Categories
Book-Fiction

Coming Out Of Egypt by Angela Joseph Interview #Christian #Fiction

Greetings readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors and welcome to The ToiBox of Words. I’m your host Toi Thomas, author of Eternal Curse, and today I’m sharing a special interview with author, Angela Joseph, about her fiction book entitled, Coming Out Of Egypt. Enjoy!

Where did the idea for Coming Out of Egypt come from?

Many years ago when I was a teacher in Trinidad, there were rumors about two sisters who were being sexually abused by their father. Nothing was ever done about it, as far as I know. Fast forward to living in the US, I now work with women, as well as men, who have suffered this horrible fate and who continue to bear the emotional scars of their experience.

How did the title of this book come about?

Coming Out of Egypt is a metaphorical and literal title for the story that depicts the journey of two sisters, Marva and June, out of the bondage of an abusive past. It’s metaphorical because it is based on the exodus of the Israelites from the bondage of slavery. It’s also literal because after Marva, the older sister, commits a horrible crime as a result of that abuse, she and June flee their home in Egypt Village, Trinidad, in order to escape from the law.

What genre is this book and why did you choose to make it so?

Coming Out of Egypt belongs to the women’s fiction genre. While the story has a strong romantic element, the subject matter deals more with the journey of the main characters out of the bondage of their past experiences.

What would you say is the overall message or the theme of this book?

The theme of this book is one of redemption. My aim in writing this book is to bring hope and healing to women, and men, not just those who have been abused, but those who have been in bondage of some sort and feel they are no good and do not deserve to be loved. I want to show them they can “come out of Egypt” with God’s help.

Tell me about the experience of writing this book; how long did it take.

You may not believe this, but this book has been 13 years in the making. First, I could only write on weekends because I worked full time, then I attended a writers’ conference where an editor told me I had too much material in one book. She suggested I make the teacher in the story the protagonist and focus on the romance between her and the detective. This I did, but then I couldn’t get an agent and my writer’s group felt it didn’t have the punch the first book had. Back I went to the keyboard and came up with not two, but three books. My research focused on the effects of sexual abuse on women and their partners.

Tell me about the main storyline within this book.

After accidentally killing her father and dumping his body in a nearby river, seventeen-year-old Marva and her younger sister June flee their home in Egypt Village, Trinidad. Marva ’s goal  is  to forge a new life for herself and June and forget the memories of their abusive past. But, desperate to elude the ruthless detective, control her rebellious sister, and hold down a job in a man’s domain, Marva’s new life is not what she envisioned.  While she yearns for love, understanding and forgiveness, Marva knows she deserves only punishment. Will she get what she yearns for or what she deserves?

Who is the protagonist of this story?

Seventeen-year-old Marva is the protagonist of the story. She is  taciturn, strict with few friends, desperately longing for love, but afraid of men in general – although she does harbor some romantic feelings for her childhood friend. She is fiercely devoted to her younger sister June and is not afraid of getting into a fight to protect her.

Thirteen-year-old June is almost the opposite of her sister. Even though she too was abused by her father, she craves the attention of the opposite sex and uses her beauty to win them over. She loves her sister, but tries to wriggle out of her control.

Who is the antagonist of this story?

The antagonist is David, the detective, who is investigating the murder of the girls’ father. Even though he is not a bad guy, he thinks Marva is guilty and is anxious to carry out his duties. She sees him as her archenemy and tries to avoid him at all costs.

What is the major conflict in this story?

The major conflict centers on Marva’s attempts to elude the detective who, she knows, suspects her of murdering her father. She moves to another city where she thinks she will be safe, only to discover that not only does her former teacher, who has always shown an interest in her, now lives in that city, but she is engaged to the detective. As circumstances conspire to bring Marva and June into closer contact with the teacher, Marva wishes she could confide in her, but she is scared, not so much of being brought to justice, but of what might happen to her sister.

Where and when is this story taking place?

The story takes place in Trinidad in the mid-80s. The country, which lies at the northern tip of Venezuela, formerly a British colony, is now a republic, rich in oil, natural gas, and asphalt. The population consists mainly of people of African and East Indian descent with a smaller percentage comprising of Europeans, Chinese, Hispanics, and people from the middle east. The two main characters are of Venezuelan descent.  The story makes lavish references to the diverse cultural influences of this fun-loving nation.

Who is your favorite character in this book?

Apart from Marva, the protagonist, my favorite character is Cicely, the school teacher, who plays a great role in helping Marva overcome a lot of her weaknesses and become a child of God. Cicely is kind, warm-hearted and generous. She was also molested by her father as a young girl and was, therefore, able to empathize with Marva and give her the love and support she so much needed.

Are there elements of your personality or life experiences in this book?

Quite a few of my life experiences were brought to bear in writing this book. As I mentioned before, I was a teacher in the same school that I write about in the story and knew two sisters who, it was rumored about, were being molested by their father, but they were never my pupils. Also, I work with patients in behavioral health who have been sexually abused. As far as personality, I think I am somewhat like Cicely.

~

Okay readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. To obtain your copy of Coming Out of Egypt, please visit the link provided. Amazon.com

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Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

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Categories
Book-Fiction

Fang and Claw by Markie Madden @naddya81975 Interview by #thetoiboxofwords #paranormal #crime

Greetings readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors and welcome to The ToiBox of Words. I’m your host Toi Thomas, author of Eternal Curse, and today I’m sharing a special interview with author, Markie Madden, about her fiction book entitled, Fang and Claw. Enjoy!

Where did the idea for Fang and Claw (Undead Unit Book 1) come from?

I was just in that twilight moment between wakefulness and sleep when the idea for the book (and the whole series) came to me. I was watching a Supernatural DVD marathon that night. I had just about gotten fully asleep (difficult enough for me as I’m a chronic insomniac) when suddenly I was wide awake and grabbing for my phone. To use as a light. While I struggled to make notes on a Post-It note. Without my glasses on. LOL

How did the title of this book come about?

No one’s asked me this yet! The title is a spin off of the phrase “fighting tooth and nail”, because my two main characters who are a Vampire and a Werewolf start out hating each other’s guts. Hence, “fighting fang and claw”!

What genre is this book and why did you choose to make it so?

This book is obviously in the crime genre but it fits into paranormal as well. Or supernatural, if you like that better. I think it will appeal to people who like either crime, paranormal, or both. Or just about anyone.

What would you say is the overall message or the theme of this book?

I’ve begun this series with Immortals, various species who are known and accepted by humans. Accepted as much as any minority is, anyway. The Immortals are required to take the Undead Oath which prevents them from harming humans. But they still suffer the same prejudice that many minorities faced, or still face, in society today. I’ve tried to make them as “normal” as I could, in a literary attempt to point out to readers that we’re all “normal”.

Tell me about the experience of writing this book; how long did it take.

I’ve been working on this book for probably 6 or 8 months now, maybe a little more. I’ve slept since then so you have to pardon my memory. Much of law enforcement techniques I didn’t need to research (I spent nearly 14 years of my life working in law enforcement positions), but there were certain elements which I had to look up since I wasn’t familiar with them. At one point I set myself the goal of writing 3,000 words a day and that worked really well.

Tell me about the main storyline within this book.

Lacey is a lieutenant with the Dallas Police, just put in charge of a new unit of Immortals (or Undead) dedicated to solving crimes among other Immortals. She’s a Vampire with a past; her entire family was massacred by a Werewolf pack. Colton is a detective, and he’s been assigned as her partner and second in command. He’s a Wolf, a descendant of the pack that killed Lacey’s family. They have to learn to overcome their prejudices and solve a case that spans decades.

Who is the protagonist of this story?

Both Lacey and Colton would be the main ones. They’re the “good guys”, the ones who are investigating and solving the crime, they protect and serve. Lacey likes fast cars and expensive luxuries. Colton and his wife and 5 pups live in an apartment in a building full of other Werewolves. These two couldn’t be more different from one another. But they both have a strong sense of justice and are tough as nails against those who commit crimes.

Who is the antagonist of this story?

I can’t tell you what species of Immortal he is (spoiler), but he’s based on actual Native American lore and he is just generally nasty and likes to cause trouble. He’s your typical “bad guy”, one who enjoys being bad. He’s responsible for several assaults that span a couple decades, and he’s been just sly enough not to get caught. Until now.

What is the major conflict in this story?

Besides having the mystery to solve, Lacey and Colton have to come to terms with the fact that they’re being partnered together. Lacey is unaware at the beginning that Colton is related to the pack that killed her family. Once this truth comes out, it becomes very difficult for them to work together. They have to learn how to be partners and trust one another with their lives.

Where and when is this story taking place?

This takes place in Dallas, Texas, a little over a hundred years from now. Not so far into the future that things and cities would be unrecognizable to a reader, but enough where I can take just a few liberties.

Who is your favorite character in this book?

Lacey has got to be my favorite. She’s a no-nonsense kind of gal who doesn’t take any s*** off anyone. She’s a little like me: I mentioned I have a law enforcement background. When you’re a woman in a predominately male profession, especially one fraught with danger, you learn how to be a hard butt because that adds a level of protection for you. I got so good at projecting a fierce face that I never had to lay hands on anyone in my 14 years.

Are there elements of your personality or life experiences in this book?

As mentioned above, I have a bit of experience in law enforcement, which also includes some private investigation. While I was never a police officer, I dealt with them regularly and did personal protection details, among other things. So some of that experience has come in handy in writing this book.

What is one thing from this book you wish was real or could happen to you?

I wish I drove the car that Lacey has. It’s an Audi S4 (I have an older model A6 sedan, but the S4 is just plain awesome!) and is the epitome of luxury!

What is something you wish wasn’t real and hope doesn’t happen to you?

Um, I’d tell you but it would be a spoiler. Let me just say that I’m afraid of heights and leave it at that.

Let’s say your book is being turned into a feature-length film; quick- cast the main two characters and pick a theme song or score.

For Lacey, Angelina Jolie hands-down (I liked her as a blond in Salt). Colton is a little harder, because I’d love to cast Sean Connery (maybe when he was younger.) Barring him, I’d have to say Jared Padalecki (assuming he could be tough-he’s already got awkward down pat!)

Do you have any special plans for this book in the near or far future?

I’m already hard at work on the sequel, book 2 of the Undead Unit. It’s called Souls of the Reaper and will be released (I hope) early next year. Plus I’ve got books 3, 4, 5, and 6 in the planning stages. I’m really excited about them too!

~

Okay readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. To obtain your copy of Fang and Claw, please visit the link provided.

Metamorph Publishing
(Available at Amazon.com & other online retailers)

Also, check out Markie’s Facebook Event for
fun games and prizes related to this release.

This has been a

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Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Categories
Book-Fiction Virtual Book Tours

August’s Gardens by @Shelly_Barclay Virtual Book Tour Interview by #thetoiboxofwords via @RABTBookTours #horror


Greetings readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors and welcome to The ToiBox of Words. I’m your host Toi Thomas, author of Eternal Curse, and today I’m sharing a special interview with author, Michelle Barclay, about her fiction book entitled, August’s Gardens. Enjoy!

Amazon.com

Where did the idea for August’s Gardens come from?

The idea for August’s Gardens came from its predecessor, Morrigan’s Shadows. The story just kept on going, so I kept on writing it.

How did the title of this book come about?

August’s Gardens derives from the name of one of the characters and a running theme in the novel. I wanted to shift the focus of the story to this character, even though it is truly a cast of characters.

What genre is this book and why did you choose to make it so?

August’s Gardens is a fantasy horror novel. I just wrote a book with hopefully scary bits in it. The fantasy part came about because the story needed some fantastic elements. Horror is a lot of fun to write, but so is fantasy.

What would you say is the overall message or the theme of this book?

August’s Gardens isn’t quite literary fiction. There is no underlying message about the human condition or anything like that. If anything, I just hope I gross people out or give them a chill here or there.

Tell me about the experience of writing this book; how long did it take.

August’s Gardens took several years, but only because I set it aside for one of them so I could get married. I started writing it a few months after Morrigan’s Shadows came out. There was some research involved in injuries and characters, but the nature of the book makes it easy to wing it without too much study. I would have to give away a sort of tongue-in-cheek aspect of the story to say too much about research. Hopefully, people will pick up on it.

Tell me about the main storyline within this book.

August’s Gardens is the continuation of the plot in Morrigan’s Shadows. However, it primarily takes place in a fantasy world with some seriously bad creatures hanging out in it. This world was glimpsed only briefly in Morrigan’s Shadows.

Who is the protagonist of this story?

There are actually several protagonists in August’s Gardens. The Winged Man is back. The Artist plays a much larger role and there are some hopefully unexpected additions to that list.

Who is the antagonist of this story?

The antagonist is without a doubt the Dark Man, an amalgamation of all the devil figures in lore. He is the source behind the bulk of the conflict and an enemy of even the protagonist’s enemies, which might tell you something about who fights on which side when it comes down to it.

What is the major conflict in this story?

It is time for the conflict between the Dark Man and the god-like protagonists of the story to erupt. The Dark Man hates everyone, but mostly the Winged Man. The Winged Man is rightly angry over everything the Dark Man has done to his family, namely his wife. They have yet to come face to face and it is time.

Where and when is this story taking place?

August’s Gardens mostly takes place in the Dream and Dark Realms, fantastic worlds where a set of brothers control dreams and an evil creature lords over the dead. A portion of the story takes place in turn of the century France where the Artist’s backstory is revealed.

Who is your favorite character in this book?

The Artist is without a doubt my favorite character in this book. He is the most redeemable and respectable. Most of my other characters are a blend of good and bad. The Artist is the only one who resists the evil that surrounds him and works only for the betterment of the people he loves.

Are there elements of your personality or life experiences in this book?

There is nothing in August’s Gardens that exists in any way in my life. That would be very strange. However, the series itself has some elements from my life. I have really vivid dreams and nightmares. That prompted me to write about dreams and nightmares. I was a cook for nearly a decade. Morrigan owned a restaurant.

~

Okay readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. To obtain your copy of August’s Gardens, please visit the links provided.

Amazon  | Barnes & Noble  | Kobo  | CreateSpace

This has been a

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Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords