AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: D J Lowbridge, author of Ghost Haunts- A Collection of Short Stories

Author D.J.  Lowbridge

      I love meeting new authors and welcome D.J. to my blog. I also love, I mean love Ghost stories. Who doesn't right? Well, D.J. has the perfect book for you. He has a collection of them inside of the bind titled Ghost Haunts. Oh I love it! I love the cover too!

Click the book to go to Amazon's US page for it.

 

Book description:

From the trenches of World War One to the vastness of space we meet: relentless pursuers that feed on fear; omens of impending doom and true love that goes beyond the grave.

When realms collide there is no certainty of what is to come...

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     The interview:

     1. Where do you call home?

I live in Essex in the United Kingdom. I live in a small village that is not far from the sea for inspiration and quick trips down with the kids, but far enough back that during the summer that I can have some peace if I want it.

2. What is the title of your most recent book?

“Ghost Haunts” – it’s an 11 short story collection about ghosts. But instead of it being a horror fest I decided to sneak in a couple of family dramas in there.

3. What's your Genre?

Well obviously by my first book people would assume horror, but that is more of a sideline for me. Something that Ghost Haunts fell into. I think of myself more of a paranormal / supernatural author with a tinge of horror who sometimes crosses over into science fiction.

4. Plans for a next book? Is this part of a Series?

The next book will be the first book in the Paranormal Investigation Series, or PIT for short. The series follows a military led team who investigate paranormal activity and try to protect the world from the demons. The first story came to me while I was putting my rabbits to bed one night and eventually one story has turned into six or seven ideas.

5. Are you a self published author (Indie)?

I wouldn’t have it any other way. To have total control over your work and being paid a decent rate for your work, there is really no option.

6. Who's your favorite author?

Well that is a tough question. Elizabeth Moon got me writing, but I love India Drummond (another indie author) and her Faerie series that is based in Scotland. Her characters and storylines are amazing.

7. Your favorite book?

I think my favourite book is Elizabeth Moon’s Command Decision which is her 4^thbook in the Vatta’s War series. It is brilliant for military science fiction lovers.

8. What book are you currently reading?

I am currently reading an indie book called Eden M51 by G. R. Paskoff

      9. A book you would recommend?

       Not at the moment, I haven’t finished it.

      10. How do you pick your books?

    Well I run a review site. So mostly I am sent books. I use to select books by the blurb and front cover but due to the sheer number of requests I know insist on looking at the first chapter. If it is good, then I will select it.

     11. Advice for other authors?

    Write, write, write.- So agree!

     12. Do you write under a pen name?

      I write under D J Lowbridge.

     13. Where do you write?

    Normally at the dinner table; facing away from the window. It can get very cold in there so sometimes I set myself a target and when I’ve reached it and can get back into the warmer rooms.

     14. What do you wear when you write?

      Whatever I am wearing at the time.

     15. Do you have a pet (s)?

    Oh yeah. I have two tanks of fish, a leopard Gecko named Steph, two Guinea Pigs and two rabbits. -I myself am a momma of Guinea pigs and rabbits. Of all my pets my Gecko is my baby, I’ve had since before I was married. A year ago her sister died which was very sad and she has not responded well to the loss either. But I have become fond of our latest edition, Elmo. Elmo is the male rabbit from a rescue centre. He was found in a field living wild yet is a domesticated albino cross breed – he was definitely abandoned. There is no telling how old he really is or how long he was left to fend for himself without any skills to do so, but according to the centre he was brought in a bad state and was probably out there months if not over a year. I feel sad because someone must have done that to him without thinking of his welfare. Now he is very wary of most people, yet he still comes to me and even likes to jump on my back for comfort.

     16. Favorite food?

    Chinese. Not even going to debate that one.

     17. If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?

The current President of the United States because the US would spend millions trying to find and rescue him; Paul Merton because he is a funny guy and Miranda Hart, because she is funny too.

     18. Of your characters, which one would you say is most like you and why?

     I would say in Ghost Haunts I am most like Tony in some aspects (loves his wife to pieces, very protective), but he is someone who likes to spend his cash to show off, which is not like me at all. In my next project I am very much like Major Trevor Reed. He is a character who is in command of the unit, yet despite the fact that he is supposed to be strong and unwavering he turns out to be someone who is forgiving and a little soft to his colleagues.

