Monday 30 January 2017

Soul Discovery (Soul Seer Chronicles Book One) by S.J. Cairns

S.J. Cairns is a lover of the supernatural and unknown forces and prefers the creepy side to mundane life. With a perverse sense of humour and an obsessive flare for profanity, S.J. combined her love of reading and the darker facets of her imagination to write Soul Discovery, the first installment of the Soul Seer Chronicles re-released by Captive Quill Press in October 2016.

Fascinated by human behaviour and the determined will of broken souls S.J. is a natural social media junkie who feeds off rum, the flicker of candlelight, and creative inspiration from every likely source from music to art to photography.

As a romantic at heart, S.J. shares her outlandish ideas with her sometimes patient high school sweetheart and husband of 16 years and their two perpetually snoring pugs. All of which who do their duty to inject humour and laughter when in desperate need.

On any given Monday, you can find S.J. in her Ontario, Canadian home in the finest of PJ’s sporting horrendous posture writing or editing the rest of the Soul Seer Chronicles or taping and re-taping a Youtube vlog. Visit The Fictionista’s YouTube channel, website, or Facebook Page to find S.J. and five other authors as they chair dance, interview rapscallion pets, giggle, showcase their inner geek, and cheers with bottoms way up through reading, writing, and publishing advice.

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About the Book


Witches. Magic. A terrifying glimpse into the future.


Sophie Saterlee has made it her mission to get her life together. Leaving behind an abusive relationship, she's bartending her way through a psychology degree.

When a terrifying recurring nightmare begins to poison Sophie's waking hours and threaten all her progress, once again she's close to losing everything.

An invitation to a tea leaf reading party sounds like exactly the kind of distraction Sophie needs.

But an innocent girls' night out turns into a journey through a complex and treacherous world of magic.

To survive it, Sophie must forge uncomfortable alliances with arrogant Donovan and mysterious Caine. One of them is tied to her past, and the other fills her present. Both men might hold the key to her uncertain future.

There's more going on in her little corner of the world than Sophie realizes, and the truth will change everything.

Download the urban paranormal fantasy fans are comparing to Ilona Andrews and Karen Marie Moning.


Get it on Amazon!


Keep reading for an interview with the author:


Why did you decide to be a writer?


My mother was a flash cards mom, so reading began before my memories. With her love of books, I had ample reading material to steal at a young age. Writing as a passion came much later. I dabbled with short stories over the years and began my recent series on a whim in 2009 when needing an outlet from my day job in social work. Word addict ever since.

Do you have a "day job"? If so, what do you do?


I'm a Women's Advocate at the local women's shelter running a house with 20+ women and their children who find themselves in crisis, whether this be homelessness, battling addiction, trauma survivors, abuse survivors, mental health concerns, and pretty well anything else you could think of.

Is there a genre that you've been wanting to experiment with? If so, what is it and what attracts you to it?


Thrillers or mysteries without supernatural elements since i mostly write urban paranormal fantasy. It's easy to explain away some things with magic on their side. For characters to trudge through their quest with nothing but tangible clues brings about a more difficult writing challenge I haven't delved into as of yet.

What inspires you to write?


In my day job I witness all acts of violence as well as kindness and empowerment. Human behaviour and the stories which make up our decision making drives a host of stories with endings of my choice.

What authors have most influenced you?


Anne Rice, J.R. Ward, and Kelley Armstrong are my favourite authors to read and my greatest influences to my own works. I tend to gravitate towards dark, paranormal, and urban fantasy stories with threads of romance.

What is the biggest obstacle you face as an author and what do you do to overcome it?


Doubt. Doubt I can weave a story anyone will bother to read. Doubt I can stand up to other authors in my genre with equal measure. Doubt I can motivate myself on days where I'm exhausted and short on creative drive. While doubt may be an obstacle, it's also a kick in the behind to get me moving and I do my best not to let it win.

What is the best writing advice you've ever received?


Make things action-packed without being convoluted. Sometimes the simplest way reads far more interesting if developed with skill.

What do you enjoy doing aside from writing?


Reading and snuggling with my pugs. Bosco and his son Mortimer are experts.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, and you could only have five books with you, what would they be?


