Why Write Horror?: Guest post by Stephen C. Ormsby

Author Stephen C. Ormsby's latest novel, Pendant, was recently published by Grimoire Press, an imprint of GMTA Publishing. He is a guest on my blog today to talk about why he writes horror.


Why Write Horror?
By Stephen C. Ormsby

So, after writing the urban fantasy novel Long Lost Song, why did I decide to write a horror novel?  For me, I found Long Lost Song hard to categorise into just one genre, as it has supernatural and apocalyptic themes as well, but was not either of those by nature. In the end, I decided to call it urban fantasy.  From there, it was a challenge to me really, as I wanted to learn how to write more strictly in specific genres, and the first two I picked were horror and fantasy. 

Both genres I have read and enjoyed for lots of years, and I wanted to see if I could turn out something that would excite me.  Names like Graham Masterton, James Herbert and Chet Williamson thrilled me as a younger man, and I wanted to know if I was capable of the same level of thrill.
 
I asked a good friend and fellow author Sharon Lee Johnson whether she would give me some tips on what makes a good horror novel.  After a couple of great discussions, an idea started to form and then it really took over from there.
 
Pendant was such a consuming story line that the first draft took only 22 days to write.  It literally burnt through me, wanting to be out.  I didn’t mind that much, as Conrad/Varnok is a very heavy character to carry around.
 
As I wrote it though, the ideas kept coming with the protagonist plotting more than one novel in my head.  So far, I have stories for three or four trilogies, which will see the characters go to Hell and come back.  It’s exciting stuff to consider as I get to imagine Hell in my own way.
 
Varnok has a lot more planned for Maggie and Logan, as this is only the start.  Book 2 of the series is tentatively titled The Aching Gate and begins a story arc that will go for three novels.  There will be frights and scares for all!
 
I hope you enjoy the first book of The Undead Hunters series and look forward to more, as I am looking forward to writing them.

ABOUT STEPHEN:

His second novel Pendant: The Undead Hunters book 1 will be published on April 5, 2013 by GMTA Publishing. Road to Hell is a novelette is a prequel for The Undead Hunters series. Stephen is busy writing sequels for both Long Lost Song and Pendant, as well as working on a fantasy series. He is also currently editing two anthologies of Australian authors with the first to be published August 30, 2013. He lives in South Gippsland with his wife, two children and a mad cat. He has travelled extensively, is an avid reader and enjoys listening to a wide range of music.


ABOUT HIS BOOKS:

Long Lost Song

A virus is decimating America today and Michael Decker is the culprit. Or is he? Is it the work of a curse recorded into a song by 1930's blues musician Ricky Jensen? Long Lost Song tells the story of Ricky and Michael as they battle their personal and real demons while the world reaches end times of biblical proportions. One question remains. How do you stop a devil of a song made to break a crossroads deal? People who love 'Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?' and 'Carnivale' should love this too.

Road to Hell

(This book is a novella and prequel to "The Undead Hunters" Series. "Pendant" the first full length novel of this series is due out April 5th, 2013.) Road to Hell is a graphic depiction of love, hatred and the power of the heart, as we join Conrad in the sixteen hundreds, and follow him on his journey of self-destruction. Once in love with his life, Conrad's world is rocked when he discovers his beloved is cheating on him. Using blood magic and power, Conrad seeks his revenge and pays the ultimate price in this brutal and violent tale of vengeance.

Pendant

Varnok the Great Wizard wants revenge against the people who burnt him at the stake for murder three hundred years before. He has waited patiently in Hell for his opportunity. Now, the Pendant has come together, and the time to make the pay for their actions against him is here. He will release his power upon Earth. Maggie finds half a pendant in a sea-side market and Logan is given his by family, forcing the two into a horrific world they had never imagined, and running for their lives. Will they learn the secret of the Pendant before it is too late? Will there new-found love be strong enough to stop Varnok, a three hundred year old Wizard from the pits of Hell? Pendant is the first book in The Undead Hunters series.

Being a Writer: Guest post by debut author PS Bartlett

Debut author PS Bartlett has just had her novel, Fireflies, published by Mythos Press, an imprint of GMTA Publishing. She is a guest on my blog today to talk about being a writer and share information about herself and her book.

Being a Writer
By PS Bartlett

I started out with the idea that I would give insight into my writing process and eloquently explain my “point A to point Z” but that isn’t what came to mind tonight when I opened my laptop. What did come to mind was writing in my little pink diary with the tiny silver key that I wore on a string around my neck to keep out prying eyes. Then it moved onward to journals, spiral notebooks and personally illustrated stories.

From there it wandered to greeting cards and hand-made books, bound together with colored construction paper tied together with yarn, woven through holes on the folded edge to hold the pages in tight. It really was a great idea in theory, until you actually read the book a few times and the pages began to tear out. No matter, those were the first books and those were the stories that placed that “A” on the map which laid down the path to where I am today.

Many years passed between that locked pink diary of make believe and June of 2012 when I sat down one warm summer night to begin my research for “Fireflies” but all through those years, I met, befriended, loved, separated from and lost some of the greatest characters anyone could ever have the privilege of knowing. Each situation and relationship left their indelible mark on my spirit, be they good or bad and taught me repeatedly that experience and all of the joy and pain we navigate our way through, is where true knowledge of all beings and most importantly ourselves is found. That journey my friends, has been my writing process.

