Tag: magic

Posted in backstory, character interview, Creekside Cafe, interview, promo

On the Porch with Damian and Marble, a Creekside Cafe Chat

Posted on by Sherri

Damian is the hero of K.B. Davenport’s new adult fantasy novel, Magic in Autumn Springs. Welcome Damian Baxter to Creekside Café. 

Damian: Thanks for having me, Sherri! The café is beautiful. Reminds me of home! 

Sherri: Damian it is so good to have this chance to get to know you better. I enjoyed reading about your adventures in Autumn Springs. Have you always lived in Autumn Springs? You went to college there as well? Have you ever wanted to travel? Did you ever want to leave Autumn Springs? 

Damian: Thanks for reading my story! I have always lived in Autumn Springs. Born and raised! I love my hometown. It’s a friendly place (mostly), and there’s always something brewing. After I graduated high school, I went to Autumn Springs College. I wanted to stay close to home, despite not having the best relationship with my parents. The town always had a pull for me, though, so I couldn’t bear to leave it. I guess, after reading my story, you know why! There was something waiting for me there, I just had to figure out what it was. 

I’ve traveled a few times. Mostly to surrounding states and tourist destinations near Autumn Springs. Never too far. But I’ve always wanted to go to Switzerland. It’s so beautiful, I feel like it’s the only place that could rival my love for my hometown. Springtime there seems like a fairy tale! 

When I was younger, I wanted nothing more than to leave Autumn Springs. From around ages ten to seventeen, I dreamed of moving far away and living a fast-paced life in a city somewhere. I was convinced that Autumn Springs was only for people who wanted big families and small lives. It took some time to realize how mistaken I was. Something clicked one day, and I’ve been happy there since. That’s not to say I won’t let life take me to other places. Who knows where I’ll end up now that Bartley and I are together! He’s much more of a traveler than I am. 

Sherri: You had a special relationship with your grandmother. What connected the two of you?  

Damian: Granny Sue was an interesting person. She had a steadfastness that I admired from an early age. I also felt her sadness about not being able to connect with her daughter (my mother), and I think it helped me deal with my own pain. But beyond that, she was an immensely creative and talented person with lots of stories and love. She would paint, sing songs, grow beautiful gardens, and it all came so naturally. I was her only grandchild, too, so I was a bit spoiled, I guess! 

Sherri: How old were you when you started experiencing strange things? Magic? Dreams?  

Damian: I think I was around seven or eight. At least, that’s when I have conscious memories of things happening.  

Sherri: What was your first magical experience? 

Damian: Just little things at first. Like, I’d be thinking about a snack I wanted in the kitchen and wishing it was in front of me. I would concentrate hard and try to move it, but the best I could do was lifting it an inch or so off the counter. I think wish fulfillment is every young witch’s first experience with magic, though! 

Sherri: Who started calling you Kachoo? Where did the name Kachoo come from? 

Damian: Granny and Grampa had an ornate toy train at their house when I was little. I’d always play with it when I visited them. Granny always called it a choo-choo, but I had trouble saying it. I would say “ka-choo” instead, like a sneeze, and Granny always laughed. It stuck around as my nickname as I got older. It was sort of an inside joke between us.  

Sherri: You spoke of the men you’ve dated just passing through, only in Autumn Springs for school. What type of man are you attracted to? What is the most important element in a partner?  

Damian: I love bookish types with a bit of a roguish side. A guy who can quote Shakespeare and swashbuckle pirates would be ideal. I mean, essentially that’s who Bartley is. He surprises me every day with new adventures. We just went spelunking a few weeks ago! The caves near Autumn Springs are spooky and mystifying. 

I hate to sound cliche, but communication is really it for me. If we can talk through what we’re feeling, no matter how silly or childish we may be feeling, we’ll get through any problem. A lot of guys in my past weren’t the best communicators, despite being in college. It’s like they spent all their time expressing themselves at school and wanted to shut off when it came to romantic involvements. Bartley is so much different from any other guy I’ve met. He listens to me ramble on and on and pretends like it’s the most interesting thing he’s ever heard. I’m lucky to have him! 

Sherri: You and Granny Sue share a love of plants, what are your favorites? One of my favorites is rosemary but I’ve never had much luck raising it. I have some monster aloe plants though. 

Damian: Rosemary can be a bit tricky! I love herbs as well. My herb garden gets a lot of my attention, since I cook with them so much. Aloe plants are great! I love succulents, especially for the porch so I don’t have to spend too much time caring for them. I’ve been pretty busy lately, so I’d hate to let a more complicated plant suffer. I love my spider plants and rubber plants, too. I like classic and simple things. 

Sherri: Tell us about Marble, she is a bit of a diva, but she is more than a pet, isn’t she? 

Damian: Marble is… 

Marble: Marble can speak for herself, thank you very much.  

Damian: I guess I’ll let her share the spotlight! 

Marble: I was Granny Sue’s familiar for many years. I was assigned to her by the Elder Witches after my previous caretaker passed. I was sad and lonely, and so was Granny Sue after Grampa passed away. She volunteered to take on a familiar, and I was the one she got! I couldn’t have been happier. My time with her is something I’ll cherish forever. Although, Damian treats me pretty great, too. He even lets me help fish when we go to the river. I caught a huge salmon this spring. 

Damian: It was a tiny mosquitofish. But it was pretty feisty! 

Sherri: Were you a human at one time Marble? Where or when were you from?  

Marble: Long ago. As a lady of class, I won’t reveal my age, but I will say I had an adventurous life. Damian knows from our recent trip to New Orleans that I lived in the French Quarter for some time in my youth. I may or may not have gotten into some trouble there which led to my current state. I had a magic show in a little café there and a stunning girlfriend named Marie. We used to cause so much havoc, like when we lured that nasty old politician into the alley way and—oh, but perhaps I should share that story another time… 

Sherri: What is the deal with your co-worker Shay? Sometimes she seems a little lazy and others more enthusiastic. Is she bi-polar?  

Damian: Shay is an enigma. She’s never told me about being bi-polar, but she has hinted at it in the past. I try to be understanding, as I’m sure she does with my inwardness and quietness. I guess we all have our own things to work on. She’s always supportive of me, though, so I can’t say too much! I think she’s misunderstood by a lot of people, especially new people. 

Sherri: If you’d have known who Bartley was when you first met would it have changed your feelings towards him?  

Damian: I don’t think it would have changed my feelings, but I do think I would have been less confident! Something came over me when we met, and I presented my best self. That’s always been a challenge for me. I feel like I often misspeak or get tongue-tied when I meet new people and try to explain who I am or what I do. With Bartley, it was so easy. After I found out who he was and how prominent his family was and is in Autumn Springs, I was even more intrigued. But I probably would have freaked out if I realized he was sort of a local celebrity before we met! 

Sherri: If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would you change? Why? 

Damian: I would change how I dealt with my parents’ passing, if I could. While we were never very close, I did love them. I felt like I tried to push them and their memories out of my life once they were gone. I wish I would have been more reverent toward them and had taken better care of my dad’s study. Who knows what I could have discovered about myself earlier in life had I connected with their memories more? That’s been my mission lately. Since everything has settled down, Bartley and I are cleaning up the study, and I’m finding great artifacts for the library where I work. 

Sherri: Do you have any regrets? Anything you wished you’d done differently? 

Damian: Pushing away my magic and my sense of whimsy at an early age. Although Granny Sue encouraged me to be myself, I had so many other influences telling me otherwise. I let the naysayers get the best of me for a long time. If I could, I would be open and free with who I really was. 

Sherri: What are your hopes or plans for the future? Do they include a hunky Irishman? 

Damian: Oh, yes, definitely! Bartley and I are talking about all kinds of new adventures. As Marble mentioned, we’ve been fishing a lot, and we visited my aunt in New Orleans not long ago to help her with a magical dilemma. I can’t wait to visit his family in Ireland! We’re thinking of going to see them at Christmastime this year. Other than that, I just hope to stay happy and healthy with my family. I love to see Marble growing closer with her new pal, Harlan, and hopefully my former rival Elias and I can be friendly neighbors one day! 

Sherri: If you liked this interview with Damian and Marble check out their book, Magic in Autumn Springs by K B Davenport and my earlier interview with author, K B Davenport.

https://sherrilhollister.com/2021/06/09/celebrating-pride-month-at-creekside-cafe-with-author-k-b-davenport/

SOCIAL MEDIA

Website: davenportbooks.wixsite.com/home

Twitter: @KBDBooks

Reddit: u/KBDBooks

Tumblr: kbdavenport.tumblr.com

Goodreads: goodreads.com/kbdavenport

Amazon: amazon.com/~/e/B08P74BMF6

Posted in Creekside Cafe, interview, Recipes

Celebrating Pride Month at Creekside Cafe with author, K. B. Davenport

Posted on by Sherri

I’m so excited to welcome my friend and fellow southern American writer, K.B. Davenport to my virtual café. Thanks for stopping by Creekside Café, K.B.

K.B.: Thanks for having me, Sherri! I’m really excited to chat with you.

Sherri: Is Magic in Autumn Springs your first published novel?

K.B.: Yes, it is! I released it in November 2020 through Kindle Direct Publishing. I thought about going the traditional route but ultimately decided to self-publish.

Sherri: I’m reading it right now and I’m enjoying it. It’s a slower pace for me but I adore the way you introduce the characters. Who was your favorite to craft? I’m a suspense writer and I often enjoy creating the villains.

K.B.: Thank you! Glad to hear it! I have to agree, villains are fun to write. They became some of my most emotionally complex and developed characters, now that I think about it. They have a lot to offer in terms of flaws and layers. But I also have talking animals in my story, so I have to say they’re my favorites. Marble the wise cat and Harlan the sassy pup. Harlan is a talking animal and a villain, so writing him was really the best of both worlds. And really, Autumn Springs is itself a crucial character. Creating this fictional place was a bit of a love letter to the town where I went to college and to the Natural State where I was born and raised. I wanted to be sure I created a world that represented how I felt about where I’ve grown up and lived within my life. 

Sherri: My town of Leeward is an homage to my hometown as well. I love Marble, she is an amazing character. Animals, like children present a unique perspective to the story. Getting into their minds and seeing the world through their eyes can change a reader as well as the writer.

This may have been your first published work, but you are not a novice writer. I can tell. You are too good for this to have been your first. How long have you been writing? Have you always been a writer?

K.B.: Thank you, I appreciate that! I’ve been writing poetry and fiction since I was a teenager, so almost 20 years now. I’ve written in academic and professional capacities over the last decade or so in my “real life” as well. Writing has always been more than a hobby for me. It’s like a sort of tether to reality. It keeps me grounded or lets me explore, whatever I need. I’ve been a storyteller since I was a kid, too, according to my mom. So, I guess the answer is yes, I’ve always been a writer!

Sherri: It shows. You describe yourself as a romantic at heart and there is a romance in your story, do you consider yourself a romance author? What is the difference between being a romance writer versus other genres?

K.B.: I have a hard time pinning myself to any one genre, but romance certainly plays a big part in many of my stories. Although it may not be in a way some readers are accustomed to. I’ve always been fascinated by Transcendentalist writers like Thoreau and Whitman. Romance has become intertwined and synonymous with nature and spirituality for me. That’s what I aimed to show in my book as well, a sense of longing and nostalgia that transcends companionship and gives reverence to the earth. Almost like being in love with the idea of the world itself. As for the second part of your question, I think being a romance writer requires a big heart and a passion for crafting vulnerable characters unlike any other genre. There is a certain level of pain and pleasure that goes into writing romance, and it takes just the right amount of both to create something truly spectacular.

Sherri: I always thought I was a romance writer but even though I want romance in my books, it often takes a secondary position. Sometimes I shy away from the hard stuff, especially the deeper emotions. My WIP has me crying a lot. I’m so ready to move onto the happier parts.

Is your partner a writer or reader? My husband doesn’t read much anymore but he does a lot of my research and helps me with some of my plot points. I enjoy discussing ideas with him because he gives me a different perspective.

K.B.: Definitely the same for me. Romance is one part of the larger picture. My partner isn’t a writer, but he does enjoy reading my work. He’s an idea man. He helps me work out plot points, too. Partners are great for that, aren’t they? They know you so well that they can connect dots even you may miss. Just don’t tell them that, or they may want their own writing credit!

Sherri: You have a serial you’re working on for Kindle Vella, it looks exciting. Tell us about it.

K.B.: Thanks! I’m excited about it. It’s a lot different from Autumn Springs, but I’m hopeful people will enjoy it. I’m calling it Game the Show. It’s a darkly comic look at Hollywood and the game show scene of the early 1980s. The characters are dramatic and flashy, and there are some steamy romantic moments. It centers around two rival game show hosts who vie for the same coveted time slot as well as the same love interest. A bit of a romantic triangle. There’s some bisexual and gay representation as well. I’m also using it as a platform to discuss some of the more sexist and phobic attitudes of the time. I’m a big fan of old game shows, but sometimes I cringe at the way they refer to women, people of color and those in the LGBTQ+ community. So it’s a bit of a satire of that as well. Expect some uncomfortable but hopefully enlightening moments!

Sherri: I grew up watching the 70s and 80s television shows so I’m more aware of what you are talking about but how about younger readers, do you think they will be interested in this series? Who is your target audience? I have to ask myself this question often. When I wrote my Leeward Files series, I was hoping to attract a younger audience, but I’ve come to realize most of my readers are 40 and above even though my characters are mid to late twenties.

K.B.: That’s a great question! It’s interesting to find out who actually reads your work once it’s out in the world. Finding a target audience can be tricky! As a millennial, it feels like I’m straddling generations in some ways. I have close relationships with friends and family who run the generational gamut. I want my work to reflect that. Game the Show may be set in the early 80s, but I think its subject matter will be relatable from contemporary perspectives, especially considering its modern take on problematic social issues. I love historical fiction and seeing behind the curtain, so to speak, so I wanted to incorporate some of that into this project. My hope is that it’ll resonate with early to mid-millennials in America who grew up in a much different political landscape than today, but I want people of all ages and cultures to feel included as well. We’ll see how it goes! I look at writing as an experiment. I love to try new things and see what lands.

Sherri: Do you have any plans for an Autumn Springs sequel or are you writing something different?

K.B.: Yes! I’m currently working on the second book in An Autumn Springs Anthology. I’m calling it Mystery in Autumn Springs. It’s about a young empath and amateur sleuth from up north who has ghostly adventures with her girlfriend during a family reunion in Autumn Springs. I’m also working on a book of southern gothic poetry that I’m really looking forward to sharing more details about soon!

Sherri: Did you say you recently visited New Orleans? I was born not far from there. I went back there after my oldest son was born. We lived about a half an hour from New Orleans. There’s something about New Orleans that you don’t find anywhere else. I bet you found a lot of inspiration for your gothic poetry.

K.B.: Yes, we just visited New Orleans a couple of weeks ago for the first time! That’s interesting you lived near there! You’re so right. It really is a different world there. I definitely feel inspired, so much so that I spent some time there writing in our hotel room. I couldn’t help myself. It’s such a historically rich and vibrant place. Even with all the trials the community has faced, they still thrive. It’s encouraging. We stayed at the edge of the French Quarter near Armstrong Park and the Treme, so we got a good mix of touristy things and local culture. I can’t wait to go back. We’re thinking about visiting again for Jazz Fest this fall. And, yes, I’m absolutely using the experience for my poetry! The architecture alone was the perfect inspiration for gothic romance and drama. I loved it.

Sherri: I hear you like to cook, are you a fancy chef or do you prepare family recipes. I raised six sons and worked in fast food, so, most of my cooking has always been get it out quick. With my sons grown and gone, I like to experiment. I’m an avid Food Network watcher but my husband is more of a meat and potatoes guy, but he’s reforming. Do you have a favorite recipe you’d like to share?

K.B.: That’s great! I think it’s fun to experiment and to try new things in the kitchen. I love to cook. I learned how to cook for my family when I was a teenager. My parents didn’t really care for cooking, so I took it on myself to save us from frozen meals and canned chili. I have to admit, I’m mostly a comfort cook. Fried chicken, pork chops, mashed potatoes, tacos, stir fry, breakfast sandwiches, cinnamon rolls. But my partner and I try new recipes fairly often. We recently made a tres leches cake that was delicious! One of our favorite meals to make is pizza from scratch. I roll a mean thin crust. I’ve made a lot of breads since the start of the pandemic, like most bored home cooks. Here’s a recipe for a citrus bread I made when I ran out of ingredients for banana bread!

Glazed Citrus Bread

For the batter:

  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the glaze:

  • 1 cup confectioners sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp water, more if needed
  1. Pre-heat oven to 350. Prepare a standard loaf pan with butter and flour.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine orange juice, lemon juice, buttermilk and melted butter.
  3. In the same bowl, mix in baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, beaten egg and vanilla.
  4. Mix in flour until all ingredients are combined. Do not over mix; the batter should be light so the bread stays soft snd fluffy.
  5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. 
  6. Remove from oven. Pour on glaze, making sure to cover all of the bread. Glaze should melt evenly and cover the sides of the bread as it cools snd separates from the pan. Cool for at least an hour. Enjoy!

Sherri: Do any of your hobbies, life experiences or acquaintances show up in your stories?

K.B.:  Absolutely! While I’m not as much of a green thumb as Damian in Autumn Springs, I love gardens and being in nature. I grew up visiting a lot of watering holes and going on long drives through the Ozarks, so I love to use those scenic experiences in my writing. Hot Springs and Eureka Springs, Arkansas are two big influences in my work. I wanted to pay homage to their natural beauty. Also, I’m a TV buff. Game shows, sitcoms, live events—there’s always been something really fascinating about the way television operates to me. I figured I should put that to use in my writing, so that was sort of the genesis for Game the Show. In terms of people, I feel like most of my characters are composites of a lot of different people I’ve met. While I don’t want to use any one person as direct inspiration for a character, of course, I will pick certain aspects to infuse in my work. Really, I feel like every character I write has a little bit of myself included, too.

Sherri: If you liked this interview with K.B. Davenport, follow him on social media and check out his book Magic in Autumn Springs.

K. B.’s BIO

An independent Southern American writer and designer, K.B. Davenport loves reading and reviewing books by other indie authors. He writes cozy supernatural tales and dramatic stories with LGBTQIA+ themes. K.B. also designs book covers and promotional graphics. He lives with his handsome partner, loves to travel and really wants a pet.

BOOK BLURB

A picturesque small town. A budding romance. A mysterious grimoire.

Welcome to Autumn Springs, a woodsy southern hamlet full of charming folks and scenic beauty. Meet Damian Baxter, a self-professed homebody who works diligently as a librarian at Autumn Springs College. He spends his evenings in his cozy Victorian home on Starry Night Way reading and curling up with his cat, Marble.

After he unlocks his grandmother’s grimoire, Damian begins a magical journey he never could have imagined. With his trusty feline friend by his side, he trains for an incoming threat from a reclusive neighbor and the most powerful dark witch in town, Elias Robicheaux.

Will Damian be able to protect his uprooted life while managing his busy job and a new romance with Bartley O’Dowd, a handsome Irish transplant with a secret of his own? Come along for a moonlit hayride and discover the mystery and magic in Autumn Springs.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Website: davenportbooks.wixsite.com/home

Twitter: @KBDBooks

Reddit: u/KBDBooks

Tumblr: kbdavenport.tumblr.com

Goodreads: goodreads.com/kbdavenport

Amazon: amazon.com/~/e/B08P74BMF6

Posted in Creekside Cafe, interview

Cafe Chat with Neostriker, J.D. Nyle

Posted on by Sherri
J D Nyle

Welcome JD Nyle to my virtual café. If I ever win the lottery I’ll build a real café on the river and invite my writer friends to drop in and talk about books, writing and the business of being a writer, but until then, I’m here on my blog, dreaming.

It’s good to have you here JD or should I call you Neostriker?

JD: Thank you for having me. JD is good. Neostriker is the name of my series. I had thought about separating the brand from the author profile, but when I asked my followers, I got more votes to keep them together. And keeping the profile name as Neostriker helps with SEO traffic.

Sherri: JD/Neostriker and I met through our connection with the Twitter group, Shameless Self-Promo. We’ve become a bit of a family online, supporting each other and promoting each other’s work. How long have you been a member of the group? I’m one of the newbies.

JD: I don’t exactly know since I don’t think new members have access to the old messages, though I would assume from the start. It’s been a great group that has more become a community to chat and get feedback. They’ve been very supportive. I even found my cover artist for The Vixen through that group and a new fan of the stories. I really appreciate C. S. Ratliff for organizing it.

Sherri: You have done something a little different with your Neostriker series, you published a book “Neostiker: Shining” but you also have it online on your website, is that correct? Why did you choose to publish this way?

JD: So, for the novel, which I’m beginning to think might be a misnomer, I did not originally plan to publish as a paperback. It started as a fun project to explore writing and catalog some adventures. The result was I had a series of 24 episodes. I did not know about Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) at the time, so I decided to publish on the blog.

When I learned about Amazon’s paperback service (now merged with KDP), I decided to give the story another few rounds of edits and publish after that. There’s an exclusivity clause in KDP’s higher royalty program so most of the blog version has been pulled down in order to accommodate.

Sherri: Would you classify the Neostriker series as dystopian? What genre does it fall under? I know it’s often difficult to know what label to give our work, but it helps when we are promoting it to know what category it fits into.

JD: I wouldn’t think it’s dystopian, though I have contemplated trying it before. However, I like to write hopeful or inspiring things as I cannot maintain a negative perspective for long periods of time.

As for the genre, that is a good question I constantly struggle with. 😀

If we can say Power Rangers is fantasy, then so is Neostriker. The magic system is never referred to as magic. I approached it more as a video game system where I try have things make sense. For instance, if a normal teen gets a sword, he’s not going to be an expert, so he’ll take a few hits, which would be fatal in real combat. However, video game logic allows for multiple hits.

Sherri: What are you working on now? Are there more stories in the Neostriker series coming out soon?

JD: I have six stories drafted currently with a seventh brainstorming. Two which follow up The Vixen are about ready, but I’m trying to figure the best approach for release. It’s tricky since the first one is more romance focused and contains no fantasy elements. Then there is the cover art ordeal. I hope to release them soon, but I need to figure those two parts first.

Sherri: What other genres would you like to explore? What goals do you have for the future?

JD: So, part of my problem is that I don’t limit by genre. Neostriker Shining was consistently action-adventure, but for SABRE, I’m allowing for it to be character and theme driven. As a result, the genre is free to change with the story.

For example, Intent to Join is more serious and focused on family with some fantasy that plays in the background to facilitate the theme. The Vixen is a fun character-focused story with an action climax. The first follow-up is a quiet second date, so it feels like a romance. So, I would say I’m open to genres that aid a particular story. Considering that’s how life is, I figured it would be good to reflect it.

Sherri: What or who has been some of your greatest influences and how?

JD: For the world and mechanics, Digimon and Mega Man were the main ones I focused on to make my own. It took many years, but with Shining, I felt like I had finally succeeded, free to pay tribute but claim that it was mine. For storytelling, I mostly come up with them myself based upon what sounds fun or interesting.

In terms of mechanics, I take inspiration from many places and try to analyze why I liked them and if I can do something similar. For example, one thing I want to dabble with is not having dialogue tags. This is probably because when I grew up, I mostly listened to audio dramas where all action is mostly conveyed through dialogue and sound effects. Though I must say that I sometimes wish I wrote in Japanese since they have way more onomatopoeias.

Sherri: You mentioned that you have lived in Japan, that is somewhere I’d love to visit. How long did you live there? Did your life there influence your writing?

JD: A few years now. I would admit it was a dream to live here that I worked towards. However, fun fact is that when I first came, I could not think about why I wanted to make the trip anymore, in part because I did not like many anime tropes, but I decided to go through with it. I do not regret that decision. Japan is a beautiful country and there are many features and people I love.

In terms of influence, I would say yes, but in an indirect way. The experience I have had has helped me develop my philosophy which then influences the stories I tell and how I develop my characters.

Sherri: What has been the most difficult to learn as a writer? For me it has been punctuation and marketing. I’m still learning both.

JD: Grammar and marketing are definitely my weak areas. Though maybe depression too as I would see friends get much support for their writings, but I would get none from the same group. That’s one reason why I avoid Facebook since it hurts so much more to not see support from “friends”, which my wife thinks is more due to the algorithm and that most people left the platform. Switching to Twitter and interacting with the supportive writing community, especially the self promo group has been great for dealing with that.

Sherri: Who is the perfect client/reader for your books?

JD: I guess myself is the only one I can guarantee. It varies for each story so I guess those who like the variety could be a good one. As well as people who want clean fun that doesn’t write down to the audience.

For the novel, probably teens who want a fun adventure and like having mechanics worked out. I often hear it said it reads like a game. Though my approach was to more emulate an action Saturday morning program for that one.

For the short stories, people who like character-driven stories that follow the lives of the cast with fantasy to play up the themes. Also, people who don’t have much time to read as each story so far is less than 30 minutes.

Personally, I would like to get some YouTubers I follow to give me their thoughts on the stories like Hello Future Me, Captain Midnight, OSP, and Daniel Greene.

Sherri: What are some of the fun and interesting things about you, your characters, and your books that you’d like us to know?

JD: For two of my characters, Helene and Danny, the fight scene was written first, and it was their fighting styles that led me to figure their personality. It works nicely with Neostriker, because the basis of the armor is that it’s a reflection of the character’s spirit.

Another thing is I like to hide Easter eggs or allusions in my works. In Intent to Join, there are references to the song that inspired the story. In The Vixen, there are a few Japanese cultural references. However, some things are pure coincidence. For example, Danny evokes a martial artist when fighting. In one of my drafts, I referred to him as karate kid as a taunt from his opponent. I only recently remembered that the Karate Kid’s name was Daniel.

Sherri: If you have enjoyed our interview you can follow JD on his social media sites through the links below and find his books on Amazon. The links for his books are also below. Thank you for dropping by.

Social

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JDNyle/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NeostrikerUniverse
Blogs:
http://neostrikershining.blogspot.com/
https://nylecorner.blogspot.com/

Books:
Neostriker: Shining
https://www.amazon.com/Neostriker-Shining-J-D-Nyle/dp/1530392748

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07KDD1NBN/ https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07KDD1NBN/

Intent to Join https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07ML1FG23

The Vixen
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SSFHZF5

Photos

Posted in audio books, Book Review

Witches of Bourbon Street

Posted on by Sherri

Jade Calhoun series, Book 2

by Deanna Chase, Narrated by Gabra Zackman

Jade Calhoun has shunned magic for years. When her mentor, Bea, becomes gravely ill she convinces Jade that she is the only one who can help. She must embrace her witchy side and learn to use the magic.

Jade’s prejudices block her powers. She is angry at magic for stealing her mother and she has suppressed her gifts for so long, it may be too late to access them now.

When an angel goes rogue and Jade’s boyfriend, Kane is in danger, the past and present collide, and it is up to Jade and her powers as a white witch to save them all. Will she be able to control her gifts or will history repeat itself and she be cursed once more to be alone?

Fighting the powers of evil requires more magic. Many white witches have turned to the dark side to gain enough power to thwart their enemies and are lost because of it. How can an untrained witch hope to do what others haven’t been able to do?

Deanna Chase brings all the power and emotion of love, friendship and combines them with the ambiance of New Orleans and all that is mystical and mysterious about the world. This sometimes funny, sometimes intense emotional roller coaster was a great read no matter which way you experience it, you’ll love it.

Narrator Gabra Zackman did a fantastic job of emoting the story and adding another layer of delight to the reader. I want more from this narrator as well as this author.   

Posted in Creekside Cafe, interview

Creekside Cafe Chat with Natalie Bartley

Posted on by Sherri
Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Natalie-Bartley/e/B085B66PJ9

Welcome Natalie, it is so good to have you at my virtual café.

Natalie: Thank you Sherri, it’s a pleasure to be here.

Sherri: Natalie and I met through our Twitter group Shameless Self-Promo. I am so glad I got involved with this group. I have met some wonderful people.

Natalie: It has been a very supportive community, and I’m glad I found it.

Sherri: You are an author, poet, and priestess. Do these three connect?

Natalie: In my mind they do. I am a sea priestess by training and with that came a dedication to verse and poetry. But because of my novels, I’ve had to put the poetry on the back burner. I have been able to work some poems into my stories, generally by weaving into the tale by way of a spell, all my stories have magic in them some how.

Sherri: When did you first discover your love of writing?

Natalie: I first started writing poetry in high school, the stories were a bit later. Even though I enjoyed writing stories, I could never finish them A poem was quick (for me anyway), and it was done. I found I liked that, the immediate release from getting that which was in my head, out. When I got into college, the first time around, I started having recurring dreams, very specific, very repetitive dreams. I was forced to start writing them down. Most of the ones from that period (2005-2008) are lost, but a couple from my time in university (2008-2015) survived and I am working on finishing them. That in and of itself is exhilarating. Coming back to a project, realizing what I was trying to convey, and then having the voices return to get me to finish the project.

Sherri: When did you first become a published author?

Natalie: My first book, Love and Pain in Zion, was published on December 13, 2019 on Amazon.

Sherri: Are you indie published or traditionally published? What obstacles did you face when you first began your career as a published author?

Natalie: I’m independently published, through Amazon KDP. My main obstacle is marketing, honestly, I’m not very good at putting myself out there. Just publishing has been a nerve-wracking experience for me. But I’m trying, and I’m getting a few sales here and there. Having a couple more books up certainly helps.

Sherri: What are some of the things you’ve learned along the journey that you wish to tell others who are hoping to become published?

Natalie: Don’t stop. Don’t think you can’t do it. Because you can. Keep pushing forward, because the only person who is truly stopping you from doing what you want, is you.

Sherri: How do you juggle real life with your writing, publishing, and promoting?

Natalie: I haven’t, really. I wrote while I was in class, or working. Not so much that it distracted me from finishing my work or school work, but I wrote whenever I could. And now, with three books up on Amazon, I’m really working on the promotion and marketing aspects. I’ve been a little lucky. My job contract ended while we are in quarantine/lockdown, so I’ve been able to devote more time to my writing and promotion. But it has still affected my family life, I haven’t been as engaged in helping my stepson with his schoolwork, and it’s straining our relationship.

Sherri: Do you have any writing/business tips or tricks that have helped you that you’d be willing to share?

Natalie: Keep a book or a journal with you to scribble down ideas, because I’ve been out someplace and had an amazing idea for how to connect two plot points, and nothing to scribble on. And yes, I know that all phones have a notepad, I never seem to remember that. Then I lose the connection and must struggle later to recall it. Also, no idea is too silly. It may not fit with one story, but it may start off a separate one.

Sherri: Share with us one of your favorite moments as a writer/author.

Natalie: When my first book was officially published, I cried a little. Also, when I received the first author copy of “Love and Pain in Zion!”

My second favourite memory, was when my friend told me that he bought the eBook of Apotheosis, but then stopped reading it when he found out there was a paperback, and ordered the paperback. He put reading it on hold until the physical book came in.

Sherri: If you could turn back time, what would you do differently?

Natalie: I’d focus on finishing my stories earlier, get them published sooner, and focus more heavily on promotion and marketing. I think that if I had devoted more active time to my writing, I’d have more finished, and may be a little more along than I am.

Sherri: What do you have in the works now?

Natalie: The next one to finish, hopefully, is The Domed City (working title), is currently up on Wattpad, along with my other works in progress. I don’t see the end to it though, but I am enjoying the ride that Jillian is taking me on. Also, I would very much like to work on my poetry some more.

If you enjoyed our chat, follow Natalie on social media and check out her books. Her links are below:

Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: @NatalieBAuthor

Website: www.nataliebartley.ca

Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Natalie-Bartley/e/B085B66PJ9

Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/ElysiaWaterchild

Thank you for having me!

Posted in audio books, Book Review

Review of Audible Original

Posted on by Sherri

Even Tree Nymphs Get the Blues

By Molly Harper, Narrated by Amanda Ronconi and Jonathan Davis

This fast paced, fun novella is an otherworldly tale of the perils of dating, especially the perils of dating a magical being.

Ingrid Asher is a loner. Long ago she decided that being lonely was preferable to trusting the wrong person.

A Norwegian tree nymph newly arrived in Mystic Bayou. The place that calls to magic due to the rift between worlds. It is also the experimental town where normal people and magical creatures can cohabitate.

With plans to start a dairy farm and creamery, Ingrid knows she must learn to be friendly. When she attracts the amorous attentions of Dr. Rob Aspern, she returns his affections only to become disillusioned that he is only after her magic.

After a few false starts and the help of their friends, Rob and Ingrid try again. Can his career and her past be overcome so they can be together or is the mistrust too great to conquer. You will definitely want to listen to this novella, it was a lot of fun with interesting characters.

The narrators, Amanda Ronconi and Jonathan Davis did an excellent job of bringing the story to life. Their understanding of Molly Harper’s characters added another texture to this already fabulous story.

An Audible Original only available on Audible

Posted in Book Review, Uncategorized

An Easy Death

Posted on by Sherri

by Charlain Harris Narrated by Eva Kaminsky

Gunnie Rose is the lone survivor after her team is ambushed. Alone, she manages to fulfill her duties and return home only to find one more task waiting for her.

In a world where the US collapsed following the assignation of FDR in 1930 and divided up between warring factions. Lizbeth Rose becomes a hired gun in the western territory of Texoma.

When she is hired to be a guide and bodyguard to a couple of Wizards from the Russian controlled west coast, she signs on, only to learn more about why they are hunting Alex Karkarov. KarKarov is dead, Gunnie Rose killed him. He raped her mother, fathering a child, when they the magicians learn he is dead, they decide to look for his daughter, Lisbeth’s half-sister.

Trusting the wizards doesn’t come easy for Gunnie Rose, especially with the history of her own conception but when bullets and magic are flying, you have to trust someone. As their enemies’ numbers swell, it seems none of them will make it out alive, but a sorcerer is no match for a gun’s bullet.

Is it magic or her skill with a gun that brings Lizbeth Rose back to Texoma? Perhaps, she is her father’s daughter after all?

An excellent story of a woman who does what she has to do to survive and takes her happiness where she can. Charlain Harris has a way of creating a world we believe possible and characters who thrive there.

Posted in Story

The Naughty List

Posted on by Sherri
While decorating the Christmas tree, my grandson Jack and I started talking. This story is from that discussion. I hope you enjoy it. 

Santa’s Naughty List (a family story)

Nick rocked the chair back and forth, struggling against his restraints as Noel strode towards him holding out the magical snow globe. “I’m sorry Nicky but the only way I can be Santa is if you are unable to fulfill your duties.”

He stared at his sister, he’d known for years she wanted to be Santa. Noel was the one who’d taught him what it meant to wear the red suit. She’d taken him to meet each elfin the North Pole. He’d been fascinated by every job and would often become distracted. At three, he’d wanted to be a painter, but that changed to a carver by the time he was five. As a teen, he’d longed to learn mechanics and electronics and dreamed of building robots and radio operated crafts. He’d sit with the experts for hours watching as they worked. Noel had only wanted to be Santa, she was a natural born leader, but girls couldn’t be Santa. “They’ll never let you be Santa, Noel. They’ll give the job to Clarence.”

She smiled showing off her bright teeth. “Ah, but as his wife, I can serve as Santa if something happens to him.”

He darted a glance at their cousin, Santa’s former heir and wondered what she had in store for Clarence. Clarence was besotted and seemed unconcerned by Noel’s plans. He would get no help from him.

His attention was returned to the globe. It crackled with electricity as lightening flashed in the glass bubble. The globe was one of the North Pole’s secret weapons. If someone became a threat to Santa or his operation, the snow globe could be used to erase their recent memories.

Clarence chuckled. “We found a way to increase the globe’s power. You won’t even remember your name.”

Nick noted how Noel held the globe away from her body. The velvet gloves that covered her to the elbows were not just a fashion statement.

“Candy canes!” Nick swore and began rocking the chair with more enthusiasm. He may not want to become Santa but he didn’t want to forget who he was. The chair crashed to the floor and he kicked the chair leg with his heel. Yanking his leg free he shoved his sister backwards. Noel stumbled and screeched as she was pushed aside by the arrival of a squad of iron soldier-elves. The mechanized soldiers clanked,their gears grinding as they marched heavily across the workroom floor destroying everything in their path. Nick freed himself from the chair debris,leaping to his feet as Clarence dropped to his knee beside Noel. In a voice thick with grief, he ordered the elves to attack.

The heavy snow globe shimmered against the pale skin of Noel’s chest. The angry lines around her mouth softened to a sleepy smile. The furrow between her brows smoothed. There wasn’t time to see about his sister as the elves were closing in. Nick looked around the workroom for something to use as a weapon. He grabbed a mallet from the nearest workstation and swung it upward under the attacking elf’s chin. His iron head swung back but it did nothing to stop him. Nick was shoved back into another workstation as the elves pushed and clanged forward.He climbed on top of the table. Scrambling across the half-made toys he found areal hammer and swung hitting the iron soldier with the reverberating ring of steel on iron. The noise was deafening in the tiny workshop.

The iron men continued, crowding around him, threatening to surround him. He leapt from one workstation to another throwing whatever he could to slow the advancing soldiers. Nick was thankful for his workout routine, years of lifting weights,running, and sports had all been tools to relieve the fear of failing his family. He knew he wasn’t cut out to be Santa Claus and after being captured soeasily, he was ashamed to return home. Maybe I should have just let Noel erase my memories, it would be better than living with this shame. He shoved that thought away. Regardless of whether he was Santa or not, he’d not go down without a fight.

Bright light filled the room. Nick blinked and nearly toppled from the work desk.

A battalion of elves slid down golden ropes, their black uniforms trimmed with Santa red.These were Santa’s elite, North Pole Special Forces. Nick stifled a groan. They shot blasts of water at the iron soldiers. The gears and joints of his attackers quickly rusted and soon they were all as still as lawn statues.

Crystal, Santa’s majordomo and head of his special forces greeted him with a salute.“Glad to see you, sir.”

Nick sighed and nodded. “Thanks for the rescue.”

She gave a stiff nod and ordered his sister and cousin apprehended.

“Be careful of the snow globe,” he warned.

***

Nick stood before the council of magic folk waiting to give his testimony. His father, dressed in his best suit, presided over the court.

Easter Bunny said with derision, “I think they should be exiled into the human world.”

“What kind of punishment is that,” demanded Tooth Fairy.

Father Time spoke thoughtfully, “I believe both should have their memories wiped…”

“No!” Nick shouted. “Don’t you see? It is your fault and mine that Noel chose this path. She would have made a better Santa than I, yet because she was born a girl, she could not inherit the suit.” Nick paced. “I know I failed by allowing myself to be tricked and captured…”

“You were rescuing the elves trapped in the burning toy factory!” His mother argued.

Santa scowled.

She glared in return, but silenced, sat.

“They set the toy factory on fire to entrap you,” Bunny said, not unkindly.

“We were planning to rescue the workers ourselves,” Clarence spoke up. He reached out and squeezed Noel’s hand. “We’d not expected Nick to be a hero. Though I did warn her he might. We’d planned to swoop in and save the day and make Nick look like a chump. But it backfired. The fire got out of hand and so we improvised.”

“But you already had a plan in place,” Santa nodded towards the snow globe.

Clarence flushed. “We’d already planned to make Nick forget he was to be Santa.”

Noel brightened. “Santa? Is Santa coming to town?”

Clarence patted her hand.

Nick spoke up. “I know they didn’t do things right. They put people’s lives in jeopardy,they destroyed property, they used magic without sanction…”

“If you’re trying to help us, please stop,” Clarence muttered.

Nick glared at him and Clarence clamped his lips closed and faced the council. “But they were shoved aside, ignored and treated as if they didn’t matter all because of me.” He flushed. “As the long-awaited heir, I was treated different. I saw how it hurt Noel and Clarence. It’s one of the reasons I’ve never wanted to be Santa. I do not deserve it. They worked hard for a morsel of respect and all I had to do was show up. That’s not fair.”

Santa frowned and said, “I believe it’s time the council made a decision. If you will excuse us.”

Nick lowered his head feeling the burden of their decision heavy on his shoulders.

The sound of chains rattling alerted him of Clarence’s approach. “You’re wrong, you know.”

Nick glanced up.

“You earned their respect. Your kindness to everyone, your willingness to do even the most menial job, it shows you are truly the one who deserves to be Santa. Thank you for standing up for Noel and I.” Clarence held out his hand.  

Nick took it. “I’m afraid it’s not enough.”

Clarence shrugged. “We will accept whatever the council decides.”

Santa returned leading the other magical beings.

“Will the accused rise?” He bellowed.

Clarence pulled Noel to her feet. Nick rose as well.

Santa met his son’s defiant gaze and nodded. “It is the decision of this council that the elves, Clarence and Noel Claus be stripped of their rank and magic.” Nick started to protest but Santa held up his hand. “They will be allowed to work in Santa’s village and may live as husband and wife, but they will be under the scrutiny of the council until such time as determined they are indeed reformed.”

Clarence embraced Noel.

She smiled confused her mind still muddled by magic.

“As for my son Nick, the council has determined that he has indeed exhibited great promise with his heroic deeds and kind acts. It is our decree that he be declared, Santa Claus.”