My compilation book of Anne's Rice's The Vampire Chronicles, Kelley Armstrong's Bitten, J.R. Ward's Lover Awakened, Belong to Me by Shayla Black, and a journal.

How many books do you have on your "to read" list? What are some of them?


Far too many. A few on my person shelves are Betrayals by Kelley Armstrong and a barrage of classics, David Copperfield, Crime and Punishment, The Lovecraft Compendium.


What made you decide to self-publish?


I self-published after my publisher Booktrope Publishing closed up shop to keep my book on the shelves. It was a great experience and I've since signed with a small press Captive Quill.

What fears do you have about writing and being an indie author? How do you cope with your fears?


Will my works gain enough exposure? Will I be looked at as being on a lower bracket because I'm not published by one of the big publishing brands? I remind myself that a big name behind you doesn't guarantee more exposure or more dollars in my pocket, but it does (sometimes) equal less say in my works.


Are you a pantser or outliner?


Pantser! If I find that I get stuck, I stop, get out a pad of paper and pen and start asking myself questions and answer them in as many ways possible to see which direction I may want to take, and then I continue to pants it.

Do you write about real life experiences, or does everything come from your imagination?


My writing has a mix of real life in the fantasy. I may use people I know or places I've been, but they always have a spin to them.

What are you working on now?


I'm working on Soul Deception, the second in the Soul Seer Chronicles, as well as a piece for an anthology of a retelling for The Three Little Pigs story mafia style. Out of my element and completely fun to write.

Friday 27 January 2017

Spin: A Fairytale Retelling by Genevieve Raas

Genevieve Raas is an international bestselling author living in Indianapolis with her husband and rather haughty Russian Toy Terrier, Mr. Darcy. When she isn’t writing dark fairytales or fantasy, you can find her plotting out her next travel destination.

A graduate from Indiana University, Genevieve holds a Master’s Degree in English and a Master’s Certificate in Professional Editing. She has worked as Lead Transcriber on several published anthologies, including: The Collected Stories of Ray Bradbury, Volume 2 and the New Ray Bradbury Review.

Now, she is venturing out on her own, into the wilds of untamed lands and untold stories.

Genevieve is signed with Captive Quill Press.

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About the Book


The international bestselling book that brings a dark and steamy look at the tale of Rumpelstiltskin.


A necklace, a ring, a child…There is always a price one is willing to pay.

Laila sees her impending death in the mountains of straw waiting to be spun into gold. Faced with the impossible, she makes the impossible decision to survive, no matter what the cost.

A shadowy stranger sees an opportunity for vengeance.
Born to a nightmarish destiny that crushed and embittered his faith in humanity, he devotes himself to dealing in dark desires and desperate souls, and Laila’s is ripe for the trade.

When the stranger asks his price, Laila is bound by blood and magic to pay.
His own heart was never supposed to be part of the deal, but when honor drives Laila to break their bargain, he ends up tangled in his own web of deceit and destruction in a desperate attempt to save her life. In the black of night, there are no fairytales, only choices.

One choice makes a queen. One choice consumes a soul. It’s a roll of the dice in a game where love is everyone’s undoing.

Spin, Genevieve Raas’ debut fantasy novel, is a twisted, sexy retelling of one of Grimm’s classic tales and the first book in the Spindlewind series.


Get it today on Amazon and Captive Quill Press!


Keep reading for an interview with the author:


What genres do you write?


Gothic romance, fairy tale retellings, fantasy, and paranormal romance…for now.

What inspires you to write?


I’ve always had a soft spot for villains and anti-heroes. Their soul’s inherent fight between darkness and light. Their heart’s tortured by what they want verses what they know is right. Their pain.

The complexity of these characters allows us to see a different perspective. Perhaps even get a better understanding as to why these characters do what they do. What motivates them? What changes them?

These themes inspire me, and drives my every word in wanting to share their untold stories.


How often do you write?


I write every day, except I usually will take a break on weekends.

Do you have a daily word or page count goal? What it is?


When writing a first draft I make a goal of 3,500 - 5,000 words. When I edit, I switch to page count and try for 7 - 10 + a day.

How long does it take you to write a novel?