Being engaged and completely embedded in life’s journey doesn’t necessary make you a writer but it gives you more material, bolder characters and the strongest images to draw from to enrich whatever talent you possess. If you are a writer, then you already know you need to commit yourself to hours behind a keyboard or with a pen in your hand. You know that making excuses for why you don’t have time will only prolong your agony and your ultimate goal of sharing your passion with the world but by all means when you’re not writing, just live. Jump into the world with both feet and feel it, no matter how much it hurts. I promise you that when you are ready to commit that time and stop finding reasons not to write, those words and concepts will wash over you like warm maple syrup and taste twice as sweet.

BLURB:

Dr. Owen Whelan and his wife Sarah have seven bright and expressive children. However, one of them is very unique; he’s been followed since birth by lost souls. However peculiar Ennis Whelan has been for the first six years of his life, not until the day he found the bird did the degree of his strangeness become so tangible. When Ennis also reveals the gift of sight, he questions his father about visions of his past, including his voyage to America in 1844. Owen prayed he’d never have to share those tragic memories but he will share them, when he realizes he has no choice. Ennis’ life depends on it.

“Fireflies” will be available on April 3rd at the following stores:
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, Diesel, Baker & Taylor Blio, Baker –Taylor Axis360, Page Foundry, Library Direct and in print on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Createspace.

BIO:

I was born on Valentine’s Day a long, long time ago in South Baltimore, Maryland, less than a mile from Fort McHenry and Federal Hill. I’m a very simple person. I love my life and am always striving to make it better for myself and my family.

I write, I draw and I work full-time as a sales and marketing office manager herding cats – I mean taking care of a loveable group of sales people all day long. I also paint beautiful watercolors with my two and a half year old granddaughter.

I’ve been married for nearly 19 years and together we have two sons and a daughter.

I’d call myself a football fan but I mostly only watch my home team, the Baltimore Ravens.

I love super heroes and Superman has been my favorite since I was a little girl. June 2013 cannot get here soon enough for me.

I’m fascinated with anything paranormal and have been since I was a little girl and would sneak into my parent’s room almost every night to sit on the end of their bed and watch the “kids playing” as I explained it to them.

I finished my debut novel “Fireflies” in about six weeks, over the summer of 2012. Needless to say I don’t sleep much. After several rounds of edits, feedback and more edits, I began submitting “Fireflies” to literary agents and publishers in groups of five at a time. Through my diligent efforts, persistence and fabulous luck, I am blessed to now be a part GMTA Publishing’s fold and look forward to releasing my first novel soon!

I’ve been reading everything I can get my eyes on as to how this whole process works and I confess that I still don’t understand it and the social media aspect is just as perplexing. However, now I have the guidance and support of GMTA to help me succeed at doing what I love and I’ve told myself to above all, just keep writing. I’m so excited because I’m about 30,000 words into my second novel which I have already begun to map out a sequel to. I don’t even know where these thoughts came from but I’ve never looked a gift horse in the mouth that hasn’t kicked the crap out of me, so I place my hands on the keyboard and just let go.

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Endings and beginnings

I know this is my “writing blog,” but this particular blog post is not about endings and beginnings as it relates to writing. Actually, it has to do with certain things coming to an end and new things that will be a beginning for me.

Today is the last day of March. Another month has come to an end and, with it, some other things have come to an end, as well. Some of it’s bad, some of it’s good. They are definitely things that I accept all the same.

The sad news is that I resigned from my post as promotions representative for the children’s books published by GMTA Publishing. This has been an amicable parting and I wish Kitty Bullard and GMTA the very best.

Unfortunately, because of changes the company has made, my contracts for books published by GMTA, as well as future books, have been terminated. The books I have published with GMTA are Dogs Forever: Poems forthe Dog Person, Follow That Dream and A Million Doughnuts. My daughter, Jennifer Wilson, also has a book published by GMTA called Sarah’s SpecialAngel. This contract has also been terminated. However, I have been assured that the books will stay available for purchase on Amazon until the end of April.

Another thing that came to an end this month is actually something I am happy about: I have finally finished writing the poems for my next poetry book, the one for the soldiers. Yeah! I am very happy I finally completed this book and look forward to getting it published in the near future.

Now for some new beginnings for me.

One of these new beginnings is a new poetry book I will be writing next month. I figured I would write a poetry book for National Poetry Month, and since I completed one poetry book, and tomorrow is the start of National Poetry Month, I’ll begin that new poetry book tomorrow. Yay!

Another new beginning is one I am very nervous about, as well as a little scared. I am going to start self-publishing all of my poetry books. I feel it is time to do this. It’s just the better route for me to take. I did try self-publishing once and it did not work out very well. But there are so many other authors out there who have been very supportive and encouraging about this that I feel I’ll be able to accomplish this and find my way through it. (Thank you, everyone! You’re great!)

