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Interview with Leigh G. Wynn, Author of The Heart of Heredis

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Heart of Heredis?

The idea behind the entire Sumrectian Series started with a character named Ansel who had everything he could wish for—power, esteem, glory—and lost it all in the pursuit of true love. The Heart of Heredis (book 3) details his rise to unparalleled power and his struggle to choose between his empire and love. Selfless, virtuous almost to a fault, and tormented by his past, Ansel has plagued my mind for at least the past ten years, and he’s truly the inspiration behind this entire series.

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

While I do enjoy fantasy, romance, and the occasional thriller, my favorite genres to read fall under non-fiction. I read a lot of philosophy, science, spirituality, and basically any book that teaches me about new ideas, discoveries, and people’s experiences.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Music Advantage by Anita Collins and The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene in The Heart of Heredis is definitely the climax, which contains quite a bit of a twist, so I can’t reveal it all here! But any scene involving the indigo Sumrect Ansel trained under was a blast to write.

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

I prefer a messy desk or table to write on. The more clutter around me, the less cluttered my mind is.

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

“Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting some on yourself.”-Ralph Waldo Emerson

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

The following sentence from the first book, The Eye of Elektron, pretty much sums it up. “She might not live to see another, but Dawn found peace in knowing through the upheavals that plagued each generation and lifetime, a truth remained constant: Even the darkest night gave way to light.”

Stories entertain, inspire, and comfort us, even in the most uncertain and troubling times. I hope The Sumrectian Series can bring as much joy and comfort to my readers as it did to me.

 

Leigh G. Wynn is the author of the new book The Heart of Heredis

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Interview with AJ Lewis, Author of Another Tomb in Algiers

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Another Tomb in Algiers?

While researching a historical character of importance in the Algiers of the 1790s, I came across an intriguing name in an Arabic biographical dictionary, Bu Qabrain or Father of Two Tombs. Reading on, I discovered he was revered as a Sufi saint owing to his spiritual, if not corporeal, presence in two distinct tombs. I had to know more, having translated Sufi tracts in the past and retained an interest in their orders.

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

Adventure, maybe with a bit of mystery thrown in for good measure. The promise of unexplored vistas has always compelled me.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Devil in the Grove, a true crime novel; Starter Villain by John Scalzi, just because Scalzi is so funny and outrageous; The Centre by Ayesha M Siddiqui; On Earth as it is on Television, by Emily Jane; Winds of Change, by Diana K Robinson.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

As a student of Islamic Law, I enjoyed presenting the courtroom scenes for the two blasphemy trials that contrast starkly with Western trials and courtrooms. Through the trials, it is possible to flesh out the characteristics of an entire society, so alien and yet so similar to our own.

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

I listen to electronic music, the sort without distracting lyrics, much like the music in movie theaters that plays while the closing credits run and people head for the exits.

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

Yes. It is simply this. Write when you can. Do what you need to do in your day, listen patiently to those who have things to say, and seize the moments in between, after, or before to be productive.

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

Well, remember to read the next book in the series, or listen to the audio version! But the real takeaway is an appreciation for another culture, another time, and another way of looking at the world.

 

AJ Lewis is the author of the new book Another Tomb in Algiers

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Interview with Caroline Helenasdotter, Author of Saga of the Swedish Water Spirit

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Saga of the Swedish Water Spirit?

My inspiration for this book is a blend of my interest in folklore, my love for nature, and my deeply romantic spirit.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Saga of the Swedish Water Spirit, what would they be?

Fight like a girl, by Molly Hammar.

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

Fantasy, I have always felt like my soul belongs somewhere else, and the fantasy genre deeply resonates with my core. In the words of C.S. Lewis; “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Kallocain by Karin Boye and The Emperor of Portugallia by Selma Lagerlöf.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The dialogues where Näcken, the water spirit expresses his love for Liv, the main character. I just love to read and write romantic dialogues.

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

I prefer to write in the evening when it is dark outside. I do love my Mumin mugs and I eat way to much Swedish candy while I am writing.

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

I have the quote; “You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club,” by Jack London on a post it note next to my computer. Every time I feel unmotivated to write, I look at that quote.

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

Embrace yourself and all your needs. Follow your own path. Be unapologetic.

 

Caroline Helenasdotter is the author of the new book Saga of the Swedish Water Spirit

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New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | November 21

Hold on to the edge of your seat as we hunt for clues and solve the case with these exciting new mystery and thriller books for the week! There are so many bestselling authors with new novels for you to dive into this week including AJ Lewis, A.W. Kaylen, James Patterson, and many more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!



