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 have a treat to share. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview a wonderful author named, Charity Ayres. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down… And since today is International Authors’ Day, I’m also sharing an in depth look at Charity’s book Ice Burns over at “Who is so you?” Be sure to visit my side panel or head over. But first…
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I’ve been looking forward to this for a while. I’ve been discovering so many new authors lately and have really been loading up my TBR list. I’ll admit that I’ve been reading a lot more than I’ve been reviewing, but I’m working on fixing that. I actually just loaded a bunch of book reviews I should have written ages ago. You can check them out here if you want. As an author, I know how important reviews are and I’m making a point to do better about writing reviews. I just get so swept up in wanting to devour my next read… but hey, that’s just my love of reading.
Before I dive in, I just want to say that I’m offering a $15 USD or less digital or print book(s) giveaway, no erotica, from either Kindle or Book Depository. Check it out below.
For today, I’m interviewing an author I recently discovered at RavenCon. I just finished her book, The Secret in the Wings, see my review here. I’m halfway through Loki Bound, have acquired a copy of Loki Hellbound, and am interviewing her, here today, to learn about her latest release Ice Burns. Enjoy!
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Toi Thomas: Hi there Charity! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ToiBox Blog. I’m excited to learn more about you and your work.
Charity: Hi there, Toi.
Toi Thomas: So tell me, who is Charity Ayres?
Charity: A title? I’m not sure I can make myself fit into a specific title. I’m an author (Loki Bound, Loki: Hell Bound, Secret in the Wings, Ice Burns), veteran, teacher, mom, wife, animal lover, self-proclaimed comedienne, lover of the written word in any form.
Toi Thomas: Well before we dive into your special message today, let’s get to know you, the person inside the author.
Toi Thomas: Who is so you and why?
Charity: I always wanted to be Scarlett O’Hara as a kid, but I’m completely different. I would say I’m a combination of an Agent of Shield, Rachel Ray, and Garfield.
Toi Thomas: What makes you geek out?
Charity: New technology and anything Marvel.
Toi Thomas: What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?
Charity: I loved “Gone with the Wind”. I really think it was because it was the first BIG novel I’ve ever read. I’ve also always loved anything Jack London.
Toi Thomas: In terms of interviews, whose brain are you just itching to scratch?
Charity: Mark Twain or Theodore Roosevelt. Both men are absolutely fascinating to me. I would ask about their struggles in the public eye and with depression. I’d also ask what they think about the world as it is today.
Toi Thomas: Now that we know a little more about you, the person, let’s learn about you, the author, and dive into your special message.
Toi Thomas: So whacha got for me today?
Charity: “Ice Burns” is classic Fantasy with a Dark Fantasy twist. The story is about Chandra who is a magic-user in a world where magic is banned by any not in the royal family. The problem though, is not having magic, but Chandra’s lack of control and the destiny that has been placed upon her that eventually forces her to make some hard and dangerous decisions including killing others to save herself.
Toi Thomas: So who’s starring in this 2 dimensional script read of Ice Burns?
Charity: Chandra is coming of age and struggling with who she is vice who she’s always been expected to be. She was groomed to be this amazingly powerful magic-user and heir to her mentor’s position but could never control her power. When control begins to come it is paired with this taint that seems to be more powerful than any magic Chandra has ever known. She has to decide who she’s going to be and deal with the consequences of that.
Toi Thomas: What’s so special about this story that’s going to reel in the readers?
Charity: Excitement and darkness and magic (oh my!). I really think it is a great example of what Fantasy was always meant to be: magic and the struggle to control it and use it well.
Toi Thomas: Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
Charity: Sometimes I am very structured in that I make a chronology, but I never know everything about my story until it is done. I try not to look too deep, to be honest. I feel that if my story surprises me, it will also surprise my readers and I like that. I hate picking up a book and knowing the ending three chapters in.
Toi Thomas: What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?
Charity: Twain, London, Lackey, Bradbury… I think I really have to say Marion Zimmer Bradley was a huge influence.
Toi Thomas: Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
Charity: Sure.
Toi Thomas: If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Charity: The Mummy. Don’t ask me why but it makes me laugh and I just love it.
Toi Thomas: Let’s play zombie urban survivor. What 3 things do you need to survive a black-out in Central Park the day zombies attack?
Charity: Coffee, my computer, and an ax.
Toi Thomas: Last question of the day; here we go.
Toi Thomas: Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
Charity: More books, lots of random conversations with people about books and writing, and more coffee than any one person should consume.
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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. For more from Charity Ayres, check out these great links:
Website: Author Charity Ayres
Facebook: Charity Ayres – Author
Twitter: @versweet
Instagram: charity.ayres
Pre-order link for Ice Burns: Amazon.com | Print and other Online Retailers coming soon. Online release party is August 12 – 16, 2016.
This has been a
Enter to Win your choice of print or digital book(s) valued at $15 USD or less, no erotica, from Kindle or Book Depository.
Unfortunately, I can’t display the linky list becuase it disables my comments, but PLEASE click HERE and follow along with this amazing and supportive blog hop. There are more books and authors to discover as well as GIVEAWAYS galore.
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
92 replies on “#IntAuthorsDay interview & #giveaway with author Charity Ayres @versweet #fantasy”
I loved reading this interview. And Ice Burns look like a great read 🙂
Happy International Author’s Day 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for stopping by.
I’m intrigued by anyone who says they have the personality of Garfield and I also would have loved to meet Mark Twain and delve into his fascinating mind.
I know what you mean. After meeting Charity, I obviously had to interview her.
One of the reasons THE MUMMY is so great is the truly impressive sound design, all the way down to the bit of gravel and rumble that gives Brendan Fraser’s voice such authority.
I hadn’t considered the sound, but you make a good point. Thanks for stopping by.
It’s nice to do an interview during this hop and spread info about this writer. Thanks for sharing
http://www.nancylarondajohnson.com/nancys-blog/international-authors-day-blog-hop
I love interviewing authors and do my best to make it entertaining for everyone.
Great interview! I think I might bring some coffee too if I ever got caught got in a black-out zombie attack!
Yes, the need to stay awake could save your life. 😉
Nice to meet you, Charity! I enjoy The Mummy, too. I love Egyptian stuff, mummies, mystery, and the humor in the movie is great.
Happy Blitz Day, Toi!!! 😀
I should say early Blitz as I am early. 😉
Thank you so much. I’m so surprized.
Haha, loved your interview. And that first sentence was wonderful. Great job. So glad to meet you and best wishes to Charity. Happy Blitz Day!!! 🙂
So glad you enjoyed the interview and thanks for a wonderful Blitz Day.
Lovely in depth interview, I am intrigued about the author and the books.
Reading more than reviewing is every readers/ reviewers problem!
Happy Blitz Day!
Thanks for your words. I’ll try not to be too down on myself, but I really must do better. Thanks for a lovely Blitz Day.
I’m sure Charity has watched The Mummy enough times that she would survive a zombie attack.
Happy Blitz day, Toi!
Happy Blitz day, Toi! It’s nice to meet you and Charity.
Thanks for stopping by and being part of the Blitz.
After meeting Charity, I’m not worried about her in a zombie attack. She’s way to witty to go down. Thanks for being a part of the Blitz.
I love it when I randomly pick a blogger to BLITZ who is doing an interview or talking about another author in some way. It’s like stumbling across a dynamite two-for-one deal! 🙂 I enjoyed learning more about you and Charity, and hope Ice Burns does great things for her.
Enjoy the day!
I love interviewing authors and sharing it with others; I’m just so excited this Blitz came when I had some good content up. 😉 Thank you so much for all you do.
Fans of Marvel are cool no matter what. 🙂 Finding new authors is always great. Best of success for Charity.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe rocks, but I’ll always be a Batman fan first. Thanks for stopping by.
Ice Burns sounds lije an interesting book. Wishing Charity success with it. Happy Blitz!
Betty
Thanks for stopping by and being part of the Blitz.
Great interview with Charity. I love learning about other authors.
Happy Blitz Day!
Glad you liked the interview. Thanks for being part of the Blitz.
Super interview, ladies!
So how are you feeling, Toi? A tad woozy, maybe? That would be understandable, because you are getting teetotally BLITZED today, girl! Enjoy!
I feel pretty good. Thanks for the laugh and for the lovely Blitz.
Congrats to Charity, enjoyed the interview. Happy Blitz Day!
Thanks for stopping by and being part of the Blitz.
Enjoyed the interview. Charity’s book sounds good and her cover is stunning. Happy Blitz Day!
I know, that cover is pretty. After meeting her, she’s let me in on some of her future plans and more stunning covers are coming. Thanks for being part of the Blitz.
Fun interview!
Happy Blitz Day, Toi! 🙂
Thank you for stopping by and being part of this lovely Blitz.
Interesting interview–sounds like a great book. Happy Blitz!
Yes, I’m excited about Charity’s book. Thanks for being part of the Blitz.
Aw happy International Authors Day! 🙂
And happy Blitz Day, Toi! Hope you enjoy it.
I had a blast. Thanks for being part of the Blitz.
What a perfect day to do an interview like this! And here’s to a very Happy Blitz Day to you, Toi. I always appreciate your RTs! They boost my day.
I’m so glad to hear that. I get a boost when I recieve RTs too. Thanks for stopping by and being part of the Blitz.
Totally fun interview. I agree with Charity about what’s at the heart of classic fantasy.
Happy Blitz Day!
Yes, without the struggle of using and controlling magic, fantasy would be a little flat. Thanks for stopping by for the Blitz.
Today probably wouldn’t shock Mark Twain.
Happy Blitz Day!
No, it probably wouldn’t. Thanks for being part of the Blitz.
Great Interview! The book and world sound engrossing.
Happy Blog Blitz Day!!
Glad you liked it. It was fun. Thanks for being part of the Blitz.
Toi, this is so inspiring. There are a million authors in the world looking to take up space (on a bestseller list, a signing table, a reviewer blog, a bookshelf, etc.) – but the really special ones are making space for others. You are a shining example of community in action, and we are SO glad you have decided to use your powers for good!
Thank you so much for saying that. I sometimes feel I could be doing more because I love this community so much. Thanks for being part of this lovely Blitz.
Great interview! I think I’d need coffee to make it through the zombie apocalypse too… Happy Blitz Day!
Not much of a coffee drinker, but now I’m thinking about hording it just in case. Thanks for stopping by and being part of the Blitz.
You do a great interview, Toi. Happy Blitz Day!
Thanks for saying that. I’ve changed it up a few times, but this is working for me right now. Thanks for being part of the Blitz.
Hi, Toi. Nice to meet Charity. I hope the book is doing well. Cool interview and giveaway.
I wish I could do giveaways all the time. I love the response I get from the winners. Thanks for being part of the Blitz.
Sounds like this was a great blog hop. I’ll have to check it out for next year. In the meantime, this was a very entertaining interview! Happy Blitz day!
@mirymom1 from
Balancing Act
It is a good blog hop. I look forward to it every year. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview and thanks for being part of the Blitz.
Great interview! Happy Blitz Day!
Thanks for stopping by and being part of the Blitz.
Hello Toi,
Great interview with Charity, and a very interesting discussion. You have just been Blitzed. Have a great day!
Sylvie Grayson
You have a great day as well. Thanks for the lovely Blitz.
Well done interview. Thanks for sharing with us!
Good luck on the book!
BAZINGA!
You’ve been blitzed!
Have a great day!
Heather
Bazinga and a Blitz, what more could I ask for? Thanks for stopping by.
Hi, loving the interview and the cover for Ice Burns 🙂 Happy Blitz Day!
Glad you liked the interview and thanks for being part of the Blitz.
Congrats to Charity for her newest book!
And, Happy Blitz Day! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and being part of the Blitz.
ICE BURNS sounds right up my alley. Banned magic and uncontrollable use of magic are both topics in one of my books..!! Can’t wait o to read it!
Great interview!
Happy Blitz Day
I know, it sounds like a cool story. Thanks for being part of this Blitz.
Happy Blitz Day. I love fantasy and this book sounds awesome. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and being part of the Blitz.
Best of luck to Charity!! Happy blitz day, Toi!
(PS…I am also horrible at posting reviews. I have a list of them to do. And Charity, you may need to carry a super big battery for your computer during the black out!)
Good advice. I guess magic battery should be added to the list. Thanks for being part of the Blitz.
I enjoyed reading this interview! Happy Blitz Day!
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for being part of the Blitz.
Teddy and Mark would be interesting men to talk to. All success to Charity. Happy Blitz to you, Toi! http:mpaxauthor.com
Yes, the would. Thanks for being part of the Blitz.
Great day for a blitz! Great interview for a blitz! Great to meet you and Charity today. Hope you are still basking in the glow of the blitz!
I’m so happy and blessed. This has been a great Blitz.
Hi, Toi! Happy Blitz!
Hi there. Thanks for stopping by and being part of the Blitz.
Nice to meet Toi and Charity. I’ve found Mark Twain to be interesting too.
Happy Blitz Day!
Hello Charity! Happy Blitz Day, Toi!
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Happy Blitz Day! The fun never ends!
Stephen Tremp
http://www.stephentremp.com
Happy Blitz day to you! I hope you’ve enjoyed yourself 🙂
I found you through DL Hammond’s Blitz Day and really enjoyed your interview. It is informative and funny (I love the answer to the Central Park zombie question) and brings out the person behind the book title/author persona.
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I’m glad I stopped by for both the interview and the blitz.
I am such a bad blogger! I got so behind on reading my emails that I missed the Blitz notification 🙁 oops!
So here is a very belated Happy Blog Blitz Day!!!
Hello to Charity. Best of luck on the new book.
Happy very belated blog blitz day!