One for my husband and one for me.  That is the t-shirt and an accompanying booklet telling you which play each symbol comes from.  I didn’t have to get the booklet but I found it very cute and I loved her explanations so I got it anyway.  

Follow @stratfest and share your selfie!  This sign was on the mirror in the Theatre store.  What a good idea!

The geese and swans on the Avon river.  A regular thing in Stratford.  They actually bring the swans in for the winter and take care of them.  Swans can live up to 20 or 30 years. 

In the spring the Swans are released to Lake Victoria and the Avon River.  The actual release is a town event called “March of the Swans”.  People line up on either side of the street to watch the Swans as they waddle down the road.  Directly behind them a group of bagpipe players follow pumping out a mighty sound that is both regal and captivating.  TOTALLY WORTH THE WATCH!

Now that we’re all smiling . . . here are a few more pics and then we move on to more wandering.

Yep, I was ‘thatclose’ to this guy.  He seemed to take it all in stride.  I really think he posed for me here.  He actually waited for me to finish taking his picture before he moved.

Genius name!  See what I mean about signs? 

Another beauty.  Any person who willing and confidently advertises to rid your pet of skunk spray or fleas can be trusted with all else.  Enough said.

Minstrels of all kinds can be found outside any one of the four theatres in Stratford. 

Stratford even has it’s own mini ‘Hollywood Walk of Fame’ in front of the Avon Theatre.  It’s not as large as ‘Canada’s Walk of Fame’ in Toronto but it’s still fun to see. 

Remember Obi-Wan Kenobi from the Star Wars trilogy?  Yep, that’s him. 
Not only was he in the Festival’s first play he also spoke the first lines of the first play produced in Stratford, Shakespeare’s Richard III.

Or better known as any one of the following:  Captain James T. Kirk on Star Trek; T. J. Hooker; the “Big Giant Head” in 3rd Rock from the Sun; Denny Crane from Boston Legal.  And a host of other roles too numerous to list. 

Wandering with Mum and Sandra at the Sunfest

I love to go to fairs.  There is so much going on.  Food vendors.  Tents full of merchandise.  Live bands playing on and off all day.  Sunshine.  Warm breezes.  People to watch.  Dogs to pet. 

My mum accompanied my friend Sandra and I to the Sunfest in London, Ontario (that’s in Canada for my American friends).  I was in heaven.  We wandered for at least four hours.  As I’ve said before my definition of wandering is:  walk a bit; rest a bit; walk a bit; eat and drink something; walk a bit; rest a bit.  It’s a pattern I would recommend to anyone.  You don’t get too tired.  You see everything.  And you enjoy the day.

 Yummy treats and savory foods.

Accessories.

My mum.  I told you she’s IN shape.  It’s all that Tai Chi and weight training.  Don’t let that skinny looking figure fool you.  She’s as strong as an ox.  The woman can do 60 pound reps.

Tents of clothing were everywhere.  Also in this picture:  the back of my friend Sandra.  She always dresses well.  And you can see her owl yin yang tattoo peeking out from under the lace of her top. 
I took hundreds of pics.  Too many to put up here.  So I’ve selected a few to show the variety of merchandise.

Very cool, handcrafted wind instruments.

 Hand carved masks

Owls statues carved out of wood.  Just love them.  The owl is one of my spirit animals and my friend Sandra’s too.

 More fantastic carvings.

Sandra looked at this ‘Tree of Life’ carving and fell in love with it.  She called me over to take a picture of it.  Then when I was snapping pics of other items she said, “I’m going to get it.”  And she did.  It now hangs on the wall of her bedroom above the head of her bed.    
 
And then we happened upon a tent that appealed to the fantasy writer in me--The Fairies Pyjamas! 

What stopped me in my tracks was this manikin all dressed up in her woodland garb.

How cool is that?  Checkout the furry ears and the headband jewelry.  Since I love anything to do with fantasy (fairies, witches, elves, etc.) I HAD to go in.

The woman who runs ‘The Fairies Pyjamas’ was a delight.  She was dressed in full on fairy garb.

She was such a good sport letting me snap picture after picture. 
Then my friend got in on the act and started trying on clothing.  I got the two of them to pose for me. 

