About Elizabeth Parkinson-Bellows

Being the frizzy-haired tomboy with buck teeth gave Elizabeth Parkinson-Bellows a slight case of shyness as a kid. A colorful imagination meant escape and adventure at the drop of a hat.

Over the years she learned that the insecurities she carried around were a waste of time. Elizabeth still prefers a football game to a manicure any day of the week. That indispensable imagination has found its way into her writing providing a sense of joy and true purpose.

You can visit Elizabeth’s website atwww.azraspithbooks.com

The Interview

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

Alexander Drake’s Extraordinary Pursuit is a middle grade, fantasy novella about a curious young man living in a drab, oversized mansion with his secretive father. He spent his days playing alone. In the back of his mind he wondered what happened to his mother, and why his father was tight-lipped about the past; but secrets have a way of getting out.

It all started with a stay at his grandmother’s cottage. Alexander found strange clues tucked away in his father’s old bedroom. With a mysterious key and several maps in his pack he set off on an innocent search for answers about his family.

When he discovered a secret passageway the search took a dramatic turn. He suddenly worried about what was searching for him. Alexander was being hunted by a sorcerer from his father’s past. Answers lead to more questions and the journey of his life.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My husband is wonderful. He has been extremely supportive since day one. He is curious about every character. He even wanted to dress up like Ferdinand, the fearless hopper and walk around downtown to help promote the book.

Your biggest critic?

Well, that’s easy… ME!! I try to remain independent from the good (or not so good) opinion of others; but the last thing I want to do is bore readers to tears. I’ve had some sleepless nights since Alexander Drake came out.

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

This is not necessarily a cause, but the underlying theme in my stories/blog is empowerment, self love, and living purposefully. I was terribly lost and insecure as a kid. Self esteem and bullying really strikes a cord with me.

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

Yes, joining writing communities is a great way to learn; as long as you keep your ego out of the way (it can be brutal). I received some fantastic advice about my writing in that fashion. It is amazing what one can learn during the editing process.

Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work?

The first thing I do is get out of my desk chair, and walk outside. If I don’t do this I will most likely start revising, or rewriting – curse my over analytic tendencies!

What are you currently working on?

I am on part 3 of the Azra’s Pith series; but I put it on hold to polish up part 2… I want it to be nice and shiny before it leaves my laptop.

You know the scenario – you’re stuck on an island. What book would you bring with you and why?

Wow! Can I bring more than one?? If it must be only one, I’d be sitting under a palm tree reading The Hobbit… I know – totally unoriginal. What can I say; it’s one of my favorite journeys. If I had to be stuck somewhere at least I could travel through Middle-earth in my mind…

Are you a different person now than you were 5 years ago? In what way/s?

I’m a mother, and that changes everything! Life centers around my little ones. Spontaneity has been replaced with structure. Footloose and fancy-free has been replaced with responsibility and practicality. Oh, and I also write more. Overall, I’m very, very happy, and I’ve aged… A LOT!

What is the most important lesson you have learned from life so far?

Good or bad… my circumstances are a result of the choices I have made on my life journey. I try to make good choices and learn from the bad ones.

About Alexander Drake’s Extraordinary Puruit

Alexander Drake is not a typical “story book” hero. He’s awkward, insecure and introverted. His struggle to make friends has made him a bit of a loner. He is terribly fearful of not living up to his conservative father’s expectations of him, and always puts forth every effort to make him proud. At the same time, Alexander is a curious and wildly imaginative boy, who constantly craves adventure.
Up to this point, Alexander led a very sheltered life. He was raised solely by his father, a reserved distinguished gentleman with a rarely exposed soft side. His mother died when he was baby, and he has no memory of her. Many secrets of his family’s extraordinary past were intentionally kept from him; which has sparked his curious nature even more.

Alexander wants nothing more than to know where he came from; more specifically, his mother. The opportunity finally presents itself during a stay at his grandmother’s cottage deep in the forest. His father’s childhood bedroom contained some interesting clues and a special key that set Alexander on a journey that would change his life forever.

