Showing posts with label PUYB Author Talks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PUYB Author Talks. Show all posts

PUYB Author Talks: ⭐A Bookish Conversation with 'A Heart's Journey to Forgiveness: A Memoir' Terese Luikens⭐ #interview

 


Terese Luikens has been married for forty-four years to the same man, although she is on her third wedding ring, having lost one and worn out another. She lives in Sandpoint, Idaho, enjoys being mother to three grown sons and grandmother to her much-loved grandchildren. She is the author of A Heart’s Journey to Forgiveness, a Memoir of her inspiring journey of emotional healing from her father’s suicide. She facilitates retreats and workshops focusing on forgiveness, and publishes her own blog, Why Bother? 

You can visit her website at www.tereseluikens.com.





Hi Terese! I am so in awe of your book, A Heart's Journey to Forgiveness. You say that a picture perfect childhood it was not. Can you take us to the beginning? Where did you grow up and tell us a little about your family?

I grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska as the sixth of seven kids. The first eight years of my life were idyllic because although the household was chaotic, Dad was readily present. He was the one who tucked us in at night, read us bedtime stories and whose lap I sat on for comfort. But the older I grew, the more I discovered about his drinking and his depression.  

Did you ever have thoughts of running away?

I didn’t have any thoughts of running away, but in times of trouble I found quiet places where I could be alone such as in a neighborhood park or the public library. 

What was your school life like?

We moved for the first time just after I finished the second grade. Then again after I started the sixth grade and yet again in the middle of seventh grade. With so many moves in such a short time, I didn’t get the opportunity to make friends or find success in the classroom. By the time I was in high school, I thought about dropping out of school and just working full-time. But, my mother said that I needed to graduate and I did. Later, when I went to college, I enjoyed academics because my life had finally settled down.

How did you get out of your situation?

My dad ended his life by suicide when I was thirteen. For the next ten years I learned ways to survive by not depending on anyone but myself. Living independently and not relying on anyone except for myself caused me to be very lonely and eventually led me to nearly ending my own life. But, I didn’t. If you read my book, then you will find out what happened next. 

Did you ever learn how to trust again?

Trusting again was and is still sometimes difficult. But, without trusting others, relationships don’t happen. 

Did God play a big part in your healing?

God did play a big part in my healing and God has stayed involved in my everyday life. 

Looking back, was there anyone you could confide in?

Suicide is a tough topic to talk about. My mom was unable to help any of us through our grief because she became emotionally incapacitated after Dad’s death. Occasionally, I’d talk with my grandma who told me that someday I’d have to forgive my dad. At the time she said those words to me, they did not make much sense to my adolescent mind. It would be years later that those words came to my mind and I was able to forgive my dad.   

What would you like to say to your readers and fans about your book?

Even if you’ve never experienced the suicide of a loved one, I think you will be able to relate to the book on multiple levels; growing through insecurities, marriage, raising kids and what it’s like to keep walking by faith.

 

Inside the Book



Title: A Heart's Journey to Forgiveness: A Memoir

Author: Terese Luikens

Publication Date: November 3, 2022

Pages: 282

Genre: Memoir

For Terese Luikens, a picture-perfect childhood it was not. Frequent cross country moves, an emotionally absent mother and an alcoholic father who ends his life by suicide when Terese is just thirteen years old. 

The sixth of seven children, Terese grew up in an unstable and chaotic household–invisible to her mom yet cherished by her father. 

This heartfelt memoir documents the chain reaction of a tumultuous family history. From her stormy childhood to the far-reaching effects of her father’s suicide, Terese shares her inspiring journey to escape the shame of her past, find healing and live, learn to trust, and discover faith in a real and personal God.  

A Heart’s Journey to Forgiveness is available at Amazon.



 

 


 


PUYB Author Talks: ⭐A Bookish Conversation with 'AJ and the Incredible Fish' Paolo Mazzucato⭐ #AJandtheIncredibleFish #interview

 


Paolo Mazzucato is an American fiction author and screenwriter. He began his writing career as a Chicago playwright and award-winning student filmmaker before moving to Los Angeles where he won awards for screenwriting and scripted various projects for film and television. He is also the author of several children’s books including: “No One Mocks a Panda” (an Amazon #1 Best Seller, Feb. 2019), and “The Absolutely True Story of La Befana” (an Amazon Holiday Top 100 title). He is also the author of the fantasy/adventure novel, “The Gondoliers: The Secret Journals of Fanticulous Glim,” a “recommended” read by the US Review of Books.

Mazzucato’s new book will be launched on Sunday, September 22nd at the Orange County 
Children’s Book Festival
in Costa Mesa, California. 

Find out more about the author on his website:  www.writer.mazzucato.org and follow him on his social media (Facebook, X and Instagram).





Before you started writing your book, what kind of research did you do to prepare yourself to write this?

I think research for a book, especially in fiction, is a constant and continual process. Little ideas that occur to you…themes that weave themselves into your day-to-day life…moments that you file away in memory, become the springboard for characters, scenes and stories. With AJ and the Incredible Fish, the characters are definitely fused from personalities and philosophies of people I have encountered in some form throughout my life. And while AJ’s adventure is certainly fantastical, the underlying purpose of each step in the journey relates in a very real way to steps that we each take in deciding what risks we are willing to chance and what path we choose to follow. The particulars of setting, of course, will help make a story feel authentic, and for that reason, I like to blend my created world with some aspect of the real world. AJ’s home and life in Maui stems from my spending time in that setting with extended family. While certain specifics are researched, most of the description that gives life to that place comes from first-hand experience of the town and rhythms you experience there. I did do a bit of traditional research when it came to the portions of the story at sea—terms and practical knowledge—because while those scenes are windswept in fantasy, they still need to have a foot firmly in a reality that makes sense.

Did you purposefully choose a distinct month to release your book?  Why?


I had heard that, ideally, the best time for a fantasy release is the beginning of summer, when school wraps up and people on vacation are ready to spend time with a fun adventure. That idea may still be valid, but maybe summer fun, these days, is more about outdoor activities.
Curling up with a good book may be more of a Winter holiday pursuit. So, launching AJ at the end of September at the Orange County Children’s Book Festival turned out to be a good option. Hopefully, kids and parents (and grandparents) will find the journey of AJ and his Grandpa to be a charming and even exciting prospect for their Winter break.

How did you choose your cover?

The collage of images from AJ’s adventure over an old world map of the seas was an image in my head even as I was still finishing the book. I had mocked up some art with character silhouettes over a compass and map early on, and when I met with an illustrator much later, I had very detailed ideas and compositions for the cover and each of the twenty-two chapter heading graphics and twenty-two chapter illustrations. I eventually forged ahead with the art, trying to recreate the cover and images from my mock-ups and from those in my head to best capture the fun and adventure of the story.

What's your opinion on giving your book away to sell other copies of your book?

As a writer, the goal is certainly to share your work with as many people as possible; however, you should never forget or dismiss the fact that it is, in fact, work. I was once told that work that is given away has been treated the same as work with no value. Now, giving some copies as a tool for marketing is a calculated expense, but that’s what it is, an expense that will hopefully generate interest among a wider audience.
I am not a fan of giving free things to people who just don’t think they should have to pay for anything.

What are some of the most important things you believe an author should do before their book is released?

After finishing, let it sit for a while; then, reread it. If you can allow yourself sometime to “forget” the story, then you might be able to see the parts that are unclear or that just don’t work. That, of course, leads to the next “important” thing you should do which is rewrite. If a chapter or section isn’t serving the story or the characters, cut it.
 

Save it in a separate file if you like, but streamline the story so that is doesn’t get bogged down in tangents that you once thought were entertaining but are, on the whole, irrelevant. Then let someone else read it, preferably not someone who just loves everything you do (grazie, Mamma). A critical, fresh eye will find more parts that don’t make sense or don’t further the story. Cut or rework those parts too.
Obviously correcting type-o’s and formatting errors goes without saying.
Then, when you are sure your story is the best you can make it…read it again, start to finish, several times. I guarantee you will stumble over another awkward phrase or mind-boggling type-o that you missed. Finally, after all that, create an Advance Review Copy (ARC) to get the ball rolling with some legitimate, professional reviews.

What are some of the most important things you believe an author should do after their book is released?

