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Welcome to my place in the blogosphere!
feel free to explore the Flight Deck and check out my books and website.
Then fasten your seatbelts, sip a glass of something sparkling and let's chat awhile!
I hope you'll stop by again for guest authors and spotlights from time to time.

Beloved Enemy joined Starquest and Children of the Mist to continue the Destiny Trilogy and I'm thrilled to announce was shortlisted for the R.N.A. RoNA Awards 2017, awarded 2nd Runner up in the RONE Awards 2017 and was the winner in the SF/Fantasy category of the 'Best Banter Contest'.

Wednesday 12 December 2018

Eileen Troemel Author of the Wayfarer Series

I'm really pleased to welcome Eileen Troemel to the Flight Deck today, to tell us more about her writing and her Wayfarer Series.

I just have to ask this, Elieen - what do you do for fun when not writing?  

Crochet - I'm a nut about this.  I've crocheted since I was 12 and usually ended up making my own pattern.  This led to me publishing these patterns. 

I used to enjoy crocheting too - but now I don't have time, unfortunately, but I've checked out your patterns and they're gorgeous.

When did you start writing?  
I was eight and in third grade the first time I wrote a story.  I always wanted to do something with writing but was too practical to jump in when I was young to be a writer.  I wrote up until I had children and then I was busy with kids - three of them in five years.  As my kids grew up, I realized I was missing something.  I started journalling again which led to poetry and short stories and then working on a book.  This started in my late 30s.  I wrote essays, articles, poetry and worked on a novel.

What comes first: the plot or the characters?  
It depends on the story.  With my Wayfarer series, my daughter picked the setting (space adventure) and I picked the character.  The opening scene with Adara getting ready for an interview - that is exactly how I saw it in my head before I started writing.  Other books start based on a concept - Dragon Lord's Mate for instance - the question in my head was how would the raider society which was prevalent in ancient times handle life if they stopped raiding but still went out each spring to "raid" or find their mates. 

Tell us about your latest release and what you think readers will enjoy about it
      Wayfarer Resolve is book 18 in the Wayfarer series.  Without giving away too much, Adara has come to a point in her life where her personal stuff is on track and she's comfortable with her mate Decker and her growing family.  But she's not comfortable with her role in the Wayfarer community.  In this book, she stops second guessing herself and steps up to the roles she's in.  It's about her being a strong woman but also about accepting the changes the Wayfarer community has gone through and what is key and vital to them. 

So, if someone were to play one your characters in a movie, which character and actor would it be and why?  
    Hugh Jackman as Decker in Wayfarer.  He has the stature and the presence to fit into the character.  Emma Watson or Bonnie Wright to play Adara.  Young and naïve.  I think either could tackle the diversity of the things Adara goes through from enduring torture to being a loving caring person.   

Great choices! Have you a favourite actor/hunk?  If you’ve answered question 7 would this be the same guy?  

John Wayne.  I grew up watching him and LOVE his movies - well not always the female roles in them but they were mostly produced before the sexual revolution.  Harrison Ford, Tom Sellect, Sam Elliot - they are all yummy. 

Oh yes, I'm a fan of John Wayne too! 
What have you learned about writing since you were published that surprised you the most?  
Once your book is published the work really begins.  As a self-published author, I publish my books but I can't just let them hang out there in the hopes someone will find them.  I've had to work at marketing while balancing cost versus gain or return on investment.  It's not just "Look I'm an AUTHOR"  It's how do you attract your readers. 