It really depends on the story. I’ve written shorter works that took me four days to three weeks, while full length novels can be anywhere from two to three months.

If you could be one of your characters for a day, who would it be and why?


Definitely Rumpelstiltskin, the main character of my Spindlewind series. He is snarky and has magic. I think that has all the makings of a pretty spectacular day.


What is the best writing advice you've ever received?


Show the story.

What is the worst writing advice you've ever received?


The worst advice for any writer are these words: “To be a writer you must…(insert ground breaking advice).” Their is no “must” to be a writer except to write. Writing is one of the most personal of creative forms, and each writer approaches the blank page differently. Don’t ever stop writing, or think you aren’t a writer, simply because you don’t fall into a “you must do X” category.

If you write, you are a writer. Simple.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, and you could only have five books with you, what would they be?


  • Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
  • Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
  • Perfume by Patrick Suskind
  • The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice
  • Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling

What book or series do you enjoy reading over and over again?


Definitely Harry Potter and Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles. I adore both these series and my copies are read to virtual pieces. As far as stand alone works, The Phantom of the Opera and Pride and Prejudice have broken spines and torn covers from my love.

What is your writing process?


I always start with drafting an outline. Sometimes my outlines are very detailed and read more like a synopsis. Other times I brainstorm a series of scenes I feel will help show character development, then I try and knit them together into something more linear.

Once my outline is in place, I write a first draft as quickly as I can. I do this for a number of reasons, but mostly because it helps me keep the energy/emotion of the story charged, and prevents me from over thinking. (I swear I am my own worst enemy!)

The first draft mostly consists of dialog and major plot points. Then, it’s on to the second draft. Here I can expand, add detail, and delve deeper into character development. This draft takes me the longest to complete. I will send this draft to beta readers. The third draft is integrating the beta reader’s comments, and some other points I myself want to change.

Do you write in first or third person and why?


The majority of what I write is in first person. I love this point of view as I feel you can be part of the action. You see what the character sees. Feel what they feel, and most importantly, know what they think. I just love the versatility, and also challenges it presents.

Are you a pantser or outliner?


Definitely an outliner. I like to know where I am headed, although I do try to allow for some spontaneity. Sometimes characters don’t want to adhere to your outline, and if you are too strict with them, you will miss an angle that might be even better than what you originally were going for.

I discovered this the hard way. Always, always listen to your characters. They sometimes know what’s better for your story than you do.

How long does it take you to write a book?


It really depends on the story. I’ve written shorter works that took me four days to three weeks, while full length novels can be anywhere from two to three months.

What are you working on now?


Too much! I’m currently working on finishing up book two of my Spindlewind series. It’s called Twist, and continues where Spin left off, and forces Rumpelstiltskin on a journey he never intended to take. I’m also plotting book three, and trying not to make Rumpelstiltskin too upset with me for what I’ve got planned.

Besides this series, I’m working on a novella, The Crown, which is a darker retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses. This will be published in an anthology with some other amazing authors this spring.

Do you have any advice for other authors?


Don’t let fear and self doubt stop you. Acknowledge it’s existence and then acknowledge its ridiculousness. Fear of failure causes you to fail if you listen and stop writing and stop trying. You must fight and write no matter what.

Tuesday 24 January 2017

Midnight Secretary by Erin Bedford

Erin Bedford is a fantasy & paranormal romance author, a computer programmer by day, and a hobby hoarder. She enjoys playing RPG games alongside her husband as well as inventing nonsensical games for her daughter's amusement. Erin lives in the Omaha Nebraska Region and dreams of one day moving where the word snow is nonexistent.

Creating fantastical worlds have always been a secret passion of hers and she couldn't imagine writing any story without some kind of lovey-dovey or smexy goodness in it.




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About the Book


Wait until he gets a taste of her.


Tossed out by her coven, Abigail has to brave the human world and get a real job. With no skills outside of potions and spells, she magics her way out of unemployment and into the executive suite of Midnight Pharmaceutical.

But something strange is going on at Midnight. While her boss is the very definition of dark and mysterious, he makes her witchy sense tingle with his odd hours and the string of women leaving his office every day...

