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Fiction Author

Juliann Troi Interview – Fiction Author

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, Juliann Troi. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down.

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Toi Thomas: Hi there Juliann! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ToiBox Blog. I’m excited to learn more about you and your work.

Juliann Troi: Hi Toi, I’m thrilled to be in the ToiBox!

Toi Thomas: So tell me, who is Juliann Troi?

Juliann Troi: Born and raised in Oklahoma, I’m a former teacher with a passion for learning and history.  In the seventeen years I’ve been writing, I’ve penned everything from prayer guides and blog posts to newsletters, Bible studies and several internationally published novels.

While the crafting business I started in 2005 allows me to express creativity in a variety of mediums, it is writing that truly gives wings to my dreams.  My favorite thing in the whole world is taking a pile of beads, paper, yarn or even words and turning it into something beautiful.

Toi Thomas: I loved that last statement. I like people who overflow with creativity. I can tell this is going to be a great interview.

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?

Wikipedia

Juliann Troi: I’ve actually been compared to James Mitchner as a writer but since it was in relation to the length of one of my early books (having 726 pages), I’m not sure it was a compliment. In truth, my role model is Jane Austen.  I love that she was told by the society of her day that she couldn’t be what she dreamed of being, but she did it anyway and did it well. She was a mold breaker and in the process changed her world.  That’s what I want to be and do as well.

Toi Thomas: Ya know, I do get an Austen-esque feeling about you, but I have a feeling this is only the beginning of a something much stronger like: artistry, grace, and mastery.

Toi Thomas: So, what makes you geek out?

Juliann Troi: I’m a fanatic crafter.  I LOVE making stuff.  Unfortunately, I’m A.D.D. as well so I usually have at least a dozen projects going at once.  Right now, I’m working on three books, four dolls, Christmas cards, jewelry, a quilt, a couple of afghans, and three cross stitch projects.

Toi Thomas: I thought I took on a lot, but you are something else…I mean that in the best possible way. I’m truly impressed. Writing, blogging, and creating video content seems minor in comparison to what you’re doing, but I do what works for me and you do what works for you.

Toi Thomas: Well now, what was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?

Goodreads

Juliann Troi: My favorite books were Ann McCaffrey’s The Dragonriders of Pern series.  Today, as a professional author, I greatly admire McCaffrey’s talent for crafting a realistic setting and relatable characters, but as a kid I only knew she made Pern feel real and believable and set my imagination on fire.

Toi Thomas: You have a way with words, but as a writer, how could I expect less. You are so right about authors creating realistic worlds and people. I think that’s why I love fiction so much. I like the idea that something that’s not real can feel just the opposite. It can feel natural, real, and tangible.

Toi Thomas: In terms of interviews, whose brain are you just itching to scratch?

Wikepedia

Juliann Troi: I would like to interview Mark Twain.  Having been born little more than a generation after the Revolutionary War and growing up in the South, Twain experienced the best and worst of young America. He saw her grow and fulfill some of her vast potential, then saw her mauled and broken by Civil War and, eventually, saw the tattered remains mended and stitched into a new, stronger nation that surged ahead during the Industrial Revolution. I would love to hear his thoughts and insights on all that he witnessed over the course of his life.

Toi Thomas: I must admit I have a love-hate relationship with Twain’s work. I think if I hadn’t been forced to read his work in high school I would have a greater appreciation for him, but in spite of that, it’s clear that he possessed a great talent and powerful insight into his times. I do actually quite enjoy the story of Huckleberry Fin now, but it has had to grow on me.

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.

Juliann Troi: Okie doke.

Toi Thomas: So whacha got for me today?

Juliann Troi: I’ve got my latest release: Green Pearl, book 2 of The Dragonfly Saga.

Unaware that they’ve been betrayed, Ty and Kathryn enjoy a blissful honeymoon in Shaoguan. All at once, their peace is shattered by bitter jealousy and attempts on Kathryn’s life. The couple is forced to flee in a desperate attempt to stay a step ahead of General Cheng and the would-be assassins. After being discovered and fearing that Ty has been captured, or worse, Kathryn goes on without him. Alone and hunted, she must somehow find a way to get off the mainland alive and in time to stop her father from starting a war.

Toi Thomas: Wow, this synopsis screams drama and suspense and I like it.

Toi Thomas: So who’s starring is this 2 dimensional script read of The Dragonfly Saga?

image provided by author

Juliann Troi: Kathryn Hopewell is the pampered, Harvard educated daughter of a powerful American trade lord raised in China.  She is strong and smart but hindered by a society that forbids her to inherit her family’s trading company.  After being taken prisoner by the ruthless warlord, Cheng Jiong, Kathryn is broken and transformed as she faces and overcomes adversity.

