Diana Rozevskis

Author of: Crystal Waters – It Began in Europe
 

Book Blurb:

Down in the depths of the Cellar at Fowesby Hall there lies a secret . . . a doorway to ancient worlds. These lands and all its strange and wonderful inhabitants are threatened by a simple mistake caused by Emma and Grace’s Gran.

The girls soon discover the fate of the ancient land of Crete rests in their hands and they are thrust onto a journey, along with Robert, Herman and his purple dog Ceber; a perilous quest full of magic, mythical beasts and unexpected twists. Will they be able to conquer the challenges that lie ahead and find what they seek, before it is too late? . . .

Join Emma, Grace and their friend’s in the first book of this epic tale of mystery and suspense that takes themes from some of the greatest legends of the world.

As an introduction, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My abiding love of mythology, fantasy and reading children’s books to my two daughter’s inspired me to begin writing ‘The Crystal Waters Series’ six years ago.
A multifaceted career includes graphic design, child minding and working in top salons in London; Selfridges and Harvey Nichols as a Beauty Therapist. I also studied the ancient art of Crystal Healing and my passion and fascination for Crystals soon developed.

Canadian born, I lived in Toronto until I was five years old until my British parents, yearning to be closer to our family, made the decision to move back to their hometown; Middlesbrough in the north east of England. This is where I live today with my husband David and two daughters Emma and Grace.

. . . Oh and my favourite colour is indeed purple.

What is your book about?

It’s an adventure story, mixed in with a bit of ancient legends of the world.  This first Crystal Waters book (It Began in Europe) takes two sisters, Emma and Grace, back in time to ancient Crete, after they discover their Gran’s magic crystal and the secret doorway down in her cellar.

They have a quest: to save the Gi-fyli tribe (Earth tribe) from the hideous monsters that terrorize and force them to live in the underworld caves. There are some well-known legendary beasts and some that are quite new, but there is never a dull moment for Emma, Grace, Robert, Herman (the gardener) and his purple dog, Ceber.

Along the way, they make friends with the Mer-people and the Fyli-thentro (tree tribe) who help them with the certain tasks, which they have to conquer, before they can move on.

They must find and destroy Gran’s hairbrush, which she had left behind many years ago, thus creating the monsters. Emma and Grace, having similar DNA to their Gran, are the only ones that can do this. So, the search is on to seek it out and rid the land of these creatures, once and for all.

When and why did you start writing?

I was a late starter really. I always seemed to live in my older brother’s shadow in a way, with him being so much more academic than I; straight A’s in most of his exams at school and then on to Uni to take his chemistry degree. I, on the other hand, didn’t work hard at school, as I should have, and my mum would remind me and say ‘Well, I suppose you’re definitely a more practical girl kind of girl.’

However, I always liked to tell a good story. With a good imagination and an eye for detail I was approached, on many an occasion, by my older brother, to help him with his essays for school. I would come up with the story and he would put into, what he called, ‘proper English.’

I started to write seriously six years ago, after I had taken a home-study course in Writing for Children. This course gave me the confidence I very much needed. I wasn’t getting straight A’s like my brother but I received many B plus’ which I never thought I could achieve and so it all began from there really.

Which genre do you prefer to write in?

Although I do like many different genres, I do love writing for children with themes of fantasy, legend and adventure. But I have also been known to write horror stories, with psychological ghostly twists and a bit of gore thrown in for good measure.

What inspired you to write this book?

I started writing this book when I was pregnant with my second child. Whereas some mothers-to-be crave certain foods or go off on their hormonal tangents of uncharacteristic behavior, I, on the other hand, decided to write a book.
The funny story is; I was convinced I was having a boy and so when Grace was born, Adam, in my book, was quickly changed to Grace lol.

Who is your favourite author, and what is it about their work that strikes a chord with you?

Hmm, this is a rather tricky one. I have so many: Tolkien, Lewis, Austen, Grisham, Herbert, Patterson. But I think it must be said, I love JK Rowling’s work most of all. She, to me, can really tell a story in such a way that I get totally lost within the pages. Her dramatic plots and her exceptionally interesting characters, that jump from the pages and shake you firmly by the hand, are without a doubt more superior than I’ve ever read before.

What book are you reading now, and would you recommend it?

I usually have more than one book on the go. It depends entirely on my mood which one I choose to read that night.

I’m reading at the moment:
• Kiwi in Cat City (First book in the Kiwi series) by Vickie Johnstone. This is a fun and magical book.
• Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling. A great engaging book.
• All the Little Children by Christine Sutton. An extremely scary novella that keeps you on the edge of your seat at all times.

Three great books and although they are different in many ways I would still recommend them all.

What are your current projects?

With this book literally on the verge of publicity, I’m trying to organise a book launch for it. This is of course in-between writing book two (Crystal Waters – And on to North America) in this series of seven (each covering one of the seven continents of the world.)

Where and when do you do most of your writing?

Mostly in my dining room when the kids are at school or in bed. However, I’m soon to get my garage converted into another room and so I’ll be definitely claiming that as my den.

What would you say was the hardest part of writing your book?

Although I usually enjoy doing research for a book, it can be at times very time-consuming and sometimes frustrating. I am a stickler to try and get facts right, with not only eras, geography facts, legendary stories and cultural languages. I also like to cross-reference so it all fits into place within the story.

For instance the crystals I have chosen for each book not only comes from the countries origin but they are also used in the crystal healing procedure and placed on the right Chakra of the body. And just in case there are any crystal healing therapist here, that really know their stuff, I will confirm that ‘the Crown’ was used first, instead of ‘the Base,’ as my story does go back in time and felt right to reverse the crystal placing also.

Of course when people read a book, they probably don’t realise just how much goes into it. But, for me, it makes my story feel complete, and only then I will be satisfied with it.

Who designed your book cover – and was the cover something you deemed important?

I painted my lady (Iris) long before I started to write the book and so she has been with me the whole process. It seems on fitting to use her on the front cover really.

Did you try to go down the route of traditional publishing first – or did you feel that self-publishing was right for you from the beginning?

I tried numerous times to go down the traditional route but I, like many others, received many rejection letters to tell me I was unsuccessful.

I even, at one point, came second in a new author competition with the promise of publication. This was of course before the company announced they were going into liquidation and they could not fulfil their obligations.

That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and self-publish. I have a story to tell and I don’t want to waste any more time. I just want to get it out there for people to read.

On the whole, how have you found self-publishing?

I must admit, up to now it’s been quite smooth sailing and I’m now thinking why didn’t I do this before?

Where can we buy the book?

You can buy my book at Feed A Read, Amazon and other major book suppliers.

Do you have a website or blog where we can keep tabs on you?

Yes I have a Blog page: http://diana-rozevskis.blogspot.co.uk/ and a Facebook page.

Do you have any advice for other new writers?

If you have a passion for writing and have a story to tell, that you think people will want to hear, get it down on paper and get it out there. But above all, believe in yourself and I’m sure you will one day have the success you deserve.

And, finally, do you have anything else that you’d like to say to everyone?

I think all I would like to say to everyone is; I hope you enjoy reading my book as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

Oh, and thanks for listening!

K T King

Author of: Always There

Book blurb:

Is there a limit to how much friendships can endure or are true friends always there?

Kelly and Jake are the vision of a perfect relationship. Laura, Rachel and Mike are their closest and oldest friends, always lending an ear and giving a helping hand. One fateful day, tragedy strikes and Kelly and Jake's positive future is torn from their hands. Is everything really lost or is there still hope?

As an introduction, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born in 1981 in South Wales where I live with my son and two dogs. I am a single mother and work part time at a local hospital. I love horse riding, reading, writing and spending time with my son.

What is your book about?

It's a story about a group of friends who have known each other most of their lives and a tragic event threatens to tear their friendship apart. They experience love, loss, betrayal and hope as they battle through the tough times they face.

When and why did you begin writing?

I was interested in writing at a very young age. I would sit in my bedroom and write stories for my eyes only. I was fourteen when I attempted to write my first novel. Unfortunately circumstances at the time prevented me from completing it. It wasn't until I was twenty seven that I started to write Always There. I began writing because I found it therapeutic and enjoyed it. It's something I have always wanted to do and will continue to do so as long as I have the use of my hands.

What genre do you prefer to write in?

Always There and my current work in progress are both Fiction Drama so I guess that must be my preference. I am hoping to branch out into other genres in the future.

What is your biggest writing achievement to date?

Always There is definitely my biggest achievement because it is the only one I have published so far.

What inspired you to write this book?

The birth of my son was my main inspiration and personal circumstances that followed his birth have also played a part.

Who is your favourite author, and what is it about their work that strikes a chord with you?

I don't have a favourite, there are too many brilliant authors out there to choose from. If a book can keep me turning the pages and stop me from doing anything else, it's a good one.

What book are you reading now, and would you recommend it?

Their Newborn Gift by Nikki Logan. I am enjoying the book so far, but I don't feel I have read enough of it to make a recommendation.

What are your current projects?

My current project is A Time to Let Go which I am hoping to release before Christmas. I also have a few other ideas floating around for future projects.

Where and when do you do most of your writing?

I do most of my writing in my living room during the afternoon or the evening.

What would you say was the hardest part of writing your book?

I found the hardest part was deciding when the book was ready to be published.

Who designed your book cover – and was the cover something you deemed important?

My sister and her boyfriend designed the cover. It was very important to me and I was impressed with the end product.

Did you try to go down the route of traditional publishing first – or did you feel that self-publishing was right for you from the beginning?

I did try traditional publishing at first but I wasn't aware of the Kindle and print on demand companies at the time. When someone mentioned them to me, I researched them and decided it was the best route for me to take.

On the whole, how have you found self-publishing?

It is a lot of hard work but worth it in the end.

Where can we buy the book?

Paperback and e-book versions are available on Amazon.

Do you have a website or blog where we can keep tabs on you?

I have a website and a blog. My website address is www.ktking.co.uk. My blog address is www.ktkingsblog.blogspot.co.uk

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Keep writing, even when you feel like giving up.

And, finally, do you have anything else that you’d like to say to everyone?

I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported my writing. I appreciate each and every one of you. I hope you enjoyed reading Always There as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Scott Colby

Author of: Shotgun

Book blurb:

“Shotgun” has it all. Do you like mystery and intrigue and political machinations and worldwide conspiracies? It's got all that. Elves and demons and trolls and an amnesiac pyromancer with antlers? Check, check, check, check, check. Slightly heavy-handed commentary on the evils of Corporate America? You can't possibly miss it. Magic shotguns, semi-sentient poundcakes, talking trees, and shapeshifters? Oh hell yeah. Are you an English teacher in need of content to stir a rousing debate involving fate and free will, and whether the heroes actually accomplished something or just did what the villain expected of them? Here you go!

Roger Brooks, a mild-mannered family man, is dropped head first into this world when he accidentally takes possession of the ancient magic the evil Witch hid in his silverware drawer. As he grows into his new role of plucky hero in a city of sorcery, Roger will have to determine which of the motley cast of characters he can trust to help him unravel the Witch's dastardly plot. Can Roger stop her from changing the world forever?

“Shotgun” is an urban fantasy magnum opus, the first step in the skyrocketing career of an exciting new voice in the genre. And even if it's not, it's pretty cheap.

As an introduction, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I'm Scott Colby.  By day I'm the mild-mannered IT guy at a Boston-area non-profit.  At night, I turn into the second coming of Neil Gaiman.  I hope.

What is your book about?

My book follows the exploits of two characters suddenly thrust into a hidden supernatural subculture they never dreamed existed.  After stumbling upon an ancient elven magic that enchants his father's old shotgun, family man Roger Brooks is whisked away to the elven capital where he's faced with unraveling a conspiracy while adjusting to his new surroundings.  Talora wakes up on a park bench with no memory of her past and is immediately recruited by the very conspiracy Roger's dealing with.  When the two finally come together, it all explodes.  It's a lot of fun, and despite that rather ominous description there's a lot of light-hearted silliness along the way.

When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing way back in elementary school.  It was a way to pass the time when I got bored.  I started with silly little stories about my friends and I fighting evil monsters.  Things spiraled out of control from there.

What genre do you prefer to write in?

Typically I write fantasy.  It's a fun genre to work with.  I don't read a heck of a lot of fantasy, so I'm not entirely sure what made me gravitate to it.

What is your biggest writing achievement to date?

Finishing "Shotgun."  This is its fourth or fifth incarnation, the first of which I wrote back in high school.  So for me, getting "Shotgun" out there is a huge deal.

What inspired you to write your book?

It's always bothered me when stories delve into the supernatural and the fantastic without explaining why most people don't know that stuff exists.  If all the vampires in "Buffy" are always causing so much trouble, why doesn't everyone know about it?  So I decided that I'd create a society of elves that keeps humanity in the dark, kind of like how Agents J and K operate in "Men in Black."

Who is your favourite author, and what is it about their work that strikes a chord with you?

Iain M. Banks.  His Culture novels deal with some pretty serious stuff, but there's always a bit of post-modern absurdity involved.

What book are you reading now, and would you recommend it?

I just started 1984.  I haven't read it before.  Prior to that I read "Odd Thomas" by Dean Koontz, which I thought was just ok.

What are your current projects?

I'm trying to put more work into my website (www.istoleyourlunch.com) and I'm doing a lot with a video game humor site (www.dpaddbags.com).  I'm the editor of a very ambitious fantasy fiction project (www.baegtobar.com) and I'm about ten thousand words into a prequel for "Shotgun."

Where and when do you do most of your writing?

I get more done if I'm not in my apartment.  I like to work in coffee shops and bars.  I've started carrying a notebook and pen with me everywhere, and I typically crank out a paragraph or two during my lunch break.

What would you say was the hardest part of writing your book?

Finishing it.  There's so much more I want to do with the characters and the world, and there came I point where I had to just force myself to end this first one.  There's a lot more to come.

Who designed your book cover – and was the cover something you deemed important?

Jeremy Mohler (owner and Art Director over at www.baegtobar.com) did the cover.  He did a heck of a job.  I think it's important to have something that will catch the shopper's eye.

Did you try to go down the route of traditional publishing first – or did you feel that self-publishing was right for you from the beginning?

I didn't bother with traditional publishing.  All the bookstores around me are closing.  Self-publishing is the way things should be, and I'm a huge proponent of it.  Nowadays it seems like you can't get a foot through a traditional publisher's door unless you know someone, and to me that's a load of crap.

On the whole, how have you found self-publishing?

It's fun to be able to just put your work out there without the annoyance of finding someone to back it.  It's definitely not going to make me rich anytime soon, but I hope I can build a regular audience that regularly contributes to my beer fund.

Where can we buy your book from?

"Shotgun" is available exclusively on Amazon.com.  Amazon Prime members can borrow it for free; I still get paid when that happens, so don't feel bad about borrowing it.

Do you have a website or blog where we can keep tabs on you?

You can keep up with me at scottcolbywrites.com.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Stick with it.  It's hard and time-consuming, but finishing a piece and getting it out there where people can read it is one of the most rewarding experiences I've had.