The Books Delight: AUTHOR INTERVIEW: MARY ANN BERNAL / FORGIVING NERO

 The Books Delight Interview

Welcome readers to another author interview. Today we are happy to have Mary Ann Bernal. Join us for a great conversation about writing, history, and Mary Ann's books. 

JMR-Welcome to the Books Delight, Mary Ann. Tell our readers where you live, what you do for fun, and what the perfect day looks like?

MAB-Thanks for having me. I currently reside in Elkhorn, Nebraska, and enjoy attending my grandchildren’s activities. From softball to dance competitions, you will find me in the stands, cheering on my talented offspring. A perfect day would include making my daily word count, doing my treadmill miles, and being first in line in the carpool lane at my granddaughter’s school.

JMR-Your written books are set in Saxon England, Crusading Europe, and now ancient Rome. So, what is your absolute favorite time period? Why?

MAB-That is a tough question. I find history fascinating and am always trying to imagine how people lived their lives in previous centuries. Greek mythology piqued my interest at an early age. Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt held their own allure, a notable difference when compared to the dark and middle ages. But the romanticized knights of the British Isles deeply affected an impressionable teenager as did the heroic tales of the Vikings, albeit as Hollywood interpreted their escapades. I enjoy every time period equally without favoritism. However, if a choice must be made, I would favor Ancient Egypt on Monday, Ancient Greece on Tuesday, Ancient Rome on Wednesday, Crusading Europe on Thursday, and Saxon England on Friday. As you can see, in fairness, I went in alphabetical order.

JMR-Who is your favorite historical female? Why? If you could ask her one question, what would it be?

MAB-Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the most powerful women in the twelfth century. As Queen of France, she participated in the Second Crusade. She successfully annulled her marriage to King Louis, becoming engaged to the Duke of Normandy (the future Henry II of England) shortly thereafter. She refused to be subjected to “knowing her place.” She was not meek and submissive but a force to be reckoned with. As for my question, I would ask Eleanor, “What really happened in Antioch?” (Hint: Her husband was jealous of Eleanor’s affection for her uncle, Raymond of Poitiers.)

JMR-You have a strong connection to the U.S. Military. Tell our readers about that and why.

MAB-Freedom is not free, and too many people take our freedoms for granted. Without the courage and sacrifice of our military, we would not enjoy the lifestyles we covet. Democracy is fragile and must be protected at all costs. We must never forget the blood that was shed to keep us free.

JMR- Thank you for this Mary Ann, my husband and I are both Air Force Veterans and my son is currently serving in the Army. We appreciate your support. 

JMR- Mary Ann, tell us about your new book, Forgiving Nero. What’s it about, and how is it different from other books about this much-maligned man?

MAB-History is written by the victors. However, Tacitus, Suetonius, and Cassius Dio, the ancient historians responsible for vilifying Nero, had no first-hand knowledge of the events comprising Nero’s reign. Their information was based on hearsay (unreliable in a court of law) and dramatic personal interpretation of the circumstances. For example, fiddles did not appear until the Middle Ages. Thus, Nero could not fiddle while Rome burned. In fact, he was not even in the city when the fire started. While Nero was guilty of monstrous atrocities, he was also a kind and sensitive young man who wanted to help the common people when he became emperor. What forces slowly eroded Nero’s idealistic pursuits for the common good? Nero was flawed like the rest of humanity. He deserves to be remembered as the man he truly was, not the man history condemned him to be.

JMR-You’ve traveled to the UK, Ireland, Italy, and Greece for your research. Where did you feel the closest connection to your characters?

MAB-I would have to say my visit to the U.K. ranks at the top of the list. When I walked the ramparts at Kenilworth (Robert Dudley’s home), my mind shifted to the ninth century, and I pictured Vikings running towards the walls defended by the Saxons. The historical inaccuracies did not matter. I looked down upon an imagined enemy, hearing the bloodcurdling war cries in my mind, picturing the turmoil as arrows rained and men fell. The Priory Ruins at Thetford had its own ghosts of monks chanting in the abbey ruins, praying for salvation from the formidable enemy. The Anglo-Saxon Village at West Stow represents how the common people lived, enduring hardships we only read about.