Unless you, as a writer, are also an expert in marketing, it helps to find someone else to champion or promote your book. Whether that’s an agent or manager or publicist, having a professional whose expertise will put your work in front of the right eyes and help it stand out in an otherwise crowded field, will make a big difference.

What would you like to say to your readers and fans about your book?


For me, AJ and the Incredible Fish is both epic and personal. The story is a flight of fantasy that takes the reader on a grand adventure full of strange, new places and peculiar characters; but at its heart, it is a tale of personal growth and discovery. AJ’s relationship to his new friend Livvy and especially to his Grandpa is just as much a journey as is their quest to find the incredible fish. I hope that young readers will enjoy the action-filled adventure while recognizing AJ’s hopes, doubts and uncertainties in themselves as well. And I hope older readers will see in the subtext, a story that is just as relevant for those of us who must continue to reach for the “extraordinary” in life, to see the “horizon beyond the waves.”

Inside the Book

Title: AJ and the Incredible Fish

Author: Paolo Mazzucato

Publication Date: September 10, 2024

Pages: 316

Genre: Fantasy Adventure (Tweens 9-14)

Could a fish hold the key to belief?

AJ and the Incredible Fishby Paolo Mazzucato is a captivating fantasy adventure that’s perfect for tweens aged 9-14, especially boys who love a blend of excitement and deeper meaning.

This story takes young readers on an unforgettable journey that blends the wonders of fantasy with the realities of growing up.
Eleven-year-old AJ is a relatable character who starts off skeptical of fairy tales and grand adventures, but when his Grandpa unexpectedly sets sail on a quest to find a legendary fish, AJ finds himself pulled into a world where anything is possible.

Alongside an eccentric girl named Livvy, AJ faces perilous challenges, encounters extraordinary characters, and discovers that the true adventure lies in believing in the impossible.

This book is more than just an adventure; it's a story about trust, courage, and the power of belief. It encourages young readers to embrace their imagination, face their fears, and understand that sometimes, the greatest treasures in life are the dreams we dare to chase.

Ideal for parents, teachers, and librarians seeking a fantasy fiction adventure that inspires and entertains.

Don’t miss out—let AJ’s journey spark imaginations!

AJ AND THE INCREDIBLE FISH is available in hardcover for $24.95 and in Paperback for $18.95. It can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, BepiBooks.com and other online book sellers. (and at the Orange County Children’s Book Festival, Sept. 22, 2024 https://www.kidsbookfestival.com/

BepiBooks: https://bepibooks.com/aj.html

Publication date: September 10, 2024; Publisher: Bepi Books 

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Paolo-Mazzucato/author/B07PHNMF53

Amazon Hard Cover Page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737989840?

AJ and the Incredible Fish — Hard Cover: 978-1-7379898-4-4; 316 pages, 24.95

AJ and the Incredible Fish — Paperback: 978-1-7379898-5-1, 316 pages, 18.95

Amazon Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/AJ-Incredible-Fish-Paolo-Mazzucato/dp/1737989859

PUYB Author Talks: ⭐A Bookish Conversation with 'Blazing Upheaval' Karen Charles⭐ #BlazingUpheaval #interview


Karen Charles transforms real-life narratives into gripping fiction thrillers. Her novels intricately weave the threads of truth into a tapestry of suspense, intrigue, and riveting storytelling. An educator by profession, she is renowned for her thriller “Fateful Connections,” which unfolds against the backdrop of 9/11. “Blazing Upheaval” promises to deliver another chilling, heart-pounding experience. Karen and her husband reside on the serene shores of a beautiful bay in Washington, where she draws inspiration for her compelling narratives. Explore her insights and musings on the writer’s life through her blogs on “My Life As A Writer” at www.weaveofsuspense.com.

Website & Social Media:

Website ➜ http://weaveofsuspense.com 

Twitter ➜ http://www.twitter.com/karenra24229683 

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/karen.rabe.7/


 


I am so excited about your new book. Blazing Upheaval was based on a true story. Why did you choose this particular true story to write about?

I chose this true story to write about to immerse the readers in historical events they may not be familiar with. Stepping into the shoes of fictional characters allows you to develop empathy and gain a deeper understanding of different viewpoints. The compelling blend of realism and suspense adds depth and relatability to my work. 

Can you tell us a little about the main characters in your book?

The main character in this book is Tiffany, a dedicated teacher in central Los Angeles. She is unexpectedly caught in the middle of the Rodney King Riots, struggling to reach safety. As a result of this perilous situation, her entire family is thrown into a chilling series of enigmatic events and escalating violence.

They say all books of fiction have at least one pivotal point where the reader just can’t put the book down. What is one of the pivotal points in your book?

“With renewed focus, her heart pounding against her ribcage, Tiffany emerged from the fray. She realized she was only a few blocks from the freeway, her haven of safety. She pressed the gas pedal, her car surging ahead with newfound urgency.

Tiffany came to an abrupt stop at the red light at the intersection where she would make a left turn onto the freeway entrance. Loud yelling frightened her. Three men surrounded her car. They bounced it up and down. Alarm gripped her racing heart as she understood the hatred in their eyes. They pulled on the locked doors. They pounded on the windows. She felt shock and disbelief as she realized the rioters wanted to harm her! She was helpless! She was trapped!”

Does this novel carry a message?

The message this novel carries is woven into the heart-pounding narrative of family resilience, solidarity, and enduring love in the face of daunting circumstances. It is a tale that illuminates the strength found within the human spirit when confronted with extraordinary challenges.

What’s your next project?

My next project is another thriller developed around a true story of a traumatic event that greatly affected someone’s life. If you have such a story, please get in touch with me. 

Is there anything you’d like to tell your readers and fans?

On my website, weaveofsuspense.com, I posted blogs with pictures of the Rodney King riots and the Northridge earthquake. If you look at them before and after you read the book, I think it will give you more insight into the impact they had on the cities. These visuals, combined with the narrative, will offer a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that characterized that period.

 

Inside the Book

Title: Blazing Upheaval

Author: Karen Charles

Publication Date: July 25, 2024

Pages: 172

Genre: Thriller

In the heart of the tumultuous Rodney King riots in Los Angeles, a dedicated teacher finds herself thrust into a hazardous situation. Struggling to navigate the chaos and reach safety on the freeway, she faces dangerous obstacles that jeopardize her life. An unexpected rescue during a brutal attack plunges her, her family, and two other families into a chilling series of enigmatic events and escalating violence.

As the city grapples with unrest, they are entangled in a web of mysteries swiftly building in intensity. In the turmoil, their bonds of family, loyalty, and love are put to the ultimate test. The tension mounts relentlessly until an unforeseen revelation, coinciding with the cataclysmic Northridge earthquake, irrevocably changes their lives forever.

This gripping true-story thriller delivers suspenseful twists and heart-pounding moments, weaving a narrative of family resilience, solidarity, and enduring love in the face of daunting circumstances. It is a tale that illuminates the strength found within the human spirit when confronted with extraordinary challenges.

Blazing Upheaval is available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMM6BXLG



PUYB Author Talks: ⭐A Bookish Conversation with 'Soul Love' D.F. Jones⭐ #SoulLove #interview

 


USA Today Best-Selling Author, #1 International Bestseller, #1 Amazon Bestseller, D. F. Jones began her career as a broadcast consultant at the ABC Affiliate in Nashville, which led her to open an advertising agency. She downsized her agency to care for her parents. Writing is a source of creative expression for D.F. Jones, but it also releases stress. Writing takes her to a place where anything is possible, and fiction takes her to a place made of dreams.

Whether it’s angels and demons, time travel adventures, witches, wizards, or ghosts, her books are action-packed with supernatural and romantic elements.

She’s happily married to the love of her life and best friend. They have two beautiful sons whom she loves and adores more than life itself. She loves to laugh, and her husband keeps her in stitches! She’s a fan of the Tennessee Titans and enjoys working in her flower gardens.

Website http://www.dfjonesauthor.com 

Twitter https://twitter.com/Author_DFJones 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DFJones.author  

Instagram https://instagram.com/D.F.Jones_Author 

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/GoodreadscomdfjonesAuthor





 

Can you tell us when you started writing?

D.F.: Wow, what an amazing journey this writing adventure has been! Reflecting on how it all started, I can’t help but feel a surge of gratitude for the path that led me here. From the early days, my dad was the storyteller in our family—the original bard who spun tales that filled our home with magic. His stories were my first taste of the extraordinary, sparking a flame in my imagination that still burns bright.

My first official foray into writing was starting a school newspaper, a small but significant step that allowed me to bring stories to life. I still remember adapting "Frankenstein" into a screenplay—it was like discovering a new world, one where I could blend the old with the new, weaving my own twist into a classic tale. That was when I knew storytelling was in my blood.

Running an advertising agency later on brought a different kind of storytelling into my life. Each campaign was a mini-narrative, a 30-second challenge to capture hearts and minds. It was a fast-paced, creative whirlwind that taught me how to communicate effectively and make every second count. I even developed a thirty-minute television show for one client.

Life, however, has a way of rewriting our scripts. When I found myself caring for my parents, fiction became my sanctuary—a world where I could explore the boundless ‘what ifs’ that danced in my mind. Writing became more than just a creative outlet; it was my escape, my way of navigating life’s ups and downs. Each story I wrote was a doorway to a new universe, a chance to explore the endless possibilities of the human experience.

Can you tell us how you came up with that title?

D.F.: My spiritual side has always drawn me to the invisible threads that connect us all—threads that weave through souls and stars alike. This fascination with the eternal dance of souls profoundly influences my writing. When the idea of a new time-travel tale centered around past lives started taking shape, I knew it had to explore these mystical connections.

I imagined Summer and Rogan’s story as something far beyond a fleeting romance; I wanted it to capture a love that defies the boundaries of time. That’s how the title Soul Love came to be. It’s not just about a romance that makes your heart flutter; it’s about a bond so deep and enduring that it echoes through the ages, bringing two souls together in every lifetime they encounter.

On a personal level, Soul Love resonates deeply with me. It mirrors the connection I share with my husband—a love that feels timeless, as though our souls have been intertwined for centuries. Writing this story became my tribute to that kind of love that feels destined, written in the stars, and cherished with every heartbeat.

Soul Love is a celebration of repeatedly finding your soulmate, proving that some loves are not just for one lifetime but for all time.

Can you tell us a little about your main characters?

D.F.: Meet Summer Jewel, my protagonist, a woman who shares my love for quaint hometowns. She owns a charming bookstore right in the town square. She also watches the enchanting transformation of an old Victorian house across the street from her home. The makeover is the work of a talented interior designer who leaves an open invitation for Summer to explore. And explore she does, especially when a certain attic door seems to whisper her name, urging her to uncover its secrets.

Her curiosity doesn’t go unnoticed. Rogan Randolph, the new next-door neighbor, catches her snooping and, intrigued, invites her over for dinner in his now beautifully restored home. A tornado literally throws them together, igniting a romance as unexpected as finding a first-edition novel at a yard sale. But that attic? It’s like a siren’s call. Summer isn’t just peeking into history; she’s living it, waking up in 1926 and inhabiting another woman’s life.

Through her journey, Summer discovers the threads of reincarnation, realizing that love isn’t just a fleeting moment but the enduring force that weaves through the tapestry of our many lives. Her adventure is about unraveling past lives’ mysteries and exploring love’s timeless dance.

Rogan Randolph defies the stereotype of the solitary time traveler. As part of The Order of the Invisible Effect, he dances through the ages with the grace of a seasoned historian and the precision of a master clockmaker. Wealthy, resourceful, and undeniably strong, Rogan adapts to any epoch with enviable ease. His charisma and sharp humor make him a beloved figure across timelines.

Yet, there’s more to Rogan than his affable exterior. He harbors a steely resolve and can switch from charming to deadly when facing off against The Chronos Vanguard, adversaries who wish to dictate the flow of time itself, contrasting sharply with Rogan’s fight for temporal freedom. He’s a warrior at heart, never shying away from conflict when justice is on the line.

Love, however, has touched Rogan only once, leaving a mark deeper than any time could erase. He believed that chapter closed until fate, with its penchant for drama, decided otherwise. The cosmos has its own plans, weaving paths back to lost loves, proving that some connections are too strong for even time to sever. Rogan’s saga is woven with threads of bravery, endurance, and an unwavering belief in love’s timeless power. His quest isn’t merely to witness or alter history but to reconnect with the one soul that resonates with his, no matter how vast the temporal divide is.

Watch out for Rogan Randolph., In the fluid tapestry of time where nothing is quite as it seems, he stands as a testament to the idea that some battles, especially those for love and liberty, are eternal.

If you were going to hang out with one of your characters, who would that be?

D.F.: If I could step into the world of Soul Love for a day, I’d choose to hang out with Summer Jewel. Imagine spending a day in her charming bookstore, Jewel’s Literary Gems, where every book seems to whisper tales of adventure and romance. We could sip on some tea, surrounded by the scent of old pages and new stories, discussing our favorite literary escapes.

Or perhaps we’d venture out to the serene trails behind Rogan’s grand mansion. There’s something magical about those paths, where the hustle of modern life fades into the whispers of the leaves and the quiet stories of the earth. It’s the perfect setting for Summer to share insights into her life and her unique connection with time, and maybe, just maybe, she’d let slip some secrets about her time-traveling escapades that I couldn’t squeeze into the book.

I envision our conversation meandering from the mysteries of reincarnation to the simple joys of life in Heartsville. With her profound understanding of the universe’s workings, Summer would no doubt offer perspectives that make you rethink your place in the cosmos. And who knows? Maybe she’d show me a hidden nook in the bookstore where time feels slightly different or share a moment where past and present blur, just for us. Spending a day with Summer wouldn’t just be about exploring her world; it would be an invitation to explore deeper into my own beliefs about love, destiny, and the endless dance of time.

Where is this book set and why did you choose that setting?

D.F.: Soul Love unfolds its narrative across two distinct periods: the contemporary world and the vibrant year of 1926, both set within the quaint embrace of a Southern U.S. town. My roots are deeply Southern, and there’s an allure to these small towns that’s hard to resist. They’re not just places but characters in their own right, brimming with community spirit, layers of history, and that hint of enigma that makes for a perfect backdrop for any tale, especially one about love through the ages.

Having grown up in such an environment, I’ve seen the evolution of small-town life, where, despite the changes, some elements remain untouched by time. Though it has grown, my town still clings to that quaint charm. This blend of the known with the endless potential for discovery drew me to this setting.

The choice of 1926 was deeply personal. It was the early 20th century my grandparents’ love story began, a tale that has always fascinated me. My grandfather’s eyes would sparkle with life whenever he spoke of my grandmother, a woman I never had the chance to meet but feel connected to through their love. Finding a love letter from her to him was like unearthing a relic of pure emotion, a testament to their timeless bond. This letter, this piece of history, inspired me to weave their era into my story.

By setting part of Soul Love in 1926, I aimed to capture the romance of that time, where every written word in a letter was a piece of one’s soul, and every meeting under the Southern sky was charged with significance. This setting allowed me to pay homage to my grandparents’ enduring love and explore how love stories like theirs are not confined by the years but are echoed through time. Through Summer and Rogan, I delve into what it means to find a love that feels like coming home in a place that feels timeless yet steeped in history, much like the love that has always inspired me.

One of the descriptions of your book is that it’s about second chances. Can you elaborate?

D.F.: Talking about second chances is a bit of a spoiler alert for Soul Love, but I’ll try to give you a peek without giving too much away. At the story’s heart is the idea that time, fate, and love are far more intertwined than we might think. For Rogan Randolph, a time traveler able to move through different eras, this connection is both a gift and a curse.

Rogan has experienced loss so profound that it left him feeling empty, his heart heavy with the memories of a love he believed was lost forever. The pain of that loss shaped him, making him cautious, guarded, and reluctant to open his heart again. But as we all know, life—and love—can surprise us when we least expect it.

Time and destiny have a magical way of weaving their threads, and for Rogan, this means a second chance at the love he thought was gone. Soul Love is about how the universe often works in mysterious ways to bring people back together, giving them another chance to make things right, to love again, and to find happiness.

In the story, this theme of second chances is not just about rekindling an old romance; it’s about healing, forgiveness, and the courage to embrace love despite the risks. It’s a reminder that sometimes, what we think is lost forever might just be waiting for the perfect moment to return.

So yes, Soul Love is very much about second chances. It’s about how love, no matter how many lifetimes pass, always finds its way back to those who are truly meant to be together.

What’s next on your writing to do list?

D.F.:  The quill never rests, and I’m excited to give you a sneak peek at what’s simmering on my writing stove! Topping the list is Soul Love Book 2. Yes, you heard that right! Summer and Rogan’s saga is far from over. I’m currently weaving through the fabric of time, unraveling more secrets, deepening their bond, and facing new challenges that test the very essence of their timeless love. There are layers yet to peel back, and I’m just as eager as you are to see where their journey leads.

But that’s not all. I’m also donning the producer’s hat, converting my treasure trove of past novels into audiobooks. It’s like watching my characters step off the page and start speaking. This venture has been incredibly rewarding, offering a new way for readers—or now, listeners—to dive into the worlds I’ve created. Whether on a road trip or just relaxing at home, these audio adventures are ready to whisk you away.

And then, there’s the glimmer of scales and the whisper of wings—a new project where dragons soar into my narrative universe. Imagine a tale where the damsel isn’t in distress but is instead the dragon’s salvation. This story is still in its embryonic stage, but its growing wings promise a blend of enchantment, peril, and romance that challenges the very notion of fate. Dragons have always captured my imagination, and I’m thrilled to craft a legend of my own.

So, there you have it—a glimpse into the future from my writing desk. With each project, I aim to explore new horizons and delve into the heart of what makes us human and, perhaps, what makes us more than that. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates, and thanks for having me.

 

Inside the Book



Title: SOUL LOVE

Author: D.F. Jones

Publication Date: September 3, 2024

Pages: 160

Genre: Fantasy/Time Travel Romance/Past Lives Romance

From USA Today bestselling author D.F. Jones comes Soul Love, a mesmerizing tale of past lives, time travel, and an unbreakable bond that transcends time itself.

What if a simple dinner invitation could change your life forever?

When Summer Jewel accepts a dinner invitation from her enigmatic new neighbor, her world is turned upside down. Suddenly transported to 1926 Heartsville, she uncovers shocking truths about a past life she never knew existed. This revelation ignites a journey brimming with turbulent emotions and undeniable desires, leaving her questioning everything she thought she knew.

Meanwhile, Rogan Randolph, a dedicated agent of The Order of the Invisible Effect, is tasked with subtly guiding the course of human history. His orderly world is thrown into chaos when a portal to his own past unexpectedly opens, offering him a chance to right a wrong. His mission becomes inextricably linked with Summer’s, as she is the very woman he encounters in the future.

Together, Summer and Rogan must navigate the intricate complexities of love and destiny, confronting the mysteries of their intertwined past lives. Their actions ripple through time, challenging the very fabric of reality and altering the course of their journey. True love is never lost, and some connections last forever.

Escape into Soul Love, where destiny and passion weave a captivating narrative that explores the enduring power of love and the intriguing possibilities of fate.

Prepare to be swept off your feet with this spellbinding story of love, loss, and the magic of second chances.

Soul Love is available at Amazon.



PUYB Author Talks: ⭐A Bookish Conversation with 'How Soon Is Now?' Paul Carnahan⭐ #HowSoonIsNow #interview

  

Paul Carnahan was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and grew up in the new town of Cumbernauld. After studying journalism in Edinburgh, he began a decades-long career in local and national newspapers.

‘How Soon Is Now?’ is his first novel. The second, the Britpop-era romance ‘End of a Century’, will be released early in 2025, and a third is currently a work in progress.

Website & Social Media:

Website www.paulcarnahan.com 

Twitter https://twitter.com/pacarnahan  

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/paulcarnahan6/ 

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211423352-how-soon-is-now





 

Before you started writing your book, what kind of research did you do to prepare yourself to write it? 

‘How Soon Is Now?’ features characters from many different backgrounds, so the book required a lot of research on a wide variety of topics – everything from the civil war in Syria to the Clydebank Blitz of World War Two, and from persistent vegetative states to perfumery. Lots of reading was required – first-hand accounts, wherever possible! ‘How Soon Is Now?’ may be a time travel story, but it’s about people, first and foremost, so the research all had to serve the characters.

Did you pursue publishers or did you opt to self-pub? 

I decided to self-publish. ‘How Soon Is Now?’ attracted praise and interest from literary agents, but it’s a hard book to categorise, and the publishing business is increasingly conservative and risk-averse. So I decided to go ahead and do it myself, my way.

If self-published, did you hire someone to format the ebook version for you or did you do it yourself?  Can you tell us what that was like?

I handled the formatting myself, using Vellum, which was a very easy piece of software to use. My background is in print journalism, so I’m used to error-correcting and page design. The whole process was a pleasure – and gave me a chance to give the book a final polish.

If self-published, how did you determine the price?

I’m using Amazon’s print on demand service for the hardback and paperback editions, and both of those are priced as keenly as possible to make them attractive to readers while still bringing in a tiny amount of payment for the starving artist (ie me!). The e-book offers a little more wiggle room, as far as author royalty goes, but it was still a balancing act between competitive pricing and a realistic price tag that reflects the quality and size of the work.

Did you purposefully choose a distinct month to release your book?  Why?

In this case, I did not – I set the date for as soon as I could get everything finalised and arrange promotional material etc. My next book, the Britpop-era romantic comedy ‘End of a Century’, however, will be released on Valentine’s Day, 2025.

How did you choose your cover?

Luckily for me, my daughter Hannah Nystrom is a very talented artist. I had a few design ideas of my own (I wanted to echo the colours of The Smiths’ album ‘Hatful of Hollow’ and borrow some stylistic cues from Saul Bass’s movie title work), and Hannah was able to incorporate those ideas with a cover concept of her own which brilliantly and wittily encapsulates the themes of the book. I couldn’t be happier with the finished product – it’s a thing of beauty.

Did you write your book, then revise or revise as you went along? 

A bit of both. I tended to tidy up the previous day’s writing before starting each day, and continued that way until the end … then went right back to the start and did it again. And again. And again.

What are some of the most important things you believe an author should do before their book is released?

Rewrite and rewrite again, until the book is as good as it can be. Listen to the advice and opinions of trusted readers, and be nice to as many authors, readers, reviewers and bloggers as you possibly can, once you’re sure you have a book you can be proud of sharing.

What are some of the most important things you believe an author should do after their book is released?

Be alert and open to any and every promotional opportunity. Be polite, positive and kind in all public-facing professional situations, and be grateful to every reader. And, of course, get right back on the horse and get on with the next book.

Do you have a long term plan with your book?

Only to continue to do everything possible to get it into the hands of readers who would appreciate it. As well as being full of big ideas, cliffhangers, twists and surprises, ‘How Soon Is Now?’ is a complex, thoughtful novel. I just want to see it find a home among readers who are ready for a book like that. And it would make an incredible Netflix series...

What would you like to say to your readers and fans about your book?

I’ve been blown away by the response so far, and it’s been an absolute joy to talk to readers with strong opinions and responses to the characters and themes of the book. The people who get it REALLY get it, and that’s the best thing any author could hope for. Thank you!

Inside the Book



Title: How Soon Is Now?

Author: Paul Carnahan

Publication Date: June 10, 2024

Pages: 462

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy/Time Travel

A troubled ex-journalist launches a perilous mission into his own past after being recruited by a mysterious group of time travelers.

Luke Seymour uncovers the secrets of the eccentric Nostalgia Club as he battles to solve the riddle of their missing leader, honing his newly discovered – and dangerously addictive – talent for time travel and plunging ever deeper into his own time stream … where the terrible mistake that scarred his life is waiting.

Set in Glasgow and Edinburgh in the 1980s, 1990s and near-present, ‘How Soon Is Now?’ is a gripping new novel loaded with unforgettable characters, intricate storytelling, dark humour and a unique twist on the mechanics of time travel – all moving towards a powerful and emotional climax.

Available at:

Amazon U.S.: https://www.amazon.com/How-Soon-Now-powerful-travel-ebook/dp/B0D1RG2GL5 

Amazon U.K.: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Soon-Now-powerful-travel-ebook/dp/B0D1RG2GL5