New Year, Old Health Concerns, Old Resolutions, New Approach

Mornin Friends,

2022 is memory, 2023 is present, and I need to make changes if I am to have a healthy 2024.

My old resolutions are to be creative in my writing, help other authors be creative, and provide for my family.

My old health concern is my post concussive syndrome. I see what happens to professional athletes who have frequent concussions, and I understand first hand the long term effects they will face. My fist concussion occurred as a child, when my family was in a car accident, I said it was an old health concern. My most severe concussion happened when I was 20. I was hit so hard in the head that I flew in the air, and landed on my back a few feet away from where I was hit. All curvature in my spine was knocked straight by the impact. Every “mild” concussion since is accompanied by severe concussion symptoms, and it has taken me as long as fifteen years after a major concussion to have a full week without any symptoms. My most frequent symptoms are headaches, migraines, nausea, and brain fog.

My new approach is to limit screen time as much as possible, and limit physical activity to only those days that I do not have headaches. That means I am scaling on creative writing on a computer. I will still be creating new content, but the original drafts have been and will continue to be written on pen and paper, and the transcribing onto my word processor will take longer, and limited to only those days when I am feeling well.

Part of limiting my screen time will be only releasing a Newsletter once a quarter rather than monthly.

I will still be available to schedule blog post author interviews and blog post book spotlights, but if you have a specific date in mind for your interview, please give me at least 2 weeks notice. If you have any questions, please contact me at jqm.serv@jqmserv

I understand my new approach will slow down my productivity, and will limit my creative time, but I am hoping that as I follow the advise of my doctors, I will be back to my old self (before the 2020 concussion) sooner.

JQM PRESENTS A BLOG POST INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR Brett Comeau

JQM PRESENTS A BLOG POST INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR Brett Comeau

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:

Author Brett Comeau was born in Boston Mass and makes his home in Harrisburg PA with his wife Linda and their cat Chirp Growing up there was a large age gap between him and his older brothers and sister. This led Brett to being alone a lot growing up, he started creating stories and adventures with his toys, when his mother give him a box full of old Tom Swift adventure books and encouraged him in reading. Brett had new worlds opened up to him with these new books. Later on when his Friend Matt R lent him his copy of the Forgotten Realms the Crystal Shard the rest was history Brett found his one true love, Fantasy. Ever since then Brett has been a fan of fiction stories especially sci fi and fantasy from when he was kid he started with the forgotten realms books, the dragon lance books, lord of the rings and comics. He later moved onto more adult books like Game of thrones, the Gunslinger series by Stephen King and independent self published books. Other than tellings stories Brett loves to play poker and practice martial arts Including Uechi-Ryu, Iaido and Kenjutsu He also teaches kickboxing at the YCMA in his area.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE?

I love telling stories, I love to entertain people. Writing is a natural extension of that.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS? WHY?

Stephen King is big on that list. my first “grown up” novel when I was Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King and I have been a fan of his over the years. James Clavell wrote my favorite book of all time Shogun, I have read that book at least 50 times over the years. James Patterson but not for his writing. I watched a documentary film about his process and how he views marketing changed my entire mindset turning me from wanting to be an “author” to wanting to be a publishing business.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS? WHY?

That is a tough question lol Stephen King’s the Gunslinger series is top of this list I started reading that series when I was 13 and Finished it when I was almost 30 (Stephen King took a long time to complete) Forgotten Realms The Crystal Shard has a soft spot in my heart it was the first fantasy book I read when I was a kid. I loved that book and still love it 30 plus years later.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE LITERARY CHARACTERS? WHY?

I have always identified with the sidekick characters. Not sure why but that is always the character I like the most.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR FELLOW AUTHORS AND/OR ASPIRING AUTHORS?

Work! Work hard, keep working. There are no gatekeepers any more nothing is stopping you from becoming a successful author.

IMAGINE ONE OF YOUR BOOKS IS ABOUT TO BECOME A FILM OR TV SHOW. WHO IS YOUR “DREAM CAST?” AND WHO DO YOU ASK TO CREATE THE SOUNDTRACK?