She'll find out what's happening at Midnight; if her boss doesn't take a bite out of her first.

Get it today on Amazon!


Keep reading for an interview with the author:


Why did you decide to be a writer?


I have always loved making up stories in my mind, so one day I decided to start writing them down. I never expected so many people to actually like them!


Do you have a "day job"? If so, what do you do?


Yes, I work as a computer programmer by day.

What genres do you write?


Fantasy and Paranormal Romance

What inspires you to write?


Anything really. A movie, a book, sometimes even just a song makes a story to mind.

What authors have most influenced you?


May Sage, Laurell K. Hamilton, Darynda Jones

If you could choose an author to be your mentor, who would it be?


Darynda Jones

When did you first consider yourself an author?


Just recently when my series Chasing Rabbits took off. I already had one book out before that but I didn't really feel like one until later.


What are your goals as an author? Where do you see yourself in five years?


My main goal as a writer is to be writing full time. In five years, I hope to have at least twenty novels out.


What is the biggest obstacle you face as an author and what do you do to overcome it?


Finding the motivation to write. Some days it feels like pulling teeth other days it comes easily. The only way you overcome it is to do it.

What do you enjoy doing aside from writing?


I enjoy reading, playing video games, binge watching Netflix, and playing with my daughter.

Saturday 21 January 2017

Air: The Elementals Book Two by LB Gilbert



USA Today bestselling author L.B. Gilbert spent years getting degrees from the most prestigious universities in America, including a PhD that she is not using at all. She moved to France for work and found love. She's married now and living in Toulouse with one adorable half-french baby.

She has always enjoyed reading books as far from her reality as possible but eventually the voices in her head told her to write her own. And so far the voices are enjoying them. You can check out the geeky things she likes on twitter @elementalauthor, Facebook, or www.elementalauthor.com

*If you like a little more steam with your Fire, check out the author's Lucy Leroux titles*

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About the Book


From USA TODAY Bestselling Author L.B. Gilbert!


Despite being the junior Elemental, Logan’s never had to worry about failing a mission before. Not until an overgrown and annoyingly attractive shifter comes along.

Being an Elemental is in Logan’s blood. Hers is the gift of Air, a vast power she’s still struggling to control. Then a Were named Connell hunts her down. His wolf is missing, and he blames her.

A den of werewolves is the last place Logan wants to be. The testosterone alone is enough to make her choke. But she has a mystery to solve. She will find out who is stealing wolves even if kills her.

Unfortunately, that’s exactly what the enemy has planned…

Get it today on Amazon!


Keep reading for an excerpt (this excerpt was modified to preserve a PG rating):


Connell tried to drag the Elemental toward him, but she didn’t budge. Instead, she glanced at his hands. For a second, he could have sworn amusement flashed across her face. Then she was gone—wind whipping him in the face so hard it stung.

#@!%!

He turned around in a circle, scanning the air and the land around him. God, he couldn’t lose her now. He needed to get his wolf back. Not having the extra other in his head was tearing him apart. The empty space inside him was like a crawling emptiness. Sometimes, it was in his head. Other times, it was in his heart.

I can’t believe I lost her. He’d had her in his hands, and then poof. At this point, she could be anywhere. A strangled sigh escaped from deep in his chest. It sounded pathetic and broken, even to him. He checked the house to make sure she wasn’t there, and then he walked back out to his rented jeep. Damn it, he was going to have to start tracking her all over again.

“Hey, what’s your name?”

Stunned, Connell tripped. Pivoting on his heel, he turned to see the sprite standing on a huge boulder in the distance. He was so damn surprised to see her that he lost his tongue. He just stared at her like an idiot.

Apparently, she agreed. “I can’t keep calling you tall, dark, and stupid, now can I? What...is...your...name?” she repeated, over- enunciating each word.

He was too relieved to get upset over the fact she was talking to him as if he were slow. “Connell Maitland.”

The imp turned away and started addressing the air around her, “He says he’s one of the Maitlands. American accent, so one of the Colorado ones. Yeah. It’s severe. I haven’t seen anything like it. It’s like his wolf was torn out of him somehow. He thinks we did it. Hold on a sec—” Her words broke off as Connell started to run toward her.

A gust of strong air slammed him down to the ground before he cleared the rise.

“Stay there,” the sprite ordered in a glacial tone.

Frigid as the wind, he thought as he regained his footing. Hell, everything about her should be ice-cold. Instead, he felt like he was burning up around her. It was disconcerting. So was the hard edge in her voice. That kind of steel shouldn’t be coming out of such a tiny, doll-like girl.

“Yeah, yeah. It’s fine. He’s on a leash,” the imp said a touch smugly.

Connell growled low in his throat. At least that hadn’t changed. Prey the world over would still react instinctively in fear at that sound.

But the imp didn’t even blink. And she had heard him. She just hadn’t cared. She kept on talking like some gossipy housewife on the phone. Except she was addressing no one.

“Who the bloody hell are you talking to? Invisible fairies? Can anyone even hear you?” he asked incredulously.

Friday 13 January 2017

Firefly Kayla's Gift by RM James

About me, well I live in a small rural town in Georgia just five minutes from the border of South Carolina (not South of the Border—that's too far). I'm originally from Queens, New York.

I have a furry companion name Bailey she is my best friend as well as my therapy cat. I love her to pieces! She knows exactly when I don't feel well and jumps on my lap. She is a diluted torti-shell with attitude galore!

My career in writing started in 2012 when I stopped working due to some ailments I've been battling and because didn't want my college education going to waste, I thought of contemporary romance. Honestly, writing wasn't my first career choice being a doctor was (now don't laugh). I wanted to help people.

I love to quilt, paint-by- numbers, practice yoga, meditate, drink lots of coffee. And oh, got to love that fried chicken and fries!



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About the Book


"I did not realize her physical wounds needed healing but her mental ones too."


Distraught, and hurt, Kayla Grayson drove at an excessive speed after an intense argument with her husband miscalculating a sharp curve and landed in the median pinned under her car. Close to death, she received help from an unlikely stranger, unknowing her life would change--forever.

Cain Westbrook, wealthy, hotel entrepreneur, cotton grower and single, made it a habit of protecting his existence by avoiding or perpetrating any serious mistakes that could start a witch-hunt for his kind. Six centuries alone, he did not expect to find his true mate dying on the side of the road on the interstate. He berates his actions for leaving his newfound mate and the possibility of her wreaking havoc from her thirst; he recruits his two best friends to exhume her body after her funeral where the extraction did not go as planned.

After awakening in strange surroundings, she struggles to adapt to her new life after making her abusive spouse, her first kill, blinding her of Cain's love, her powerful gifts, and dangers of dark forces after her blood. In spite of this, over time, she came to know Cain and understood his reason for changing her and feelings for him bloomed. Yet, her insecurities kept her from progressing until his evil brother kidnaps her. The injuries she suffered were fatal; the damage to her psyche was too great giving up the will to live.

Cain never realized not only her physical wounds needed healing, but her emotional ones did as well and did what he thought would bring her back by declaring his love.

Follow Kayla's progression as a new vampire in Firefly: Kayla's Gift.

Get it today on Amazon!



Tuesday 10 January 2017

Ernie and the Evils of Insurance by Brent Ayscough

Brent Ayscough or Ace, as he is known to friends, retired from the practice of law and lives in a house overlooking the sea in Southern California. He has always loved machines, from airplanes to motorcycles, structural design, and other interests. He has enjoyed the acquaintance of diverse and interesting people, and is widely traveled. Bits and pieces of characters he has known, places he has been, seasoned with the spice of his imagination, help him create unusual stories and characters. Extensive collaboration with experts and sources, hopefully, make his stories credible and interesting.

About the Book


Ernie, an experienced logger from rural Washington State, loses his job when the logging operation he works for is shut down due to the spotted owl. When he goes in to apply for unemployment, Ernie is persuaded to take a job out of state as a temporary insurance adjuster in Los Angeles. While he knows that Los Angeles will be a lot different than Sedro Woolley, Washington, and insurance adjusting a lot different than logging, really, how hard can it be? There are lots of downed trees in Southern California after the recent earthquake and storms they had there.

