Interview with Paul James Nolan

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

Buy the book on Amazon UK
Buy the book on Amazon US

Interview with Scott A. Lerner

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.

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Relevant Links

Buy "Fraternity of the Soul Eater" on Amazon

Visit Scott A. Lerner's website 

Follow the rest of "The Fraternity of the Soul Eater" blog tour 

Check out Scott A. Lerner's Goodreads page 

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Like Scott A. Lerner on Facebook

Interview with Howard Kaplan

We are sharing some of our interviews from the past! This is a classic interview with Howard Kaplan, author of the "The Damascus Cover," the first book in the Jerusalem Spy Series.

Tell us a bit about your novel, “The Damascus Cover.”
"The Damascus Cover" is a plot within a plot.  There’s a surface story about a rescue of children from Damascus.  Then there is an underlying story unknown to the protagonist as he races through Syria and everything starts to go wrong.  He slowly learns it is intended to go wrong and there’s a twist near the end of the story that actually didn’t come to me until I was a good deal into writing it.

 You have a unique background, having lived in the Middle East, as well as participated in covert missions in the USSR. Did your personal experiences influence your writing?
When I was 21 and 22, I made two forays into the Soviet Union to smuggle out manuscripts on microfilm.  At the time anyone leaving the USSR could not take unpublished writings with them as they were considered “property of the state.”  I was arrested and interrogated for four days though I had no incriminating documents on me.  I met some people in the espionage business along the way so I began to write about what I’d learned and seen in fiction form. I’m always surprised when how writing, personal experiences jump to mind and find their way into the novel.  So yes, all I’ve seen and experienced and I’ve been to the Middle East dozens of times seem into the works.

Kaplan on-set for The Damascus Cover film.

Tell us a bit about the protagonist Ari Ben-Sion.
Ari is a man who has made a huge mistake that cost the life of a younger spy.  He’s plummeted from being at the top of his game and is desperate not to be put out to pasture, so he will accept about any mission.  He does not realize the head of the Israeli Secret Service uses Ari’s weakness to create a greater mission.

“The Damascus Cover” will soon be made into a major motion picture. What can you tell us about this upcoming film?
The film adaptation stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Olivia Thirlby (Juno, Goliath) as Kim and Ari.  There is great chemistry between them.  I was on set in Morocco for some of the shoot.  The head of the Israeli Secret Service is played by Sir John Hurt, who recently passed after an illustrious career.  We are beyond lucky to have had him with us.

Some authors have a very hands-off approach in the production of their book’s film adaptation while others are more involved. What was your role in the movie’s creation like?
Generally speaking production companies purchase motion picture and television rights to the novel, which means I still control the book and they have complete say in the screen versions.  I was fortunate to maintain and close relationship with the director so while I had little input into the script, I was invited on several occasions to view the film during the editing process and I made a number of suggestions which were taken.

The protagonist of “The Damascus Cover,” Ari, is played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers in the upcoming film. What about Meyers makes him a good fit for the character?
Jonny as he likes to be called is a fabulous actor and he brings passion to everything he does both in terms of action and romance.  He was a real coup to get him to play Ari. 

What, if any, were the difficulties of transitioning the story to the big screen?
Changes were made but there weren’t any real difficulties other than one scene where in the novel Ari jumps off a train and the producers decided it would be too expensive to shoot so they changed that transition to inside a movie theater in Damascus.  The director often says that when he was up against a wall he always returned to “the spine of the novel.”  So the film adaptation preserves the integrity of the book.  It’s real a marvelous movie.

“The Damascus Cover” is the first book in the Jerusalem Spy Series. Is there any talk of film adaptations for subsequent books in the series?
Not yet, but wouldn’t that be great.  I think those things depend on the success of the film.

Thank you for speaking with us about your book and upcoming movie!

An excerpt from the opening of "The Damascus Cover":

DOV ELON sat in the dirt in his cell leaning against the whitewashed wall. The cubicle, three feet by five feet, was windowless. The air stank of urine. A can, his washbasin, lay on its side in one corner. A thin blanket covered the mound of damp straw piled in the other.  

Dov’s eyes rested on the food trap in the door. Not long before he’d heard the banshee cry of the muezzin beckoning the Muslim inmates to prayer. He assumed a bowl of jasmine tea would soon be pushed through the food trap, but he wasn’t sure. The previous day he’d been transferred from Tadmor Prison, near the ancient Greek ruins of Palmyra in the north, to Sigin al-Mazza, on the outskirts of Damascus.  He didn’t know if his new guards would feed him regularly or at random intervals. So he waited, listening for approaching footsteps, not moving—for every shift in position arched pain through his bruised body. After a while he closed his eyes. The minutes fell away. There were no sounds. The silence hummed in his ears.
 

More Information
Buy The Damascus Cover on Amazon
Find The Damascus Cover on Barnes and Noble 
Check out Howard Kaplan on Facebook
Get The Damascus Cover iBook on iTunes
Buy the Kobo version of The Damascus Cover
IMDB page for The Damascus Cover 

Shane Lambert, Author of A Preference for Transience

Shane Lambert is the author of the coming-of-age novel A Preference for Transience. 

Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Shane Lambert and I am a freelance writer based out of Edmonton, Alberta. I'm in my late 30s and aspiring to succeed as a fiction writer.

Describe the plot of your book in a few sentences.
The protagonist develops a case of wanderlust that he finds compelling. He gives up stable employment and his girlfriend in order to pursue that desire. However economic limitations lead him to a resort town job and staff accommodation in the Canadian Rockies first.

Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
I thought it would be most appreciated by young adults and teens who may be developing wanderlust themselves. However so far it's an older crowd that has generally enjoyed it.

What inspired you to write about an individual who is dissatisfied with his life and seeks out a major change (in this case, a move to a resort town)?
Many things. Personal desire to fictionalize true events from my life is one motive for sure.

Tell us a bit about our protagonist, Shayne Christopher.
He’s a man in his 20s that isn’t resigned to take the common road through life. He's intelligent, hard working, and perceptive.

Did your background in hospitality management help you write about someone (Shayne) employed in the travel industry?
Not so much the management side however experience in entry-level jobs helped in constructing the novel.

What can readers expect from book 2 in the series?
Laughs and tears I think but thorough entertainment for sure.

Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
It has not been read by many however the people that have read it have been emphatic about how much they have enjoyed it.

An excerpt from A Preference for Transience:

I turn 37 years old tomorrow and I’m kind of a homebug now but when I was in my mid-20s I used to lay awake at night, with a twitchy energy in my legs and butterflies in my stomach, desiring something that was different than the reasonable, responsible, and career-oriented options that I saw before me.

More Information

Buy the book on Amazon