Another new beginning is that I am going to get involved in the children’s literacy program. I mean, more involved than I had before. Before, it was just bits and pieces. But now it’s time to become more active in that department. I don’t know how, exactly, I will be able to do that, but I am confident that I will find something. There is actually a local program and I am thinking of starting there.

These are new and exciting times. Yes, there has been some bad news here, but also good news, too. I am ready to move forward with these changes and so is Jennifer. We both had our cry over it and blew off a bit of steam. But now we are stronger and ready to move on. We are grateful for the experiences we have had and look forward to seeing bigger things happen as a result of these new beginnings.

Youth Art Month young artist interview with Joely Casavant

March is Youth Art Month and, to celebrate, I will be interviewing four very talented young artists. These four young artists have one thing in common: They have all had their work published by GMTA Publishing. This is one of the things I love about GMTA; they are very open to working with young writers and illustrators. GMTA is a very big supporter of young writers and artists and I am thrilled they have published the work of four very special young ladies. (Don’t feel left out, guys; I hope by the same time next year I will be able to feature some young male artists for Youth Art Month 2014!).

The fourth and final young artist I am featuring in this series is Joely Casavant. Her aunt, Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson, is the author of the Queen Emily’s Enchanted Kingdom series, published by GMTA Publishing, and I was introduced to Joely’s work when I read the second book in the series, Litterbug. I am thrilled to include this talented young artist in my series for Youth Art Month.

Welcome, Joely!

How old are you?

15

How long have you been creating art?

I've always been drawing and such, but when I was 13, I took an art class in school and began using other mediums which really broadened my abilities. I would consider this when I began creating art, 2 years ago.

What kind of art do you do?

I love to paint and draw portraits for the most part.

Who has inspired you as an artist?

Too many people to count! Lots I have known personally though, and have looked up to them for their great skills.

Where do you get your ideas for your work?

I like to look for something inspiring, usually in music, and picture something I could make. I also just have ideas pop into my head when looking at photos of people about a nice portrait I could make.

Who are some of your favorite artists?

I'd have to say my favorite artists are Emily Carr and Andy Warhol.

What type of art do you like to do the most and why?

Really, I love trying new things as I'm still learning all of what there is out there.

How long did you practice your art before you decided to go pro?

I hadn't been working very long on my art before being asked to illustrate Litterbug (Queen Emily's Enchanted Kingdom), only maybe a year. But I've always been rather good at drawing, and loved the idea!

A sample picture Joely created for the book, Queen Emily's Enchanted Kingdom: Litterbug, authored by Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson. Illustration copyright 2012 by Joely Casavant.

What kind of advice or tips do you have for other young artists?

Just keep trying! The more you practice, the better it gets.

What do you do when you are blocked and can't create any art?

I usually just take a break, and I wait for it to come to me. Forcing myself to make something never ends up turning out good!

What kind of art are you working on right now?

I just finished a portrait of Twiggy in my school art class, and I'm beginning a project where I'll be making a piece of art from pieces of garbage.

Do you have anything coming out we can look forward to seeing? Where and when?

Not at the moment, unfortunately.

What are some of your goals for your art?

I'd like to paint a nice realistic landscape scene, which is quite hard for me! Hopefully I'll conquer that soon.
 

Preparing for publication: Guest post by Ellen Mae Franklin

Great Minds Think Aloud Publishing has just released a new novel, The Unseen Promise, by debut author Ellen Mae Franklin. The book is published under their imprint, Mythos Press. I am pleased to welcome Ellen to my blog and share her guest post with readers today.

 

 It was always my intention to write this book as a part of a series, but it wasn’t until I was halfway through, that I understood the complexity of the many characters and storyline I was creating. With 90 characters to work with, there are some very colourful personalities, some shouting out to be heard way after the final two words - The End!

Who knows where this might lead.

I know the market I am working in is very competitive and the Big 6 almost an Urban Myth. So what does a fledgling writer do?

For me it was simple - Take Social Media by the horns and build a platform, I believed I needed awareness for The Unseen Promise before it was released. I created a Fan Page on Facebook, a Twitter account and in trial and error, websites. Networking became a priority and I set about the business of making connections. It was important for me to listen and learn from others with experience in the industry.

Hosting interviews in different forms on my blog and website, has also helped in creating awareness to myself as a writer and to the work I am producing. Supporting other Authors gains, not only a respectable standing in the industry, but helps to form a supportive safety net. I have had some very positive experiences connecting with others like mind.

The other crucial belief I have and this may stem from my many years of Field Merchandising, is that the book cover of any book must be visually compelling. All humans are visual creatures, so the artwork must be as such that it stops a reader mid stride. I used the website Odesk to find the graphic artist, I believed was capable of illustrating fantasy. I chose Cristian Poppa, he had an artistic eye, the creative ability and the technique to portray my characters as I visualized them.

I am currently doing my best to keep my head above water. Working hard on three different projects, the second book in the Tarkeenia Sagas. It is called - It’s not the Bite that kills you. I am also, co-writing with a very talented UK Author, Pete Emmerson on a fantasy series. We have not given our project a name it is still a work in progress.
 
