Character Interview: Rowan

Posted by on Jul 26, 2015 in FF Fans, Fun Stuff | 6 comments

Back in June, I decided to interview some of the characters from my Final Formula series. Fans voted, both here and on my Facebook page, and selected Ian, closely followed by Rowan. With the voting so close, I decided to interview both characters. I did one interview last month and today I’ll do the other.  If you missed it, you can read Ian’s interview here. Today I’ll be interviewing Rowan, Fire Element and leader of the New Magic community—though some say, he leads the whole magical community. But there are a few necromancers who would disagree with that. 😉 Now for the man of the hour: His Grace, the Lord of Flames.   Becca: Thanks for stopping in, Rowan. I know you’re a busy guy. Rowan: (straightens in his chair) It was no trouble. And I should clarify that I’m only responsible for New Magic, though I try to maintain a good working relationship with Old Magic. Lately, that’s become difficult. Becca: So we’ve seen. Perhaps things will get better. Rowan: I suspect you will ensure that it doesn’t. Becca: It’s nothing personal, but there is no story without conflict. Rowan: (sighs) Becca: (clears throat) Back to the interview. I asked the fans for questions and they came up with quite a list. (waves a sheet of paper) Unlike some I’ve interviewed, I don’t guess I need to remind you that we expect honest answers? Rowan: Naturally. I won’t deceive you. Becca: Thanks, Rowan. We’ll start with the most popular question. Several people asked if you’ve ever been tempted to use your magic for vengeance or convenience. For example, if someone cut you off in traffic, or if you wanted to roast your own marshmallows. Rowan: (laughs) The marshmallow roasting would be difficult. I don’t technically wield fire. I elevate the temperature of an object to the point of ionization, momentarily creating a plasma. Typically there is nothing left, unless the process is interrupted and ionization doesn’t occur, then the high temperature might cause a fire. As for vengeance… Yes, I’ve been tempted. So far, I haven’t acted on it. Becca: I suspect I can guess the source of your temptation, which leads to...

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The Final Formula Collection

Posted by on Jul 3, 2015 in My Books | 8 comments

Now Available! The Final Formula Collection is an ebook bundle containing the first three titles in the series: The Final Formula, The Element of Death, and The Blood Alchemist.  As an added bonus, this bundle also includes two brand new short stories. The Lich’s Lab takes place between the last chapter of The Final Formula and the epilogue. The story is told from Addie’s point of view and shows how she and Ian came to their working agreement. A Christmas Formula is set a week or so after The Blood Alchemist.  In this one, Era and Cora tell the story of their first Christmas with Addie.     You can pick up a copy at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords | Apple   Why a bundle? I’ve put this collection together as a way to attract new readers with a bundled deal, plus it gives me another title to advertise.  With a series, it doesn’t make sense to advertise any book except the first one, and I can only throw that book out there so many times before folks get tired of seeing it.  That said, I don’t like to ask fans to re-buy books they already own just to get the new short stories.  So, I’ve made the short stories available to newsletter subscribers.  The sign up form is in the side bar on the right.  As an added bonus, you’ll get an alternative POV scene from The Final Formula.  (For more information on newsletter sign up, check out my post here.)   Now for a little teaser…   The Lich’s Lab Chapter 1 I stood on the threshold and peered into the mausoleum, wishing I had a flashlight. The multiple holes in the ancient roof let in surprisingly little sunlight. I had hoped that coming here in the middle of the day would be different, but the small room was just as creepy as it had been after dark. The rare bright beam of sunlight only made the shadows deeper by contrast. I remained where I was, letting my eyes adjust until I was certain that all the dark corners were empty. I returned the rusted bolt to the hasp...

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Character Interview: Ian Mallory

Posted by on Jun 14, 2015 in FF Fans, Fun Stuff | 12 comments

As I mentioned in a previous post, I will be interviewing a character from my Final Formula series here on my website. I found it difficult to select a character (I love them all), so I asked fans to make the selection for me. After a  tense round of voting (here and on my Facebook page), a winner was named, and questions solicited.  Thanks to everyone who participated!  I hope you enjoy the following interview. 🙂 Now, without further ado, I give you Ian Mallory, undead necromancer, alchemist, and smartass… (silence) Perhaps he didn’t care for the introduction…   Becca: (raises voice) Whenever you’re ready, Ian. (waits) Ian? (footsteps echo in the hall, and a moment later he steps into the room) Ian: I’m here. (his cheeks dimple with a smile) Becca: You found the mirror in the foyer, didn’t you? Ian: (straightens his sleeve) Why do you ask? Becca: No reason. Please have a seat and we’ll get started. Ian: (smoothes his coat before settling into a chair) So, it’s true? Your fans selected me for your first interview? Becca: This isn’t going to go to your head, is it? Ian: Of course not. I’m humbled to be chosen. Becca: You? Humble? Ian: When it suits me. Becca: (tries not to laugh because it only encourages him) I commend you for your honesty—which is what your fans expect today. Ian: I won’t betray their trust. Becca: (studies him a moment) Okay. Let’s jump to our first question… Kendra would like to know a little more about your tailor. Ian: Naturally. Though, in this modern age, he is more a purveyor of garments rather than a creator. But the man is skilled with a needle when he can’t find what I’m looking for. I would judge him to be as talented as his ancestor. Becca: You knew his ancestor? Ian: Ironically—or not—he is the descendant of the tailor I used to frequent when I was alive. Becca: How is that not ironic? Ian: Addie suggested that there is a magical connection. Becca: You don’t think so? Ian: Addie sees magic in everything. Myself, I believe that it is simply a matter of the family...

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Upcoming Character Interview

Posted by on Jun 5, 2015 in Fun Stuff | 2 comments

As you can see from the photo, FF4 is underway.  I’ve got my notebooks labeled (my daughter designs the cute artwork for my notebook cover) and the first couple of chapters written.  But since I’m not the speediest of writers, I was searching for something fun to do in the meantime.  I hit upon the idea of doing a character interview.  Some of my writing buddies have done those and they look like fun. So… The first question is, who do you want me to interview? Addie, Rowan, James, Ian…any character in the series is available. Most votes wins and I’ll post the interview here.  You can vote in the comments below, or over on my Facebook page. If this turns out to be fun, I’ll do more, so don’t be disappointed if your guy or gal doesn’t make the cut this time.  😀   Update  – The voting is closed, and it looks like Ian is the winner.  (Rowan came in second, so perhaps I’ll do an interview with him at a later date.)  Now, what questions would you like me to ask Ian?  Please list them in the comments below, use the contact tab above to email them to me, or visit me on...

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The Heir of Death

Posted by on May 22, 2015 in My Books | Comments Off on The Heir of Death

Cover, Blurb, and Excerpt   Update: The wait is over!  FF 3.5, now The Heir of Death, has been uploaded everywhere.  (I’ve added the retailer links below.)  If it’s not available at your favorite retailer, check back later.  Some sites are slower than others to update. Here’s the cover (that’s Doug, by the way) and blurb.  Click the link below to read an excerpt… Elysia Mallory has never embraced her magic, not when doing so comes at the price of her sanity. Her family is cursed with bizarre necromantic gifts that have driven each recipient mad, and she doesn’t want to be another dead branch on the family tree. But when Elysia learns that an ancestor is still in the mortal world and using his rare gift to possess the Deacon, the leader of the necromancer community, she decides it’s time to take control of the power she was given. Will her gift give her the ability to right a wrong centuries in the making? Or will she become another puppet for him to control? Read the first chapter here: The Heir of Death Excerpt Pick up a copy here: Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Kobo |...

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