For the soundtrack Hans Zimmer for the cast – Robert Downey Jr, Siena Aqudong, TOm Holland Will Poulter

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH POTENTIAL READERS?

This story is beginning of a new world, with a great twist at the end.

WHERE CAN WE GO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR LITERARY WORKS?

Nameless vs the Army of the Dead, by Brett Comeau, also available on Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQ4LQKXF.

JQM PRESENTS A BLOG POST INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR April Grace

JQM PRESENTS A BLOG POST INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR April Grace

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:

I’m a fantasy author, independently published, who loves to write stories with big worlds with lots of magical creatures, and protagonists who are kind but also have a sharp tongue and know how to defend themselves. My first book, Steel Princess, is a futuristic fantasy story about a female android who was stolen from a giant robot city when she was small, and has to take down the evil queen to make a fairer world for the humans who raised her. But it also has another narrator called Eden who was practically imprisoned as a tinker, also stolen from his community when he was young, to build and repair the royal nobles and bots, but finds an opportunity to go and find his parents, only to be kidnapped by pirates, and discover that he, too, is a stolen prince from a different kingdom. I am currently working on the second book in this series. My second book, The Girl Behind The Glass, published in October, is a dark retelling of Snow White in a world where witches are in control. My Snow White character and her new stepsister are forced to work together to take down the evil queen.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE?

Movies and TV shows, people’s conversations in public, other authors’ vlogs on YouTube and TikTok, anything really!

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS? WHY?

I have so many, but the biggest ones are probably Adalyn Grace, Tricia Levenseller, Teri Terry and Marissa Meyer. I just love all of their magical worlds, often hilarious but powerful and badass characters.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS? WHY?

What a question! Not an easy one to answer because there are sooo many. Fable and Namesake by Adrienne Young Gilded by Marissa Meyer Slated by Teri Terry A Curse So Dark and Lonely series by Brigid Kemmerer Many, many more! These books are all unique in their worlds and storyliines, but I just love getting sucked into them. It’s addictive.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE LITERARY CHARACTERS? WHY?

I loved Wren and Rose from the Twin Crowns series by Katherine Webber and Catherine Doyle, they’re both sassy and really stubborn, but even coming from such different backgrounds they mesh together really well. They’re twin sisters who were raised apart, but they’re both loyal to each other and it’s refreshing to see.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR FELLOW AUTHORS AND/OR ASPIRING AUTHORS?

Keep writing! Write in the genre you love to read, and just have fun with it.

IMAGINE ONE OF YOUR BOOKS IS ABOUT TO BECOME A FILM OR TV SHOW. WHO IS YOUR “DREAM CAST?” AND WHO DO YOU ASK TO CREATE THE SOUNDTRACK?

I’d love Tom Holland to play Eden and Florence Pugh to play Silver in Steel Princess, but I have no idea about the soundtrack!

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH POTENTIAL READERS?

Thank you for all of the love on both of my books! I hope you get sucked into mine as much as I’ve got sucked into other books, and I can’t wait to keep hearing from new readers.

WHERE CAN WE GO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR LITERARY WORKS?

april-grace.com

JQM PRESENTS A BLOG POST INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR J.Z. Pitts

JQM PRESENTS A BLOG POST INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR J.Z. Pitts

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:

I am a debut author. My book, Virtual Rebel, was published on November 7th. But I’ve been interested in stories and storytelling for over a decade. At one point I thought I’d try to get into the film industry, but I eventyually realized being an author suited me better.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE?

I’m passionate about stories. They are so fascinating, I just get drawn in. It’s like a cumpulsion. I’ve tried to walk away from storytelling before, but I always get pulled back in. I can’t quite explain it. It’s just something I have to do.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS? WHY?

Recently, it’s been folks like Stephen King, Joe Abercombie, Martha Wells, Terry Pratchett and Jim Butcher, among others. I think the reason I’m drawn to these authors is how well they write characters. Love ’em or hate ’em, the characters are fascinating to be around. I hope to write charactes at least half as interesting as these authors do when I grow up.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS? WHY?

