Meet A J King, Author

A J King is the author of The Power Vested in Me (four book trilogy) and a poetry book which is linked to the series Monochrome Fervour. Lives in Swansea, works in Newport, supports Cardiff City.

Learn more by visiting http://thepowervestedinme.com/, and check out Book Two in The Power Vested in Me series on Amazon by clicking here.

1. How did you come up with the main group of characters in your series of novels?

I wanted Starkey to be enigmatic--he had to be, he is the source of the mystery. One of his roles is to give the Stardust guidance whilst letting them find the answers themselves to ensure they grow as people. So I based a large part of him on one of my old managers who had a lot of life experience, but wanted us to form our own opinions so just gave us guidance.

For the Stardust themselves, I wanted to cover all angles. So Pippa was named after the pocket size doll I had as a girl because she is small, and for that reason I wanted her to be the superstrong one. Zak, we needed a sporty guy, Jason a Jack-the-lad who initially uses his power for bad then learns to use it for good. Stuart is the geek who gets bullied, and Heidi, who was named after my friend from school (but is nothing like her), is the self-proclaimed leader, who is very clever.

I remember Billie Jean King saying that when she watched ET she asked why none of the girls got to fly the bikes, so for that reason I made sure the girls were strong characters who played as active a role as all the boys. Once I had an overview of their talents, I just constructed them as people. They are from all different backgrounds and walks of life. As they are strangers to each other at the start, I liked the idea of them getting to know each other and bonding and becoming a team. Now when I write them I know them so well that I know how they are going to react in any given circumstance. Everyone has a favorite Stardust, and people see characteristics of themselves in the characters.

2. Why did you decide to have the main characters be teenagers, and what are the challenges of writing teenage characters?

They needed to be teenagers because they are given their powers whilst newborn babies, and these powers were fine tuned by Starkey when they hit puberty. I also feel this was the right age for them to start learning about life and making massive decisions on right and wrong.

At the time of initially writing the Stardust, my children were the same age so I had guidance from them and their friends.

3. When you first got the idea for your series, did you know it would take place over the course of four books? In other words, how did you figure out the overall structure of the series?

Initially, I wrote it as a TV script to send to the BBC, and it was much different then. In fact, it was just about five teenagers time-traveling in an old lift. When I was told they didn’t take scripts off new writers, I decided to turn it into a book, which literally took me a few years, during which time the whole concept of the story changed and the characters were given a real purpose. When I had decided how the story would go, I guessed it needed to be a trilogy; I hadn't expected Book 2 to end up in two parts, though.

4. Would you tell us a little more about the main idea of the series and the world in which it takes place?

In Book 1, the Stardust traveled back in time to 5 periods of history where they recover items, the purpose of which they don't discover until the end of the book. Book 2 is the second part of the quest and they travel, in their dreams, to the Land of Nod, which is in fact the zodiac. If they can successfully get through each house and reach the end, then they must retrieve one item. For book 1, I had to do a lot of research to get the time periods accurate, especially as they encounter real life historic figures in some of the places. For book 2, I have just constructed a fantasy land and the zodiac characters who sit within it. I have had to draw on a lot of my life experiences to construct the characters within. The books are not all fantasy: an essential part of them is showing the teenagers in their real everyday lives, their families, interactions with people and daily problems and experiences.

5. What writing projects are you currently working on?

A. I am currently working on part 2 of book 2, or at least the real live parts of part 2. I finished all the fantasy bits for part two about 9 months ago, having completed part 1’s fantasy bit about 9 months before that. So it could be argued each section of Book 2 is taking me about 9 months to write, but I have to do part 2’s real life part by the beginning of October to get it out by Christmas, so only giving myself 5 months on this. After that, it will be book 3 which I aim to take a bit of time over.

Thanks, A J!

Meet Jonuel Negron, Author

Jonuel Negron is a horror and fantasy writer from Land O Lakes, FL. The goals of each story are to both entertain and terrify readers who brave to read them. He is a veteran who has served proudly, a father of five wonderful children, and a husband to a loving wife.

He has just released Mid Harvest Road, the prequel to his Jacob Kearns Series. For more information, check out Mid Harvest Road on Amazon. You can also learn more about Jonuel and his work on his Facebook page.

1. Could you give us an overview of the Jacob Kearns Series?

Without giving too much away, it is a horror series based mostly on supernatural encounters that are both by chance and by design. Although the series has many moving parts to it, Jacob Kearns is the protagonist that navigates his way through the series with the most interesting angle for readers to discover.

2. Why did you decide to launch the series by publishing a prequel?

This is probably the most fascinating buildup I could implement to the series as it will actually have two prequels. Again without giving away too much... This first "Mid Harvest Road" short story is based on Sarah Knox, who will be an important returning character. I wanted readers to get a glimpse of how the series storyline can transform in a short 45 minute read. This way potential new readers wouldn't have to invest too much money or time to decide if my series was something they wanted to follow.

The second prequel will be "I Understand," a novella which will set the stage for Book 1 of the series. This can actually be read independently from the "Mid Harvest Road" short story although they both complement each other.

Any reader can decide to start with Book 1 of the series as it is an intricate story arc by itself without having to read the prequels.

3. What are your favorite parts about writing thrillers?

Translating my nightmares. I have been working on this series for two years now without knowing it. Originally, this was not much more than a rag tag collection of notes I had written down after a nightmare or two. In my youth I aspired to be a writer, but life had other plans for me, I guess. Now at the age of 41, several of my friends and family convinced me to take a refresher writing class. I caved under the pressure and began to write my thriller. I can't seem to stop trying to remember every detail of what wakes me up at night.

4. For you as a reader, what makes a book a gripping, suspenseful read?

As a reader the most gripping or suspenseful moments I have always found in most thrillers is how close to home the monsters can be. It is scary enough to read a thriller about the giant sea monster that can pull your boat under the water. It is equally scary to read a thriller about scholar who is a cannibal not limited to water. The distance from the monsters is what I find gripping and suspenseful.

5. What are you currently working on, and is there anything else you'd like readers to know about you and your writing?

I am currently starting Book 2 of the series, although I don't really feel Book 1 is 100% complete. I have this tendency to finish my work and start my next one. Then I will go back to reread my previous work looking for my obvious mistakes and smooth out the rough edges. I have learned from my past mistakes in life that if you are too eager to release something before you are content it is a finished product, well, customers will feel cheated by you. Book 1 is written, but I must be satisfied readers will enjoy the story that I have put together before I send it to my editor.

Thanks, Jonuel!

Meet Tracey Pettis, Fantasy Portrait Photographer

Selfies and snapshots can’t capture the inner you.
 But your Fantasy Portrait can.

Tracey Pettis will help you step out of your daily life and into your authentic self by taking a fresh look at the inner you from a completely new perspective.

Every human being wants to be seen, wants to be loved, wants to be understood. Through Fantasy Portraits, you can uncover and experience your special beauty, creativity, and gifts. Learn more by visiting FantasyPortraits.co.

1. What gave you the idea to create Fantasy Portraits?

I have been working in advertising for the past 20 years as a creative/art director. But I felt empty. I realized it was time to leave the world of advertising, feeling that companies were placing more importance on data, templates, and stock photography over the kind of creativity I was interested in.

I have always known I wanted to get back to one of my first loves, photography. But I wanted this version to be more than just creating pretty pictures. I wanted to bring the viewer into the process. I wanted to make the process more experience driven. Thus, Fantasy Portraits was born.

2. What's your process like in determining what an individual's Fantasy Portrait should look like?

We start by getting to know you through a discovery session. You share what you're comfortable sharing: your dreams, desires, hopes, aspirations. The object is for you to let go and explore.

Through this process, a concept will gel. Together, we'll fine-tune it, getting more excited about the portrait as we go.



3. Do you think the #nofilter Instagram selfie and other phone photography has changed how we define portraiture?

I think it's added to our choices immensely! We are changing all the time. Having that instant access to capture ourselves while immersed in an experience is a great advantage. And that's why I knew that Fantasy Portraits had to be something different than "just a portrait." It had to be an experience. As we say, "Selfies and snapshots can't capture the inner you. But your Fantasy Portrait can."


4. How can photos make positive changes in our lives?

So many ways! Our mission at Fantasy Portraits is to help women go deeper and learn how to connect with their inner beauty and deeper soul. Through getting to know and understand your spiritual self, your self-esteem and self-love increases.

A photographic image is a preservation tool. Your Fantasy Portrait becomes part of who you are at this stage of your life's journey.



5. What else would you like readers to know about you and your work as a photographer?

I think if you look at some of the Fantasy Portraits we've created, you'll see the attention to detail that you won't see in some of the other "fantasy" work out there. We put a lot of thought and heart into making each image special and unique, and not what you would expect.

If you'd like to explore creating your Fantasy Portrait, send an email to tracey@fantasyportraits.co.

Thanks, Tracey!

Meet Daintry Jensen, Author of The Hidden Forest

Daintry Jensen has a background in dramatic writing from Skidmore College and UCLA's Professional Screenwriting Program. Before that, she was acting professionally in Los Angeles and NYC. Growing up, she spent her summers on Nantucket Island were she had many an adventure that sparked the imagination, and where she returns to whenever she gets the chance.

Learn more about Daintry by visiting her website. Her middle grade fantasy adventure novel, The Hidden Forest, will be published on June 12, 2015 by Green Writers Press, and you can read all about it here.

1. What first gave you the idea for The Hidden Forest?

Growing up in the summertime on Nantucket, my grandparents had a house out in Polpis near the real Hidden Forest. My grandfather used to take us on twilight walks nearby and we'd see tiny paths going under the brush. I would always wonder who lived there--what was happening there that was hidden from us humans?

2. I can remember getting very caught up in biographies of famous people as a kid. What is it about Amelia Earhart that inspires your protagonist, Adelaide?

That's such a great question. I think in Adelaide's mind, Amelia had no limits because she could fly! What could be better than that? If you can fly, than you can go wherever you want--a great thing for an adventuress! You could have breakfast at the Great Pyramid Of Giza in Egypt, lunch at Machu Picchu in Peru, and dinner on the peaks of Kilimanjaro. Amelia Earhart was also incredibly courageous and had tons of moxie, which is all very appealing to Adelaide. Amelia was a woman who really lived life to the fullest and followed her dreams.

3. What are some of the challenges of writing a fantasy book?

I actually feel like there a fewer challenges with writing fantasy because you can completely create your own world and the rules that apply there. You're the boss, and it's really great fun to not be bound anything but your imagination. That being said, because The Hidden Forest takes place on Nantucket, I wanted to make sure to capture the island itself, a place that is very near and dear to my heart.

4. What are some of the elements of your book that make it engaging for middle grade readers?

Summertime! I think kids have very visceral experiences during the summer because you're outside so much. Also, adventures, exploring hidden worlds, and dealing with the consequences of breaking the rules.

5. How did your background in studying dramatic writing and screenwriting help you in writing your book?

Dramatic writing is all about creating an emotional experience for the audience. The best way to do that (a little tip I learned in screenwriting) is to create conflict. Conflict almost always causes emotional reactions, sparks. Relationships are also front and center (and something I love exploring) and writing dialogue that has subtext and layering. But for me, emotion is #1. There's a quote I read by a famous actor recently that goes something like "I go to the theater/movies to laugh and to cry, and that's why I go." I feel that way about books, too. People want to connect. Emotional journeys are a great for that and create a lovely and fulfilling experience. In the words of E.M. Forester, "Only connect."

Thanks, Daintry!

Meet Truth Devour, Author

Truth Devour writes: "It is hard to determine precisely what my passions are, given the world presents with so many opportunities. The spaces I like to dabble: writing, reading, traveling, photography, painting, drawing, poetry, music--basically anything that gets my creative juices flowing and supports the mood I am feeling compelled to express. I embrace as many creative variants as time allows to willfully drink from the experiences that assist in coloring the pages of the books I choose to write and you choose to read."

Listen to Truth read the first chapter of her novel, Wantin, in the video below. Wantin is the first book in Truth's Enigma series.

1. What first inspired you to start writing your Enigma series?

I had already written eight novels which to date have remained unpublished. In a turn of chance, I was presented with an awakening to the realities of my life's expiration date. It was at this point I decided to re-evaluate my career choices to pursue a path more fulfilling to me. Shifting my career to align with my creative desires was set to present an ultimate impact in all facets of my life. This resulted in me creating the Adult Contemporary Romantic Trilogy I have titled the Enigma series. I felt it was important to create something that was more than just a love story. It is a compelling life story.

2. How would you describe your protagonist, Talia Jacobs?

The self-publishing review group made the statement: Talia is the type of person everyone wishes they knew but very few get to meet.

She is her own person. A clandestine individual who sees the world through her own unique style of assessment and understanding. She internalizes an immense amount and trusts few. Life has consistently reminded her that she is responsible for herself and that she must be accountable and responsible for her choices.

There is a balance of strength and weakness in her that is depicted throughout the series. She admits to her mistakes and attempts to right her wrongs where possible. Talia has a natural ability to evoke strong connections with all who cross her path.

3. What are some of the challenges involved in writing romantic fiction?

To me this series is far more than just romantic fiction, and so I never personally felt there were any challenges. In saying this, I can imagine if I allowed myself to spend time thinking about the concept of romance I might begin to feel that it's all been said and done before, hence stifling my creative flow.

My biggest challenge when in the process of writing is to shield myself from what is out there in the marketplace. I refrain from reading or watching movies to ensure I reduce any outside influence or noise as I see it. Eg: It's hard to write lyrics and music to a song when you are listening to music in the background.

4. Why did you choose to self-publish your books, and what has your publishing experience been like?

I'm not a fan of rules, and when it comes to my creative expression, I really don't want to be told what I can and can't do. It's okay when you are known in the industry and have established followers and a proven demand for your works. I have no doubt those in this position can call the shots, but as a new person in the literary arena, I am less likely to be granted the freedom that self-publishing affords me.

The learning curve for self-publishing and marketing is steep. I really enjoy the challenge of being an advocate for my own work. I'm constantly learning new things about the process.

5. Would you tell us a bit about the project(s) you're currently working on?

I am just in the process of finalizing book one called Illuminarium of the Soliloquy's Labyrinth Series. I am planning to release this at the beginning of May this year. This series will fall under the genre of Adult Contemporary Fantasy / Paranormal with a psychological edge.

NOTE: Truth Devour would like to invite you to participate as a reviewer of her books. Here's some info about her review crew project...

Take the journey with me...

CALL OUT FOR: SUPER REVIEW CREW

Soliloquy's Labyrinth Series

I'd like to put together a team of bookworms who enjoy reading & review contemporary fiction to participate in the assessment of my entire series as it is released. (Est. 5 Series). The Super Review Crew will receive advance notification of upcoming releases which includes things like cover reveals, release dates & a guaranteed spot to be among the first to hold the opportunity to review the E-book for free.

How it works?

Go to www.truthdevour.com.

Join the Super Review Crew mailing list to confirm you would like to participate. All readers selected on the team must be able to download the book via AMAZON USA, as this is where the gift card is issued from. This is an E-Book review.

All participants are asked to post a star rating & review to AMAZON & Goodreads at a minimum. If you are able to Blog, post on social media this is treasured and much appreciated but completely up to you.

I'm looking for open & honest reviews so no opinion will be vetted, squashed or edited by me.  I want you to place your review directly to the sites you are connected with. I will read them there & always be grateful for your participation.

Spread the word to your friends who might be interested, book clubs ~ all are welcome.

Thanks, Truth!

Meet S.R. Remus, Author

S.R. Remus is an aspiring sci-fi/fantasy author, who also happens to dabble in poetry. He is signed to Double Dragon Publishing out of Canada, and his first novel, The Time Outlaw, will debut in 2016. Learn more about S.R. Remus and his work by visiting his website as well as his Facebook page.

1. How did you first become interested in writing fantasy/sci-fi?

I first became interested in writing sci-fi/fantasy, basically out of similar interests outside of writing. I am a big comic con, video game, Star Trek, and Star Wars fan. I love the Lord of the Rings, and Game of Thrones--these things which have huge fan followings into the realm of geekdom possessed me. They are my inspiration to the genre. I can remember back to when I was a freshman in high school (I'm 30 now for perspective) and I was content rocking my GameBoy Pocket and Pokemon Blue. A lot of my drive to need to break into the genre just comes from what I'm interested in.

2. What inspired you to write The Time Outlaw?

I had to write The Time Outlaw. Sometimes writers will say they just became obsessed with something, some story they need to tell. I knew what I was writing was different than a lot of the other dystopian novels, teen fiction books that are being pushed into the market. I let some samples of my chapters leak to people I know like to read, and they really pushed me forward. Ultimately, someone told me I should do it, because I had always wanted to write a novel.

3. Would you tell us a little more about the arc of your intended three-book series?

The Time Outlaw trilogy is centered on Jensen James, a gunslinging, time traveling, reality-bending protagonist. Jensen bounces around time, fighting against the evil Latentech Corporation, falling in love, and of course, being his gunslinging badass self. You will get a sense that the series has a lot of little guy vs big business conflicts throughout the stories.

4. Why did you choose Double Dragon Publishing for your first novel?

I basically chose Double Dragon because of their body of work in the ebook/print on demand industry as well as solely focusing on my specific genre; I felt that was the best option. I also chose them because they chose me first. I submitted so many manuscripts to agents and agencies, and then just waited. Double Dragon beat everyone out in getting back to me.

5. How would you summarize your overall goals or interests as a writer?

Well, I wish I could sit here and say I had any outstanding goals for world domination, endless riches, and enslaving the human race through my writing, but I'm just here to write, tell some stories, maybe have people build statues of me if they want. All in all, I just want us all to have an enjoyable time.

Thanks, S.R.!

A Kickstarter to Bring a Fantasy Trilogy to Bookstores Near You

Are you a fan of sci-fi and/or fantasy novels? Want to see more of these books by independent authors make their way into your neighborhood brick and mortar bookstores? Check out the Kickstarter campaign currently being run by author Leeland Artra.

Leeland Artra is the author of the Golden Threads trilogy, and his books have a solid track history with strong sales and reader reviews. The first two books in the series are currently available in e-book and print-on-demand format, and with the Kickstarter funding, the books will be republished in hardback and pocket paperback editions.

As the author writes on his Kickstarter page, the novels "represent twenty years of world building, and thousands of hours of work crafting them for your enjoyment." He's using the money he raises to put the books through an additional editing and proofreading process, and then to get them distributed by Ingram.

The novels are set 20,000 years in the future, and the main characters are a young mercenary woman and a junior wizard. The books are described as an epic journey and have maintained an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with over 600 reviews so far.

Along with undertaking this project to get books one and two of the trilogy into the hands of more readers, Artra is also hard at work on book three, and he says it will be released very soon.

This is an author who has really put the time and effort into his books to develop a following of readers--and this Kickstarter could be just the boost he needs to help his work find an even wider following. If you want to get more of an idea of his work, you can read an excerpt of book one, Thread Silvers, here; and read an excerpt of book two, Thread Strands, here.

An Excerpt from Engaging Enchantment by Beth Durkee

Beth Durkee is an author of Christian romance, relationship self-help, and fantasy. She has written three stand-alone novellas, contributed a small section to Ess-Jee Rautenbach's premier book, How to Stand for Your Marriage, and written a short promotional e-book (out of print) starring singer Darryl Markette (with permission). She is currently engrossed in writing her popular historical fantasy e-book series, The Legend of Lord Randall Castle. Across all genres, she is known for her characters, her descriptiveness, and her anchor to morality. Her works include The Disposable Noble Wife, Navigating Marital Abandonment, The Bleeding Love, and The Rumor’s Secret (out of print).

Beth lives in the United States. She has a BS degree in Liberal Arts from Carroll University and has been imagining stories for as long as she can remember. In her spare time, she enjoys long talks with family and friends, travel, DIY projects, and amateur radio.

Below is an excerpt from Engaging Enchantment, the first book in The Legend of Lord Randall Castle series. The book is a historical fantasy set in Britain's medieval periodYou can also find this book on Amazon Kindle--currently available for free download.

*

Melador gazed out his office window into pitch black. He could just make out the silhouette of his favorite tree, a gnarled old thing with a broad canopy that was perfect for sitting underneath. Just beyond the tree spread the waters in which his boyhood home, the ancestral grounds of his race, slowly sank. Avalon had been sinking for generations and for those generations whole families had evacuated their beloved homeland. Melador's family had been one of the last to leave. That was over fifteen decades ago, when he was a youth. Now, only a few priests remained on the island to guard the temple and they would stay with it until the very end. The magic it housed was too great to leave unguarded.

On summer days when the air was clear and the sun shone brightly, if Melador stood under the gnarled tree, he could sometimes catch a glimpse of what was left of his former home through the mist that enveloped it. Tonight, he saw only darkness as he looked out his window, waiting.

As for those who had escaped the island, a people once thriving and revered, most used faerie magic to disguise their ice-colored eyes and look more like common folk in the lands where they immigrated. Their disguise made acceptance and, therefore, survival easier for them. They were able to work, interact with and marry locals. Through time, their bloodlines thinned, their eyes muddied to shades of brown and their magic dissipated.

A handful remained whose parents had carefully arranged marriages. Those were gifted with magic that, for lack of formal instruction, they did not fully understand. Nor did most grasp the responsibility they bore to the magical kingdom or to the common peoples their race was responsible to protect. Still, it had been a very long time since Melador had seen any pure in his race and his heart was heavy with loneliness. It was almost enough to make him wish he had chosen to take a wife... almost.

No, Melador knew it was best that he remain unmarried even in his old age. His service was needed. If the eyes and ears of Saint Mary took a wife, his attention would be divided – and that could have devastating repercussions. Why just tonight, he mused, what would have been the consequence if he had not been paying attention? The queen might not have been warned of her daughter’s elopement in time to stop it and war with the girl’s betrothed might have ensued. Fortunately, Melador had been paying attention. He hoped his warning had gotten to the queen in time. He was still waiting to hear. That is why he sat by the open window of his office during dinner on a summer's night.

As he gazed out that window, the edge of his eye caught movement in the darkness. His focus adjusted to it. It looked to be... Yes, it was. His wait was over. A stem of ragwort floated nearer through the air, faerie magic drew close and his ice-blue eyes darkened to a warm chocolate brown. Atop the ragwort sat Bud Starembers, the sprite he had sent to alert the queen.

"Ah, there you are!" Melador's face became a sea of white bristled crevices. Thin lips spread into a smile that revealed teeth yellow with age as he greeted the tiny man landing on his window sill. "Did you make it in time?"

*

Learn more about the Lord Randall Castle series on Beth's website, as well as on Facebook.

Introducing Sara C Roethle, Author of the Xoe Series

Sara C. Roethle was born and raised in Arizona. Still there, in case you were wondering. Besides writing, she's currently working on a degree in English. When she's not "working" either on her books or schoolwork, she likes to practice yoga with extremely poor form, and paint things no one would ever want to hang in their home. Another current obsession is Final Fantasy: A Realm Reborn... taking up way too much of her time.

Sara published her first novel, Xoe: or Vampires, and Werewolves, and Demons, oh my!, in 2009. Since then, she's added two more books to the series, Accidental Ashes and Broken Beasts. She's currently working on a book outside of her Xoe series and says that she'll hopefully get it published by the end of summer 2014.

Find Sara's books on Amazon, and learn more about Sara and read reviews of her work on Goodreads.

Introducing His Black Wings by Astrid Yrigollen

San Francisco-based writer Astrid Yrigollen's new young adult novel, His Black Wings, is a unique take on the classic story of Beauty and the Beast. Reviewers call her writing "original and creative" and her characters "strong, interesting, and well-developed."

The novel's main character, Claren Maidstone, has left her childhood home after the death of her parents--and her own harrowing experience of assault. The novel follows her connections to three very different men, including Etrigan Lowood, who bears the dark beauty of a set of wings which carry him out only at night. As their friendship develops, he longs for Claren's love.

Set in the future during a Victorian era revival, the novel depicts a society in which the Grand Council has brought peace to the world's inhabitants, yet malice, revenge, and lust will not be so easily destroyed. This new world of peace and beauty has hidden costs which are revealed as the book progresses.

For an intriguing romance with a steampunk twist, give His Black Wings a read. It's available on Amazon both for Kindle and in paperback. Astrid has written several other books as well, so check out her author page on Amazon for more details.

Meet Curtis James Salt, Independent Filmmaker

Curtis James Salt is a independent filmmaker in Boston, MA. For samples of his work, check out his page on Vimeo. His credits include directing/producing the New England Film award winning documentary The Reality Behind Closed Doors. Most recently, his feature length script Adonis is currently in the top 100 scripts (for Drama) at the Filmmaker's International Screenwriting Awards. His newest endeavor is the fantasy Mosden that is currently in pre-production.

For information about the crowdfunding campaign to help support the production of Mosden, please see the IndieGogo site for the project. See also the Facebook page for Mosden.

1. What is the meaning of Mosden, the title of the short film you're working on?

The title "Mosden" actually refers to the name of the fictitious language that all the characters speak. Early on in the script, the main character Canvas (played by Matthew Eriksen) discovers a mysterious note left for him alongside a box of colored pencils and a mirror. The note's message reads "Mosden" and that's the first time you actually hear Canvas speak. So it seemed appropriate to name the language after that message. Some of the language is made up from scratch while the rest is a mixture of Latin, Russian, Arabic, Japanese, Cantonese, French, and more; all sliced up together so it feels somewhat universally familiar in nature, but also very organic. Currently I'm working with each actor on tailoring the vocabulary of the language and finding what sounds most natural for them to speak; then translating the words on the page from English to Mosden.

2. In exploring the experiences of a character named Canvas, how does your film work with the idea of creating art as a metaphor for creating other experiences/meaning in life?

[Laughs] Your question is incredibly close to being "on the nose." You follow Canvas from his inception, or what some of us refer to as his "birth." He has to teach himself how to walk and talk. Eventually he acquires the box of colored pencils and learns whatever he draws on the walls becomes real. This is where the audience can start to dissect the metaphors hidden within the story if they choose. For example, the first character Canvas creates is RED (Olivia Moriarty) who he has to then teach everything he had to teach himself. Red in return falls in love with him. The next character created is GREEN (Harry Aspinwall), who is very bitter and envious of their relationship. It quickly becomes apparent that the art/characters Canvas creates represent either an aspect of the human psyche or characteristic of how we perceive things. Eventually he creates his opposite, BLACK (Cezar Constantine) who is the literal definition of malice; who in return creates his own art/characters that conflict with Canvas until the climax of the story. The ensemble of this cast remain very "one note" and true to their color(s), whereas Canvas becomes fleshed out and whole, learning from each of them. In the end I hope my intended message becomes very clear; nothing in life is ever just black and white. (I also promise this movie doesn't end as a dream or an acid trip!)

3. What would you say distinguishes experimental fantasy film from the more narrative filmmaking that viewers may be used to seeing?

Knowing that you're creating a project with a macro budget practically forces you to be experimental in order to achieve your ultimate vision. This can hinder a lot of filmmakers and tends to make them play it "safe," which I feel nine out of ten times results in an end product that's all too familiar to today's audiences. I think embracing the notion that you have to get creative allows you to start to think outside the realm of more conventional storytelling.

With Mosden, I gave myself the challenge of trying to create a short film that appeals to a worldwide audience. So I watched a lot of movies that I love and inspire me (The Cell, The Fifth Element, Moulin Rouge) and examined what made them so appealing. Hopefully, if I did my homework correctly, you're going to get something extraordinarily unique. It's much simpler to summarize Mosden as an experimental fantasy, then to also add it's a comedy, musical, drama, fairytale, and did we mention that it's very abstract? [Laughs] Once again, I swear it's not an acid trip.

4. What are some of your personal goals as a filmmaker?

Never to compromise. Always collaborate. Remember that you might not always be right and to listen to your actors and crew. It might sound ambitious of me to say, but I always want to work on a project that I'm passionate about, opposed to doing it just as a job. I would love to get discovered (as I think most do) and be able to make movies that can appeal to a much broader audience and someday hopefully work with the people that inspire me. Regardless if a movie I work on is seen by 10 people or 10 million, I always want to provide an experience that makes people forget that they're watching a movie. Any filmmaker that is able to achieve that is a true master at their craft. Thirty years from now I hope someone can tell me that I inspired them. My all time favorite quote (from Moulin Rouge) represents my love and approach to filmmaking the best, "Why live life from dream to dream and dread the day when dreaming ends?"

5. In addition to contributing to crowdfunding campaigns, how can viewers help support independent filmmaking--and why is it important that they do so?

I think filmmakers today are both blessed and cursed by influence of social media. Crowdfunding didn't exist when I was a kid, unless you went door to door. Thanks to sites like YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, and more, your voice can either be heard or lost amongst the sea. I compare crowdfunding to playing the lottery. People gamble on playing the odds, and you just hope that they're in your favor. When a person is lucky enough to "win" because of people who believe in them, people get discovered! Amazing stories get told! Original pieces of art get created! A majority of the movies, directors, writers, actors you see and love, would not exist today if it wasn't for independent filmmaking and the support for it.

Thanks, Curtis!

Meet Daniel L Rappaport, CEO of Pazzaria Productions

Daniel Louis Rappaport has been in the business of digital media for over 28 years. His varied entertainment background has included everything for being magic director for the musical Pippin, to doing animation for a webisode series for Chris Kattan, to doing audio design for Virgin, and even running children's birthday parties at The Walt Disney Company.

Over the past 15 or so years of Daniel's 28 years working in digital media, he has been dreaming up Pazzaria Productions, which, as of 2012, is finally starting to come into reality.

1. How has your background in digital media prepared you for the creation of Pazzaria Productions?

My background and education in digital media has provided me with the tools needed to put together things like my website, my social media pages, and especially our project coming out in June.

I have always been curious by nature, especially in the areas of art, music, and design. Quite often, one professes an interest in just one area, be it photography, music composition, graphic design, etc... I have chosen to study many different areas, and thusly, to both practice, and sell these services.

Why, I can even cook in the French haute cuisine style!

What I have come to realize is, things like writing, perfectly spaced typography, the hero's journey, utilizing timeless themes that are hot in the media, knowing about technology enough to get what I need to get done, done, etc... are all tools to a much larger end--this end mainly being that of one where, at the moment, everything that I am doing is to create buzz for the June project.

When June hits, everything that I do will be to sell that work.

Getting back to my digital media background... After, and continuing to learn about all of these different areas, I merely call upon the tool that I need, to accomplish my task.

2. What is the meaning of "Pazzaria" and how did you come to choose it for the name of your project?

That's a great question! The term "Pazzaria" actually means crazy, or nuthouse in Italian. We are using it in a playful, but respectful manner.

It is the name of a town from another property that we were looking at, and will produce at a later time, due to it still being in production, entitled "The Toy Maker and the Trickster." A silly, yet fun inbred king runs that town. It is a delightful scene!

The "P" logo is inspired by the fantasy genre. For me, the colors green and purple are that of dragon and faery, while the brown is very much the earth, and grounds the logo.

There is also a "D" inside the middle of the logo. Can you guess what company may have inspired it?

3. Can you tell us about some of the ways that individuals will be able to interact with the fantasy world you are creating?

Well, that IS a question! I would be more than happy to! I cannot give out any specifics, because I don't want to give away what the June project is all about.

What I will say is that, from a producing (which is an art in its own right, and deserves way more credit that Hollywood gives it) thrust and angle, I believe that we have come to a standstill. Bringing it back to the Pazzaria Productions mission statement: "Everything a guest sees, eats, buys, touches, does, wears, and so on all has to do with their own personal adventure within our world."

Virtual reality. Video games. Theme parks. Film. Radio. TV, etc... All are wonderful platforms. However, none of these fully thrust, and totally engage the audience.

What happens when you turn off the TV, leave the theme park, etc...? For the most part, you leave the work behind.

Sure, in a video game, it is all first person. But, the whole problem with that is that it exists in a flat video screen.

How does one extend the story beyond these mediums? This is the very question that Pazzaria Productions strives to answer. So, our project coming out in June is a start in that direction.

You might be excited to know that it will be available for an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. Which one, we aren't saying until its release!

This video gives some hints about our project.

4. How does Pazzaria combine the unique adventures of individuals with storytelling in a broader sense (stories that already exist in a fantasy world and aren't dependent on the actions of individual participants)?

Well, I sort of answered some of this in question 3. I will do my best!

See, with Pazzaria Productions, that's just it. That is the grand experiment. Will our story choices be entirely dependent upon the visitor, or vice versa? I guess you will just (yes, I say it again. He he he...) have to wait until June to find out!

5. When and how will we be able to learn more about what Pazzaria is and what it offers to visitors?

You just can't wait, can you, lol! I'm just playing... June, kids. Juney June June!

More than likely, it might be toward the end of June. That isn’t a definite, but it is what I am aiming for.

Why?

There are a lot of details to work out with Apple, and I honestly wish to take as much time as I can to market it.

I think that a summer release will be quite prudent, and June is simply when it will be ready. Any sooner, and the quality is reduced. Any longer, and, well, I have to set a date, don't I!

I can say that there is a second and third work planned. So, stay tuned!

*With all of this being said, if there are any major Hollywood studio heads out there reading this, and might wish to invest, please contact me at magic@pazzaria.com for an insiders view!

An Introduction to Dari by Nadejda Rozanova

Nadejda Rozanova shared the following note about herself... "As Xena the warrior princess I have many skills: I am a PhD in biological sciences, cancer researcher, Reiki Master/Teacher, and now author of fiction and nonfiction books. I was born and raised in the former USSR and moved to the USA in 1999. Now I am living in California, where I do some research on new methods of cancer treatment (including treatment with Reiki energy), write scientific manuscripts about my research, and write books."

Available for Amazon Kindle, Nadejda's book called Dari (The Sword of Freedom) tells the story of a young woman's quest to avenge her family and her people's tragic fate.

After she ventures into the woods to get her family something to eat, Dari could not have imagined returning to find her entire village burned to dust. Dari knows she is the only one who has survived. The soldiers who attacked the village are still there when Dari arrives, so she hides. While hiding, she hears that a warlord named Dantest is responsible for the tragic end her family and her people have suffered. The discovery of who is behind the attack fuels Dari's rage; she wants to avenge her family and people. The only way to get their killers is for her to fight and kill Dantest. However, she needs help.

The only one who can help her defeat Dantest is a martial arts master who lives on White Mountain. Dari braces herself for her long journey to find the master; little does she know that the master is already anticipating her arrival. Rina, the master, agrees to help and train Dari for the day she will finally face Dantest. But what Dari does not know is there are other enemies she has to defeat first before she can fight with Dantest and avenge her family and her people.

If you are a reader with an interest in fantastic adventures with element of action, you might enjoy Dari--plus, it's available for download for just 99 cents and is free to Amazon Prime members!

Meet Phoenix, Author

Phoenix sent this autobiographical note... I am Lee Jordan and I am The Phoenix. I was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, grew up in California, and came from a long line of Americans who were pioneers and individualists. The family tree goes back to the revolutionary war and is filled with rugged people, rough coal miners, and farmers who lived in log cabins in the early west.

I love researching history, philosophy, and religions and am never content with the way things are explained. I love to look into the nooks and crannies and wonder, what if? I live in Hollywood with my husband, Gary, and our ornery tomcat, Snickers. I wrote A Whisper from Eden, A Historical Fantasy, which is an epic fantasy about the Mandan Indian tribe. My husband and I, as co-writers, are busy at work writing a paranormal thriller series.

1. What sparked your interest in the Mandan culture, and could you describe the scope of research involved in writing A Whisper from Eden?

A Whisper from Eden started as an American western. I was having fun reading Louis L'Amour and thought I would give the genre a try. However, it evolved into something else entirely, because the research spurred ideas.

The year was 1837. Clayton Pinckney was enthralled with the Indians. He was a sixteen-year-old, aspiring writer who has little interest in his advantaged life. He was handsome, well educated, and the son of a wealthy plantation owner. However, his enthrallment with the Indians was a shame to his family. Clayton was determined to prove his was not just a foolish boy with silly ideas with his ideals about the Indians. He felt he could ignite imaginations and provoke curiosities with his writing. What he needed was a good story. And so did I.

I needed an Indian tribe, but I knew nothing about the Indians. My research led me to the Mandan tribe, and I was hooked, completely enthralled. I figured he would be too. To prompt Clayton to run away from home in search of the fabled wild and exotic tribe, all that was needed was a heated clash with his father.

2. In reading the reviews of your book, I notice that reviewers mention multiple genres in describing it: how would you describe it in terms of genres such as fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, western, and beyond?

My husband and I decided not to worry about writing in many genres or creating new pen names for each. We are Lee and Gary Jordan as The Phoenix and have several other books in various genres planned.

But finding a category for a reader using the Amazon search engine can find has been such a problem. Readers of a particular genre have certain expectations. Most of the time, historical fantasy is about castles, knights, King Arthur, Merlin and such. There is a review on Amazon right now where the reader said: "This is not sci fi." Well, no it is not. It is not historical fiction either because of the fantasy elements.

Native American Fiction is the best category. And so is Literary Fiction. However, defining literary fiction opens a can of worms. The easiest way to define it has something to say about the human condition. In a brick and mortar store, genre fiction will go on a shelf with other of its kind: romance, mystery, thrillers, westerns, etc. Meanwhile, literary fiction will appear in the "General A-Z" section, along with mainstream fiction.

I love to read and have read so many terrific books that would be impossible to shove into a category. However, the subject of category and genre is an unfortunate fact of life for a writer.

As far as the sci-fi elements of A Whisper from Eden, A Historical Fantasy, one of the things that fascinated me about the Mandan lore was their belief in a god called Lone Man. A field researcher in the 1930s interviewed an old man on the Berthold reservation. He asked who Lone Man was. The old man said that Lone Man came from the stars on his vehicle that sped through the sky like a comet, only slower. I thought: were the Europeans not the first “aliens” to find the Mandan Indians in North America? According to the Mandan lore, the People from Above sped through the skies in vehicles that were like comets and landed on the prairie. They have a ceremony dramatizing Lone Man's arrival. He arrived at their village and told them he was there for good. He then taught the Mandan tribe magic because they were special. Of all the tribes in the northwest, they were his chosen ones. He taught them magic to make them powerful, to call the buffalo instead of chasing them, and the ability to tap into the supernatural.

When he left for the last time, Lone Man assured them that if they were ever in serious trouble, he would hear their prayers and he would return.

Some facts are just too good to resist!

A Whisper from Eden is available on Amazon.com.

3. What are the particular challenges involved in writing and publishing a lengthy book?

I did many rounds of query letters to agents and the interest was high, but the book was too long. It was suggested many times that I cut it or make two or three books. I finally decided to self-publish. Self publishing not only gives an author tremendous freedom, but also control.

4. Would you tell us about the collaborative writing you and your husband are doing?

Writing with my husband is very exciting because we brainstorm a plot, start writing, and trade the manuscript back and forth using Word revision mode. Together we are very creative. However, we don't always agree on a plot point. Most of the time we do. It is a kind of separate but together collaboration. With the brainstorming sessions, we are able to come up with some exciting and fresh ideas--like the paranormal thriller series which we are writing right now.

5. What's your process for writing/working together with your husband, and what advice might you offer to other (potential) collaborators?

Co-writing is a tricky thing if you can pull it off. Ego can be a problem. A writer falls in love with his/her own words. So trading the manuscript back and forth and making revisions, adding a scene or subtracting a part, has the potential of being upsetting to the other writer. With the first book in the series we are writing, I made changes and cuts and didn't use the Word revision mode. That upset him. So I promised I wouldn't do that again. I now make sure he sees my changes in red.

The main thing is not to keep something in the story the other does not agree with just to be pleasant and agreeable. That won't work. Critics and readers don't care about the writer's feelings. They like something or they don't and are not always kind. Hard fact, but true. By the way, A Vampire's Island, Leon's Lair is coming soon, along with the sequel, A Vampire's Island, Leon's Revenge.

People can go to my website and email me for a free Kindle version of A Whisper from Eden. I will send the Amazon gift certificate via email and be able to notify them when we have published new books.

Thanks, Phoenix!

Meet Ryan Attard, Author

Ryan Attard is the author of Firstborn, book one of the Legacy series. He is also a blogger, ranter, avid listener of music, anime enthusiast and intellectual funny-man. And part-time malicious god. Find excerpts of his creative work on his blog, and keep up with him on Twitter as well.

1. How did you make the shift from writing fan fiction to creating your own series of novels?

I wrote fanfiction because of peer pressure: whereas most teenage groups try to find ways to get wasted on a six-pack, my friends and I would write stories, usually about anime we enjoyed. I've also dabbled in poetry. Both were crap. But getting heavily criticised by my peers would make me try harder, and that's an attitude I kept when dealing with rejection letters.

I started focusing on creating a book when I got to a point in life where I asked myself what did I enjoy doing. I've always had one criteria for a career and that would be waking up on a Monday morning and not feeling suicidal at the prospect of having to drag yourself to work. Writing always gave me that, serenity I guess it's called, where I get these stories that I constantly dream or think about and give them a voice. There really is nothing better than finishing a scene which has been pestering you and then reading it aloud. It crosses the barrier between your head and the real world. All of a sudden your story becomes real and everyone can read it. There's something in that that makes me wanna run away screaming and dance in a cheesy 1990s way at the same time.

2. What do we learn about your protagonist, Erik, in Firstborn?

In the opening chapters, Erik is your typical superhero: he come to the rescue, kicking down doors and guns blazing. He carries a magic sword. He wears a black trench coat. He's nearly immortal, given the fact that he gets mortally shot in the second chapter and walks away from it. But by the time we get to him being in the office and the cat is outsmarting him with sarcasm, then we see that Erik is, at heart, just another guy trying to make his way in the world. Yes, he is a Wizard; yes, he is a Warlock (which in the series is a Specialist branch); and yes, his partner is a talking demonic cat named Amaymon. He and his twin sister Gil come from an aristocratic family which harbors many, many skeletons in many, many closets: one of which explains the curse that Erik and his sister are under. But he's plagued by the same demons most of us are: doubt, guilt, pressure, stress, making the rent, not seeing eye to eye with family members, trying not to smother roommates when they empty your side of the fridge (in Erik's case, it's the cat) and choosing whether to do the easy thing or the right thing. And doing the right thing for the right reasons.

3. In writing about a character with supernatural powers, how do you meet the challenge of combining the everyday details of his family life with the fantastic details of his encounters with monsters, one of the Seven Deadly Sins, and the like?

The good part about writing in the Urban Fiction genre is that I don't have to create a Tolkien-esque sort of world. I do, however, have to keep in mind that my characters can't go off flying a dragon into the night because that is bound to attract attention or, knowing me, I'll have the dragon crash with a helicopter or something.

My editor loved the idea that I'm from Malta (which is in Europe) and wanted me to set it in Europe. I, however, had my sights set on America because that is where most of my influences come from (see below). So after a small discussion I settled with Eureka because when I googled it, the first thing that came up was a Victorian style house and I squealed like a little girl. But I'm also lazy so I opted to set the story in a fictional district called La Fortunata. It has nothing to do with Fortuna which is a city south of Eureka. It literally translates into "The Lucky One," and I that's my idea of an inside joke since it's constantly being invaded by demons and such.

As for the family issue: it's easy not having to explain to your family that you're a monster-hunter because they do the same thing. The issue is sibling love, or lack of thereof. Erik and Gil do have a reconciliation moment of sorts after they almost die. But my favorite is the relationship between Amaymon and Mephisto. They're brothers and demons as old as time itself. Mephisto is Gil's familiar and, because I have the sense of irony of a two-year-old, I made Amaymon as a cat and Mephisto as a dog. (Could have been worse: cat and mouse anyone?) I enjoy writing scenes with those two in it because they really hate each other, and the only thing stopping them from ripping each other apart is a pact which I will explore in later books. Awesomely, I think it's the mortal-to-wizard interaction which makes Urban Fiction fun: there's a scene in Firstborn where Erik has to convince a nurse that he has to see a patient, and the nurse think he's threatening her, and Erik really wants to shoot her but he can't. So he tries using his words and fails utterly. I was wiping tears of joy and malice when I wrote that.

4. Who are some of your favorite fiction authors, and what are some other influences on your work beyond the scope of (conventional) novels?

My interests vary wildly. I started writing about a week after reading Changes by Jim Butcher (who is my favorite author) and Mortal Coil by Derek Landy (who writes impeccable dialogue and humour). Both books are part of a series and I liked the idea because more books meant more money. Little did I know that I would be spending the following two years banging my head on the table, trying to find substitutes for words like "big" and "small".

I tend to think in movie scenes, so that is of course an influence. None come to mind but there are alot. I also watch a lot of TV series on the internet. Anime and manga are vital to me: as long as it's supernatural and there is no lovey-dovey crap, I'm in. Firstborn reeks of Japanese influence; heck, the final monster Erik faces (and the one on the cover) is an Ushi-Oni, a mythical Japanese monster.

When I'm writing I need music and I'm usually looping a Celldweller song. I rip off Celldweller all the time. Firstborn was created whilst I was listening to the song "The Last Firstborn" and carries that dark, aggressive theme, especially during fight scenes. Ironically, video games inspire me a lot: the first draft for the book was created when I was spamming Devil May Cry and some of that game's themes were incorporated into the Legacy universe.

As for how the magic works I looked into "soft" marital arts and their concept of Chi and Qi and Chakra and Auras all that jazz. I am a martial artist myself, so for the fight scenes I would draw on my training to make it as realistic as possible. Before I throw in a fireball. Just because I can.

5. How does your participation in online/offline communities of writers and artists (attending Comic-con events, maintaining a blog, and participating in online forums, etc) affect your work?

I have yet to participate in a forum (cos I have little idea of how it works) but I do maintain a blog. I also have a twitter handle, @Enkousama, and a facebook page, RyanAuthor. I'm not a social person but I love talking about myself and the work I do, because I'm so vain and my ego is huge. So I make it a point to reply to anyone who asks anything in either comment section or personal message. I participate in a blog called SFFSat, which is where I post snippets and meet these crazy talented writers.

Funny you should mention Comic-Con: my first was the London MCM Expo last October and just last weekend I finished with the Malta Comic-Con. This weekend I'm selling books at a local stand and half the proceeds will go to charity. I love comic-con because you never know who you're gonna meet. It's the best form of fieldwork for aspiring artists. People love it when you stop them from behind your stand and instead of pushing a book on them, you point out how cool their costume is. It shows that you're just a nerd like them and we're all one big geeky family.

I use my blog most of the time because there is where I post short stories and fanfiction. I also post updates on novels and what my schedule is like and what story am I currently working on. I also post rants and of these I am most proud and ashamed at the same time. When something triggers a rant, I just go ballistic with the keyboard. Here you can see "writer" Ryan vs "pissed-off-uses-more-Fbombs-and-other-words-to-channel-his-rage-in-an-attempt-to-drive-home-a-point" Ryan. And I do it simply because I can.

Thanks, Ryan!