    19. What made you want to be a writer?

     I was on holiday one day in Norfolk when I was reading a book and I put it down and in my head suddenly an idea just flowed in. That’s the day I decided to be a writer. But in truth I’ve always enjoyed writing and I would probably have gotten here sooner or later.

     20. Any weird talent?

      No...

     21. A favorite quote?

    “A life is made up of its darkest moments and destroyed when it takes nothing from them” – can never remember where that came from, but it always reminds me to learn from my mistakes. -learning from mistakes is always good advice :0)

     22. What is the one thing you never go without?

    My family; support is key to success and they are my support.

     23. Your biggest influence?

     I don’t think anything has particularly influenced me in my life.

      24. Favorite TV show?

     Stargate SG-1 – there is no finer show. It was on the air for 10 seasons and had two direct to DVD movies plus two spin off shows. Anything that has that legacy has to be great.

      25. A great blog you would like to recommend for others to discover?

     http://twomidlistindies.com/ - its a great blog written by two stars of the indie author world – Valerie Douglas and Kai Wilson. If you want to succeed as an indie author listening to these two is a great help.

 

D.J. was so wonderful to make connecting with him so easy! Click the links below to connect with him and any or all the sites below.

 

Website: http://djlowbridge.wix.com/djlowbridgeauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DLowbridge

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/D-J-Lowbridge/196076050528509

Blog: http://indieebookreview.blogspot.co.uk/

Book Links:

US: www.amazon.com/Ghost-Haunts-ebook/dp/B00BDTUIU4/

UK: www.amazon.co.uk/Ghost-Haunts-ebook/dp/B00BDTUIU4/

Thanks so much D.J. for letting little ol' me spotlight ya! Loved getting to know you and about your Ghostly offering- Ghost Haunts. Visitors, my lovely readers, hop on over to Amazon and pick up your copy, only $2.99.

Thanks for dropping by!

Titanic Sails Again? Will There Be a Second Voyage?

Yes you read that right, there will be a Titanic part deux. It seems Austrailan multi-millionare mining tycoon Clive Palmer feels that this marvelous ship should sail the seas again and I don't blame him. I myself have always been facinated with this massive ship and it's shortlived life. The story behind it and the story that brought it to its end down beneath the great Atlantic Ocean.

This time however Mr. Palmer doesn't want to follow in the footsteps of the doomed claims of the ship being "unsinkable". When asked if he could claim the ship just that, he replied: “Anything will sink if you put a hole in it. I think it would be very cavalier to say it. I think people in the past have done that and lived to regret it.”

Blueprints have revealed this second Titantic will almost be a replica of the first. The only changes are air conditioning, a hospital and a helipad. Palmer also claims the three passenger classes aboard ship will go as it did in 1912- no mingling. Replica clothing will also be provided for those who would like to "play dressup."

As for the photographer aboard ship, whomever her or he should be, I'm sure lot's of mula will be made at the bow of that ship just to capture a shot of the infamous "I'm King of the world!"

Well there ya go. I must confess, I'm excited. How about you?

You can read more at this link.

Thank for the drop by!

INDIE AUTHORS Come Hither...Rachelle's Window: Bestselling Author Charity Parkerson's Book Promotion Tips

INDIE AUTHORS...we all know the troubles that come with self promotion. Every tip is a benifical one. Perhaps you have already heard of these ones, but hey...ya never know. Click the link below and hop on over to Rachelle's blog and read for yourself how author Charity Parkerson increased her book sales. Happy Writing and Good Endeavors to you!
Rachelle's Window: Bestselling Author Charity Parkerson's Book Promot...: Charity's Book Promotion Secrets - or from 25 to 25 thousand [reblogged from www.charityparkerson.com ] A recent Facebook status of mine...

The Chronicles of Fire & Ice...your next read this Holiday...

Need a read this holiday? I would like to introduce to you author L.L. Hunt and her book The Chronicles of Fire & Ice. 


Click on book cover to go to the Amazon Kindle stor and read the sneek peek!

Her book is also available in the B& N store and Kobo!

Is love stronger than race?

The world is changing as we know it, the human race is dwindling, but so are the angels. In order to preserve their bloodlines they have bred with humans, creating a new race called Nephilim. But there is one race that is more endangered than humans or Seraphim, Archangels.
As most people believe the Archangels have become extinct, rumours surface of a Legend; that a baby was born out of flame, the offspring of an archangel.

