Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Interview with Brekyn Bailey

guard of martyrs, revelations song, arkansas band
Today we are interviewing musician/programmer Brekyn Bailey from Guard of Martyrs.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a Musician from Conway, AR.
I served in the United States Army.

In addition to being in Guard of Martyrs, you are involved with the business side of music. What got you interested in the music business?
Utilizing an already practiced talent, I wanted to make it my living.

What sets your business apart from others?
We are independently owned and operated.

What services do you offer?
Mastering/recording , content creation, songwriting.

What are some common misconceptions about this business?
That the portfolio of genres is narrow, down to only Rock and Metal, when we play all types.

What are some common mistakes people make when looking into this business?
Expecting change overnight.

What is the most satisfying thing about working with your customers?
The ability to create something new for someone, and share that with them. (Weddings, custom songs, etc.)

Is there anything else you’d like to add regarding your music business?
It’s not as easy as I would like for it to be, but that means it’s worth it. I don’t care about being a millionaire, I just want people to hear our music and enjoy it.

Tell us about your own journey into music. Were you in any other bands prior to Guard of Martyrs?
I started playing piano at 6 years old, I quickly moved to bass, violin, and anything with strings. Now I am a drummer.

We formed a band in high school, “The Redeemed," and played shows frequently at local scenes, but never recorded.

Tell us about how Guard of Martyrs got started.
Tommy Martyr walked up to me at our mutual place of work one day and asked if I would be interested in playing drums. At the time I had been looking for a new group to play with and was starting to become discouraged.

It was providence.

How would you classify Guard of Martyrs music in terms of genre … if possible?
We started out as a Metal band, but we often find ourselves enjoying and creating RnB, Hip Hop, and Rock.

What are some of each band member's musical influences?
B: A Day to Remember, August Burns Red
T: Korn, Slipknot
LT: Evanescence , MGMT
LW: Alt J, Dance Gavin Dance

What sort of influences do you have outside of music that contribute to your songwriting?
Films, military, competitive sports, sometimes food.
guard of martyrs, revelations song, arkansas band

What is the band’s writing process like?
Depending on what the track is about and who it is, that person will then write Lyrics before anything.
Sometimes Tommy will come up with a riff and I’ll come up with lyrics or vice versa. There is no set pattern.

In a similar vein, what is the band’s recording process like?
Since we live so far apart we are always under time constraints. We share a studio space on the same side of the house as a small kid, so we don’t get to play late, ever. Recording is confined to the early hours of the afternoon and done with a swiftness. All things are usually planned ahead of time.

Can you delve into the message and inspiration of your latest single?
“Torment” is about being real with one’s own self, accountability, and the will/drive to move forward from your past.

Not letting the past define you,

it’s spoken from the perspective of your “demons.”

Tell us about your new EP, “Revelations.”
It’s about the end of one era in life,
and the precursor to a new beginning.
It is the Yin.

Can you talk about any challenges or obstacles the band has faced?
Absolutely, aside from theft from former members, logistical strain / lack of equipment / low funds and lack of time; personality must always be considered in a creative setting. Concessions must be made.

How has the band's sound and style developed over time?
It has softened, most certainly. You wouldn’t know it, but we recorded “ Aphrodisia “ last, which is our only RnB song to date.

If someone could only listen to one Guard of Martyrs song to get a feel for the band, what would you recommend and why?
Judas. It incorporates a lot of our sounds into one track. From soft rock acoustic to visceral breakdowns.

What is next for Guard of Martyrs?
Releasing the full album, God willing.

guard of martyrs, revelations song, arkansas band
What do you hope fans take away from Guard of Martyrs music?
There is hope, Do not give up! You’ve got this!
If it was easy it wouldn’t be worth it!

What are your thoughts on the role of artificial intelligence in music production going forward?
It has its benefits and drawbacks. I don’t think it’s possible to fully replicate a human sound yet.

How can people listen to Guard of Martyrs?
We are available on all streaming platforms, and anywhere you can purchase music (Apple, Amazon, Spotify, etc.).

What advice do you have for young musicians just getting involved with music?
Do not give up, practice daily, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Interview with Paul James Nolan

forsaken queen, paul james nolan, paul nolan, castle book, castle mystery, castle adventure
Today we are sharing one of our favorite interviews from the past. This is an interview with Paul James Nolan who is the author of the historical fiction/adventure novel The Forsaken Queen.
 
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I’m half part teacher and half part writer, living near Winchester, UK. For years, I have enjoyed reading books to my classes and own children, often changing the endings when I prefer my own. I have a real passion for history: the little free time I have I spend visiting historical buildings, reading historical books and watching historical dramas. You could say (and some do) that I spend more time in the past than in the present!

I have also written a couple of school plays (with historical links of course) that can be purchased at www.easyprimaryschoolplays.com.

Describe the plot of your new book in a few sentences.

A security guard at Hampton Court is badly injured. No-one believes his account of being attacked by a ghost except three school-children, each of them avid historians. A school visit to the Tudor palace provides the children with the opportunity to investigate but what they find there is far greater than any of them could have imagined. Their discovery sets in motion a chain of events that takes them into the deepest recesses of some of England’s greatest castles. They find a Queen Forsaken; only their bravery and determination can redeem her.

Who do you think would most appreciate The Forsaken Queen?

The book will appeal to anyone who loves a good adventure or mystery and anyone who likes to be scared (a little).  If readers enjoy deepening their understanding of the past, then they will like it all the better. I wrote the book with the 11+ market in mind but adults have really taken to it too!

What inspired you to write a book about someone who searches the Great Castles of London and discovers the truth isn’t what he thought it would be?

I took a group of schoolchildren to Hampton Court. There, in the chapel, an attendant told us the amazing story that the heart of Jane Seymour (Henry VIII’s 3rd wife) is buried beneath the chapel. We weren’t sure whether to believe him but at that moment, a story was born.

Tell us a bit about the protagonist, Henry Taylor.
Things aren’t going so well for Henry. He’s being bullied at school by Maddisson Manners and her moronic mob; singled out for being a loner and a book worm. The fact that he lives with his father above their little historical bookshop doesn’t help either. He sees so little of his father who spends most of his time reenacting battles in full regalia. He has only one friend of note: Dominique, until that is, a new boy Simeon arrives at school. After his arrival, Henry changes forever. 

How did you do research on the castles that Henry visits?
By visiting them! I have been lucky enough to visit Hampton Court, Windsor Castle and The Tower of London many times. In fact, I have visited Hampton Court so many times, that when I have spoken to the schoolchildren, tourists have mistaken me for a guide and joined our group! Other than that, I have topped up my knowledge by reading a plethora of books and watching countless documentaries. My readers will feel like they are in the castle with the characters.

What are some of the interesting things you discovered while doing research on the castles?

Other than the story about Jane Seymour’s heart, I think the most amazing story has to involve our present Queen, and the vaults of St. George’s chapel at Windsor Castle. The remains of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour are locked away in a vault away from the public. However, when the Queen is hosting dignitaries at the castle, she often takes them for a private tour of the tombs! Isn’t that cool! Of course - this too I have woven into the story!

How long have you been writing?
About 3 years. For years before that I wrote with my classes, modelling stories but I have been writing my own stories for three years. It took nearly two years to write The Forsaken Queen.

How do you think you've evolved as a writer since when you first started?

To begin with, I wrote what I wanted to read but I soon learnt that I have to adapt my own style and control my own preferences to ensure that my writing appeals to as many people as possible. I have also learnt to tone done my descriptions – sometimes a door can be just a door!

Is there any aspect of writing you don't like?

It can be quite lonely – a far cry from teaching a bunch of children! As I write historical fiction, sometimes I am very keen to end the research and just get writing. I usually research the time-period for about 3 months.

What do you have in mind for your next project?
My new book, Demons of Dunkirk is due for released this month (May 2015) to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the heroic evacuation from Northern France in the summer of 1940.  

It’s about a Conscientious Objector from WWI who wants to redeem his tarnished reputation by rescuing stranded soldiers from the beaches. It’s aimed at the teen market and I think it’s a thrilling read.

The book is now available to purchase in many places – give it a Google!
I am currently writing a book set in the Bronze Age. It has a title but I can’t tell you yet!

I also have a sequel in mind for the Forsaken Queen – if there is a strong enough cry for it!

Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
Lots but I’ll keep it short. Life in Henry VIII’s court was precarious; the fortunes of those closest to him changed with the blowing of the wind. The Forsaken Queen explores the real possibility that more than two of his Queens met a deadly end... Have a read and see if you agree!

An excerpt from The Forsaken Queen:
The figure turned: black cloak billowing. The hood stared straight at them. Into them. Through them. Three mouths opened but no words escaped, cold air scraping over their dry throats. Pressed back by fear, the children felt the wood of the door behind them, trapping them. Slowly, the hooded figure slid nearer, bringing forth a lavender wave. Held out in front of her, in black-gloved hand, flickered a taper of light, flame flecks dancing of the marbled floor. Above lamented Tudor Rose pennants, blood drops’ crying upon the children’s socks. Gradually, the gloved-hand retracted, its grip released on the flickering candle. But the flame didn’t fall to the ground, instead it hovered ahead of the figure, its flame growing brighter. Now a second hand joined the first, either side of the hood and slowly they began to part and fall, gradually revealing the face beneath. Breath vacuumed from Henry’s rigid body, squeezed from his motionless mouth, for he instantly recognized the haunting, pale face, staring back at him, through hollowed, deathly eyes. 

Relevant Links

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Interview with Justin White

selery fulfillment, order fulfillment, fba prep, fulfillment service

Today we are sharing one of our favorite interviews from the past. This is an Justin White is the co-founder of Selery Fulfillment.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
What is Selery Fulfillment:  We’re a personalized order fulfillment service for online sellers. We handle the entire back-end process, which includes, warehousing, packaging and shipping.

Do you help mainly eBay customers?
The majority of our customers sell their items on multiple platforms with the biggest being eBay and Amazon.

What’s the benefit of using your service?
The main thing is we greatly reduce the cost of warehouse space and shipping for businesses. Also, we’re a huge convenience for our customers. They don’t have to worry about buying boxes, hiring people and purchasing postage. Plus, we’ve seen the majority of our customers increase sales after joining us because they can focus on sales and don’t have to worry about the hassles of shipping and returns.

For someone who doesn’t know the best website to sell the item on, does Selery choose the ideal site?

It depends. Ebay and Amazon are generally the best places to start. If the item is used, clothing, unique, or a collectible, we usually sell it on eBay. Selling fees on eBay tend to be lower than Amazon.  If the item is new and has a UPC it’s probably better to list on Amazon. Etsy is great if you make your own handmade goods and Craigslist is great for larger items like furniture.

If you have a similar product that you sell on a regular basis, you shouldn’t limit yourself to one site. You should sell on eBay, Amazon and your own website. Sell on as many platforms as you can.

How does the pricing work?
Pricing starts at $59.95/month for storage and $2.50 for each order (which includes packaging materials and boxes).

How does Selery receive the orders from the seller?
Their marketplace store is directly linked to our ShipStation account. What does that mean? When an item in their store sells, we’re notified instantaneously via ShipStation, and that item will be shipped out within 24 hours.

Thank you so much!

Relevant Links
http://www.seleryfulfillment.com

Friday, October 25, 2019

Interview with Caldric Blackwell

early chapter book, enchanted river race, easy reader book, easy chapter book

Today we are sharing one of our favorite interviews from the past. This is an interview with Caldric Blackwell, a children's book writer. Today we are interviewing him about his easy chapter book, The Enchanted River Race.

Thanks for doing another interview with us. Today we're talking about one of your earlier works called The Enchanted River Race. Tell us a bit about the book.
It's an early chapter book aimed at ages 7 to 11. The book follows three children who compete in their village's enchanted river race. The main characters must work as a team to defeat magical obstacles.

Who do you think would most enjoy this book?
This book is geared toward children, especially those who like action, adventure, and fantasy, who have graduated from picture books yet aren't quite ready to read novels yet. It has chapters and is easy-to-read, yet also has some illustrations to help beginning readers with the text.

What inspired you to write this book? 
I wanted to write a story that stimulates the imagination - a story that lets you escape from reality while reading.

Do you have a favorite character in The Enchanted River Race? 
Probably the ship's captain, Amy. She is intelligent and quick-witted yet unsure of herself. In a sense, she's forced to become a leader and realize what she's capable of.

Can you tell us a bit about your creative process for this book?
The story started with the idea of a race down a magical river where anything can happen. After I established that, I began toying with different outlines for the plot.
 
Do you think your writing style has changed since when you first started?
I think my writing has become more organic.

How do you feel about the increasing popularity of ebooks?
I like ebooks and physical books. I hope both experience an increase in popularity!

What are your goals as an author for the next ten years?
I'd like to experiment with different genres. I'm actually working on a young adult manuscript, which will be coming down the pipeline in the future.
 
Anything you'd like to add?
Thanks for having me! For anyone interested in my books, please check out my website: www.caldricblackwell.com.

Relevant Links




Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Interview with Scott A. Lerner

fraternity of soul eater, samuel roberts thriller, scott a lerner, egyptian thriller, cult thriller, fraternity thriller, fraternity book

Today we are sharing one of our favorite interviews from the past.  This is an interview with Scott A. Lerner about his book, "The Fraternity of the Soul Eater - A Samuel Roberts Thriller - book 3."

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am an attorney and an author. I enjoy movies, good books and snacks. I have been told I am handsome by people who have consumed a great deal of alcohol. I also strive to be kind to pets and plants.

Describe the plot of your new book, “The Fraternity of the Soul Eater,” in a few sentences.
A fraternity on a large Midwestern campus is sacrificing co-eds to an Ancient Egyptian deity. Sam, a small town lawyer, and his friend Bob want to put an end to this evil practice. It turns out the sacrifices are just the start of a far more sinister plan.
 
Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
Anyone going to college for the first time would enjoy this book. It is certainly a must-read for anyone going to the University of Illinois. But any reader who loves a fun, fast-paced paranormal romp will like my book. My friends and relations might also like it. They will at least buy a copy due to social pressure.

For people who haven’t read the first two books, tell us a bit about the protagonist, Samuel Roberts.
Sam is sort of an average guy facing nightmarish situations. He is calm, smart, and willing to do what has to be done. Sam is extraordinarily in that he is willing to put his life on the line to save others, despite having no superpowers. 

Egyptian lore and genetic engineering are featured in the plot of this novel. Have you always been interested in these topics or is this an interest that developed recently?
Yes, I love both topics. What I enjoy even more is the juxtaposition of the ancient with modern scientific techniques. In my day job I sometimes have to cross-examine witnesses as to genetic identification evidence. I do find it fascinating. I am also a little concerned about genetic manipulation in humans going forward into the future. 

How do you think fans of the first two books will respond to this one?
I hope they will enjoy it. It should be a fun read.

Tell us a bit about your creative process, from initial idea to published manuscript.

It is just a matter of finding the time to write. I enjoy doing it when I have the time. Sometimes I have to wait for an idea to come but once I get started it gets easier.

Is there any aspect of writing you don't like?
It is hard to try and market a book.

What do you have in mind for your next project?
"The Wicca Witch of the Midwest" comes out around Halloween. Should be spooky fun.

Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
Yes, it is fast paced and fun and certainly worth a look. People can read my blog at http://scottlerner.camelpress.com/ they can find my books at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Camel Press web site or wherever fine books are sold. You can also like me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/scott.a.lerner.

Enter a giveaway for "The Fraternity of the Soul Eater"
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Relevant Links

Friday, October 11, 2019

Interview with Byron Neary

dedicated servers, web hosting company, server with /29 subnet, domain registration, yougotthaveit

Today we are sharing one of our favorite interviews from the past. This interview is with Byron Neary is the Managing Director of Yougottohaveit Group.

Tell us a bit about YOUGOTTOHAVEIT.
Yougottohaveit was started in 2005 by Byron Neary as a web development company in South Africa. Yougottohaveit expanded to other horizons in 2009 of which hosting was one. As of 2011 we expanded to the United States and Europe and currently have 4 operational data centers in operation.

What kind of dedicated servers does YOUGOTTOHAVEIT offer?
We offer 2 dedicated servers namely Black Core Dedicated and Blue Core Dedicated.

What are the fees per month?
Black Core Dedicated ($170) & Blue Core Dedicated ($280)

Can you tell us a bit about the specifications for each of the dedicated servers?
Black Core Specifications:
Intel Core i7-2600
16 GB DDR3 Memory
2 x 1 TB Hard Drive
1 Dedicated IP

Blue Core Specifications:
Intel Core i7-3770
32 GB DDR3 Memory
2x 2 TB Hard Drives
1 Dedicated IP

Both available with 100Mbit Uplink and 10 TB Bandwidth

How should someone determine whether they should get the black core dedicated or the blue core dedicated?
Black Core is ideal for web applications, email server, webmail, web api services and all general server purposes Windows and Linux based. The blue core is ideal for corporate applications with excess of 100000 Unique Hits per month.

Does YOUGOTTOHAVEIT offer additional IPs with its dedicated servers?
Yougottohaveit offers /29 Subnet for ($29) and /28 ($49) Subnet as well. We are proud to say that all subnets are instantly approved no questions asked.

How many locations are available?
Texas (USA), Cape Town( South Africa), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Dallas (USA), available.

Is support available?
Yes, we offer an always available (24/7) support service via a ticketing system and email.

Why should someone use YOUGOTTOHAVEIT for their dedicated server needs over other companies?
Yougottohaveit offers a quick setup time, excellent support and unbeaten prices, with latest hardware.

Relevant Links

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Interview with Author Brittney Mulliner

teen romance, teen mystery, suspense, live again, brittney mulliner, YA mystery, YA suspense, young adult mystery,
Today we are sharing a classic interview from the past. This interview is with Brittney Mulliner is the author of the YA novel titled "Live Again."
 

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a major bookworm! My husband has asked me what I love more, him or my kindle and he didn’t believe me when I chose him first. I have my kindle with me at all times. My motivation to wake up and get to the gym before work is knowing that I’ll have thirty minutes to read while I do cardio. I love becoming so involved in a story that I’m falling in love with the characters, crying with them, rooting for their successes and cringing at their embarrassments.

Describe the plot of “Live Again” in a few sentences.
Live Again picks up where Begin Again left off. We finally know Aubrey’s story and now watch her overcome another huge mystery. She grows a lot and becomes her own person. It’s a coming of age book with the angsts of a teenager mixed with drama and suspense.

Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
It’s a YA book involving high school teens, but there is so much more to the story and I think adults enjoy it, too.

Tell us a bit about the protagonist, Aubrey Tate.
Aubrey may seem like she’s a typical spoiled teen, but as you get to know her you watch her overcome things so much bigger than the average girl her age has to face. She’s strong and independent rather than being a damsel in distress.

In the previous book, “Begin Again,” Aubrey was settling into her new life. Now she’s settled in until a note changes everything. Without giving too much away, what can you tell us about this note?

teen romance, teen mystery, suspense, live again, brittney mulliner, YA mystery, YA suspense, young adult mystery,
Author Brittney Mulliner.
This note changes everything in Aubrey’s life from that moment on. Live Again starts just after she gets it, and the drama picks up immediately.

In “Live Again,” does Aubrey experience the same problems with guys as she did in the first book?
She has a few experiences that help her mature. Boys in high school come and go so quickly and she has to deal with heartbreak, but she makes up her mind and follows her heart this time.



Who was your favorite character to write?
I love Gage. He started out as a character that was only supposed to make one appearance in Begin Again, but I couldn’t leave him behind. He was the friend and comedic relief that Aubrey needed.

What inspired you to write this YA series?
I had a dream about a stalker following me and my best friend around our hometown. When I woke up and actually remembered it (which rarely happens) I wrote it down and over the next few days I added more details and it evolved into the story really, really quickly and effortlessly.

 Are there any authors who have influenced your writing style?
The author that inspired me to start writing is CL Stone. I’m so addicted to her two series! Her descriptions of characters and setting are spot on. Her books made me want to contribute to the world of YA.

Tell us about your creative process, from initial idea to published manuscript.
The ideas come very naturally. I actually have the characters talking out scenes in my head like when I’m driving or exercising or grocery shopping, and they usually don’t go away until I write it out. I try to outline and storyboard early on in the process, but characters have a way of taking control and completely changing my plans. I don’t try to keep things going according to my outline because I’ve found it’s harder to force things to go one way than just letting things play out. Writing dialog is easier for me so I usually write out scenes of that then go back to add descriptions and details. My mom is my first reader and has become my sound board for ideas. When I’m stuck I’ll talk to her about the characters and what’s happening and she always tells me to trust my instincts which is usually just what I need.

How do you feel about the increasing popularity of ebooks?

I swore I would never give up paperbacks. I love the smell, the feel, and even the sound of turning a page…but I’m a big, fat traitor. Having all of my books with me all the time on my kindle is possibly the single best thing that has happened to me in the past two years.

What are your goals as a writer for the next ten years?
My goal is to publish three books a year and hopefully be in a position one day to make writing my fulltime job.

Is there any aspect of writing you don't like?

It can be very isolating. Luckily, I have amazing writing groups that I talk to regularly that help me feel connected to other people in the same situation.

What do you have in mind for your next project?

I’m currently writing book three in the series. It will be from Mckayla’s perspective and takes place a few years after Live Again. I’m really excited to tell her story as well as having the readers see what happens with Aubrey.


An excerpt from "Live Again":
“I need you.”

He closed his eyes for a moment, and when they opened he looked down at me. One step towards me was all I needed to throw my arms open and wrap them around him. I was openly crying now and made no moves to cover it up. I was broken, and he knew what to do to fix me.

Slowly his arms wrapped around me, holding me tight. “I need you too, but I can’t stand back and watch you with other guys. I don’t want to give you an ultimatum, but I need to know that you chose me. I don’t want to just be your friend anymore. I want you to be mine, just mine.”
Relevant Links
Visit Brittney Mulliner's site 
Buy "Live Again" on Amazon
Buy "Live Again" on Barnes and Noble