AOTW- David A. Santos

David A. Santos

About the author:

David "Das" Santos Was born in Chicago to Puerto Rican parents. They moved to Wisconsin when he was only five months old. He was raised in the 7th Day Adventist Church and has been helping the youth grow closer to Christ by joining local clubs such as Pathfinders and JAHWI (a Spanish organization for the youth) As an active youth in his church, He continues to work for Christ and hopes his books will be a blessing to the readers.

Interview with David A. Santos

David A. Santos is the author of The Hopeless Christiantic.

HP: Hi David, would you care to tell us a little about yourself?

David A. Santos: No. Kidding, Well what’s there to tell? I’m 27 No job, no school no money..end of bio! Actually I am Puerto Rican and a Christian.

HP: How did you start writing? Was The Hopeless Christiantic the first thing you ever wrote?

David A. Santos: I started writing in about the First grade for spelling. Seriously I wrote a manuscript a few years ago. A real religious one. But it would have gotten me kicked out of every church. Looking back at it I’m glad it wasn’t published.

HP: Can you tell us a little about your novel, The Hopeless Christiantic?

David A. Santos: Well it is about a guy in high school who is forced to go out with one girl against his will, but has feelings for someone else and has to get to her before his friend does. Trust me it wasn’t easy keeping this book religious. It is a romance comedy.

HP: What inspired The Hopeless Christiantic?

David A. Santos: Boredom.

HP: In your about me on Goodreads you name is David "Das" Santos. In the novel the main male character in you books name is Das, is this just coincidence or is some of this novel based on fact?

David A. Santos: Coincidence. See. The book was written in first person and since Das is a nickname and not my legal name I figured I’d use it to better connect with the character.

HP: Is there a message that you would like readers to obtain from your novel?

David A. Santos: There are so many little messages in this book. It’s like watching an episode of Full House! Mainly do not judge someone by appearance. 13 or 23 people always judge and in this book Das falls victim to that, but learns a valuable lesson. No matter how many times we say “don’t judge a book by its cover.” People do. I wish for one week everyone could be blind and you’ll see how quickly they’ll find love.

HP: Do you think you will write any other novel; are you perhaps working on anything at the moment?

David A. Santos: I am working on a “sequel” I am also working on another fiction story, my second book should be out soon entitled “Down the Drain and Out the Gutter: The Story of my life.” One of the funniest things I have ever written and I am also working on another book based on my life. All these books are humor.

HP: Do you have anything you would like to say to your readers?

David A. Santos: Buy my books and get a free cookie! Actually yes. This is a religious book, all my books are religious. Please do not open one of them expecting to see me worship Satan. Do not complain like others “Oh I don’t believe in God so I will rate it a 0.” No, if you read something religious have an open mind or at least an unbiased mind. If I had a dime for every time someone complained that Im Christian I could buy Las Vegas!

HP: If you could go any place in the world, where would it be and why?

David A. Santos: If I’m still stuck on this planet what’s the point? Honestly I don’t care where I am. God will always be with me….course having a cute girl with me wouldn’t hurt either! I’d probably go to the North Pole. Cuddling is much better when you’re not sweating all over the person.

Books by David A. Santos

The Hopeless Christiantic

Coming soon

Down the Drain and out the Gutter: The Story of my Life--Expected Publication Date: October 10th 2011

You can also find David at:

Goodreads
His website
Twitter
Facebook

David A. Santos is giving away one (1) copy of his up coming release, Down the Drain and out the Gutter: The Story of my Life, at Goodreads.com

Book Description


"Everyone has a story to tell. Many authors have a book about themselves, but David did not want to write a typical book talking about hardships. His life certainly isn't boring, but He wanted to write something fun and entertaining for the readers.

Get a rare humorous look into the life of David A. Santos. He talks about issues in school, college, unemployment, Vitiligo, girls and how God brought him out of depression and what he did to make his life better."

