Deep Six: Interview with author Ian Thomas Healy

Deep Six 

by Ian Thomas Healy 

When criminals are convicted, they go to jail. When they have parahuman abilities, they go to Deep Six, the most secure prison facility in the world. Six thousand feet underground, nobody has ever escaped from the maximum security facility.

Until now.

A parahuman terrorist called Misrule engineers a mass breakout, and it falls to a pair of prison guards to stop the world's most dangerous criminals from reaching freedom, and Just Cause won't be able to help them. Despite being overmatched and underpowered, the two guards must find a way to prevent the escapees from their ultimate goal.

GOODREADS

Expected publication: November 29th 2013 by Local Hero Press

INTERVIEW 

1.    For people who haven’t heard of Deep Six , make a brief description.

Deep Six is the fourth book in the Just Cause Universe series. It broadens the storytelling universe by introducing the employees and residents of the most secure prison facility in the world, used to contain those convicted criminals for whom a normal prison will not suffice. Nobody has ever escaped from the underground prison, so naturally, that’s exactly what happens. The story deals with two underpowered guards who have to try to stop the inmates from reaching their freedom. They’re outmanned and outgunned and the ringleader, a vicious killer named Misrule, seems to outwit them at every turn. Think of it like Die Hard, but with superpowers.

2.    When did you decide to become a writer?

I wrote my first story at age 7 or 8, using my thumb, my dad’s inkpad, and a pencil. It was called “The Happy Days Gang Goes to the Disco” and was about a group of little cartoon characters having a dance party. Not exactly high literature, but you can find it scanned on my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/authorianthomashealy). Ever since then, I’ve been finding ways to tell stories.

3.    Which of your characters is your favorite and why?

Mustang Sally is my favorite for sure. I’ve written more words directly about her and those related to her than anyone else in all the years I’ve been writing. I feel like a proud father, watching her grow up from an uncertain teenager to a self-assured young woman has been a great source of joy for me. I’ll admit, I also like putting her through the wringer and seeing how she gets out of all that trouble. I have several more novels planned around her as she continues to grow and mature.

4.    If you could have coffee with any character of any book, who would it be and why?

I think I’d like to hang out with Jackrabbit (his novel is coming out next spring). He’s the avatar of the Rabbit God, and weirdness just seems to follow him around. He’s a fun person and if I was ever going to accidentally develop superpowers, it would be because he was around.

5.    If you could meet any person in the world who would it be and why?

I’d like to meet George R.R. Martin, the editor of the Wild Cards book series, which was a great source of inspiration to me, so I can pitch an idea for a character and story to incorporate into a future volume of the series.

6.Name a book you wish you had written.

Is it catty of me to say Harry Potter? Not that teenage wizards are my thing—at all—but the paychecks would be nice.

7. Would you like your book turned into a movie? Do you have any actors in mind?

Oh gosh, I think most authors would love to see their books turned into good movies—and we’re terrified of our work becoming attached to a bad movie. I’m really bad with picking actors and actresses, because I don’t even know who most of them are. Let’s go with Mickey Rourke (Iron Man 2) as Misrule, Stana Katic (Castle) as Katie Malone, Chris Pine (Star Trek Into Darkness) as Tim, Willem DaFoe (Spider-Man) as The Etched Man, and Eddie McClintock (Warehouse 13) as Crackerjack.

8.What do you do, besides writing?

I drive a pretty mean forklift at my day job as a warehouse manager. I also love to cook (and experiment in the kitchen!), and am raising three kids. I follow a couple of hockey teams—the Colorado Avalanche and the Denver Cutthroats—and attend games when I can afford to (which is rare—people need to buy more of my books!).

9.Name your favorite authors.

My favorite authors in no particular order are Alan Moore, Frank Miller, Karl Schroeder, Alan Dean Foster, Mike Resnick, Aaron Allston, Carrie Vaughn, Genevieve Valentine, and the collected authors of the Wild Cards series of novels edited by George R.R. Martin. I tend to jump around a lot in what I read. I was on a real steampunk kick for awhile. Now I’m reading more fantasy. Before then I was reading superheroes and space opera. I’m sure I’ll come back around to any of those at some point in the future.

10. Is there something you want the readers to know about you?

I have luscious curls that are all the way to the small of my back when straight, and am working on growing out the Full Wizard beard, because reasons.

11. How do you react to a bad review?

Badly. LOL.

No, really I just mark them as unhelpful and continue on with my day. If I’m feeling particularly vindictive, I will go through the other reviews that person has written and mark all them as unhelpful as well. Yes, it’s a little junior high school, but it keeps me from making the Big Author Mistake of replying to them.

Thank you Ian for this great and funny interview! I totally agree with you on question number 6! lol

About Ian: 

He is a prolific writer who dabbles in many different speculative genres. His superhero novel Deep Six: A Just Cause Novel was a Top 100 Semi-finalist in the 2008 Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award. He’s a seven-time participant and winner of National Novel Writing Month where he’s tackled such diverse subjects as sentient alien farts, competitive forklift racing, a religion-powered rabbit-themed superhero, cyberpunk mercenaries, cowboy elves, and an unlikely combination of vampires with minor league hockey. He is also the creator of the Writing Better Action Through Cinematic Techniques workshop, which helps writers to improve their action scenes.

His goal is to become as integral to the genre of superhero fiction as William Gibson was to cyberpunk and Anne Rice was to urban fantasy.

Ian lives in Colorado with his wife, three children, and a plethora of housepets. When not writing, which is rare, he likes to take road trip, enjoys watching football and hockey, and listening to or playing music. 

His ebooks can be found on Smashwords, Kindle, Nook, iBook Store, and other online retailers.

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

GIVEAWAY:

At the moment Ian is giving away 3 copies of DEP SIX at GOODREADS,
Check it HERE

I hope you liked it!

Rhomy.

London Casey: Interview and Giveaway

Today I'm happy to indroduce you a great series by author London Casey: The Boys of Downcrash


The Stronger, Safer Kind

(The Boys of DownCrash #1)

All Scarlett wanted to do was thank the sexy stranger who helped her push away a drunk, grabby college boy at a bar. When that stranger identifies himself as Tripp and then takes the stage as the lead singer and guitarist for rock band, DownCrash, everything in Scarlett's life begins to change.

Her best friend, Andy, confesses his love for her and leaves her with what should be an easy decision to make... yet each time she looks in Andy's eyes, she can't help but face her secret, nightmarish past.

The only thing that makes Scarlett feel better is Tripp... but Tripp isn't just a bad boy rockstar, he's hurt. He's in pain. He tries to hide his pain in a bottle, but Scarlett believes that, perhaps, their secrets can help each other.

Friendship and love is suddenly put to the test, and Scarlett is torn... Will she choose an easy, comfortable, happy life or a life clouded with mixed signals, raw emotion, and intense romance?

AMAZON

B&N

KOBO

_____

Torn to Pieces

(The Boys of DownCrash #2)

Trying to forget about the promises she was forced to make as a young, naive eighteen year old, Maggie creates a false persona that paints her as the girl who never says no...

However, once she lays eyes on the drummer of DownCrash, everything clicks. From his sexy lip ring to the way he stares at her from the stage, Tatum becomes everything Maggie has ever fantasized about.

When trouble catches up to her in a parking garage after a DownCrash show, and Tatum shows up out of nowhere to protect her. For the first time in years, she is intimidated by a man's kindness and sexiness, and not by his temper and jealousy. As real feelings begin to grow Maggie is faced with her past and wonders if she'll ever be able to escape the promises she once made to keep the promises she wants to make right now.

AMAZON

B&N

KOBO

Some Kind of Hell (The Boys of DownCrash #3)

In the trilogy finale, shy DownCrash bassist, Logan, has his sexy eyes on Maggie's best friend, Annie. But Annie is still reeling from the way her relationship ended. She's hurt, angry, jealous, and the last thing she wants is some wannabe rockstar looking for his next hookup... although it may just be what she needs.

Logan wants more for his life. The past is living in his apartment, which forces him to spend nights in his car to avoid reliving the nightmare over and over again.

When Annie's guard comes down, tragedy strikes and their lives will be changed forever. Determined to win Annie over and help DownCrash get signed to a record deal, Logan has his work cut out for him. His gorgeous body and no-bullshit personality may just be the key to both...

AMAZON

B&N

KOBO

INTERVIEW

(sorry that all the questions have nummber 1, I can't fix it lol)

1. When did you decided to become a writer?  When I was kid, I just started to write and fell in love with it.

1. Are you an early bird or night owl? – I’m the kind of person who writes when the story is there to share. So that means… morning, noon, night, whatever works.

1. Where do you get your inspiration? – I like to think about my life, life in general, and then combine it all. A lot of the topics in the DownCrash trilogy were things I went through.

1. Which of your characters is your favorite and why? – I’ve always loved Tripp from The Stronger, Safer Kind. Because he’s so dark, so edgy, and yet, within all that pain, he’s a really good person. There’s something about him that’s addicting!

1. If you could meet any person in the world who would it be and why? – As odd as it might be, I’d want to meet Kurt Kobain. I mean, come on, for a man in such pain with such a beautiful gift… I’d love to just talk to him for even five minutes.

1. Name a book you wish you had written. – Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

1. Guilty pleasures? – TV shows such as Sons of Anarachy… OMG… I can’t get enough

1. Tell us about something crazy you’ve done. – Snuck into concerts when I was younger… by any means necessary ;)

1. Best reward as a writer? – When a reader leaves a review and/or emails me to tell me how they felt reading my books. (Even the bad reviews have meaning to me!)

1. Biggest trouble you faced as a writer? – Staying focused outside of writing.

1. How do you react to a bad review? – Understand it and move on.

1. Do you like singing or dancing? Does music inspire you? – I’m not good at either but I LOVE music. I always listen to music when I write.

1. Favorite food? Do you cook? – My dinners tend to come out of a box that takes a few minutes to make… lol…

1. What thing you wish you could stop doing and you can’t? – Obsessing about characters

1. Do you have a nice relationship with your fans? – YES! I love my fans and I love talking to them.

TYVM for this amazing interview!
And I'm glad you love music, and you decided to write this amazing series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

London Casey is the pen name for Karolyn James -

Karolyn James is the author of several bestselling series. With over 100,000 ebooks sold, Karolyn has seen success in both romance and in erotic romance. Her current series include the smash hit Brothers of Rock romance series.

Don't miss the first part of the series following rock band, Chasing Cross!

• Book One - All Access
• Book Two - Broken Sound
• Book Three - Bitter Farewell
• Book Four - Buried Notes
• Book Five - Last Song (coming soon!)

Karolyn James also writes under the pen name, Claire Charlins, writing western romances. Upon releasing the first book in the Mail Order Romance series, West For Love, the book shot straight to the top of the Amazon Kindle charts! The second book in this mail order bride romance series is now available, titled Finding Love West!

Stay up to date with everything Karolyn James here:

Website

Facebook

Twitter: @KarolynWrites

Mailing list: tinyurl.com/KJSignup







GIVEAWAY:

If you want to win an ecopy of ALL ACCESS by Karolyn James (which also writes under the pen name London Casey) enter my blogoversary giveaway HERE.

There are 25 prizes!

GOOD LUCK!

Author Interview, Excerpt and Giveaway: Marianne Spitzer

Book Blurb:

Spirits? Madness? Which haunts Daniel? His teenage bride, Annamarie, must answer the question while she deals with her husband’s controlling behavior and abnormal fear of spirits he believes exist in the surrounding woods near their home. During an argument, her anger erupts and she yells a few odd words at her husband, Daniel, which she explains is her Gypsy curse. A bad day at work convinces him the curse is real, but after the brutal death of his best friend, his belief in the curse and his terror of the spirits escalates. Annamarie begins to have foreshadowing dreams of a young Gypsy girl who resembles her in every way. As the dreams become more vivid and frequent, Annamarie begins to fear her utterance of a Gypsy curse may have brought spirits into their lives. When they both have the same dream, she believes Daniel’s fears may be real. They feel they may be close to answers when a human killer enters their lives. With two battles to wage they must stand strong together. Frightening events spiral out of control and Annamarie must fight for her husband’s safety, his sanity and her own.

GOODREADS

AMAZON

EXCERPT:

The camp-fire cast shadows on the old wagons parked nearby. An elderly man sat on a barrel, playing a violin. Other men and women sat near the fire clapping to the music floating on the night air. A dark haired young girl danced around the flames, her bright green eyes sparkling in the firelight. She was clad in a long dress of many colors, sewn by hand, colored ribbons pulled up her hair. She smiled and held her hand out to Annamarie.
Annamarie woke screaming.
Jolted from his sleep, Daniel jumped out of bed. “What the hell’s the matter with you?”
She sat up in the middle of the bed, her voice anxious, “I had a nightmare. I saw myself dancing, but I also saw myself watching me dance. Then the one dancing held out her hand to me.”
“Creepy!” Daniel started to laugh, “Serves you right for putting a curse on me.”
“I didn’t put a curse on you. It was just gibberish because you had me so upset. I’m not a Gypsy, so how could I do that? I only wanted to get your attention.”
“You’re going crazy. Don’t I have enough trouble with the spirits without you bringing a new one? What if the spirits here don’t like you summoning Gypsy spirits?”
“I don’t understand why you’re acting this way. You were so different last night. Why have you changed again? You’re the one losing your mind. There are no spirits in the woods, and I certainly didn’t conjure up any.”

INTERVIEW:

1.      For people who haven’t heard of Gypsy Spirits, make a brief description.

Gypsy Spirits is a supernatural thriller. A young bride rattles off some odd words in the midst of a heated argument with her new hubby. She tells him it’s a Gypsy curse and he better start being nicer to her. Strange and evil things begin to happen to him.

2.      When did you decided to become a writer? 

In the sixth grade when I was complimented about a short story I write. I considered it seriously in college when my English professor convinced me to major in English. I took his advice and have never regretted it.

3.      What does your family think of your works? 

They are supportive. My brother, nieces, and son have read them and liked them. If they didn’t, believe me they would let me know.

4.      Do you have specific habits when you write?

No.

5.      Are you an early bird or night owl?

Night owl. I prefer to write at night when it’s dark, quiet, and most of the world is asleep.

6.      Where do you get your inspiration?

From everywhere I look. I find stories in pictures or events. If it intrigues me, I’ll write about it.

7.      Which of your characters is your favorite and why?

Annamarie. Everyone believes she is an innocent nineteen year old child. She grows a backbone and fights for what is hers.

8.      If you could have coffee with any character of any book, who would it be and why?

Miss Marple from Agatha Christie’s 4:50 from Paddington. It’s my favorite of Agatha Christie’s stories and Miss Marple is the kind of detective we’d all love to be. She solves mysteries in unique ways.

9.      If you could meet any person in the world who would it be and why?

Stephen King. I would just like to sit and listen to him talk to see if I can figure out how to tap into his genius.

10.  Name a book you wish you had written.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

11.  What do you do, besides writing?

I like to spend time with my family, especially my grandkids. I love to read and watch sunsets.

12.  Do you have any hobbies?

Reading, word puzzles, Sudoku, and Jungle Quest on my laptop.

13.  Guilty pleasures?

Chocolate anything.

14.  What are you reading right now?

A Murder In Knoxville by Wayne Zurl.

15.  Name your favorite books.

Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank. All of the Sherlock Holmes books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Anything written by Agatha Christie or Stephen King. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. The poetry of Robert Frost and William Blake. Greek drama. Sophocles is my favorite.

  

16.  Best reward as a writer?

When a reader enjoys what I have written.

17.  Biggest trouble you faced as a writer?

As an Indie author, getting publicity can be difficult.

18.  How do you react to a bad review?

To be honest, the first on really got to me. I took it extremely personal. Thank goodness for fellow authors who were there to support me, and now I roll with the punches. I realize that not everyone likes every book even if it is in their favorite genre.

 

19.  Do you review others’ books? Are you nice or are you mean? :P

I’m never mean. It doesn’t serve any purpose except to hurt the writer. If the book is difficult to read or has major issues, I like to contact the writer personally. If I do have to write a public review, I may touch on those issues, but I will find what I did like and concentrate on that. I have yet to read a book that was so bad I couldn’t find something positive.

20.  Do you like singing or dancing? Does music inspire you?

I don’t sing or dance. I do like to listen to a playlist when I write. The playlists change with each book or short story.

21.  What are your favorite TV shows?

Any of the Law and Order shows. 48 Hours. Grey’s Anatomy, Revenge, Hoarders, and Once Upon a Time.  

22.  Favorite movies?

       Pirates of the Caribbean, any disaster movie, What About Bob? Nosferatu        (1922) A Christmas Carol (1954) all black and white horror films.

  

23.  Favorite food? Do you cook?

      Italian dishes and I hate to cook.

  

24.  Do you have a nice relationship with your fans?

Yes, they are all kind and positive.

25.   If someone made a movie of your life, which event MUST be included? 

The birth of my children and grandchildren since they are the most important people in my life, but also the present. Living my dream of having a published book, people reading it, and liking it is a major part of my life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I was born in Milwaukee, and lived there until I was eighteen. Then I spent eight years in Washington state and California before returning to Wisconsin. I love eerie places and books. I began with a love of Nancy Drew books and as I grew I found H.P Lovecraft, Agatha Christie, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle among others. When I am not writing, I am reading or watching sunsets. I have been writing short stories since I was in grade school. Most were in the form of essays relating real life events. Many were purely imaginary trips to magical places and times. I enjoy making up stories about people I meet or see on the street. I can see a story in a picture, especially if the picture is eerie. My imagination runs wild and free. I have self-published a book of essays and a book of children's stories for my granddaughter, Brittney. Gypsy Spirits is my debut novel and the first in the series of three "spirit" books. I have self-published the second "spirit" book, Annamarie and Magdalena. I also self-published a supernatural mystery, THE LETTER. I plan to have the sequel to THE LETTER out this year and the third "spirit" book available winter 2013/14. From there I am sure my muse will guide me into another story plot.

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway