Confront the Dark Evil Behind the 'Flame of Destiny' by Colleen Helme

Scribal Love Welcomes Colleen Helme!

Colleen Helme is an author of Romantic Fantasy.  Her newest work Flame of Destiny is available from Mundania Press. 




What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?


Flame of Destiny - This title represents the magic and power of the main character, Callista.


What is this book about?  And what genre is this book in?


It is about a young woman who is determined to find the man responsible for the deaths of her family. This book is a romantic fantasy novel.


How long have you been writing in this genre?


About ten years.


Who is/are the main characters?  And why did you choose them?


Callista and Justin are the main characters. Each of them has something to prove, and they are thrown together by a common cause.


Where did the idea for your book come from?


I actually had a dream that became the catalyst for the story! It evolved into much more, but I still remember it vividly.


In your opinion, what makes a good story?


The story behind the story! It's important to identify your character's motivations because motivations turn into actions that carry your story. It's also important to make an emotional connection to the reader. If the reader doesn't care about your characters, they won't want to read your story.


Can you give us a quick taste of what’s inside?  


In a day when legends are forgotten, a young woman born with a rare gift is thrust from her home. As she flees, the only token she takes is her father's sword, a sword of power that holds the keys to the survival of an entire nation. In a twist of fate, she is saved from certain death by a man whose destiny becomes entwined with her own. With a new sense of her identity, she must confront a dark evil hidden behind an unspeakable secret. This evil threatens to destroy her and the man she has come to love. Will she be strong enough to withstand this power, or will she become the very thing she has sworn to destroy?


Is this book a part of a series?  And if so what can we look for in the future?


Yes! This book has a sequel called The Relic, which is coming out in September 2011 from Mundania Press!


Do you have anything specific you would like to say to your readers?


Thanks so much for your kind words of encouragement! It is so exciting to see that my writing has been enjoyed by so many people. As a writer, that's really all you can hope for. That the people who read your work will be glad they spent some time in the worlds and with the characters you created.


Where can we find you on the web?


My website is: http://www.colleenhelme.com
Please email me at: colleen@colleenhelme.com
I would love to hear from you!


Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Flame-Destiny-Colleen-Helme/dp/1594263728/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1305840293&sr=1-1

Come and Read the Magical Fantasy 'Songbird' by Colleen Helme

Scribal Love Welcomes Colleen Helme!

Colleen Helme is an author of Romantic Fantasy.  Her newest work Songbird is available from Mundania Press. 

What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?

Songbird is my first published book. The title of the book is the title of the main character who uses magic through her singing voice.

What is this book about?  And what genre is this book in?

Songbird is a romantic fantasy novel about a young woman who is captured by the king and used for her magical singing abilities. She will do anything to escape and when Bran, the ambassador from Braemar offers her the opportunity to leave, she can't turn it down. The only catch is, he wants something from her in return. 

Who is/are the main characters?  And why did you choose them?

Teya (pronounced Tay-a) is the main character as the Songbird. She has been in captivity for ten years, but has an amazing ability to persevere, even under difficult circumstances. I love the idea of magic coming through the medium of music and how it can influence feelings as well as be used as a weapon.

What is the coolest or best part about your book?  (Any Favorite scenes, the world-building etc..)

The coolest part of my book is the fact that Teya and Bran end up sharing a bond between them and how they can use it to help one another. They didn't intend to fall in love, but that is what happened. My favorite scene is close to the end, so I don't want to give it away, but every time I read it, it makes me cry!

Do you have a favorite character in the book?  If so, why?

I love them all!

Is this book part of a series?  If so? What can we expect in future books?  

No, although I have thought about writing one about Teya and Bran's great-great grand-daughter!

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I would probably want to expand on Teya and Bran's relationship.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learned to keep writing, even when you're not sure what's going to happen. It's amazing how things come together when you do this.

Do you have a publisher?  And if so, why did you choose them?  

My publisher is Mundania Press and was so excited when they chose me! I have loved working with my editor and the art department has been fabulous!

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

I have read so many books, it's hard to just choose one. I have tried to learn something from them all.

What books are you reading now?  

Right now I am reading Fortune and Fate by Sharon Shinn. Also The Sorceress's Orc by Elaine Corvidae. I enjoy reading books with strong female characters.

What are the current writing projects that you are working on?

I am working on my fifth book, a sequel to Carrots, a contemporary fantasy. I also have plans for another romantic fantasy and have started on the rough draft.

Do you write full time?  If not, do you hope to do so one day?

I try to write at least four hours a day when I can.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I have always loved to read, but in the fantasy genre, I was always disappointed that there wasn't enough romance. After a vivid dream one night, I came up with a great opening scene and decided to try my hand at writing. Several years later, and after a lot of hard work in learning the trade, I was excited to be offered a contract for my books. 

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Dialogue used to be hard for me, but I think I'm getting the hang of it now!

Do you have any advice for other writers seeking to get published for the first time?

Learn the craft! Show - don't tell. Don't be afraid to ask for a critique of your writing from someone who knows the craft. It can make the difference between getting published or not. It's okay to re-write - most of the time it comes out even better. Don't give up!

Thanks Colleen for Dropping by!  You can find her on the web at:

http://www.colleenhelme.com

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Songbird-Colleen-Helme/dp/1606592416/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1305838904&sr=1-4

Daryn Cross Discusses Her New Release, 'It's Magic'

Scribal Love Welcomes Author Daryn Cross!


Daryn Cross is an author of romantic and straight fantasy.  Her newest work, IT’S MAGIC, is available from Crescent Moon Press (www.CrescentMoonPress.com). 

What inspired you to write this book?


Those old author “what ifs.”  One day I started pondering, what Santa did on his off-season. People could use some wonder and magic all year long.  What if he had a job off-season and the job was aimed at adults instead of children, like matching two people who have become jaded by life’s hard knocks.  I ran it past my friend and occasional co-writer, L.J. DeLeon, and it was a go.


Do you have a specific writing style?  


Doesn’t everyone?  The melded voice of Daryn Cross and L.J. DeLeon is different to some degree than Daryn’s alone.  But both share some similar characteristics.  The sentences aren’t flowery and real long, but choppier, more contemporary.  There is always humor.  That’s not to say there will be serious moments, and in some of my other works even suspenseful almost terrifying moments.  But every book has a good dose of feel-good humor.


What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?


IT’S MAGIC, a romantic fantasy.  I’ve always liked song titles as titles of books.  I’m currently working on the sequel to this book called, THIS MAGIC MOMENT.  Santa is the matchmaker, and his real name is Maxwell Magic.


What is IT’S MAGIC about?


The two lovers in this book are Kasey Bell, a feminist writer and Guy McLane, a radio psychiatrist with a show called, “Men, Talk to Me First.”  Diametrically opposed, due to their jaded beliefs about the opposite sex, they nevertheless have a tremendous sexual attraction to each other.  They are brought together through Magic’s manipulations on a syndicated talk show and make such a stir, the show host challenges them to a game of the sexes, where they compete to prove who is the strongest gender.  Let the games begin!


What books have most influenced your life?


That’s a heavy question, and I can’t say that a handful of books really did that.  I can think of some theologians I studied in college such as Paul Tillich and his work with the ground of being.  As far as literature, I was a huge fan of early sci-fi, especially Ray Bradbury.  Very eclectic in my reading tastes when I was growing up, I read from almost every genre, at least fifty books per summer.  I started reading romance in junior high with YA novels, but was into the great Kathleen Weiss’ books later.  I grew out of the phase of truly liking bodice rippers and more into humorous romances like Susan Elizabeth Phillips and some of Debbie Macomber’s.  Now I read mostly romantic fantasy and some straight fantasy.  I really like Annette McCleave’s soul gatherer series and Nalini Singh’s angel series. 


If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?


Right now, without a doubt, it would be Lori Wilde.  She has very graciously listened to my concerns about my writing career and has given me sound advice.  Besides writing great books, she’s also a tremendous teacher.


I must also mention my friend, Caroline Clemmons.  She has been extremely helpful in steering me toward opportunities, critiquing and being a sounding board.  Of course, Linda Campbell, my friend, has taught me a lot about the craft and we have weathered some great storms together in our writing careers.


What books are you reading now?

I’m just getting ready to read CLOCKWORK ANGEL. 


What are your current projects?


Just finished a cyberpunk novella, FROZEN ASSETS, I’m working on the sequel to IT’S MAGIC.  I also have a special project, but my lips are zipped right now on that one.  Let’s just say it’s sci-fi. I have two more books coming out late next year and January 2011.  They’re books about walk-in angels, angels who volunteer to assume the body of a soul who wishes to leave early 'WALK RIGHT IN and WALK RIGHT BACK.' 


Do you see writing as a career?


I hope so.  That’s my intention, and I spend an average of ten hours a day on it.


If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?


Nope, and I had plenty of chances in the editing process.


Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?


I think I was born with it.  My parents were also avid readers.


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?


It takes a long time to learn this craft and I don’t really think you ever stop learning more about it and ways to perfect it.  The waiting for the call from the agent or editor, now that’s the most frustrating.


Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?


I learned I really like the secondary character, Tom Kreger, and you’ll be seeing more of him.


Do you have any advice for other writers?


Always respect those who have been writing far longer than you have, for they have a lot of knowledge and experience to share, even if you think you write better than they do.  Also, never think green writers can’t teach you something, because their perspectives are fresh and can make you look at things in a new and different way.


Daryn, thanks for dropping by!


You are welcome.


You can find Daryn Cross on the web at:


Daryn Cross, www.DarynCross.com
IT'S MAGIC, November 2010, Crescent Moon Press  www.CrescentMoonPress.com/books/ItsMagic.html
WALK RIGHT IN, 4th Q 2011, L&L Dreamspell WALK RIGHT BACK, January 2012, L&L Dreamspell