• Giveaway Details (from what I could glean from Goodreads)
• Open to US
• Ends on October 20th 2011

• To Enter, of course, go here to Goodreads.

AOTW- June Ahern

June Ahern

About the Author:
June Ahern, born in Glasgow Scotland and raised in San Francisco, is from a large family of Celtic storytellers. Her talent for storytelling is found in her debut novel, The Skye in June, about a Scottish family that emigrants to San Francisco in the 1950’s.. Ms. Ahern’s first published book, The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to a Successful Psychic Reading (originally titled A Professional Psychic Reading as Alternative Counseling, 1990) is a complete consumer’s guide to a psychic reading. Both books are receiving an overwhelming five star reviews. Ms. Ahern lives on the California coast with her husband, cat and horse and is writing a new novel.

Interview with June Ahern

HP: Hello, June. Would you care to tell us a little about yourself?

June Ahern: What I've been aware of about myself is, people are of interest to me. That is their culture, religion, history, music and dance. Also, with my love for animals I am most curious about their ways of communicating and how they do it, not only with each other, but with humans. My interests add to self-examine and opening my imagination for writing. Nature inspires me and daily outings have contributed to my personal growth as well as creating clarity of purpose and calmness to act upon goals. Coming from a large family and rather wild family of Scots, I have a great love for laughter, dance, and exploration. I endeavor to remain optimistic and inspiring and helpful to others, if I can.

HP: From what I understand you was born in Glasgow Scotland and then immigrated to San Francisco California. Maybe it’s only me, but I have always loved the idea of going to Scotland. Can you tell us a little about what you remember from your time living there?

June Ahern: Scotland is a small country with a long history of strong willed people. You would see rolling hills to stark craggy mountains and lots of water - waterfalls, lakes (or lochs), streams and the likes. And golf courses, of course! To your question, surprisingly, I remember more than most think a child of six and younger would about Scotland. Perhaps that is because our move to the U.S. was such a pivotal time in my family’s history. We lived in Glasgow, a crowded town (now called a city), but I vividly remember the area we lived: our flat's layout and especially recall playing out in the close, or as it is referred to in the U.S backyard. . It was a large common area where many children from the surrounding tenement houses played. My elder sister would put on shows where she'd have a lot of kids sing and dance. The fun we had! The washhouse where, because I was the youngest, had to sit on an upturned washbasin. So many memories with my brothers and sisters are stuck in my head. Most, fun. One of the worst memories was when my younger sister was kidnapped. Although I was only four, the emotional state of my parents and older sister stick in my head also. She was brought home within 24 hours.

1990's edition

HP: Do you ever think about going back?

June Ahern: Gladly I go “home” to visit my many cousins and see parts of Scotland I’ve missed.  I've been back four times now and am due another visit. The last time was in '06 to honeymoon. My eldest sister and mother were visiting at then also. And new husband was gracious enough to invite my sister to travel with us to the Isle of Skye where I was doing some research for my novel. . What an incredibly beautiful and magical isle it is! My sister and I planned for years to travel together to see our old home in Glasgow and Skye. Again, funny travel stories and it was an extra special time because my sister died a couple of years. My cousins in Scotland are preparing a book tour, and radio shows guest spots for me so another trip is a must!

HP: “In the early ‘80’s she became a Wiccan.” This line in your bio on your website really caught my attention. I have always been fascinated about the subject and was wondering if you could tell us what it was that converted you to Wiccan.

June Ahern: My first attraction was the roles for females in it. Growing up Catholic, females play a small role in decision-making and with the rituals and ceremonies, such as Mass and for me that is not equality. There are many positive things I learned through my Catholic religious training that is still used in Wicca: great faith in a Divine Source, connect with angels, guides (saints in Catholicism) as well as the use of props, such as candles, incense, flowers as well as hand and body movements to create an energy. But Wicca a greater connection to nature and with my love for that, Wicca suits me.

HP: From what I understand you have used your, and I again quote from your bio from your blog “intuitive and psychic ability to work with law enforcement through helping with cases and speaking with the victim’s family to give them a sense of peace through their loss.” Can you tell us a little about this and what it’s like to be able to help people on that level?

June Ahern: I am greatly honored if I can help and perhaps relieve some pain, for a person suffering. Although I no longer offer my skills for this, the experience was satisfying. One doesn’t not want to give hope to the family that all is well, so I would have to chose my words wisely when revealing information given my spirit. Usually the victim was not alive. It can be disturbing to feel the energy of a person who is in great fear, being hurt and ultimately killed. The spirit of that person comes across very strong. Especially sad was two cases involving children. One case was a missing child found to be living with his mother who had taken him without permission. That was more of a legal battle. Anther case involved a theft, and the items were recovered. Working with the police, now that can be very difficult as they are fact finders and suspicious of everyone. But in a few cases I made some friends with the law enforcers, which I’ve kept to date.

HP: As a Life Coach, Intuitive Arts Mentor, teacher and author, you must have a very busy schedule, how do you do it all and a bigger question why? I mean did you set out to do all of this in your life, or is it something that just happened over time?

June Ahern: Ha ha. I ask myself this often, why? The IAM (Intuitive Arts Mentor) really just happened. It started in the 1960’s as a strong interest in parapsychology, religion, philosophy, and psychology. After a serious car accident I began to have visions for people and talk to the dead. People heard about my abilities and a profession or purpose was created. The Life Coach is a perfect add on. I never have encouraged nor will allow a person to be dependent upon psychic readings with me, but I did want to continue to work with people to fulfill their goals and karma hence Life Coaching. What a thrill it is to work with clients on this level! Teaching classes and workshops: love to teach, love to give information - the keys, that is, that open the doors to the subconscious mind. Mystery of life surrounds us and we can tap into it. I’ve been writing since I was young and won an award in the eight grade.  My first book, The Timeless Counselor, was written because a friend encouraged me to do it. And the novel, had to get that story out!  And, I do more with volunteering and such, but I am slowing down.

HP: Your novel The Timeless Counselor/A Complete Consumer's Guide to a Psychic Reading, came out in eBook format, January 6th 2011. Can you tell us a little bit about this novel and what inspired you to write it?

June Ahern: It actually was first printed in 1990 under a different title, A Professional Psychic Reading as Alternative Counseling and shortly after it came out in paperback (self-published on a dime), I thought of the now title. Now it is under a new title with a new cover and includes new chapter and also my ESP (fun) Quiz. A friend encouraged me to write it and after repeatedly informing people about what a psychic reading is, can give you, how it happens etc, it was wonderful to put it in writing. So many helped me get it in print. Yes, it is an eBook and the paperback of the newer version is due out this Fall although I have a limited amount of first editions available.  At the New York Whole Life Expo, where I was a featured speaker, it was the best selling book for an unknown author.

HP: Your other novel or kind of a biography I should say (?), was recently, in 2008 if I am not mistaken, redistributed in paperback BookSurge Publishing. How much real life is in this book and how much fiction

June Ahern: I think of it more as a story set in an autobiographical framework. Originally I wrote it as a screenplay and did so to honor four of the six sisters who share my Wiccan practice. An author friend encouraged me to write a novel because screenplays are more attractive from a book. I asked, “How long will that take?” It took two and half years. A lot of real life of many I know are in this story. I did a lot of research and interviews to “hear” and “feel” stories in the book. The fiction is, my mother was not blonde, my father, hard as he was, had a great sense of humor and adventure and I had brothers who were miffed they weren’t include in the book. If they read it carefully they would have read they are.  I did not recognize my psychic abilities as a child. I hope that helps the reader understand it is not an autobiography.

HP: Are you working on anything at the moment?

June Ahern: I am and very excited about it. The project began as a screenplay – again - for a Scottish actress. Unfortunately the project was delayed until recently when I decide to write it as a novel. The new life sprung forth from that decision is incredible. Again, a Scottish immigrant coming to San Francisco but at a later and very poignant time in history: The Summer of Love 1967. It’s has a more adult theme: sex, drugs, rockin' roll and murder. Such a jolly good time will be had!

HP: Where can we purchase your novels?

June Ahern: My first choice for paperbacks would be through my website www.juneahern.com for a personally autograph for The  Skye in June and The Timeless Counselor in the first edition. The Skye in June can also be found Amazon.com or Createspace.com Both books are ebooks Amazon and smashwords.com.

HP: Do you have anything you would like to say to your readers?

June Ahern: Reading is a wonderful gift. One can learn so much through books such as other places, cultures, history, and share in adventures.  For example in my novel allows a reader to learn about the Scottish culture and some words and also life in San Francisco circa early 1960’s. Reading, more than the visual media, encourages one’s own great imagination to open.

HP: What do you do in your free time?

June Ahern: What’s that? I walk, swim and have playtime with my husband, grandchildren, family, friends and horses.

HP: Thank you June for interviewing with me!

Books by June Ahern
The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to a Successful Psychic Reading (originally titled A Professional Psychic Reading as Alternative Counseling, 1990)
The Skye in June

Articles
Married to a Witch
Religion: Fair and Equal?
A Pagan Wiccan Death Ceremony
All the above and more articles by June Ahern can be found at EzineArticles.com

RecognitionJune Ahern's has received overwhelming five star mentions for her novels on Goodreads, Amazon and Smashwords.

You can find June at:Her Blog
Her website
Her sf coaching site
Facebook
LinkedIn
MySpace
Twitter

June Ahern has offered to giveaway four copies of her novel and how to book in either paperback (The Timeless Counselor is under old title with the 1990's cover) or eBook format; The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to a Successful Psychic Reading and The Skye in June, to four (4) winners!

To Enter:

• Go to the giveaway page.

Book Description:

"The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to a Successful Psychic Reading is a complete consumer's guide to a psychic reading – the key to receiving the greatest benefits from a reader.You will learn that you can grow and heal spiritually, emotionally and physically from a reading as well as how to recognize and avoid unethical readers - choose one best suited for your needs and interests - how to prepare questions to get a more detailed answer from the reader - how to use the information attained successfully to fulfill your goals and much more. This book is also a wonderful source to learn about the psychic realm as you learn how psychics receive their information and then have the opportunity to learn about your own ESP through the author's ESP Quiz. Read this book before making an appointment with a psychic. It is the key to a successful psychic experience."

Book Description:

"June MacDonald’s fate is sealed the day she is born when her mother, Cathy, defies her husband Jimmy by giving their new daughter a pagan name instead of a Catholic saint’s, as is their tradition. The decision forever sets the MacDonald family on a course for disaster, and no one can foresee that June will grow up to threaten their strong religious beliefs. After a family tragedy the MacDonald family emigrates from Scotland to San Francisco, California, in the hopes of a new beginning. There, young June begins to have visions. They haunt Cathy, revealing her secret past in the Scottish Highlands. June’s religiously rigid and abusive father will not tolerate the visions. That doesn’t stop June’s feisty nature or curiosity about her psychic abilities and interest in witchcraft. The family is on the brink of imploding when June and her three sisters come of age in the 1960’s Haight Ashbury scene. Their father’s declaration seems to be coming true: “Doomed to hell, every last one of you.” In order to save June,"

Giveaway Details:

• Giveaway is open to US only!
• Giveaway will run from September 19th 2011 - October 3rd 2011
• Giveaway winner(s) will be chosen randomly and announced on October 4th 2011
• The winner(s) will have 48 hours to contact back before another winner(s) will be chosen.
• One entry per-person please!
• If you enter, you are acknowledging that you read and accept the giveaway/contest policy.
• Giveaway is provided by the author.

