Books Are Cool « Book reviews, editing and publicity

Today I’m taking part in the blog tour for I See London, I See France by Paulita Kincer. I’ll begin with my review of this beautifully written and engaging novel, and then we’ll hear from Paulita.

Review

“What have I done?” I silently asked. “I’m stepping off into this madhouse with my children.”

Which parent hasn’t asked themselves that at some point when they’ve taken drastic action of some sort? (I know I did during the early months after we moved to France!) This is the question Caroline poses herself when she decides to go to Europe with her three children after her marriage to Scott crumbles. She’d spent time in France as a young woman in Aix-en-Provence and Corsica and has interesting memories of the country, and especially of the attractive Jean-Marc, which are shared with us through the book. And so she is drawn back there, via London, Cornwall, Scotland and Paris.

The various settings are portrayed in wonderful detail – the scenery, the people, the sights and smells. The physical journey reflects Caroline emotional journey as she tries to decide what to do with her future, how to proceed from this point of marital breakdown. London is the businesslike, responsible Caro, whereas the wilds of Scotland, and the exotic Gustave, see her starting to shake off her inhibitions and worries. But it still seems her happiness prove to be as elusive and possibly fictional as the Loch Ness Monster. But then comes Paris, some self-realisation, and the next stop is Aix-en-Provence. She meets up with some people from her past, and at the same time finds her life is taking “a relaxing turn” and “is easier here”. And Jean-Marc reappears, and also Gustave.

And so briefly on to Italy and Scott…

The novel is absorbing, beautifully written and fabulously enjoyable. It also offers us a gentle reminder that relationships need working at. It’s too easy to take certain things for granted or get stuck in a behavioural rut. Teenage first crazy love is contrasted with married love and life, temptation with loyalty, self-indulgence with duty. There’s comedy, sadness, romance, bitterness, temptation, discipline – Paulita Kincer keeps us gripped. Caroline is a sympathetic heroine, honest and genuine, but most of all human. She’s not superwoman, although she comes fairly close at times in my opinion. She’s someone we can admire. Above all she’s warm and caring and real and we can see ourselves in her shoes.

Do read this touching, inspiring novel, available here from Amazon.com.

And Paulita’s website is here.

And now let’s hear from Paulita.

Interview with Paulita

Stephanie, Thanks so much for inviting me to be on your blog today. I feel like I just dropped by your lovely gite for a mid-morning coffee klatch. I know, tea for you, but I’ll have a café crème without the spoon left in the cup.

1. What’s the story behind I See London, I See France? Why did you write it?

This book began long ago when my husband and I first traveled to France with the kids. They were 2, 4 and 6 years old. I wrote a “memoir” of sorts for us. Thinking of how difficult that trip was, I imagined what it would be like to handle three kids on your own in France and how desperate someone would be to try that. That’s what became the idea for I See London I See France. Also, marriage can be tricky. Everyone has down times and up times. It’s easy to start longing for that French love who got away during a down time.

2. Please describe your novel in 100 words.

An unhappy American woman sells her minivan and uses the proceeds to escape to Europe with her three kids in tow. She’s searching for joy and thinks that a previous French love might be the answer. Along the way, she’s distracted by a handsome gypsy and the travails of motherhood, all in gorgeous vacation settings.

3. How does the cover encapsulate your novel?

Originally, I’d pictured a book cover with a bicycle leaning against the front of a French country house. When I couldn’t find that, I went with the iconic Eiffel Tower. It definitely lets the readers know where the novel takes place. This picture is especially meaningful because my son Tucker took it on a class trip to France last year.

4. Which do you prefer – London or Paris?

Definitely Paris – no offense to anyone who loves London. Most of the action takes place in France with just a brief touchdown in London, western England and Scotland.

The title for the book actually comes from an American childhood rhyme.

I See London

I See France

I See Stephi’s underpants

Since Caroline, the main character, is traveling with her children, I thought the rhyme would help readers make that link. I didn’t count on the rhyme not being universal though.

5. Which authors or books are you reading at the moment?

I just finished your book, Stephanie, which I enjoyed. I like to read memoirs set in France, but I really love any kind of fiction, usually written by women. Last week I read After Her by Joyce Maynard. Marian Keyes is one of my favorite authors so I’m always on the lookout for something by her.

6. When did you first realize you wanted to be an author, indie or otherwise?

I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I have notebooks full of pioneer stories that I wrote as a little girl. I used to take my notebook and a peanut butter sandwich and leave the house early in the morning to find adventures to write about.

7. Tell us briefly about what book’s coming next.

I’m writing a novel called Paris Runaway. It’s about a divorced mom whose 17-year-old daughter disappears. The mother learns she’s followed a French exchange student from Florida to Paris. The mother goes after her and learns a lot about herself while in pursuit of her daughter.

8. What one snippet of advice would you give to aspiring self-published authors?

Keep writing. Don’t stop to admire your work after you’ve finished one novel. The next one awaits, and they usually just get better as you keep going.

9. What does your family think about you being an author?

My daughter is 22 now and she is a great cheerleader for me. She tries to stay on top of my social media. My boys are 20 and 17, and they aren’t so interested in my books. My husband has to juggle his editor hat and his husband hat to offer me criticism and support. And my parents, well, it’s kind of embarrassing the way they are always trying to sell my books to people.

10. OK, enough of the serious stuff. What are your three favourite foods?

Chocolate, wine and cheese. Is that too cliché? Well, maybe that’s one of the reasons why I love France so much. Okay, how bout:

A nice flaky croissant with melted chocolate in the middle

Little squares of goat cheese on salad

A sweet dessert wine

Thanks so much for interviewing me for your blog and thanks to all of the readers who love reading about interesting characters who find adventures, whether within themselves or out in the world.

Thank you Paulita, and I wish you every success with your marvellous novel.

Click here to find out where else Paulita is visiting on her book tour and enter the giveaway here.

Here’s a book worth bringing to your attention – The Call From Within by Eri Nelson. It’s the first book in the Dearheart Clan series, which promises to bring us smouldering, scintillating paranormal entertainment.

Here’s the blurb:

From the unorthodox author Eri Nelson comes an introduction into the dark primal world of the DHC (Dearhart Clan Series). Where an adult tale creates the foundation for untamed passions no longer bound by humanity but unleashed under the push of extinction.

An unknowing waitress by the name of Kristen Still slips off to sleep with her illusions of normality. Only to be awoken by heated dreams for an unknown traveler’s face who had visited the diner in which she works. Although as the dream subsides her reality is disrupted by a wolfly protector unmasking a deadly mistake in which held Kristen against her will.

Under uncontrollable duress the wolf unfurls to, Owen, the man from her dreams. With fear and doubt discarded under their hastily following pursuers, Kristen flees with Owen’s guidance only to learn more than she had ever bargained for let alone the desires she and Owen create.

And here’s the author:

Do visit Eri at dearharts.com. She’s a very interesting author.

Eri’s virtual book tour is being handled by the efficient and professional Backcover Promotions. I know that Kate would be delighted to organise a tour for your book too so do talk to her.

Let me introduce you to Thad Allen Diaz. Thad recently self-published his debut novel, Procythian Reign, the first in his sci-fi trilogy, The Proceena Crusade. Procythian Reign should be compulsory reading for anyone who has ever smugly and ignorantly dismissed self-pubbers as somehow not quite the real deal. This book illustrates just how talented indie authors can be. It’s a really impressive, engrossing novel. Why? Because although it’s set in the future, it’s firmly rooted in reality. It’s a marriage of imagination and sharp, unforgiving observation. It’s essentially about human nature – human strengths and weaknesses. We can see ourselves in the situations we encounter in the novel. I love it and so I was very keen to interview Thad to find out more about his writing and himself.
What inspired you to write Procythian Reign?
The inspiration for Procythian Reign really dates back to a dream I had where a group of friends lived in a coastal town. It was being besieged by Man-O-War-type wooden warships. The friends watched the siege unfold on TV and with cell phones (aren’t dreams cool?). One of the friends was the daughter of the regent or lord and there was dissension among them, but the details escape me.
I woke up, scribbled down some notes and soon went to work.