Isn't that the truth though! What’s you’re writing process? Has it changed since writing your first book? 
Most often my stories start with a scene or character.  I don't plot out my stories.  I write.  The characters tell me their story.  If they go quiet, I need to stop writing their story and move on to another.  I often have two or three stories going at once.  I work a day job so my writing is mostly at night after husband and daughter go to bed.  I work from 8 - 4 at my day job, come home to spend time with my people.  They are usually away from me by 7ish and then I write, edit, and crochet.  I'm usually up till midnight.  There is usually one light on in the house and a laptop on my lap while I work through whatever manuscript is in my head (or editing…)  When I finish a manuscript I have beta readers I send to.  Unless something nudges me, I'll let the manuscript sit until I get responses from my beta readers.  Next is the start of editing (or hacking apart and rebuilding my story).  First step is to do a spelling and grammar check along with searches for words I know I over use.  I add page numbers (or try to remember to and am annoyed when I print without them).  Then I do an actual paper edit.  This can be a quick process if the writing process was smooth and easy.  OR it can be a matter of hacking things apart and rebuilding the story because it needs it.  If I've done a lot of rewriting, I'll do a second paper edit and repeat as needed.

 Do you listen to music when you write and if so, what kind of music – or do you find it  distracts you?  
Classical or Celtic music - no lyrics or singing.  It becomes background noise if I'm really in writing mode.

I love Celtic and Classic music too - although I don't find lyrics too distracting as long as I have the volume low.  Do you have a support system? Do you have a writing community? What valuable lessons have you learned from them? 
    Some of my family have been supportive.  My oldest daughter is really good at talking through plot points with me.  My middle daughter is really good at making me see multiple options when I get stuck in a cliché.  My youngest daughter is a science oriented person - which I am not - so she is a great reference.  I've not really been part of a writing community until this year.  I've joined a Facebook group and asked advice of more experienced writers. So I'm starting to build my support within the writing community.

What is your personal definition of success? 
I'm not a planner.  I can't give you my one year goals or five year goals.  To me, success as a writer is telling a story that makes the reader laugh, cry, and hate putting the book down.  If I've managed to do that, I've told a successful story. 

What is your favourite source of inspiration?  
Life.  I pull inspiration from almost anything.  While driving to and from Indiana when one of my daughters lived down there, the landscape inspired Wild Magic.  My thoughts were what would it look like after our society fell.  The opening scene in Wild Magic and really the entire landscape in the book incorporates the local area (midwest).  Wayfarer was inspired in part by all the space shows - Star Trek, Star Wars, Lost in Space and others - which I grew up seeing. 

 Is there any advice, as a new writer, that you were either given, or wish you had been given?  
     Write what you like, read what you write, learn - never stop learning.  You need to hone your craft.  I'm self published.  This means I have to be really good at writing, editing, business, graphic design, marketing, and a whole lot more.  It also means you have to play to your strengths and know when you're going to have to pay for other services.

 What sort of research do you do for your books and what’s your favourite source  of information?  
When I'm sitting in my recliner with my laptop, I have my smart phone right next to me.  I've texted people I know questions (this I like best because I feel like it's a better answer from someone in the field) on accounting, science stuff, and so on.  I've also Googled all sorts of topics. 

 If you were an animal, which one do you think you would be, and why?  
Mythical - dragon   real life animal - panther or a spoiled house cat   Mythical dragon - who doesn't want to be a dragon.  They are powerful and have hoards.  Spoiled house cat?  Well now I tell my girls when I die I plan to come back as one of their spoiled house cats.  They are pampered, waited on, and get to sleep as much as they want.  Plus they cause mischief and don't get into too much trouble - mostly.  

Ah yes, it would be quite awesome to be a dragon! Thanks so much for visiting, today, Eileen, I've loved chatting to you. One more thing, let's show the readers where to find you.


Thank you so much, I’m so happy to have you featured on my blog.



For Readers of this post only - Eileen is giving a free copy of Wayfarer  (code HN95G)and Wayfarer Aegis (code QQ98C) which you can download with the following links:



 Wayfarer: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/473960
and Wayfarer Aegis: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/525847







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Tuesday 11 December 2018

A Magic Redemption by Tena Stetler - A Character Interview

I'm thrilled to have fellow Wild Rose Press author, Tena Stetler here today - and she's brought along  Gavin Shaughnessy - we couldn't resist the chance for an interview!