JMR- Your books include a strong romantic storyline, which takes precedence, the history, or the love story?

MAB- The love story is interwoven with the history. The mores of the day dictate behavior. The characters conduct themselves as befitting their station in life. Conflict arises when a character does not follow the rules. Being an incurable romantic, at the end of the day, love conquers all.

JMR- What’s next? Another Nero book?

MAB-A few characters from Ancient Egypt have appeared on the horizon, demanding their story be told. I’m considering a novel set during Pharaoh Akhenaten’s reign. I always have another tale I want to tell. I need to find the time to write them all.

JMR- Tell our readers how to find you on social media and the web.

 Website    Whispering Legends Press    Facebook    Twitter

Blog    Pinterest    Instagram    YouTube

JMR- What question were you hoping I’d ask but didn’t?

MAB: Any fun facts you wish to share?

Nancy Walker (actress best known for appearing on the T.V. show Rhoda) and I almost collided on a sidewalk in Manhattan.

Tom Jones touched my hand during a concert at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York.

After visiting the Thetford Priory Ruins in Norfolk, U.K., I learned that Ghost Hunters had featured the site, which is reputedly haunted. I did not see any specters, much to my disappointment.

JMR- Wow, Tom Jones! How long did it take for you to wash that hand?!

JMR- Thank you, Mary Ann, for stopping by, we really enjoyed talking with you today. Good luck with your new book! Readers if you are interested in checking out Mary Ann's books click on the Amazon button below. 

Mr. Chuckles bumped into Sheffield author E.L.Lindley when stirring The Wizard's Cauldron

The Wizard speaks:

One of my favourite people in Indie is back today - Sheffield's finest E.Lindley. E is well known on the circuit for the long running Georgie Connelly series, which combine the thriller genre with character and comedy.  E is also developing a reputation for punchy, angry, claustrophobic short stories about real life (some drawing on her experience as a teacher), on her blog -stories I highly recommend.

Her novels have a real BBC quality, dramatic and talky, more like plays than novels in parts, and I thoroughly enjoy mentally casting her characters, because, as you will see today, E's serious passion is cinema - if you ever need to know what a new film is like, drop E a line, because it is odds-on that she's already seen it. 

I caught up with E on the Wizphone - naturally, she was off to the flicks! Here's what she had to say.

You can find and read E's first visit to the Cauldron here, on the Wizard's Cauldron Index

http://wizardscauldronindex.blogspot.co.uk/

Read the entire interview

Interview with B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree Elizabeth Marrion August 6, 2015

Interviews, Book Reviews, Guest Post and More!

Interview with B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree Elizabeth Marrion August 6, 2015

Layered Pages

I’d like to welcome B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree Elisabeth Marrion to talk with me today about her book, Liverpool Connection. Elizabeth was born August 1948, in Hildesheim Germany. Her father was a Corporal in the Royal Air Force and stationed after the War in the British occupied zone in Germany, where he met her mother Hilde, a War Widow.
As a teenager she enjoyed reading novels and plays by Oscar Wilde, Thornton Wilder and never lost her love of reading novels by Ernest Hemingway, or short stories by Guy de Maupassant. More recently she felt inspired by Rabbit-proof Fence, a true story written by Doris Pilkington.
Elisabeth moved to England in 1969, where she met her husband David. Together they established a clothing importing company. Their business gave them the opportunity to travel and work in the Sub Continent and the Far East. A large part of their working life was spent in Bangladesh, where both helped to establish a school in the rural part of the Country, training young people in trades such as sign writing, electrical work and repair of computers and televisions.
Elisabeth discovered her love for writing relatively late, but the good thing is, now she doesn’t seem to be able to stop.
For inspiration she put on her running shoes for a long coastal run at the New Forest, where she now lives.
How did you discover IndieBRAG
First of all, I must thank you Stephanie, for taking time to talk with me.
I discovered indieBRAG through several ways really, but I will just mention three, which are: through my wonderful publishing team at SilverWood, who encourage each writer to spread themselves as far across the spectrum as possible; through writer Debbie Brown, from the English Historical Fiction Authors; and of course writer Helen Hollick from the HNS. Both Debbie and Helen provide the writers with updates via the Social Media to ensure they are aware of all the possibilities out there.
Tell me about your book, Liverpool Connection
Liverpool Connection is Annie’s story. Annie, like her sisters before her, leaves Ireland together with her ever-optimistic friend Flo, to find a better life in Liverpool. Only things do not turn out they way she had imagined. Soon Annie falls in love, marries and starts a family of her own. But with the onset of World War II comes tragedy and loss, testing Annie’s strength to her limit. Little does she realise that the salvation of one of her loved ones, lies with Hilde, a German woman, whose life and situation mirrors Annie’s own.
Why did Annie and her friend chose Liverpool to find a better life?
There was very little work available in Ballyshannon at that time. Yarn and Textile Mills were in decline. Annie dreamed of life in a big city and had the security of her sisters living and working there already. So what could possible go wrong ?
Why did you chose 1926 as the opening period for your story? Is there any historical significance?
Liverpool Connection is based upon a true story and Annie left Ireland in the 1920’s. I then picked the year to be 1926, which was the same year as Hilde, the German woman, leaves the security of her home in Prussia to work in a household in Berlin.

