A Slice of Cake With... C.A. Worley

This week I am delighted to be having a slice of cake with author C.A. Worley.

C.A. Worley is the alter-ego of Romance Author Cass Alexander. Where Cass tends to focus on humour in her publications, C.A. loves to write fantasy. She chose to write under the two different monikers so as to not confuse (or tick off) her readers.

C.A. currently resides in the Midwest but was born and raised in the South. She spends her days working from home and her evenings are spent shuttling her kids to and fro. Her dinners are subpar, but she makes a mean dessert.

When she's tired of living her sons' travel sports schedules, C.A. enjoys a glass (or four) of wine. She needs the liquid courage to click the publish button for her fantasy romance novels.

Her motto is, "Be Brave," and she tries to live it every day. It takes a healthy dose of courage to get through this thing we call life.

What kind of books do you write?

I tend to write around the concept of fate and characters falling for the one other being in the universe who was created just for them, usually in a fantasy and paranormal world.

Can you describe your writing why?

I’m an avid reader and I love creative stories. The more I read, the more my brain pushes ideas front and center. Sometimes it’s almost compulsive, like, if I don’t get the story out, it will drive me nuts. Most of my experiences have been enjoyable and I find immense satisfaction in finishing a project.

Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most

From Shadow’s Lyric

“You’ll learn or you’ll die, Alyrica.”

I stared at him, terrified at the threat. Gabrian didn’t make them lightly.

Tears streamed down my face as his glare bore into mine. A full minute passed before he returned my soul safely to its home. I sagged in relief.

It was then I realized what he’d done. I may have been only seven, but I was no dummy.

Unbeknownst to him, he’d just given up a golden ticket. Learn was such a vague command. It was an all-encompassing input.

In the minute before he’d returned my soul, the directive took root inside my very being. Every cell and neuron kicked into overdrive, obeying. Just as he’d taught me it would.

Learn or die.

Learn or die.

Learn. 

Or die.

I chose to learn.

Tell us about your latest project

My current WIP is a fantasy/paranormal romance with some action thrown in and titled, Shadow’s Lyric. The MC, Lyric, is an unlikely heroine. She’s a total badass, but she’s got a problem controlling her mouth. Her father treats her terribly, so she’s not too surprised when he gives her away to the Shadow Lord, Draven, to do with as he pleases. Lyric chooses to show her value as a soldier so Draven won’t want to keep her as his plaything. I’m only 1/4 of the way into writing it, but it’s been highly entertaining to create, thus far.

What is your favourite cake?

Chocolate! With chocolate ganache and chocolate frosting. If I had to choose a last meal ever, I would eat this cake with a scoop of ice cream.

Chocolate cake is a very popular choice on this blog! All of C.A. Worley's book are available on Amazon.

Join me next week when I'll be having a slice of cake with Karen Diem.

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.

You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake - it's what makes the world go round!

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. 

New Release: The Interspecies Poker Tournament

The Interspecies Poker Tournament, The Roshaven Case Files No. 27 has been released into the wild! Or at least onto Amazon in ebook and paperback. 

"Never has the combination of a dwarf, an octopus and a small considerably stinky sprite provided such amusement!" 5 Stars

Ned Spinks, Chief Thief-Catcher, has a new case. A murderous moustache-wearing cult is killing off members of Roshaven's fae community. At least that's what he's been led to believe by his not-so-trusty sidekick, Jenni the sprite. She has information she's not sharing but plans to get her boss into the Interspecies Poker Tournament so he can catch the bad guy and save the day. If only Ned knew how to play!

The Interspecies Poker Tournament, Case 27 of The Roshaven Files, is a humorous fantasy novella following the adventures of Ned Spinks and Jenni, a prequel to The Rose Thief. If you loved Terry Pratchett's Discworld, you'll love Roshaven.

The cover was designed by Ian Bristow of Bristow Design after only a couple of discussions about octopi and the plot of the book. I think he's very talented and has done a fantastic job.

Ned is Chief Thief-Catcher. He's divorced, has holes in his boots and is partial to a cinnamon twist. He's a blocked spell-caster, tries his best but relies on his second in command Jenni for the bulk of magical support.

Jenni is the daughter of Momma K, queen of the fae. She is an incredibly powerful sprite with no designs on being in charge. She wears a dirty red coat and has a distinctive odour. No-one knows who her father is - yet - and she speaks with a strong cockney twang.

How did The Interspecies Poker Tournament come into being?

For those of you who have read The Rose Thief, Ned mentions in a comment that he owes the mermaids for the Interspecies Poker Tournament. That's all it was - one sentence and a book was spawned.

I had to bring the vampire mermaids back, I didn't have a choice.

Here's the blurb for The Rose Thief - Ned Spinks, Chief Thief-Catcher has a problem. Someone is stealing the Emperor's roses. But that's not the worst of it. In his infinite wisdom and grace, the Emperor magically imbued his red rose with love so if it was ever removed from the Imperial Rose Gardens then love will be lost, to everyone, forever. It's up to Ned and his band of motley catchers to apprehend the thief and save the day. But the thief isn't exactly who they seem to be, neither is the Emperor. Ned and his team will have to go on a quest defeating vampire mermaids, illusionists, estranged family members and an evil sorcerer in order to win the day. What could possibly go wrong?

And if you're desperate for more Ned and Jenni adventures, you can read a fun short story about an unwanted magic shop that won't leave Roshaven in Ye Olde Magick Shoppe.

Early reviews have been fantastic.

5 Stars - Lots of laugh out loud moments!

5 Stars - This book is so much fun! I loved every bit of it.

So don't delay, order your copy today! I'd love to know what you think - click here to get your book.

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. 

A Slice of Cake With... Donise Sheppard

This week I am delighted to have a slice of cake with Donise Sheppard.

Donise Sheppard is co-owner of Pixie Forest Publishing and a fiction writer born in Ohio, but residing in Southern West Virginia with her husband and four children. She has six self-published novels on Amazon and six other short stories published in anthologies and a magazine. When she isn’t writing, she’s reading, baking, or chasing her monsters. 

What kind of books do you write?

Nearly everything I write is about love. I like horror, science fiction, fantasy, and romance, but no matter the genre, love is a big aspect. I love twisted love stories so much. Dark tones of a story. Twist endings. But I’m also a sucker for sweet, sappy love stories. Love is my favorite. 

Can you describe your writing why?

I get an idea and I can’t stop thinking about that idea and creating scenes and characters from that idea. If I don’t write it down, I’ll keep thinking about it. 

Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most

I loved writing this romance story. It was loads of fun. This is one of my favorite little scenes. They’re on a vacation in Hawaii and in their hotel room. The MC’s son was in his own room.

Logan wrapped his arms around me tighter. ‘Where do you want to go for lunch?’ he asked. ‘What are you in the mood for?’

I laughed before responding. ‘You.’ I leaned in and kissed him. 

‘Ewe. Stop that. The door is open.’

We turned to Max, who was standing at the door, looking disgusted.

Tell us about your latest project

My newest release is called Love in Bloom. In this modern world, everyone has magically tattoos of flowers that tell them who they’re in love with. Rachel is having an affair with her husband’s best friend and starts to grow a flower bud for him. She consults with a woman who can remove the tattoo, with the promise of removing the love. 

This story is in an anthology called Magical Reality and is now available!

What is your favourite cake?

Hands down, the chocolate cake shake. My husband and I heard about it on one of Gabriel Iglesias’s comedy tours and my husband wanted to try it. He hated it. I fell in love and can no longer eat cake in solid format. Blend that sucker with some ice cream and milk and it’s delicious.

I've never had a chocolate cake shake before but I am certainly willing to try! You can keep up to date with Donise on her blog and visit her publishing website Pixie Forest Publishing. She's also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Join me next week when I'll be having a slice of cake with CA Worley.

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.

You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake - it's what makes the world go round!

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. 

Flash Friday - The Sounds in My Ear

The shushing of traffic is a constant background companion with the occasional spikes of rumbling coaches unloading coastline visitors and grumbling trucks with protesting loads careering round corners. There are motorbikes gunning for victory in a race only they know about, their baffles hanging out and the vibrations shaking the window panes.

She argues with him. Shrieking, yelling, screeching her pain across the empty garden of the shared apartment complex. It reverberates between the buildings, bouncing off the stonework, ricocheting past the woodwork and skittering through the flowerbeds. An emotional sound boom causing listeners to flinch at her rage and desperation. He returns in a low monotone, words unintelligible, unfeeling and unnoticed by her continual barrage.

Children television show theme songs dance around my head on continuous shuffle, never quite ending their ditsy refrains, snatches of remembered earworm melody, the odd word or phrase sung in chirpy harmony. The bright saccharine sounds blur into one, the many hosts parodying the same sunny smile, sparkling eyes and teeth that stretch for miles in that cheerful chiming voice with no personality.

Squeals of laughter, cries of frustration, demands for attention or food or drink or something they don't even know they want. Children fill silent vacuums with the pitter patter of feet, the clatter of toys falling all over the floor, the gentle sprinkle of biscuit crumbs continuously landing on laminate flooring. He shouts, she screams, he yells, she squeals. The thump of a child falling, the thud of playful jumping and the inevitable smash of an unguarded cup. 

These sounds last in my ears. They are my constant companions, the only memories I have of audible vibrations. If I squeeze my eyes as tight as I can I hear one last noise. The blood rushing into ears that no longer work. I squeeze and squeeze and squeeze but each time the blood rush lessens and it is just the memories that remain. The traffic, the shouting, the TV and the children. Sounds of my background life. Sounds I will never hear again.

You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake - it's what makes the world go round!

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. 

A Slice of Cake With... Rose Montague

This week I am delighted to have a slice of cake with indie author Rose Montague.

Rose has always been a big reader and her dream of becoming a published author became a reality when Jade was published in November 2013. Rose has worked both in a library as well as several bookstores. She lives in Elon, NC.

What kind of books do you write?

My goal is to have fun writing fun books to read. I'm looking for readers who want to escape the harsh realities of the real world by taking a few hours and diving into mine.

Can you describe your writing why?

It's not all fun and games. There are some messages and themes in my writing. One of my hobbies that began before I wrote my first book is advocating for those that have been falsely accused and wrongly convicted. You will see examples of this in my writing dealing with a corrupt justice system and those in power using that system to further an agenda. I also emphasize diversity with those with not the normal sexual orientation playing a major role. Then you have the whole good versus evil thing. We don't want evil to win. I'm big on friendship, loyalty, and self-sacrifice. These are themes you will find in my writing.

Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most

This is a scene from Norma Jean's School of Witchery, Book One: Jewel. Jewel has a gift allowing her to see several seconds into the future. Sometimes that works best with her eyes closed.

“This a friend of yours, Wyatt?” his Mom shouted, looking like she was about to lose it.

“Yes, Mom,” he said, but he didn't sound too happy about it. Nothing I could do, things were about to get worse.

I reached the house and went around the side of it, still flying, with the truck bouncing up and down and hit the edge of the woods, turning the lights off at the same time as I jerked the truck left, right, and left again, weaving between the trees I knew were there only from my gift. It was pitch-black dark in the woods. The only lights came from the dashboard. Limbs were slapping against the truck on both sides and the sound of small bushes we were running over scraped against the bottom of the truck. A loud snap and a crack appeared in the front window on the passenger side.

“Trust me, Wyatt,” I shouted above the noise and his Mom's now also sobbing, pleading demands for me to stop.

“Her eyes are closed,” screamed his Mom. “We're going to die!”

Tell us about your latest project

I'm working on a couple of projects, a new standalone Science Fantasy called Wiznewski James and Book Three in my Norma Jean's School of Witchery series. Sometime this year on both, hopefully.

What is your favourite cake?

German chocolate ♥

This has certainly been a popular cake on the blog this year - I think I need to make one and see what all the fuss is about lol.

You can connect with Rose at her website, follow her on Facebook and Twitter and check out her bookshelves on Goodreads. 

Join me next week when I'll be having a slice of cake with Donise Shepard.

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.

You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake - it's what makes the world go round!

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. 

Write On! Magazine - growing local writing communities

As an Editorial Team Member, I am delighted to bring you the official press release for Write On! Magazine.

Publishing lies at an intersection of entertainment, information and education and is the method by which we record our culture. Our culture is shifting and diverse communities such as the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, supported by the Arts Council under the Project Banner Pen to Print, are creating structures that ensure everybody can participate. Write On! is a new quarterly magazine published by Pen to Print, that links local writing communities into the publishing industry by showcasing the work of emerging writers.

Sue Williamson, Director for Libraries, Arts Council England, said:

“The Arts Council is delighted that the Pen to Print project, run by Barking and Dagenham Libraries, is launching Write On! magazine in print and online. Pen to Print is being funded as one of the six new library National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs) in the Arts Council portfolio and we believe that Write On! provides a great platform for the excellent work that is being done to support writing talent in the community.

We are keen for the UK's literary landscape to become more representative. Write On! catalyses outreach and opportunity by showcasing homegrown voices, built with expert support from their local community. We are hopeful that by inviting engagement from other emerging writing communities, Write On! will encourage the publishing industry to engage further with underrepresented grass roots writers.”

A projected 30,000 readership comes from the 10,000 copies of the magazine to be distributed directly through Libraries and other community spaces in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham as well as Havering, Newham, Southend, Redbridge. National and international communities are reached via an online publication on pentoprint.org. The volunteer editorial team is drawn from local writing communities, including Wilbur and Niso Smith adventure writing finalists.  

Pen to Print’s ethos is simple, by growing local writing communities, communities are built. The diversity of our changing world is captured by emerging storytellers who Write On! is connecting into a formal platform that allows them to be heard. This new magazine is a vehicle that makes it possible for the publishing world to connect with diverse, and sometimes alienated, communities. It doesn’t just showcase people, work and ideas, but invites publishing and business communities to participate by offering real value in the terms of engagement.

In the words of Barbara Nadel, best-selling author and Pen to Print Mentor:

“I’m from the East End and believe that we East Enders are natural storytellers.  Pen to Print builds on this by creating a bridge between an informal storytelling community and the main stream (and sometimes very exclusive) publishing world.”

With mentors drawn from across the writing spectrum, Pen to Print supported authors like Claire Buss, have gone on to win industry awards and find agents.

A final word from Cllr Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership & Engagement, LBBD and Chair of the Pen to Print Advisory Panel.

“We believe that Write On! provides a unique meeting point, propelling writers from working-class and minority backgrounds with something to say into publication. An authentic storytelling platform inspires readers, writers and commercial entities to come together in new and innovative ways; building positive social change by helping our Borough record who we are now, while creating a blueprint for who we want to be in the future.”

  

We invite publishers and agents and the publishing press to engage with us, building on the platform Write On! provides to offer expertise and opportunities for local writing communities across the country. Further information and commercial opportunities see our the media pack. We also welcome partnership discussions.

For more information or further comment, please contact:

Madeleine White, Editor

Write On! Magazine by Pen to Print

madeleinefwhite@hotmail.com

+44 (0) 7904835188

A Slice of Cake With... Chrys Cymri

This week I am delighted to have a slice of cake with Chrys Cymri.

Chrys wrote her first short story when she was seven years old. Ever since that time she's been hooked on words, on how to wrestle with the inefficiencies of the human language to express our common struggles with love, life, and the universe.

Her first dream was to earn my living as a full-time writer. But her practical side realised that many try, and few succeed. So Chrys obtained her degree in English and went to work in a bank. She wrote in her free time, and her first two novels (Dragons Can Only Rust and Dragon Reforged) were picked up by an international publisher. The advance was small, the sales equally so, and her resulting disappointment (plus the pressures of daily life) meant that the subsequent novels she wrote were left slumbering on her computer’s hard drive.

But in the twenty years since those two novels went out of print, we have seen a revolution in the book industry. Chrys now works in a role which she finds immensely rewarding (emotionally and spiritually, certainly not monetarily). So now she has a second dream. She enjoys the worlds she explores through her writing and likes to share those worlds with others.

What kind of books do you write?

My books are fantasy but cover a wide range. The Four Kingdoms are epic fantasy, Gonard’s Journey is science fantasy, and my main range, the Penny White series, is contemporary fantasy. My focus, in the midst of dragons, unicorns, and other mythical beings, is on exploring the interaction between different cultures and personal relationships. With doses of humour!

Can you describe your writing why?

I write because the scenes in my head demand to come out and the characters want their stories to be told. I also like the challenge. Penny White is my first attempt at a long series. I'm working on the seventh book of a nine book series, each book existing as a stand-alone (no nasty cliffhangers) but also with overall arcs for the situations and the characters. 

Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most

I’d only just sat down again before a loud crash resounded through the house, followed by loud swearing in Welsh. My spoon clattered to the floor as I rushed from kitchen to living room.

The scene that met my eyes was almost unbelievable. Lights were on the floor and tangled over shredded Christmas cards. The tree was slumped against the bay window, decorations scattered in all directions. I glanced at the tank, noting that the lid was off, and then looked for Clyde. And found the snail, under a tree branch, a half-chewed bauble poking out of his mouth. He spat it out when he saw me. ‘Christmas,’ he said happily.

Peter and Alf were right behind me. ‘That’s it, mate,’ Peter told the snail. ‘You wait until my mum gets here. She doesn’t take to anyone misbehaving.’

‘Yup,’ said Alf with commendable aplomb. ‘You’re in for it now. I suggest you think up your apologies sharpish.’

Clyde’s eyespots swivelled between us. Then he bumped the ornament away, slid under a branch, and drew in all but his tentacles. As Mags entered the room, he shivered. And then, to my amazement, he let out a pitiful cry. ‘Tree fell.’

Mags hurried over and fell onto her knees. ‘You poor little thing,’ she said soothingly. ‘How frightening for you. Are you okay?’

Clyde slowly extended his body, trembling as he did so. ‘Scared,’ he whimpered. ‘Tree fell.’

Mags gathered the snail into her arms and glared up at us. ‘Penny, Peter, you should know better than to let him out when there’s no one to keep watch! What if he’d been hurt?’

I was torn between amazement and annoyance at Clyde’s acting ability. Brown waves of satisfaction were pulsing along his body. ‘But--’ Peter started to protest.

‘I’m taking him through to the kitchen,’ Mags announced. ‘I’m certain something to drink will help.’

‘Beer?’ Clyde suggested. Then he let out a small groan.

‘Is beer good for him?’ Mags asked.

‘He’s had it before,’ I said. Mags headed out of the room. As the snail was carried past me, I shot him a glare. I might have lost this battle, but the war was far from over.

Tell us about your latest project

Penny White is the main character of the series which bears her name. She is a full-time minister in the Church of England. Although she’s a science fiction and fantasy geek, she is still shocked when she comes across a dying dragon who asks her for the last rites. This is her introduction to Lloegyr, a magical country which exists on a world parallel to our own. She has to balance her duties in her small village church with helping the beings which accidentally cross over from Lloegyr. This includes the darkly beautiful dragon, Raven, who keeps turning up where she least expects him. She copes by watching Doctor Who and breaking into her supply of red wine and single malt whisky.

What is your favourite cake?

Double chocolate whisky cake!

You can keep up to date with all of Chrys's writing news on her website, follow her on Facebook and Twitter. All her books are on Amazon.

Join me next week when I'll be having a slice of cake with Rose Montague.

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.

You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake - it's what makes the world go round!

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. 

Tuesday Poem - Sometimes

Sometimes the words flow and the meaning is clear

Other times its a fight to the death as one syllable wrestles another for freedom

Sometimes ideas spark continuously after each other like brilliant fireworks exploding in your mind
Other times the blank canvas fills the room silently screaming

Sometimes characters can't stop yammering and time passes till suddenly thousands of words have appeared
Other times...

Sometimes the world is full of colour and light with creativity shooting out of every pore
Other times despair is blacker than black and its cold in the dark, all alone

Sometimes the rollercoaster becomes the merry-go-round and you're shouting to get off the ride
Other times you crave excitement in the dull minutiae

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. 

Books Read in April 2019

Half a War by Joe Abercrombie - 2 stars

Recap: Father Yarvi's vendetta continues, this time enveloping a young princess Skara.

Review: I just did not enjoy this book as much as the first two. There were huge plot jumps and I lost count of the number of times Skara swallowed her acid vomit. The favourite characters from earlier books were there but pale shadows of their former selves. The love interest for Skara was pointless as she just shrugged him off and nothing came of the attempted tension build so why bother? The final chapter wrap up felt like a dotting i's and crossing t's exercise while Father Yarvi's reveal fell flat. A disappointing finish to the trilogy.

Checking Out by T.W.M Ashford - 4 stars

Recap: George Webber checks in to Le Petit Monde with a specific agenda, but things don't quite go to plan.

Review: A fast-paced time and dimensions adventure with some dubious moral decisions made along the way. Certain things we expect to happen do but with some twists and unexpected results. I have some theories and whilst the ending seemed a little abrupt, there is plenty of food for thought on what might happen next. George is not a massively likeable character although you do have sympathy for him. I'm intrigued, surely the universe won't let him get away with it!

Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut - 3 stars

Recap: the story of time traveller Billy Pilgrim.

Review: what an odd tale. Clearly anti-war but with a random, hardly connected to narrator. The time jumps resonate more with dementia than time travelling aliens yet there is sympathy for lost Billy who cannot cling to anything except the certainty of his death. So it goes.

The Lost Plot by Genevieve Cogman - 5 stars 

Recap: Irene Winters and her Dragon assistant Kai must determine whether another librarian is colluding with dragons and risking the impartiality of the Library.

Review: Book 4 is back on top form. Plus dragons! There are thinly veiled suggestions that the Library is far more nefarious than Irene believes plus the throwaway comment about Irene being adopted feels like it's there for future books and doesn't feel fully explored. Fun world building as always and good interplay between the characters. The end sequence at first filled me with sadness then not as 'it' finally happened! No spoilers here though lol.