Azra’s Pith is a child’s imagination brought to life. Enchanted spells roam the forest where Julien, a peaceful Empyrean wizard lives. A deep river flows through the realm containing run off from the snowy mountains looming in the distance.

That is where an element of unspeakable evil dwells unsettled – a sorcerer named Imperius. It is feared by all who inhabit the realm. Alexander is oblivious of his own significance in Azra’s Pith. He is a threat to Imperius’s powers and its plans to control the realm, and therefore must be destroyed.

Alexander was being hunted by dark spells and vicious creatures every step of the way, but he was determined to complete his journey. His destination held the answers he longed for; and a surprise that was beyond his wildest dreams.

About Chamed

Chamed is not the registry office name of the author, yet it is not a pseudonym. She lives in Tuscany, she works mostly abroad, as a painter on canvas and porcelain. Some of her porcelain works are displayed in exhibitions in Italy, Sweden and Poland, France, Portugal and Brazil. My Heart Stopped Beating is her first novel. A second novel by her is forthcoming.

About My Heart Stopped Beating

Fourteen year old Italian girl, Chamed, is a living miracle after fighting illness since birth to live a normal life. Now fourteen years old, she feels a thrill of freedom when she convinces her parents to let her stay home alone while they go on holiday. She soon regrets that decision when she receives a call from her aunt Patrizia that the worst has happened: her parents have died in a car accident.

Things only get worse for Chamed as she mourns the deaths of her parents and suffers under the care of her aunt and uncle. Her aunt repeatedly abuses her and convinces others that she is an evil child. When Chamed’s best friend’s father sexually harasses her, the blame is placed on Chamed. Deeply depressed, she attempts suicide, only to find herself waking up in a mental hospital. Her nightmare is only beginning as she is subjected to electroshock therapy against her will – and worse from the nurses and doctors.

Finally she finds hope again in Dr. Franco, but will he be enough to save her from this living nightmare?

About Christine E. Schulze

Christine E. Schulze has been creating books since she was too young to even write them in words. Her collection of YA fantasy books, The Amielian Legacy, is comprised of series and stand-alone books which can all be read separately but which weave together to create an amazing fantasy. She hopes to inspire readers throughout the world with these books by publishing in both traditional and electronic formats to make them available to all readers.
Christine has published several stories with Calliope and Kalkion magazines and is an active member of the WE book online writing community. She has also published several Christian/fantasy books which are available at various online retailers, as well as publishing several eBooks via Writers-Exchange.

Her latest and most exciting venture includes her publications with Old Line Publishing:Bloodmaiden and Tears of a Vampire Prince: the First Krystine. She also anticipates her upcoming publication with Old Line, Lily in the Snow, as well as releasing The Chronicles of the Mira with Writers-Exchange in both paperback and electronic forms.

Christine currently lives in Belleville, Illinois in her first and most thrilling apartment.

You can visit Schulze at Goodreads athttp://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3242087.Christine_E_Schulze or her blog atwww.goldenhealeratwork.blogspot.com.  Connect with her on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/#!/Chasmira or Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/Chasmira.  Like her Fan Page athttp://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Christine-E-Schulze/158265555890.

The Interview

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

With pleasure! Thank you so much for having me.
Bloodmaiden is a YA fantasy adventure with splashes of romance, suspense, and horror. It tells the tale of a young couple, Crisilin and Chalom, chosen for a terrible yearly ritual in their dynasty (Sulaimon is comprised of four dynasties ruled by different dragon races meant to protect the human races). They must choose whether or not to defy tradition and risk all to save their dynasty. To do so, they would have to travel across Sulaimon, enlist the trust of the other dragon leaders in the other three dynasties, and obtain the Aria, protective strains of music meant to protect and heal the land of Sulaimon from all evil.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

Bloodmaiden came about through a variety of factors. First off, I was taking my first fiction class in college, and this spurred me to focus not just on the characters and plot, but more heavily on the writing of a book. The opening chapters of Bloodmaiden are full of rich, metaphorical imagery. They are also in first person, present tense, to make the readers really feel like they are “there”.

Secondly, Jonny and I had done a photo shoot on myself in a red gown and cape; I always forget if the ideas for the book or photos came first, but doing the photoshoot really helped set the mood for Bloodmaiden. The photos can be seen on my blog and in a trailer I made for Bloodmaiden on Youtube, which also includes music to accompany the book. Yes, I went all out for this one and still envision it one day–hopefully–breaching the big screen.

A final factor included the fact that, while I had done fairies, elves, unicorns, vampires, banshees, genies, you name it, I’d never done dragons. Maybe because I’d never really liked dragon books that much. So, determined to create a book with dragons that I myself would enjoy, the four dragon dynasties were created and grafted into the book.

Who or what is the inspiration behind this book?

The above-mentioned all factor in greatly. Though, as far as the “who”, I would have to say that my Jonny is my “Chalom”.

Who is your biggest supporter?

Mumsie and Jonny.

Your biggest critic?

Again, Jonny.

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

I am, of course, very passionate about my writing. Have been even as a small kid, determined that someday, my stories would be enjoyed by readers throughout the world, giving them the same joy I had in creating them. Being a little older, I also wish to inspire people with my books. Inspire them to follow their own dreams. And, for my more Christian themed books, to inspire and encourage both Christians and non-Christians alike. Everyone can take away something from my books, I believe, whether on just an emotional or even spiritual level.

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

Yes. Actually, in the past couple of years, I have had the opportunity to work with some great editors like JennaKay Francis and Laura Shinn from Writers-Exchange and Rebecca J. Vickery from Victory Tales Press. I have learned loads about how to edit and polish my own work, which is very important, because as a creator, I’m not too keen on the editing part. But it is very important, and I’ve learned and implemented a lot of what I’ve learned in both my older and newer works.

Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work?

I usually write all the scenes I am inspired to write first. I never write in order, from start to finish. Once all of the major or important scenes are written, I will go back and add what I call the “filler” or transition material, then do a quick read-through to make sure everything flows and makes sense. Miraculously, it usually does.

Who has influenced you throughout your career as a writer?

Mostly, the people around me, close friends and Mumsie too. So many of my characters were born from people I know. I’ve always written about and for those who love my stories and those whom I love. Meeting new, wonderful people in my life fuels me to write new stories for them.

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

God, Jonny, Mumsie, and my writing.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently undertaking an exciting proposition from Books By You, a publisher which specializes in personalized books. I’m working on two fantasy novels for them, Black Lace for their teen department and The Song of Healing for their kids department. So far, looks like a lot of work but a lot of fun!

Do you have any advice for writers or readers?

Never give up. Keeping trying and learning about your craft. Each story can be even better than the last. To both writers and everyone with a dream, talent, or passion, God has given you a gift, so whatever kind of writer you may be, use that gift the best you can.

About Bloodmaiden

“Zale. Gauthier. Varden. These three dynasties…

“They all sound like something out of an ancient oriental myth or fairy tale. The concept of humans and dragons helping and living in harmony with one another, without fear. To me, that’s exactly what they are. A distant dream only read of, whispered secretly, quietly yearned for.

“For, you see, I am the new Quelda of Tynan.”

These words echo the mystery, horror, and romance found within Schulze’s fantasy novel. Along with her new husband, Chalom, Crislin must choose to embrace cruel tradition, run from it, or stand against it. The young couple’s only hope is to rally the help of the three peaceful dragon dynasties of Sulaimon-but tradition is not on their side, even outside the realm of Tynan. The dragons outside Tynan’s borders have been rumored as too stubborn and proud to believe their Tynanian brothers would commit such horrors as inflicted upon the Quelda. Gaining their aid is not a likely hope. Yet, any hope at all is valued in Tynan.

If they are to stand a chance of bringing cruel tradition to a permanent end, Crisilin and Chalom must brave the constant, consuming blizzards of the Ever-white. They must brave the three dynasties and the challenges awaiting there. Together, they must convince the dragon emperors to allow them access to the shrines which house the sacred Aria – protective strands of music which may be able to disperse the evil from Tynan and unite the four dynasties of Sulaimon as a whole once again. Their only aid stems from a sprite whose moods are as unstable as her magic, a young minstrel, and a mysterious fox. Despite the odds, such plans are daring, dangerous, unprecedented, but fully possible – if they can escape the Wall first.

About Kirsten Kelly

Kirsten Kelly lives in Miami, Florida where she enjoys kayaking, fishing, and travel. Like her characters, she lives for good friends, good food, and the next adventure. You can visit Kirsten Kelly’s website at www.pcwbooks.com

To find out more about Kirsten visit www.pcwbooks.com

About Halith

Can one ever recall the very moment when the first step of destiny was taken? Retrospect can make this possible; or in 462 BC, the aid of a powerful relic can bring the needed clarity. However, for Halíth, it might have been but a slip of the tongue; a fleeting lack of sensibility…

Or one Bitter Black ale too many…

Sixteen-year-old Halíth, known by her friends and comrades as stubborn and reckless, rarely listens. Choosing joy and youth, she tends to delve into her wellspring of purity for her own brand of truth. Often she closes her ears to whispers of destiny, even when they speak her name. In a fit of passion, she runs away in the deep of night, with nothing to her name, to a place she can barely recall the way to: Nordanshire Abbey. There, she hopes to reunite with only woman she has known as a caring mother figure: Mother Superior Almara. Yet, her idyllic fancy of a peaceful hamlet life is dashed. In a harrowing incident, young Halíth discovers that bandits have invaded her holy land. The world, as she knew it, would be forever altered, and Halith is the key for her land’s survival.

Join Lory Kaufman, author of the Young Adult Fantasy book, The Lens and the Looker (The Fiction Studio), as he virtually tours the blogosphere in May and June on his first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book!

About Lory Kaufman

“I write Post-Dystopian fiction. After society’s collapse, which is imagined in so many great dystopian stories, humans will either fade into history, with the dinosaurs, or, if it learns the right lessons, society will go on to construct a civilization to last tens of thousands of years. History Camp stories are the exciting adventures of young people doing the latter.” -Lory Kaufman
On the artistic side of Lory’s career, he’s written, acted and directed children’s theatre and musical theatre. He enjoys art, especially sculpture. He loves science fiction and historical fiction and he has been deeply involved in the green movement all across North America. All this shows through when you read his work. Lory has three grown children and works and lives in Kingston, Canada.

To find out more about Lory visit www.history-camp.com

About The Lens and the Looker

THERE’S HOPE FOR THE FUTURE,
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE PAST?

It’s the 24th century and humans, with the help of artificial intelligences (A.I.s) have finally created the perfect post-dystopian society. To make equally perfect citizens for this world, the elders have created History Camps, full sized recreations of cities from Earth’s distant pasts. Here teens live the way their ancestors did, doing the same dirty jobs and experiencing the same degradations. History Camps teach youths not to repeat the mistakes that almost caused the planet to die. But not everything goes to plan.

In this first of a trilogy, we meet three spoiled teens in the year 2347. Hansum almost 17, is good looking and athletic. Shamira, 15, is sassy, independent and an artistic genius. Lincoln, 14, is the smart-aleck. But you don’t have to scratch too far beneath the surface to find his insecurities.

These three “hard cases” refuse the valuable lessons History Camps teach. But when they are kidnapped and taken back in time to 1347 Verona, Italy, they only have two choices; adapt to the harsh medieval ways or die. The dangers are many, their enemies are powerful, and safety is a long way away. It’s hardly the ideal environment to fall in love – but that’s exactly what happens. In an attempt to survive, the trio risks introducing technology from the future. It could save them – or it could change history.

Lory Kaufman’s THE LENS AND THE LOOKER BOOK TOUR ‘11 will officially begin on May 9th and ends on June 17th. If you would like to participate in this tour, please contact Tracee Gleichner at tgleichner(at)live(dot)com. Thank you!

Join Lory Kaufman, author of the Young Adult Fantasy book, The Bronze and the Brimstone (The Fiction Studio), as he virtually tours the blogosphere in June and July on his second virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book!

About Lory Kaufman

“I write Post-Dystopian fiction. After society’s collapse, which is imagined in so many great dystopian stories, humans will either fade into history, with the dinosaurs, or, if it learns the right lessons, society will go on to construct a civilization to last tens of thousands of years. History Camp stories are the exciting adventures of young people doing the latter.” -Lory Kaufman
On the artistic side of Lory’s career, he’s written, acted and directed children’s theatre and musical theatre. He enjoys art, especially sculpture. He loves science fiction and historical fiction and he has been deeply involved in the green movement all across North America. All this shows through when you read his work. Lory has three grown children and works and lives in Kingston, Canada.

To find out more about Lory visit www.history-camp.com

About The Bronze and the Brimstone

What could go wrong in the 14th-century for three time-traveling teens? How about – EVERYTHING!

Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln, three teens from the 24th century, are trapped in 14th-century Verona, Italy. They’ve survived many deadly experiences by keeping their wits about them and by introducing futuristic technology into the past. Principal among these inventions is the telescope, which brought them to the attention of the rich and powerful.

But standing out can get you into unexpected and dangerous situations. The nobles of Verona now believe Hansum is a savant, a genius inventor, especially after he brings them plans for advanced cannons and black powder. Being the center of attention is great, but the potential for trouble is now exponentially greater because people are watching Hansum’s every move.

Meanwhile, artistic genius Shamira has fallen for a Florentine artist with bloody and disastrous consequences. Lincoln, considered an incompetent back home in the 24th-century, has blossomed – at least until he’s shot in the head with an arrow. And Hansum, after secretly marrying his new master’s beautiful daughter, Guilietta, is offered the hand in marriage of lady Beatrice, daughter of the ruler of Verona. To refuse could mean calamity for all the teens.

Amazingly, none of this is their biggest challenge. Because a rash illness is spreading across Verona – and it is threatening to consume everyone.

Do they have a future in this past?

Join P.J. Hoover, author of the YA Dystopian Mythology novel, Solstice (Andrea Brown Literary Agency), as she virtually tours the blogosphere June 20th- July 15th on her first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book!

About P.J. Hoover

P. J. Hoover first fell in love with Greek mythology in sixth grade thanks to the book Mythology by Edith Hamilton. After a fifteen year bout as an electrical engineer designing computer chips for a living, P. J. decided to take her own stab at mythology and started writing books for kids and teens. P. J. is a member of THE TEXAS SWEETHEARTS & SCOUNDRELS. When not writing, P. J. spends time with her husband and two kids and enjoys practicing Kung Fu, solving Rubik’s cubes, and watching Star Trek.

Her first novel for teens, Solstice, takes place in a Global Warming future and explores the parallel world of mythology beside our own.

Her middle grade fantasy novels, The Emerald Tablet, The Navel of the World, and The Necropolis, chronicle the adventures of a boy who discovers he’s part of two feuding worlds hidden beneath the sea.

You can visit her website at www.pjhoover.com

About Solstice

Where Mythology and Dystopia meet…

Piper’s world is dying. Global warming kills every living thing on Earth, and each day brings hotter temperatures and heat bubbles which threaten to destroy humanity. Amid this Global Heating Crisis, Piper lives with her mother who suffocates her more than the chaotic climate. When her mother is called away to meet the father Piper has been running from her entire life, Piper seizes an opportunity for freedom.

But when Piper discovers a world of mythology she never knew existed, she realizes her world is not the only one in crisis. While Gods battle for control of the Underworld, Piper’s life spirals into turmoil, and she struggles to find answers to secrets kept from her since birth. And though she’s drawn to her classmate Shayne, he may be more than he claims. Piper has to choose whom she can trust and how she can save the people she loves even if it means the end of everything she’s ever known.

Read the Excerpt!

We start down the tunnel. A breeze caresses me. Even though I can hardly see him, I feel Shayne walking next to me, almost like he has some sort of energy field. He stops walking, and suddenly, I’m up against the cave wall in the darkness.
“Piper.” His voice catches when he says my name.
He’s pressing against me, his warmth at my front, and the cold, hard stone wall behind me. His breath covers my face, and I’m tempted to move forward and kiss him. But he puts a hand on my cheek.
“I need to ask you something.”
“What?” I wrap my arms around him and pull him closer. I run my hands up his back, under his shirt, feeling his hard muscles shiver at my touch.
“Do you want to be here?”
I nod in the darkness.
“Do you want to see my world?

Here’s what critics are saying about Solstice!

“Filled with mystery, romance, and betrayal, P.J. Hoover’s SOLSTICE provides a seductive mythological twist on the global warming crisis.” — Joy Preble, author of Dreaming Anastasia and Haunted

“P.J. Hoover’s SOLSTICE is what happens when MATCHED meets THE LIGHTNING THIEF—the memorable characters, intense romance, and clever twists on mythology absolutely blew me away.” — Jessica Lee Anderson, author of Border Crossing

“PJ Hoover’s SOLSTICE is an intense, romantic, adventurous ride through a modern world that is still controlled by the ancient Greek gods. A breathtaking page turner that leads the reader from a global warming crisis to the depths of hell, SOLSTICE is the hottest book you’ll read all year.” — Christine Marciniak, author of When Mike Kissed Emma

Solstice Virtual Book Tour Schedule

TBA

P.J. Hoover’s SOLSTICE VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR ‘10 will officially begin on June 20th and end on July 15th ’11. Please contact Tracee Gleichner at tgleichner(at)live(dot)com if you are interested in hosting and/or reviewing his book or click here to use the form. Thank you!

If you would like to book your own virtual book tour with us, click here to find out how!

About Christine Norris

Christine Norris is the author of several works for children and adults, including the Library of Athena series and the Zandria duology. When she’s not out saving the world one story at a time, she is disguised as a mild mannered substitute teacher, mother, and wife. She cares for her family of one husband-creature, a son-animal, and two felines who function as Guardian of the Bathtub and Official Lap Warmer, respectively. She has also done several English adaptations of novels translated from other languages. She reached a new level of insanity by attending Southen Connecticut State University Graduate School’s Information and Library Science program, so that someday she, too, can be a real Librarian. She currently resides somewhere in southern New Jersey.

Her current book is a YA/Fantasy titled The Mirror of Yu-Huang.

Visit Christine on the web at www.christine-norris.com. Connect with her at Twitter at www.twitter.com/ cnorrisauthor and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Norris/131776641000.

About The Mirror of Yu-Huang

Confucius never said anything about this.

Megan Montgomery, spending her second Christmas in England, was expecting peace and quiet over the holidays. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen.

First, the headmistress of St. Agatha’s College for Girls, Megan’s school, her school has strong-armed her father into hosting a huge New Year’s ball at their home. Next, she winds up playing hostess to a Chinese ambassador, his family, and his staff.  While the guests seem very pleasant, Megan is still uncomfortable. She’s been unlucky with houseguests in the past—like one of the guests died kind of unlucky. Of course, he also tried to steal one of the precious magical artifacts that are hidden in the Library of Athena, a cavernous room hidden beneath her home, so it wasn’t totally her fault.  Now hundreds of people will be crawling all over the manor.