Dyston Blackbell is tasked to find and protect this child. He sends her strange dreams in hope that she will find him. When he discovers that she has enrolled at his family’s angel academy in Melbourne, he will do anything to protect Scarlett. But when he finds himself falling for her the Heavenly realm rejects him thus turning his wings black.

But 21-year-old Scarlett Porter realises that being half Archangel has some advantages. She has developed a unique trait, one that marks her as an Archangel. Will she keep it to herself or use it to fight back?

When an old enemy resurfaces, The Lucifites, Scarlett discovers that Dyston’s older brother Lakyn is at the helm of their sinister plans; to destroy the Nephilim race or use Scarlett for their own selfish purposes when they find out who she really is.

And when Lakyn discovers that Scarlett had only seduced him to rescue Dyston from his prison in the Realm of Light, it sends him on a journey of self-discovery and destruction. One that sees him venturing farther off course than his father would like. Will he choose a new life of love or his old life of darkness?

L.L. Hunter
I am an Australian author who started writing when I was fifteen or sixteen, originally song lyrics but then moved onto fanfiction when I was nineteen. Having published over 20 stories online, one of which was nominated for an award. I have also written, directed and starred in two original plays entitled "No Frills Airlines: Flight 123" and the sequel "No frills Airlines: Come Fly with Us" the latter of which was a musical.

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Here's what readers are saying:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fire and Ice meets Archangels!

 

The Chronicles of Fire and Ice is a book like no other. I have to say that I absolutely love this book and I can't wait for book two. The cover first off is so eye catching it grabs you and makes you want to read it right away. So I was so excited when I saw this book was going to be on a blog tour I had to sign up. I am so glad I did because when I started reading I was introduced to a new world and everyone who knows me knows I love angel stories and so when I started reading the blurb I was like oh man I am so gonna love this story and you know what I do because L.L. Hunter did such a superb job of describing this new world that the moment you start reading it you are captivated and can't put the book down!

Click the links below to connect with the author...
 Give the author your like on Facebook
 Follow L.L. Hunter on Twitter 
 Follow the author's Blog
 Fan and add Fire & Ice to your to read list on Goodreads 

Thanks for the drop by and Happy reading as well as a very Happy Holidays!

Vampyre Kisses Tour- Book Review

Vampyre Kisses is an enthralling story about a young woman named Faith, who was content with her life, but deep down craved more excitement. Then a mysterious man named Trent enters her life and everything changes. Surprising to Faith, Trent is a green-eyed vampire from Ireland. She is even more surprised to find out that she is a witch, and the last of her kind.

Faith finds out that she is destined to restore her witch line and becomes more powerful as she gains confidence and knowledge, but danger lurks everywhere. Especially when unknown assailants steal the most important gems from the vampire master and werewolf royalty.

Now surrounded by a world full of mystifying vampires and werewolves, can Faith gain enough power to help her friends and rescue the stolen gems?

 

Vampyre Kisses Excerpt
By: Elizabeth J. Kolodziej

 

   After a half hour, I decided to sit down for a minute to catch my breath. I ordered

a shot and a water to get some liquid into me, and searched around for Mac. He wasn’t

visible anywhere over the mass of bobbing heads and twisting bodies. As I continued

to look around, I noticed two men at a corner table observing the dancers. One of the

men must have felt my eyes on him, because he turned to look at me. He gave me a half

smile and got out of his seat to walk over to my table. A slower-paced song with a good

beat came on.

 

   I looked up into his pale green eyes and he offered his hand. I took it, and

he led me to the dance floor. He put his strong hands on my back and we moved to the

music. His curly dark reddish-brown hair fell past his ears and framed his flawless oval

face, complemented by deep-set round eyes and a pointed nose. He licked his thick lips

and showed his perfect white teeth with a small smile. With my heels on, our eyes met

perfectly opposite one another. His silk black shirt swayed back and forth as we moved.

A few buttons were undone to show his smooth chest. Leather pants hung on his hips

that pressed against my bare thighs at different points when we moved. We stared at

each other during each song that played; I felt like a feather floating in the warm brisk

air.

