A few random things about me…
Um, let’s see… when I was eight, I had a pet turkey. I used to take it with me on my very short lived paper route. Needless to say, I was terrible at delivering the paper. No one wanted a “Dollar Saver” with turkey poop splattered across the front page. Apparently that’s where the best coupons are.
Books… well, “Treasure Island” is a fantastic pirate tale. I love just about anything by Roald Dahl. I would also like to thank C.S Lewis for sending me on an unrelenting childhood quest for portals to amazing worlds (even in the most unpleasant locations, e.g… the older brother’s closet, etc…)
I write fantasy stories for children. Yep – I am a HUGE fantasy geek. I can’t help myself! It’s too darn awesome to escape to another realm with sorcerers and wizards. The underlying theme in my stories is empowerment, self love, and living purposefully.
When football is on I turn into a different person. I may even use a curse word or two… or three. I enjoy running; which is a good thing because I need to do it in order to fit into my jeans.
I love to cook and really, really love to eat. I have a theory that avocados actually contain super powers and have the amazing ability to make any snack epic. I also love garlic… which, according to my loved ones, also has an unfortunate super power … the pungent breath-inator… or something of that nature.
Few things make me smile more than chocolate, cheese… AND, if the Chargers would make it to the Super Bowl again – just once:)
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John William Drake was born an explorer; just like many, many Drakes before him. His adventure really began with the discovery of a book hidden in the ceiling, followed by the mysterious disappearance of his father. He lived every day in misery until his twelfth birthday. A new friend gave him an invitation he could not turn down… follow me and change your destiny.
He never imagined being captured by bandits and taken to a ship riddled with river rats was part of his fate. Not just any bandits – the Bandits of Basswood; known to be a ruthless and wild crew of thieves. Trying to escape would be a ridiculous idea. No one has ever escaped and lived to tell about it. Uncovering traces of his missing father gave him hope and upped the stakes. John William was determined to get off the ship alive and search for the missing pieces of the puzzle. The chase out of Basswood was on. He took a chance to change his destiny and ended up on a wild ride to solve the most important mystery of his life.
PRAISE
“The imaginative world created by the author is especially fun. Some animals can talk (with attitude!), magic is in the air and emu-like creatures provide fast transportation. Yes, I realize this series is for children- and they can certainly read it. Just as soon as I’m finished.” – Amazon Reviewer 5 stars
“I enjoyed reading these books. Great for young adults, even though I’m an adult. I would recommend this series to those kids who like a good adventure…” – Amazon Reviewer 5 stars
“A simple walk into the world of furry and fairy alike. Enjoyed the character building, as the young boy finds himself in a world with furry pirates, and a feisty fairy princess. Even the villains (as a group,) were only bad because of the main villain of the piece. all in all a nice intro to a simply enchanted world. Hope to see more…” – Amazon Reviewer 4 stars
ORDER YOUR COPY
Amazon → https://amzn.to/3okMyYh
Thank you for this interview! I’d like to know more about you as a person first. What do you do when you’re not writing?
Thank you for having me! I’m a mom of three; which means the fun never stops. I spend my time engulfed in their interests. My oldest loves Dungeons and Dragons. We are on our umpteenth round. I am a wizard named Julien (of course) with epic stun and freeze abilities. Middle kiddo loves science, rescuing animals and baking. We are always on the next experiment, tasty desert, and lizard rescue. The youngest collects rocks, loves to sketch different characters, and create worlds in Minecraft. Our last creation was an underwater castle... it was impressive (she did most of the work).
When did you start writing?
When my son (now 15 years old!) came into this world I started writing stories to read to him. I have been writing ever since! It has been an amazing journey that started with a young boy on an adventure in a magical world...
As a published author, what would you say was the most pivotal point of your writing life?
When I started writing Bandits of Basswood, I had already written about Alexander (Alexander Drake’s Extraordinary Pursuit), Jonn William’s son. I was able to build out the back story for the guardians, Imperius and how the adventure really unfolded hundreds of years before. Azra’s Pith is an amazing place. I feel like I was given a view of the intricate details of every creature (good natured and mischievous), magical spell, and location through a vivid lense. Writing about Azra’s Pith has been an incredible experience.
If you could go anywhere in the world to start writing your next book, where would that be and why?
Oh my! So many places! Egypt to channel my inner Indiana Jones and of course, New Zealand to check out the shire 😉.
If you had 4 hours of extra time today, what would you do?
Write, eat cookies, drink coffee... and write some more!
Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet?
An undiscovered ancient civilization like Atlantis... oh the possibilities.
Back to your present book, Bandits of Basswood, how did you publish it?
Bandits of Basswood is self-published. My original series about Alexander Drake was published through Wild Child Publishing until they shut their doors. I am now revising all of my work and re-releasing it... quite an adventure!
In writing your book, did you travel anywhere for research?
I traveled into my own wild imagination. The setting was inspired from a childhood of wandering through the woods around my grandmother’s house and bicycling to the creek to catch frogs. After reading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, I was forever in search of portals to magical worlds.
Why was writing Bandits of Basswood so important to you?
I needed to write the story in its entirety. A lot felt untold when I was writing Alexander’s story. Bandits of Basswood jumps in with a wild splash into the mystery of the Drake family and their important connection to Azra’s Pith. Of course, there is also magic and adventure... so much adventure!
Where do you get your best ideas and why do you think that is?
Other than my crazy mind, my kiddos
are an infinite source of inspiration. They have inherited my fantasy gene and
never run out of characters and other tid-bits that should be in Azra’s Pith. I
can just sit and watch them play and the ideas come pouring in.
GIVEAWAY
E.P. Bellows is giving away a summer goodie bag containing Azra’s Pith swag! Goodie bag includes a coffee mug, tumbler, beach towel, paperback and kindle copy of Bandits of Basswood!
Terms & Conditions:
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
- One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter
- This giveaway ends midnight September 30.
- Winner will be contacted via email on October 1.
- Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!
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