Back to the Future 4
Leo James and the Magical Fenix Feather
Please welcome Jordan K. Nightsage to my blog. Good morning, Jordan. Shall we have a chat?
1. Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.
Hi Mary, thank you so much for having me here. I’m Jordan, I am from Metro Detroit, Michigan, USA. I am a relatively new author of illustrated children’s books, middle grade novel series, and young adult novel series in the epic fantasy adventure (with a touch of sci-fi) genre. I am a single father with two young children who are my main inspiration to write and publish. I am an attorney in my day job and currently a master’s student.
My books all take place on the continent Aurea Olam, on the planet Terris, in Alpha Dimension. To give you an idea of how the fictional universe is set up, Earth is in Omega Dimension (where Leo James is from) and the highly advanced Sigmatic Civilization is from Sigma Dimension. These are essentially parallel worlds and traveling between dimensions does not require space travel, at least not as far as I have gotten in the story so far.
My first illustrated children’s book, ‘Leo James and the Magical Fenix Feather’ just came out in February and I am excited about it. The next book in the series will be ‘Leo James and the Magical Golden Antlers’ and will introduce Milah Quin as Leo’s new friend. I have two more children’s books written and being illustrated right now. One of them will be called ‘Leo James and the Lion’s Magical Quest’ and the other will be titled ‘Milah Quin and the Quest for the Pirate’s Treasure’. I am also working on a middle grade novel series, the first book of which will be called ‘Leo James and the Runestone Compass’. I am also finalizing my first young adult novel called ‘The Wounds We Carry: The Eradicators, Part 1’. Milah Quin will also star in the young adult sci-fi fantasy series ‘The Sigmatic Paradox’, the first book of which I am working on now as well.
2. Has writing always been part of your life and when did you “know” that it was time to start writing your first book?
Writing has always been a part of my life but, up until 2023, I always focused on expository writing mostly for school and work. As my children have grown to reading age, I have been inspired to start exploring this wonderful new world of creative writing. I came up with the character of Leo James first and the rest has sort of grown from there. Now I have a whole expansive fictional universe for my stories to take place in. My first book idea was ‘Leo James and the Runestone Compass’; however, the first book that I finished was ‘Leo James and the Magical Fenix Feather’. I have been having so much fun through this whole journey, I would really like to do this full time if I can.
3. How difficult was it writing your first book?
I would not say that writing my first book was too difficult. Publishing and promoting it have been more difficult. I have learned a few valuable lessons the hard way through this process and hopefully I won’t make the same mistakes again. There are a lot of details to attend to in publishing and time management is always difficult with kids, work, and school in addition to writing, publishing, and promoting my books and expansive universe. ‘Fenix Feather’ is only about 1,000 words so it did not take too long to write. My other books for older kids and teenagers have of course taken longer to write.
4. Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?
I can’t say that I have wanted to give up, but I have definitely found myself discouraged and worrisome over a few bumps in the road that have come up. For instance, after I had uploaded ‘Fenix Feather’ to a bunch of different platforms, applied for copyright registration for multiple versions of the book, and done a number of other time-intensive things for the book, I realized that there was an error from a previous draft in the final version. I had to do a lot of work all over again despite having other responsibilities and opportunities to attend to—this was probably the closest I have been to quitting. I did not quit though thankfully.
5. Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer?
I have several great people in my life who are very supportive of my creative endeavors. Several family members and several friends have been very supportive, especially when it comes to helping with my kids when necessary. My family and friends buy my books, share them with their friends, and are almost always ready to offer an encouraging word. I couldn’t do any of this without the people around me, that’s for sure.
6. Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
First, thank you so much for picking up and reading my books! Without my readers it wouldn’t be worth it to me. I take great care in writing and editing to try to put myself in the shoes of my readers and write something that will be moving and meaningful to them, regardless of what their personal experiences have been in life. I want to speak to my readers’ mind, soul, and spirit when I write. I also always appreciate constructive feedback, so don’t ever be afraid to contact me by social media or through my website at https://JordanKNightsage.com.
7. What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?
Let’s see, I have gotten a lot of good advice over the years so I will keep it to book advice. I would probably say that the advice to seek out advice and guidance from other authors and people in the industry who know more and have more experience than me has probably been the best advice I have received. The reader and author communities have really been very friendly and helpful, which has been a very pleasant surprise since I started writing and publishing. I would give this advice to other new authors as well—know when to ask for help. And check out the reviews when selecting freelancers—having someone to recommend a freelancer from personal experience is often even better.
8. What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience?
As mentioned above, my target audience is children ages 4-9 and their parents for illustrated children’s books. My children’s books use fantasy, fairy tales, and modern mythology to teach very human and I believe timeless lessons to kids. For instance, ‘Fenix Feather’ deals with themes of facing fear, courage/bravery, friendship, family reunification, and helping others (specifically helping animals but I think the lesson applies to others in general).