I generally read scifi/fantasy books, but I also dabble in other genres. Scifi/fantasy are my mainstays though. I love being transported to different worlds and settings. I love seeing the technologies or magic systems authors come up with and seeing them intergrated into these stories.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE LITERARY CHARACTERS? WHY?

One is Harry Dresden. A wizard who is also a private eye? So cool. And Murderbot from the Murderbot Dairies? Such an interesting, yet strangely relatable character.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR FELLOW AUTHORS AND/OR ASPIRING AUTHORS?

Persistence. A lot of us have different goals we’re chasing, with different methods. But the one thing we all need in this game is persistence.

IMAGINE ONE OF YOUR BOOKS IS ABOUT TO BECOME A FILM OR TV SHOW. WHO IS YOUR “DREAM CAST?” AND WHO DO YOU ASK TO CREATE THE SOUNDTRACK?

I don’t know if I have a dream cast. I haven’t really thought much on which actors I would hypothetically want to play my characters. I only wrote one character, Marley, with an actor in mind: Sam Elliot. As to the soundtrack, if we’re dreaming, Hans Zimmer would be amazing to have.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH POTENTIAL READERS?

I hope you enjoy blockbuster storytelling. I really wanted to take the readers on a wild ride with this book. Virtual Rebel has tons of action, heart and humor in it. I hope you enjoy it!

WHERE CAN WE GO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR LITERARY WORKS?

You can find my amazon author page here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/J.Z.-Pitts/author/B0CJB1N3QR

I’m also on FB: https://www.facebook.com/jzpitts

X (aka Twitter): https://twitter.com/jzpitts

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jz.pitts/

JQM PRESENTS A BLOG POST INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR R. M. Krogman

JQM PRESENTS A BLOG POST INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR R. M. Krogman

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:

I’m a dark and epic fantasy author from Iowa, USA. I write in the world of Midgate, a medieval-inspired world of magic, mermaids, and wyverns which I’ve been developing for over twenty years. My debut novel “Liberation” came out this year on September 5, the first in a trilogy of doorstops. The next full-length novel “Sundering” is in editing now and will be available in 2024. I love Midgate for its depth of history, culture, and geography, which has yielded numerous side stories, prequel, and sequel ideas. One of those prequels is already out (“Marked”), and one is launching today! As you might guess, I am big on world-building. I love nature, art, and food, and all of those passions come out in my writing.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE?

I am inspired by everything around me, particularly the diversity and beauty of nature. I love hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting, all things that get me outside breathing in the peacefulness. Being out there not only inspires many of my story settings, but also allows my mind to clear of the pollution of daily living and use my imagination.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS? WHY?

My favorite authors are Anne McCaffrey and J. R. R. Tolkien; their work made me desperate for my own world to play in. I have always loved the concepts of sentient dragons, magic, and high fantasy settings, but I also appreciate McCaffrey’s science perspective to make things even more believable. For the same reason, I love Michael Crichton’s work. Both of them are trained in Biology, just like me. Outside of scifi/fantasy, I also love William Golding and Koushun Takami for their incredible examinations of who people are and what society is, when the underlying foundation of structure and security is removed.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS? WHY?

As you might guess, my favorite books include Dragonflight, Moreta, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Jurassic Park, Eaters of the Dead, Lord of the Flies, and Battle Royale. However, I must also mention Quo Vadis by Henryk Sienkiewicz, The Stand by Stephen King, Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield, Dragon’s Blood by Jane Yolen, the Redwall series by Brian Jacques, and A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin. I love anthropomorphic animals, especially dragons, ancient and medieval settings, and darker stories.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE LITERARY CHARACTERS? WHY?

I have to say Lessa and Moreta, written by McCaffrey. Both are incredibly strong-willed, independent, resistant to the bounds of society, and selfless leaders.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR FELLOW AUTHORS AND/OR ASPIRING AUTHORS?

Give yourself grace and patience. Writing is a skill that develops with time, practice, and intentional study. Even if you are naturally a strong writer, you will still have areas that could improve. Give yourself the time to garner feedback, the humility to accept criticism, the grace to forgive yourself for not being perfect, and the patience to soldier onward. I’ve heard the first million words written are considered a writer’s apprenticeship, and I can certainly agree that it takes at least a few hundred thousand to find your own voice and settle into a style. All the while, you should study the craft of storytelling and strive to develop good habits that keep you on track and productive.

