I have a most fascinating guest with us today. Sue Perkins is a fellow MuseItUp Author and I have been intrigued with her writing since her tween book Spirit Stealer came out. I hope you enjoy Sue’s interview and excerpts. And thanks for joining us here today, Sue!
Thank you CK for inviting me to your blog.
The New Year got off to a good start for me. I had two new releases over the Christmas period and have been blog visiting for many days since. I try to do something different for each blog as I don't want to disappointment my hosts by using the same words all the time.
I've always loved to read and write fantasy books with a hint of romance but now I've branched out into Middle Grade fantasy books. I like to believe I write fantasy for the young of all ages.
How do I get my ideas? I have to admit my brain is so full of scenarios I find it difficult to choose one to develop into a book. I love my novels being released in ebook format because I feel it reaches a wider audience. Instead of people having to make the time to wander into a bookshop and meander through the shelves, my readers can sit at their computer and browse books in the comfort of their own home.
On the 30th December MuseItUp Publishing released my Middle Grade novel "Reva's Quest". MuseItUp is a great home for Middle Grade books and my first one, "Spirit Stealer" was released by them in October 2011. Both are fantasies.
On the 1st January Desert Breeze Publishing released a Young Adult novel "Dragon Flame" so 2012 has definitely started with all things wonderful.
I've included an excerpt of each below.
Thank you CK for inviting me to your blog.
The New Year got off to a good start for me. I had two new releases over the Christmas period and have been blog visiting for many days since. I try to do something different for each blog as I don't want to disappointment my hosts by using the same words all the time.
I've always loved to read and write fantasy books with a hint of romance but now I've branched out into Middle Grade fantasy books. I like to believe I write fantasy for the young of all ages.
How do I get my ideas? I have to admit my brain is so full of scenarios I find it difficult to choose one to develop into a book. I love my novels being released in ebook format because I feel it reaches a wider audience. Instead of people having to make the time to wander into a bookshop and meander through the shelves, my readers can sit at their computer and browse books in the comfort of their own home.
On the 30th December MuseItUp Publishing released my Middle Grade novel "Reva's Quest". MuseItUp is a great home for Middle Grade books and my first one, "Spirit Stealer" was released by them in October 2011. Both are fantasies.
On the 1st January Desert Breeze Publishing released a Young Adult novel "Dragon Flame" so 2012 has definitely started with all things wonderful.
I've included an excerpt of each below.
Excerpt from Reva’s Quest:
Reluctantly Reva went out into the untidy garden. Their house had remained empty for months before the Martin family moved in, and the garden still showed neglect. Tangled creepers intertwined with the lower branches of the trees, the ground below a mass of overgrown weeds. The thorns snatched at her clothes, making her struggle though the undergrowth more difficult. Hopefully Mum will think I’ve gone for a walk. Within moments, the tangled mess hid the house from view. Plants and trees crowded close welcoming her into their midst.
Stumbling, she grabbed the branch of a nearby tree to prevent herself from falling into a scum-covered pond. A garden gnome dangled his fishing rod in the water, but a layer of green slime hid the colour of his clothes.
“I didn't know we had a pond.” Reva wrinkled her nose at the disgusting water before peering at the sadly neglected ornament. “Poor gnome, let's see if I can clean you up a bit.”
She took a handkerchief from her pocket and dipped it in the pond, shuddering as the scum parted to reveal tangled plants beneath the surface. A puff of spore-laden air escaped from the weeds on the bank. Reva coughed as it invaded her nose. Breathing shallowly, and working carefully, the gnome's face and hands soon revealed chubby pink concrete skin and rosy red cheeks. Painted blue eyes stared sightlessly at the fishing rod. Another dip to moisten the handkerchief helped her wipe off the rest of his body. Bright yellow trousers, green jacket, and red hat shone through at the finish.
“There, that's better.” Reva smiled at the painted figure. “Now you can see what you're doing. I doubt if you've got much chance of catching anything, but I hope you feel better now you’re clean. I'll pop down tomorrow and wash you properly.”
Reva rose from her knees, brushed muddy hands against her thighs, waved to the gnome, and retreated up the garden to the house.
Buy Link Reva's Quest: http://tinyurl.com/revasquest
Reluctantly Reva went out into the untidy garden. Their house had remained empty for months before the Martin family moved in, and the garden still showed neglect. Tangled creepers intertwined with the lower branches of the trees, the ground below a mass of overgrown weeds. The thorns snatched at her clothes, making her struggle though the undergrowth more difficult. Hopefully Mum will think I’ve gone for a walk. Within moments, the tangled mess hid the house from view. Plants and trees crowded close welcoming her into their midst.
Stumbling, she grabbed the branch of a nearby tree to prevent herself from falling into a scum-covered pond. A garden gnome dangled his fishing rod in the water, but a layer of green slime hid the colour of his clothes.
“I didn't know we had a pond.” Reva wrinkled her nose at the disgusting water before peering at the sadly neglected ornament. “Poor gnome, let's see if I can clean you up a bit.”
She took a handkerchief from her pocket and dipped it in the pond, shuddering as the scum parted to reveal tangled plants beneath the surface. A puff of spore-laden air escaped from the weeds on the bank. Reva coughed as it invaded her nose. Breathing shallowly, and working carefully, the gnome's face and hands soon revealed chubby pink concrete skin and rosy red cheeks. Painted blue eyes stared sightlessly at the fishing rod. Another dip to moisten the handkerchief helped her wipe off the rest of his body. Bright yellow trousers, green jacket, and red hat shone through at the finish.
“There, that's better.” Reva smiled at the painted figure. “Now you can see what you're doing. I doubt if you've got much chance of catching anything, but I hope you feel better now you’re clean. I'll pop down tomorrow and wash you properly.”
Reva rose from her knees, brushed muddy hands against her thighs, waved to the gnome, and retreated up the garden to the house.
Buy Link Reva's Quest: http://tinyurl.com/revasquest
Excerpt from Dragon Flame
Tears sprang to Talei's eyes, but she forced herself to watch. Harmless animals were roasted where they stood, running people became pillars of fire, and buildings razed to the ground in the blink of an eye. If only they'd managed to get here earlier to warn Deen, so much could have been saved. The adults at the settlement would have found a way. Eventually, with nothing left to burn, the dragons turned and flew back the way they had come.
"Keep down," Talei warned the others. "Don't let them see us."
She noticed the huge, black dragon leading the group. It resembled the one she'd seen in the party field in Maass. Could it be the same beast? A group of boys and girls erupted from the bushes at the bottom of the hill, firing laser guns at the huge animals. Their efforts were in vain, and the shots bounced harmlessly off the armor plated hides.
"Get away, you fools." Talei said this more for her own comfort than to warn the group.
The huge triangular head turned toward the source of irritation.
A young man urged the others on but seeing the futility of the attack, he waved his troops back under cover. Unfortunately the lead dragon decided to follow the group, and within seconds their bush cover erupted in a ball of flame. Talei saw the teenagers had not stopped in the bushes, but gone straight through to the fast moving stream on the other side. Before the dragon could draw breath to flame again, the entire group jumped into the water where the strong current swept them downstream. The dragon roared and swung back to follow the other beasts.
Cautiously Talei and her group emerged from the trees. As the last of them crept out into the open the boys and girls reappeared at the bottom of the hill. They had only gone a short distance before climbing out of the water and hurrying back upstream. Anger darkened the face of the dark-haired young man who led his companions toward Talei.
"Well thanks for your aid." He came close enough for Talei to hear him, and she saw his black eyes sparkling with anger. "What did you think you were doing? You stood and watched our homes and family being destroyed without even trying to help."
Buy Link Dragon Flame: http://tinyurl.com/dragonflame
Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI44FEElYmg
Tears sprang to Talei's eyes, but she forced herself to watch. Harmless animals were roasted where they stood, running people became pillars of fire, and buildings razed to the ground in the blink of an eye. If only they'd managed to get here earlier to warn Deen, so much could have been saved. The adults at the settlement would have found a way. Eventually, with nothing left to burn, the dragons turned and flew back the way they had come.
"Keep down," Talei warned the others. "Don't let them see us."
She noticed the huge, black dragon leading the group. It resembled the one she'd seen in the party field in Maass. Could it be the same beast? A group of boys and girls erupted from the bushes at the bottom of the hill, firing laser guns at the huge animals. Their efforts were in vain, and the shots bounced harmlessly off the armor plated hides.
"Get away, you fools." Talei said this more for her own comfort than to warn the group.
The huge triangular head turned toward the source of irritation.
A young man urged the others on but seeing the futility of the attack, he waved his troops back under cover. Unfortunately the lead dragon decided to follow the group, and within seconds their bush cover erupted in a ball of flame. Talei saw the teenagers had not stopped in the bushes, but gone straight through to the fast moving stream on the other side. Before the dragon could draw breath to flame again, the entire group jumped into the water where the strong current swept them downstream. The dragon roared and swung back to follow the other beasts.
Cautiously Talei and her group emerged from the trees. As the last of them crept out into the open the boys and girls reappeared at the bottom of the hill. They had only gone a short distance before climbing out of the water and hurrying back upstream. Anger darkened the face of the dark-haired young man who led his companions toward Talei.
"Well thanks for your aid." He came close enough for Talei to hear him, and she saw his black eyes sparkling with anger. "What did you think you were doing? You stood and watched our homes and family being destroyed without even trying to help."
Buy Link Dragon Flame: http://tinyurl.com/dragonflame
Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI44FEElYmg
Sue Perkin's Website: http://www.sueperkinsauthor.com
Blogsite: http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com
Thanks again for joining us here today, Sue. You are a gem and a wonderfully talented writer.
C.K. Volnek
Blogsite: http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com
Thanks again for joining us here today, Sue. You are a gem and a wonderfully talented writer.
C.K. Volnek
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