Interview with Gerrie Ferris Finger, Author of Running with Wild Blood

Gerrie Ferris Finger is my special guest today on Shelf Full of Books. She is the author of Running with Wild Blood, a mystery novel published this past January. Gerrie is here today with her guest post. Welcome Gerrie. It’s good to have you. 

Interview and Giveaway with Beth Vrabel, Author of A Blind Guide to Stinkville

I’d like to welcome Beth Vrabel to Shelf Full of Books today. Beth is the author of A Blind Guide to Stinkville which was the focus of my review on Oct. 29. Click here to read that review. Today Beth has come to tell us more about her book and her experience with visual impairment.

Welcome Beth! I’m so excited to have you visit with us on Shelf Full of Books.

Please tell us a little bit about your book.

A BLIND GUIDE TO STINKVILLE tells the story of 12-year-old Alice, who moves from Seattle, the only city she’s ever known, to a speck-sized town in South Carolina. Life in Sinkville stinks—and not just because of the putrid smoke coming from the town’s paper mill. In her hometown, everyone already knew that Alice has albinism and the blindness that often goes with it. But here in Stinkville, being blind is news. For the first time in her life, it makes her feel different—disabled, even. And Mom is too depressed to get out of bed, Alice’s brother is too bitter to help, and Dad too busy at his new job. Alice realizes she has to advocate for herself. So with her fat, farting dog Tooter and her white cane at her side, that’s just what Alice does. The funny thing is, as Alice confronts her own blindness, others seem to truly see her for the first time.

Why do you think your readers are going to enjoy your book?

I loved creating the characters in A BLIND GUIDE TO STINKVILLE, and I hope that joy comes through on the pages. For me, this story is so much more than the tale of a blind girl. In fact, I shuddered a little stringing the words together in that way. This is a story of a lonely girl who finds incredible bravery. And she happens to be blind.

I understand your daughter has albinism. Did you base Alice’s character on your daughter? How does Alice’s condition differ from your daughter’s?

I’m so glad you asked this because it’s certainly something I want to make clear. My daughter was born with a very mild form of ocular albinism, which means her eyes have a low level of pigmentation. Like anyone with albinism, she is visually impaired, but my daughter is very mildly so. In fact, most people who meet her don’t know she sees differently than them until she explains it.

Alice, on the other hand, has a severe form of albinism in both her eyes and her skin. She’s the opposite side of the spectrum than my daughter. And in so many other ways, Alice is totally different, especially personality-wise. My daughter was born with the determination and empathy that Alice fights to earn.

In the US you have more Schools for the Blind than we do in Canada. Teachers for children with visual impairment like me work with students in their home schools on an itinerant basis instead of parents sending their children to Schools for the Blind. Did you look into a School for the Blind for your daughter?

Because my daughter’s acuity falls in the low vision rather than blind range, we never did look into schools for the blind for her. That being said, she does benefit from the expertise of a vision itinerant, who visits her school monthly to provide input on how to best accommodate her condition. I was thrilled to hear your background in this, Kathryn! What an incredible service! We don’t always know what’s going to help our daughter, not being visually impaired ourselves. It makes a huge difference to know there are experts who can point out what we can do to even the playing field as much as possible.

What does your daughter think about you writing a book about a girl with her eye condition as the main character?

As I mentioned earlier, the eye condition is not the quite same, but my daughter is excited and hopeful that Alice’s story will make more people aware of albinism. Too often characters with albinism are portrayed as creepy, cruel or mystical. People have implied that my daughter must have exceptional hearing or intuition. Nope. She’s just a girl who happens to have to get a little closer to see and pack a lot of sunscreen.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

A BLIND GUIDE TO STINKVILLE centers on the idea that everyone faces challenges. Some people, like Alice, are born with them. Others encounter them. But everyone must face them. To share this idea, I created a town full of characters, with challenges ranging from ageism to racism, depression to dyslexia. My challenge was bringing these storylines together fluidly and fully. I’m pretty proud of the result.  

Will there be a sequel to A Blind Guide to Stinkville?