Don't they look awesome!  We had such a blast. 
This lovely lady kept bring things out for my friend to try on.  One of the items that we both really loved were the hooded cloaks. 

Sandra is modeling it here. 

The Fairies Pyjamas is an online store with associate stores in different cities who carry their clothing.  If you don’t have a store in your area that carries these gems you can order and purchase your items online at http://www.thefairiespyjamas.com/
Clothing options are for men, women, fairies, pixies, elves and wizards.  Sizes range from XS to XL and some plus sizes up to 4X.  Awesome stuff for fun, cosplay or everyday.

Contact info:  Just in case any of you want to get your fairy fix on.  :) 
 
We saw Henna Tattoo tents everywhere.  So we had to indulge.

 Sandra got a butterfly because she resonates with them.  

I got a dragon.  I was looking at a fairy pic but when I saw the dragon it really pulled me in. 

I also picked up some sage so that I could learn how to smudge.  I was lucky to find a vendor who creates his smudge sticks in the old fashioned way—with prayers. 

I chose the one wrapped in purple string because it appealed to me.  My friend reminded me that purple is the color of the Crown Chakra.  It represents spiritual fulfillment, creativity, awareness and wisdom.
Spirit Earth Holistics Inc., actually sell natural products and he just happened to have some sage there as well as their shampoos, lotions, salves, bath salts and deodorants.  My friend loves their deodorants as they don’t leave a burn or irritation mark on her skin as regular store bought deodorants do.  I’ve tried their bath salts and they are just heaven to soak in. 

Well, that's about it for this blog.  I will have more summer wanderings in my next blog.  Hope y'all had an awesome summer and did some wandering of your own. 

Until next time,
Kay Latour :)

LET'S GENERATE A BUZZ! Urban Fantasy/Paranormal/Sci-Fi Authors, Artists, and Poets.  If you would like to be a BUZZ GUEST on FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS—OH MY! please DM me on Twitter https://twitter.com/kay_latour or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kaylatour/
 
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 You may remember Sandra from my Mothers Day Blog when she shared about the matriarchs in her family and the spiritual impact they had on her life.  Today she is sharing about her experience of having grown up on a Hereford farm. 

 This is the farm Sandra grew up on. 

HEREFORD FARM
 
Growing up on a farm had its trials and tribulations along with some great times and wonderful experiences. I was almost nine when we moved here from the city. The best move my parents could have ever made.
 
My father was a high school teacher. Teaching welding, plumbing and auto mechanics. That was his full time job. Ha! The farm was his full time job as well.
 
Approximately 70 of the 115 acres was rented out as cash crops. The rest was bush, pasture for our 40 head of Hereford cattle (along with a few horses), and a play land for us. Oh the stories I could tell.
 
So I will start with this one. Speaking of cows, we always had a bull around. For the most part it was never an issue being around them.  However, one day I was in amongst the herd (wearing a red shirt) when I realized our bull was charging at me. So, I started running.
 
As fast as I could towards the barb wire fence. Four strands across made up the fence and I dove, face down, between the second and third strands. As I was going through them I managed to turn so I was face up. Tore my jeans in the process. (Barely a scratch on me). Whew!
 
And that bull stopped dead in his tracks as soon as he saw the fence. He must have had an experience with barb wire before. Lol. Not sure what triggered the chase.
 
It does put me in mind of another story where Dad was scratching one on his back. Dad stopped and the bull got ornery. He was alright as long as you were scratching but don’t you dare stop. Maybe he was the same bull that chased me.

Lorne MacLean, Sandra’s dad scratching said bull. 
 
ANGUS
 
One of my favourite parts of the farm was when the cows calved. They were so cute when they were first born. So clean. The white was so bright. And they were sooo shiny.
 
One memory of a particular calf comes to mind. He was born in the back pasture. He was the first of twins. Twins! His mother however left him to birth his sister at the front of the pasture (which was a fair distance away) then never bothered going back for him.
 
My dad tried bringing him to his Mom but she disowned the poor little fellow. She wouldn’t have anything to do with him. So having another cow who lost her calf as an option for him, Dad tried to get her to take him. That didn’t work either.
 
