Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Author Interview: A Portal in Time by Claire Fullerton

A Portal in Time
Claire Fullerton


About the Book:
It is the year 2000: Enigmatic and spirited Anna Lucera is gifted with an uncanny sixth-sense, and is intrigued by all things mystical. When her green cat-eyes and long, black hair capture the attention of a young lawyer named Kevin Townsend, a romance ensues which leads them to the hauntingly beautiful region of California’s Carmel-by-the-Sea, where Anna is intuitively drawn to the Madiera Hotel. Everything about the hotel and Carmel-by-the-Sea heightens her senses and speaks to Anna as if she had been there before.
It is the year 1902: Young Valeria Sienna has never been in love until she meets the mesmerizingly handsome artist, Ander Kristiansen, at an art gallery in San Francisco. She must make Domenico Sienna, her formidable and prominent Italian father, consent to allowing Anders Kristiansen to court her, and she knows her adored sister, Francesca, along with  her genteel Italian mother, Adriana, will help.
Combined, the three women will convince Domenico that the elegant Norwegian artist, Mr. Kristiansen, is worthy of Valeria in every way, even though he is not of their Italian lineage.
Rich in history, mystique and foreshadow, “A Portal in Time” is an intertwined story of two romances that are steeped in the language and social mores of two different time periods. The words and actions of the unforgettable characters fit seamlessly together, and bridge the time frames like pieces of a puzzle, creating an intriguing whole.
That which draws two people into the arms of love is often times eerily familiar, and that which resounds in the depth of our memory can sometimes spring from a portal in time.

PRFL would like to extend a very warm welcome to Claire Fullerton, author of Syphon's Song. Claire, can you tell us where you're from, and where/whom did your love for writing come from? 
I now live in Malibu, California but had the pleasure of growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, which is considered the Deep South.  I can tell you exactly where my desire to write came from: the rich characters that populated my world in Memphis were all natural born story tellers.  To me, they were so colorful and unique that they could turn a trip to the grocery story into an enviable journey. The art of communication is a revered art form in the South, and growing up in Memphis gave me an appreciation for the nuances of the people around me-- so much so, that I wanted to write my impressions down. 
  
Can you say that your journey to publication was difficult? If so, what were the hardest moments to get through?  
My journey to publication began with writing a weekly, first person column in the local paper wherein I talked about things that happened to me while going about town. From there, I submitted to magazines and the San Francisco Writers Conference's contest wherein I was awarded the runner-up position.  I also submitted to the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series and was published a few times. All of these were little first person narratives, which made me think I could try my hand at a longer form. I got it in my head to write the novel I would like to read, which meant one that wasn't predictable, didn't insult anyone's intelligence, and was a suspenseful page turner. I wanted to write about a woman with "dependable intuition" whom magic things seemed to happen to. I wanted there to be a point to the story, to give readers a question to consider that may color their own, so I wrote "A Portal in Time," which operates within a couple genre's ( paranormal, romance, mystery, a touch of historical fiction because it's written in two time periods.)  The real question was where to submit the manuscript!  I found Vinspire Publishing on-line by searching around for reputable publishers, and found my perfect fit.   

How do you overcome I-suck-at-this, that little voice in your head that tells you your writing isn’t good enough? 
I think you have to look at the "call to write" as a growth process which happens in stages. It is enough to heed the writing call and follow through with a writing project because you learn everything as you do so. Any writer begins with strengths and weaknesses, so it takes awareness and a willingness to continue to learn. It's imperative that writers read other writers because that's how the craft is learned. The important part is to be true to your calling, true to your voice, and stay the course. 

What is your dream vacation? 
I want to go to Scotland, see the castles, and walk throughout the Highlands at my leisure! 

Describe your writing style in five words. 
Hard for me to be objective, but I'd say fluid, insightful, lyrical.  I've had two people tell me I write like Jane Austin.  I just want my words to be beautiful.   