Ty Wang, who saves Kathryn from Cheng Jiong at great cost, was being groomed to rule China when revolution toppled the empire. An American educated doctor, he risks everything to prevent his beloved homeland from being destroyed by warlords and foreign invaders.

Toi Thomas: I get the sense that this is a love story surrounded by a much bigger message; perhaps there are lessons to be learned concerning international trade and the makings of wars.

Toi Thomas: Tell me, what’s so special about this story that’s going to reel in the readers?

Juliann Troi: Attracted to the exotic mystery of Imperial China?  Relish forbidden love in the midst of revolution? Adore political intrigue and heroes/heroines overcoming impossible odds to survive only to be betrayed by someone close and trusted? Then you’ll love The Dragonfly Saga!

Toi Thomas: What a plug! If someone can answer yes to any, let alone, all of these questions, I do believe they are in for a treat.

Toi Thomas: Now back to you; past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?

Juliann Troi: I always have stories in progress, usually working on several at once. When one story isn’t flowing, I move on to another that is.  I guess I have a very fertile imagination because I don’t have to try very hard to generate a storyline and rarely suffer from writer’s block. Stories play like movies in my head and plot threads just seem to grow and develop as I research and work them.  If I need to capture mood or need an emotional nudge I’ll turn on a certain period/topic-related movie or listen to the soundtrack.

Toi Thomas: OH MY GOSH!…Are you inside my head? I’m seriously not playing around when I say this is exactly how my writing process works. I don’t even want to ask about outing and character development. I’ll save that conversation for another day.

Toi Thomas: Now I’m intrigued; what author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?

Juliann Troi: I can’t say that any one author has influenced me more than another.  I feel like I get something from every book I read, whether it be something I would like to emulate or something I wish to avoid. I’m always growing and changing as an author, always evolving.

Toi Thomas: I like this answer and also share this sentiment. I can name specific ways I’ve been influenced by others in my writing, but I don’t know that just one writer has left an impression on me other that the one who got be interested in writing, but that is something for another day  as well.

Toi Thomas: Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?

Juliann Troi: Yep.

Toi Thomas: If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Wikipedia

Juliann Troi: That’s a hard one.  I love movies and to watch only one from now on would be like having only one window in the room and seeing the same view day after day.  If I could only choose one, I think I would choose Galaxy Quest to keep me smiling.

Toi Thomas: Nice! That’s definitely a good choice to keep the laughs coming.

Toi Thomas: When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?

Wikipedia

Juliann Troi: I enjoy many different kinds of music from swing, to rock, to pop, to movie/game soundtracks.  Just about anything by Earth, Wind & Fire, Elton John or Hans Zimmer works. I’m NOT a fan of Elvis Presley’s ‘Blue Christmas’.  Like fingernails on a chalkboard, it makes me cringe.

Toi Thomas: I must say that I’m partial to Brenda Lee’s ‘Blue Christmas’ myself. I like that your musical interests are so varied. I like meeting music fans, whatever their preferred musical genre(s) may be.

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?

Juliann Troi: At the top of my ‘Zombie Apocalypse’ wish list would be a flashlight, plenty of fresh water and someone who knows how to kill zombies.

Toi Thomas: I hear that. I think I could do pretty well with survival skills, but killing Zombies may require a learning curve I might not be able to reach depending on whether they are the slow moving brain eater type or the super-fast eat any flesh that gets in their way type. 

Toi Thomas: Now, can you think; what’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had, to date?

Juliann Troi: Just about any time I get to spend with my young adult children is a fun experience for me.  They always make me laugh.

Toi Thomas: Classic answer. I don’t think enough people truly value the precious times they are able to spend with loved ones.

Toi Thomas: Now this is where the questions get a little philosophical and start to wind down. You ready?

Juliann Troi: Okie doke.

Toi Thomas: Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?

Juliann Troi: Frankly, I have no idea what the future holds.  Today has more than enough to keep me busy and if I look too far ahead I start fretting and worrying, which is a waste of what could be productive time and is detrimental to my health. My plan is to continue writing books and enjoying success as an author. Maybe in five years I’ll have “internationally acclaimed, best-selling author” as part of my moniker.  Go big or go home, right?

Toi Thomas: You said it. I like your thinking. Keep it moving or get out of the way. 🙂

Toi Thomas: Before I conclude, is there a question you would like to ask me?

Juliann Troi: Q: What is your favorite part about being an author?  Your least favorite part?

Toi Thomas: A: I think I’m a lot like most authors when I say finishing that first draft is magically wonderful. Coming up with an idea is good, but being able to complete that and develop it into a story is great. It’s no secret, at least is shouldn’t be, but I do not like editing. It’s so hard to go back over my work force myself to add and remove things…oh and then there’s the grammar. Not my cup of tea, but part of the process.

Toi Thomas: Thank you so much Julian for spending time with me today.

Juliann Troi: Thanks for having me.  It’s been fun!

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 fromJuliann Troi, check out these great links:

Website:Author Juliann Troi.com

GoodReads:www.goodreads.com/julianntroi

Facebook:www.facebook.com/authorjulianntroi

Twitter:@julianntroi

LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/julianntroi

Purchase links for The Dragonfly Saga: Tate Publishing

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Categories
Book-Fiction

Fleischerhaus Interview with author Melissa Bowersock

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, Melissa Bowersock, about her fiction book entitled, Fleischerhaus. Enjoy!

image provided by author

Where did the idea for Fleischerhaus come from?

Interestingly enough, I had a friend who once told me she had been touring a concentration camp in Germany and had had a vision (or whatever you want to call it) of people hanging. This idea rolled around in my head for the longest time, but I would add bits and pieces to it from time to time. Finally it got to the point where it was developed enough to begin writing.

How did the title of this book come about?

Fleischerhaus is the name of the small concentration camp where the murder takes place. Fleischer in German means butcher, so basically House of the Butcher.

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

This book is hard to pigeonhole. Because the main thread of the story is the issue of reincarnation and how the lead character is affected by that, I consider it a paranormal. It’s also suspenseful and has a strong romance, so I include those in its genres, as well.

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

I find the issue of reincarnation to be infinitely interesting, and since more people in the world believe in it than don’t, I think others will, too. I’m also a hypnotherapist and I specialize in past-life regressions, so I’ve witnessed about 20 of my own past lives and have helped numerous people view their own. It’s a fascinating experience, and viewing our past lives can give us uncommon insight into the challenges and strengths we have in our current life. While this particular book doesn’t focus on the psychological aspect as much as the theme of justice, it will give readers an idea of how lives can intertwine and how actions of the past can be rectified in the present or future.

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

This book has a checkered past. I had it about half done when I came up against a brick wall. For a while I floundered, not sure where I wanted to go with it, where it needed to go. I finally surrendered to the fact that I needed to put it aside and I began working on another book I’d had an idea for. That book, Stone’s Ghost, quickly took over. I wrote that one, then immediately got an idea for another ghost story, and that book, Burning Through, poured out like a river. After that one was done, then I returned to Fleischerhaus and found that I suddenly knew what direction I needed to go with it, and the rest of it just followed. All of the action takes place in Germany (where I’ve never been), so I did a lot of online research of Bavaria, the towns and countryside, the folk festivals, all of which I intertwine throughout the story.

Tell me about the main storyline within this book.

The book is about a young woman vacationing in Germany following her divorce. Because she had been blindsided by her husband’s infidelity, she is already questioning her own grasp on reality when she tours a small concentration camp and experiences a past-life memory of being murdered in that very camp during the Holocaust.

Who is the protagonist of this story?

The main character is Julia Martin, a 30-year-old elementary school teacher from Southern California. She’s smart, pretty and very capable. When this horrific memory crops up, she is determined to investigate it, even though her friends encourage her to forget it.

Who is the antagonist of this story?

The antagonist is the murderer. While the murder took place in the past life, there’s still a sense of impending danger and a need for justice.

What is the major conflict in this story?

Although it seems crazy, Julia is convinced that her murder in the past life was/is real, and she can’t simply let it slide. She’s driven to ferret out the details of the past life, then to address the crime in a way that gives meaning to the person she used to be.

Where and when is this story taking place?

The story is contemporary, set in 2003, in Bavarian Germany. The area is mostly rural with only small towns, and is a pastoral contrast to the gritty, desolate world of the concentration camp seen in the past life.

Who is your favorite character in this book?

Julia is my favorite, particularly because she doesn’t shy away from this memory or the concept behind it. She doesn’t consider herself particularly strong or brave, but the memory provides a flashpoint where she needs to take a stand, and she steps up to the challenge. I also like her friend, Maggie, who is very grounded and down-to-earth and has a wicked sense of humor.

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

As a hypnotherapist, I have conducted past-life regressions numerous times and my own experience goes into that aspect of the story. When Julia undergoes hypnosis to find out more about her past life, the process–although abbreviated in the book–is very real and true to life. For those who have never been hypnotized or might think past lives are a fantasy, I can assure you this is exactly how it happens in real life.

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

I’ve never experienced a spontaneous past-life memory like Julia does, and I think that would be interesting. I wouldn’t necessarily want one as dramatic as hers, but I’d like to know what it would feel like to have evidence of a past life wash over me.

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

Well, I certainly hope I never get murdered. Although I have encountered murder in one of my past lives, it was by poisoning and was not as dramatic or traumatic as the one in my book. That’s one area I don’t really want to do any true-life research for!

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

I’ve got a couple of events coming up where I’ll be featuring the book. In August (after this post is published), I’ll be at an author’s forum in Cottonwood, AZ, and in October I’ll be at the Sedona (AZ) Book Festival. September is my birth month and I always like to give birthday gifts to my readers, so I’ll be running specials throughout the month on various books, including this one. Check out my webpage (www.newmoonrising.net) for more info.

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 Fleischerhaus, please visit the links provided.

Amazon.com | BarnesandNoble.com

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Categories
EC: Giovanni's Angel Fun Hops

Wined, Dined, and Read Blog Tour and #FreeBook Giveaway!

I was invited to this, pretty cool, blog tour by the lovely M.C.V. Egan, author of the powerful novel, The Bridge of Deaths. She knew this food themed tour would be right up my alley. I actually have an intimate relationship with food and always find ways to slip it into my stories. So, without further ado, here I go comparing my book, Eternal Curse to food…Be sure to check out the giveaway at the end.

About the book:

1) If your main character were a glass of wine, which one would they be?

I think that if Giovanni was to be compared to a glass of wine, it would have to be something rare and exotic, perhaps something made from a very small and exclusive vineyard. He’d definitely be a dry red. The wine would have undertones of currant, sage, and perhaps even Rosewood (or some other strong wood). He’d be a drink to take with caution, not something to sip daily, but something to savor in desperate moments or in celebration of great triumphs.

2) Describe your book in one meal:

This is the question I’d hope to be asked. I believe meal time is important to the human condition. The way people cook their food, prepare their plates, and then gather or commune around a table or a circle on the floor says a lot about the character of the people and the relationships they develop. In Eternal Curse, I describe a few meals that my characters partake in as they develop their “family unit”. The one that I feel embodies the overall tone and message of the story, goes like this:

Three Green Pea Soup (an original recipe written for this book), Grilled turkey and mozzarella Panini’s with sun-dried tomatoes, and a pear tart for dessert. A great deal of planning, time, and love went into this meal and it was shared by my characters at a time when their bonds were just beginning to form.

3) What candy would your book be?

I know it sounds cliché, especially if you’ve read the book, but I’d say semi-sweet dark chocolate. It’s a great representation of the light and dark elements of this story.

4) What does your book smell like?

This is another easy question to answer considering the abundance of smells that appear in my book. In the olfactory sense, I’d describe this book as: a cup of green tea-coco (a drink designed for this story) being sipped in a garden just after dawn when the morning dew is still fresh.

5) Your book’s snack would be:

I actually had to think about this one or a while. I don’t think my characters do a lot of snacking in this story and I’m not a big snacker myself, so this required some extra thought. Then I considered a very small but important part of my story’s setting and then thought of one of the few things I do actually like to snack on. In the book, Giovanni’s home, Sinclair Manor, has apple trees leading up to his house and I adore eating apples. So, there you have it. It’s a healthy snack.

About the author:

1) Describe your most memorable meal:

I could go on for days describing countless meals that have stayed with me for positive reasons, but there is one that reminds me of home and family. My mother isn’t a bad cook; she just never cooked a lot. It’s not her thing, but she did make this one thing on a regular basis during my childhood. It’s a vegetable stew infused with rice and southern cornbread. Just thinking about it, doesn’t necessarily make me hungry, but it does make me long to be with my family. I may have to call my mother when I finish writing this.

2) One food word to describe your writing style:

Filling: I pack quite a bit into a relatively small portion.

3) What will someone find you eating/drinking when you’re really into a good book?

I’m probably drinking tea unless it’s really cold outside and then I switch to coco. I don’t usually eat while reading, but when I do it’s usually some kind of fruit or toast.

4) Sweet or Salty?

Both: homemade trail mix with sesame sticks, peanuts, crasins, and banana chips

For next week, I’ve passed the baton to two wonderful authors you’ll definitely want to check out.

Be sure to see what Glynis Rankin, Bridget Straub,  and Andrew Hess will be sharing, next Friday, September 12th.

Win a Free paperback copy of Eternal Curse.

Share this post with one of the options listed below and then leave a comment letting me know how you shared. Please also, tell me why you’re interest in a copy of this book.

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