Thank you so much for asking that! I wish you could see the giant grin on my face just thinking of A BLIND GUIDE TO NORMAL, which releases next October. While Alice is in the story, it centers on a character introduced toward the end of STINKVILLE. Ryder, who lost an eye due to retinoblastoma, attends a school for the blind in STINKVILLE. In A BLIND GUIDE TO NORMAL, he moves in with his stuck-in-the-‘70s grandpa so he can go to eighth-grade in a “normal” school. Ryder’s sure he’ll be accepted so long as he can be first to make all the one-eyed jokes. Instead, he causes his bio teacher to faint, infuriates the town hero, falls for the tough girl next door, and is attacked by a cat named the General all on his first day. Ryder quickly discovers there is no such thing as normal. And the only thing worse than explaining a joke is being the punch line.

A Blind Guide to Stinkville

By Beth Vrabel

Publisher: Sky Pony Press

Published: October 13, 2015

ASIN: B0163A8TNU

Amazon Synopsis:

Before Stinkville, Alice didn’t think albinism—or the blindness that goes with it—was a big deal. Sure, she uses a magnifier to read books. And a cane keeps her from bruising her hips on tables. Putting on sunscreen and always wearing a hat are just part of life. But life has always been like this for Alice. Until Stinkville.

For the first time in her life, Alice feels different—like she’s at a disadvantage. Back in her old neighborhood in Seattle, everyone knew Alice, and Alice knew her way around. In Stinkville, Alice finds herself floundering—she can’t even get to the library on her own. But when her parents start looking into schools for the blind, Alice takes a stand. She’s going to show them—and herself—that blindness is just a part of who she is, not all that she can be. To prove it, Alice enters the Stinkville Success Stories essay contest. No one, not even her new friend Kerica, believes she can scout out her new town’s stories and write the essay by herself. The funny thing is, as Alice confronts her own blindness, everyone else seems to see her for the first time.

This is a stirring small-town story that explores many different issues—albinism, blindness, depression, dyslexia, growing old, and more—with a light touch and lots of heart. Beth Vrabel’s characters are complicated and messy, but they come together in a story about the strength of community and friendship.

Book Links

Amazon  *  Goodreads

About the Author:

Beth Vrabel grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania. She won a short-story contest in fourth grade and promptly decided writing was what she was going to do with her life. Although her other plans--becoming a Yellowstone National Park ranger, and a professional roller skater--didn't come to fruition, she stuck with the writing. Beth's backround is journalism and was editor of two regional magazines and a lifestyle columnist. Beth now writes full time.

Her books include PACK OF DORKS and A BLIND GUIDE TO STINKVILLE (releasing October by Sky Pony Press). Look for CAMP DORK in March 2016!

Author Links

Website  *  Twitter  *  Goodreads  *  Blog  *  Facebook

An audio copy of A Blind Guide to Stinkville  will be given to one lucky winner who leaves a comment or question for Beth. The winner will be drawn randomly from all commenters. Contest ends Nov. 14, 2015.

An Interview with Rose Mannering, Author of Boo's Beard

Hi, Everyone! A couple of weeks ago, I reviewed a book called Boo’s Beard by Rose Mannering. Today Rose is with us for an interview about her book. If you want to check out my review again, you can find it here. Otherwise, grab a cup of coffee or tea and let's have a chat with Rose.

Welcome, Rose!

An Interview with Joseph Forte, Author of Always There

Today I would like to welcome to Shelf Full of Books Canadian Author, Joseph Forte. Joseph’s book for middle-grade students Always There is a short story, but don’t be deceived, it is a book that requires ruminating on in order to fully understand it. Always There is thought provoking for parents as well and would be an excellent book to stimulate discussion between parents and children. But, enough from me. Let’s get to our interview. Welcome Joseph!

Where did your idea for Always There come from?

Always There is a spinoff of a poem that I had written a while back. It was written through the eyes of a homeless man I had walked past in Toronto, Ontario. One day, I was reading some of my old work and I thought of linking a story line to it and before I knew it, Always There was being created.

How did you come up with the title for this book? Is there a special meaning behind it?

This was actually the first and only title given to this short story. I felt it was fitting as there is a constant connection between the two characters. As clues are left behind and Thomas finds the answers to his questions, Edmund and his presence are forever embedded in his mind. Essentially, Edmund always was and always will be a part of Thomas’ life.

In the first poem it’s evident that Edmund is saying that he’s been alone and unnoticed, but what do the last two lines refer to “Before all of this Eden nailed me to a cross”.