Akrad's Children by Jeanette O'Hagan - 5 stars

Recap: Dinnis, Ista and Mannock - all children of Akrad, are brought together although only one will be the next Kapok. There's intrigue and plots, latent powers and political ambition - all good ingredients in a fantasy saga!

Review: Excellent world building with a well-defined system of governance, established races and a hinted at magical system. The characters are believable right down to their nobility arrogance. Some foreshadowing of possible things to come in the next book so yay, next book!

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. 

Pre-Order The Interspecies Poker Tournament

Excellent news!

The Interspecies Poker Tournament, Case 27 of The Roshaven Files, a humorous fantasy novella set in the world of The Rose Thief, is available to pre-order on Kindle right now! Click to pre-order your copy.

Ned Spinks, Chief Thief-Catcher, has a new case. A murderous moustache-wearing cult is killing off members of Roshaven's fae community. At least that's what he's been led to believe by his not-so-trusty sidekick, Jenni the sprite. She has information she's not sharing but plans to get her boss into the Interspecies Poker Tournament so he can catch the bad guy and save the day. If only Ned knew how to play!

This novella was a lot of fun to write plus I roped my hubby into playing poker with the teddies as part of my research.

If you can't wait until the end of the month to get your Ned and Jenni fix, you can indulge in a free short story, Ye Olde Magick Shoppe - just click to download your copy.

The Interspecies Poker Tournament is on Kindle pre-order from today, 3rd May, and both the paperback and ebook will be released on 24th May. Make sure you pre-order your copy today.

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. 

A Slice of Cake With... Christine Astle

This week I am delighted to have a slice of cake with Christine Astle.

C. Rene Astle is the author of the Bloodborne Pathogens dark fantasy series, as well as a number of short stories.

She gained a love of fiction, fantasy in particular, and a voracious appetite for story literally at her mother’s knee, being read The Hobbit and Chronicles of Narnia – because those are the types of stories her mom wanted to read.

From her father, she got an enduring curiosity about the universe, earned shivering in the dark beside a telescope on cold, Canadian winter nights waiting to witness some celestial event.

Now she fits in writing between her day job, gardening and getting out to enjoy supernatural British Columbia.

What kind of books do you write?

I write stories focused on characters that interest me. Most of my characters are conflicted or broken in some way. They have secrets they rather not share. Even the villains…I try to keep in mind that every villain is the hero in their own story. 

I love a good fight scene (even if most of them start life as **insert fight scene here**), but I try to use them to drive character development…as well as build tension.

Can you describe your writing why?

The main reason is that I love to write. I love creating worlds and peopling them with characters. I grew up surrounded by fiction. The bedtime stories my mom read were The Hobbit and The Chronicles of Narnia, because that’s what she liked to read. Even when I was too old for bedtime stories, I remember crawling in with my mom and brother to listen.

And I have stories popping into my head all the time, characters rattling around in there, wanting to come out. And I enjoy thinking up all the horrible things I can do to them once I give them life. 

Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most

This is from the first book in the Bloodborne Pathogens series, A Scarlet Fever. I don’t actually remember writing it. I think it just flowed from the story. It’s from one of the scenes where the main character is being trained in fighting. 

Bee threw a wooden stave at her.

She grasped it out of the air. "I'm supposed to fight a monster with a stick?"

"Sometimes, yes. Sometimes a stick is all you have."

"My dad had more fire power when he went looking for monsters under my bed." The image of her dad on his hands and knees with a baseball bat surfaced from the cool, deep pool of memory.

"Overkill. Creatures that hide under beds are scared of their own shadows." Bee picked up another staff, tested its weight, and turned to face her. "Hit me."

Tell us about your latest project

My latest release is a novella that tells the origin story of Bee (the trainer mentioned above), telling how she became a vampire. It’s a bit of a departure since it’s set 2000 years before the events of the main series!

I originally envisioned Bee as a man. However, a friend suggested a sex change. And I’m so glad I listened…I love Bee. 

What is your favourite cake?

Can I say pie? Bumbleberry to be exact (a mix of berries, apples and rhubarb). Frozen if possible.

As for cake, anything that involves multiple layers of chocolate. If there’s peanut butter in there, so much the better. 

I have never heard of Bumbleberry Pie before. It's my new favourite and I can't wait to make one! You can stay in touch with Christine on her website as well as the following social media sites:

Facebook

Twitter

Bookbub 

Join me next week when I'll be having a slice of cake with Chrys Cymri.

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.

You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake - it's what makes the world go round!

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop.