Interview with Stephen Jennison - Smith

Interview with Stephen

Jennison-Smith,
Author of The 24

Questions by R. Murry

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

I started writing while I was training for work, The Battle of the Dragons. I have since looked at it and it now needs a lot of work before it can be published, my writing has improved that much. The next book was called The Coughing Pole which is now published under the title of The Crying Pennant. I wrote those 16 years ago. Now I have written 14 books and 15 short stories. I try to write about 500 words a day, except Sunday, unless I am drawing or sculpting.

Do you remember the first story you wrote?

I started to write a science fiction story when I was in Secondary School. One of the phrases I remember using was 'Until the star looked like a pin prick in a tea bag.'

Were you inspired by someone or something?

I suppose you could say my brother-in-law, for his code of honour is never to hit somebody until they have hit him. In the same way Kendra does not like to kill anyone until they have engaged him in battle.

What do you like about writing a story?

I’m finishing it. This is the hardest part, to tie everything up, to get to the word count. If I am writing a funny story then as long as I come up with a couple of jokes a day then I'm happy.

Can you tell us about your book?

The 24 is the second in the Kendra series. The first book was an introduction to him. This book takes him and his son on an adventure to destroy an army of 1,000 giants. Along the way they meet Semites who they help to train to be giant killers.

How did you come up with the story?

It is the sequel to Kendra and I had always planned to turn it into a series. The story developed as I put it on Wattpad but I was unable to complete it until recently because I had to finish writing the last book in the Arth Series. I did think about the episodic nature of 'Hawk the Slayer' and also 'The Magnificent Seven' and so tried to make sure mine, though being influenced by them, did not follow them completely.

What genre best fits for the book?

Action/adventure/fantasy.

Are you working on something new at the moment?

I am planning the third book in the Kendra series called 'Kendra and the Wolf-Master' and am writing a piece of flash fiction called 'Serasel the Smith' where Kendra is taken to a different plane of existence to receive his sword.

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?

The best advice is to read the classics, look at how other authors construct sentences. Also keep writing.

Which authors inspire you?

I have read ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ as well as Asimov, Michael Moorcock, C.S.Lewis and Alan Moore graphic novels. I am also inspired by film and TV.

Where can people go to read your work?

Amazon at  http://tinyurl.com/StephenJennison-Smith
or samples and some shorter finished work on Wattpad  http://www.wattpad.com/user/StephenJennisonSmith
Smashwords  http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/SJennisonSmith

Where can people find you on the internet?

http://stephenjennisonsmith.blogspot.com/

Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers?

To thank my ardent fans for their continued following and the support of 
Author Roy Murry.

Review of The Soul Keeper

                                      

The Soul Keeper                

Written by

Maree Ward-Russell

Reviewed by R. Murry

Maree has kept the story of a young lady named Melody with paranormal gifts alive and well.  The story goes on from book one into a plausible continuation that will endear you to Ms. Russell's style of writing that is colorful, as I noted in my review of The Transient  http://bit.ly/W8vGQa.

The universal spirits are in turmoil, the evil ones are trying to overcome the good spirits, and the events at Heartworth’s castle portal are bustling with the comings and goings of those spirits. 

Our young lady would be a Soul Keeper if you didn’t know.  To understand the full effect of a Soul Keeper, one must be of another power above her.  We get to meet her charge, a young or old ghost, which either way you interpret him – is young in spirit, but old in the number of years he has been a Transient.

His connection to Melody becomes knowledge soon after they meet, which becomes something of a delight to her – it’s connection to her lover, another Transient.   What a world they live in?  If it weren't for those non-transient lovers, life would be so grand.

But they are lurking.  They produce havoc in Melody’s world and her beloved friends.  Not to mention the castle itself.  There are too many disrupting episodes to divulge.  So I’ll let you read the two books.  That way, you’ll get to enjoy what I have – a pleasant read with romance in the air on many levels and a conclusion to remember Forever and a Day.

A great read for the young and the young at heart.   

Read Maree’s books: http://amzn.to/1IuMduE

Interview with Maree Ward - Russell

Interview with Maree Ward-russell

Author of The Soul Keeper –             

2^nd book in The Castle Trilogy

Questions by R. Murry

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

I’m a 47 year old mother to five teens, a registered nurse and I’ve been writing stories in one way of another since I was about 10 yrs. old. I was raised in New Plymouth – a coastal city on the west coast, North Island of New Zealand but have spent the last 10 years living here in Auckland city. I love to travel and have had many trips overseas.

Do you remember the first story you wrote?

Yes – although I do recall I also have never completed it! It was a story about a nation of elves living at the bottom of a girls’ garden who enlist her help to save them from a terrible fate. “The Saving of the Eledenforth Elves.” 

Were you inspired by someone or something?

I have loved C.S Lewis from a very young age. I used to seek old wardrobes wherever I saw them. Since then Tolkien and in later years J.K. Rowling – not only for her incredible writing skill but also her ability to draw readers, young and old in a highly computerised age.

What do you like about writing a story?

When I’m completely losing myself in the fantasy, I’m happy.  Becoming someone or being somewhere that in today’s reality simply wouldn’t be possible and then sharing that with those who love this like me.

Can you tell us about your book?

I have several on the go; a bad habit of mine. Firstly I released Roses at Dusk – a paranormal suspense for Young adults; the first in a series called the Demonic Series. Just recently however, I have released The Transient. This is the first in The Castle Trilogy that is a teen fantasy romance about a young girl who moves from Australia to New York State to take up residence in a rundown castle, turned bed and breakfast with her dad. It is dripping with atmosphere, ghosts and villains with just a tangible hint of romance. In a way The Castle series is a prequel to The Demonic series as Roses at Dusk only came about when I felt the villains from The Castle Series needed a story of their own.  

What genre best fits for the book?

Teen – Fantasy/Paranormal/Romance.

                                                                            

Are you working on something new at the moment?

Several! I am trying to get Snowdrops Wilt at Dawn – the second after Roses at Dusk, completed. On top of that I have three other quite different projects. Firstly, a collaborative work with English poet A.V. Barber called Lion Hearts. This is a medieval romance set back in the time of King Richard, which uses a combination of poetry and narrative back story to tell the tale of a Knight and his maiden. I also invest a lot of time in The Dragons of the Yew Maze – a teen adventure for all ages, set in Kent, which is an action packed story of two kids helping to protect a young prince’s kingdom and Dragon crop from an evil Governor called Tyrone.  Finally – when I need a complete change of pace I am slowly working my way through a classical, steam punk mystery – called the Mystery at Bancroft Hall. – Phew!

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?

Don’t be put off by everyone else’s opinions or the system itself. You will never find a more fickle and subjective industry than literature; which is why there is very questionable material on occasions that find its way in to traditional high profile print while some extraordinary writers are struggling and passed over. Never give up, believe in what you do. Don’t read reviews and just keep WRITING… for the love above all else.

Where can people go to read your work?

Amazon, Smashwords – including all the usual additions like Kobo and Barnes and Noble. I also have three fan pages and a personal website along with Goodreads.com

www.mwrussellbooks.com

http://www.amazon.com/Roses-Dusk-Demonic-Series-ebook/dp/B0096A5QJ0

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/262001

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/228547

http://www.amazon.com/The-Transient-Castle-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00AITK652/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1354738532&sr=1-4&keywords=the+transient

https://www.facebook.com/pages/MW-Russell/253137498083855

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lion-Hearts/115420775286302

https://www.facebook.com/RosesAtDusk

http://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard

Review of Reality Is Broken

Jane McGonigal's

Reality Is Broken                  

Why Games Make Us Better and

How They Can Change The World

Reviewed by R. Murry

The world around us is changing at a fast pace.  Can you remember when a TV wasn’t a flat screen or a telephone wasn't a cell?  What did we do without the internet?  Now we can communicate with literally thousands, if not millions, of people in a flash.

A question is posed: Are games, using the internet, leading us to reinventing civilization as we know it?  Ms. McGonial in her intelligent hypothesis would say yes.  She is not writing about those games that the gamer goes around killing everyone and wasting precious time.  What she proposes are games that are geared to resolving global problems such as famine, power, communications, social differences, etc. and making people feel happy about doing it. 

In her well detailed explanations, Jane reveals how these games full fill one’s need for happiness.  She does this by defining numerous ways a gamer is satisfied in reaching their particular goals albeit not reaching a final conclusion while a level of completing a personal accomplishment is felt - an achievement that the gamer is happy with.

Ms. McGonial introduces us to games that will or have made an effect on social norms.  I’ll just mention a few: CHORE WARS is a game where you win by doing work around the house and receive rewards for your due diligence.  THE COMFORT OF STRANGERS is one where you learn more about your community and smile a lot.  EVOKE is a game network for social innovation.  There are many others, some using the internet to change our world concept of each other.

The book is lengthy.  But if you can bear with some of the detail, you’ll be amazed at what Jane McGonial has written.  I watched her introduction the way games and gamers can make a difference in the world on http://www.ted.com/   I was impressed and purchased Reality Is Broken.

Here is Jane’s link: http://janemcgonigal.com/

   

5 Star Reviews of The Audubon Caper

5 Star Reviews of The Audubon Caper

by Authors


Carol Marrs Phipps, author of Good Sister, Bad Sister

The Audubon Caper is a hair-raising, eye-opening story that you simply won't want to miss, particularly if you desire an inside glimpse into how one of our intelligence agencies conducts some of its covert operations.

Danny Kemp, author of The Desolate Garden wrote: 

I have read this book and can happily recommend it. A thoroughly enjoyable story told with conviction and expertise.

Rags Daniels, the author of  Lallapaloosa, wrote:

'The Audubon Caper' is… utterly compelling, riveting, factual roller coaster ride.

If it doesn't make it to the big screen, I will devour my hat.

PS; I guarantee you will hate reaching the end.             

Faith Helen Mortimer, author of many mystery novels wrote:

R. Murry has written a good book here with plenty to excite and interest the reader and adding reality to the story. The fluency and pace kept me on edge until the end. This was a most enjoyable read and if you like thrillers then this one could be for you.

Seumas Gallacher, author of SAVAGE PAYBACK others an says:

I've seldom been seduced by a storyline right from the first page as I was with The Audubon Caper...

The fluency and pace keep the reader on edge until the final page. It’s a most enjoyable read...

Kathryn Kimball Johnson, author of many romance novels/professor says on 

the back cover of the book:

“The Audubon Caper is a page-turner.”

Vonda Norwood, author of many Erotic novels wrote:

This TRUE story is filled with SEX and LIES.  I LOVED IT.  I believe all the accounts in this exciting mystery are true and that the facts are all there... but am I right? I DON'T KNOW!!!

Theresa Brau, author of Groom and Doom and English teacher wrote:

R. Murry's The Audubon Caper is a fast-paced story. There are so many things going on in this creative non-fiction tale.  One of the greatest things about this book is that it's based on a true story…

Zoe Saadia, author of HIGHLANDER and many historical novels wrote: 

I was meaning to pick "Audubon Caper" for some time, but the moment I peeked into the sample chapter I knew I have to read this book. It gripped me from the very beginning, the author's way to address the reader in the friendly conversational way of someone telling you his story…

Cynthia J Smith, poet, and author of Voices in my Head wrote: 

Mr. Murry writes so smoothly that the story flows from past to present without a ripple. His scenes of sex and drugs are reminiscent of the activities of that era but are written in such a way as to add to the story instead of becoming a major piece of it.

Larry B. Gray, author and blogger wrote: 

Do you want to read a book that you can't put down? Do you want a book that will grab you by the seat of the pants and will not let you go? The Audubon Caper by R. Murry is just the book for you. In this true-crime tale, Roy Murry has pulled it all together into a fast past adventure tale.

Debbie McEwan author of fiction says:

Debbie wrote: "I've just finished this book and its brill! Will keep you guessing until the end and the author's notes are also intriguing."

The Audubon Caper can only be found on Amazon Kindle E-books  US https://amzn.to/2ShFH40

Review: Sorry, We can't use funny.

  

Written by Barry Parham    

   

Reviewed by R. Murry



I laughed.  I thought and laughed.  And I laughed, thought, and laughed with each sentence I read of Mr. Parham’s many off the cuff jesting and jiving.  I’m just joking.  I think he put much thought into each of his stories, shorts, and ponderings.  He writes some intelligent quibbling too, but not to a fault.

I’m glad he put all these interludes with the world in a book.  I would get frustrated if I had to wait for a newspaper column to come out each week to enjoy his type of entertainment.

Enjoyed most by me, are his Dear Abby Redux replies to correspondents who propose situations and quibble about the world around them.  Mr. Parham answers with appropriate funny words. 

In his writing, I get the feeling that he enjoys poking at the current world affairs especially at the leaders of the free world, as we all do.  However, Mr. Parham does not insult, but gets right to the point which is funnier in a sad way, because of the truth in his words.

I’m not going to give details, but will say that if you want to have a good time laughing, buy this funny expose of the world and the people in it.

Barry’s links are below: The weekly columns are available online, via a yearly subscription, at

http://www.barryparham.com.

Alternatively, Kindle owners can subscribe and have the columns automatically downloaded each week, from this address:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AY6Z8S4

Interview of Barry Parham

                                    Interview of Barry Parham        

Author of Sorry,

We Can’t Use Funny

Questions: R. Murry

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

Well, let's see. I'm a moderately pleasant single guy. I'm a music lover, a lucky Uncle, a proud graduate of the University of Georgia, and a recovering software developer. I'm middle-aged, assuming I live to be 112. And I'm fiscally conservative, except for music CDs.

Do you remember the first story you wrote?

The first humor column I ever published was called "Things I've Learned from Television." It was basically a list of misconceptions that somebody from another planet might make, if their only source of information was a few hours watching TV. For example:

If you live in a trailer park, and have a 200 lb. pet chimp, and then feed the chimp Xanax, and then invite the neighbors over, you may shortly appear on the TV news in what is known as a "Breaking Story."

Were you inspired by someone or something?

Absolutely - two of the best: Mark Twain and Dave Barry.

What do you like about writing a story?

What's most fun for me is finding an odd angle; an unexpected connection; a pairing between things that, at first glance, might seem to have nothing in common.

Can you tell us about your book?

Sorry, We Can't Use Funny is my second (of five) collections of humor columns and other short pieces. The book's title is actually a quote I received in a rejection letter from a newspaper editor. He's dead now, but let's not get into all that.

What genre best fits for the book?

Observational humor, I suppose, is a good fit. I was once told that what I write is not fiction, which was a silly thing to say. After all, I know perfectly well its fiction - I made all of it up myself.

Are you working on something new at the moment?

Other than the weekly columns, I'm thinking...slowly...about a new book. I've enough material for another book, but this time I might skip the physical venue altogether, and just stick with an eBook version.

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?

My self-inflicted discipline is to write a minimum of 625 words, about something, every week. But I understand not everyone can do that - it takes a firm commitment to be that lazy.

Where can people go to read your work?

The weekly columns are available online, via a yearly subscription, at

http://www.barryparham.com.

Alternatively, Kindle owners can subscribe and have the columns automatically downloaded each week, from this address:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AY6Z8S4

Do you have anything to add?

I'm thankful to my God, I'm grateful for my parents, and I'm honored to now be able to count myself among the authors reviewed on these pages. Thanks, Roy, to you and your readers!