My middle grade books are intended for kids 8-12 and anyone who enjoys fantasy adventure books like ‘The Hobbit’, ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Percy Jackson’, and ‘The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe’. I work in some more mature topics, there are real antagonists for the heroes to struggle against (unlike in the children’s books), and I work in themes like courage in the face of unstoppable evil, family, fellowship, depending on your friends, being someone your friends can depend on, resilience, self-sacrifice, and some conservationist/environmental themes as well.
My young adult books have an intended audience of 12–18-year-olds and anyone who enjoys epic fantasy adventure stories like ‘The Lord of the Rings’, later ‘Harry Potter’ books, ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’, and even Star Wars. I incorporate more mature themes (ex. discrimination, immortality, war and warfare, vengeance vs. mercy, forgiveness vs. hatred, romance, etc.). I also explore more moral ambiguities and philosophical dilemmas.
All of my writing seeks to bring meaning and a human touch to the various fictional fantasy situations and stories unfolding. I try to incorporate observations on human nature and society into all my writing as well. All my middle grade and young adult books also have overlapping characters, locations, and storylines, with the intention of concluding the franchise saga in a future young adult series I have not yet started yet besides some basic outlining called ‘The Reclamation of Light’.
9. Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?
The cover for ‘Fenix Feather’ was illustrated by professional illustrator Tamara Piper, who is a great person and great to work with all the way around. I highly recommend Tamara if anyone is looking for a good children’s book illustrator.
10. What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?
My first illustrated children’s book, ‘Leo James and the Magical Fenix Feather’ just came out in February and I am excited about it. The next book in the series will be ‘Leo James and the Magical Golden Antlers’ and will introduce Milah Quin as Leo’s new friend. I have two more children’s books written and being illustrated right now. One of them will be called ‘Leo James and the Lion’s Magical Quest’ and the other will be titled ‘Milah Quin and the Quest for the Pirate’s Treasure’. I am also working on a middle grade novel series, the first book of which will be called ‘Leo James and the Runestone Compass’. I am also finalizing my first young adult novel called ‘The Wounds We Carry: The Eradicators, Part 1’. Milah Quin will also star in the young adult sci-fi fantasy series ‘The Sigmatic Paradox’, the first book of which I am working on now as well.
And sure, here is an excerpt from ‘The Wounds We Carry: The Eradicators, Part 1’:
***
Rylan stared into the fire as it danced violently, oblivious to the turmoil within Amon. Both men sat completely still as they soaked in the eerie silence of the dark of night. The moonless sky overhead was like a bland canvas sparingly lit by the specks of stars that dared to interrupt the bleakness of the night.
Amon was seething as he sat a few feet away from Rylan, and he consciously chose not to speak to anyone after he returned to camp until he saw and spoke to The Razer. When he spoke, he kept a lid on the emotions that bubbled beneath the surface.
“I need to ask you something, and I need you to be completely honest with me, Rylan Wolfmark.”
Rylan threw kindling into the fire and watched as it sent flames into the air before he replied. “A conversation that starts with you calling me by my full name—I’m not sure I like where this is going.”
Rylan’s face remained stern throughout his delivery, slightly confusing Amon if he meant it to be in jest. However, that was not the biggest question on his mind, so he continued unperturbed.
“How long have you known about Ferox Renovae and the Desolatari and kept it to yourself?”
He kept his eyes fixed on Rylan as he asked the question, studying his reaction as much as his choice of words.
Rylan drew long, steady breaths as he contemplated his response.
“Amon… The burden of a leader…”
Amon interrupted him with a curt hand in the air as he looked away momentarily in disgust. “That was not what I asked, Rylan. How long did you continue to lead us into battle after I told you about the visions that plagued me? After I told you that every swing of my sword had started to haunt me?”
“He has spoken to you?” Rylan asked.
“That was not the question, Rylan. I need to hear you admit that you hid the truth from me and the others.”
“I should have done better,” Rylan finally admitted.
“You can start today by releasing the people we have in cages,” Amon suggested.
Rylan went mute for what felt like an eternity before he answered. “I can’t, Amon. I’m sorry, but I cannot. I wish I could look into your eyes and tell you that I believe that they are no longer threats to lives, that I can live with myself after what I watched them do to my family… I’ve chosen this path, and I know it will take its toll, as all war does. I must stay true to my mission even if it means I must deaden my heart. Even if it means I must sacrifice pieces of my own soul.” He paused as the weight of his next words settled on him. “I’m sorry, Amon. I must do it this way.”