IMAGINE ONE OF YOUR BOOKS IS ABOUT TO BECOME A FILM OR TV SHOW. WHO IS YOUR “DREAM CAST?” AND WHO DO YOU ASK TO CREATE THE SOUNDTRACK?

Konan – Ian Somerhalder, Lyra – a young Michelle Pfeiffer, Thordrin – Chris Hemsworth, Reylin – Zac Efron, Syrana – Emma Roberts, Taiuki – Kaitlyn Leeb I would have asked James Horner. He was the best.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH POTENTIAL READERS?

If you just want to get a taste of my storytelling style, please check out my website for a free e-copy of the prequel novella “Marked.” This dark fantasy tells the story of Davy, a lonely boy abandoned by all those who should have cared for him. Believing himself to be unlovable, he learns his greatest lesson in his darkest place.

WHERE CAN WE GO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR LITERARY WORKS?

“https://rmkrogman.com”

Welcome to the Site of Fantasy Author R. M. Krogman

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JQM PRESENTS A BLOG POST INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR Brian Byrom

JQM PRESENTS A BLOG POST INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR Brian Byrom

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:

I was born and raised in Southeast Texas where I nurtured (and continue to nurture) a lifelong passion for world mythology, philosophy, theology, and folklore. This, along with my love of nature and reading, led me to create my own universe that I could fill with characters and relics, mystery and lore. Writing has become one of the most enjoyable parts of my life, and I sincerely hope that you get a sense of that as you dive into my stories.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE?

Myth and legend. Now that I have created my universe, I thoroughly enjoy finding ways to incorporate various world mythology into it.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS? WHY?

Lovecraft – he scares the hell out of me Frank Herbert – his world building is without compare Conan Doyle – sheer analytical entertainment Burroughs – just good clean fun

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS? WHY?

Dune. The world building, cast of characters, character development, and faction development are phenomenal. The Stand. I’m not a huge Stephen King fan, but this story is just so good.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE LITERARY CHARACTERS? WHY?

Duncan Idaho from Dune – Apparently the universe could never survive without him. Sherlock Holmes – his wit, intelligence, and propensity for finding trouble are always fun

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR FELLOW AUTHORS AND/OR ASPIRING AUTHORS?

Don’t neuter your art to appease social pressures. If someone doesn’t like your work, they can read something else.

IMAGINE ONE OF YOUR BOOKS IS ABOUT TO BECOME A FILM OR TV SHOW. WHO IS YOUR “DREAM CAST?” AND WHO DO YOU ASK TO CREATE THE SOUNDTRACK?

Soundtrack – Buddy Guy Cast – Angelina Jolie, Chris Pratt, Stanley Tucci, Andy Serkis, Peter Stormare, Idris Elba, Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH POTENTIAL READERS?

Only that this book is fun and appropriate for adults and young teenagers alike. No smut, no profanity, mild violence, but still engaging.

WHERE CAN WE GO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR LITERARY WORKS?

www.thesecondeight.com

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/546850003663157

https://www.instagram.com/thesecondeight/

https://a.co/d/9rqdIxf (Amazon)

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brian-  Byrom/author/B0C4V7DQ7T (Amazon author)

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/34370933.Brian_Byrom

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JQM PRESENTS A BLOG POST INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR W.E. Parker

JQM PRESENTS A BLOG POST INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR W.E. Parker

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:

I am a fantasy and science fiction author from Lincoln, UK. I’ve been writing since I was about 12 years old. I have a keen interest in history, and like to read non-fiction books when I’m not delving into the latest sci fi or fantasy story. I like to write stories that don’t take themselves too seriously, injecting them with humour, while also having something to say.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE?

I love the idea of creating worlds and characters, getting lost in them and, most importantly, sharing them with others.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS? WHY?

Terry Pratchett, Philip Pullman, Douglas Adams, George RR Martin, just to name a few. They each bring something unique to the table, but all of their writing is both witty and engaging.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS? WHY?