My other project is a group effort. I am co-founder of an Australian group of writers and authors, 34 in total and we are working on writing short stories for Australian themed anthologies. We are called Terra Australis and the anthologies we are producing will be published late August this year. The book names will be Tales from Terra Australis, book one and book two.

Interviews take up any remaining free time. This is a way of connecting with others and supporting their efforts and hard work. Building friendships and networking along the way. I will endeavor to market my work on a very personal level and this seems to be part of the world when self-publishing or working closely with a small publishing company. So, it is imperative to remain positive. For me it is simply, once I emerge myself in the world of writing and the process of creating I find that I am often swept along, and of course, there can be no going back.

I am here to talk about my first book - The Unseen Promise. I am very excited for my debut novel, is being released on the 25th of March by GMTA Publishing.

I have been told it is a classical fantasy piece, pure imagination with characters in abundance. This, I think reflects upon the days of my childhood and the books that influenced me along the way. Reading is habitual and there isn’t a day that goes by, where I am not toting a book.
 
The worlds that Enid Blyton created for me, had me reading long after I heard, lights out! From there on in the power of words captured my heart and mind. I progressed to other authors and more complex storylines. The love, I have for this genre shows in my writing and the endless meanderings I put to paper. Authors that have inspired and influenced my writing style are many, but to name a few that stand out as giants are in order, Joe Abercrombie - for me this author has taken fantasy to a new level. The story he creates are complex, gritty, violent and colourful. I have learnt a great deal from his books, character development and dialogue. George RR Martin, Fiona McIntosh, Ian Irvine, Guy Gavriel Kay, Julian May, Stephen Donaldson, Robert Jordon, Robin Hobb, Sara Douglass are to name a few that have given me years of enjoyment. 

I was born and still live in Adelaide, Australia. For me, there is no place like home. The big 50 has come and gone, my children are adults, which leaves me to indulge myself in the things I love, writing, reading, gardening and traveling. I get to spend quality time with the people I love. Adding to my family are 2 dogs and like all pet owners, I shamelessly dote on them.
 
The Unseen Promise is the first book in a series I am working on, called the Tarkeenia Sagas. It takes place on the world, Tarkeenia. Imaginary and very new characters have been created to walk this world that is on the brink of chaos. I have been asked, if my book contains a message to the reader. I thought that it would be a good idea for The Unseen Promise to answer that question.
 
In the beginning
What is curiosity? Is it a beginning or is it an ending? Should you embrace it or do you shut your eyes and pray for the love of whatever god you hold close that it disappears? It is a thing without limitations and restraints, for it carries no conscience, other than what its bearer holds. So I ask, should it be valued or feared? For it begs to be heard and it never, ever, no matter how much you should wish it, offers even the smallest measure of mercies.

Even the gods feel the tug of its call, its alluring charm. All except for one. He believed that he alone held its secrets, and valued curiosity as a favorite trinket to be kept close until such time, as it was needed.

So, be warned friend, for to answer its call - curiosity’s enticing song - it must be with wide eyes and a steady heart, for trouble always follows.

Youth Art Month young artist interview with Emily Ann Vinson

March is Youth Art Month and, to celebrate, I will be interviewing four very talented young artists. These four young artists have one thing in common: They have all had their work published by GMTA Publishing. This is one of the things I love about GMTA; they are very open to working with young writers and illustrators. GMTA is a very big supporter of young writers and artists and I am thrilled they have published the work of four very special young ladies. (Don’t feel left out, guys; I hope by the same time next year I will be able to feature some young male artists for Youth Art Month 2014!).

The third young artist I am featuring is Emily Ann Vinson. Her mother, author Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson, started promoting her new children’s book, Queen Emily’s Enchanted Kingdom: Sugarland, published by GMTA Publishing, and that’s when I found out her young daughter, Emily, had illustrated the book. Not only this, but Emily has also done some cover art, as well. Kudos, Emily! I am thrilled to include this talented young artist in my series for Youth Art Month.

Welcome, Emily!

How old are you?

8 1/2

How long have you been creating art?

For as long as I can remember. I remember my interest in drawing being in kindergarten. I loved to draw shapes of all kinds and turning them into pictures of houses, cars or even caterpillars.

What kind of art do you do?

I like drawing self-portraits and pictures of things I see. I also like creating my own journals out of used paper and giving them a colourful cover with construction paper. I write plays and make-believe stories. I create all kinds of art out of paper as well as find a use for empty tissue boxes and toilet paper rolls (I make them into airplanes and guitars for my Barbies).

Who has inspired you as an artist?

I love Garfield comic books. I wish I could draw like Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield.

Where do you get your ideas for your work?

I think of special events or places I’ve been which are really pretty and then draw the things I liked the most about them. My favourite is when we go camping with my friends or traveling to different places in the summer.

Who are some of your favorite artists?

Cartoonists – especially of Archie comics and Garfield.

What type of art do you like to do the most and why?

I like to draw self-portraits. It is fun to try to see if I can draw the person exactly as they look from using only my memory.

How long did you practice your art before you decided to go pro?

I have been drawing since I was five-years-old. I was seven when my mom and I came up with the Queen Emily series. I knew I wanted to draw the pictures for the stories we created.