Amon’s eyes welled up as he heard Rylan’s words. His compromised vision did not allow him to see the streak of fluid that rolled down the side of his war brother’s cheeks. “Thank you for being honest with me.”
“It was the least you deserved.”
Amon rose slowly with an exaggerated grunt, knowing it might be the final time they sat together like that. “Thank you for all the years, Rylan. You have been a father to me.”
***
11. Any last words before we wrap things up?
Well, I just want to say thank you again for having me, Mary. And thank you again to all my fans and readers—you are truly appreciated.
Author Bio:
Jordan K. Nightsage, the creative mind behind Aurea Olam, the planet Terris, and Alpha Dimension, hails from Metro Detroit, Michigan, USA. Jordan’s books include children’s, middle grade, and young adult fantasy adventure with a touch of science fiction. A dedicated father of two young children, Jordan’s tales draw from the classic inspirations of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, J. K. Rowling, and George Lucas, weaving a tapestry of epic fantasy and vibrant science fiction with threads of everyday relatability.
Jordan fostered a lifelong dream of weaving his own narratives. He writes with the intention to entertain and ignite thought and empathy, hoping to add a small yet meaningful stroke on the canvas of the world through his words.
Through his novels and short stories, Jordan invites readers of all ages to take part in an exciting voyage of fantasy, discovery, and personal growth. His narrative voice is a testament to the power of stories, how they can serve to entertain, educate, and inspire.
‘Leo James and the Magical Fenix Feather’: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CR1YWSFB
Find More of Jordan’s Books: https://amazon.com/author/jordanknightsage
Official Website & Blog: https://jordanknightsage.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordannightsage
X/Twitter: https://x.com/jordannightsage
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorJordanNightsage
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jordannightsage
Pinterest: https://pin.it/p8QSnSe
The Volcano, Montserrat and Me
From Amazon:
A Recipe for Adversity:
Take one small Caribbean island,
Toss in an erupting volcano,
Bring slowly to the boil,
Whisk in three hurricanes,
Sprinkle with hundreds and thousands of earthquakes,
Simmer gently for two decades or longer,
Now live there!
‘An enchanting slice of Paradise’ is how the travel brochures described Montserrat in 1995. The tiny Caribbean island was advertised as ‘a piece of heaven on earth’. A romantic tourist destination with beautiful tropical scenery and a laid-back lifestyle. A relaxed retreat where visitors were assured of a warm and friendly welcome. Millionaires rubbed shoulders with the locals and pop legends like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Sting, Phil Collins, and Elton John came to record their latest albums.
Then, on the morning of Tuesday 18th July 1995, everything changed. After 350 years of dormancy the volcano in the Soufriѐre Hills above the capital of Plymouth stirred awake. On that first day a sulphurous smell filled the air, ashy steam was vented high into the sky and a roaring sound came from the hills. The authorities were caught completely unprepared and struggled to cope with the unfolding crisis. The island went into shock. This was only the beginning. As volcanic activity steadily increased Montserratians were thrown into panic. Half the population were evacuated from the island and the remainder fled in terror to northern Montserrat trying to escape the angry volcano. Life would never be the same again.
This is a personal diary of the first three years of the eruption (1995 to 1998) and concludes with a detailed summary of the years 1999 to 2015. Twenty years later and the Soufriѐre Hills Volcano is still active. The book is a powerful and graphic description of the realities of living with an unpredictable and extremely dangerous volcano, with the added hazard of several hurricanes.
My Review:
Devastating yet real, courageous people living life in Montserrat. That sums up this book, yet it doesn’t. This diary covers a span of time when the author and her husband lived on the island. Happy island life, beachy nice, yet a cloud loomed ahead of each person. This is living with a volcano, an active volcano, one that kills, one that literally moves mountains, or rather blows mountains down while forming new ones. Three years of living amid a cloud of heavy dust and ash, heavy flows of ash, loss of lifestyle previously known, became real. I can’t imagine living on an island in these horrible conditions. One could only live moment by moment, as that was how unpredictable the volcanic activity truly was. Lally writes that about 5,000 still live on this island. That’s stamina. To rebuild hotels, businesses, docks, homes, and more is more of a stoic nature of a person rather than the opposite. I know I could not do it. Even a lovely island devoid of active volcanos, I can’t live on due to the humidity. Add ash into that, and one must wonder what the true effects were post each ash cloud. Masks only do so much. I applaud those who continue on, persistent in their island life. This book has the nitty gritty of what life was like each day.