A Storm of Swords is my favourite of the Song of Ice and Fire series, it’s where everything comes to a head and the drama really keeps you gripped in. All of the His Dark Materials series also stand out to me as favourites, I love a world that challenges genre boundaries and crafts something totally unique.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE LITERARY CHARACTERS? WHY?

Tyrion Lannister stands out for his witticisms and scheming. Death from Terry Pratchett springs to mind for his complete distaste towards his own job but also his endearing curiosity about humans, and cats of course.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR FELLOW AUTHORS AND/OR ASPIRING AUTHORS?

I would say read and read widely, the more you read, the more likely it is that your writing will improve.

IMAGINE ONE OF YOUR BOOKS IS ABOUT TO BECOME A FILM OR TV SHOW. WHO IS YOUR “DREAM CAST?” AND WHO DO YOU ASK TO CREATE THE SOUNDTRACK?

I like my soundtrack to be made out of existing songs, kind of like how the Sopranos incorporated all sorts of music tracks and played them as the credits rolled. As for a dream cast, a lot of big stars like Alan Rickman have sadly passed on but any dream cast of my current novel the Cloudscape Chronicles would have to star Timothy Olyphant somewhere!

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH POTENTIAL READERS?

Only to check out my latest novella, the Cloudscape Chronicles. It’s not a heavy ready, but one that is set in a world I think has a lot going for it and starring characters that are less than conventional.

WHERE CAN WE GO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR LITERARY WORKS?

I have an Instagram page called weparkerbooks_ (the _ being important to get to the right link!), but the main link I like to promote is the link to my current work: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1ZRVZYP/

Thank you for reading!

JQM LITERARY SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS Liberation by R. M. Krogman

JQM LITERARY SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS Liberation by R. M. Krogman

FIRST, LET’S GET TO KNOW YOU A BIT.  TELL US SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOURSELF:

I study fish and aquatic ecosystems by day, and my hobbies include hunting, fishing, and foraging. If not for writing and art, I would want to be outside all the time!

WHAT IS THE GENRE AND AUDIENCE FOR THIS BOOK:

Epic fantasy with darker themes, for an adult audience

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS BOOK:

This book began to form when I was in high school. I had read hundreds (if not thousands) of fantasy books and, as much as I loved them, I was tired of living in someone else’s world. I suddenly realized I had an entire world in my head, one in which I could see an epic story playing out, and I knew that I had to write it down.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BOOK:

Liberation is the first of an epic trilogy set in a world brimming with powerful elemental magic, sentient but reclusive dragons, and diverse but clashing cultures. Within this tapestry, three stories begin: a prisoner scarred by his past, suffocating in his desert hell, a crown prince bound by his family’s tragic death, and a myrprincess stripped of command and promised to a human. Their battles stretch across continents, but all are more intertwined than they can possibly imagine. They all seek the same goal: freedom. But the darkness of the world is spreading quickly, and those gifted with power must decide how to use that freedom. To live without bonds, or to enter the fight? To kill?

WHERE CAN WE PURCHASE YOUR BOOK:

“https://www.amazon.com/Liberation-R-M-Krogman/dp/B0CH2FNF8W/”

JQM PRESENTS A BLOG POST INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR Isaiah Burt

JQM PRESENTS A BLOG POST INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR Isaiah Burt

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:

I really, really love fantasy. From the time I was old enough to hold a crayon and draw pictures, I was obsessed with recreating what I saw on Star Wars and in my Bionicle comic books. I got into D&D at the age of ten and from there read classics like the Dragonlance Chronicles and the Legend of Drizzt. That period also marks the crystallization of my love for all things fiendish and related to Hell. Since then, I have penned thousands upon thousands of words on those topics. Other hobbies of mine include Warhammer, Magic: The Gathering, and HEMA, and I am happily married to the love of my life.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE?

I’ve always found visual imagery stimulating, but that’s hit home more in the last few years since I’ve commissioned artist Victoria Blotta to bring my characters to life. (Find her art here: https://www.facebook.com/victoriaBlotta82) It’s really something else to be able to physically look at the characters I’m writing about; that goes a long way toward keeping me motivated. Also, I handwrite the first draft of pretty much every piece I do, and I am very picky about my pens. I like scratchy nibs and bold ink because then I feel like a wizard with a quill. However, I’ve also gotten more epicurean about my notebooks. My wife and I bought me a nice notebook a few months back with a cover that is made from real cowhide leather (https://www.noboundariesbooks.com/), and it is a lot more inspiring to write in that than a Mead spiral notebook off the grocery store shelf.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS? WHY?

Any list of my favorite authors must start with Michael Moorcock. Elric of Melniboné is my favorite fantasy character of all time; his influence on my work cannot be overstated. Beyond that, I love Moorcock’s no-nonsense approach to writing prolifically (http://www.ghostwoods.com/2010/05/how-to-write-a-book-in-three-days-1210/), and he’s given one of the few pieces of writing advice I’ve taken to heart: “I think of myself as a bad writer with big ideas, but I’d rather be that than a big writer with bad ideas.” Greg Farshtey is the primary author behind the Bionicle mythos, which inspired me to start telling stories in the first place, and though Bionicle itself has come and gone, the community is still thriving, and there has yet to be anything remotely like it. Bionicle was truly revolutionary. R.A. Salvatore first earned my affection with the Legend of Drizzt, but I’ve also read some of his other work set in his own world, and I love his ability to create rich, long-running sagas. His fight scenes are also superlative. Last, but certainly not least, would have to be Margaret Weiss & Tracy Hickman. The Dragonlance Chronicles was the first true fantasy series I read, and the Death Gate Cycle has had a heavy influence on my Diabolical Ascension mythos. The Darksword Trilogy is also excellent. As with so many of the other authors above, I love Weiss & Hickman for their rich, epic sagas and well-developed worlds; their non-D&D works are magnum opuses of worldbuilding.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS? WHY?

The Inferno by Dante Alighieri; Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells by Robert J. Schwalb and Robin D. Laws; and the Book of Vile Darkness by Monte Cook all inspired me in the creation of my own version of Hell. Fire Sea, the third book of the aforementioned Death Gate Cycle, is a later addition to this category. Elric of Melniboné is a must to include on this list due to Michael Moorcock being my favorite author. I love everything about Elric. Beyond those, my list of favorite books changes as I read. Presently, I’m really in love with the Night Lords Omnibus by Aaron Dembski-Bowden because he excellently humanizes traditionally evil characters and clearly shows that good and evil is nothing more than a matter of whose point of view you’re looking through. I really enjoy Salamandastron by Brian Jacques because of how he expertly weaves dark elements into a children’s book (that is still riveting to read as an adult!). The last of my current favorites is Conan the Barbarian; there’s plenty of violence to go around, and Conan is a much more well-rounded (and intelligent) character than people who have only seen the movies give him credit for.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE LITERARY CHARACTERS? WHY?

All hail Lord Elric! Blood and souls for Lord Arioch! That aside, I also love Drizzt Do’Urden because of how he handles being an outcast without becoming vicious, and he’s an absolute badass with his scimitars. Finally, Toa Tahu from the Bionicle mythos. He is confident in the face of danger, fiercely devoted to his allies, and he wields fire. A lot of fire.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR FELLOW AUTHORS AND/OR ASPIRING AUTHORS?

My absolute biggest piece of advice is that if you want to write a book, WRITE THE BOOK, and don’t worry about if it fits in with what else is out there. Also, writing and marketing are two entirely different tasks.

IMAGINE ONE OF YOUR BOOKS IS ABOUT TO BECOME A FILM OR TV SHOW. WHO IS YOUR “DREAM CAST?” AND WHO DO YOU ASK TO CREATE THE SOUNDTRACK?

I wouldn’t want my books made into any live action media, but an animated series in the vein of Castlevania would be amazing. That said, I don’t have anyone in mind I would want on the cast. For the soundtrack, I’d love to have the doom metal band Green Lung put together some instrumentals.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH POTENTIAL READERS?

My work is not for the faint of heart or stomach. Consider your triggers warned!

WHERE CAN WE GO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR LITERARY WORKS?

Social Media Links

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/IsaiahBurt

Author Personal Blog- https://talesofvalorandwoe.wixsite.com/zeragabaalkhal

Links To Purchase My Books,

Legacy of Flames Purchase Link- https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/421383/

Legacy-of-Flames Darkness & Glory- https://www.lulu.com/shop/isaiah-burt-and-victoria-blotta/darkness-glory/ebook/product-zg4n44.html?q=Darkness%20%26%20Glory&page=1&pageSize=4&fbclid=IwAR2IBOX6KZ7RhKY16VWoDkTHZtdv0gg4UcWCpG8Svs8h5MnQnVWhj79BUuM

Other Published Works- https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?author=Isaiah%20Burt

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JQM PRESENTS A BLOG POST INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR Ally Marie

JQM PRESENTS A BLOG POST INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR Ally Marie

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:

Ally Marie was born in Georgia where she spent most of her younger years writing and singing. It wasn’t until college, moving to Tennessee, did she realize writing was her truest calling. Which is where she lives now with her husband, five dogs, and bird. She thinks of them as her saving grace. If she isn’t spending time with her fur babies, family or writing, she can be found with either a book or game controller in her hands. Destiny of a Fable is her debut novel.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE?

The feeling knowing the story I write can relate to someone.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS? WHY?

Stephine Myers because she breaks you into a world where you feel something for these characters.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS? WHY?

There are many and that is because the books are able to make me feel things for each character.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE LITERARY CHARACTERS? WHY?

I don’t have a favorite character.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR FELLOW AUTHORS AND/OR ASPIRING AUTHORS?

Research is key!

IMAGINE ONE OF YOUR BOOKS IS ABOUT TO BECOME A FILM OR TV SHOW. WHO IS YOUR “DREAM CAST?” AND WHO DO YOU ASK TO CREATE THE SOUNDTRACK?

I don’t have one. I feel it’s like picking who you think fits the best.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH POTENTIAL READERS?

No matter how long it takes you, continue to follow your dreams.

WHERE CAN WE GO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR LITERARY WORKS?

Amazon, B&N, Walmart, Kindle Unlimited, Audible

JQM LITERARY SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS Destiny of a Fable by Ally Marie

JQM LITERARY SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS Destiny of a Fable by Ally Marie

FIRST, LET’S GET TO KNOW YOU A BIT.  TELL US SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOURSELF:

Ally Marie was born in Georgia where she spent most of her younger years writing and singing. It wasn’t until college, moving to Tennessee, did she realize writing was her truest calling. Which is where she lives now with her husband, five dogs, and bird. She thinks of them as her saving grace. If she isn’t spending time with her fur babies, family or writing, she can be found with either a book or game controller in her hands. Destiny of a Fable is her debut novel.

WHAT IS THE GENRE AND AUDIENCE FOR THIS BOOK:

Young Adult and Urban Fantasy

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS BOOK:

I started writing in English class about 15 years ago and been loving it ever since.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BOOK:

At seventeen, Rylee Jenkins’s angered words killed her mother and brother, her visions couldn’t save them, and now this strange, newfound magic is prying apart her life. Rylee’s father wants to remember the man who almost killed him, and to understand why his wife drove them off the bridge. Rylee just wants to forget it and repair the relationship. Two months after the deaths of her mother and brother, Rylee is forced to address her grief. When it brings down her barn hideaway in a sea of flame, she learns that her saviors knew her mother. From the mysterious boy, Drake Sullivan, and his sister, Mara, Rylee and her father learn that Rylee is a witch, and with her lineage and an heirloom locket, she can unlock something no one else can. But if she can’t unlock it in the few weeks time she has, the Fable world will be destroyed. Deceit and faith battle for Rylee’s loyalty in her journey to discovering the truth behind her mother’s death, her family’s hunter, and her destiny. Only by finding the magic buried behind a spell can Rylee save those she loves and uncover the true enemies in her life.

WHERE CAN WE PURCHASE YOUR BOOK:

Amazon, Kindle Unlimited, B&N, Walmart