Tell me a little about the German woman, Hilde, that Annie meets.
Annie and Hilde never meet in person but the connection between them was through Joseph, a young Corporal in the RAF, who is looking for his friend, Annie’s brother-in-law. His plane was shot down over Hildesheim where Hilde lived. Hilde was my mother and Joseph was my father.
Could you please share an excerpt?
“Dorothy. Run!” She managed to shout before she started to cough.
Aircraft noises drowned out Annie’s instructions. She hurried after Dorothy. A whistling sound, silence, then a massive boom, which seemed to be really close by. The earth shook under her feet, and Annie fell to the ground, dropping Derek when she fell.
“Derek!” Nobody heard Annie’s cry for help. She was alone, lying on the ground, unable to move. From fear or shock, she did not know, but her legs refused to carry her weight. There was burning rubble near to where Derek had fallen. He managed to get up by himself. Covered in dirt, he toddled over to where she lay. He did not cry, just sat on the ground next to Annie. The planes came back. She imagined them to be somewhere right above her in the dark sky. She pulled Derek over by his arm. And covered him with her body as best she could. One arm over Derek and with the other shielding her head. Noises, threatening noises. Deafening sounds. The earth underneath would not keep still. And hot, so hot. My children, I hope they are safe. She must have said it out loud. She felt somebody pulling her at the back of the coat.
Who designed the cover of your book?
The wonderful creative team from SilverWood. I was asked whether I had my own idea and supplied just a tiny bit and then ‘voila’ the cover arrived.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
Since the story runs side-by-side with my first book, ‘ The Night I danced with Rommel’ and the connection between the two books is Liverpool, the title could only be this one.
Where can readers buy your book?
It can be bought via Amazon, printed, kindle and audio.
Barnes & Noble
Plus Bookstores in the UK.
When you get stuck on a scene what do you do?
I get up and walk around. In extreme cases, I put my running shoes on and go for a run on the coastal path. This is something I have always done when I have had to solve a problem.
What you working on next?
So much for the Unbroken Bonds series being a trilogy. It is my late husband David’s fault really. When I read the final chapter and epilogue to him from Cuckoo Clock-New York, he asked me what was happening to Thomas. Yes, you may well ask. You will have to find out in Welcome to Singapore, the prologue of which will be in the forthcoming book.
Are you sticking with just one genre?
No, I had already started with a totally different idea. But now, thanks to David, I will have to tell Thomas’s story first.
Where do you write?
I like to get up early, usually around 5am. I make myself a cup of really strong coffee and take it into my office. I first go over the chapter I wrote the day before and make adjustments. I then start on the next chapter. I write about 800 – 900 words a day. I have this habit of getting up every so often, walking around.-to clear my head a presume. Then I sit down and carry on.

Author Links:

Website

Writers Room

A Message from indieBRAG:
We are delighted that Stephanie has chosen to interview Elizabeth Marrion who is the author of, Liverpool Connection, our medallion honoree at indieBRAG . To be awarded a B.R.A.G. Medallion TM, a book must receive unanimous approval by a group of our readers. It is a daunting hurdle and it serves to reaffirm that a book such as, Liverpool Connection, merits the investment of a reader’s time and money.
 

Pebble In The Still Waters: Author Interview: Mary Ann Bernal: Scribbler Tales...

Pebble In The Still Waters: Author Interview: Mary Ann Bernal: Scribbler Tales...: Mary Ann Bernal, author of The Briton and the Dane novels, is an avid history buff whose area of interest focuses on Ninth Century Angl...

Monday, November 03, 2014

Author Interview: Mary Ann Bernal: Scribbler Tales: The Briton and the Dane Series

Mary Ann Bernal, author of The Briton and the Dane novels, is an avid history buff whose area of interest focuses on Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain during the Viking Age.  While pursuing a degree in business administration, she managed to fit creative writing classes and workshops into her busy schedule to learn the craft, but it would take decades before her “Erik the Viking” novel was ultimately published.

Mary Ann is also a passionate supporter of the United States military, having been involved with letter writing campaigns and other support programs since Operation Desert Storm.  She has appeared on The Morning Blend television show hosted by KMTV, the CBS television affiliate in Omaha, and was interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald for her volunteer work.  She has also been a featured author on Triangle Variety Radio, The Phil Naessens Show, and The Writers Showcase, and has been interviewed extensively by American and European bloggers.

Mary Ann currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska.

Your real name and pen name?

Mary Ann Bernal.   I do not use a pen name.

Please share some of the best memories of your childhood

Friday nights were pizza night for our family.  We would walk (yes, walk; dad said we needed the exercise) thirty minutes to Frank & Joe’s Pizzeria where we ordered a large cheese pizza, waiting in anticipation for the gooey melted cheese that dripped off the slice.  Sunday afternoons found us at Carvel, indulging our sweet tooth by devouring soft ice cream cones - vanilla was my favorite.  Speaking of sweet tooth, imagine the excitement when the local bakery began making Napoleon birthday cakes - conventional cakes no longer had a place in our family celebrations.

About your education

Since my initial career path was to work in the medical field, I graduated from Mandl School located in New York City and worked in a local hospital until the birth of my son.  Switching careers, I graduated from Elisabeth Seton College located in Yonkers, NY with an Associate Degree and obtained my Bachelor of Science degree at Mercy College located in Dobbs Ferry, NY.

Even though my training was in the medical and business professions, I honed my writing skills by attending creative writing courses and workshops throughout the years.  I also completed a novel writing course at Winghill Writing School prior to completing my first novel, The Briton and the Dane.

What languages can you speak and write?

While I studied French for four years in high school, I have not read or spoken the language since graduation.  

What is your biggest source of inspiration in life?

Throughout the centuries, there have been famous heroes and heroines whose courage and resolve changed history.  Reading about people who never give up, no matter the adversity, is truly inspirational.   Social media has increased awareness of issues concerning the human condition, and it is heartwarming to read about the not-so-famous success stories, such as overcoming a disability or surviving cancer.

If you had to live a day of your life as one of the living or dead personality, who would it be and why?

Spending the day as Eleanor of Aquitaine who was one of the most powerful women in the Middle Ages.  While Queen Consort of France, she accompanied her husband, King Louis VII, on the Second Crusade.  While Queen Dowager of England, she ruled as regent while her son, Richard I, fought in the Third Crusade.  I would like to become privy to her thought processes i.e. what factors prompted her decisions and if she had any regrets.

What is your favorite genre and why?

Historical fiction is my favorite.  History is my passion, especially ancient civilizations and English history through the Tudor years.  My novels reflect my enthusiasm, but my historical references are merely a setting, the meat of the story involves the plight of the characters.

When did you start writing? What is the purpose of your writing?

My love of writing started when I was in high school.  My novels have subtle themes that shed light on problems we face today, such as the plight of the military family when a loved one is deployed.  Society as a whole tends to take things for granted, such as freedom, which is not free.  Stating a modern problem in a long ago age lessens preconceived attitudes and hopefully, alters opinions.

Which of your work has been published so far? Would you like to share a synopsis of your work?

Historical Fiction:  The Briton and the Dane trilogy:  The Briton and the Dane; The Briton and the Dane: Birthright and The Briton and the Dane:  Legacy.  The Briton and the Dane: Concordia and The Briton and the Dane: Timeline are offshoot novels.  

Contemporary:  Scribbler Tales (Volume One) - a collection of short stories.

Excerpt from The Briton and the Dane:  Timeline

Prologue

It was a crisp autumn day in the year of our Lord 2066.  The sun was obscured by swollen storm clouds as wind gusts scattered leaves across the empty courtyard, scraping tree branches against office windows.

Inside the stone building, oblivious to the impending storm, students went about their daily tasks like automatons, cataloging fragile remnants of antiquated history.  Their enthusiasm had been lost over time, vanquished by archaic rules and lack of funding, drowning in an apathetic sea.

The door opened just as a heavy rain began to pummel the earth.  Lightning flashed perilously close to the portico, the building shaken by crackling rolls of thunder.  Dr. Malcolm Knýtlinga, department head, scoured the room, nodding to his worker drones as he headed towards the stairwell.  He ran down the stairs, deeper into the bowels of the ancient edifice, slowing his gait once he reached the basement.  Malcolm peered into the open doorways where artifacts were stored, priceless relics forgotten by a society no longer curious about the past.

The lights flickered briefly as the tempest enveloped the city.  He walked the length of the corridor and stopped once he reached the last office, knocking on the doorframe before entering.

“One minute,” Gwyneth said, her eyes upon the monitor, her nimble fingers flying across the outdated keyboard.

While Dr. Franger had mastered every aspect of computer technology available at the present time, she preferred typing her words rather than speaking them aloud.  She even had a typewriter that still worked, proudly displayed in her office at home. She was considered eccentric amongst her peers, but the study body praised her for defiance, and her classes were always filled.

Malcolm shook his head as he sat in his favorite chair, his eyes transfixed on the portrait hanging above his protégé’s desk.  An alleged likeness of Lord Erik, the last descendant of Gwyneth and Erik of Wareham, painted years after his death by an unknown medieval artist.  Legend described a mighty warrior, proficient not only with the sword but with the pen, a man of letters who had served his king well.  Songs attesting to Lord Erik’s prowess on the battlefield had even been sung by the troubadours, only to be lost with the passage of time.  Yet time simply enhanced the mystique of this Saxon of Danish descent whose untimely death was suspect, implying treachery and betrayal in a violent age.

Malcolm tolerated Gwyneth’s obsession with a man who had died centuries ago, but he was not sure why.  Gwyneth and Erik had started the dynasty, and perhaps Dr. Gwyneth Franger was the reincarnation of the first Gwyneth if one believed in reincarnation.

“You are doing it again,” Malcolm thought.  “Why not just admit you love the woman and be done with it?”

What are your forthcoming writings?

Scribbler Tales (volume two) will be released later this year. 

Betrayal (short story) is included in The Independent Author Index compilation (Volume 4) to be released in October.

Escape from Berlin (short story) is included in The Independent Author Index compilation (Volume 5) to be released later this year.

What are your future plans?

Currently, I am working with producers for the audio version of Scribbler Tales and The Briton and the Dane trilogy.

Audio books of The Briton and the Dane and The Briton and the Dane: Timeline have recently launched and are available on Audible and iTunes.

What is generally your preference in reading – a paper book or ebook? And why?

While I love paperbacks for my library, I prefer eBooks only because they don’t weigh as much, and I can have more than one novel on my device.

What four top most things you take care of while writing a book?

My days are structured since family comes first.   Exercising is also important as is getting out and about, especially to attend the grandchildren’s events.  However, I have burned the midnight oil when necessary to finish a thought process or chapter.

How much real life goes into fiction writing?

Stories are written based on life events, whether they happened today or centuries ago.  As the saying goes, there are only seven original stories.  The topic has been said, but it’s the way you spin the tale that makes the story unique.

Is high level of imagination important to have for an Author?

Imagination, curiosity and creativity are important for everyone, not just authors.   Without these traits, boredom sets in, which stagnates the world.

Your dream destination on Earth?

Does it have to be Earth?   Would love to travel the universe on the Star Ship Enterprise - would be happy to do a five-year mission.

Your origin of birth and other countries you have visited/ stayed. What best things you liked in these countries around the globe?

Visiting the U.K., Ireland, Italy and Greece has been fun and rewarding. While the historical sites are interesting, meeting the people and learning about differing traditions is exciting.  I still correspondence with people I met on my trips - it doesn’t get any better than this.

Your zodiac/ sunsign?

Capricorn.  Traditional Traits:  Practical and prudent; ambitious and disciplined; patient and careful; humorous and reserved.

Your favorite color and why?

Teal.  The color combines blue and green, my favorites.

Your favorite book and why?

Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott - read by an impressionable teenager, giving rise to the incurable romantic Anglophile adult.

Your favorite movie and why?

Centurion - the period movie is set in Roman Britain.  Adds more fuel to my Roman Empire fascination fire.

Your favorite food?

The list is lengthy, but the top three would be: Chinese, Seafood, Italian.

Your favorite sports?

Football (not soccer) and my favorite college team is Navy - GO NAVY - BEAT ARMY

What comes to your mind when you think of India?

The Taj Mahal built by an emperor to memorialize his wife - how romantic is that?

Some quickies: Sun or Moon, Laughter or Smile, Morning or Evening, Coffee or Tea, Mountain or Sea, Long Drive or Short Drive, Silence or Conversation, Water or Fire, Air or Earth, Mars or Jupiter, Tulip or Rose, Red or Blue, Left or Right, Glance or Stare, Fame or Money, Boy or Girl, Day or Night, Tree or Plant, Love or Passion

First thing you do in the morning after waking up?

Have a mug of coffee.

Last thing to do before sleep?

Shut off the TV, lest Poltergeist invades your space!

State your signature line/ tagline/ best quote

Never Give Up, Never Surrender - Galaxy Quest - Jason Nesmith

Relevant links: (four)

Webpage: http://www.maryannbernal.com

Publisher: http://www.whisperinglegendspress.com

Blog: http://maryannbernal.blogspot.com

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/BritonandDane

Author Eden Baylee Gets Inside the Mind of author Mary Ann Bernal

http://edenbaylee.wordpress.com/2013/12/20/get-inside-the-mind-of-author-mary-ann-bernal-britonanddane/

 

Inside Mary Ann’s Mind

[eden] Welcome Mary Ann. Please tell readers your idea of perfect happiness. 
[Mary Ann] To be at peace with oneself and one’s surroundings.

What turns you on creatively? Watching movies.  Yes, I will admit to being an action/adventure/period and Sci Fi junkie.  What better way is there than to picture your own characters in settings on the big screen? 

Do you overuse certain words or phrases? Paying no heed and I beg forgiveness come to mind.
[eden] I don’t think anyone has ever said this before.

What quality do you most admire in a man? The Nine Noble Virtues – bet you can’t name them, which is why I’ve listed them: Courage; Truth; Honor; Fidelity; Discipline; Hospitality; Self-reliance; Industriousness and Perseverance.

In a woman? I do not believe in double standards.  The Nine Noble Virtues, of course.

What is your greatest regret? To quote the words of my favorite song: “Regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention” – for the youngsters in our audience, the song is “My Way” written by Paul Anka, made famous by Frank Sinatra, but I prefer Elvis Presley’s version.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Working on one elusive virtue – patience – so far, the word DOES NOT COMPUTE!

[eden] I’m the same way. I think it has to do with wanting to do too much in too little time. 

What is your greatest fear? Not finishing everything I’ve set out to do before leaving this earth.
Which living person do you most admire? Hillary Rodham Clinton – and yes, I will vote for her if she runs for President.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Call me Felicity Smoak – do not recall the name or career?  She’s the IT guru at Queen Industries.  Still need help?  Check out the TV series “Arrow.”

If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? In human form, naturally – a Starship Captain exploring space and booting Captain Janeway out of my chair.  For non-Trekkers – I am referring to Star Trek Voyager’s bridge.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? My son is my greatest achievement.

What is the trait you most deplore in others? I can think of two – greed and lack of compassion.

What is your greatest extravagance? Extra cheese pizza – an artery-clogging nightmare, but something has to be the cause of death!

What is one thing you want to do before you die? Getting my pilot’s license.
[eden] Terrific, I hope you accomplish this!

Who is your favorite writer/musician/film director? Frans Gunnar Bengtsson/John Williams/George Lucas

What are some of your favorite curse words? Oh, my – cannot write them here!  I do try to behave myself!

Do you have a motto? Never give up, never surrender!  (Captain Jonathan Quincy Taggart, “Galaxy Quest”)

[eden] Great motto, and love your brevity, Mary Ann. I’m happy we bumped into one another on Twitter.

Ngaire Elder spotlight: Ready To Roxx With Bill Jones, Jr.

http://adventuresofceciliaspark.blogspot.com/2013/09/ready-to-roxx-with-bill-jones-jr.html

Ready To Roxx With Bill Jones, Jr.

Bill Jones, Jr. was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up in southern Virginia. He is a novelist, poet, photographer, father, and life coach, along with other things he does for money rather than love. Bill wrote his first two novels in 3 months. Since then, he has published 4 novels and a short story collection, and has two more novels currently in development.

On those rare days he's not working at his Lockheed Martin day job, or his writing night job, Bill can be found under a Nikon, shooting whatever there is. On the very best days, his photos end up as a scene in a book. He likes cheese.

Author, Bill Jones, Jr.

Excerpt from Hard As Roxx written by Bill Jones, Jr.:

Roxx's head throbbed. She didn't need to touch it to know there would be a deep purple bruise atop an ugly knot in the middle of her forehead. She would need to wear bangs for a week after this. She was sitting in the dirt, but apparently had not been for long, as the crowd of men had not left. Her chest hurt, and she likely had a broken sternum from the pistol slug, but otherwise, she was intact. The air was thick with smells. To her immediate right, where the Dead Men stood, the air was heavy with sweat, adrenaline, and fervor. Their eyes were hungry, and they surrounded her daughter like starving jackals. The girl bounced in their midst, still fighting, never taking her eyes off her mom, distracting the Dead Men in their fevered heat. These weren't soldiers and not well trained. None had checked Roxx's pulse and none were watching.

    The sniper remained in the shadows from whence he'd taken the first shot, the one that had almost penetrated her skin, almost breached her skull and into her brain. He'd made his first mistake. His back was turned. The old man sat, 9mm pistol still in hand, smiling as his dogs played with their new toy. As she bounced within the group, Jazz kicked up a cloud of dust, managing to aim it at the old man's head before she was jerked to a stop by one of her captors. Cheng cursed and grabbed at his eyes, which were watering from the dirt. At his feet lay a dead African, his throat wide. Jazz's knife lay next to him.

    Roxx smiled. That's my girl.

What readers are saying about  Bill Jones, Jr.'s writing (Amazon):

~      I fell in love with the characters, but more so the imagery created by Mr Jones. I felt like I was in a movie and could see everything clearly and even hear the sounds and feel the air... fantastic book... I think this will be a classic! (The Stream: Discovery)

~     The plot is captivating and smart, and I found the imagery and dialogue to be so strong in this wonderful story that both young adults and adults will be swept away (The Stream: Discovery)

~    This is a must read. The collection of short stories all hold these traits: clear and concise writing, engaging plots, and well developed and colorful cast of characters.Each story has individuality that makes this book a great read. (The Juice and Other Stories).

~    Author, Bill Jones Jr, has a wonderful ability to pull you into an adventure with people of all ages ...Bill wove into his story many golden threads with love, acceptance, perseverance in difficult times, innocence and innocence lost, problem solving and so very much more. (The Stream: Awakening).

 

US Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Hard-as-Roxx-ebook/dp/B00EL1YP6Y

UK Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hard-as-Roxx-ebook/dp/B00EL1YP6Y

Barnes and Noble Link - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hard-as-roxx-bill-jones-jr/1116560434?ean=9781492127994

You can find Bill on the web at his writing blog: 

'This Blog Blank' http://thisblogblank.wordpress.com/

 or 

on his Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bill-Jones-Jr-Author-Page/207061302683427