What movies are you currently excited to see? 
I want to see "Heaven is For Real." I'm fascinated with the subject matter.
  
What are you currently reading? 
I just finished Donna Tartts, "The Goldfinch" and just began Markus Zusak's "The Book Thief." 

If you weren’t a writer, what other careers would you pursue? 
I actually did this for years: I taught a combination of ballet and Pilates and loved it. I was also on the radio for nine years ( a music D.J.) and loved that as well. I'm thrilled to have done both, and grateful now to be a full-time writer, but if I were not, I'd go back to one of those.  

If you could create a holiday of your own, what would it be called? 
"Life Celebration Day" whose aim would be to let go of all negativity and revel in the joy of being alive! 

For people who haven’t read your novel, how would you summarize the plot? 
"A Portal in Time" is written in two alternating time periods that fit together like pieces of a puzzle that is slowly unveiled. The main character, Anna Lucera, is intrigued by all things mystical and has a highly evolved sense of ESP, which runs in her family. The development of her romance with Kevin Townsend begins in Los Angeles and leads the pair to Carmel-by-the-Sea on California's hauntingly beautiful Monterey Peninsula. While there, Anna's soul-memory is activated.  The chapters in this book occurring in another time period are there for a reason, which I shouldn't give away! 

What are two of your pet-peeves? 
Both of them are anybody who would ever harm a hair on an animal's head! 

To you, what makes a good story? 
A good story has to have a natural flow of one thing leading to another.  

What usually turns you off about a story? 
I am disheartened to read any story that has the life edited out of it. That takes away the writer's voice, and is a sad state of affairs.  

If you could collaborate with any author, who would you choose, and why? 
Pat Conroy because his use of language is second to none.  

What is on your night stand?  
"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak 

What is your favorite book? 
Pat Conroy's "The Prince of Tides."  

Thank you so much for joining us today, Claire! We really enjoyed the visit. Good luck and great sales with Syphon's Song. 

About the Author:
Claire Fullerton is a two time award winning essayist, a newspaper columnist and a multiple contributor to the "Chicken Soup for the Soul book series."  She is the author of paranormal/historical romance, "A Portal in Time," ( Vinspire Publishing) and her second novel, "Dancing to an Irish Reel" ( set on the western coast of Ireland) will be published in 2015.

Author Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Midnight by Ami Blackwelder

Midnight
Century of the Vampires
Book One
Ami Blackwelder


Genre: NA Paranormal Thriller
Publisher: Eloquent Enraptures Publishing
Number of pages: 43 on kindle
Cover Artist: Ami Blackwelder
Graphic Artist: Angel Cusm

Book Description:
The world is no longer the way we remember. Few are even still alive to recall the days when midnight didn’t mean cowered away and hidden. Out of sight became our only way to survive since the Century Vampires. If you want to live, trust no one.
By 2125 the world had been overthrown by monsters dubbed Century Vampires. Some kind of mutation in the human genome gave rise to the first ones, or so the scientists suspected. Vamps spent the first one hundred years of their existence growing in number–some born, some turned–all deadly. They wreaked havoc for the past eighty-three years.
Vampires ruled the Earth now...
Century Vampires have only one rule: There are no rules.

Amazon 


Book Trailer 


About the Author:

Ami Blackwelder is a Paranormal and SciFi author. Her stories range from Tween & YA to Adult. Growing up in Florida, she graduated UCF and in 1997 received her BA in English and additional teaching credentials. Then she packed her bags and travelled overseas to teach in Thailand, Nepal, Tibet, China and Korea. She has always loved writing and wrote poems and short stores since childhood; however, her novels began when she was in Thailand in her thirties.
Having won the Best Fiction Award from the University of Central Florida (Yes, The Blair Witch Project University), her short fiction From Joy We Come, Unto Joy We Return was published in the on campus literary magazine: Cypress Dome and remains to this day in University libraries around the USA. Later, she achieved the semi-finals in a Laurel Hemingway contest and published a few poems in the Thailand’s Expat magazine, and an article in the Thailand’s People newspaper. Additionally, she has published poetry in the Korea’s AIM magazine, the American Poetic Monthly magazine and Twisted Dreams Magazine.


Author Contacts:
Facebook | Blog | Twitter 





Tour Giveaway:
Midnight ebook giveaway and bookmark

Monday, April 28, 2014

Character Interview & Giveaway: Revelation by Rayna Noire

Revelation
Pagan Eyes
Book Two
Rayna Noire


Genre: Paranormal YA

Book Description:
Nora’s impending college graduation is a triumph over the dark incident in her past that changed her life and stopped her best friend’s.  Balancing school, work and her demented admirer at the diner is tough.  All she has is six more months, but it similar to walking a tightrope blindfolded.
Life-like dreams pull her into the 19th century world of Clayton.  A man who declares he’s her soul mate.  Even though, she’s decided against romance, the young witch finds herself drawn to the Irish healer, even hearing his voice in her head.
This would make most people question their sanity. Nora needs to find out if Clayton is real and if she’s crossing over into another world in her sleep. If she is, will she end up stuck in the past? Can magick bring them together?

Today, More Romance Please is fortunate to have Nora Carpenter from Revelation with us. Hey, Nora.
Hey yourself.
I hear you’re almost finished with your degree.
These last six months are kicking my butt.
Why is that?
(Nora sighs. Her mouth pulls to one side as if considering her answer.) The usual stuff working a full time job, going to school, clinicals at the hospital, and then there’s the dreams.
What dreams?
Um, well, I didn’t mean to mention that. It just sorta slipped out.
Go on and explain the dreams to me.
They are peculiar in the fact they always involved the same man. He’s Irish. Has that sexy lilt thing going on and this dark hair that’s always falling into his eyes. (She smiles.) He’s some type of traveling healer. I go to sleep and suddenly he’s there.
I take it these aren’t nightmares.
Oh, definitely not. They’re pleasant dreams, very pleasant. Sometimes I even think I hear his voice in my head when I’m awake.
Voices in your head, that’s peculiar.
Forget I said that. It was a slip of the tongue. It didn’t mean anything.
Okay. Will do. Outside of what you already said, is anything else making life more complicated?
Men, in general, but one steady customer at the diner always has to whine about my cooking. If it’s so bad, why does he keep coming back?
I know that must be irritating. Is there anything else about him?
It sounds silly when I say it, but he just feels evil.  Have you ever met anyone that you just didn’t like, but you couldn’t say why? He’s like that. He doesn’t complain to my manager and he always comes back. Food must not be that bad.  He makes up some complaint and then insists on talking to me. Once I talk to him, he usually backs down even when I offer to make him another meal.
Sounds to me like he has a crush on you.
That’s what Ernie, the first cook shift says. That would be a nightmare. I’m just leary around men because of something that happened in my past. (She holds up her hand.) Don’t ask.
The Irish guy in your dreams didn’t make you nervous.
Yeah, but he was a dream. Aren’t dreams supposed to be nice or what we want them to be. That’s why they’re dreams, not nightmares.
Thanks for talking to me, pleasant dreams.
From your mouth to the Goddess’ ear.  

About the Author:

Rayna Noire is an author and a historian. The desire to uncover the truth behind the original fear of witches led her to the surprising discovery that people believed in magick in some form up to 150 years ago. A world that believed the impossible could happen and often did must have been amazing. With this in mind, Ms. Noire taps into this dimension, shapes it into stories about a Pagan family who really isn’t that different from most people. They do go on the occasional time travel adventures and magick happens.

Author Contacts:
Twitter Website 


Tour wide giveaway: $60 Amazon Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, April 25, 2014

Guest Blog/Character Interview & Giveaway: Protostar by Braxton A.Cosby

Protostar
The Star-Crossed Saga
Book 1
Braxton A. Cosby


Genre: Young Adult/Sci-fi Romance
Publisher: Winter Goose Publishing
Number of pages:346
Word Count: 99k
Cover Artist: Winter Goose Publishing

Book Description:
On the brink of civil war, the Torrian Alliance continues with its mission to obliterate Star-children across the universe in order to suppress an intergalactic evil. Following the recommendations of his council, King Gregorio Derry reluctantly agrees to send his only son William on a mission to restore honor to his family name.
William seeks to complete his assignment, the elimination of a Star-child named Sydney on planet Earth, but when the assassination is delayed he begins to realize an emotional connection with his target.
With conspiracy threatening his home planet, and a hidden menace on Earth seeking to secure a vested interest, William finds himself torn between irrevocable duty and sacrificing everything he stands for to defend Sydney.
As William and Sydney struggle to overcome their impossible circumstances, they start to wonder if the connection of two Star-Crossed lovers will be enough to save them from certain doom.

Amazon

CHARCTER INTERVIEW FOR THE FORTHCOMING YOUNG ADULT SCI-FI, ROMANCE MASH-UP: PROTOSTAR: BOOK 1 OF THE STAR-CROSSED SAGA
Sydney

Me: So, tell everyone your name.
Sydney: My name is Sydney Gresham.

Me: Thank you for participating in this interview. Can you please tell the readers a little something about yourself?
Sydney: I’m a simple country girl of the small town of Madisonburg. Nothing ever happens in this town and I am sure that even on the eve of my seventeenth birthday, nothing is going to change. That is, until the visitor shows up.

Me: Tell me a little bit more about that experience?
Sydney: It started with this crazy dream I had one night. I remember being whisked away in the arms of a shadowy figure and he took me across stars and planets. When we returned to Earth, I tried to touch him and he disappeared. I woke up and could not shake the feeling that I would ether see him again or that I had met him before. The next day, this boy named William showed up at my grandmother’s door asking for help to get back home. Now, it’s getting a little weird because I have that same feeling like I did when I awakened from the dream. It’s like I’ve known him from some other life. We are definitely growing close the longer he stays here. I only hope that we can become something more before he returns home.  

Me: Interesting. What do you love most about your character?
Sydney: I’m a love of the experience of being alive. It’s so boring here in Madisonburg. I’ve dreamed of a time when things would shake up a bit around here and since the ‘quake, they certainly have. I love hanging with my girls and sharing moments with Sarah on the couch, recollecting the times when my parents were alive.

Me: And what do you hate most?
Sydney: I can be a bit careless. My care free personality could be the end of me; at least that’s what Henry stresses. I’m probably a too trusting for my own good. But I just believe that you have to live for the here and now. I don’t want to waste time wondering what I could have done. I’d rather get it done today, take risks and live without regrets. 

Me: What do you like most about the story in Protostar?
Sydney: There is so much focus on the interaction of the characters. Sure, there is plenty of action and plot twists, along with a fair share of world building, but the natural flow of conversation and dialogue between the characters makes for a seamless and interesting read. The story is so unique and fresh. The author promised to deliver a new spin on an old tale of ‘star-crossed lovers’ and I feel he did an amazing job of it. I can’t wait for readers to see how the story evolves.

Me: This story is to be told over three expansive novels, all told from the deep third person perspective. The author tried to capture a lot of detail and switches back and forth between characters to capture the ‘big picture’ of what is going on in The Star-Crossed Universe. With that being said, the scope of the project is very big. Do you ever feel lost?
Sydney: Yes. It’s a good thing though. I love how the story flows from Earth and back to William’s home-world. The readers are going to love the detailed world-building because they will be able to taste, hear, and feel the environments and locales. Everyone needs to step away from reality from time to time and the world of The Star-Crossed Saga is a great place to start. Everyone is really in for a treat. 

Me: What is the one thing you would change about your character’s story if you could change anything at all?
Sydney: I wouldn’t change a single thing. I want to love, fall in love and be loved more than anything else in the entire world. Hopefully, this story will have the happy ending I’m dreaming for. With two other books on the horizon, I’m sure it will.

Me: That’s it for now. And thank you again for stopping by. 

About the Author:

Braxton A. Cosby is a dreamer with a passion for inspiring others to love, in spite of circumstance and convenience. His calling to pen a young-adult series that is smart, witty, and thought provoking, has challenged readers to answer the question: What would you choose, love or irrevocable duty?
Braxton lives in Atlanta, GA, where he co-hosts a local radio show on WAOK which is a mash-up of current events and health and wellness. He also has a blog where he discusses everything from health and entertainment to spirituality and relationships.

Author Contacts:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads 



Tour giveaway details: 
One signed copy of PROTOSTAR (open to US Shipping)

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Firebolt by Adrienne Woods

Firebolt
The Dragonian Series
Book One
Adrienne Woods


Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: GMTA  Publishing – Mythos Press
Number of pages: 289


Book Description:
For the love of blueberries, Elena Watkins was destined for greatness, even though she didn’t know it. Before entering Paegeia Elena was not special, she wasn’t even average until the night her father was killed by a creature she thought only existed in fairy tales – a dragon. With her father’s death leaving her orphaned, Elena is whisked away to her true birthplace, Paegeia.
Arriving at Dragonia Academy, the premier school for young Dragonians; a school she was never meant to attend because her father was a dragon. Unbeknownst to Elena danger is lurking behind the enchanted vines concealing the once thriving capital of Paegeia – Etan.
Goran, the darkest sorcerer in the realm, has lain dormant for over a century behind the crumbling city. There, in the shadowy ruins he plots his revenge to destroy the only weapon that can kill him – the King of Lion Sword.
When the sword is stolen without a trace Elena doesn’t think twice about seeking it; knowing deep down that it is her destiny to save her new home.

Amazon


About the Author:

I was born and raised in South Africa, where I still live with my husband, and two beautiful little girls. I always knew that I was going to be a writer but it only started to happen about four years ago, now I can’t stop writing. In my free time, If I get any because Moms don’t really have free time, I love to spend time with friends, if it’s a girls night out, or just a movie, I’m a very chilled person. My writing career is starting with Firebolt, book one with the Dragonian Series, there will be four books in total and two to three books that is about the stories taking place inside The Dragonian Series. I do write in different Genres, I have a woman’s fiction called the Pregnancy Diaries, but it would be published under another name. And then I have a paranormal series, called the Watercress series. There are about ten novels in that one. So, plenty of novels to come out, so little time. I hope you are going to embrace the Dragonian Series as much as I loved writing them.

Author Contacts:
Blog | Facebook | Twitter| Goodreads 



Tour Giveaway:
1-print copy Firebolt by Adrienne Woods with beaded book mark  open to US Shipping
5 e-copies Firebolt by Adrienne Woods

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

'Release Day Blitz Series Spotlight & Giveaway: Noon Onyx Series by Jill Archer

Dark Light of Day
Noon Onyx
Book 1
Jill Archer


Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Ace
Date of Publication: September 25, 2012
Cover Artist: David Palumbo



Book Description:

Onyx has been accepted into the prestigious St. Lucifer’s Law School where her mother hopes she’ll be trained as a Maegester. But Noon doesn’t want to control demons, set fires, or destroy things. She wants to become a Mederi so she can grow gardens and heal people.

Noon's best friend, Peter Aster, is an Angel spellcaster who thinks he has the answer to Noon's predicament - an ancient, mysterious, lost spell that can turn Noon into the Mederi she always wanted to be. Only one person stands in the way of Noon's dream - Ari Carmine, a fellow classmate who seems fascinated by Noon's fiery side.Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million Powell’s Books | Book Depository | IndieBound 



Fiery Edge of Steel
Noon Onyx
Book 2
Jill Archer


Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Ace
Date of Publication: May 28, 2013
Cover Artist: Jason Chan



Book Description:
Noon Onyx is the first woman in memory to wield waning magic. Her unique abilities, paired with a lack of control and reluctance to kill, have branded her as an outsider from her peers. Only her powerful lover, Ari Carmine, and a roguish and mysterious Angel, Rafe Sinclair, support her unconventional ways.
When Noon is shipped off to a remote outpost to investigate several unusual disappearances, it seems Luck is not on her side. But when the outpost settlers claim that an ancient and evil foe has stepped out of legend to commit the crimes, Noon realizes that she could be facing something much worse than she ever imagined…
Amazon Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Powell’s Books | Book Depository | IndieBound 


About the Author:

Jill Archer writes dark, genre-bending fantasy from rural Maryland. Her novels include Dark Light of Day, Fiery Edge of Steel, and White Heart of Justice. She loves cats, coffee, books, movies, day tripping, and outdoor adventuring.

Author Contacts:
Website/blog | Twitter | Facebook | GoodreadsDiscussion Questions 



Tour Giveaway Details:
$25 Amazon eGift Certificate (or bookseller egift card of winner’s choice)

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Marigny Street by Annie Rose Welch

Marigny Street
Saving Angels Series #1
Annie Rose Welch


Genre: Contemporary Romance with a
strong element of paranormal


About the Book:
Do you believe in the power of dreams? 
Way down south on Marigny Street in the heart of New Orleans, the land of Catholic intercessions, purgatory, and supernatural superstitions, young Evangeline Chenier dreams of a radiant boy who saves her from a storm. She takes the dream seriously – in her family, dreams are sometimes more than dreams. Sometimes they foretell the future. Sometimes they create it. 
Years later, Eva is no longer the same wistful girl but a hardened woman who no longer believes in dreams. Losing faith in her gift, she becomes lost in a nightmare of emotion, mourning her son, separating from her husband, and stewing in a dead-end job. And then fate brings her an unlikely surprise: one of the most famous movie stars in the world, Gabriel Roberts. 
Caught by something in his eyes, Eva agrees to show him the real Big Easy on his last night in New Orleans—an evening that turns into four dreamy days spent recapturing lost faith and discovering a love neither expected. Realizing Gabriel is the boy from her childhood dream, Eva must leave everything behind—her husband, her family, her history, and the beautiful city she calls home—and gamble it all for the dream that has saved her on MARIGNY STREET.


Excerpt:
 I shook my head. “Tell me, Gabriel, what are your dreams about?”
“Nothing.  I never dream.”  He shrugged.
“Never?”
“I’ve never once in my life had a dream.  And I never look in a mirror – or I try my hardest not to anyway.”
“Why?”  How could you never dream?  Or look in a mirror?
He sighed.  “I believe the only things in this life that can truly show your reflection are the things you love the most in this world.  And I don’t love myself enough to want to look in the mirror.”  He laughed.  “But when I look at you I can see myself perfectly.  And even though I never dream, I do pray.  Do you want to know what I prayed for before I met you?”
I nodded.
“I prayed for an angel – to save me.  I asked for a little help from up above, and now you’re here.  You are cake and ice cream; sugar and spice, and everything nice.  And when you smile, you make me feel the way the world looks when the sun shines through a foggy day.”
All I could do was smile.



About the Author:
Born and raised in New Orleans, Annie has a habit of shortening her words and telling long stories. She speaks with a southern flair and cooks with it too. At the tender age of twenty- one, she hitched up her wagons (took her first plane ride) and moved out west to the big shake (California). Her writing career began one sleepless night when she imagined a gorgeous woman and a man with maniacal hair floating above her like lightening bugs falling from the sky. Curious about them, their story, and why they were floating around in her head, she sat down and penned (typed) her first novel, Marigny Street. A dream come true for her, she hasn't stopped writing since. She loves a damn good love story, always has, no matter what the genre. She is particularly moved by imperfect love that in its own unique way is perfect, the notion of love at first sight, soul mates, and things that are generally out of the norm.

When she's not writing she enjoys dabbling in photography and finding new, inspirational music to add to her collection. She currently (still) resides in the big shake (although her southern roots are calling her home) with her husband, daughter, and their two peculiar dogs, Boudreaux and Tabasco (who, call her crazy, bark with an accent).

Author Contacts:
Website | 
Facebook Twitter | Goodreads | AmazonAuthor 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, April 21, 2014

Guest Blog & Giveaway: The Hazel Tree by Julia Debski

The Hazel Tree
Julia Debski


Genre: YA Fantasy Romance
282 pages
Cover Artist: Julia Debski



Book Description:
The Hazel Tree revisits a classic Cinderella tale of abuse and sought after freedom from the confines of a cruel life.
Ivy Lune is not your ordinary girl for within her blood flows the secrets of an ancient species of werewolf; a secret that also foretells of a great war and a struggle for ultimate supremacy.
Ivy lives a life of isolation torment at the hands of her aunt and cousins for the majority of her life. Mistreated and neglected, she longs to escape the shackles of her prison-like life. And in that longing, she learns the truth of her identity. She learns her place in a long line of events that were set into motion many years ago. She finds intimacy and belonging in a much larger family.
All the while, unknown to her, there are dangerous forces are at work; old blood ties and murderous plots threaten her chance at happiness beyond her current life.
The Hazel Tree is a tale of mystery and romance set against a supernatural backdrop of terrifying and awesome power.

Book Trailer
Amazon BN 


Guest Blog by author Julia Debski: The World of The Hazel Tree



The land where The Hazel Tree is set in a parallel world to the one we live in. Ivy and everyone else live on planet Earth, but it’s very different to this one.

Geography

            Geographically, the world is the same. The continents just as green, and the oceans just as deep. The Orarius Pack (or the Costal Pack) is located in northeastern North America. It reaches from North Carolina to Quebec but only goes as far west West Virginia and Toronto.  The capital, where Matthias and Ivy live, is in the North Carolina’s Appalachian Mountains, as that is where the territory began before it expanded to its current size. The Mara Negra Pack (Black Sea Pack) lies in southeastern Europe and the Middle East. This means the territory covers Romania and Ukraine, through Turkey, to Georgia, Lebanon and Azerbaijan. (Google is your friend!!)

            Religion

            There are hundreds of religions among the werewolves all over the world, but they all revolve around the moon in one way or another, hazel trees and water. The main religion of the Orarius pack, and across the Earth, believes the first nine packs of the world were born from nine hazel trees which grew around a sacred pool. The men emerged from the water and the women from the trees. They were mated in pairs and began the Alpha lines – from one of which Matthias is descended. 

            History


            Despite the different religions and beliefs the wolves have about the origins of werewolves in this world, werewolves and humans evolved next to one another - one didn’t come before the other. Unfortunately, werewolves’ physical superiority meant that humans got left behind in more ways than one. They became servants and slaves, and fell prey to disease. Humans ended up dying out a couple hundred years before Ivy was born. Since then, they have become a symbol of weakness.

About the Author:

Julia Debski was born in Warsaw, Poland in 1996. Her family moved around a lot during her childhood before finally settling down in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It wasn't until the 8th grade that she found her passion for writing. It was thanks to a particularly inspiring English teacher and a story that needed to be told. So she began to write, and she never stopped.
Four years later she found herself with nearly a dozen started novels and short stories. As junior in high school she was introduced to Greg Wilkey, a self-published independent author of four novels. He soon became a mentor to her as she worked to write and self-publish her own novel. After two years of hard work, and a nearly a year of mentorship The Hazel Tree was published in October 2013.


Author Contacts:
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook Goodreads | Pinterest 



Tour wide giveaway:
2 signed paperback copies The Hazel Tree by Julia Debski (Shipping to US, Canada & UK only)
5 ebook copies The Hazel Tree by Julia Debski