Character Interview:  Gavin Shaughnessy – Hero in A Magic Redemption

Where are you from? 
Ireland  

Did you have a happy childhood? 
Aye. Sure did.  ‘Twas three of us kids,
Hannah, Brandy and me. Ma and Da owned and operated Shaughnessy’s Pub in Ballycotton, County of Cork, Ireland.  We helped out in the pub from the time we were teens it provided spending money and looking back now, taught us responsibility.  My two sisters were like oil and water, eventually, Ma and Da built a larger house, so each had their own bedroom on opposite sides of the house.  Now, they are thick as thieves and I own the old family home.

Where do you live now and what do you do for a living
I still live in Ballycotton (Baile Choitin). I purchased my family home from my Da and Ma after they build a new one. I am the publican (manger) at Shaughnessy’s Pub 

Is there something you'd rather be doing? 
Nope! Love the job, the customers and my family.

What's going on in your life right now? 
Ah...well…It’s kind of a mess. I knew Synn was the one for me the minute I laid eyes on her even though we met because her mission was to terminate my sister Brandy and her boyfriend.  The mission failed, Synn was severely punished. She escaped (She’d been kidnapped as a child for her magic abilities and her family slaughtered. Her captors forced her to become a warrior assassin. They controlled her every movement and thought.)  Then she sought refuge from Bruce the Demon Overlord of the Western Hemisphere in return for valuable information she had. He provided protection and gave her freedom in exchange.

With her new found freedom, she has to discover who she is, make a life for herself before she can re-commit to a relationship—our relationship. That situation is complicated because she believes that her former captor, Baltizar, is still seeking revenge with the help of his minions in the mortal world.  You see, he was punished for his part in trying to destroy mankind (A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance) and exiled to the seventh level of Hell, where supposedly he couldn’t escape. But… as it turns out apparently where there is a will there’s a way.

Our family is also helping with my sister, Brandy’s wedding plans. She’s marrying a vampire, you know. Again, the situation with Baltizar is creating havoc. Can’t celebrate a happy occasion like that with the possibility of annihilation hanging over your head.

Is there someone special in your life? 
Yes. Synn. She is the love of my life, but extenuating circumstances have caused us to take a break. She needs to find herself, and place in the world after some pretty terrifying events in her life. 
How did you meet? At my family’s pub. She was with the Overlord and his wife and a few other magical creatures. My sister Brandy was very displeased.

What's his/her family like? 
Her family was murdered when she kidnapped as a child.

What's keeping you two apart? 
A number of things. But first and foremost like I told you earlier her fear of retaliation by her former captor.

What one thing could you do that would make you feel like the relationship will work out? 
Destroy Baltizar once and for all. He should have been terminated rather than being exiled. Big Mistake. Though you didn’t hear that from me.  Not sure Bruce would appreciate my saying that out loud, though he most likely would agree after the recent events.


Thank you so much Gavin, that was a fascinating insight!

Tena, just a couple questions for you.  Tell us a little about writing this story.  Was it fun or difficult?  
Fun!  Synn was much more of a spit-fire than I imagined. Not having given her or Gavin much thought until my editor, Lill, asked me what happened to them at the end of A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance. It gave me pause, until Synn danced through my mind, tapping her tiny foot and demanding that I write her story. Now! Gavin took flight right behind her in support of her demands. What choice did I have? A Magic Redemption was born. I hope the readers have as much fun reading her story as I did writing it.
Do your characters always act as you expect? 
Never.
LOL, mine don't either, but that's what makes writing so much fun, isn't it!
Are you a plotter, or fly (write) by the seat of your pants? 
Oh I very much write by the seat of my pants.

As do I, so we have that in common as well, Tena. 

Thanks for sharing a bit of yourself with us Tena - now let's find out a bit more about A Magic Redemption.

