Interview With J.L.Drake

Blurb: He was a hunter, a killer, a psychopath. He was always watching and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

She was his greatest obsession.

Pushing through her past, Emily McPhee was finally where she wanted to be. She had pulled straight A’s, had a home in southern California, money and a great group of friends. One night her stalker decided to make his move and everything changed.
Now, fighting to get back to what she once had, Emily must deal with more than just this psychopath, but also with her cold mother and her one true love that’s pulling away. How hard would you fight the darkness that’s threatening to take over your life?

"Goose bumps raced over me as I desperately felt around the edges of the door, clawing at the wood next to it, trying to find a way out.  I heard a sound and found a set of eyes staring back at me from a Judas hole." –From What Lurks In The Dark

Links:

Amazon.com http://amzn.com/1500132985

Goodreads www.goodreads.com/JLDrake

Facebook www.facebook.com/JLDrakeauthor

Review: Wow, this book is thoroughly gripping and exciting. It's told from various viewpoints and covers many genres: horror, thriller, romance...so there's something within it for everyone. The characters are well written and believable and the plot is one that will suck you in straight away. Highly recommended if you want something to read which you wont be able to put down!

Interview

Q: Can you please tell me a bit about yourself and your book?

A: I’m originally from Nova Scotia, Canada. I moved to Southern California roughly seven years. I’m a diehard hockey fan, I love to be near the water and love the band Tragically Hip. I’ve never thought of writing up until a year a half ago, it wasn’t until a friend told me she wrote a book that something clicked in me.
I’ve always loved darker novels and I thought I’d give it a try. So I decided to sit down and write and fourteen months later What Lurks in the Dark was finished.
Writing about a psychopath was a lot of fun for me. I did a ton of research and found after a while he was more interesting to write than the others. Not sure what that says about me! Now I’m addicted to writing and can’t wait to share more of my stories. I currently have several manuscripts in the works a few in different genres.

Q: What inspired you to write your book?

A: Anything written by James Patterson inspired me to write my novel. I love how he can write such twisted books, that sometimes makes you put them down and go “Holy S- that was intense!”

Q: Can you describe your writing style in three words?

A: Dark, gritty, romance.

Q: Do you base any of your characters on yourself or anyone you know?

A: That’s sort of tricky to answer because I take bits and pieces of personalities from people I know and form my characters from that. Minus the psychopath, I don’t know anyone as crazy as him.

Q: Who would you like to play the main characters in the film version?

A: Emily - Julianne Hough
Seth- Trevor Donovan
Lasko- Robert Knepper

Q: What is next for you?

A: I just finished writing a two book series called Nexus of Lies, I’m hoping to release it this January 2015. It’s my favorite story so far, I wrote the first book in three months. It’s a bit different then WLITD it’s more suspense and romance but there’s still some darkness to it too.

I’ll be releasing a few sneak peaks in the following months to come on my Facebook page.

You Cannot Find Peace Until You Find All The Pieces

Blurb: You Cannot Find Peace Until You Find All The Pieces tells the story of how God through Jesus Christ transformed my life and gave me the strength to overcome a less than desirable childhood, the regrets of becoming a teen mother, anger, immaturity, poor decision making and a really bad attitude.

Buy Link: http://amzn.com/1105661261

Review: "You Cannot Find Peace Until You Find All The Pieces" is a powerful memoir of the authors life, mistakes and finally the answer which helped her. It's such an emotional roller coaster, of which I'm sure most people will be able to relate to in one way or another, and it gives the reader a lot to think about. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking any kind of enlightenment. This will help you on your way.