So packing up his trusty chainsaw in his saddlebags, Ernie hops on his motorcycle and heads south. But to his dismay, Ernie discovers that LA is a lot farther from Washington in more than just miles. Unprepared for the corruption and callousness rampant in the insurance industry, Ernie soon finds himself not only in trouble with his job, but on the top of an assassin's hit list. Still, although Ernie might be a hick from the sticks, he's far from stupid. Blessed with an innate intelligence, an abundance of common sense, and a redneck sense of humor, Ernie will give his enemies a hilarious run for their money...if he can just survive long enough.

Get it today on Amazon!

Saturday 7 January 2017

The Time Shifters Chronicles Episodes 1-5 by Shanna Lauffey

Shanna Lauffey is a native Californian currently living in Europe. She spends her time between homes in Sweden, France and the UK. She writes Time Travel Science Fiction and Urban Fantasy in her spare time between attending university and travelling.






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About the Book


The Time Shifters are in danger. Someone wants what they have and they're willing to kill if necessary to get it.

A time travel Mystery... and a time travel love story replete with time travel Physics. The Time Shifters Chronicles will take the reader through an exciting journey through time and space with Akalya, a nomadic spirit who only wants to live invisibly among the ordinary people of Los Angeles. Through an apparent accident of fate, she becomes the only one of her people who can save them from the enemy who hunts them and she must risk everything, even her life, as a sacrifice for the greater good.

The physical blends with the metaphysical in this saga where a time traveler can revel in the comfort of a simpler era, the excitement of the golden age of rock and roll or an unknown future with hidden dangers. All of this and more awaits Akalya in The Time Shifters Chronicles!

Get it today on Amazon!


Keep reading for an excerpt:


"I'm still a day and a half out of sync with my natural time," she added quickly. "I need to return to it as soon as possible and stay grounded for a while. Have there been any... developments yet?"

Marcus nodded and continued the conversation as he walked towards the kitchen.

"I've had an answer machine message from Julia, but I haven't responded to it yet. Coffee?"

"Yes, please. One sugar and milk, or honey if you have it."

Marcus looked around the wall at her quizzically.
"Honey? In coffee?"

Akalya shrugged.
"A habit I picked up from some second generation hippy friends in the nineties," she explained briefly.

Marcus disappeared into the kitchen again, but soon returned with the steaming drink. The fragrance told Akalya that it had come from a freshly brewed carafe rather than from a jar. It had a rich aroma, like a good quality Columbian blend.

As Marcus stood close to Akalya to pass the steaming cup to her cautious fingers, she looked up into his soft brown eyes and the image of him lying next to her in his bed his bare chest showing the naturally lean muscles of a man who kept in shape flitted across her memory. She blinked and took the cup, carefully avoiding the touch of his fingers and hoping that he wouldn't notice the slight tremble in her hands.

"There's something I need to ask you," Akalya began carefully as she turned away to tentatively sip at the hot liquid. "Can shifts be tracked?"

"Not time shifts," Marcus answered quickly. "But there is some research in progress now about infra-red ghosts where distance shifts have occurred within a short time. Luckily the people doing the research don't have access to government satellite imagery, or they would already know you were here."

As if on cue, the sound of a van quickly pulling up outside broke the pause before Akalya's next question. As if they were of a single mind, Marcus and Akalya moved to either side of the window facing the street and peeked through narrow slits as they moved the curtain.

"Go, now!" Marcus ordered urgently.

Monday 2 January 2017

Poet of the Wrong Generation by Lonnie Ostrow

My name is Lonnie Ostrow. I have been an innovator, storyteller, promoter and celebrity-insider for more than two decades. Since 2001, I have been the publicity/marketing director & researcher for the iconic best-selling novelist Barbara T. Bradford. I also serve as an editorial and marketing consultant for a collection of first-time authors through The Editorial Department. Previously I worked as a PR executive, promoting an assortment of first-time celebrity authors including Ray Manzarek of The Doors. From 1995 - 2001, I was widely credited with inventing the "living celebrity postal phenomenon." In all, I have worked with more than 40 legendary personalities from Bob Dylan to the Bee Gees, Sylvester Stallone to Jackie Chan, creating high-profile media events to celebrate their postal recognition by an assortment of foreign nations.

I am excited to share that I have my first book coming out on November 10 2016 called Poet Of The Wrong Generation. With Poet of the Wrong Generation I am hoping to have combined all my unique experiences to bring you a novel of love & betrayal, music & fanfare, downfall & redemption -- a fable of stardom's rewards, set in New York City during the 1990s.

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Check out Lonnie's latest contests and events!



About the Book


“It’s not that I don’t love you, and my tears are yet to dry.
But you can’t go back and forth forever and we’ve already said goodbye.”


Through these words, a young poet unearths his musical soul while severing ties with the woman he loves after her stunning betrayal. Unknowingly, in writing this ballad of liberation, he will soon evolve as one of the fastest rising stars on the pop music landscape.

The year is 1991; the place, New York City. Here we meet Johnny Elias, a college student from Brooklyn with boundless adoration for two things in life: timeless popular music, and the heart of a sweet, complicated young woman who is clearly out of his league.

Megan Price not only is the object of Johnny’s affection, but also the only daughter of New York’s most powerful PR woman: the indomitable Katherine Price.

Projecting that her daughter’s boyfriend will never live up to the family standard, Katherine cleverly perpetrates a series of duplicitous schemes to rid Johnny from her high-class world. But in her callous disregard, she inadvertently sets him on a determined course to his improbable musical destiny - while sending her own daughter spiraling down a path of despair.

Poet of the Wrong Generation tells the symmetrical story of a lovable underdog and his meteoric rise to stardom, his humiliating downfall and his unprecedented attempt to reclaim his place as the unlikely musical spokesman for his generation. At the heart of Poet is a tale of star-crossed lovers and their struggle with unforeseen success and disillusionment, in an attempt to rediscover lasting harmony.

Uniquely integrating a variety of original song compositions, Poet projects the epic clash between true contentment and the fable of stardom’s rewards; a nostalgic journey through the major events of the 1990s, with a cherished cast of characters and a stunningly unpredictable conclusion.

Audio soundtrack of the original music from Poet Of The Wrong Generation can be heard on the author website, LonnieOstrow.com.


Get it today on Amazon!



Keep reading for an interview with the author:


Why did you decide to be a writer?


As a kid in grade school, I often struggled with math and science. But when it came to writing, I always excelled. I loved the art of storytelling and found a way to write a series of short stories for my 4th grade English teacher, which earned me some extra credit in her class. In college, I wrote articles for the student newspaper. Seeing my byline next to my articles got me addicted to the idea of generating further written exposure. In the years that followed, I wrote articles of local newspapers, magazines and later for websites. The enjoyment I get from the feedback motivated me to take it to the next level and complete my first novel.

Do you have a "day job"? If so, what do you do?


Presently, and for the past 14 years, I've worked as the in-house marketing director for the iconic bestselling novelist, Barbara T. Bradford. I do everything from research for her novels to managing her office and her vast fan-base via her websites and social media platforms. I also have a freelance job as a marketing/editing consultant for a wide array of first time authors through an agency called The Editorial Department based in Tuscon, AZ.


What genres do you write?


Technically speaking, my debut novel should be classified as "musical fiction." It has been hailed as "the ultimate rock and roll love story." However, because it is a contemporary love story (set in the 1990s), it can be listed under "contemporary romance," or simply as "mainstream fiction."


Is there a genre that you've been wanting to experiment with? If so, what is it and what attracts you to it?


I've always loved novels that incorporate elements of history and popular culture. Although I wouldn't classify my debut novel as an experiment, I do think of it as a genre that has been infrequently visited in fiction. You can count on one hand the number of popular novels that feature a pop star, songwriter as a protagonist.

What inspires you to write?


My younger daughter, Casey, has been encouraging me since she was a small child to create a book with my name on the front cover. That alone is some serious inspiration. I'm inspired by a desire to tell stories from my imagination that move people and elicit a wide array of emotions. I'm inspired by music from my youth that I look to keep relevant in fiction. I'm inspired by news and events from today, as well as those from the past that have now become my nostalgia. Most of all, I'm inspired by family and friends who are endlessly on my case to use my writing talents for something exceptional.


What authors/books have most influenced you?