Please describe your book in 100 words.
Laura Clabar is the niece of the system ore baron and lives the pampered life of a corporate princess. When tragedy touches her life, she has to decide if her wealth exists merely for her comfort, or if her status as one of Proceena’s elite carries with it responsibilities to those less fortunate.
Eric Phillips is a radical member of the local miner’s guild, fighting for better wages and conditions for the millions who sweat, labor and often die below the surface of Proceena. He wants change and he wants it now. When a mysterious stranger comes into his life, it looks like he might get it.
Can this fiery revolutionary work hand-in-hand with an aristocratic blue blood? Is there enough room in this budding revolution for both of them? Can they stay one step ahead of the ruthless and determined Leo Krisminski? Or, will their differences kill them both? Pick up this dark fast-paced space opera and find out.

What’s the appeal of sci-fi as a genre?
Sci-fi (or Fantasy) is a clean palette. I can create the society I want to best tell the story I want to tell. To be honest, I’m an armchair historian and Procythian Reign is intended to be much more Les Mis or Tale of Two Cities than Star Wars.
Which character from the book are you most like and why out of Mike Carter, Leo Krisminski, Eric Phillips or Turab Al Saad? Or is there someone else who’s more like you?
I identify more with Mike Carter and Eric Phillips than any other characters. This might seem odd, given their differences, but I really share Eric’s political passion about economic and social injustices and am often confused and frustrated by humanity’s ability to be blind to our self-destructive ways (it’s interesting, but very frustrating).
As for Mike, he’s the logical, “the world is what the world is” side of my personality. He’s more circumspect and recognizes that, for all of its imperfections, the world can be changed one small day at a time. I feel like I have gained some of that learned patience as I’ve gotten older (though I suspect I’m no Mike Carter).

Procythian Reign has a great cover. Did you design it yourself?
Procythian Reign‘s cover was painted by a talented artist named Alvin Epps. We collaborated on how it was going to look, but the real work was done by Alvin. He’s amazing, and I highly recommend him. His work can be found at Alvinepps.com

Deep down, would you like to rule a planet or at least captain a spaceship?
This question made me smile. My friend once dedicated the Tears for Fears song, ‘Everyone Wants to Rule the World’, to me because of my total lack of interest in just those things. I have a great day job that I love very much. I understand that the world and the people in it are too complicated for one-size-fits-all answers to work. I can’t imagine being tasked to solve those problems. I don’t really crave the power of a king, too much responsibility… starship captain… maybe.

Which authors or books are you reading at the moment?
Right now I’m reading The Game of Thrones series. It’s a great story with lots of interesting characters. I’m under the impression that Mr. Martin kills his characters with brutal regularity. I haven’t really gotten to any of that yet, but I like it. I’m a firm believer that one of the keys to real drama is to establish that no one or nothing is off limits. I like to read those people and I try to write that way, too.

Do you have any strange or quirky writing habits?
I’m not sure how strange or quirky. I like to take my laptop to the local café or bookstore to work. It gets me out of the house and gives me the opportunity to people watch (one of my favorite past times).

When did you first realize you wanted to be an author, indie or otherwise?
I’ve always liked storytelling. My first experience actually writing was in grade school. I wrote a comic book about a Japanese monster, a radioactive turtle named Gamira. I wrote more in the 7th grade and started historical-based American Civil War stories a dozen times. None were any good.

Tell us briefly about what book’s coming next.
The Proceena Crusade is the next chapter in The Proceena Trilogy. It takes place 20 years after the events of Procythian Reign and is a twisting, fast-paced story of shifting loyalties and hidden agendas. I’m really proud of this story and think that it really compliments Procythian Reign. I’m anxious to get wider feedback on it.

What one snippet of advice would you give to aspiring self-published authors?
That’s tough. It’s not because I haven’t learned anything. It’s quite the opposite. There’s so much I’m still learning. Most people seem to think that the hard part of writing is finishing what you started, and once you finish your masterpiece (usually in one pass) you just have to send it out to a publisher or two, sit back and let the money roll in. If writing were that easy, we’d have a lot more commercially successful authors.
The fact is, if writing weren’t something I would do regardless of the pay, I’d have quit a long time ago. It sometimes seems that you stand a better chance of winning the lottery than getting discovered by one of the major publishing houses, even if you have talent. They’re inundated with thousands of manuscripts every day. How can you stand out from those multitudes? An agent? Perhaps. But that’s often easier said than done, especially if you want one that is going to really get out there and represent you.
The world wide web seems to have answered the prayers of despondent writers everywhere: publish yourself electronically! Well, the multitude of voices drowning you out just increased by a hundred fold. That is the greatest challenge to moving from being a talented guy or gal with a lot of potential to a commercially successful writer.
Since I’m not a true commercial success, yet, I don’t know how much weight my opinion should be given, but I think there are a few keys: first and foremost, HAVE A POLISHED FINISHED PRODUCT!!!! Good stories aren’t written. They’re rewritten. Go back with a critical eye and edit your story, get rid of extraneous stuff that slows the story down and distracts the reader. Get in late and out early. Show don’t tell. Leave the -ly adverbs at home. To that end, learn (if you haven’t already) rules to good writing. There are a bunch of good books available at your local library.
Get a professional editor! This can be tough, because it can be expensive, but whether you’re going to go the indie or traditional route, you’ll be expected to clean your own laundry. Don’t let cost be your only criteria. You don’t want to get what you pay for and throw good money after bad trying to fix what could have been done right the first time. On the other hand, I once spent three times what I pay now and didn’t get nearly the service I’m getting from Stephanie. Do your research. Try to vet these people a little. It’s usually pretty easy to get them whittled down to a handful. Stephanie edits my books and I highly recommend her.
Lastly, it takes work and faith. You have to believe in yourself and stay at it. One of my favorite expressions is fortune favors the prepared. It’s a tough, grueling game, but you can’t win if you aren’t in it. Learn all you can about writing and marketing (remember you’re a small business owner now). Talk to people who have come before you to see what they do. That way, when you get your big break, you’ll be ready. I plan to be.

What do your family think about you being an author?
My family has been incredibly supportive. My mother is super proud. My sister has helped me network among her friends. I’ve had friends beta read for me and supported me in ways I never expected. My daughters are excited about my books (even if they’re not old enough for some of its content). My son did Procythian Reign‘s trailer soundtrack. I hope he’ll do The Proceena Crusade‘s, as well.
But, without question, my wife has been my number one supporter and fan. She believes in me and tells me how talented I am and how proud she is of me. She did the voice over on Procythian Reign‘s trailer and has never griped about the money we’ve spent on pursuing this dream. It’s one of many reasons I love her so.

OK, enough of the serious stuff. What are your three favourite foods?
Oooh food. I have an affinity for meat-and-potatoes meals. Beef Wellington is one of my favorites. Here in Tampa, there’s a strong Hispanic influence and I love plantains, super sweet fried bananas. I like ice cream, almost anything with chocolate in it, but it’s hard to beat a good chocolate chip cookie.

And judging from your photo on your Amazon page, you’re a snappy dresser. What would you not be seen dead wearing?
Looks can be deceiving! I’m actually the epitome of the casual dresser. That pic was taken on my way to a daddy-daughter dance. The suspenders and tie were actually bought earlier that day, after my kids fell in love with the look. But that pic seriously misrepresents my fashion sense.
I bet I don’t wear lace up shoes outside of work more than ten times a year. It’s usually some kind of flip-flop or deck shoe. I wear long pants even less often and those are usually jeans. I used to wear a lot of collared polo-style shirt, but as I get older it’s almost all t-shirts. If my wife and kids wouldn’t be so upset, I’d cut what’s left of my hair off.

But, if I had to pick something, I’d say it’s those shorts that hang down around your butt or sleeveless shirts.

Backcover Pomotions Launch February 1st 2014 1pm to 11pm GMT!!!

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Backcover Promotions are very excited today!! There will be a LOT going on. They will be celebrating with a Facebook party and there will be going on their website too!!! So check both regularly through the day to get the most out of it with them =)

They have lined up some amazing prizes. They have an extensive list to giveaway from their sponsors!! 24 merchandise bundles are lined up to giveaway through the day. Plus there will be some amazing discounts on their tour packages and some of their other services.

To make the day even more fun they have set up a loyalty card for the event. If you enter 6 contests through the day you will get an extra 20% on any discounts giveaway. If you don’t win any of the main contests but still enter 6 contests through the day you will get the 25% towards any package you would like. How cool is that?

Everyone is a winner during the Backcover Promotions Launch Day Party!!

Please feel free to print the loyalty card and check off your entries or you can check the entries off in any image programme. Once you have a filled card please email your completed card, name, what contests you entered and if you have won any other prize and we will be sure to keep a note of the completed cards through the day!! Email: kate[at]backcoverpromotions.co.uk

We hope to see you there!!

BCP Launch Loyalty Card

Boy band One Direction are turning into publishing as well as singing sensations. For the second year running their annual was a Christmas bestseller (only pipped to the post by Minecraft in 2013) and there are lots of books about them.

And here’s another brilliant one: One Direction – Knitting Pattern Exclusive by Carol Meldrum. (Published by Collins and Brown. Kindle €4.75) A book of knitting patterns so you can create your own Harry, Liam, Zayn, Louis and Niall and take them wherever you go! Or for your son or daughter, sister or brother, granddaughter, grandson, nephew or niece, or maybe even your mum or dad! Band member Harry likes to knit so there’s great encouragement for boys to get knitting too.

Knitting is cool these days, thanks to celebs taking up the pastime and to yarn bombers giving it a subversive element with their knitted graffiti, and so tweens and teens are OK to pick up needles and yarns. And with this book you won’t need to wrestle their tablet and phones out of their hands first. They’ll happily put them down to knit up a Zayn I’m quite sure.

The patterns are very straightforward and well explained. There’s a clear, concise ‘how to’ section and a list of the all-important abbreviations. The patterns use two-needle knitting, but more experienced knitters and fellow knitting-in-the-round junkies like me will quickly see how they can adapt the patterns to four needles if they wish.

The legs double as the trousers for each of the boys, and the shoes are the feet, but each band member has an add-on separate jacket or jumpers. There’s a hoodie, a jumper and a cardi for three of the lads and a template to make a felt jacket for the other two. This pattern again is very well explained. And the individual hairstyles are inspired! So often hair has been the downfall of knitted toys, and hand sewn ones too, usually a bit thin and ratty. Well, Carol Meldrum has it cracked for her little popstars. These are really a great touch.

The patterns use fingering yarn (sock yarn) which is ideal for their size as the small stitches aren’t too clumpy and clumsy for the figures. They also provide a good opportunity for you to use up any small balls of leftover wool in your stash.

Each boy takes a few hours to make (from a couple for a speed knitter to around four or so I’d estimate for a newbie) which makes this an easily achievable, morale-boosting project. And if you make one, then you just have to make the others so this will mean young knitters will see the project through, learn some skills, get a great sense of achievement and a fun end result that their non-knitting buddies will be envious of. This book is a great thing for not just One Direction fans but also for knitting’s street cred.

You may remember that I have featured Alan Larson before on this site. This talented author has followed up his stunning debut novel, Mexizona, with another incredible piece of fiction. The Last Gypsy Princess, the first in a trilogy you’ll be delighted to hear, is a fast-paced thriller set in the Roma community. Zee Ziko is the feisty, resourceful heroine. Her grandfather is a very powerful figure in the Chicago kumpania. However, he has never spent much time with Zee and certainly never readied her for the responsibility of leading the Kumpani, a role which he now plans for her following the death of the leader of the rival Martinov family. He feels guilty as Zee suddenly finds herself facing very real threats to her life, but luckily he has a very sharp, resourceful granddaughter.

As well as keeping us riveted to the pages, the book introduces us to Roma culture and beliefs. Curses and spells carry as much power as guns amongst the community. Dutiful obedience is expected by the senior members of the Kumpania. This norm is to test Zee almost to breaking point.

This book is going to be transferred to the big screen and you can see why. (Alchemy Ink, Inc. and producer Fonda Snyder have acquired the film packaging rights.) It’s full of action, is original, has a fascinating cast of charismatic characters, both good and bad, and keeps us guessing all the way through. There’s romance, violence, tension, celebration, hope and despair, but above all a unique and empathetic heroine who carries this amazing story along.

It’s a brilliant book that you have to read. You can buy it here and at all other Amazons.

I’m very happy indeed to be today’s host for Margo Wilson’g virtual book tour with The Main Ingredient. This is a very enjoyable book to read. For those who like to genre-alise their books then I suppose ‘cosy mystery’ is where this fits best, but I rather cringe to use that term. It doesn’t do the books that fall into it justice because, like The Main Ingredient, they are thoughtful, intelligent and subtle, with touches of humour and deep, fascinating characters. There may not be the murder or multi-million dollar fraud or threat to world peace on every page which mainstream thrillers seem to demand, but cosy mysteries reflect real life far more closely. Petty rivalries and relatively minor incidents can become all-consuming and dangerous when you’re caught up with them.

In this story, West Coast food editor Wendy Whitby returns to her home town of Weewampum to be with her dying mother. But her stubborn mother is determined to prolong this as much as possible. To keep her busy, Wendy helps old school friends Amber and Merribeth with their newly-opened restaurant, Amberosia’s. Amber and Merribeth are almost polar opposites in terms of personalities and Wendy fits in somewhere in-between, giving us an intriguing trio of heroines.

Local politics rears its ugly head as a proposal is made to move the hospital from its current downtown location so someone rather fancier. This will be the death of the downtown area so many residents oppose this idea and make Amberosia’s their headquarters. This brings the restaurant into the centre of attention, so when it burns down, then it seems clear it wasn’t an accident. The Fire Marshal believes that too, only he’s convince that the trio did it themselves to get the insurance money. It’s look rather grim for the girls so Wendy spearheads a campaign to find out the truth. However, this stirs up a hornet’s nest of old grudges and skeletons in cupboards and several people have to make hard decisions.

There is a lot of depth and humanity to this novel. It’s a joy to read, and there are tempting recipes to try too.

You can buy the book here.

Author Margo Wilson has always had a very active imagination and soon learned that words have power and beauty. This led her to polish her creative writing skills and as a result, she landed a job teaching writing at California University of Pennsylvania and snagged a book contract with Ramsfield Press. She’s currently working on a memoir about travel and taking a journey, and a series of novels about a dog who … well, let’s all she’ll tell us. Although she grew up in Wisconsin, Margo has lived in Indiana, Canada, and California. She makes her home in Southwestern Pennsylvania, with her menagerie of animals.

Today I’m joining in the cover reveal for Jude Ouvrard’s new book, Body, Ink and Soul.

Phoenix Silverstone more commonly known as Nix, is a twenty-one year old that has finally discovered her freedom. After living under the strict rules and protection of her mother, Nix moved out with her two best friends in a quaint little Seattle apartment. For the first time Nix is finally able to spread her wings and breathe. Together, they get a job working at a bar and for the first time everything is perfect.

Freedom, friendships, a great job and fantastic man on the verge of becoming hers. Tristan is the suave, intelligent, not to mention gorgeous law student that Nix has her eyes and heart set on. For the first time, she has her life together; that is, until her path crosses with Levi. The charming, tattooed and downright sexy bad boy that Nix knows she needs to avoid.

But when one of her friends moves out she is shocked to find that her new roommate is none other than Levi. Flirting. Desire. Undeniable temptations. Nix can’t deny the chemistry surging between them but she can’t forget her mother’s extreme hate towards bad boys.

Will Nix have the strength to listen to her heart? Or will her mother’s rules cost her everything? This is the book you’ll have to read to find out!

Author Jude lives in Montreal, Canada. She is the proud mother of a beautiful five year old son, Isaac and has spent the last twelve years with her boyfriend, Cedric. French is her native language, but she prefers to write in her second language, English. That’s a very impressive achievement. She has a passion for books, both reading and writing them.

Both she and this book sound very interesting and well worth discovering. Start with her website at www.judeouvrard.com.

The popularity of historical fiction is on the rise. For a long while it was associated mainly with ‘bodice rippers’, and told tales of brooding earls and swooning heroines with heaving bosoms. But luckily it’s left that image behind and really come into its own as a genre. It is getting the respect and attention it deserves.

The best way to define it is as fiction set more than fifty years in the past and one in which the author is writing from research rather than personal recollection.

The goal of historical fiction is not to simply show readers what life was like in another time period – history text books are better at that – but to show us how that particular setting is reflected in the character and plot of the novel. How the people we meet in its pages can only have acted in that particular way because of the circumstances of their time. This helps us see the differences and similarities between our own perspectives and theirs.

Seeding by Beaux Lee does all this, and more. Set in Louisiana at a time when slavery was an accepted facet of life, we meet some truly amazing characters. The first of these is the enslaved Louis Brown who so impresses his admittedly enlightened owner that he grants him freedom. Louis leaves with his strong wife and a few other people and founds Brown Ville that becomes a magnet to free people of colour and runaway slaves. The small settlement grows quickly, offering opportunities to the coloured people but grating on the whites. There are numerous horrific and totally unjustified attacks on them, but their courage and spirit shine on.

Then the story focuses on little Louisiana Brown, who suffers more than her share of trauma but she epitomises the soul of Brown Ville in her strength and determination to succeed. She has her own natural curiosity and intelligence to support her, as well as a loving family and a cousin, Moxie. The two become inseparable despite their very different upbringings. So when Moxie is forced to leave home, Louisiana – or Baby Girl as Moxie calls her – is bereft. But worse is to come. After her father and brother are senselessly killed before her eyes, and her mother and little brother vanish during a night of terror, she flees and eventually tracks Moxie down in New Orleans. Reunited, these two spirited, exceptional young women begin their conquest of this vibrant city in a somewhat unconventional way.

This is a gripping book. There’s humour, horror, romance, violence, injustice, loyalty but above all hope and optimism, and a fascinating set of characters. And there’s more to come – this is the first book in a trilogy.

I asked Beaux Lee some questions about Seeding and also about being an author.

Tell us very briefly about Seeding.

Seeding is the foundation of the trilogy, Flowers Die Young. I really wanted to take my time and thoroughly introduce my reader to not only my characters but also my setting, New Orleans. With an understanding of both, I thought it would make for a far more authentic feel to the story as a whole.

What’s the story behind the story? Why did you write this book?

I just wanted to shed some light on some of the things that went on in New Orleans in the past. I researched the city’s history and it almost seemed like a story that someone had made up already. A city that is older than the country itself and influenced by various countries, that was relaxed about slavery and allowed open racial mixing during a forbidden time in history, that legalized prostitution, was the home of mafia plots for presidential assassinations… the list goes on. I found this very fascinating and just let my imagination run wild with some of the facts that I discovered. I hope I encourage others to look into this historically unique city as well.

Who’s your favorite character?

Madame Leblanc. While researching and learning about the madams who ran the brothels of Storyville in New Orleans, I was most intrigued. This character quickly came to life before there ever was a story to write. I spent so much time developing her that I had to edit much of it out to shorten my book!

Which character is most like you?

Larry Brazier. I think we are very similar. Hardworking, strong, quiet, but when we speak we strive to make it impactful. Patient and long-suffering, but ready and willing to make a stand as well.

What makes Seeding stand out from the crowd?

I think it is unique because it is covering a very unique time and place in history. Not many have written about life in New Orleans during the times stretching from slavery and running up into life in America’s only red light district. It seems as though those would be worlds apart yet this was reality. Therefore Seeding actually sets itself apart.

Seeding has a fantastic cover. Tell us about that.

I found it difficult to find a single image that I felt would capture my book in its entirety. I had the joy of working with a great illustrator, Reese Dante. The moment he suggested this cover I was blown away. Everything revolves around these two characters and I think the cover depicts them in their purest form.

What made you decide to go the self-publishing route?

I feel that things have changed for the better. There are pros and cons to each way of publishing but at the end of the day, I believe that the things you can do for yourself, you should do. Do what you can, learn on the fly if you have to. The gratification you get from pushing that ‘save and continue’ or ‘publish’ button makes it all worth it.

What one snippet of advice would you give to aspiring self-published authors?

Don’t give up! Nothing is too difficult. If you love to write and wish to share it with the world, nothing can stop you in this day and age but yourself.

What are you reading at the moment?

The Bible. The 1611 King James version. Researching for my next project!

Do you write every day? Is it hard to find the time?

It depends. Sometimes I lock myself away for days to write morning, noon, and night. Other times I feel like I’m forcing it. I’m not afraid of taking a few days off from writing altogether either. It can be challenging at times but where there’s a will there’s a way.

What ereading device do you have? And why did you choose that one?

I read from my kindle, iPhone, iPad, or anywhere else that I can. No preference here.

Do you dress up or dress down to write? Or maybe you don’t dress at all?!

I definitely dress down!

Where can we find your website? And on other social media?

My website still isn’t up yet. I am on google+, Beaux Lee, as well as twitter @beauxl. Please connect with me there!

And finally anything else we need to know about you?

Nope, I’m a simple man!

Seeding is available in Kindle format from all the Amazon websites

Blog hops with books and writing as a theme are a great way of either discovering great new books to read, or a means of providing discoverability to your own books.
They simply involve posting a relevant article, providing some sort of freebie (and you don’t need to go mad – anything cheap and book related will do nicely) and supporting other hoppers. I’ve always found them to be very successful and they really boost your blog readership numbers.

So follow my lead and get hopping!

Here are some I’ll be taking part in the near future:
An Affair to Remember 1-12 February 2014
I’m not sure for definite which love story I’ll be reviewing here but I have a few ideas…

Valentine’s Day Gift Hop 10-15 February Again, not sure which book to review here yet…

Wonderful Weddings Blog Hop 14-28 February 2014 I’ll be reviewing the wonderful Coco Pinchard’s Big Fat Tipsy Wedding by Robert Bryndza, which is a must-read for everyone.

Books Are Cool

Book reviews, editing and publicity

I See London, I See France by Paulita Kincer: a novel about travel, self-fulfilment and relationships

Spotlight on The Call From Within by Eri Nelson

Procythian Reign by Thad Allen Diaz: Sci-Fi Meets Les Misérables

Backcover Promotions Launches Today!

A Street Cred Knitting Book: One Direction knitting pattern exclusive by Carol Meldrum

Another Fantastic Novel From Alan Larson: The Last Gypsy Princess

The Main Ingredient by Margo Wilson

Cover Reveal: Body, Ink and Soul by Jude Ouvrard

Seeding by Beaux Lee: a blossom on the historical fiction tree

Blog Hops