A sample of Emily's artwork in Queen Emily's Enchanted Kingdom: Sugarland.

Copyright 2012 by Emily Ann Vinson.

The cover Emily created for Litterbug. 
Copyright 2012 by Emily Ann Vinson.

What kind of advice or tips do you have for other young artists?

Pay close attention to details of what you want to draw. For example, if you want to draw self-portraits, make sure you have all the details of facial features and what the person wears and looks like. If you make some notes with the details, you will be sure not to forget anything.

What do you do when you are blocked and can't create any art?

Sometimes I get frustrated creating the pictures for Queen Emily, but my mom can usually help me figure out what we should draw.

What kind of art are you working on right now?

I have a LeapPad. Right now I’m using an App that I can go to and pick photos I have taken to be stretched out and mirrored. I twirl the pictures around and create them into hallway looking images which can be highlighted and detailed.

Do you have anything coming out we can look forward to seeing? Where and when?

I will be drawing some of the pictures for the next Queen Emily’s Enchanted Kingdom series. The new book is called Dreamland and hopefully will be out in April.

What are some of your goals for your art?

I would like to draw pictures that people can look at on the internet. Maybe when I get a bit older, I can start a blog for my art.

Creating Characters: Guest Post by author Debbie Brown

Author Debbie Brown has recently had a novel published by Mythos Press, an imprint of GMTA  Publishing. To celebrate the occasion, she is a guest on my blog today, here to talk about creating characters and share information about her novel, Emma.

Welcome, Debbie!

Creating Characters

By Debbie Brown

He’s Alive!

OK, fun aside, every story needs a good character. It just so happens that the last book I read struck me in an odd way. It was the first time I came across a book where I found the characters to be flat and lifeless.  Instead of putting it down, I observed them. I wanted to figure out why that had happened, what was missing, and where the author went wrong.

When it comes to creating characters, a fun exercise can be to go out into the world and observe. Now, make sure you don’t go and get yourself arrested for stalking. If your MC happens to be eight years old and you’ve decided to hang around parks to get a feel for the eight year old, be discrete.

Step one would be to observe and take notes. Describe your character, noting everything from clothing, to physical traits, and then his ticks or mannerisms. Watch his expressions, dialogue and reactions. Be as detailed as possible at this stage.

Once you’ve done that, describe the scene that is playing out before you. Don’t try to turn it into anything other than what it is, at least not yet. So, here you are, the observer or reporter, documenting what your character is up to. Next, switch modes, and get inside your character’s head. Write what is going on from his point of view. Write not only what he is saying, but what you believe he’s thinking. Become the child. What’s he feeling and thinking as the scene plays out?

Try the same thing with a young mother, a business man, a sports coach or anyone you please. Sit in a mall, arena, or library, and watch people going about their routine. Friends, co-workers and family make good targets to study as well.

Another exercise would be to watch the physiological responses of your subject. What I mean by that is watch their reactions…His eyes widened, lifted his chin defiantly, her eyes narrowed and she let out a slow breath through clenched teeth, his shoulders sagged, she stiffened, her eyes darted around the room nervously…

What do you think she is feeling, thinking...

OK, I think you get the picture. But wait! Those were external descriptions of your character, the things we see. What would be going on inside? His stomach lurched, he swallowed the lump forming in his throat but refused to back down, rage bubbled up from inside as she fought for control, all hope drained away, a chill ran up her spine, her insides shook as she searched frantically for a way out…

You can make a chart with physical descriptions and all the details we covered above for future reference. And if you find names you like, throw them in.

When it comes to inserting your character into your story, you want to describe him, but you also want to let the reader create an image of your character in his mind.  Another book I read had the author describing, in detail, every piece and brand of clothing on the character…in every single scene. At one point, it becomes overkill.

Give a general description at first, and then add a detail here and there as you go along.

Hopefully, you will be able to create a living, breathing character that will thrive as he makes his way through your story.

If you want to test out your creations, try describing a family member, friend or co-worker, and see if the others figure can out who he or she is. If you get it right, they won’t hesitate to identify the person.

If ever you don’t get out enough to try this out, turn on the television and try with one of those characters. Oh, and show, don't tell. Remember to have fun.  ;o)

As an ER nurse, Emma knows life can change in the blink of an eye. When fate comes knocking, she finds herself far away from the city and back on the mountain ranch where she grew up -with the intention to close up and sell the house so she can move on. But fate isn’t done with her yet, and that’s when she finds him, the one Two-Feathers calls ‘Star Brother’. Wounded and unconscious, Emma assumes he’s a military test pilot, until he opens his amethyst eyes and stares into the very essence of her being.  

Buy link:

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Amazon

All her life, Debbie has spun stories in her mind, watching characters come to life, seemingly by themselves. After working as a nurse, teacher, martial arts instructor, artist, and CIC officer in the Canadian forces, not to mention her many hobbies, her life reads like a story itself. And yet, her favorite thing is still a cozy fire, a good book, and country living with her husband JP and her youngest of four children. After graduating from the Institute of Children’s Literature’s advanced writing course, she is finally devoting herself to writing these stories down, taking us all on a ride we won’t quickly forget.

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Youth Art Month young artist interview with Rhianna J. Bullard

March is Youth Art Month and, to celebrate, I will be interviewing four very talented young artists. These four young artists have one thing in common: They have all had their work published by GMTA Publishing. This is one of the things I love about GMTA; they are very open to working with young writers and illustrators. GMTA is a very big supporter of young writers and artists and I am thrilled they have published the work of four very special young ladies. (Don’t feel left out, guys; I hope by the same time next year I will be able to feature some young male artists for Youth Art Month 2014!).

The second young artist I am featuring is Rhianna J. Bullard. I was first introduced to the work of this young artist when I saw the cover for the children's book, Alfred, A Timber Wolf's Tale. Her mother Kitty Bullard, co-founder of GMTA Publishing, has shared some other art her daughter has done with the group. I am thrilled to include this talented young artist in my series for Youth Art Month.

Welcome, Rhianna!

How old are you?

12

How long have you been creating art? 

Since I was in Pre-K. I started drawing and never stopped. It’s become one of my most favorite things to do.

What kind of art do you do? 

Drawing and painting. I love to draw dragons and horses, those are my favorites. I’ve never been good at drawing people I guess because I just like animals so much!

Who has inspired you as an artist? 

Cornelia Funke, I love her illustrations. But I mostly like to draw my own stuff. I can’t think of anyone that actually inspires me.

Where do you get your ideas for your work?

Dreams. I always have really cool dreams of dragons and other mythical creatures. I love legendary animals.

Who are some of your favorite artists?

Cornelia Funke, and other fantasy artists. Brian Froud is another favorite of mine. My mom told me he did a lot of the art for movies I like, like Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal.

What type of art do you like to do the most and why?

I love drawing mythical creatures the most but also horses.  I think I just like them more because they are different and I usually end up making my own creatures as well.

How long did you practice your art before you decided to go pro?

I practiced a long time. I still do. I didn’t do a professional piece until I was 11, that was the cover for an author of my mom’s named Randall L. Emery for his book Alfred, a Timber Wolf’s Tale. I’m much better at drawing now though than I was even then.

Cover art Rhianna created for Alfred, A Timber Wolf's Tale

Copyright © Rhianna J. Bullard

Copyright © Rhianna J. Bullard

Copyright © Rhianna J. Bullard

Copyright © Rhianna J. Billard

What kind of advice or tips do you have for other young artists?

I would tell them to always keep drawing and practice a lot. It’s not only fun and a good hobby but you never know what it may lead to someday. You could be drawing for a huge company.

What do you do when you are blocked and can't create any art?

I read, and watch movies. I usually get ideas from that as well and it helps me if I can’t think of things to draw. Sometimes I just ask my mom to tell me something to draw.

What kind of art are you working on right now? 

Right now I’m working on my very first acrylic painting of a dragon. When I get it done I’ll have my mom put it on my blog.

Do you have anything coming out we can look forward to seeing? Where and when? 

I am working on my first novel. I plan to try and do illustrations for it as well as the cover. I can’t wait, of course it will be a dragons!

What are some of your goals for your art?

I would like to be a professional drawer one day. I love doing covers and illustrations so maybe that’s what I’ll do!

Rhianna’s Site Link: http://theworldofrhianna.blogspot.com/
(Coming Soon)

Youth Art Month young artist interview with Jennifer Wilson

March is Youth Art Month and, to celebrate, I will be interviewing four very talented young artists. These four young artists have one thing in common: They have all had their work published by GMTA Publishing. This is one of the things I love about GMTA; they are very open to working with young writers and illustrators. GMTA is a very big supporter of young writers and artists and I am thrilled they have published the work of four very special young ladies. (Don’t feel left out, guys; I hope by the same time next year I will be able to feature some young male artists for Youth Art Month 2014!).

The first young artist I am featuring is my daughter, Jennifer Wilson. Jennifer has been drawing since she was very young and her art first appeared in the book she co-wrote with me, Dogs Forever! Poems for the Dog Person. 

Welcome, Jennifer!


How old are you?

I'm 11 years old.

How long have you been creating art?

I'm not sure, maybe when I could hold a pencil? My mom says when I first made a picture when I was 2 so about 9 years?

What kind of art do you do?

I like to do many different kinds of art; abstract, animal art, cartoons, and Manga. I try my best to draw actual people but I never can. OH! I sometimes also do still life or painting and crafts too.

Who has inspired you as an artist?

Vincent Van Gogh, of course!

Where do you get your ideas for your work?

Sometimes from things people say, or from games I play or my brain just comes up with something all of a sudden.

Who are some of your favorite artists?

Vincent Van Gogh and Leonardo Da Vinci

What type of art do you like to do the most and why?

I like drawing animals best because I love animals and I just have a passion for it.

An illustration in the book Jennifer wrote and illustrated, Sarah's Special Angel

How long did you practice your art before you decided to go pro?

About 8 years.

What kind of advice or tips do you have for other young artists?

Never give up and don't doubt yourself. If you give up, how will you ever embrace your dream of being an artist? And if you doubt yourself, you'll never reach your full potential.

What do you do when you are blocked and can't create any art?

I take it easy for a while and just forget about it. And when I'm ready to get back in, I just jump right in.

What kind of art are you working on right now?

Animal art. I have to work on drawing wolves for my mom's book.

Do you have anything coming out we can look forward to seeing? Where and when?

A poem book Mom and I wrote together. It's called Satyrs Are Cool, and it’s coming out on July 24th, I think.

What are some of your goals for your art?

To get my art in a museum and to have everyone know my name because of my art!

GMTA March Releases

Happy March! A new month means new books, and for GMTA Publishing, that means quite a few new releases of books, as well as a re-release of an oldie.

The books released by GMTA and its imprints are included in order on this blog post. They are not yet available for purchase, but when I have those links, I will come back and add them. Also, some of these authors will be a guest on my blog in the near future, so you’ll be able to get links then.

Check them out! I hope there is a book here you will be interested in reading.

Phantom Dreams by T.K. Harris

Synopsis:
FBI Special Agent Jack Matthews finds himself on yet another serial killer case, having barely recovered from the last disastrous hunt. Still stiff from a gun shot wound in his leg, under investigation for a botched job, and having lost his fiancée when she walked out on him, Jack is beginning to wonder if it isn’t time to move on to something new. But, for Jack, these cases are personal and he can’t say no.

Marketing specialist Kathy Gilliam leads a fairly boring life. If she’s not working or caring for her ailing father, then she is doing whatever it takes to avoid going anywhere near crowds of people. Her few distractions include her friend Margo Longfellow, occasional hiking trips, and her increasingly alarming dreams of women dying.

As her nightmares cause her to begin to doubt her sanity, the media releases news of the “Coast-to-Coast Killer” and Kathy discovers her dreams may be related. In a moment of panic, Kathy does something that places her on the FBI’s “persons of interest” list. Suddenly, her life is set on a collision course with Jack who must decide if Kathy is the killer or destined to become a victim.

Road to Hell by Stephen Ormsby (ebook release only)

Synopsis:
Road to Hell is a graphic depiction of love, hatred and the power of the heart, as we join Conrad in the sixteen hundreds, and follow him on his journey of self-destruction.

The Godling Chronicles: Shadow of the Gods by Brian D. Anderson

Synopsis:
Valshara has fallen, and the forces of Angrääl are advancing. For the first time, human and elf must shed blood as one, in order to stem the tide of evil.

Zombified by Lyra McKen

Synopsis:
Cassie is a typical teenager.  She’s crushing on a boy and trying to make it through high school. It’s a typical day of classes when all hell breaks loose. Forced to run and hide the situation just keeps getting worse. She makes a mistake and soon becomes infected. She meets others like her and together they sent out to find a cure. Is their fate already sealed? Can they find a cure before it’s too late? See what happens through the eyes of the infected when Cassie tells you how Zombies are people too.



Gazpacho - The Amazing Life Story of an Extraordinary Worm (Book 1 - The Early Years) by Robert Michaels

Synopsis:
Gazpacho, a "Rarus Nimus Foetidus Loquaciatis Rauca Mollis" is a newly discovered species of worm that has the ability to communicate with most every living creature. But what his species is most know for, throughout the bug and animal world, is their highly toxic glands that produce a considerable amount of stink whenever they are stressed or in danger.

This toxic "handicap" or stinky "gift", depending on how it comes to be used, sets the stage for Gazpacho's early years just as it serves to enrich his life experiences and fuel his grand adventures.

From his birth in the northern forest glen to his plan of becoming the next great singing star and idol sensation, Gazpacho learns of love as he overcomes the many obstacles and prejudices against him to finally summon up the courage to leave home and live out his dream!

This is the first book in a series of four that tell Gazpacho's amazing life story!

Capturing the Castle: Guest post by Alan S. Blood

Capturing the Castle (How “Once Upon a Castle” was born)

On a bitterly cold, November afternoon, I found myself stranded near Bamburgh Castle on the wild Northumberland coast whilst the local, old fashioned garage, with tall petrol pumps, repaired my broken-down car.

The delicate, somewhat bright, late autumn sunlight created an eerie, pastel coloured scene, albeit tempered by a biting breeze, yet quite magical, certainly ancient, and almost ethereal.

Vikings have landed here,’ I told myself scanning the unique white beaches below the hazy castle ramparts. It was one of those strange experiences that triggered the imagination and I could see a Scandinavian longship coming ashore, disgorging horned-helmeted warriors seizing the beach before storming inland to ravage the sparse Saxon populace. I could feel that there was a tale to be told.

With the genesis of a story in my mind, I conducted research into Northumbrian castles and was intrigued to discover there was another ruined castle along the coast. This gave me a plot basis involving two castles, one of which was real and the other a phantom! Ideas built as I thought this was an area to where children were evacuated during World War II.

Things shaped towards an exciting novel for young adolescents involving twelve-year-old twins, Tom and Mary (to appeal to both sexes) who dread being sent from southern England to Aunt Victoria’s Northumberland farm. Yet she proves to be young, and fun, until lessons are arranged with a terrible private tutor, Miss Urquart. Their London Uncle Toby had said: “There will be castles to explore with ghosts and things.”

Teenage rebelliousness ensues as the twins escape and riotous, scary adventures involving castles, Vikings and even the Royal Navy begin.


Once Upon a Castle is republished by USA publisher GMTA Publishing under their imprint, Mythos Press.

BLURB:

Uncle Toby had said that there would be castles to explore, with ghosts and things. This helps to cheer up the glum twelve-year old Lovell twins, Tom and Mary, leaving their schools and loving parents to be evacuated to wild Northumbria during World War II. Then the adventure begins.

They live with their Aunt Victoria and Uncle Leslie, meet the loveable ‘Mrs M’, a strange dog called ‘Scamp’ and, worst, the terrible private tutor, Miss Urquart, from whom they run away to find a mysterious castle seen through an old telescope.

Now they are drawn into bizarre supernatural events of a time-warp between the war itself and ancient warfare. They encounter dark forces, as the story twists and turns, and are even rescued by the Royal Navy. Yet, this is only the beginning of more unexpected tragedies before the twins begin to escape from it all.



ABOUT ALAN:

Alan S. Blood worked in the British Civil Service, Advertising and journalism (edited three publications) before qualifying as a Teacher from the University of Reading, England. He enjoyed a long, distinguished career in the Teaching Profession, in both Primary and Secondary levels of education, in several parts of the UK - which eventually led to Senior Management. His main subject area was English and, at one time, he was Head of English and Drama. Throughout, he gained considerable knowledge of literature that children and adolescents enjoy.

Alan now devotes his time to writing novels, plays, screenplays and poetry. He won top award in the ‘Hastings International Poetry Festival’ (2003) with his controversial ‘litter’ poem ‘CONTRITE CAN CANNOT’. The paranormal genre features in much of his prose work.
 
'ONCE UPON A CASTLE' is a ghost story written for young people (but also enjoyed by adults) set in World War II. It concerns both a real and a phantom castle based upon Alan’s experience of strange castles on the wild Northumbrian coast of England on cold, dark wintry afternoon.

Alan Blood has widely travelled the world and undertook research in Chile where some of his supernatural crime thriller ‘CRY OF THE MACHI A Suffolk Murder Mystery’ is set. He was previously a Cotswold Morris Dancer and the novel is a conflict between the forces of good and evil linking a Chilean ‘Machi’ and ‘organised crime’ to murders in a Suffolk Morris Men side.

Alan enjoys wildlife photography in the Welsh countryside, painting and scraperboard engraving. He lives in a Victorian (1873) house below the Cambrian Mountains of Mid-Wales.

Connect With Alan:

Website

Goodreads
 
Facebook 
 
Facebook Like Page
 
Twitter

 
Buy the Book:
 
Amazon 
 
Barnes & Noble  

Createspace

Kobo 

New cover for a new genre: Marissa Carmel and her novel, iFeel

Dear Readers: In July, I posted about the new novel, iFeel, by Marissa Carmel. The author is pleased to announce that her novel has been re-categorized and, in honor of the occasion, it has a brand new cover! Please welcome Marissa Carmel to my blog once again and check out the before and after images of her novel. 

 

“I am so excited to announce that the Vis Vires trilogy is being re-categorized! I've always felt this series never really fit the YA genre, as the characters are beyond their teenage years and dealing with issues a little more mature. After discussing this with my publisher, we decided New Adult was the way to go. I am a huge fan of New Adult books and series and I can honestly say, putting iFeel in this category feels right. Also in doing so, it opened my writing up for the next 2 books in the Vis Vires trilogy. As a proclamation to the new genre we redesigned the book cover, and I have to say I couldn't be happier with the turnout. It conveys all the themes and emotions of iFeel to have. I hope you like it as much as we do!!”

 Here is the old cover:

Here is the new cover:

Blurb for iFeel:

Lust. Anger. Hate. Desire. Love. Happiness. Joy. iFeel. Liv Christianni is isolated, alone, tortured and withdrawn, saddled with the torrential downpour of the world’s emotions.

Accepting of her providence Liv has lost all hope, until one day fate steps in and spins the course of her life like a spiraling top. Hunted by a Spirit Stalker, Liv is forced to gain control of herself and her surroundings, threatened by the touch of her immortal love; she must find a way to survive both physically and emotionally as her reality is shaken up like dice on a Craps table.

Can she find the courage to accept her true self? Can she love unconditionally cognizant of the condemning consequences? Can she rise from the ashes to become the person she was always meant to be?

Funny, witty, real, and poignant, iFeel rips into your soul, and sets your emotions on fire. If you are a fan of Charmed or Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries or The Secret Circle this series is for you!

About Marissa:

Marissa Carmel has been writing since a young age and although it has always been for personal enjoyment, she finally decided to break out and share her imagination with the world. She hopes that her universe is as fun and intriguing to her readers as it is to her. 

Marissa Carmel is originally from NJ but moved to Maryland several years ago, she enjoys reading, writing, and catching up on her DVR library. She is currently working on the sequel to iFeel, Gravitational Pull, which she hopes to release sometime in 2012.

The author can be found at this web site.