Nick Hornby and Carl Hiaasen are my two favorite contemporary authors. I love how these master storytellers blend elements of pop culture into their fiction. Mr. Hiaasen even wrote a novel called, Basket Case, about a fictional pop song that factors into the overall mystery. Of classic literature, I've always been partial to The Picture Of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde. I just love Mr. Wilde's play on words in his dialog, along with his injection of sarcasm and humor.

If you could choose an author to be your mentor, who would it be?


Nicholas Sparks would be a good choice. As a male author writing fiction that primarily appeals to women, I suspect that there is a lot I could learn from him and his formula of success.

When did you first consider yourself an author?


I finished writing Poet Of The Wrong Generation in November of 2002. Having a completed first-draft manuscript convinced me that I could perhaps become an author. However, it wasn't until I received the advance reading copies back in August of this year with my name on the front that I considered myself a full-fledged author.


Does your family support you in your writing, or are you on your own?


My family has been remarkably patient and supportive during my 14 year journey from the writing of my novel to publication. They all knew that I had a great story to tell. My wife and our two daughters have often reminded me not to lose sight of the ultimate goal of seeing my work in print.

Have you ever had a particularly harsh critique? How did you handle it?


A literary agent who I pitched for representation back in 2006 told me that he loved my book, but hated the ending. He stated that he would only represent me if I changed the conclusion to something that resembled happily ever after. I was determined to leave the ending exactly as I'd written it, even if it angered my readers. So I stuck with my original ending and lost out on that particular agent. Over the years, dozens of readers of my manuscript offered similar feedback about the abrupt nature of the final scene. It took a dozen years (and a lot of soul-searching), but I finally re-wrote the ending to something that could be perceived as potentially more optimistic. It seems to go over exceptionally well with my early readers, while not undermining what I had in mind for the original ending.


What is the best writing advice you've ever received?


My editor, Jeannette de Beauvior, is herself a successful novelist. She encouraged me to lose my hesitation to cut paragraphs from the story that were beautifully written, but not necessary in the overall story arch. The process of cutting some of these paragraphs, and even a few scenes felt painful while I performed this task. In the end, however, I have a much tighter book to show for it.

What do you enjoy doing aside from writing?


I love mentoring other writers. I've been doing this for the past dozen years. Because of my position with such a renowned author, I've regularly been approached by first-timers seeking my advice, opinions and editorial/marketing know-how. It is an incredible joy to see inexperienced writers whip their early manuscript drafts into polished books. And even better is to help these writers to build a fan base for themselves through marketing fundamentals.

What is your writing process?


When I wrote my novel, I did most of the work late at night and on the weekends. My day-job can be demanding, which prevents me from working on my own fiction during business hours. But I do use my train commute to edit my work. My goal for each writing session was to complete at least ten pages. Because I knew the story so well ahead of writing it, I had no trouble pouring out the story. And by writing late at night, my distractions were minimized.

Do you write about real life experiences, or does everything come from your imagination?


My novel is purely fictional. But I loosely based my protagonist on someone who I used to be back in my college days. I was a novice songwriter in the late 80s and early 90s. I was prolific at composing lyrics and melodies, but never did anything with them. A decade later, I dusted off a few of my song notebooks during a move and wondered for a moment what life might have been like if I had pursued a career in music. This was a significant part of the inspiration behind the story.

Do you ever base your characters on people you know?


A few of my characters are composites of friends and former acquaintances. The Larry Jacobs character is loosely based on the legendary NY radio host, Cousin Brucie. Howard Greffen, the musical mentor to my protagonist is inspired by three different people who I've crossed paths with over the years.

How do you market/promote your work? Have you found something that works really well for you?


Social media and blogging are a huge part of my marketing strategy. I've written a series of blog articles that loosely tie into my book, while also giving it a gentle plug at the end. I'm also a big believer in targeted Facebook advertising.

Do you have any advice for other authors?


Dream big, but think level-headed. Everyone who gets a great story idea suddenly has visions of bestseller lists and grandeur. The reality is that getting there requires immense determination and a bit of good fortune along the way. Only those driven to overcome the many setbacks along the way are going to come close to succeeding in their goals.