Another Amazing Interview with S.E. Gordon

Tempe: Welcome back S.E. , I am so happy to have you on my blog again!

S.E.G. : Hey Temperance, thanks for putting this together.

Tempe: Anytime! So tell me , whats changed since the  last time we spoke?

S.E.G.: Well, I am writing a prequel of sorts called Vampire Hunters: Prelude. It is a novelette (~15,000 words), and will give readers a taste of what they're in for with Enura. It is unique in the sense that it is told entirely from the first person perspective of Lawson Parker, the resident vampire hunter. I would go as far as to say that this has the feel as a novel itself, but in a much smaller space.

I plan to release this first, and include the entire first act of Enura as a sample (Enura has a total of 5 acts). But what's also interesting about this is that this will not be the only novelette in the Vampire Hunters series. I will also be writing Vampire Hunters: Calamity, another novelette which will feature characters not found in Enura that will thread into the sequel, Half Light.


Tempe: Once again, great cover art! Who did this one?

S.E.G. : For Vampire Hunters: Prelude, I did everything myself. I purchased the stock image from iStockPhoto, threw it into Photoshop, banged my head against the wall...that sort of thing...and *presto* a masterpiece!

Tempe: Wow!! Well , job well done! :c)

S.E.G. : I guess that short stint at Ringling School of Art & Design is really starting to pay off. [grins]

Tempe: You changed your art for Enura too, right?

S.E.G. : Yes, Enura's cover has changed.. When I started thinking ahead to Half-light, the next novel in the series, I realized I had a problem.

I pondered what the new cover would look like: I see a woman running--it's Yakim from the first novel, and there's a light. Unfortunately, that's exactly what appears on Enura's current cover. And I realized another problem--even though the book is called Enura, she doesn't appear on the cover; it's actually Yakim. That's when I realized I had to move the cover art from book #1 to book #2, and get new artwork for Enura. I figured I could still get away with it since I hadn't done a ton of publicity or listed the novel for sale yet.

I'm sure readers will be pleased with the selection of the new cover art (also by the amazing Claudia McKinney of PhatPuppyArt). One of my beta readers also asked me why Enura has red hair on the cover while the character has white hair in the first half of the novel. This is intentional--there's a nasty little surprise at the end of the book.
Tempe: Oooh, exciting!  I love nasty little surprises!

Tempe: What else can you tell us about your new novellas?

S.E.G. : Vampire Hunters: Prelude is the first of five novellas detailing the events leading up to Enura. Collectively, all five stories could be considered one long novel or 'prequel.' Originally it was my intention to only write 12,500 words for each one, but, as is common with my projects, they have a tendency to expand. I'm getting close to finishing Prelude, and it's poised to break 20,000 words. So much for setting limits. It's all about the story anyways, not the word count. The readers are the real winners when I exceed my limits.
Tempe: Wow, 20,000? Awesome! Oh, and  I agree, it's all about the story and the readers.

Tempe: So why did you choose to write the prequels, exactly?

S.E.G.: I decided to write the prequels because I knew there will be a lag between books 1 and 2. Releasing the prequels keeps interest alive, and helps provide depth to the vampire universe I've created. In addition, they provide a low entry fee into the series (each will have a list price of .99).

Also, there seemed to be a bit of unfinished business while I was writing Enura. I eluded to events that happened earlier with Lawson, but did not have the space to go into any detail. Now I have the opportunity, and readers are in for a wild ride!

Tempe: Are any of your characters based on real life people ?

S.E.G.: Lawson Parker is actually the name of a graphic designer I met while working for the American Registry of Internet Numbers (ARIN)--you know, those people responsible for IP addresses. Every now and then I would tell her that her name was perfect for a vampire hunter. I guess it was just a matter of time before I made it happen. Hopefully she's not terribly upset that her character is a man.

In a broader sense, my characters are a concatenation of personalities I've been exposed to over time. Enura herself is inspired from Amy Lee of Evanescence (especially the cover of her album The Open Door), and Yakim from Mia Wasikowska (Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland). I would liken Lord Vangley's demeanor to Liam Neeson (Batman Begins), and Laurent's quiet presence to Stuart Townsend (Queen of the Damned). But Lawson's is the funniest of all; for some reason, I think back to Pinocchio whenever I write his scenes. A truly wooden character he is!
Tempe: I bet Lawson thinks it's cool... I would!

Tempe: Where do your inspirations come from?

S.E.G. : It's doesn't take much. The wind blows, and I get a new idea for a novel, among other things. I've got a backlog from here to the moon. If I could type 200 words a minute, I might have a shot at finishing them all. Maybe.

For me, I always look for an idea that is worth exploration. I believe in having a solid plot, but do not believe it's in the writer's best interest to know every single detail before entering the story. Discovery must be one of the prerequisites, otherwise the story suffers, and it shows.

I find that music is the best medium for experiencing my dreams, if only for a few moments. Paying closer attention to the things happening around you is an excellent way to come up with novel ideas; especially when you realize that everything is fodder for fiction. Even this interview, if viewed in the appropriate context.

Tempe: Thank you S.E. , great advice! Well I am now looking forward to your novellas getting finished , so I can get the full story. Thank you again S.E. for doing this interview with me.

Tempe: Everybody, keep your eyes peeled for S.E. Gordons books...You won't be sorry!

FINALLY!

I have had the hardest time getting on to my blog page! Anyone else have any issues?

Well, I am just so glad to be able to get back on here...I miss my online pals!
I am still busy with family activities, constantly, but I will try to post more often.
I hope everyone is having a great summer vacation so far! {{{{HUGS}}} :c)

Cool Interview

Sound the trumpets! Ring the bells! I had the privilege of getting an interview with author S.E. Gordon. He is a super cool guy, that I think you all should check out.

Tempe: So S.E. at what age did you begin writing?

 S.E.G. : My love of writing didn't sink in until I was a freshman in high school. A few of us traded stories back and forth--short fiction, nothing longer than a few pages. The freedom it gave us was awesome; it was hard not to write more.

Most of the stories were scribbled down by hand, but we weren't prehistoric. Computers were available then. Did all of our stories suck? Who knows? But we had a lot of fun doing it.

To answer your question, I started taking writing seriously at age 15.

Tempe: Did you ever think to yourself that you would be an author one day? 

S.E.G. : Once my mother published her first novel, The Valiant Heart, I knew I would eventually take a stab at it.

At the same time Valiant hit the stands, my friend and I were in the process of putting together an independent film. We sunk thousands of dollars into the venture, and never produced anything. It was horrible and humbling, not to mention, limiting. All those cool ideas we wanted to put on celluloid? They would have to wait until we could scrape together a "real" budget.

One day it dawned on me that I could tell the type of story that I always dreamed of without bankrupting myself. Writing a novel is inexpensive; the major cost is your time. Plus, you get to tell the story that you want (especially with the emergence of indie publishing), without having to be second-guessed by your "collaborators."

Tempe: Wow! And what was your first actual novel?

S.E.G. : I'll be finished with it in the next few weeks. It's a vampire thriller called Enura.

Tempe: Awesome! Can you tell us more about this book?

S.E.G.: Enura is a historical fantasy/horror novel set in the fictitious town of Vissorouy during the late 1700s. The story is about a half-vampire named Yakim who reluctantly tells her captor about a creature that feeds on vampires. When the enlightened are unable to purge Enura from their lands, a tactician is brought in, who also happens to be a vampire hunter. To survive, the town must make this odd pairing work, or be destroyed.

Tempe: How long have you been working on Enura?

S.E.G.:  I started work on Enura at the end of November 2010, and have been working on it off an on until now. Presently, 2/3 of the novel is finished (including editing).

Tempe: That sounds like my kind of book!
The cover is made by Phatpuppy , is this correct?

S.E.G. : The cover is the amazing art of Claudia McKinney (phatpuppyart.com)

Tempe: I love her cover art, it really draws you in.
What other novels are you working on?

S.E.G. :  I've got several I'm working on: Enura will be followed by Half-light, the second book in the series. I am also planning to write a novella in between called Red Wind. Song: Awakening is a novel I'm writing for my grandmother who was recently diagnosed with cancer. The Key of Neverhence is a comedic fantasy novel that's already written and just needs editing. Ok, a lot of editing. And Neverling is a YA novel that will be written after I clear the slate. Then I've also got two fun projects on the side, Yummy! The Crusty Englishman and a Harry Potter parody both written under pseudonyms.
Tempe: All of those sound like great reads. I can't wait to check them out!
You also write your stories online, would you mind sharing that link?


S.E.G.: Sure, my blog can be found at: http://segordon.blogspot.com/. I also have a website at: http://www.segordon.com/.

 Tempe: Thank you S.E. , is there anything else you would like to share?

S.E.G. : I'd just like to add that we are only limited by our imaginations. Think of the life that you want for yourself, and line it up. For me, if I only write books the rest of my life that entertain and inspire others, then I know I've succeeded. The rest is trivial.

Tempe: Thank you again S.E. , you are awesome! I really appreciate you answering my questions. I'm also looking forward to reading all of your books, starting with Enura. Keep your eyes peeled everyone, cause this book sounds like a winner!

Follow Friday blog hop

Well, I have no goodies to give to you, but I do have a fun little interview with my all time favorite book hero Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, from the wonderful book Pride & Prejudice . Written by Jane Austen.

Tempe: Hello  Fitzwilliam! You don't mind if I call you that do you?

F.D. : Actually, I do mind Miss Black. You may call me Mr.Darcy.

Tempe: Oh..um.. So, Mr. Darcy, would you think of yourself as a prideful person?

F.D. : No

Tempe:O..K.. Not very chatty huh?

F.D. : I have nothing to be "chatty" of.

Tempe: Right! Well, tell us a little bit about yourself!

F.D. : I do not share my life with complete strangers.

Tempe: I'm not really a stranger. I mean I've known you for years.

F.D. : No, you have read about me in a book, but you do not personally know me, therefore we are strangers.

Tempe: Well then , help me and my readers get to know you more by answering just a few small questions.

F.D. : Why, so you can send off stories about me through a little gossip chain?

Tempe: No, we would just love to know more about who you are!

F.D. : The only women that I care to know me ,are my sister Georgiana and my beloved wife Elizabeth. I think you have recieved enough through your readings from Miss Austen.

Tempe: Wow, you are really stubborn!

F.D. : Why, because I refuse to look any more ridiculous than I already do?

Tempe: You do not look ridiculous to anyone..many adore you!

F.D. : Exactly! Women swooning over me as if they were dogs after meat.
I find it quite silly and repulsive, actually.

Tempe: sigh

F.D. : Why do you sigh? Were you expecting me to throw in some charm? Tell you how lovely a shade of brown your eyes are, or how sweet your lips? I am who I am Miss Black, take it or leave it.

Tempe: Ugh.. You can't be a charmer and a jerk all at the same time. It's too sexy and twisted!

F.D. : As I said, I am who I am

Tempe: Yes, positively difficult  to communicate with. I guess I will have to go to Elizabeth for my answers.

F.D. : Absolutely not!

Tempe: Why?

F.D. : Elizabeth takes no interest in these silly type of affairs.
She would be less civil than I have been about your ridiculius questions.
Now, you have wasted enough of my time,  I must take my leave. Good day Miss Black. (walks off)

Tempe: Of all the...breath..

Tempe: Well, that didn't go as planned!

I hope you enjoyed my mock interview with Mr.Darcy, whom I still do adore even if he can be a jerk.  It just goes to show you..Fiction or non..No man is perfect.
If you haven't read Jane Austen's ,"Pride & Prejudice" yet, you really should. Believe me Darcy is still a hard headed jerk sometimes, but you'll learn to love him.

Sorry for delaying

Life is just sooo busy right now. I am going to have to delay the planned post until next week. I have been having alot of family time though, which is a plus. I guess it's the warm weather making everything pile up. I hope everyone else is wonderful too . :c)

My youngest child  had a birthday this weekend, so I was off spending some much needed fun time with my family. It was great !
You know, life seems to rush by so fast , it's as if it's on fast forward... It's nice to just put on pause and take a break every once in awhile. Well , now that my little break is done, I have blog planning to do. I will be having an interview this week with author S.E. Gordon about his book Enura and a fun little write up on my favorite hero Mr.Darcy..So keep watching! ;c)

A few of my favorite YA books.

 I finally got some much needed sleep last night..ugh..I mean it was messing up my groove!
 Now that my brain seems to work (at the moment) I thought I would post a blog on my favorite YA books. Yes , I am one of those adults that read YA...I am not ashamed! :c)


First up is the "Uglies" series by Scott Westerfeld..

Uglies is set in a futuristic world in which everyone has an operation when they turn sixteen, making them Pretties. Pretties have perfect big eyes and full lips. No one's fat or skinny. They live to party and make themselves prettier through more operations, life's always bubbly. You might think this is a good thing, but it’s not. Especially if you’re one of the Smokies, a bunch of radical teens that live in the wilderness, who’ve decided they want to keep their own faces. And those that do not have the operation are secretly hunted down by the Specials ,a group of agents, who's bodies are made into weapons. It's pretty cool!
Uglies is a trilogy-plus-one, with Extras being a “companion novel” and told from a different point of view.


The next series on my list is "The Hunger Games" trilogy, by Suzanne Collins

THE HUNGER GAMES Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When her sister is chosen by lottery, Katniss steps up to go in her place.

CATCHING FIRE
Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.
I loved this series! So much action and adventure, if you haven't read this series yet, you really should.

MOCKINGJAY
Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.


The last YA (but not the least) book series on my list is the "Twilight" series by Stephenie Meyer..

We all know about the Cullens, especially Edward. We also know about Bella and Jacob with the wolf pack. We know it all! There are movies , posters, dolls, shirts, etc. It can get tiring to hear about sometimes. But then you read the book again and remember why you really loved it in the first place. All the other stuff is surface level, even the movie. No movie could ever compare to the book. Books are just better!

 Speaking of Stephenie Meyer. Have you read her book "The Host?" It's not considered YA, but thought since I am mentioning her already...well..then..why, not?

When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.
Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves—Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.

Still haven't read "The short second life of Bree Tanner." So I have nothing to say about that one.


I love all of these books! They all made me laugh, cry, sigh and want to scream at times...I felt I really knew each character and what they were going through.  I read each series in less then a weeks time...I could not put these books down ! If you haven't read any of these books yet, I highly recommend you do. They are grrreeat! ;c)