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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Key of Power (Dynamis Novels Book 3)?

Key of Power is the third and final book in my Dynamis trilogy. I began this journey in 1986 with the first draft of book one, Sword of Fate—written on a typewriter!! I carried it around with me all of these years, and after releasing my science fiction novel, Alien Neighbors, I wondered what to write next. I realized I had a full first draft already waiting for me in the fantasy genre. Even back in 1986, I knew it was meant to be a trilogy—the title of each book is the name of one of the three symbols of office for the true king of Elayas.

On a more personal note, Key of Power is dedicated to my older brother, Eddie Venetucci. Eddie was my biggest fan, and I am so grateful he got to hold the proof copy in his hands. He fought bravely against pancreatic cancer these past months, and he is now residing in his heavenly home. I miss him so much already, but I also take great joy in knowing he is no longer suffering and is in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The vibrancy of his faith, his love of family, his life of service, and his love for others will continue to echo through the lives of all who knew him.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Key of Power (Dynamis Novels Book 3), what would they be?

Well, we have a pretty large cast of characters, but I’ll do a few: Rugal: I Got the Power, Tonar: That's What Friends Are For, Ferrous: Desperado Swordsman: You Got a Friend in Me, Mura: You’ll be in my Heart, Lissa: Brave.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Oh, my, how could I ever choose? I think my favorite genre is the genre of the book I am currently reading. I guess that makes perfect sense since I also write across genres. So far, I have released a science fiction novel, a fantasy trilogy, a series of nonfiction Christian devotionals and discipleship books, and next up is a historical fiction/magical realism mashup. I do shy away from horror and books that portray graphic violence or difficult thematic elements. My tag line is “Light in the Darkness,” and my calling as a writer is to write entertaining, clean, uplifting fiction and nonfiction. I gravitate toward books that are similar to the ones I write: great character relationships and lots of fun adventures with unexpected plot twists and obstacles to overcome that keep the pages turning, but at the end of the day, the book is a fun escape that brightens my day. That is the goal I also have for my readers.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

*Squeal with joy* Okay, I admit it. I LOVE horses. Always have…I have been blessed to have many horses in my life. Key of Power was amazing to write. I am a pantser, so I never know what’s going to happen until I get in front of the keyboard (which I find very exciting and motivating). It was so cool to see how all of the threads of what I had written in the previous two books were coming together in book 3 in such a magical and amazing way. It’s really amazing that it wasn’t a planned outline, but maybe that’s part of why it is so magical. One element of that is the horses that are characters in the books. Something really cool happens that I can’t share about, or it would be a spoiler.

Let me just say that how the book resolves part of the oracle that is first given in book two (Ring of Rosin) and how horses are involved is just so cool!! You don’t have to be a horse lover to enjoy the story; it stands on its own, but if you do like horses, you are going to really enjoy that aspect. So many scenes were so fun to write because of the dialogue, imagery, and messaging, but what happened with the horses is definitely unusual and one of my favorite parts.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

When I started Key of Power, I realized one of the characters I wanted in the story was a leviathan. I went to the pet store and bought a beautiful betta and a mini aquarium so he could reside on my desk and inspire me as I write. His name is Levy. I also have a rather large collection of items on my desk that make me smile, ranging from a horse statue my son bought for me, to a handmade sunflower in a small pot, and a coin with Maya Angelou on it—a special gift from a friend. A picture of my brother Eddie wearing a Ring of Rosin (book 2 in my fantasy trilogy) t-shirt with my husband and me, big smiles all around, is very special and is in easy view.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Yes, indeed. Life is hard. We are all pressed in with the trials of life. My tagline for Nancy Golden Books is Light in the Darkness. My calling is to provide fun and entertaining books that contain positive messaging with the goal of uplifting my readers. My commitment to My Readers' Courage: To swim against the tide when current market values conflict with my own. Quality: To always provide a great reader experience that includes professional editing and thoughtful storytelling. I am committed to no AI in any creative process associated with my books. Passion: To inspire and uplift my readers. I love connecting with my readers. Writing is a fairly solitary endeavor, but I believe we are meant to be in community. I am passionate about helping others to be successful and following God’s command to love one another. We should all try to be a light in the darkness for each other, and it can be as simple as smiling and saying hello.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

To My Readers: My wish for you is to ride dragons and leviathans often and to have your own flutebird—never stop reading! The places you go in your imagination to relax and to refresh will energize you and help you face the battles of real life with a positive mindset. There is enough trouble in the world—read books that you find inspiring and uplifting. And always remember the Kargolith proverb: Darkness may descend, but light shall overcome it.

Much Love, Nancy Golden.

 

Nancy Golden is the author of the new book Key of Power (Dynamis Novels Book 3)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Thing Beyond Reason: First Contact, the Becoming?

The story or stories behind the story involve my own experiences, some miraculous and unfathomable, some tragic, and some full of hope… and all wanting to come out!

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Thing Beyond Reason: First Contact, the Becoming, what would they be?

How about “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers or “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri, since we are talking about transcending time.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Plenty of fiction novels, sci-fi of course, lots of history, and the classic “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu, ever at the ready. But geopolitics has been a passion, and quantum physics, psychology, and philosophy, especially Plato. In sci-fi, everything is relevant, and when realism is needed… a must!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

“Winter World” by A.G. Riddle and “Stone Spring” by Stephen Baxter.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Many favorites, but this one puts Jason the hero protagonist in the heart of it: AT NASA JET Propulsion Laboratory Mission Control, the JPL Team was going through their regular rover routine, checking systems, battery life, and the video feeds when someone shouted, “He’s back!” Now they were all pressed in around the monitors as the Miracle Man in his blue and gray suit walked up and stopped. “Well,” he said, “I guess you have been wondering where I have been?” He seemed to chuckle, and then said, “Well, it is a long story, one that most of you are not ready to understand.” He seemed to consider what he had just said. At JPL, they pressed closer. No one breathed. “I don’t mean to make you feel unworthy or that somehow I am more worthy than anyone else, though some may think otherwise.”

He seemed to chuckle again. “It is that I am here and you are there, wherever we may be…” He paused, “and I have been with some of you, though most of you didn’t know it.” He gestured towards the Dome, “And though it may seem inconceivable, this is your dwelling place as well as my dwelling place. The light beckons and the dark is there, and the faith and the hope.” He came close and looked directly into the camera, and for a moment a face seemed to peer through the face shield, and then he stood back and said, “I hope you will pray for me,” turned away, and disappeared through the pearlescent surface of the Dome wall.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Sometimes, late at night, I’ll wake up after having intensely dreamed. That’s when the magic happens! I let it come and write it down…and then sit back, and take another sip of herbal tea from my favorite mug!

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“Your mind is a place, it is not you!” But here’s one from Richard Feynman, Physicist: "I would rather have questions that can't be answered than answers that can't be questioned."

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That if you trust the universe, you may be surprised where you wind up and what you could be!

 

Kendall Williams is the author of the new book Thing Beyond Reason: First Contact, the Becoming

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Darkness, Light, and Fire (The Life and Times of Gunnery Sergeant Jackson Mason Book 2)?

Good question. I wrote the initial episode outlines and storyboard in 1995-96. I was in the thick of my early years in the Fire, Rescue, EMS, just getting in my first couple of years as the lead Paramedic tech on the rescue. I was also involved in other training and educational programs, including specialized rescues, fire officer training, and so forth. I needed to dedicate my time to those things. I packed everything up, did the poor man’s copyright, and set it aside for a time. After I retired, I pulled it back out again with a lot more life experience to put into the story.

If there is any message buried within this story, it is that life can be hard, and quitting is not the solution. Everybody faces challenges, frustrations, and heartbreak. Quitting is not the answer; it is only surrendering to your disappointment. Life goes on with or without you. It doesn’t adapt to you; you must adapt, improvise, and overcome it best you can, or face endless unhappiness. You're going to lose a few battles, pick yourself up, dust off, and get back in there. This is the second book of the four-book series; the other two manuscripts are written and awaiting refinement and the editorial pathway.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Darkness, Light, and Fire (The Life and Times of Gunnery Sergeant Jackson Mason Book 2), what would they be?

Yes, certainly. It’s more for two characters during a scene of revelation, and surrender to their feelings, Elwha Isha and Jack, in “Love, Trust, and Badassery.” Invocation From the Sound Track/Album Ascendance by Audiomachine. Jack: Watch Me Bleed – Team Fearless Motivation.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

World History (ancient through modern), Political History, Military History, and stories (ancient through modern), Classic science fiction (speculative, hard science fiction), Folklore fiction, What if Fiction, Science/technical works, Astronomy, and associated basic physics.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Reread Stanley Karnow’s VIETNAM: A History, The First Complete Account of Vietnam at War; Will Irwin’s The Jedburghs; Alex Kershaw’s The Longest Winter; Doug Melville’s Invisible Generals; Ian W. Toll’s Twilight of the Gods; and a small collection of modern and classic science fiction.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Wow! I really can’t say that I have a particular favorite one. Most deal with the relationships and interactions between the lead and supporting characters. Possibly the scene of the Galactic Accords Court hearing on the matter of the New Terrans’ highly advanced war craft. The craft they used against Earth Core during “The Great War of Independence” in the first book, The Quest For Freedom. It’s the scene played out during the actual testimonies and reactions of the Earth Core representative. All the way to the slipping out the back way part. It, however, does leave some unfinished business that comes back to haunt a couple of more times…tragically.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I like to listen to all sorts of music while writing. Don’t really have any particular paraphernalia I keep around. I mostly put on the headphones to drown out any distractions and listen to a variety of Epic Music tracks or classic rock, and sometimes smooth Jazz.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“Never go to bed mad at the ones you love. Life’s uncaring and random fate could strip them from you by tomorrow morning. Time only moves forward, never backward. The past is gone; let go of the petty things and move on to a better future. The present is but a fleeting moment, and the future will always be moving forward with or without you.”

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That there’s another episode coming! Seriously, there are a few points IMHO memory worthy, but each individual reader will have their view of it and determine this, not me.

 

Mark Jordan is the author of the new book The Life and Times of Gunnery Sergeant Jackson Mason: Darkness Light, and Fire

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