What now? Well feed him ourselves. Feed him we did. A special formulas mixed in a 1.5 litre pop bottle and this gigantic black nipple on the end. It was the most fun thing ever.
 
We usually fed him in our garage. Mom would come to watch and because he drank so much she named him Angus after our Grandfather. Because my Grandfather loved to drink.
 
Angus was like a pet dog. Although I don’t recall trying to teach him any tricks. Boy he was fun. Fun is a theme here. But the fun does have to come to an end.
 
Each year we put a steer in our freezer. Our local abattoir always took care of this for us. This particular year that steer was to be Angus. Sob…How were we going to eat Angus?
 
My Dad decided he better take two steers to the abattoir this year. This way we would not know which one we were eating. I am sure we would think about it each time we ate beef. It was so long ago that I don’t remember.
 
Definitely some lessons learnt. Some, hard ones to swallow. Literally. And no, I am not vegan now. This will most inevitably offend those who are. I love hamburger and doubt I will ever give it up.
 
Unless there comes a time I can’t get it from a local abattoir and have to purchase it from a store. There is definitely a difference in taste along with smell when it’s cooking.
 
So until such time I will continue to enjoy my hamburger. And give thanks…

 Angus and Sandra’s sister Luann.

I am extra lucky today because Sandra’s father has agreed to share a few little tales from his Facebook page about the farm.  Lorne is a retired ‘cattle raiser’ and retired ‘instructor’ (high school teacher but Lorne prefers the title ‘instructor’ so I will defer to his wishesJ).    
Thank you for sharing Lorne MacLean! 
 
Lorne’s Post #1: 
(To) Melissa: People talk about a lot of work on the farm. What about a little work on the farm? One summer, your Aunt Kimberly came to stay with us for 2 weeks. The four of them got bored one day. So I invented (no I didn't) a game called “cut down the Burdocks” . . . a thick, tall weed which grows in the pasture. I gave them round nosed spades to spear the weed & hatchets to cut at ground level. After a few minutes of trying, Aunt Kim asked to be put on a Greyhound bus going West.
Sandra’s reply -> Kim ended up with sun/heat stroke. I don’t blame her for wanting to go home. – Sandra.
 
Lorne’s Post #2: 
A farm is a store house of reproductivity because of the intensity of the drive to procreate by the animals found there. Example # 1: To watch a 3-foot-tall billy goat fall off the back of a 5-foot-tall Hereford cow is the height of hilarity. Those goats were in the pasture with the girls and were constantly trying to mount them no matter their short legs. Example # 2: In the barn, running loose, were cats & rabbits. It was a miniature rodeo watching those buck rabbits ride the female cats. If successful, the cross breeding would have been indescribable!
 
Lorne’s Post #3:
I rented pasture to a man who owned brood mares. He came one day to check on his horses. When he left, the gate was improperly latched. Down the lane & down the road go 3 ponies, 2 donkeys, 2 goats & a couple of yearling heifers. I'm not at home! Shirl is in a quandary (befuddle). What does she do? Eventually, she calls the radio station in London which it encouraged people to do, no matter the problem. Bill Brady answers the phone. Shirl worked with him at the Windsor Daily Star in the 1960's. Shirl is now on the air! When she finished rhyming off the list of her "menagerie”, he began to sing "The 12 days of Christmas". You know, "partridge, turtle doves, French hens, etc." Look up the word "menagerie"......"a collection of WILD animals kept in captivity for exhibition". Anyway, she starts getting phone calls. "I saw them going down my road". "I saw them turning the corner of . . . & . . . ".  Eventually, a caller said the words that she wanted to hear. "I have them! I put them in a corral for the night". In the morning, with ropes & 3 kids I get to the farm. I tie one pony to one corner of the back of the truck & a heifer to the other. With the kids encouraging everybody from behind, we gingerly made our way home.
 
Thank you Sandra and Lorne MacLean for sharing with us today.  Love the bull that wanted his back scratched.  LOL! 