A little about A Magic Redemption (5th in A Demon’s Witch Series):

Synn, a demon, carries extraordinary magic and power, but there is more within her than she dreams. Kidnapped as a child, her captors murdered her family and forced her into training as a warrior assassin. When an assignment goes horribly wrong, she finds herself at the mercy of the friends and family of her intended target.  Offering valuable information in exchange for protection, she gains her freedom, but it is not without its challenges.

Gavin Shaughnessy is the publican at his family’s Irish pub.  He is certain Synn is meant to be his and isn’t bothered by her past.  He must find a way to convince her, their future together is stronger than the dark memories that haunt her dreams.

When her past comes calling for revenge, will their love survive the raging inferno she brings down upon them? Or will the searing path of destruction destroy all they hold dear?  

A sneak peek between the pages of A Magic Redemption.

He showered, pulled on sweats, and stretched out on his empty king-sized bed. After his long flight, a peaceful sleep came quickly until Synn’s nightmare invaded his dream world. Gut wrenching terror tore through him until he was able to disengage himself from the nightmare. There’d be no phone call this time. For a moment he considered shifting, but he might need a vehicle after arriving at her home. He yanked off his sweats and pulled on jeans, a sweater, donned a coat, and grabbed his keys.

He found her sitting cross-legged on the bedroom floor. Storm curled in her lap. The usually active pup was lying still just peering up at her. When Gavin approached, Storm moved one ear forward and turned her head to look at him. 

“It’ll be okay, girl.” He knelt in front of Synn, brushed the hair away from her face. A vacant stare met his gaze into her eyes like she was in a trance. This couldn’t be good.

He’d seen her nightmare. Something was trying to control her. He wouldn’t let it happen. Releasing a breath, he took hold of her shoulders. She’d been like this once before. When she came out of it anyone within arm’s reach could be in danger. Though her magic was tempered these days, it wouldn’t be for long… Changing strategy, he repositioned himself behind her, caught her up in a bear hug, and pushed the pup out of her lap. Storm yelped and went grudgingly but refused to leave her side.

“Synn, it’s me Gavin; you’re safe.” He gave her a little shake. Arms and legs began flailing. She let out a blood curdling scream and kept screaming until he thought the neighbors a few miles away would hear and call the police. He held her tightly, sat down on the floor, and pulled her into his lap. “Synn. Synn. You’re all right. We’re at the cottage.” The screams turned to sobs. She leaned her head back and blinked.

Panic seized her. “Gavin, you’ve got to get out of here. He’s coming for me and will kill everyone associated with me, including Storm.” She reached for the pup cuddling her close to her chest. “I’m so sorry. I knew this would never work. I don’t deserve a normal life.”

“That’s enough. It was a nightmare. That’s all.”

She turned her large aqua eyes on him and raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

Book trailer for A Demon’s Witch Series


A Magic Redemption released December 5th. Available from Amazon,   Amazon UKAmazon AUAmazon CA,   itunesThe Wild Rose PressBarnes and Nobel  Wal-mart.com

About the Author:
Tena Stetler is a best-selling author of award winning paranormal romance. She has an over-active imagination, which led to writing her first vampire romance as a tween to the chagrin of her mother and delight of her friends. After many years as a paralegal, then an IT Manager, she decided to live out her dream of pursuing a publishing career.
With the Rocky Mountains outside her window, she sits at her computer surrounded by a wide array of witches, shapeshifters, demons, faeries, and gryphons, with a Navy SEAL or two mixed in telling their tales. Her books tell stories of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.
Colorado is home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-five-year-old box turtle. When she’s not writing, her time is spent kayaking, camping, hiking, biking  or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors. During the winter you can find her curled up in front of a crackling fire with a good book, a mug of hot chocolate and a big bowl of popcorn.

Author Social Media links.
My Say What Blog - http://www.tenastetler.com/category/my-say-what-blog/
Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/TenaStetler     
Tribber - http://triberr.com/TenaStetler




For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join