The last two lines of this stanza of the poem refer to the reasons why Edmund is alone, unnoticed, and homeless. It really opens up the concept of interpretation for the reader. I want children to explore, think, and imagine the possibilities of why he is there.

Does this mean that the interpretation of the last two lines is really up to the reader? (Do you have your own personal interpretation of those two lines?)

Yes, that means it is up for interpretation and this is one of the cases where I don't really have an answer to the thought. I wrote it in a way that it would make people think and I think and hope I have accomplished this.

Why did you choose to put the notes in poetry form?

As a writer and keeper of stories, we try to be different and unique, developing a style of writing that people will remember. I thought it would be different to create story lines around poems I have written, intertwining them throughout. My first story, At the Window did not follow this concept, but I have since followed this style for The Joker’s Daughter (editing stages) as well as Once Brothers (very early drafts).

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

The one main message that I want children to take from Always There is to not judge people by the way they appear. I know it’s cliché so I tried to explain this concept with a distinctive short story. We never, truly know who we encounter in our lives yet we are all quick to dismiss people. I am not saying that we need to be directly involved with them but at the very least, we need to have an open mind when we encounter them.

Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?Thank you for this opportunity. It is very difficult, as an indie writer, to garnish some attention so interviews, like this, put us out there to the public, and I am forever grateful for this. I would also like to invite any readers to email me at josephfortewriting@gmail.com with comments about the stories. I love hearing what people from around world have to say about my work.

About the Author:

Joseph Forte is a writer and elementary school teacher who believes the power of the written word is priceless.  He was born and raised in Welland, Ontario, Canada and grew up playing competitive hockey. He is an avid fan of Canadian music and enjoys writing articles, poetry, and children's stories. When he sits down with a pen and paper in hand, his sole mission is to create a piece of work, "Where Words Come Alive."

Author Links

Website  *  Twitter  *  Facebook

Always There

By Joseph Forte

Publisher: Joseph Forte

Published: Apr. 16, 2015

ASIN: B00WAPJ4DC

Amazon Synopsis:

Always There is an intriguing, empathetic story that captures the reader’s attention from the initial turn of the page. Thomas Mays is a young local from Eden. His usual Saturday morning bike ride adventures reveal the truth about the Parkside Bridge homeless man who became the town’s unfathomable hero. As his journey continues, clues are left behind and Thomas’ life is changed forever.

Book Links

Amazon  *  Goodreads

Interview and Excerpt of The Treasure at Devil's Hole with Jody M. Mabry

The Treasure at Devil’s Hole
By Jody M. Mabry
Publisher: Maybury and Gilliam Literary
Pages: 220
Genre: Middle Grade Children’s
Format: Paperback/Kindle

Synopsis:

How would you feel if you knew you had a legendary treasure right in your own back yard? Francis “Bug” Mosser knows, and will do nearly anything to find it, even if it means defying the most villainous person he knows—Mom!

Standing in Bug's way is his nemesis Tad Pricket, the red headed, pock-holed bully who’s suddenly been seen walking Bug’s girl, Melanie, home from school—worse, the walk ends with a kiss. Then there is the mysterious bald stranger and Miss Julia Brandon’s boyfriend who seems a little “too-classy” for the town of Possum Trot.

With the help of his brothers, and best friend Billy—along with his not-so-secret desire to impress Melanie Grainger—Bug goes off in search of fortune and glory, thwarting bad guys, stolen clothes, and explosions to find the one surprise about the treasure that he would have never dreamed of...

For More Information

• The Treasure at Devil’s Hole is available at Amazon.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Interview with Rajdeep Paulus, Author of Swimming Through Clouds Trilogy

Photo credit: Dan Woulfin

 Today on Shelf Full of Books we have the pleasure of having Rajdeep Paulus join us for an interview . Rajdeep, or Raj as she likes to be called, is the author of a trilogy of books. Their titles are: Swimming Through Clouds, Seeing Through Stones and Soaring Through Stars. All three books have been reviewed on this blog. Click on the titles and they will take you to the reviews.

On to the interview!

Where were you born and where do you call home? 

 Hi!! Thanks so much for having me.  J  I was born in Punjab, India, but currently home is NYC, although in some ways, my heart belongs to Chicago.

Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

I don’t know how unique my talents are, but if you saw me dance (I love music,) that might be considered special or just down right crazy. Let’s see… what else? I like to rhyme when I speak, sort of a Dr. Seuss-style banter with friends. And I can make tiramisu. And I can laugh loud enough that my mom can hear me in Atlanta, but not sure if that’s something to brag about. J

An Interview with Ann, Author of The Dandelion Who Refused to be a Weed

Today I would like to welcome to my blog Ann, the author of The Dandelion Who Refused to be a Weed, her debut children's book. She has a lot more books lined up for publication in the near future so she is an author to watch for. If you haven't seen my review for her book yet, you can click on this link, and it will take you there. Don't forget to come back though and find out more about Ann!

Interview with Sonia Poynter, author of The Last Stored

Today I have the privilege of interviewing Sonia Poynter, author of The Last Stored. This is her debut novel with Anaiah Press which will be available January 6th, 2014, Welcome Sonia! I'm thrilled to have you here on Shelf Full of Books.

First of all, thank you Kathryn for giving me the time to talk about my new book, The Last Stored.  I have been blessed so much by the kindness of others.  It is indeed an honor and privilege to share with your readers.

How long have you been writing?

I wrote quite a bit in High School, but then marriage, a big move to another state, and then the babies started coming.  Basically, life happened.  I started dabbling and finally got up the nerve to let my husband read some of my work.  He loved it and encouraged me to go for it.

Interview with Caryl McAdoo, Author of Hearts Stolen

I’m thrilled today to have Caryl McAdoo here wit us on Shelf Full of Books for an interview. Yesterday I reviewed Hearts Stolen, the second book in her Texas Romance Series. Welcome Caryl.

I want to thank you so much for having me, Kathryn. I’m so excited to chat with you and you readers and share a bit about my books.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Music, I love to sing – mostly praise and worship, but God gives me new songs that go along with my children’s books I take into schools and He gave me Susannah’s Ballad for VOW UNBROKEN. He gives me scripture songs to help me with whatever I’m going through. Like:  ♫♪*`•. I'm free.•*♪¨*sing•♪♫ I’m free!♪♫•*¨♪ Free to be what You want me to be.♪♫¸¸ •*♪ No more!*•.¸ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ¸Sin’s slave!.•*º°You freed me from the curse!•.¸.•✿ڿڰۣღ the day Your Life You gave!ღ(̆̃̃ڿڰۣ✿♫♪*You knew me then!`º°¨•.¸You know me now!•.¸.•*♪♫• And love me still!♪♫¸•*♪The purpose of my life♫♪*`•. Is now to do Your will!.•*♪¨*sing•♪♫

     I also like to paint and garden – not so much the getting down and in the dirt anymore (pretty hard to get up) but decorating the garden, adding touches. I love Pinterest for remembering great ideas.

Interview with Daniel Klock, author of Fraud at Snowfields

Today at Shelf Full of Books, I'd like to welcome Daniel Klock, author of Fraud at Snowfields. Fraud at Snowfields is his debut novel. Daniel writes during his spare time. His regular job is a trauma surgeon. Join me now in welcoming him here and finding out more about him and the creation of his book.

Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

The most unique thing about me is probably that I wrote this book at all. Because my real job is trauma surgeon – so a far cry from being a book author.

What do you do to relax? 

Actually I wrote this book for relaxation. I started with the basis of the story while I was still studying and it was a pleasant form of relaxation for me after hours of learning dry facts about anatomy or biochemistry to create such a wonderland of fantasy. Only when it got to the real self-publishing it was not relaxing any more, when I had to do all the editing, proofreading, endless corrections and revisions, creating the cover and getting a grip on all the legal and administrative aspects. The writing was the fun.

Interview with Christine Lindsay, Author of Veiled at Midnight

Today on Shelf Full of Books, I have the privilege of interviewing Christine Lindsay, the author of the Twilight of the British Raj Series. I reviewed her latest book in the series just the other day, Veiled at Midnight.

Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

I really enjoy glorying in my ordinariness, so I wouldn’t say there’s anything terribly unique about me. Plus I find most people to be creative just like me. I’m a home-body, love being with my family, so if I’m not working I’m usually doing something in my house to prepare for a family dinner or get-together. Decorating my house or working in my garden are fun ways for me to relax.