You can find Sandra at:
Facebook Page – Awakening Healing Hearts
https://www.facebook.com/Awakening-Healing-Hearts-359265950940076/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/SandraAwh44
Website coming soon :)

LET'S GENERATE A BUZZ! Urban Fantasy/Paranormal/Sci-Fi Authors, Artists, and Poets.  If you would like to be a BUZZ GUEST on FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS—OH MY! please DM me on Twitter https://twitter.com/kay_latour or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kaylatour/
 
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My BUZZ GUEST today is author Lesley Wilson. 

 Lesley’s book ‘ORIC AND THE ALCHEMIST’S KEY’ is AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW on Amazon, Kobo and Barnes & Noble!

PAPERBACK: 

 E-BOOK

 Lesley has taken the time to share a bit about her self (check out paragraph four-seriously though!): 

Lesley Wilson was born in North Yorkshire, UK and educated at St Martin’s preparatory School Grimsby, Lincolnshire, Mill Hill School, Middlesbrough, and Pickering’s Commercial College, Middlesbrough, Yorkshire. She completed a course in Journalism with the London School of Writing, and has been an active member of a writers’ group in Australia.

In 1957, she met a young man on holiday in Italy. A whirlwind courtship followed before he joined the British Army. Fifteen months and hundreds of letters later, Lesley, aged seventeen, boarded a troop ship bound for Singapore, where she married the love of her life. She worked as a fashion model in Singapore for two years before returning to the UK. A three year posting to Germany with her husband followed.

Returned to the UK after her husband left the army, Lesly worked as Girl Friday for a well-known racing driver/motor dealer. She underwent training in London at Helena Rubinstein’s London Salon, and worked thereafter as a consultant for five years. Her other careers have included ownership of a sauna and health studio, and market research, which involved many miles of driving throughout N. Yorkshire in all kinds of weather.

In 1982 she migrated to Australia with her husband and small son. She ran a craft shop for several years in which she manufactured all the items for sale. During this time, she was also a volunteer in a Maritime Museum. Hunting wrecks off the coast of North Queensland became an absorbing a hobby, and she helped to rescue an ancient, decommissioned lighthouse for the city in which she lives.

Today she is retired and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. She is also a member of an active quilting group who involve themselves in charitable endeavors from time to time. She reads and reviews books for other authors but writing is her major passion. When she isn’t glued to the computer keyboard she loves to travel, entertain friends, and work in her large garden in N. Queensland.

Wow!  Hunting wrecks off the coast of North Queensland!  That must have been totally exciting! 
 
Lesley has also shared with us the blurb for ‘ORIC AND THE ALCHEMIST’S KEY’:

Orphaned boy, Oric, believes an inherited key will bring him great wealth. But he’s been warned of great danger should the key fall into wrong hands.  

Evil moneylender Esica Figg determines to steal the key from Oric, even if it means killing the boy in the process.

Ichtheus the apothecary and kitchen maid Dian team up with Oric to help solve the mystery behind Deveril’s key. They experience many adventures, some hilarious, some life threatening. The trio is helped, but more often hindered by comical wolfhound Parzifal, and a donkey named Braccus.

Mystery, action, a wolfhound and a donkey to boot!  Awesome! 


I sent Lesley some normal and ‘not so normal’ questions and she very kindly answered them:

1.  What drew you to writing? 
-> A little figure of an apothecary that I made on an armature was the catalyst. 
2.  How long did it take you to create your first book? 
-> Six months then years to get it published. 
3.  How long did it take you to create the last? 
-> Working on book two at present--hope to have it published by October 2016. 
4.  Do you prefer creating short stories, or novels? 
-> Novels
5.  What kind of books do you enjoy reading? 
-> A wide range. 
6.  Do you have a favorite author(s)? 
-> Anya Seton, Sara Harrison, Rumer Godden, Rosamunde Pilcher, Janet Evanovich, Dan Brown, Noel Barbour and so many more. 
7.  Where is your favorite place to read? 
-> Bed
8.  Where do you write? 
-> My office overlooking the garden. 
9.  A wicked old witch has turned you into a frog.  What are you going to do with your days? 
-> Sit on a lily pad and write. 
10.  When you were a child, what did you always want to be when you grew up? 
-> Haven't grown up yet!
11.  What inspires you? 
-> People, places. 
12.  Would you rather have the ability to fly or to transport instantly? 
-> To transport instantly if I was in a hurry, but to fly would be nice as well. 
13.  Who is your favorite Superhero? 
-> Captain Cook. 