Interview with Max E Stone

1.     Can you please tell me a bit about yourself & your novel series?

 

My name is Max E. Stone. I’ve been writing since I was nine years old. That was when I started writing my “New England” series, which includes “The Bleeding” and its predecessor and prelude “August to Life” which was published in 2012. At the start of the series, “August to Life” wasn’t even called that at the time. There have been at least 20 drafts and about 17 different titles since then. I don’t even think I came up with New England for the setting until 2010. Plus, at sixteen, writing became one of the few things that kept me sane during a lot of situations going on in my life at that age and, suddenly, as I wrote, this story began to take shape into this fiction half mystery/half thriller about three families, each one with a person in a position of power be that law or business, that end up thrown together by their children and the resulting good, bad, and even deadly events that follow. From there, I’ve been going ever since.

 

2.     What inspires your work?

 

Everything. Everything I see. Anything I hear. Anything that happens to me. A simple walk down the street. A song. Anything. I could get inspired at a moment’s notice so I always have notepad and pen with me just in case an idea strikes.

 

3.     Describe your writing style in three words.

 

Rare. Real. Chilling.

 

4.     What do you think makes your writing stand out from the crowd?

 

I’ll show you things in the world, literary and real, that you’ve never or rarely seen. And if you’ve seen it and you’ve been misinformed, I won’t pull punches. I won’t just tell you the truth. I will show you why its true and maybe even scare you in the process.

 

5. Who would you like to play your main characters in the film?

 

I’m not sure about the others, but definitely Liam Neeson for the role of Stephen Bennett, the Homicide Detective who is dealing with a particularly grueling set of circumstances in “The Bleeding.” Neeson is such a strong and powerful actor and he takes over the role. Just looking at what he did with his role in “Taken,” I feel as though he would do wonders with bringing Stephen Bennett to life on the big screen.

 

5.     Do you base any of your characters or events on yourself or your experiences?

 

All the time. I believe that even in fiction, you need to have some realism. Otherwise, no one will listen and your story is just that: a story. So I definitely based some events or situations on my own life.

 

6.     What are you currently working on?

As of right now, I am working on the third in the New England installment, which is called “One Minute There.” This will be released in 2015.

 

7.     Where can people find out more about you?

You can get in touch with me, find out more about me, upcoming projects, causes, my blog, and more at my website, www.maxestone.com, on my facebook at facebook.com/officialmaxestone, and also on twitter @maxestone. Thanks for having me!

The blog of C.R. Moss: A Look At Samie Sands & 'Lockdown' ~ @SamieSands @...

The blog of C.R. Moss: A Look At Samie Sands & 'Lockdown' ~ @SamieSands @...: Today we have author Samie Sands visiting. Welcome! What would you like to tell readers about yourself? * Samie Sands is a 28-year-old Gr...

The Chronicles of Martin

Blurb: The Chronicles of Martin is about living life to its fullest; rising to the summits and falling to the bottom; faith and its power to heal; and finding a new way to live. There are three stand-alone parts of the book: 1) Martin's memoirs, covering his upbringing in East Texas; his university years at Texas A&M and the University of Colorado; ascent into the world of oil, money and politics; and ultimately his calamitous fall and recovery through faith. 2) Martin's life as an alcoholic and his recovery. And, 3) A collection of thought provoking essays Martin has written during his 20 years of sobriety. Martin's essays delve deeply into the subject of faith, creation and eternal life. This book is a must read for you if you've had to face some of life's most challenging problems, if you have ever questioned your faith, or if you have ever had to rebuild your way. It is not a how-to book. The Chronicles of Martin is a book of encouragement that traces how God worked in the life of a man.

Buy Link: http://amzn.com/1621374645

Review: This book is an uplifting and exciting read from a brilliant author. Martin is a lovable character who has experienced a lot in his life, and each section of the book reveals more about him. The writing style is unique and makes you want to read on and learn all you can. Rather than telling the reader what to do, it leads by example and allows you to make up your own mind.

Business Worth Doing

Blurb: The after-effects of the recent global recession of 2008 are still being felt. Concerns about the impact of greed, short-termism, and unsustainable business practices still persist. With fast-moving and aggressive global competition, coupled with likely continued slow growth opportunities, executives face real challenges in choosing how to run their businesses. Massive financial pressures have helped create conditions that foster much short-term, and selfish behavior. Credible studies reveal that only 12% of companies over $500m in revenue deliver Sustained Value Creation. Further studies over recent decades state that up to 70% of employees are not actively engaged at work. There’s a clear need, and maybe an appetite for a new business system approach. A system that helps leaders install a new way of building businesses that deliver long-term sustainable value and results that benefit all stakeholders including customers, investors, employees, suppliers and more. We present such a business system and explain the language and philosophy that is behind it. We briefly provide evidence that this system works. We also provide encouragement on how to get it started with an outline methodology to follow. We are hoping that it provides enough support for leaders that want to re-commit to Business Worth Doing that delivers businesses that work for all.

Buy Link: http://amzn.com/1621374831

Review: Wow, what an insightful look at business during the recession! We all know about it, we've all been affected by it, but how do we get out of it? This book takes a look at what is possible, using detailed research and examples it's useful to anyone!

BookLover Sue: Blurb Blitz & Giveaway - Lockdown by Samie Sands

BookLover Sue: Blurb Blitz & Giveaway - Lockdown by Samie Sands: Lockdown by Samie Sands   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~   BLURB:   Leah's practical joke has spiraled way out of control. Now everyone ...

Ten Brides for Ten Heroes

TEN BRIDES FOR TEN HEROES
An anthology

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Ten Brides for Ten Heroes spans the gamut of the ever-popular wedding romance genre—from heartwarming laughter to thrilling adventure, from sweet to steamy. This 10-book bundle features novels by New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors. So get ready to toss the bouquet and say, "I do!" as ten brides risk it all to find their happy ever after.

Patrice Wilton:
Wedding Fever by Patrice Wilton - The romantic comedy series, Serendipity Falls.
Mila O’Reilley owns Wedding Fever, a bridal boutique in Serendipity Falls Mall. She sells more than dresses, she sells dreams along with the belief in happily-ever-after – a sentiment she personally doesn’t share. Can a jaded bridal consultant and a cynical news reporter uncover the true mystery of Serendipity Falls without being swept away in the madness?
Find Patrice at: www.patricewilton.com

Helen Scott Taylor:
The Army Doctor's Wedding by Helen Scott Taylor - The Army Doctor's Series
Major Cameron Knight throws himself into the danger of front-line, battlefield medicine to keep the demons from his past away. When he rescues an injured charity worker who's saved a tiny newborn baby, he marries her so they can take the orphan back home for surgery. With this brave woman he finally has the chance to redeem himself and find love.
Find Helen at: http://www.helenscotttaylor.co.uk/

Mona Risk:
Wedding Surprise by Mona Risk – The Holiday Babies Series
Claire and David faced many challenges over the years. Finally, Claire's dream of a wonderful white wedding to the man she loves is about to come true. Two weeks before the wedding, Adriana, the high-school classmate who’s tried to snatch David several times, makes an announcement that threatens to destroy the couple's happiness. Is Claire and David’s love for each other strong enough to turn the worst wedding surprise into the best?
Find Mona at: www.monarisk.com

Alicia Street:
Tomboy Bride by Alicia Street – The Dance 'n' Luv Series
Kendra returns home for her brother’s wedding determined to get her age-old crush to finally see her as more than a tomboy. But will her game of making him jealous with a hot and handsome faux-beau make him fall for her—or backfire and leave her in ashes?
Find Alicia at: http://aliciastreet-roystreet.com

Rebecca York:
Destination Wedding, by Rebecca York – The Decorah Security Series
From the moment Nick Cassidy signed on as one one of Camille Norland’s bodyguards, sexual sparks flew between them. Although determined to keep his emotional distance from her, Nick is forced to admit his real feelings when she’s kidnapped by a ruthless Russian mobster with matrimony in mind. Can Nick rescue her before the wedding night? Can they escape from Victor Zanov’s tropical island death trap? And can they come to terms with their complicated relationship?
Find Rebecca at: www.rebeccayork.com

Annie Jones:
Summer of Love by Annie Jones
Brides, Beehives and Barbecue! Can mother daughter mayhem be far behind? Bless her heart, it's 1967 and a determined southern bride isn't sure love is really all she needs.
Find Annie at: http://theanniejones.com/

Donna Fasano:
Return of the Runaway Bride by Donna Fasano
Savanna returns to her hometown to explain why she fled on her wedding day, but she never imagined how her escape all those years ago changed Daniel. Can she make him understand—and forgive?
Find Donna at: www.DonnaFasano.com

Rita Herron:
Single & Searching by Rita Herron
A woman looking for love... A reporter looking for a story... A mad rush to find a criminal... When the truth comes out and danger strikes, will they succumb to the passion burning between them? Find Rita at: www.ritaherron.com

Theresa Ragan:
Here Comes the Bride by Theresa Ragan
Samantha Johnston, a reporter for the LA Beat, attends the wedding of one of America’s hottest actors in hopes of learning the identity of his mystery bride, and ends up saying, “I do.”
Find Theresa at: www.theresaragan.com

Mimi Barbour:
Love Me Tender by Mimi Barbour – The “Elvis” Series
After her year in Texas as an exchange student, Annie leaves pregnant and heartbroken. Nine years later she returns to introduce her eight-year-old son to his American family. And to the man who still haunts her dreams – the handsome, embittered rancher who never knew he’d fathered a son.
Find Mimi at: www.mimibarbour.com

LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tenbrides

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Ten-Brides-Heroes-Theresa-Ragan-ebook/dp/B00KXFTOJU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402588246&sr=8-1&keywords=ten+brides+for+ten+heroes

Apple Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/ten-brides-for-ten-heroes/id888146286?mt=11&utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Don't forget to enter to win one of two $25 Amazon Giftcards: a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Art of Love and Murder

The Art of Love and Murder
by Brenda Whiteside

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Lacy Dahl never questioned her past until the deaths of her adoptive parents and her husband. A husband who wasn't what he seemed. Her research uncovers secrets about the mother she never knew; secrets that dispute the identity of her father and threaten her life.

Sheriff Chance Meadowlark is still haunted by the murder of his wife and the revenge he unleashed in the name of justice. When he meets Lacy he is determined not to become involved, but their pasts may make that impossible. As they move closer to the truth, saving Lacy may be his only salvation.

Lacy begins to think the present is more important than her past...until Chance's connection to her mother and a murder spin her deeper into danger and further from love. Will the truth destroy Lacy and Chance or will it be the answer that frees them?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

Lacy quickened her pace. The footsteps behind her did the same. As fast as her feet touched the bricks, her heart beat twice that speed. If only she could clear the narrow alley, step onto the lit sidewalk… Like a magnet, the street light pulled her forward, and she lunged out of the darkness. Her hand slammed to her chest. After a hard intake of breath and a fast exhale, she cast a furtive glance over her shoulder. With the strap of her purse in a tight fist against her breast, she whirled around to cover the last block at a trot.

She didn’t see him until too late.

As if she’d hit a cement wall, she careened off balance, but his hands grabbed her shoulders keeping her upright. She gasped and reared back and out of his arms. Her fisted purse became a weapon as she hurled a defensive blow to his chest. Her knee came up, landing a jab to his thigh. “Ehhh,” she cried out from the pain of contact.

“Lady, I’m not going to hurt you.” He held his ground and loomed over her, his hands at his chest fending off the swing of her fist.

Her vision filled with the imposing figure, and a chill shivered her body. Run screamed in her head. This time the swing of her purse missed her target when she turned to escape. His hand caught her arm and pulled her close.

“Help, help me!” Her voice came high and hysterical.

“I am trying to help.”

Both hands gripped her shoulders now, and her feet came partly off the ground, forcing her to look into his face.

“What’s wrong? Are you in trouble?”

Her head swung side to side, but the empty street and sidewalks could have been a ghost town. In the distance, a jazzy tune drifted through the air with voices too far away to help. She gulped.

He waited.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Brenda spends most of her time writing stories of discovery and love. The rest of her time is spent tending vegetables on the small family farm she shares with her husband, son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. Together, they’ve embraced an age-old lifestyle that has been mostly lost in the United States - multiple generations living under one roof, who share the workload, follow their individual dreams and reap the benefits of combined talents.

Although she didn’t start out to write romance, she’s found all good stories involve complicated human relationships. She’s also found no matter a person’s age, a new discovery is right around every corner. Whether humorous or serious, straight contemporary or mystery, all her books revolve around those two facts.

Visit Brenda at www.brendawhiteside.com

Or on FaceBook: www.facebook.com/BrendaWhitesideAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/brendawhitesid2

She blogs on the 9th and 24th of every month at http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com

She blogs about writing and prairie life at http://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/

Brenda will be awarding a $20 gift card to The Wild Rose Press to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Review: The Art of Love and Murder is full of strong, believable characters and a gripping suspenseful  plotline. It was really easy to visualise the events as the setting description was fantastically detailed. Highly recommended for anyone who likes romance mixed with intrigue.

Here Lies Love

Blurb: Would death be less painful than life? When she is sold by her father, Abbey discovers that nightmares can occur when you’re awake. Trapped inside a wooden cage, Abbey is forced to listen to the horrors and atrocities above; time ticking down until it is her turn. But Abbey isn't prepared to become a victim; she will escape. Although, what Abbey isn't prepared for, is how harsh and unfair the world can be. With the sun turning its back on humanity long ago, life gives no opportunity. The only thing Abbey can do is learn to survive. To exist. And that means stealing any opportunity that comes her way. Haunted by the unpleasant memories bestowed upon her only nurtures Abbey’s paranoia, until she realises that to truly live in the world, she must confront the person who was responsible for her misfortune – her father. Here Lies Love is a NA tale of actuality, of facing up to the fact that love comes in many guises. Can Abbey find the one glimmer of hope or will she be overcome with the darkness of revenge?

Buy Link: http://amzn.com/1499559801

Review: Here Lies Love is a book that I unexpectedly fell in love with as I had no idea what to expect. I'd read the blurb of course, but still what I actually read astounded me. It starts in a dark place, and deals with some very difficult subjects, but seen through the eyes of the main character Abbey, you can't help but absolutely need to know where the plot is going to take her. It's a book unlike anything I've ever read before, and for and avid reader like myself, that is really hard to do! The language is superb and the storyline is utterly compelling. I would recommend this to fans of horror, psychological thrillers and to anyone looking for a book that stands out from the crowd - absolutely brilliant!

Booker Like a Hooker: #Giveaway & Blitz : Lockdown by Samie Sands

Booker Like a Hooker: #Giveaway & Blitz : Lockdown by Samie Sands:  Samie will be awarding a signed copy of Lockdown (International winner) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a $15 Ama...

Author Josh Walker

1. Can you tell me a bit about yourself and your book?

Sure, I’m a Wyoming native. I love football, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Final Fantasy, and anything else fantasy. When I was fresh out of High School, I moved to Chile and will always consider Chile as my second home. I have since married and have two amazing kids. Every day is an adventure with them. My book – Luke Coles and the Flower of Chiloe -- is a Young Adult/Teen Urban Fantasy novel. I based almost every single piece of my story on real folktales, myths, and history throughout world. In the story, I follow Luke as he discovers his place in this world. It has a little bit of everything. I’ve seen it compared to Dr. Who, Supernatural, Percy Jackson, Pirates of the Carribean, Highlander, Harry Potter, and even some romance titles.

2. What is the inspiration behind your work?

There were two major inspirations for this book. First were the three months I was on Chiloe Island. It is an island known for its witchcraft and I saw some things there that I still can’t explain: lights flying overhead, unexplained voices, and other circumstantial evidence that supports a rich lore of myths which are told throughout the island. My second inspiration for the book is my wife.

3. What makes your book stand out from other stories in a similar genre?

The way my story is told is different than any books I have seen in any genre. The story occurs over 150-200 years and the book does not present those years in any sort of a chronological order. The way the first half was written was inspired by storytelling more commonly found in eastern traditions. The second half was written more in a western style. I really wanted to not just combine the world’s myths and religions in this book, but also the way they present a story.

4. Can you describe your writing style in three words?

Easy to read.

5. Who would you like to play your main characters in the film?

I’ve never really thought about that. The two main characters are Luke and Flor. For Luke, offhand, I would say Jake Gyllenhaal. Flor would need to be a Latina with a lot of spunk and toughness…maybe Naya Rivera.

6. Do you base your characters/plot events on yourself or anyone you know?

I think a little bit of me goes into every character, even the evil ones. Luke is the closest to me that I will ever write. As such, it only made sense for me to give Flor some of my wife’s qualities.

7. What is next for you?

I am working on a few things right now. I have the second Luke Coles written, albeit in rough draft form. I am still trying to rework a few plot points and Chapters that I wasn’t happy with. I have two anthology stories that I have written. They will be released later this year. They are both anthologies organized by TJ Weeks. One is his annual Holiday Horror Stories and the other is called Monster Diaries. The biggest focus for me right now is the Forgotten Places project. It is an anthology that I am working on with many talented authors. We are going to donate all the earnings from this anthology to a children’s non-profit. We have been discussing where the money should go and it looks like it will end up going to St. Jude’s. There are a few other things I am up to: translating a Chilean comic to English, working on a fantasy novel prequel to Luke Coles that takes place in a fantasy world, managing the Righteous Province Creations group that networks authors, agents, publishers, graphic designers, and editors. I really have so much on my plate right now that my only complaint is I’m sad I can’t finish it all at once.

8. Where can people find out more about you?

I have three main places I post information. 1. www.joshwalkerbooks.com 2. www.facebook.com/lukenecoles 3. Twitter @elsharkwalker

Pink Fluffy Hearts: Diary of a Coffee Addict: Blurb Blitz: Lockdown

Pink Fluffy Hearts: Diary of a Coffee Addict: Blurb Blitz: Lockdown:

Blurb Blitz: Lockdown

Lockdown by Samie Sands
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Science Fiction, Horror
Release Date: April 10, 2014
Buy Links:

Amazon

Book Description:

Leah's practical joke has spiraled way out of control. Now everyone seems convinced that the apocalypse is coming - in the form of zombies. 

The government is calling the virus AM13, and is advising – or more like forcing - everyone to stay indoors while they 'clean up the mess'. 

Leah tries to persuade everyone that it was all just a horrible mistake, however she starts to see there may be more truth to it all than she first thought. 



♥ ♥ ♥

Excerpt:

Finally, I've done it.

Red lights, flashing. Alarms sounding. Panic. Fear. What have I done? This must be bad, really bad. I can hear a screaming noise, where is it coming from?

They're coming out. This is it. Oh my God, I need to run. It's then I notice the screams are coming from me.

Time stands still. Everything has been so quiet for days, so the loud alarm noise feels like an intrusion on my brain, my thoughts. I can't get myself together enough to do something to stop it.



I turn and run, towards Mike. My plan was to rescue him and that's what I need to do. Then I realise I don't even know this guy. Loyalties forgotten, I move towards getting the hell out of there. I grab my bag and get to the door. The gun, I forgot to pick it up. I look back to see my chances of retrieving it, but there's no hope. The infected are everywhere, shambling towards me. I need to move right now.

♥ ♥ ♥

Author Bio:

Samie Sands is a 28-year-old Graphic Designer who has recently decided to follow her lifelong dream and use her creativity in a different way.

Lockdown is her debut published novel, but she's also had a number of short stories included in successful anthologies.

She lives in a small seaside town in the UK, but loves to travel to gain inspiration from different cultures. To keep up to date with Samie, please check out her website.

Twitter ♥ Facebook ♥ Website ♥ Tumblr

Goddess Fish Party Pavilion: Lockdown Sample

Goddess Fish Party Pavilion: Lockdown Sample:



LOCKDOWN EXCERPT:

“Ok, it's official. I'm dead. I'm actually going to be killed.

Then I'll lose my job, my important position complete with my beautiful nameplate, with Leah Watton in shiny silver print. Of course, this will lead me to get kicked out of my flat and I'll end up living in some cardboard box on a skanky street corner, drinking cider and trading war stories around a bin fire.

Or the much worse option, I'll be forced to move back to my parents’ house.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

All for one idiotic joke. I can't believe it, I've nearly wrecked my career already, and it was only just beginning. I can really feel the panic welling up in my stomach now. After those three long years at university studying journalism, the thing I was so sure I was destined to do with my life, which in the end turned out I actually hated. Those long depressing months of sending out CV's to every stupid newspaper, magazine and supplement going—my parents had always made it very clear that they expected me to use my degree sensibly, especially as they may have helped me now and again, financially, after I got into a bit of credit card debt. I got rejected time and time again, even by a cheese periodical. Seriously, they said at the interview my lack of passion for the subject was apparent. I mean, what sort of person is passionate about cheese?

Finally I got a chance, well more like a small teeny tiny stepping stone, one that would actually go down well with my family. A news researcher. I mean, it's for the least watched local news program ever, in a small rural part of the country where nothing exciting ever happens, but it totally counts. I was so relieved, but definitely not happy to get this job. Still, I can't afford to lose it.

I'm such a fool. I only did this to impress Jake. Damn it. I've been trying to get his attention since I walked in on my first day and saw him smiling into the phone and twisting his hair in that cute way he does when he's concentrating. He’s absolutely gorgeous—tall, dirty blonde hair, blue eyes, a smile that lights up a room. I was instantly smitten, and have since spent my days catching any glimpse of him that I can.

He definitely likes to think he's the joker in the office, so after spending hours every night trying to plan sexy outfits—which believe me isn't easy if you're 5’3”, with dull mousy brown hair that match your eyes exactly and a figure that could do with losing about 10 pounds—to combine with flirting and trying to seem like a really cool girl with such an interesting social life—none of which caused him to even blink an eye in my direction—I thought I'd try a different approach to getting his attention.

He's one of those guys constantly emailing stupid YouTube videos to everyone, often with a fake news story attached, usually mocking one of our more recent, tedious stories. So I found a great one of a 'zombie' attack. It's brilliant. It looks so realistic and although it’s in a foreign language and you can barely make out any words, the narrator sounds terrified. It made me laugh when I found it, and I knew Jake would find it funny, so I set it up.

But then came the error. I feel icy and uncomfortable even thinking about it. I accidentally sent it to Jamie King, the big boss. With a whole bloody news story attached...”

Goddess Fish Party Pavilion: Interview with Samie Sands

Goddess Fish Party Pavilion: Interview with Samie Sands:

1. Can you please tell me a little about yourself and your book?

I'm Samie Sands, an author from the UK. I live in a small seaside village, but love to travel for writing inspiration. Lockdown is a zombie chick lit style book which follows news researcher Leah as she accidentally sends a zombie apocalypse viral. The government decides to quarantine everyone inside their own homes and soon Leah starts to see that this might be for the best...

2. What was the inspiration behind Lockdown?

I wrote the story that I wanted to read. I love zombie fiction, but the main characters tend to be military men with unbelievable survivalist skills. What about the rest of us? I'm sure we've all thought how we'd cope in a zombie apocalypse, and it was through these thoughts that my characters were born.

3. How would you describe your writing style in three words?

Fast-paced, funny and descriptive.

4. What makes your writing stand out from the crowd?

I don't like to stick to one genre, or follow the typical rules. In Lockdown Leah is a flawed character, unlike other books I've read where authors have made their characters perfect, but I think these faults make her more believable and easier to relate to.

5. Who would you like to play your main characters in the film?

I'd love Rachel McAdams to play Leah, Michelle Rodriguez to play Michelle and James Macavoy to play Jake.

6. Do you base your characters on yourself or anyone you know?

Leah started off very loosely based on myself, but she very quickly took on her own personality and blossomed into very much her own person.

7. What's next for you?

The sequel to Lockdown is in progress and should be ready for release this year and I'm also creating a zombie anthology so am currently looking for contributing authors for this (http://thelockdown.co.uk/zombie-anthology).

8. Where can people find out more about you?

The Lockdown Website: http://thelockdown.co.uk

Author Website: http://samiesands.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SamieSandsLockdown

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SamieSands

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/SamieSands

Goddess Fish Party Pavilion: Goddess Fish Party Pavilion: Lockdown by Samie San...

Goddess Fish Party Pavilion: Goddess Fish Party Pavilion: Lockdown by Samie San...: Goddess Fish Party Pavilion: Lockdown by Samie Sands : The zombie genre is currently a highly saturated market, full of weird and wonderful...

Nathan Riley, The Boy Next Door by Jayson L Amoroso

Tagline: Every little boy dreams of something… Nathan dreams of murder…

Blurb: A young deranged predator preys on local college girls but realizes that his only match is a seasoned police detective, who’s haunted by the unsolved case of a 12-year-old girl who was kidnapped years ago by the same killer. SYNOPSIS: Nathan Riley, The Boy Next Door chronicles the mindset of a brilliant young boy who after an abusive childhood becomes a diabolical serial killer. From an awkward yet gifted boy to an academic prodigy obsessed with forensic science Nathan Riley commits heinous crimes and becomes a deceptive, calculating predator. Using his boyish good looks and charm, Nathan preys on local college girls that resemble his first love. He methodically alters and manipulates the crimes scenes to send the police on a wild goose chase. Les Kearns, the detective assigned to the murders is still haunted by the unsolved case of Karen Geller, the missing 12 year old girl Nathan kidnapped a decade earlier. Can the deceptive killer continue his reign of terror? Or will Kearns finally catch the boy that’s been tormenting him for over a decade...

Author Bio: Jayson L. Amoroso is an American screenwriter, author and filmmaker whose latest screenplay THRILL KILL is currently in post production. His new novel NATHAN RILEY, THE BOY NEXT DOOR is complete . He is currently raising money to publish, market and distribute. The screenplay THE BOY NEXT DOOR was the Grand Prize Winner in the Thriller/Horror category at the Screenplay Festival Screenwriting contest.
It was also a finalist in the All Access Screenwriting Competition. The screenplay has been in development with a former Studio Head, an Academy Award Winning Producer, several Independent Producers and notable Actors.

Mr. Amoroso is the President of PardaRuth Pictures, a Production Company specializing in short films and movie trailers. Recently Jayson was hired to write the original feature screenplay, WINNER TAKES ALL and rewrite the pilot DIXIE MAFIA, a Sopranos type TV series that takes place in The South. Jayson has also optioned several of his other screenplays. He has also directed and produced the films Quitters, The Stranger In Me, The Rivers and September On Stockton Street.

The concept of the story Nathan Riley, The Boy Next Door was conceived after he watched the Academy Award Winning Movie The Silence of the Lambs. Mesmerized by the brilliant character Hannibal Lecter, Jayson asked himself, “how did this man become Hannibal The Cannibal?” He began to research serial killers to find out what motivates them and the subject matter was fascinating. The Nathan character was created to show the evolution of a serial killer's tormented soul and get a glimpse into his disturbed psyche.

Find out more at http://www.nathanrileytheboynextdoor.com/

Samie's Review: Wow, Nathan Riley is one of the most genuinely chilling characters I have ever read. The plot follows his terrifying journey into a world most of us know nothing about. His actions, his motivations and the plot are gripping from the very first page. I'm not surprised that the screenplay version has won an award, everything about it is unusual but in a surprisingly fantastic way!