Cassandra Dean Fool's Gold Review!

Fool's Gold

THE DIAMOND SERIES, BOOK 2

Christmas in Freewill

Christmas Eve, the Diamond Saloon is empty of its people, and Pearl la Monte has a hankering to retire early. A pounding at the Diamond’s door rids her of such a fool notion. Her irritation rises when she sees the prissy, polite-like Garrett standing outside.

Ethan Garrett has a powerful need to gain succor. When the saloon’s voluptuous redheaded singer scowls at him from the threshold of the Diamond, he doesn’t stop to think on how his ire at her has disappeared. Or how he just wants to spend some time in her company.

When a blizzard storms in, trapping them, will they spend their time arguing or find their irritation for each other disguises something more?

Authors Bio:

Cassandra Dean

Cassandra grew up daydreaming, inventing fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Once she learned to read (First phrase – To the Beach. True story), she was never without a book, reading of other people’s fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures.

Fairy tales, Famous Fives, fantasies and fancies; horror stories, gumshoe detectives, science fiction; Cassandra read it all. Then she discovered Romance and a true passion was born.

So, once upon a time, after making a slight detour into the world of finance, Cassandra tried her hand at writing. After a brief foray into horror, she couldn’t discount her true passion. She started to write Romance and fell head over heels.

The love affair exists to this very day.

Cassandra lives in Adelaide, South Australia.

Her website - http://cassandradean.com

Links for Cassandra

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraDean

http://twitter.com/#!/authorCassDean

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5016740.Cassandra_Dean

http://cassandra-dean.tumblr.com/

http://pinterest.com/cassandradean/

http://instagram.com/authorcassdean?ref=badge

http://cassandraandlucy.wordpress.com/

 Get the first too!!

Buy links:

ROUGH DIAMOND

Decadent Publishing | Amazon.com | Smashwords | All Romance eBooks | Barnes & Noble

FOOL’S GOLD

Decadent Publishing | Amazon.com | Smashwords | All Romance eBooks | Barnes & Noble

Excerpt 

Turning on her heel, Pearl marched off toward the stairs.

A weird kind of panic jolted through Ethan, one he’d never felt before in all his days. It was…he didn’t…. She couldn’t leave him. “Where are you going?”

She whirled to face him, her irritation plain. “I was seeking my bed before your arrival, and now I’m seeking it again. Help yourself to whiskey this one time. I got better things to do.”

Shoving to his feet, he strode to her. “Don’t just walk away when we’re discussing things.”

“We ain’t discussing nothing. You’ll be down here, waiting out the blizzard. I’ll be in my bed, doing what I was gonna before you arrived. That’s the end of it.”

Taking a step, she made to leave him. Again.

He grabbed her arm. “Don’t leave me.”

“Don’t tell me what to do.” Glaring at him, she stood before the bar, her magnificent hair slipping from its pins, her breasts rising and falling.

Abruptly, his mouth went dry. Clearing his throat some, he said, “You’re supposed to offer succor to those in need.”

“We’re closed, remember?” Paint-less lips pressed tight together, she glared up at him.

They were so close he could see the faint marks of freckles on her skin.

Pearl La Monte had freckles.

A kind of haze came over him, tightening his skin and bringing with it something all-fired powerful and completely unstoppable. All the years he’d known her crashed through him, all the times she’d flirted with him and meant something else, all the times he’d seen her perform on stage and wished he could have held such fire.

Grabbing her upper arms, he hauled her against him and, ignoring her shocked gasp, he covered her mouth with his.

****Review****

Fool's Gold was a fun read. It continued with the supporting characters from Rough Diamond which is always good! For a western and Christmas tale there was a lot of story. I really enjoyed the second book in this series!

Cassandra Dean - Spotlight for Rough Diamond and Review!!

THE DIAMOND SERIES, BOOK 1

Owner of the Diamond Saloon and Theater, Alice Reynolds is astounded when a fancy Englishman offers to buy her saloon. She won’t be selling her saloon to anyone, let alone a man with a pretty, empty-headed grin…but then, she reckons that grin just might be a lie, and a man of intelligence and cunning resides beneath.

Rupert Llewellyn has another purpose for offering to buy the pretty widow’s saloon—the coal buried deep in land she owns. However, he never banked on her knowing eyes making him weak at the knees, or how his deception would burn upon his soul.

Each determined to outwit the other, they tantalize and tease until passion explodes. But can their desire bridge the lies told and trust broken?

Authors Bio:

Cassandra grew up daydreaming, inventing fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Once she learned to read (First phrase – To the Beach. True story), she was never without a book, reading of other people’s fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures.

Fairy tales, Famous Fives, fantasies and fancies; horror stories, gumshoe detectives, science fiction; Cassandra read it all. Then she discovered Romance and a true passion was born.

So, once upon a time, after making a slight detour into the world of finance, Cassandra tried her hand at writing. After a brief foray into horror, she couldn’t discount her true passion. She started to write Romance and fell head over heels.

The love affair exists to this very day.

Cassandra lives in Adelaide, South Australia.

Her website - http://cassandradean.com

Links for Cassandra

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraDean

http://twitter.com/#!/authorCassDean

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5016740.Cassandra_Dean

http://cassandra-dean.tumblr.com/

http://pinterest.com/cassandradean/

http://instagram.com/authorcassdean?ref=badge

http://cassandraandlucy.wordpress.com/

Buy links:

ROUGH DIAMOND

Decadent Publishing | Amazon.com | Smashwords | All Romance eBooks | Barnes & Noble

MY REVIEW

Coming soon as I am still reading this delightful tale.

EXCERPT

Lifting the glass, Alice studied its contents. “There is nothing quite like the enjoyment you get from a good whiskey. There’s the look and color of it, and the way it burns in the light.”

“It’s the same color as your eyes,” Llewellyn breathed, his own wide and empty of thought.

A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. That’s right. Fool me into thinking there’s not an ounce of calculation to your words. “Is it? Mighty kind of you to notice.”

A happy grin was her response.

Well now, she was surely going to enjoy this. Setting her own half-smile, she tilted her glass, watching as the whiskey caught the light of the candle. “Have you ever noticed the feel of glass? It’s smooth against your fingers, and though the whiskey burns you, the glass is cool. It seems strange, doesn’t it? That such fire could come from something so cool.”

Intensely aware of his gaze upon her, she brought the glass to rest on her bottom lip. “You lift the glass to your lips, and all that coolness rests upon your flesh. The scent of the whiskey hits you, sweet and fiery. Your mouth waters, and you can’t wait to have it inside you. Slowly, so slowly, you tip the glass, teasing yourself as long moments in want of its taste stretch unbearably.”

He no longer wore a smile. Dark eyes watched her as strong fingers dug into the glass before him.

A prickle washed over her skin, her heart a steady beat in her chest. With hushed voice, she continued. “Liquid slides down your throat. The flavor explodes inside you, a glorious rush of sensation that overwhelms and consumes. You curl your tongue, enjoying the lingering sensation in every part of your mouth. Then, you look at the bottle.” Finally, she met his gaze direct. No subterfuge. No tease. “And you know you can do it again.”

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Summer of Zombie Blog Tour Post #8 - Interview with T W Brown

T W BROWN SUMMER OF ZOMBIE

What inspired your new release?

My latest is the sixth book in the DEAD series, Dead: Confrontation. The inspiration came from the fact that I believed zombie fans could handle something with a large cast of characters, some serious character development, and a story line that was not, run, set up a fortress, get over run, repeat.

Tell us about any WIPs you have

Besides already starting on the seventh DEAD book, I am working on the second book in my non-zombie series, Dakota. The fifth Zomblog, Zomblog: Snoe’s War is just about ready and comes out in late June, and I am mulling over the story for the second That Ghoul Ava book. Yep…that should about cover it.

How many people ask you to read their books?

Lots. And I try to whenever I can because I remember being the one doing the asking. If somebody asks, they are putting themselves out there and preparing for rejection. You need to hear a few “yes” responses. Now, that said, I always tell them that I am not going to sugar coat something. If I like it, great, but if you don’t want to know if and why I don’t…then do not send it to me to read.

In a word sum up your writing style

Cognitive.

Do you have a character you enjoyed writing the most?

Ava is my “fun place” when it comes to writing. Otherwise, I would have to say my Geeks from the DEAD series because they are loosely based on some friends of mine.

Is there a genre you would like to try?

I was a huge D & D geek from the late 70s and early 80s and love good fantasy. I think a lot of D & D types feel that their campaign would make a great fantasy series…I’m no different. I have a campaign that lasted over four years and if the fantasy market was not so glutted, I might give it a go. However, I already my time travel, modern day guys thrown back to the Civil War (Dakota) series, my DEAD books, the Zomblog series (which will be wrapped for good in October), and That Ghoul Ava, my horror comedy…so I am fine for now.

Could you live without coffee?

Nope. Would never try. I don’t drink or smoke, so it is my last vice and I am keeping it.

Tell us one of your favorite jokes

Armand Rosamilia walks into the doctor’s office with a frog on his head. The doctor says, “What seems to be the problem?” The frog says, “I don’t know, it started out as a bump on my ass.”

Here are some questions you can choose to answer!

What's your favorite thing about the writing process?

The ability to create something that causes other people to have real feelings just by reading words that you put on paper.

Three facts about you

Do you believe in UFOs?

Sure. I have a hard time imagining that we are the only sentient beings in such a large universe.

What was your favorite snack growing up?

Red Hots or any sort of cinnamon candy.

Would you rather have fame or fortune?

I’ll take the money. Being famous is not all it is cracked up to be, but cashing that check is a lot of fun.

Pick one book that is your all-time favorite?

The Stand.

Embarrassing guilty pleasure –

Lounging around in my Cookie Monster pajamas.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

About as extroverted as you can get.

Favorites:

Muppet - Sweetums

Cartoon growing up- Bugs Bunny

Color- Dark Green

Type of Monster- Other than zombies? Godzilla.

Do you speed when you drive? I am a cruise control addict and lock in at 3 MPH over the posted limit whenever I drive.

Spaghetti or Lasagna and why?

Lasagna…all that cheesy goodness.

Your thoughts on Self-Publishing

I think it has pros and cons. Done right, it rivals the major houses as far as creative content. However, there is a lot of sloppy work out there and just because you CAN do something, does not always mean that you SHOULD.

Your thoughts on Zombies

I think they have so many ways that they can be used, and writers are coming up with some very creative stuff that keep them fresh.

Do you believe in the Loch Ness Monster?

I used to. Now, I’m not so sure.

Are you a tweeter, a re-tweeter, or you couldn't care less about Twitter?

My wife handles that aspect of my world.

Would you rather sit on a porch with sweet tea {insert other beverage if tea isn't your thing} or go hiking with a bottle of water and a smile?

I will take the hike.

Your favorite type of music

I am a huge KISS fan and also love the 80s “hairbands”.

Your favorite color of Skittle

Just never got the Skittles thing.

Your favorite memory

It might be a bit corny, but it was on a walk with my son, Cody. He was almost three and we were on our daily pilgrimage to get him a Slurpee and he looks up at me and says, “We’re best buddies, huh, Dad?”

Your favorite quote

“Car crashes are neat, but you can’t tap your foot to them.”—Gene Simmons

Your favorite way to spend an evening

At home, relaxing with the wife and my Border Collies.

Tell us what you are working on now!

Book 7 of the DEAD series.

Anything you would like to say to the aspiring authors reading this blog?

Do it if you love it, not because you think it is a quick ticket to wealth and fame. It is real work and will take up more of your time than a “traditional” job with much less monetary reward (for most).

 

Welcome to MY world... A few minutes with author TW Brown. Tucked away in the Pacific Northwest with my wife Denise, a Border Collie named Aoife, a guitar collection, and an increasing number of aquariums sporting a variety of fish (cichlids are my new favorites), I live for football season when I can cheer on the Oregon Ducks and be disappointed by my Seattle Seahawks once again. I am a fan of Cookie Monster, KISS, and Dr. Who (along with most things British). His blog can be found at: http://twbrown.blogspot.com The best way to find everything he has out is to start at his Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/TW-Brown/e/B00363NQI6 You can follow him on twitter @maydecpub and on Facebook under Todd Brown, Author TW Brown, and also under May December Publications.

TW Brown is the author of the Zomblog series, his horror comedy romp, That Ghoul Ava, and, of course...the DEAD series. Safely tucked away in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, he moves away from his desk only at the urging of his Border Collie, Aoife. (Pronounced Eye-fa)

He plays a little guitar on the side...just for fun...and makes up any excuse to either go trail hiking or strolling along his favorite place...Cannon Beach. He answers all his emails sent to twbrown.maydecpub@gmail.com and tries to thank everybody personally when they take the time to leave a review of one of his works.

Summer of Zombie Blog Tour Post #7 - Interview with John O'Brien

JOHN O'BRIEN SUMMER OF ZOMBIE

What inspired your new release?

A New World: Takedown is the seventh book in the series, A New World. The inspiration for the book was to prevent a lynching. There were several close moments where I escaped just before the torch-wielding mobs arrived.

Tell us about any WIPs you have.

Currently, Mark Tufo and I are writing a novel together where our two main characters, Mike Talbot and Jack Walker, meet. It is more of a work in progress as we both have our other books that we are working on. I’ll be starting on the eighth book in the ANW series soon and hope to have it ready to go in mid-summer.

How many people ask you to read their books?

At first, I had a few requests but that tapered off after a while. I don’t mind doing that if I have the time…however, that is a rarity. Where are the hammocks and drinks with umbrellas in them that I was promised? I distinctly remember being told that was the writer’s lifestyle and why I signed on.

In a word sum up your writing style.

Chaotic and laden with errors. Wait, that was more than one word. Action-oriented.

Do you have a character you enjoyed writing the most?

Honestly, I enjoy writing about them all. I would have to say though that I enjoy writing about Jack, even though he is boring at times, and Gonzalez. She has turned into one of my favorites. She was initially just a placeholder but her character demanded more and thus she has become one of my favorites.

Is there a genre you would like to try?

The one where I get said hammock and drinks. Just kiddin’. I think I have truly found the niche where I like to write. I truly think the series covers a variety of genres – thriller, post-apocalyptic, action, and yes, zombies although the night runners aren’t technically Z’s.

Could you live without coffee?

Nope.

Tell us one of your favorite jokes.

Not long ago and far away, Santa was getting ready for his annual trip. But there were problems everywhere. Four of his elves got sick, and the trainee elves did not produce the toys as fast as the regular ones so Santa was beginning to feel the pressure of being behind schedule.

Then Mrs. Claus told Santa that her mom was coming to visit. This stressed Santa even more.

When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two had jumped the fence and were out, heaven knows where. More Stress.

Then when he began to load the sleigh one of the boards cracked and the toy bag fell to the ground and scattered the toys. So frustrated, Santa went into the house for a cup of coffee and a shot of whiskey. When he went to the cupboard, he found the elves had hid the liquor and there was nothing to drink.

In his frustration, he dropped the coffee pot and it broke into hundreds of little pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found that mice had eaten the straw it was made from.

Just then the doorbell rang and Santa cussed on his way to the door. He opened the door and there was a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.

The angel said: "Where would you like to put this tree Santa?"

And that my friend, is how the little angel came to be on top of the Christmas tree.

What's your favorite thing about the writing process?

I like how the story unfolds as I’m writing it. I have the basics in mind when I begin but the story takes on a life of its own and I’m just as surprised as others by the twists and turns it makes. I’m merely the conduit for the story to be told as the characters take hold. They are constantly in my mind – yes, voices in my head.

 

Would you rather have fame or fortune?

I don’t really require either to be honest. I just like that the story is being enjoyed. If I had to choose however, I would choose fortune. I’m not really one who wants the spotlight.

Pick one book that is your all-time favorite?

I’ll pick two series – The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King and The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

A bit of both but lean more toward the introverted aspect.

Favorite Color- Black or Charcoal Gray.

Do you speed when you drive?

Um, when I’m in the Challenger, well, enough said.

Spaghetti or Lasagna and why?

Lasagna because, well, its lasagna.

Are you a tweeter, a re-tweeter, or you couldn't care less about Twitter?

I used to be on twitter a lot but now it’s mostly just Facebook. I just don’t have the time to expand into other social medias. And I’m a horrible blogger.

Would you rather sit on a porch with sweet tea {insert other beverage if tea isn't your thing} or go hiking with a bottle of water and a smile?

Hiking – most definitely, although a nice quiet day observing nature can be awesome as well.

Your favorite memory

I have two actually, I mean aside from my kids being born and being with them. The first is one flight at 45,000 feet – flight level 450 – and seeing the earth below cast in total darkness while I was still basking in pure daylight. On another flight at 49,000 feet, I looked up and above, the sky was cast in darkness with the stars showing in the middle of the day. Flying is just pure like that.

Your favorite quote

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, strawberries in one hand, champagne in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO HOO what a ride!

Anything you would like to say to the aspiring authors reading this blog?

Keep on writing, without worry of how it’s going to be taken or received. Tell your story without fear. And, make sure it’s well-edited and a professional cover done. Both can be found without great expense.

Thanks so much again!

Thank you so much for having me, Emily. And thank you to all of the readers and fans.

Links:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JohnWBOBrien

Web site: http://anewworldseries.com/

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/John-OBrien/e/B005IDEPP0

 

John O’Brien Biography

John O'Brien is a former Air Force fighter instructor pilot who transitioned to Special Operations for the latter part of his career gathering his campaign ribbon for Desert Storm. Immediately following his military service, John became a firefighter/EMT with a local department. Along with becoming a firefighter, he fell into the Information Technology industry starting two large casinos in Washington as the Information Technology Manager and becoming the Network Manager for the Washington State Legislature, the Northwest Information Technology Manager for the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Network Systems Manager for Hollywood Video. Currently, John is writing full-time on the series, A New World. As a former marathon runner, John lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and can now be found kayaking out in the waters of Puget Sound, mountain biking in the Capital Forest, hiking in the Olympic Peninsula, or pedaling his road bike along the many scenic roads.

Summer of Zombie Blog Tour Post # 6 – Interview with Kirk Allmond

KIRK ALLMOND SUMMER OF ZOMBIE

What inspired your new release?

I often liken my first series of books What Zombies Fear to Star Trek. Even though the group is at war with the zombies, everything is kind of bright and clean. They live a pretty good life, have a safe place to sleep, and plenty to eat. The crux of that series is in Victor’s need to keep that world safe for his son. At its core, it’s a father-son book, based on their relationship.

Will of the Dead, my latest series, is my chance to explore the opposite end of the spectrum. It’s a dark, dirty, gritty story of a man hanging on by his fingernails.

Tell us about any WIPs you have

I have 3 novels and 2 short story series classified as WIP’s, plus the final book in the What Zombies Fear series.

How many people ask you to read their books?

Lots. I’m happy to do so. I love reading, and, a couple of years ago, I was one of those people, asking my favorite indie author to read something I wrote. It’s because of his encouragement that I’m here, and doing what I love.

In a word sum up your writing style

Fast.

Do you have a character you enjoyed writing the most?

Victor Tookes, of What Zombies Fear is my favorite character, probably because he’s just like me.

Is there a genre you would like to try?

Romance. Because it can’t be worse than that 50 shades chick’s writing :) And I’m totally jealous of her success.

Could you live without coffee?

Who would want to?

Tell us one of your favorite jokes

A Man walks into a bar, opens his jacket and pulls out a tiny baby grand piano, which he sets on the bar. He opens the other side of his jacket and a man walks out. He was dressed in a Tuxedo, and was one foot tall. The bartender looks at him and says “That’s amazing! Where did you get that?” “There’s a genie down on the beach. Be careful though, it’s hard of hearing.” “How do you know it’s hard of hearing?” “What, you think I asked for a 12 inch pianist?”

What's your favorite thing about the writing process?

Closing my eyes and feeling the story tumbling out of my fingertips.

Three facts about you

I own and maintain the worlds largest zombie preparedness site, ZombiePreparedness.org

Do you believe in UFOs?

UFO’s, no. Aliens, yes. I believe there is other intelligent life in the universe, but they’re smart enough not to come to earth. We’re like the trailer park of the universe.

What was your favorite snack growing up?

Cheetos!

Would you rather have fame or fortune?

Fortune!

Pick one book that is your all-time favorite?

Impossible. I couldn’t even pick a genre that is my all time favorite!

Embarrassing guilty pleasure –

I watch Long Island Medium with my co-author Laura Bretz.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Extrovert

Favorites:

Muppet - Gonzo!

Cartoon growing up- Thundercats

Color- Blue

Type of Monster- Zombies!

Do you speed when you drive? Yes.

Spaghetti or Lasagna and why? Lasagna. It’s like spaghetti flavored cake!

Your thoughts on Self Publishing

Fantastic! It’s changing the writing world.

Your thoughts on Zombies

I’d never want to have to go through it, but there is definitely an appeal to slower, agrarian post-apocalyptic life.

Do you believe in the Loch Ness Monster?

No.

Are you a tweeter, a re-tweeter, or you couldn't care less about Twitter?

I try, but I just don’t get it. @VictorTookes though, if you still want to follow my feeble attempts to be witty.

Would you rather sit on a porch with sweet tea {insert other beverage if tea isn't your thing} or go hiking with a bottle of water and a smile?

Porch with moonshine!

Your favorite type of music

Hip-Hop

Your favorite color of Skittle The Mix!

Your favorite memory Hiking to a waterfall in northern PA with Laura.