AOTW- Jimmy Pudge

Jimmy Pudge

About the Author:

Born in the backwoods of South Georgia in a truck stop toilet, Jimmy M.F.ing Pudge came into this world on 6-9-1979. Incarcerated on several bullshit charges in the past, he has extensive knowledge about the criminal mind and incorporates it into all of his magical tales of horror. From crazy vampires to piss guzzling zombies, shit…you can gets it all in Yo A$$ is Grass: Tales From a Rednek Gangsta and helps Jimmy pay his child support, thus keeping his ass out lockup.

Not sure if you’ll like Jimmy Pudge? Try the free fiction.

Jimmy is also a gourmet chef, specializing in inmate cuisine. Checks out the resapeez of the month and see what this CON-vict be serving!

Interview with Jimmy Pudge

Jimmy Pudge is the author of Yo A$$ Is GRA$$: Tales From a Rednek Gangsta and up coming tile Bad Billy.

HP: Hello, Jimmy. Would you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Jimmy Pudge: I’ve been writing for over 15 years now and just recently decided to try my hand at self-publishing. I had over one hundred rejections before I received my first acceptance. I’ve been a hard worker all my life and only have a limited amount of time to dedicate to writing. But I try to write every minute I can. To me writing is a way of coping with my emotions. It’s an outlet.

HP: Do you remember how and when you started writing?

Jimmy Pudge: Well, I’ve always loved to tell stories. I used to tell ghost stories at night as a kid, and I just naturally gravitated to writing and horror as a result of this. The first time I wrote, it was as a child, looking at a picture book of E.B. White’s Stuart Little. I saw the pictures and decided to write a story based on them. My story wasn’t nowhere near as good as White’s, but I remember the sense of satisfaction I felt completing it.

HP: Do you think any author maybe inspired you or that you look up to, if so who and why?

Jimmy Pudge: There are many authors I admire for many different reasons. Some are masters at plot, others master of dialogue. Some just have the greatest characters you’re gonna find. I’d have to say out of all the authors I’ve read, John D. MacDonald has probably been my biggest inspiration, just because I’ve read more of his books than anyone else’s. His Travis McGee series is the best series in all of literature, in my opinion. He’s got a way with words; he can discuss such things as the beauty of Florida’s wilderness being destroyed by motels, and you don’t feel like it’s a lecture. It just goes so well with the story. His plots are always riveting, and he writes action better than most.  

HP: Your novel, Yo A$$ Is GRA$$: Tales From a Rednek Gangsta, is well I assume an anthology, sort of; a novel of short stories all by you?

Jimmy Pudge: Yes, that’s correct. It’s composed of eight short stories that focus on lowlifes. It breaks a lot of publishers’ guidelines; you’re not going to find a likable protagonist here. You’re not going to see an author who is holding back either. My stories are shrouded in dark humor, horror and even erotica. I call them beautiful tales for horrible people. You have to have a certain type of humor to enjoy them. I chose this title mainly because I felt it was the best way to let people know what these stories are about. I don’t want someone wasting their hard earned dollar on a book that is completely different from what they expect. It’s not a collection of stories for people who hate horror, erotica, crime or vulgar language. It is very original and probably unlike anything you’ve ever read. So if you’re looking for something different, this is it.

HP: Can you tell us a little bit about it and where you came up with the idea for them?

Jimmy Pudge: Less than a year ago, I spoke with an agent who was interested in representing me. The problem, however, he told me, was that what I wrote wasn’t sellable. My stuff was a combination of genres, and he felt I needed to hone in on one genre only and write a novel based on that. Well, I gave it a shot and felt miserable as I wrote. I finally abandoned that project and decided to brave the self-publishing waters.  

“Yo A$$ Is GRA$$” is essentially a collection of stories about losers in bad situations. Crackheads, methheads, killers and even a gorgon with a dirty job make up this world of darkness. I expected the collection to flop. I expected the collection to get horrible reviews. What I didn’t expect was to gain a small fan base and receive such positive praise. I’m humbled at the reception this collection has had. It was even briefly number 13 in horror satire and parodies at Amazon UK. 

HP: Do the tales in the novel all revolve around one topic?

Jimmy Pudge: They are all intertwined by the fact that each story focuses on a particular scumbag. You won’t find any heroes here. Some stories are supernatural, some are crime, and one is science fiction with a touch of mythology.  

HP: Where can we purchase it?

Jimmy Pudge: You can purchase it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Yo-GRA-Rednek-Gangsta-ebook/dp/B005G59IAM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315798742&sr=8-1

HP: You have another novel coming out this month called, Bad Billy. On your page you give a short description of it, would you care to elaborate on the plot a little?

Jimmy Pudge: Bad Billy is the story of two siblings who try to keep the product of their dirty love affair a secret by locking it up in the basement. Billy is a child who grows up in the darkness, innocent and ruthless, naïve and dangerous. He finally escapes his prison and steps out into the world for the first time. In a way, Bad Billy is my ode to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Here you have an innocent person whose interactions with society turn him into a monster.

Early reviews have been positive, with one reader saying, “Bad Billy is a cross between Of Mice and Men and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”

HP: Can we expect more novels from you in the future?

Jimmy Pudge: Oh yeah. I’m currently working on a novel called Chasing Vampyres. This story centers on a sociopath who is trying to prove to himself that he is not a sociopath.

HP: Do you have anything you would like to say to your readers?

Jimmy Pudge: I thank you all so much for giving me a shot. I realize there are tons of 99 cent books out there for you to choose from, so I aim not to disappoint. My work will always be edited and polished before you see it. That’s my promise to you. You can also always expect originality, horror and dark humor.

HP: What are some of your favorite books and are you reading anything interesting right now?

Jimmy Pudge: I admire a lot of books. Some of the most memorable titles have been The Education of Little Tree, The Green Ripper, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and Anatomy of a Killer. Right now, I’m reading a book called Let the Right One In, and it’s a pretty weird read. But I enjoy weird, so I like it.

Books by Jimmy Pudge

Yo A$$ is Gra$$: Tales From A Rednek Gangsta

Coming Soon

Bad Billy--Expected Publication Date: September 2011

Also find Jimmy at:

Goodreads

His website

Facebook

Twitter

AOTW- Renee Wildes

Renee Wildes

About the Author:

Renee Wildes grew up reading fantasy authors Terry Brooks and Mercedes Lackey and is a huge Joseph Campbell fan, so the minute she discovered romance novels it became inevitable that she would combine it all and write fantasy romance. Renee is a history buff, from medieval times back to ancient Greece and Sparta. As a Navy brat and a cop’s kid, she gravitated to protector/guardian heroes and heroines. She’s had horses her whole life, so became the only vet tech in a family of nurses. It all comes together in her Guardians of Light series for Samhain – fantasy, action, romance, heroics and lots of critters!

Interview with Renne Wildes

Renee Wildes is author of the exciting paranormal/fantasy, romance/erotica series; Guardians of the Light.

HP: Hi, Renee! Would you care to tell us a little bit about yourself?

Renee Wildes: I’m a married mother of 2 & live in central WI. I’m a Navy brat & a cop’s kid, the only vet tech in a family of nurses. I have 2 gray half-Arab mares, a calico cat & a black Chow. I’m a coffee addict & a HUGE WA Redskins & PBR (Professional Bull Riders) fan.

HP: I know you said you grew up reading fantasy authors Terry Brooks and Mercedes Lackey and are also a huge Joseph Campbell fan. But do you remember when and how your interest in writing began?

Renee Wildes: My grandma Jeanne first called me a writer when I was six. I started out writing horse stories, ala CW Anderson. I was the only kid in school who had a MAXIMUM word count!