Deep Blue Murder
From Amazon:
Fiona is delighted when her new mother-in-law, Rita Landry, invites her and Nathan to a private island in the Bahamas owned by a US ambassador. Sun, sandy beaches, and romantic, tangerine sunsets await the newlyweds, but for Rita and her executive assistant, Hal Underwood, the trip to Deep Blue Isle is a working vacation. Ambassador Taslow has summoned them to the island to discuss a scandal he has fallen victim to. However, when the Landry’s and Hal arrive, they find less than welcoming circumstances: no internet or Wi-Fi, mischievous monkeys, a dangerous tenant, and then there’s that pesky dead body. A storm is brewing on Deep Blue Isle, and it has nothing to do with wind and rain.
My Review:
5.0 out of 5 stars Another winner!! Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2024
This book has been a wonderful read, just like other books in this series. I loved the setting and the creative manner in which the author wove into the story the host of many villains, or maybe one or two? I can’t give away everything, can I? The characters are lively and engaging. The mysteries intrigue, and the setting is relaxing if you’re not one of the main characters. I’ve never heard of wood flooring of any type used on an island anywhere, so I would like to know how it was made or protected from island humidity. Something had to be used on it to make it work. Hopefully, the author will clue me in since I’m clueless. Fiona’s grandmother is a cool ghost, to say the least. Protective of Fiona and Nathan, she is, and brings me to my next question. Has this author been in the presence of a ghost type of situation in real life?
Second Editorial Review From Literary Titan
From Literary Titan on Christmas in Evergreen
Christmas in Evergreen by Mary Schmidt takes readers on a gripping journey into the world of
psychological thrillers and crime fiction, interweaving elements of a troubled marriage with suspenseful twists. The protagonist, Kim Daily, is an artistically inclined individual married to a private investigator. Her world turns upside down when she uncovers a chilling secret: her own name on her husband’s hit list. This discovery propels Kim and her best friend Nancy to escape to Evergreen City, where they strategize their survival.
Schmidt’s storytelling prowess shines through in her intricate weaving of suspense and romance. The novel’s structure can be perceived as bifurcated, with the first part delving into a labyrinth of mysteries and the latter transitioning into a more intimate exploration of romantic drama. The author’s talent for creating suspense is notable, with each cliffhanger keeping readers eagerly turning pages. A significant strength of this novel is its authenticity and unpredictability. Schmidt skillfully portrays how the slow divergence of goals and aspirations can strain a relationship, culminating in a dramatic crescendo. Her vivid descriptions bring the setting of Evergreen City to life, immersing readers in its unique ambiance. The narrative flows with rich and engaging language, making it a delightful read. Among the characters, Kim stands out as a particularly compelling figure. Her fearless nature and the realistic portrayal of her challenges make her journey resonate deeply with readers.
Christmas in Evergreen is a compelling blend of suspense and romance, marked by Schmidt’s deft storytelling and rich character development. It’s a novel that entertains and offers a nuanced look at the complexities of relationships under strain. The anticipation for a sequel is a testament to the novel’s engaging and immersive nature.
Pages: 165 | ASIN : B0CRGH8ZVY
**The Shadow Network**
Book Title: The Shadow Network
Series: Secret Agent Series (but can be read as a stand-alone)
Author: Deborah Swift
Publication Date: 13th February 2024
Publisher: HQ Digital
Page Length: 376
Genre: Historical Fiction / WW2
Twitter Handle: @swiftstory @cathiedunn
Bluesky Handle: @deborahswift.bsky.social @cathiedunn.bsky.social
Hashtags: #WW2 #Thriller #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
Tour Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2023/12/blog-tour-the-shadow-network-by-deborah-swift.html
Book Title and Author Name:
The Shadow Network
by Deborah Swift
Blurb:
One woman must sacrifice everything to uncover the truth in this enthralling historical novel, inspired by the true World War Two campaign Radio Aspidistra…
England, 1942: Having fled Germany after her father was captured by the Nazis, Lilli Bergen is desperate to do something pro-active for the Allies. So when she’s approached by the Political Warfare Executive, Lilli jumps at the chance. She’s recruited as a singer for a radio station broadcasting propaganda to German soldiers – a shadow network.
But Lilli’s world is flipped upside down when her ex-boyfriend, Bren Murphy, appears at her workplace; the very man she thinks betrayed her father to the Nazis. Lilli always thought Bren was a Nazi sympathiser – so what is he doing in England supposedly working against the Germans?
Lilli knows Bren is up to something, and must put aside a blossoming new relationship in order to discover the truth. Can Lilli expose him, before it’s too late?
Set in the fascinating world of wartime radio, don’t miss The Shadow Network, a heart-stopping novel of betrayal, treachery, and courage against the odds.
The Shadow Network
Wartime Radio Propaganda by Deborah Swift
Insert pic of Vintage Radio set
There is no doubt that Radio was the most popular entertainment medium during the Second World War. Radio could reach a large number of the population and was used to inform, bring news bulletins and also to encourage people to get behind the war effort. One of the most popular shows in Britain, It’s That Man Again was able to reach 40% of the British population, and in the USA 90% of American families owned a radio.
It was obvious that people’s opinions were formed and could be controlled by this mass medium, so in Germany, on the orders of Goebbels, the radio sets were replaced by German sets – the Volksempfänger or “people’s receiver” – which could only receive one channel – that of the Nazis’ official propaganda. This meant that Germans, frustrated by this meagre content, were much more inclined to listen to ‘pirate’ radio stations.
Fake News
Because of this, the Political Warfare Executive in London came up with the idea of inventing a fake German radio station, supposedly broadcasting from within Germany, and this was used to spread anti-establishment and anti-Nazi propaganda to the unsuspecting German public who thought they were listening to a genuine, but illegal, German radio station.
On the other side of the equation, Lord Haw-Haw’s show “Germany Calling” was broadcast to audiences in Great Britain. Lord Haw Haw (William Joyce) was Germany’s English speaking broadcaster on the station Reichssender Hamburg and aimed to demoralize the Allies. Weirdly, it attracted an audience of about 6-million regular listeners across Great Britain. This was probably because although the broadcasts were known to be Nazi propaganda, they gave the only news from behind enemy lines about the fate of air crews who did not return from bombing raids over Germany.
The secret radio stations in England such as Soldatensender Calais (pretending to be German troops in France) employed German prisoners of war or other German speakers to make their broadcasts. This is one of the stations featured in The Shadow Network. The broadcasts were deliberately racy and were designed to capture the hearts of ordinary Germans and make them believe they were listening to a forbidden radio station from their own country. Soldatensender Calais broadcasted a combination of popular music, supposed support of the war, and “dirt” – news that would create dissent in the German forces, such as speculation that German soldiers’ wives were having affairs with the many foreign workers in German factories.Their popularity spread, and they got wide audiences for their programmes. In my book Lilli Bergen, a refugee, is employed on Soldatensender Calais as a singer.
The first such station, Gustav Siegfried Eins featured a fake Nazi extremist called ‘Der Chef’, played by an actor, who accused Adolf Hitler and the Gestapo of going soft. It undermined the German soldiers’ trust in their leaders by reporting on their (alleged) corruption and sexual improprieties.
The creator of these radio stations was Tom Sefton Delmer, a British journalist who had lived in Germany and spoke perfect German. Delmer created several stations and used gossip from prisoners of war, or from intercepted German mail, to create credible stories. He had a team of people collecting suitable material from newspapers and from bugging the captured German officers’ camps.
The Nazi plot to blow up Britain
The risks associated with these stations were that they would be discovered, and their propaganda then ‘outed’ as fake news. It is difficult to assess exactly how much effect the manipulation of people’s views had on the war effort, but it was thought that a lack of morale would certainly do no harm. There was a known threat of sabotage from the Germans who had sent several agents to sabotage infrastructure that would affect Britain’s ability to fight.
In my novel, the Germans send an agent to sabotage the radio station. As far as I know, the radio station was never discovered and so never became a target, but there were German saboteurs operating within Britain at the time, and there is no doubt they would have removed the station had they known of its existence.
BUY THE SHADOW NETWORK mybook.to/RadioLies
My Social Media links:
Twitter https://twitter.com/swiftstory
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordeborahswift/
Website www.deborahswift.com
Buy Links:
Universal Buy Link: mybook.to/RadioLies
Link to bookshop: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-shadonetwork-ww2-secret-agent-series-deborah-swift
Author Bio:
Deborah Swift is the English author of eighteen historical novels, including Millennium Award winner Past Encounters, and The Lady’s Slipper, shortlisted for the Impress Prize.
Her most recent books are the Renaissance trilogy based around the life of the poisoner Giulia Tofana, The Poison Keeper and its sequels, one of which won the Coffee Pot Book Club Gold Medal. Recently she has completed a secret agent series set in WW2, the first in the series being The Silk Code.
Deborah used to work as a set and costume designer for theatre and TV and enjoys the research aspect of creating historical fiction, something she loved doing as a scenographer. She likes to write about extraordinary characters set against the background of real historical events. Deborah lives in North Lancashire on the edge of the Lake District, an area made famous by the Romantic Poets such as Wordsworth and Coleridge.
Author Links:
Twitter https://twitter.com/swiftstory
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordeborahswift/
Website: www.deborahswift.com
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/deborahswift1/
**Dude or Die**
Book Title: Dude or Die
Series: H Double Bar Dude Ranch series
Author: Lynn Downey
Publication Date: October 15, 2023
Publisher: Pronghorn Press
Page Length: 328
Genre: Historical Fiction
Twitter Handles: @WriterLynnD @cathiedunn
Instagram Handles: @lynn.downey.historian @thecoffeepotbookclub
Bluesky Handles: @WesternHistoryGal @cathiedunn
Hashtags: #DudeRanch #HistoricalFiction #WomensFiction #WesternWomen #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
Tour Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2024/01/blog-tour-dude-or-die-by-lynn-downey.html
Book Title and Author Name:
Dude or Die
by Lynn Downey
Blurb:
It’s 1954, and San Francisco writer Phoebe Kelley is enjoying the success of her first novel, Lady in the Desert. When Phoebe’s sister-in-law asks her to return to Tribulation, Arizona to help run the H Double Bar Dude Ranch, she doesn’t hesitate. There’s competition from a new dude ranch this year, so the H Double Bar puts on a rodeo featuring a trick rider with a mysterious past. When accidents begin to happen around the ranch, Phoebe jumps in to figure out why, and confronts an unexpected foe. And a man from her own past forces her to confront feelings long buried. Dude or Die is the second book in the award-winning H Double Bar Dude Ranch series.
Buy Link:
This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.
Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/b5BVwp
Guest post for When Angels Fly
Lynn Downey
Dude ranches have been my writing obsession for the last few years. My novels, Dudes Rush In and the new sequel, Dude or Die, are set on a fictional Arizona dude ranch in the 1950s. My last nonfiction book was a cultural history of these places, titled American Dude Ranch: A Touch of the Cowboy and the Thrill of the West.
Dude ranches began in the Rocky Mountain West in the 1880s. Men flocked to them from the eastern states to go hunting and live the cowboy life for a few weeks. By the time of World War I, families were also taking dude ranch vacations and they could find any kind of western experience they wanted throughout a variety of states, from Wyoming to Arizona.
I first got interested in dude ranches when I was working as the company historian for Levi Strauss & Co. in San Francisco. The firm made clothes just for people to wear on dude ranches, from the jeans and jackets to western-style shirts in wild fabrics, which most cowboys wouldn’t wear on a dare. But the dudes and dudines were there to have fun, and I had fun learning about this buckaroo getaway.
One interesting aspect of dude ranching’s history was how they first started showing up in books, as early as 1921. Caroline Lockhart, a reporter for newspapers and magazines at the beginning of the 20th century, went to Cody, Wyoming in 1904 and fell in love with the place. She heard about the concept of the dude ranch and began to write stories and articles. Then in 1921 she wrote the first full-length novel about dude ranches, called The Dude Wrangler.
More authors followed: Milton Krims published Dude Ranch in 1930, and Death on a Dude Ranch came out in 1939, written by Francis Bonnamy, which was the pseudonym for Audrey Boyers Walz. The book featured a detective named Peter Shane, who was the protagonist in her mystery series. Peter Kyne wrote one of my favorite books in this genre in 1940, Dude Woman.
Young adult authors soon got on the bandwagon, and the best of these dude ranch-themed books is Cherry Ames: Dude Ranch Nurse, published in 1953 by Julie Tatham.
Cherry Ames was the Nancy Drew of the nursing world, and was featured in a series of twenty-seven novels from the 1940s through the 1960s. Everywhere she goes to nurse someone back to health, she gets drawn into mystery and danger. In Dude Ranch Nurse she takes a job at the Twin Mounds Ranch near Tucson, Arizona. The dudes are a bit cranky, but Cherry is never ruffled, and she ends up helping the owner’s daughter find a lost fortune.
There are plenty of dude ranch details for readers, including the book’s cover, which shows Cherry in her pristine white nurse’s uniform, leaning on a corral, while a cowboy tries to tame a bucking bronc in the background. (She is also being eyed by one of the wranglers, which is something that happened frequently on dude ranches.)
Julie Tatham wrote under the name Julie Campbell for her Trixie Belden series of novels for teens. She also placed Trixie on a dude ranch in Trixie Belden and Mystery in Arizona, published in 1958. Trixie and her friends take a vacation at a dude ranch and when the staff mysteriously disappears, they have to take over the cooking and cleaning, and also solve a mystery, of course.
This is why I set my historical novels on a dude ranch. They are the perfect place for mystery, romance, and a touch of the cowboy.
Author Bio:
She was the Historian for Levi Strauss & Co. in San Francisco for 25 years. Her adventures as ambassador for company history took her around the world, where she spoke to television audiences, magazine editors, and university students, appeared in numerous documentaries, and on The Oprah Winfrey Show. She wrote many books and articles about the history of the company and the jeans, and her biography, Levi Strauss: The Man Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World, won the Foreword Reviews silver INDIE award.
Lynn got interested in dude ranches during her time at Levi’s. Her debut historical novel, Dudes Rush In, is set on an Arizona dude ranch in the 1950s; Arizona because she’s a desert rat at heart, and the 1950s because the clothes were fabulous.
Dudes Rush In won a Will Rogers Medallion Award, and placed first in Arizona Historical Fiction at the New Mexico-Arizona book awards. The next book in this series, Dude or Die, was released in 2023. And just for fun, Lynn wrote a screenplay based on Dudes Rush In, which is currently making the rounds of reviewers and competitions.
She pens short stories, as well. “The Wind and the Widow” took Honorable Mention in the History Through Fiction story contest, and “Incident at the Circle H” was a Finalist for the Longhorn Prize from Saddlebag Dispatches. The story “Goldie Hawn at the Good Karma Café,” won second place in The LAURA Short Fiction contest from Women Writing the West, and is based on her experiences in a San Francisco religious cult in the 1970s. (That will be another book one of these days.)
Lynn’s latest nonfiction book is American Dude Ranch: A Touch of the Cowboy and the Thrill of the West, a cultural history of the dude ranch. It was reviewed in The Wall Street Journal, True West, Cowgirl, and The Denver Post, and was a Finalist for the Next Generation INDIE Award in Nonfiction. Kirkus Reviews said the book is “…deeply engaging and balances accessible writing style with solid research.”
When she’s not writing, Lynn works as a consulting archivist and historian for museums, libraries, cultural institutions, and businesses. She is the past president of Women Writing the West, a member of the Western Writers of America, and is on numerous boards devoted to archives and historic preservation.
Lynn lives in Sonoma, California, where she sometimes makes wine from the Pinot Noir grapes in her back yard vineyard.
Author Links:
Website: https://www.lynndowney.com [My site is being redesigned and will be live in another week or so.]
Tumblereads blog: https://tumblereadsblog.com/blog-sg/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WriterLynnD
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynndowney/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-downey-b82460249/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynn.downey.historian/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/westernhistorygal.bsky.social
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/WesternHistoryGal/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lynn-Downey/author/B001IXQ2N2
Nova Terra: The Secret of Galeeza
Please welcome Garland, to my blog. Shall we have a chat?
1. Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.
Hello everybody! My name’s Garland Redvine! I’m a pseudonymous self-published author who specializes in fantasy, science-fiction, and adventure books.
2. Has writing always been part of your life and when did you “know” that it was time to start writing your first book?
I always loved to read and write. I learned to read quickly when I was young. As for writing and storytelling, that came equally as natural to me. Even though I was pretty shy, I used to tell and write stories to entertain my family and friends. To me, hearing, telling, or writing a great story was just magical.
I’ve been practicing writing my first book ever since I knew how to write (I’m not kidding!). I knew I wanted a career in literature, movies, or video games. I had dreams of writing a successful book or series.
3. How difficult was it writing your first book?
If I’m going to be honest, calling it “difficult” would be the understatement of the century.
For the past few years, life has been stressful. I was stuck in a struggling dead-end job that hardly paid any bills. I didn’t have any connections or network. Not even an online presence. And I was totally alone.
Basically, I had little money, no friends, and virtually no control over my life.
All these things overwhelmed me and I sank into a deep, dark depression. I felt invisible and helpless. I even felt like all the pressure was making me physically sick! It was horrible.
But if I ever had anything I could rely on, it was that I loved to write. So I did.
4. Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?
The stress of my situation definitely wore on me and there were times where all I wanted to do was lay there on the ground and rot. But my will was strong. I wasn’t about to let the unforgiving world stop me from doing what I loved.
I motivated myself and wrote that fantasy story that had been sitting around in my head for years. I knew that if there was anything I wanted to do in this life, it was to publish a book. I got inspiration from Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird (the creators of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Amanda Hocking. Their stories of success in self-publishing inspired me to try my hand at it.
5. Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer?
My parents generally gave me moral support. My father in particular really nurtured my love of reading and storytelling. My parents were ecstatic to see that I managed to self-publish a novel given my circumstances.
6. Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
I believe a story should not just be well-written, but exciting, emotional, and keep you turning the page. The first book in my fantasy series, Nova Terra: The Secret of Galeeza, is available on Amazon! Kindly leave a rating and review to support your new favorite fantasy author! 🙂
7. What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?
“Success is a planned event.” – a random fortune cookie.
8. What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience?
My target audience is adult fans of fantasy, science-fiction, and adventure. The aspect of my writing that I feel targets the audience is the sense of adventure, wonder, and nostalgia while also exploring complex, unique characters.
I also believe in writing a story that is never boring. I want my books to feel like a movie in your head.
If you like Legend of Zelda or Final Fantasy, you’ll enjoy my work too.
9. Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?
When making the cover, I remember I had a specific image in mind: That of my two main characters, Deronis Narpaz and Greenstar, fighting a monster (the Chimera as its known in the story). I wanted the cover to be eye-catching so I requested my cover artist to make it vibrant. I also wanted readers to feel like they were behind the characters as if preparing to fight the monster too. It would look both ominous and interesting.
10. What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?
The next book in the Nova Terra series is called The Crystals of Order.
The following excerpt is a monologue spoken by Sivaldion, the God of Order to his team called the Defenders of Order:
“We have tasked ourselves with locating the six Crystals that hold my divinity. So far, we have been successful in doing that. They are in six different areas of Nova Terra: Tamas, Miktlan, the Mechanisarria, Midgard, and Ybardia.
To combat the plans of the Tribe of Insanity and their mad god, we have carefully selected five capable, honorable warriors to get back the Crystals and restore Order to Nova Terra. Those warriors, dear friends, are all of you.”
11. Any last words before we wrap things up?
Writing a book, whether traditionally-published or self-published, is anything but easy. It requires money, commitment, passion, and creativity. My goal is to give readers a literary experience they’ll never forget. Any and all support is welcome and appreciated! Also, feel free to follow me on any of my socials!
Links needed for: Blog, author page, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon, Tumblr, Barnes & Noble, Instagram, etc. Give them in list form, thanks.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nova-Terra-Galeeza-Garland-Redvine/dp/B0C9S9QBW2
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/garlandredvine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garlandredvine/
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/GarlandRedvine
Back to the Future 3
** Lighten The Load **
Book Title: Lighten the Load
Series: Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail (Book 2)
Author: David Fitz-Gerald
Publication Date: January 31, 2024
Publisher: David Fitz-Gerald
Page Length: 203
Genre: Western, Historical Fiction
Series Trailer: https://youtu.be/sWvp6dtbXvA
Twitter Handle: @AuthorDAVIDFG @cathiedunn
Instagram Handle: @authordavefitzgerald @thecoffeepotbookclub
Hashtags: #HistoricalWestern #WesternAdventure #AmericanWest #Pioneers #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
Tour Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2024/02/blog-tour-lighten-the-load-by-david-fitzgerald.html
Book Title and Author Name:
Lighten the Load: A Pioneer Western Adventure
David Fitz-Gerald
Blurb:
After a devastating tragedy, Dorcas Moon faces brutal choices in the unforgiving wilderness.
An unsolved hometown murder casts a foreboding shadow over the journey. Mounting responsibilities weigh heavy on Dorcas’ shoulders while navigating the trail along the Platte River. Family, friends, and neighbors can’t seem to get along without her help.
The gruesome trail exacts a heavy toll. A sweeping grass fire blazes across the prairie. A doomed wagon careens down a treacherous hill. A fellow traveler is gored to death while hunting buffalo. Each disaster pushes the pioneers to the brink. Amidst the chaos, Dorcas grapples with the realization that she must dump her precious cook stove and her husband’s massive safe. The oxen can no longer haul the heavy weight of unnecessary cargo.
When her daughter mysteriously disappears while the wagons are at Fort Laramie, Dorcas Despairs. She is desperate to help her daughter when the troubled youth is found in the arms of a Brulé man in Spotted Tail’s village.
Secure your copy of Lighten the Load and delve into an unforgettable saga of empowerment, sacrifice, and the haunting echoes of the American frontier. Rejoin Dorcas Moon on the adventure of a lifetime as she confronts the challenges that shape her destiny.
Buy Links:
This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.
Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/lighten-the-load
Author Bio:
David Fitz-Gerald writes westerns and historical fiction. He is the author of twelve books, including the brand-new series, Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail set in 1850. Dave is a multiple Laramie Award, first place, best in category winner; a Blue Ribbon Chanticleerian; a member of Western Writers of America; and a member of the Historical Novel Society.
Alpine landscapes and flashy horses always catch Dave’s eye and turn his head. He is also an Adirondack 46-er, which means that he has hiked to the summit of the range’s highest peaks. As a mountaineer, he’s happiest at an elevation of over four thousand feet above sea level.
Dave is a lifelong fan of western fiction, landscapes, movies, and music. It should be no surprise that Dave delights in placing memorable characters on treacherous trails, mountain tops, and on the backs of wild horses.
Author Links:
Website: https://www.itsoag.com/GATOT
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorDAVIDFG
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDaveFITZGERALD/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordavefitzgerald/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/AuthorDaveFITZGERALD/
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/david-fitz-gerald
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/dfitzgerald
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17341792.David_Fitz_Gerald Linktree https://linktr.ee/authordavidfitzgerald
When Angels Fly 