Your favorite quote

“Not all those who wander are lost.” --Gandalf.

Your favorite way to spend an evening - Writing in a dark, quiet room!

Tell us what you are working on now! A short story to be included in the Summer of Zombies Anthology!

Anything you would like to say to the aspiring authors reading this blog?

Write! Write some more! Write even more! Even if you can just do 500 words a day, do some writing every day.

Summer of Zombie Blog Tour Post # 5 - Interview with Mark Tufo

MARK TUFO SUMMER OF ZOMBIE

Hi Emily first off I wanted to say thank you for having me on your blog, it is much appreciated. For those of you that don’t know me I’m going to paste my bio and then do a quick shameless self-promotion before answering Emily’s questions!

Hi my name is Mark Tufo and this is my small bio slash zombie homage. First off trying to boil your life down to a few paragraphs is like trying to get out of the house with a newborn in under 5 minutes. Those of you with kids will understand the reference. Speaking of which I have three, thankfully they are mostly grown at this point which has allowed me to pursue a writing career. I grew up a blue collar man in a blue collar family, after a stint in the Marines and then the more dangerous Post Office, I decided to educate myself and get one of those cushy white collar jobs. Well I got a few, damned thing was though I couldn’t hold on to them. Kept getting laid off. It was during these down times that I began to write, it was a way to cope with the stress of having a family that was becoming more and more difficult to support.

My wife and I put out the first Zombie Fallout book in February of 09, there was huge fan-fare, ticker tape parades and maybe even some hyperventilating from the one fan that bought the book that month. Didn’t matter much that wasn’t why I had written it in the first place. I wrote a zombie book because I’ve always been fascinated with the genre. Ever since I was 7 years old and my cousin who was babysitting thought watching Night of the Living Dead would be a good way to while away the time. I’d never been so scared and enthralled at the same time in my entire life. I devoured all things zombies, movies, books, comics. Didn’t matter much. And then during one of my lay-off periods, my wife dared me to write one. (Mostly so I’d leave her alone) And I haven’t looked back.

The Zombie Fallout series is 6 novels and 1 novella long, with Zombie Fallout 7 due in October. I have the Timothy series which is written through the eyes of a zombie (not for the faint of heart - and don’t eat and read it - you’ve been warned). And there is also the continuing saga of The Book of Riley, a zombie tale told through the eyes of Riley an American Bulldog. I don’t always write about the quasi-dead, but they’re never far from my brain! (Horrible pun but fitting - Thank you for taking a few moments to learn a little about me)

Please check me out here. http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Tufo/e/B002I7PJ68/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1 Thank you.

What inspired your new release?

Tim 2 is my latest release and it is a much darker zombie novel from my other two series (Zombie Fallout and The Book of Riley). I had never intended to write a sequel to Timothy, a novella which Severed Press published in early 2012. I don’t know what it was, I did thoroughly enjoy going deeper into my psyche and coming up with some of Tim’s darker turns and when I was done I felt a catharsis. Maybe even a purging, apparently I left a little left over in my mind where it began to fester, hence Tim making a return journey.

Tell us about any WIPs you have

At this very moment I’ve got about 8 WIP’s going on. Lycan Fallout is in beta read now and I hope to release it in June. The 3rd installment of the Book of Riley is at the editor which I hope to have out in July. Then in no particular order are what follows in various states of doneness: Zombie Fallout 7, The Hanging Tree, Indian Hill 4, A Shrouded World (with John O’Brien), St. Dread and finally Detective Tynes (working title). Aren’t you glad you asked?

How many people ask you to read their books?

So many that I had to stop taking them in. I have a healthy dose of OCD and every time someone sent me a book I felt like I had to read it yesterday. Well I now have over 100 books in my To Be Read pile and I’m fairly confident I won’t get to any of them unless there’s an apocalypse and I can hole up somewhere and read them undisturbed.

In a word sum up your writing style

Eclectic

Do you have a character you enjoyed writing the most?

Drababan - he is an alien Progerian from my Indian Hill series.

Is there a genre you would like to try?

Romance (wait if that dings my man-card I’ll go with Mystery)

Could you live without coffee?

Why would you even ask such a question?

Tell us one of your favorite jokes

Umm this might not be the best forum for that. I’ll go with a less offensive blonde joke (please tell me you’re not blonde Emily. How did the blonde break her arm raking leaves? (She fell out of the tree)

Here are some questions you can choose to answer!

What's your favorite thing about the writing process?

Actually writing! The rereads, rewrites, editing, beta’s, re-rewriting, re-rereading, and promoting are all the parts that are for the birds!

Three facts about you

Marine Corps vet, Absolutely hate ham, Love Widespread Panic

Do you believe in UFOs?

Yes

What was your favorite snack growing up?

Black and white cookies

Would you rather have fame or fortune?

Fortune, I’m somewhat of an introvert.

Pick one book that is your all-time favorite?

John Christopher - The White Mountains

Embarrassing guilty pleasure -

I loved the Harry Potter books

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

introvert

Favorites:

Muppet - Hate muppets, puppets, mannequins anything falsely animated scares the hell out of me.

Cartoon growing up- Scooby Doo

Color- Red no no BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Monty Python fans will get that)

Type of Monster- Godzilla, or Bigfoot

Do you speed when you drive? Are you a cop?

Spaghetti or Lasagna and why? Lasagna it’s really fat spaghetti with a lot of different cheeses.

Your thoughts on Self Publishing - Brutally difficult, endlessly rewarding.

Your thoughts on Zombies - Once upon a time I quietly hoped they’d come, then I realized I’d never get a hot shower and I changed my mind.

Do you believe in the Loch Ness Monster? Who doesn’t?

Are you a tweeter, a re-tweeter, or you couldn't care less about Twitter?

Ugh Twitter

Would you rather sit on a porch with sweet tea {insert other beverage if tea isn't your thing} or go hiking with a bottle of water and a smile?

The hike sounds good, if I get tired can someone carry me?

Your favorite type of music

Everything except jazz, with a heavy slant towards Rock

Your favorite color of Skittle - I hate tasting rainbows, leaves a residue on your tongue

Your favorite memory

I honestly don’t know where I’d go with this one. I hate to sound cliché but the birth of my kids was a profoundly life altering event for me.

Your favorite quote - Of all the things I’ve lost, I miss my mind the most - Mark Twain

Your favorite way to spend an evening

Is my wife going to read this? (Reading a book, with the Red Sox on the tv)

Tell us what you are working on now! - I am working on A Shrouded World, it’s a collaboration with fellow author John O’Brien.

Anything you would like to say to the aspiring authors reading this blog?

Hire an editor! Never think you’re good enough to pick up all your mistakes.

Summer of Zombie Blog Tour Post #4 - Interview with Julianne Snow

JULIANNE SNOW SUMMER OF ZOMBIE

Tell us about any WIPs you have.

At the moment, Days with the Undead: Book Two is in the pipeline to be released later this year. I have had a Zombie short picked up by a small press for release, so I’m definitely looking forward to that. Later this month, I’m hoping to release a novella length collection of some of my short Zombie stories as well. I find that I don’t stick to one main trope while writing in the genre of the Undead, so it’s always nice to be able to showcase the types of stories that I enjoy writing.

In a word sum up your writing style.

Varied. At times I can be descriptive and in others, I want the piece to have a different feel. I like the idea that a story can be read from a reference point within a reader’s mind. That makes it so much more poignant or terrifying for them. On those occasions when the subject matter fits for it to be set in any town at any time, I let the characters and the plot take root and blossom from the landmarks and situations the reader has encountered. I love getting emails from readers who tell me they could see it all happen in front of their eyes in their own town. That’s a great feeling!

Do you have a character you enjoyed writing the most?

I love all of my characters equally. They become like family to me as they take form through my words.

Is there a genre you would like to try?

I would love to write something in the steampunk genre mainly because I enjoy reading it. We’ll see if that comes to fruition.

Could you live without coffee?

Absolutely. I don’t drink it anyways. Preparing myself for the Apocalypse when there will be no coffee…

Tell us one of your favorite jokes.

This is an old joke, but it still makes me snicker…

Son: "Mom can I get twenty bucks"

Mom: Does it look like I am made of money

Son: "Well isn't that what M.O.M stands for?

What's your favorite thing about the writing process?

Creativity. I love being creative and even if the subject has been explored by others, I love having the ability to explore it in the way my mind thinks about it.

Three facts about you.

I don’t drink coffee

I have three brothers

I am terrified of birds. And spiders.

Do you believe in UFOs?

Do I believe in Unidentified Flying Objects – absolutely!

What was your favorite snack growing up?

Pop Tarts – we never got to have them very often so when we did, it was a treat!

Would you rather have fame or fortune?

Neither. Both have so many problems that come along with them. I would like to have enough money to continue creating my art and the knowledge that I had fans out in the world. That’s enough for me.

Pick one book that is your all-time favorite?

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. The whole series was such a delight from my childhood and I read them every year.

Embarrassing guilty pleasure

Hmmm… I don’t get embarrassed very easily… Perhaps my appreciation of Lady Gaga would fit in here. It’s not my preferred style of music, but it sure speaks to me on a deeper level.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

I’m actually both, just a different times and in different situations.

Favorites:

Muppet - Fozzy Bear – waka waka waka!

Cartoon growing up – Fables of the Green Forest

Color - Green

Type of Monster – The Undead

Do you speed when you drive? Sometimes. I think we all do.

Spaghetti or Lasagna and why? Lasagna. I like the well done corners.

Your thoughts on Self-Publishing

If someone wants to self-publish their books, I think it’s fantastic there’s a platform for it. There are so many terrific authors publishing their own work that never would have been published otherwise.

Your thoughts on Zombies

I love the genre! I wouldn’t want to meet one, but I certainly enjoy reading about them, watching them, and writing about them.

Do you believe in the Loch Ness Monster?

Absolutely

Are you a tweeter, a re-tweeter, or you couldn't care less about Twitter?

I am both a tweeter and a re-tweeter.

Would you rather sit on a porch with sweet tea {insert other beverage if tea isn't your thing} or go hiking with a bottle of water and a smile?

I like to do both of those things, just at different times. In all honesty, it comes down to humidity. If it’s humid, I’d rather be sitting on a porch!

Your favorite type of music

Alternative rock

Your favorite color of Skittle

Purple

Your favorite memory

Watching Anne of Green Gables with my granddad. He cried when Diana’s sister got sick and it was the first time I realized that strong men could cry. I was nine and he died shortly thereafter, but the memory taught me an important lesson.

Your favorite quote

I have two…

Expect problems and eat them for breakfast - Alfred A. Montapert

Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience - Unknown

Your favorite way to spend an evening

Relaxing with a cup of peppermint tea and my kindle. Or a movie.

Tell us what you are working on now!

At the moment, I have a few projects on the go. Some of them are secret, so I can’t talk about them, but I can tell you that I will be appearing in a few upcoming anthologies as well as releasing Days with the Undead: Book Two and possibly Book Three before the end of the year!

Anything you would like to say to the aspiring authors reading this blog?

Keep at it. If writing is truly your passion, don’t let anything stand in front of your dream. Also, read. There’s nothing more important than the study of your art.

 

Julianne Snow’s Bio:

It was while watching Romero's Night of the Living Dead at the tender age of 6 which solidified Julianne’s respect for the Undead. Since that day, she has been preparing herself for the (inevitable) Zombie Apocalypse. While classically trained in all of the ways to defend herself, she took up writing in order to process the desire she now covets; to bestow a second and final death upon the Undead. As the only girl growing up in a family with four children in the Canadian countryside, Julianne needed some form of escape. Her choice was the imaginations of others which only fostered the vibrancy of her own.

Days with the Undead: Book One is her first full-length book, the basis of which can be found in her popular web serial of the same name. Along with many zombie shorts published on her blog, she has a story in Women of the Living Dead as well as two zombie pieces; a standalone short and a collection releasing the summer of 2013. Julianne’s second novel in her Days with the Undead series will also be released in 2013. Stay tuned!

Social Media Links:

Twitter: @CdnZmbiRytr

Facebook: Julianne Snow

FB Fan Page: Days with the Undead

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/cdnzmbirytr/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110149434437717424445/posts

Goodreads: Julianne Snow

Amazon Author Page: Julianne Snow

Blogs: Days with the Undead & The FlipSide of Julianne & The Randomness of Julianne

Days with the Undead: Book One

Synopsis:

It’s a journal of survival.

Five people set out to escape the Undead who have risen too close to home. Join the emotional and physical struggle as they began on the third day after the awakening of Brooks VanReit, as they are recorded from the point of view of Julie, a former pathologist and part-time survivalist.

Each entry is geared toward helping those who want to help themselves and maybe give a few that don’t a swift kick in the ass. Join our group of survivors on their journey through these Days with the Undead.

Links for Purchase:

Amazon: US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, Brazil

CreateSpace (Print)

Smashwords (Kindle, Kobo, Nook, Sony)

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Apple