Thanks Lesley, I loved your answers! 
 
You can find Lesley Wilson at:
Facebook -> Lesley Wilson's Oric 
Twitter -> https://twitter.com/OmlaLesley
 
Thank you Lesley for sharing with us today and being a BUZZ GUEST on FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS—OH MY!  I don’t know about you guys, but I want to squeeze a few stories out of Leslie about her Maritime adventures from when she was hunting old wrecks.    

LET'S GENERATE A BUZZ! Urban Fantasy/Paranormal/Sci-Fi Authors, Artists, and Poets.  If you would like to be a BUZZ GUEST on FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS—OH MY! please DM me on Twitter https://twitter.com/kay_latour or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kaylatour/
 
#mystery #alchemist #action #adventure #action&adventure #amreadingfantasy #urbanfantasy #fantasy #amreading #books #bookworm #novels #novel #series #bookseries #MG #MGLit #YA #YALitChat #KidLitChat #SCBWI #dragons #mages #magic #fae #witches #ghosts #FWPub #WitchonParole #paranormal #AmWriting #alternateworlds #bookdragon

My BUZZ GUEST today is author Wendy Hobbs. 

Wendy’s debut novel ‘Claudia Quash:  The Spell of Pencliff’ is AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW on Amazon, iBooks, Audible, iTunes, Kobo and Barnes and Noble! 
 
Wendy has very kindly taken the time to talk to us about her journey and inspiration:    
I gave up my legal career as a property lawyer to follow my dream of becoming a children's fantasy author. My debut novel, Claudia Quash: The Spell of Pencliff has received 31 amazing 5* reviews on Amazon and by bloggers. I drew inspiration for the story from my daughter (also called Claudia) and Tenby's (Pencliff) award-winning beaches, the Tudor Merchant's House, St Catherine's Island (St Agatha's Island) and The Ghost Walk which all feature in the story.
 
Claudia Quash:  The Spell of Pencliff is a Young Adult Fantasy, but it is also being read by adults who enjoy an original fantasy.  It's a magical adventure, described by one reviewer as a sort of Narnia meets Alice in Wonderland, meets time-travel adventure and therefore very gripping.
 
 
Wendy has also shared a little blurb about her book:
 
On her thirteenth birthday, Claudia receives a mysterious letter. It unlocks an unsolved crime, and Claudia has to clear her family name. Little does she know that she'll be transported back in time into a magical world, where she also discovers special powers of her own. On her journey she'll be chasing criminals, making new friends, and facing a dark terror that hovers over the land.
 
Wendy has also provided us with an awesome trailer.  Click on the button below to view it. 
 

Wow!  Time travel!  Magical world!  Special powers!  This sounds like an awesome, action-packed read.  Just the kind I love!   
 
 
Claudia Quash:  The Spell of Pencliff has been featured on ilovebookz.  Click the button below to read the review.    

Click on one of the links below to purchase CLAUDIA QUASH: THE SPELL OF PENCLIFF. 

CLAUDIA QUASH:  THE SPELL OF PENCLIFF is also available in paperback or as an audiobook. 
 
 
You can find Wendy at: 
 
Website -> http://www.wendyhobbs.com/
Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaQuash/
Twitter -> https://twitter.com/wendyfhobbs
 
 
Thank you Wendy for sharing with us today and being a BUZZ GUEST on FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS—OH MY! 

BUZZ NOTE:  THE SPELL OF PENCLIFF is climbing up the charts and currently sits at number 13 on Kindle!  Congratulations Wendy! 
 
 
 
LET'S GENERATE A BUZZ! Urban Fantasy/Paranormal/Sci-Fi Authors Artists Poets if you would like to be a BUZZ GUEST on FAE AND WITCHES AND GHOSTS—OH MY! Please DM me on Twitter https://twitter.com/kay_latour or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kaylatour/
 
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