HP: You published your first book in 2008, it was also the first book in your Guardians of the Light series; Duality. From what I gather it is a paranormal/fantasy romance, erotica about Dara Khan Androcles and Elven prince Loren ta Cedric. Can you tell us a little about the plot?

Renee Wildes: Duality is a high fantasy twist on the classic Cinderella theme—half-dragon peasant healer meets elven prince. When Dara’s kingdom is threatened by a demon-possessed despot, Loren takes her home to the elven city of Poshnari-Unai to get help. There she learns about her dragon ancestors—and how to manage her newly awakened fire mage gifts…

BLURB:

Love will give them strength—or prove to be their fatal flaw.

Guardians of the Light, Book 1

Dara Khan Androcles is really in over her head this time. From childhood she’s been forced to hide her half-dragon mage fighting skills behind a public persona as a healer. Now, with a traitor and his demon threatening the throne of Safehold, Dara has no choice but to turn reluctant warrior—and seek help.

She strikes a bargain with runaway Elven prince Loren ta Cedric and his sentient, pain-in-the-butt war mare, Hani’ena. Loren’s not only too handsome for Dara’s own good, the powerful empath can see right through to the pain that drives her.

Loren can’t help but feel Dara’s every hurt, physical and emotional. Though his need for her drives him half mad, he must stay his course to see justice done for his people. Even if it means swearing a Life Debt to the distracting mortal.

That vow, made in the heat of their parallel quests, carries more power than either of them guessed. The power to bond the unlikely pair as Life Mates. The power to lay bare the fears and desires that could bind them to a single purpose—or tear them apart.

All the while a demon awaits, ready to destroy all that they hold dear.

HP: How did you come up with the idea of Duality?

Renee Wildes: My muse is a big red dragon. I kept having a vision of a red-haired woman kneeling in a burning room. When I found out she STARTED the fire, I had to know more. My then-critique group told me to run with it.

HP: Had you written anything before this and tried to get it published or was Duality the first thing you ever submitted for publishing?

Renee Wildes: No, I actually started writing contemporary—I did a story called “Second Chances” that I submitted to Harlequin for American Romance. They didn’t buy it. (I’ve learned a lot since I did that one.) My muse told me to knock it off and stick to what I know & do best—high fantasy romance.

HP: The second book in the series Hedda's Sword, I assume is about a different set of characters, Maleta and Cianan, set in the same world? Are the other books the same, different main characters set in the same world with old characters dropping in?

Renee Wildes: Cianan and Loren are best friends. Cianan appears in Duality. All my characters in the series had their start in Duality; then they each get their own book. It’s fun to see how they develop and grow and change over time!

HP: You have another book in this series set to come out September 27th this year called Riever's Heart; about Verdeen and Daq Aryk. I have to admit after reading through the book descriptions for this interview that the books sound very interesting but this one even more so. Would you care to tell us a little about Riever's Heart? 

Renee Wildes: The heroine Verdeen was Dara’s lady’s maid in Duality, but has always dreamed of being a warrior. Dara saw no reason why Verdeen shouldn’t be allowed to attend the military academy, and so Verdeen becomes the first female graduate. Loren assigns her to be advisor/bodyguard for the human riever daq, Aryk. Verdeen struggles with balancing her woman and warrior. She’s always heard of the dreaded rievers as the scourge of humanity—Dara’s never had anything good to say about them. But Aryk is different, a warrior who longs for peace. His goal is to unite his scattered clans into a single cohesive nation.

HP: Are you working on anything at the moment?

Renee Wildes: I’m working on God of Fyre Mountain, Guardians of Light book 6. The half-dream-faerie-half-forest-troll hero Dax (his aunt is Pryseis, the heroine in Book 4, Dust of Dreams) is banished from Poshnari-Unai by a dark elven mage. She sends him through a magical portal to a distant land—a tropical paradise with one major flaw. The people there worship the fyre god Afu, to whom Dax bears a striking resemblance. When he magically appears in Afu’s temple, the Toka people try to placate him with a maiden sacrifice—the heroine Maili. They expect Dax to stop the volcano’s imminent eruption with his godlike powers. A bad case of mistaken identity ensues…

HP: Why Romance, Science Fiction & Fantasy? Do you think you might ever go into different genres?

Renee Wildes: I have a contemporary rural paranormal with an environmental theme that I originally wrote for the TWRP “Got Wolf?” contest. All finalists were published in an anthology entitled “Taming of the Wolf.” But TWRP gave the authors their rights back, so I’m searching for a new home for “Marek’s New World.” The heroine Cheyenne is a forestry ranger who also happens to me a white wolf shifter. A MT earthquake releases an ancient demon—and the Native American warrior sent to destroy it. It’s the first of a planned trilogy—book 2 features Cheyenne’s brother Brady as the hero and book 3 her boss Kane.

HP: Do you have anything you would like to say to your readers?

Renee Wildes: Believing Is Seeing

Always believe in your dreams. If there’s something you want to do, go for it. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s impossible. You can do anything if you believe! Thanks for believing in the Guardians!

HP: If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

Renee Wildes: I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland—it’s a land of old magic and fierce struggle. I would love to walk through the wild spots and hear what the earth and the stones have to say to me.

Books by Renee Wildes

Guardians of Light Series

#1: Duality

#2: Hedda’s Sword

#3: Lycan Tides

#4: Dust of Dreams

Anthology

Taming of the Wolf, Volume Two

Free Reads

Unexpected Gift (a Christmas Story)

Queen of Harts (a Valentine 's Day Story)
For Love of Persephone

Available at Renee’s website.

*Read the first chapter of Dust of Dreams on the D. Renee Bagby Presents blog

Coming Soon

Riever’s Heart (Guardians of Light #5)—Expected Publication Date: September 27th 2011

God of Fyre Mountain, Guardians of Light book 6

Up coming appearances

*9/17/11 from Noon-3 PM at the Wausau WI Barnes & Noble on

Rib Mt Drive

Awards

Pre-Published:

DUALITY’s 2006 RWA Contest Track Record:

1st Place WisRWA FabFive

2nd Place Four Seasons

2nd Place Mary Reade Paranormal
3rd Place Dixie Kane
4th Place Great Beginnings

HEDDA’S SWORD’s 2007 RWA Contest Track Record:

1st Place Dixie Kane

1st Place Ignite the Flame
1st Place Barclay Sterling
1st Place Where The Magic Begins
1st Pace Cleveland Rocks Romance

2nd Place NJ PYHIAB

2nd Place Lone Star

2nd Place Fire & Ice

2nd Place Hot Prospects

3rd Place Mary Reade
3rd Place Fool For Love
3rd Place Summer Sizzle
3rd Place OTFS/Fantasy
3rd Place Golden Rose
3rd Place Emerald City Opener


4th Place Sheila
Finalist in Orange Rose

Published:

2008 Ecataromance Reviewers Choice Award (Duality)

2008 Nominee LRM Best Sci Fi/Fantasy (Duality)

2009 Ecataromance Reviewers Choice Award (Hedda's Sword)

2009 Runners Up LRM Best Sci Fi/Fantasy (Lycan Tides)

2010 EPIC Finalist (BOTH Duality & Hedda's Sword)

2010 2nd Place

WisRWA Write Touch Readers Award (Duality)

2011 EPIC Finalist (Lycan Tides)

Renee is also available to teach online classes:
5 Senses (And Then Some)
World-building/Settings

Character/Dialogue

To learn more about this go to her website.

Also find Renee at:

Samhain Author Page

Blog

Yahoo group

http://twitter.com/#!/ReneeWildes

Facebook

Goodreads

Her website