 

   With a tap on my shoulder, I turned around to find Mac staring at me, then at the

man. He put his lips to my ear: “I need to talk to you for a sec.” I turned back to the man

and put one finger up to let him know I would be right back. He nodded, and I turned to

follow Mac off the dance floor.

 

   “That man is bad news,” he said, his lips next to my ear.

 

 

Watch the Trailer!

Website: www.vampyrekisses.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ejkolodziej

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ejkolodziej

 

Click the links to buy the paper back or the Kindle ebook!

 

Now onto my review....

 

Vampyre Kisses review

 

I just love variations to the vampire/ werewolf storytelling theme and in Elizabeth Kolodziej’s story you not only get a new variation to the mythical creatures, you also get a few more added to the bunch! Not only is there vampires and werewolves, you also have witches, goddesses, shape shifters and more. Something I really liked about this book and in the way the author connected them clicked perfectly in place and worked well with each another.

In stories the most important thing is characters you can really connect with and I could with the characters in Vampyre Kisses. I really liked Faith, her personality, her spirit and her determination.  As for Trent, I can imagine how good looking he is and loved his perspective of things. He was a gentleman and I really liked relationship between him and Faith. Then there is Morgan, who is one tough vampire and Mac, who is so loveable and huggable!

Inside the story of Vampyre Kisses, I can promise you, you will not know how it will unfold. Predictablity is not a word I would even think to use in describing this tale. There were twists that kept me intrigued and interactions/ perspectives that meshed very well together. Inside this story, you not only get Faiths side of the story, you also get Trent’s and Morgan’s. Sometimes when authors tell their stories jumping between perspectives, it can leave the reader confused at times, but not so with this book. I found the transitions to be perfectly placed and never felt lost at all. I also believe these transfers added to the story, making it even better.

I just loved Oran…too cute! Who wouldn’t want a pet like him!

As for the ending, I must agree with some of the other readers, I think the battle should have played out a little more, but…BUT! I also wasn’t disappointed on how it did play out. I was left content with the outcome and drooling for the continuation in which I was privy to a sneak peek and WOW! Nothing predictable there, in fact much unexpected and now I am so ready to dive into the next book of this series.

All in all, I say a job well done author Elizabeth Kolodzej…this gal definitely did her research and gave us a story worthy of a five star review.

 

Thanks for the drop by and do snatch up yourself a copy of this incredible book, its a great deal!

 

 

Zombies Invade London!!!

 

Extra, extra, read all about it: Zombies Invade London!

It has been thirty years since the Voodoo Queen plagued England with the zombie disease that has since swept the world. Humans have had to learn to function around them while the dead kill innocent people. The government continues its efforts to try to contain and find a cure for the problem.

However, by the cover of night, a man who was born half zombie and half human known only as Aeron, roams the streets in search of protecting the upright citizens from the flesh eating creatures. One foggy evening Lucille Knight becomes one of these people, Aeron’s interest is instantly peeked. A woman who gets upset with him for saving her life? What is wrong with her?

But Aeron will have a little competition when Miss. Knight meets Lord Garrett Ashdown, the son of Earl Thomas or a man better known as: The Inventor. A man who builds automatons for the direct purpose of killing zombies; mysteriously understanding their blood and the way they sense humans.

Lucy is taken by the masked man known as Aeron and the equally mysterious Lord Garrett. With one concealing his true identity and the other hiding a ghastly secret, she doesn’t know which one is less dangerous. What secrets do Aeron and Garrett keep from Lucy? Will Miss. Knight be able to be with the man she chooses when she learns the awful truth?

It is still unclear. And the current edition isn’t spilling the beans just yet…

Author Bio:

My name is Esther Wheelmaker and I am the author of the upcoming series, Zombiepunk. For now my background is going to be my little secret. However, at times I may let little bits out here and there.

Let’s face it…everyone likes a girl with alittle mystery.

Every Monday you will find me here speaking about the zombiepunk books and what’s going on in my world of writing. Some will be informative and some will be me bragging.

On Wednesdays I will be updating you on Steampunk music, movies and events. Then on Friday you will get all the juicy gossip on the London elite; the people in the zombiepunk books. It’s going to be a good time had by all.

Hugs and Corsets,

E.

Guess what! There is a  pre-buy option! Just click HERE to go there and look on the right hand side.  

Give the series your "like” here on Facebook

Visit the author's page on Facebook

And Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/estherwheelmake

 

A Hard Act to Follow Blog Tour via I'm A Reader, Not a Writer...

A Hard Act to Follow Book Blast

Thanks for the drop by, it's a pleasure to be a stop on this blog tour and below I would like to share with you an Exerpt from the book A Hard Act to Follow:


 “How would you like to meet Carson?” “Carson who?”
“Johnny, you jerk.”
“Like on The Tonight Show?”
“The same.”
“Look Arthur, I’m up to my neck in contracts. I’m not much interested in padding the
audience at some taping.”
“No, my friend, nothing like that. How would you like to go up to his offices at NBC and
talk to the guy?”
Actually I thought maybe Arthur was playing some kind of joke, but that really wasn’t his
style. “Why would anyone like Johnny Carson want to meet me?”
“You’re a lawyer, aren’t you?”Arthur then explained that Mr. Car- son and his wife were
going through a rough patch in their marriage. ‘‘I told Johnny that you were just the man
who could help.’’
‘‘That’s ridiculous,’’ I said. ‘Carson could have every high-priced matrimonial attorney in
Manhattan standing in his office at the snap of a finger. He’ll take one look at me and
throw us both out.”
“You’d be surprised,’’ Arthur said. ‘‘Carson doesn’t trust lawyers— not any he’s met,
anyway. I convinced him that you’re a straight shooter and the two of you should talk.”
Skeptical but excited, I agreed to a meeting with Arthur and Johnny the next day. I
couldn’t wait to tell my bosses.
It was almost comic to see the surprise on their faces. ‘‘Why you?’’ Kushnick asked
out loud, booming the obvious question. But they had both been in entertainment long
enough to know what a funny business it was. Every year people showed up out of
nowhere to be- come major stars, and they brought all sorts of peculiar ideas with
them. ‘‘Enjoy yourself,’’ Howard Beldock advised in his gravelly voice. ‘‘Just don’t be too
disappointed if nothing happens.’’

"A Hard Act to Follow," is a non-fiction literary account of Henry Bushkin's tenure as Johnny Carson's lawyer, business partner, and friend.  The book gives genuine insight into the 'Carson behind Johnny' with candid personal vignettes about the two, during the rollicking years when Johnny was the undisputed king of television.  This is an engaging, eye-opening, anecdote-packed story about a young lawyer and his client, one of the biggest celebrities in the country.  This funny, unfiltered account gives readers a look at the Johnny Carson that none but a select few really knew.

What readers had to say:

"The book is full of tough love, humor, cultural history, sadness, humor, love, loss, well I guess I am saying it is full of life." ~Rupert Garcia


" Henry's portrayal of Johnny was spot on. I highly recommend this book which is the closest the reader will ever get to know the real Carson." ~ Ed Weinberger, former Tonight Show writer and Producer for Carson Productions

"A beautifully easy read that pulls you in to an effortless journey through Johnny Carson’s effortful life. The glamour  the fellow celebrities behind the curtain, the loyalties, and the betrayals. It certainly provides new insight on decisions and the lives that are behind the scenes." ~Kathy Davis, Kathy Takes on Books

""I have read this book and it is FAB! If you love reading about celebrities, this is awesome. It is also a great memoir as well. I am a huge memoir fan so this one was a real treat and one of the best I have read in this genre in a long time" ~Mary,  Bookhounds Blog

"Bushkin's easy, unpretentious style allows the reader to be a fly on the wall as this inside story plays out in the rarified air on which Johnny thrived. "A HARD ACT TO FOLLOW" is a must read whether you grew up on Johnny or never heard of him. And then there are the supporting characters -- from the Rat Pack to Johnny's Ice Queen mother ranging around the pages disturbing the peace. I read it straight through in 90 minutes and was left wanting more."  ~Sandy Ignon, Screenwriter (RANSOM).

"The tales are epic in nature and stretch from the first page to the last. “A Hard Act to Follow” is an honest appraisal of Carson and shows his dark side. In this, Bushkin strikes the right blend of salacious detail with an appropriate dose of discretion. Sure, you’ll learn more detail about Carson’s marriages-- in a tasteful way.  Bushkin will leave you wanting more. Great books will do that." ~Barry Mordis, Senior VP at Merryl-Lynch

Thanks for the drop by!