Interview with Joel Ohman, Author of Meritropolis

In Meritropolis everyone is assigned a numerical Score that decides their worth to society and whether they live or die. After a young boy is killed because of a low Score, his brother plots to take down the System.

Sounds good, right? Well, this exciting YA Dystopia is on sale for just 99 cents Thursday, November 27 through Monday, December 1. You can pick up your copy on Amazon.

To celebrate, we are offering a giveaway for an autographed copy and a $100 Amazon gift card—hooray!

Check out this interview with Joel Ohman, the author of the book critics are calling, “The Hunger Games meets The Village with a young Jack Reacher as a protagonist”, then scroll to the end of this post to learn more about the giveaway. Happy reading, and good luck!

The Kingdom Lights Blog Tour and Giveaway with Steven VS

Today I’ve invited Steven Seng, author of the Kingdom Lights to come do an interview with us here on Shelf Full of Books and share an excerpt from his new book Steven’s book is a steampunk adventure written for 9-12 year-olds which he wrote while studying for his medical degree in Sussex England. Welcome Steven!

Any weird things you do when you’re alone?

I like to act out scenes from my favorite movies and television shows. Yes, I play all the characters. No, I’m not very good.

What is your favorite quote and why?

Hero, villain, savior, conqueror, you are all these things and yet you are nothing. You will never truly belong to the light or the dark. You will forever stand alone. I heard this quote when I was young and I like it because it made me understand that there was light and dark within all of us and that it was our choices that mattered.

Interview with Claire Bridgeman, Author of the Spellweaver Chronicles Series

Welcome to Claire Bridgeman, author of the Spellweaver Chronicles. So far on this blog I've reviewed books one and two. You can find the review of Spellweaver (book 1) here and Sun Stealers (book 2) here. Book 3 is due to be released shortly and  you can check back here for the review on that one too.

I'll be interviewing her here on Shelf Full of Books today so we can get a better idea of what this busy lady does when she's not writing. Welcome Claire, and thank you for taking time out to talk with us.

Do I Bother You At Night Blog Tour and Giveaway with Troy Ratliff

 

Do I Bother You At Night is Celebrating It's One Year Anniversary On October 4th! 

To thank all his loyal readers Troy is giving away a Caseable Kindle Folio from his new online store Tribal Style Design to one reader during the blast! 

  Book Blurb: They say nothing ever happens in Kansas. Sylvester Petersen used to think so too. That is, until a mysterious new neighbor moves in next door, seemingly out of nowhere. His handful of friends – people who tried to help him cope with the sudden death of his wife – think that it might be an opportunity for him to get reacquainted with the world outside his farmhouse and to build a new relationship with his neighbor. 

But that idea is soon snuffed out as strange events begin to happen around him. None of them wrong. Just strange: driving in the middle of the night, the sulfur-like odor coming off of him, the fact he doesn’t talk to anyone in the area. And what about that dog? Sylvester chooses the logical explanation and ignores the peculiar behavior. But when other oddities start to happen – the kind that

The Demon Stone Blog Tour Interview and Kindle Fire Giveaway with Chris Datta

Today I'm excited to bring you an Interview and Kindle Fire Giveaway from Chris Datta. His first Novel Touched with Fire was a number one best-seller in the Historical Fiction category, and this supernatural thriller lives up to the high expectations readers have for this talented author.

The Demon Stone by Christoper Datta

 

The Demon Stone is a powerful supernatural thriller that leads you from the killing fields of Africa to the quiet Boundary Waters of Northern Minnesota. In braided narratives, Datta spins a terrifying story about the spiritual forces—both real and supernatural—that incite the basest, bloodiest and most frightening of human behaviors. "Reading Chris Datta is like riding a rollercoaster. It’s a fast ride filled with twists and turns. His Demon Stone is scary fun. Stephen King, watch your back!" -Richard Rashke, author of The Killing of Karen Silkwood

   

Parallax Blog Tour, Interview and Giveaway with Paul Williams

Parallax

By Paul Williams

Release Date: September 2014

Publisher: illusio & baqer

Synopsis:

Danny Anderson lives in Sulphide, a copper mining town in the outback of Australia. Taking refuge from a gang of bullies who tortures animals, he and his two friends Jennifer and Gustave discover a parallel universe through a cave. In this universe, bullies are eaten by the animals they torture, Animal Police arrest people for the crime of cannibalism (eating meat), and pain inflicted on others is felt by the perpetrators.

But far from being the Eden they first envision, it is a frightening world where justice is harsh. They escape into a series of worlds, but each parallel universe is worse than the 

Return to Love Blog Tour with Kathleen Shoop

Today on Shelf Full of Books I’d like to welcome Kathleen Shoop, author of Return to Love,  her latest book. She’s with me for an interview. Welcome Kathleen. Let’s get right to it, and then tell our readers about your newest book.

Author Interview:

What inspired you to write this book?

 I had written Home Again (book one) for an anthology of novellas called Bliss. Each author had to write about a different era, but all of our stories take place in the same house on the water in North Carolina. I fell in love with the characters, April and Hale, in Home Again and as soon as I finished writing it, I knew I would be writing more about them. In terms of inspiring the plot and character development in Return to Love I drew from the circumstances I created in book one. Hale needed to go back to Vietnam to fly

Interview with T.D. Wilson, Author of The Epherium Chronicles: Crucible

Tracey Wilson is the author of Crucible, the second book in The Epherium Chronicles, which will be released tomorrow. I reviewed his first book in the series Embrace, and if you haven't already, you can read the review here. Tomorrow I'll be posting my review of Crucible. Today however, I thought it would be good to get to know the author of the series a little better.

I am so excited to have you visit with us today Tracey. I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed these two books in your series.

What inspired you to write the Epherium Chronicles Series?

I’ve been a sci-fi/fantasy fan since I was about 10.  I loved Star Trek and Star Wars.  As more fantasy stories and sci-fi movies/tv shows came around, I always wondered what it would be like to create something like that.  I’m also a technology guy, so translating techie stuff to a broader story base was easy.

I had lots of ideas for stories and tried to create a few books after college, but I was too distracted and they didn’t go anywhere.  One my short stories was called “Into the Black.”  It was basically a more grisly version of humanity’s first encounter with the Cilik’ti as described in the Prologue for Embrace, but focused more on the Apollo and their encounter than what went on at the station.

I wrote it a long time ago and had forgotten about it.  One day, I was helping my parents move some boxes out of their garage, I came across one with some of my old books and trophies.  Sitting on top of the books, was my old short story.  I picked it up and decided I was going to map out a larger story.  Took me a few years, but it’s been a fun adventure.

Which is your favourite character and why?

Hood is my favorite, but many of the characters have some fun characteristics that you can relate too.  Hood’s tactical mind, his love of chess, his faith in God, and humble, but strong leadership role are qualities I find most appealing.

Major McGregor is kind of Scottish “Gunny” Highway from Heartbreak Ridge.  Mr. Whitaker, I modelled after Thomas Edison.  I emulated the character type of the motor pool Sergeant in Black Sheep Squadron to create the styled persona for Lieutenant Commander Walsh.  So you can see many characters and even settings can be related back to things I’ve experienced.  I’ve found those experiences make the characters so much more three dimensional.

I know that Maya Greywalker is a big fan favorite.  The idea for her originated when   I was having an open discussion with some of my friends one day about tough female comic book characters.  She is pieced from some many different personas, but what she has become is truly remarkable and there is so much more to be revealed…

What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing it to life?

I did some research on much of the technologies I planned to use. Rather than just saying this is what they are, I wanted to weave in a little bit of how they worked.  I also felt that you explain something, it helps the person you’re communicating to visualize it.  It becomes real to them and the enjoyment factor can be enhanced.

For air and space combat, I talked to a few combat and test pilots.  We walked through scenarios, like a battle in the asteroid belt.  It was fun putting it all together.  My brother is a martial artist, so when I needed some extra info a hand to hand combat scene, I could always talk with him about how it would progress.

If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters?  

I get asked this a lot.  When I created Admiral Tramp, my first thought was Tommy Lee Jones.  If anyone could bring that kind of attitude to his character, it was him.  As for Captain Hood, Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye from Avengers) would be a good fit and I was thinking Ben Barnes (Prince Caspian in Chronicles of Narnia) would be a good Sanchez.

  

Jeremy Renner                  Ben Barnes

Gerard Butler might be a good Major McGregor.  For Maya, I once thought Emma Stone, mainly because of the eyes, but she isn’t tall enough.  Rachel Nichols (Scarlett in the GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra)or Adrianne Palicki (Lady Jay from GI Joe: Retaliation) might work.

Adrianne Palicki                    Rachel Nichols

And now, a few fun facts about you:

Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

I have a degree in Electrical Engineering, but I work as a Network Architect/Systems Integrator/Project Manager in support of some of the largest Supercomputing sites in the world.  It’s really exciting to know that your work helps to generate studies of world weather patterns, deep space mapping, genetic code mapping, complex chemistry, and even the design of foods we enjoy.

I am love sports, especially baseball and football.  I’ve helped to coach my two boys over the years and I am thrilled to watch them play.

I was an old table top RPG gamer, but these days I usually stick to the online or console games.  My boys love to play Lord of the Rings Online and we get together with my brother every now and then to have a blast.

Where is one place in the world (or out of this world) that you would really love to visit someday?

Mars.  Without a doubt, but I’m sure once I got there I wouldn’t want to stop exploring the rest of the solar system.

What is your favourite book and why?

So many, but from a fiction perspective, it has to be Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein.  My first book I every bought on my own was the complete works of Sherlock Holmes.  I loved it, but in college, I had a Great Books of Literature class.  Frankenstein was the 4^th book we studied and it was glorious.  You truly understand Frankenstein and his creation.  Why the monster was, how he learned, and because of what he learned, how it turned out.  Movies twisted the story so badly.  The book is a classic.

What inspired you to become a writer?

Even as a kid, I love to read and tell stories.  By comparison, I feel I’m more of a storyteller than a writer.  I wanted to create something and now, I wanted to write something my kids would enjoy.  I count myself very blessed that someone took the time to read what I wrote and think it would be worth their effort to publish it.  God truly opens doors for us.  We just have to have the courage to take the first step.

The Epherium Chronicles: Crucible (Book 2)

By T.D. Wilson

Publisher: Carina Press

Published: May 26, 2014

ASIN: B00I66AA00

Amazon Synopsis:

January, 2155

Earth Defense Forces Captain James Hood is on the mission of his life. The Cygni solar system is just one space-fold jump away. One more jump and they'll have reached the fledgling colony that Earth desperately needs if the human race is going to survive. But a plot to derail him has already damaged his ship, threatened the lives of his crew and cost him time. Time the colonists might not have.

So much depends on him now, but Hood's confidence is shaken. It's self-doubt he thought he'd buried, a brutal mind-killer for all military commanders. Yet danger surrounds his team; a brutal insectoid alien race is still out there, intent on eradicating humans, and a greater threat from an unknown, elusive enemy has emerged.

The forces at work on Cygni are like nothing Hood has trained for, tactically or emotionally. When put to the test, he must choose to either trust the unlikeliest of allies, or run and seal the fate of the Cygni colony forever.

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About the Author:

T.D. Wilson was born in 1968 in Troy, Ohio and has been an avid fan of science fiction and fantasy from a very young age. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and has supported the systems and networks in several of the largest Supercomputing data centers in the world.

His early thirst for adventure in reading began as he explored many of the great stories of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. As his reading scope expanded, Mr. Wilson was fascinated by strange new worlds from the magical of Middle Earth and Narnia to the far reaches of space in Star Trek and Babylon 5. As a science fiction author, he strives to integrate a realistic flavor to his worlds by providing his readers a feel for the real science in science fiction. A topic he loves to discuss with his friends and readers.

 Mr. Wilson still lives in Ohio with his wife and their two sons.

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Where Was God Blog Tour: Interview With Sheila Jackson

I'd like to welcome Sheila Jackson to Shelf Full of Books for an interview today. She is the author of Where Was God? Their Hearts Burned to be Together.  Let's start with the interview Sheila, and then we'll tell everyone about your book.

The Interview

What was the inspiration for this book?

I wanted to address the long-term effects of abuse and the damages it causes.  We work, worship, and hang-out with people that have learned to mask their pain. Verbal and physical abuse is real. There is no magic pill for getting over it. We’ve always heard