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New Romance Books to Read | November 21

Looking to fall in love with some new romance reads? You’ll adore these exciting new novels! This week you can get your hands on books by bestselling authors Sharon Buchbinder, J Rose Black, Anna Zaires, and more. Enjoy your new romance books and happy reading!



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New Books to Read in Literary Fiction | November 21

Literary fiction readers are in for a treat. This week’s latest releases list is full of intriguing reads you won’t want to miss! The new releases list includes so many bestselling authors like Danielle Steel, John A. Williams, Mitch Albom, and many more. Enjoy your new literary fiction books. Happy reading!



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New Science Fiction and Fantasy Books | November 21

Set off on an adventure to new worlds this week! This selection of new science fiction and fantasy books will surely please! Science Fiction fans should be excited about the latest from bestselling authors Mike Mason, Jeremy Robinson, Derek Tyler Attico, and more. If Fantasy is what your library needs, you’ll be able to pick up the latest from JMD Reid, John Michael, Leigh G. Wynn, and more. Enjoy your new science fiction and fantasy books. Happy reading!


Fantasy


Science Fiction


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New Young Adult Books to Read | November 21

Are you an avid reader of Young Adult books? This week you are in luck! With all of these new novels, you’re bound to find a new favorite book to add to your reading list. This week includes new novels from bestselling authors Brandon Sanderson, Alexander C. Eberhart, J L Pawley, and many more. Enjoy your new young adult books. Happy reading!



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New Biography and Memoir Books to Read | November 21

Looking for some new biography and memoir books for your library? There are so many new releases this week that you’re bound to find a new favorite. You can pick up new books from Tariq Trotter, Mandy Matney, Megan Fox, and many more. Enjoy your new biography and memoir books. Happy reading!



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6 Sci-fi and Fantasy Books for Fans of Supernatural

6 Sci-fi and Fantasy Books for Fans of Supernatural

If you've been enchanted by the thrilling adventures, spine-tingling mysteries, and the bond of the Winchester brothers, you're in for an extra dose of magic. In this curated list, we've conjured up a selection of fantasy and science fiction books that channel the same supernatural vibes. From dark urban fantasies to cosmic adventures, these reads promise to transport you to realms beyond imagination.



Flame & Shadow (The Dae Diaries Book 1)

by AK Nevermore

Release Date: November 13, 2023

Envy Starr is big on lamenting her fate, in particular the portion that has her dying still a virgin during some crappy cult’s live-stream on Midsummer's eve. With a month left to live, she escapes and is thrust into her absentee father’s world of beautifully cultured cruelty where she discovers her true fate may just be one worse than death.

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Knights of Orion Citadel: Illusion of Safety

by Avalon O'Clair

Release Date: September 1, 2023

An innocent young woman, unjustly sentenced to endure a monstrous curse. Three heroes, determined to set her free. But powerful enemies battle against them... and time is running out. Two modern day Templar Knights join forces with a rebellious angel. Can they save Emma from a fate far worse than death?

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Stepping Stones to Space (Humanities Expansion Book 1)

by Daniel D. Bate

Release Date: October 25, 2023

Colonizing the moon is the goal. One small team goes against the odds, entrenched political groups and terrorist organizations to achieve the dream. If they succeed. Download now during this limited-time offer and help a severely disabled author achieve his dreams by joining his author newsletter and finding out more.

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Powers of the Zodiac Boxset

by Kate Karyus Quinn & More

Release Date: October 24, 2023

Maddie, Helena, and Crystal have nothing in common... except they are all married to the same man! On the night they discover this, they accidentally gain powers based on their Zodiac signs. As they adapt to their new powers, each woman also gets a second chance at love with new hunky magical men. Read this 3 book series (plus a bonus prequel) for the midlife women's guide to a bad horoscope!

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The Red Frontier (The Red Tomorrow Series Book 1)

by Joseph Cruz

Release Date: November 14, 2023

Dive into a universe where the vibrant adventure of Indiana Jones and Uncharted meets the rich space fantasy of Dune and Star Wars. Welcome to the future of Mars—a realm teetering on the edge of discovery and disaster.

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After Us (The Abyss Book 3)

by Nathan Hystad

Release Date: November 7, 2023

The fate of the world is on the line. What will be left After Us? Safety is obviously only temporary as the Static continues to show itself. With someone trying to open a new set of Rings, the group must separate to vanquish their enemies. Blaze heads to the South Pole with Anand, to activate the Attractor. Wyatt must stop Isabel’s father from continuing his destructive patterns, but is he actually working for the good of humanity? When someone from the past returns, the teams are beckoned to New York where it all began.

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