Megan tries to relax and enjoy the holidays despite her home being turned into Grand Central, but her worst fears are realized when Megan receives a mysterious Christmas gift, one that links her to the Library of Athena. Now she’s on her guard, hoping to identify the culprit and learn just how much he or she knows about the Library, before someone gets hurt, or worse, she winds up inside another enchanted book.

About Lory Kaufman

“I write Post-Dystopian fiction. After society’s collapse, which is imagined in so many great dystopian stories, humans will either fade into history, with the dinosaurs, or, if it learns the right lessons, society will go on to construct a civilization to last tens of thousands of years. History Camp stories are the exciting adventures of young people doing the latter.” -Lory Kaufman
On the artistic side of Lory’s career, he’s written, acted and directed children’s theatre and musical theatre. He enjoys art, especially sculpture. He loves science fiction and historical fiction and he has been deeply involved in the green movement all across North America. All this shows through when you read his work. Lory has three grown children and works and lives in Kingston, Canada.

To find out more about Lory visit www.history-camp.com

Guest Post

I’ve been continually flattered of late by people telling me they believe my History Camp concept is quite original and asking me where the idea came from. The first History Camp novel, entitled The Lens and the Looker is about an almost Utopian 24th century world where kids are taught not to repeat the mistakes of the past by being forced to live in recreations of cities from Earth’s distant past. There they must experience the hard lives of our ancestors, so they will appreciate their modern civilization. Some unappreciative “hardcases” then then find themselves sent back in time to experience the real thing.

Where did this come from? What I brought to the table was my experience in the Green political movement. But there’s also all the visionary books which molded my thinking since I was young. I’ve written a list below and include, not just my SF/Fantasy faves, but some of my general fiction heroes. I believe it’s really important to be expansive in what you read to keep growing and healthy. Here’s a very incomplete list of 20 old and new titles and authors whose work has influenced me greatly. Their order does not reflect rank. I’ve added a little blurb about each.

Young Adult Dystopian

1. Brave New World, Aldous Huxley (If it was written now, it would include gene manipulation, but this was written away before that. It set the pattern for so much that came after it.)

2. Unwind, Scott Westerfield (Not for a young, young adult. Mr. Westerfield creeped me out several times in this book. Well done, sir.)

3. The Giver, Lois Lowry (A good example of a well-written “G” rated book. Not an easy feat.)

4. The Road, Cormac McCarthy (Again, not for a young, young adult. The movie was good, the book was friggin’ fantastic. A great example of story arc and keeping the tension tight.)

5. The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins (the biggest, current phenom, and well deserved)

6. Lord of the Flies, William Golding (The book that made me know I wanted to be a writer.)

7. The Percy Jackson Series, Rick Riordan (Middle grade but I love it and you can tell.)

8. Spin, Robert Charles Wilson (Listed as adult but with young adult characters, this shows a dystopia by nature’s hand)
Science Fiction

9. Kindred, Octavia Butler (I love time-travel with no explanation. The best use of throwing people from different times together that I’ve read)

10. Hominoid Series by Robert J. Sawyer (A great alternative universe trilogy where the humans are the bad guys for a while.)

11. Ender’s Game (and the series) by Orson Scott Card (It’s got little kids as heroes, and it works.)

12. Handmaiden’s Tale, Margret Atwood (A great mix of dystopia, but written with a general fiction tone.)

13. Stranger in a Strange Land, Robert Heinlein (The guy’s crazy and he really pushed the bounds of morality, but I couldn’t get enough of him when I was a “hard case” teen.)

14. Ringworld, Larry Niven (Mr. Niven thinks big and out of the box. In a circle, really. I loved his kooky characters.)

15. The House on the Strand, Daphne du Maurier (Time travel with drugs and written by a matronly lady. What were you doing behind closed doors, Daphne?)
General Fiction

16. 1000 Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini (I love this guy’s written voice.)

17. The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway (One of my top five.)

18. For Whom the Bell Tolls, Ernest Hemingway (My favorite book of all time. He’s the only writer I’m putting in twice. This book informs all my high adventure sequences.)

19. City of Thieves, David Benioff (One of my top five in the last 3 years. I hate this guy. He’s young, talented, written books and movies and . . . is married to Amanda Peet. Life is good to young Mr. Benioff.)

20. The Anansi Boys, Neil Gaiman (One of my top five in the last 3 years. I love the way he writes his characters in this book. You really know what they’re thinking. This is one of the most perfectly written books of a living writer that I’ve read.)

I could have made a list of well over one hundred titles, but this will give you an idea of what I like and inform you of what you can hopefully expect if you read the first book in my new series, The Lens and the Looker. You can find out more by going to: www.history-camp.com . You can also “like” the History Camp Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/historycamptrilogy?v=info.

About The Lens and the Looker

THERE’S HOPE FOR THE FUTURE,
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE PAST?

It’s the 24th century and humans, with the help of artificial intelligences (A.I.s) have finally created the perfect post-dystopian society. To make equally perfect citizens for this world, the elders have created History Camps, full sized recreations of cities from Earth’s distant pasts. Here teens live the way their ancestors did, doing the same dirty jobs and experiencing the same degradations. History Camps teach youths not to repeat the mistakes that almost caused the planet to die. But not everything goes to plan.

In this first of a trilogy, we meet three spoiled teens in the year 2347. Hansum almost 17, is good looking and athletic. Shamira, 15, is sassy, independent and an artistic genius. Lincoln, 14, is the smart-aleck. But you don’t have to scratch too far beneath the surface to find his insecurities.

These three “hard cases” refuse the valuable lessons History Camps teach. But when they are kidnapped and taken back in time to 1347 Verona, Italy, they only have two choices; adapt to the harsh medieval ways or die. The dangers are many, their enemies are powerful, and safety is a long way away. It’s hardly the ideal environment to fall in love – but that’s exactly what happens. In an attempt to survive, the trio risks introducing technology from the future. It could save them – or it could change history.

Join Sheila Hendrix, author of the YA/Paranormal novel, The Betrayal (Lulu), as she virtually tours the blogosphere in February, March and April on her first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book!

About Sheila Hendrix

Sheila Hendrix is a native of Alabama and resides there with her husband of sixteen years. She has no children except for her pets. She is the author of the Young Adult paranormal series, The Dark Circle. She also does reviews for two magazines. Writing has always been a dream and a passion of hers. She is currently working on other books in the McCannon brothers series.

To find out more about Sheila and her books visit: http://sheilahendrix.com

About The Betrayal

When Zachariah and Matthew McCannon were young, their parents abandoned them, leaving Zack to take care of his little brother, Matt. Though they lived with their grandmother, she was always sick, so Zack was forced to raise him. This was not an easy task.

Zack had his hands full because of Matt’s unusual powers. He has visions and dreams that come true, and when he gets angry or upset, he can move things with his mind. Because of this, evil seeks him, keeping Zack on his toes as his protector.

As the brothers grew older, they became hunters, pursuing evil supernatural forces. After Matthew has a dream, it sends them on a hunt for cave, not knowing why, but realizing it is necessary. When they arrive, Matt finds the vision was a trap.

A Darkness like no other wants to control Matt and kill Zack. The Darkness is named, Alanya, which means, The Destroyer.

Alanya hates the brothers. In the past, every time he tried to apprehend Matt, Zack would thwart him by protecting his brother. Alanya is incensed that a mere human boy can beat him, for demons are not to be defied.

When Alanya asks Zack, “How far will you go to save your brother?” Zack answers, “As far as I have to.”

Now, the brothers are faced with a deadly force they never had to deal with before. This demon is on a deadly mission to destroy everything the brothers hold dear. If the McCannon’s are not careful, neither of them will be able to escape.