Grimoire Interview with Kish Knight

Gothic Grimoire Authors!

Fifth up on the interview podium.....(drumroll)…..is Kish Knight!

             

1) How long have you been writing?

Since childhood, making up those stories about the milk in baby bottles being changed to blood.  Yep, that was my contribution to the nighttime bedtime stories.

2) Do you remember the very first story that you wrote?  Please, please share with us!

Not story, per se, because in elementary, we had to write stories all the time, BUT my first full-length novel was written in my last year of college (called Second Chance).  It contained time travel, guardian angels, saving humans….. that sort of thing.  I’ve actually never released it, but I do borrow scenes from it for other novels.  The characters and I are friends, and I’ve haven’t built the courage to let them go into the world on their own yet…..

3) Tell us a little about your grimoire anthology submission, title, synopsis, etc.  Is it a standalone, or a part of a larger novel/ series?

Okay!  The submission that I created for the Gothic Grimoire anthology is called Born of Nether and Divine.  It is a book from my Dark-Inferno world, sort of a prequel, basically the first book that should be read to understand the background of the characters.  It follows the ‘creation’ of one of the supernatural characters, Enya Mortimchka.  She is a human that is turned into an EverWitch, a very important tool in the Angel-Demon war.

This story is set several years before Returned to Fire (the first release in the Dark-Inferno world).  Several characters are in both novels, Enya, Katse, Ava, and actually Born of Nether and Divine follows Enya’s story of how she came to be ‘the infamous Enya Mortimchka’….the very same soothsayer who warned Sionne of her impending death.

 

4) Do you see yourself as one particular character in this novel?  If so, which one?  BTW,are any of your characters based on family or friends? (….just asking….) 

Nah….that sort of thing scares me.  I wouldn’t be able to write my characters freely, if so.  No one would ever be hurt….

5) Are there any spoilers that you want to give to the readers?

YES! YES! YES!

Brielle Acosta, the main character in Born of Nether and Divine, is really Enya Mortimchka, the soothsayer from Returned to Fire.  In this story, the reader gets to see her meet Enya (an angel) and Mortimchka (a demon), and the way in which they will change her life forever.

6) Aside from this project, what book (or series) are you known for?

I am the author of the Returned novel series: Resurrection, Hellbound, and Dawning, as well as the expanded compilation Returned to Fire; the Dead-End Ave series: The Shelf and The Shelf 2; the Senior Year series: Geek - Boy Equals.... and Geek to Diva in 20 seconds; and also of the middle grade novel, Our Crew PLUS boys!.

 

7) So, tell us your fave genre all around, in writing?  What genre do you prefer to read?

 My favorite genre to read and write is paranormal romance, though I also love writing contemporary YA for fun.

8) What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview?  How would you answer that question?

Q)  Where can we see you NEXT on tour?

A)  [this year, I would finally have an answer]  See me at the Atlanta Kickback 2019 (book festival) in July!

 

9)Alrighty now, just to wrap it up, one last thing.  This is the interview trademark of my blog. What's your favorite bedtime drink? Cocoa, soda, wine?  Inquiring minds want to know, please.  (Don't worry, you can answer 'water,' if you don't want to say (lol).

ORANGE JUICE!! [ All day, every day, anytime, anyplace….]

Forward to the Grimoire Anthology!  See you soon!

Ta-Ta!

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Grimoire Interview with Dora Esquivel

Gothic Grimoire Authors!

 

Fourth up on the interview podium.....(drumroll)…..is Dora Esquivel!

 

1) How long have you been writing?

 

I've been writing since 4th grade.

 

2) Do you remember the very first story that you wrote?  Please, please share with us!

 

Yes, it was about a bunch of leaves in the fall dreading winter. The story was about two leaves left , dreading falling into the ground as winter approaches. 

Come to find out a french author wrote a song, Les Feuilles Morte about autumn leaves similar to what I wrote in 4th grade, it was written after WWII. 

3) Tell us a little about your grimoire anthology submission, title, synopsis, etc.  Is it a standalone, or a part of a larger novel/ series?

 

My story is called When the Nail Hits the Head, post apocalyptic, set after disease has changed the US. It's about these sister states competing for resources and how they try to knock each other off. It also tells the story about those who don't live in these sister states and how they try to live outside the cities. 

My character's meet in the desert, one is rescued, while the other one is heading to one of the cities. There's also a strange dog who does what ever he wants. He's an Irish Wolfhound with lots of attitude. There is some paranormal in it and I hope to write a second book to it.

4) Do you see yourself as one particular character in this novel?  If so, which one?  BTW, are any of your characters based on family or friends? (….just asking….) 

 

No not really, I write characters I would like to be, tough and brutal. 

5) Are there any spoilers that you want to give to the readers?

 

One of my character's is a powerful necromancer, he doesn't realize it. 

6) Aside from this project, what book (or series) are you known for?

 

Ancient Bond: Masters and Servants 

 

7) So, tell us your fave genre all around, in writing?  What genre do you prefer to read?

 

 My favorite genre is dark paranormal and sci-fi. 
Favorite to read dark paranormal and sci-fi.

8) What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview?  How would you answer that question? 

 

I really don't know. 

9) Alrighty now, just to wrap it up, one last thing.  This is the interview trademark of my blog. What's your favorite bedtime drink? Cocoa, soda, wine?  Inquiring minds want to know, please.  (Don't worry, you can answer 'water,' if you don't want to say (lol).

 

My favorite drink is water actually...lol

 

Forward to the Grimoire Anthology!  See you soon!

 

Ta-Ta!

Grimoire Interview with Winter Lawrence

Gothic Grimoire Authors!

Third up on the interview podium.....(drumroll)…..is
Winter Lawrence!

1) How long have you been writing?

(A) I’ve been writing my entire life, but up until recently, I only wrote in journals. What’s funny is that I’ve always been a voracious reader and I’ve always been struck by inspirational ideas for stories, but I had never actually considered writing as a career until I hit my 30s. It was when my daughter went off to school that I realized I had some free time in the day. I started off small, but when I found my writer’s groove, I fully committed myself to writing!

2) Do you remember the very first story that you wrote? Please, please share with us!

(A) I’m a science fiction fanatic, so naturally, the first story I thought up was about aliens! I love reading all genres but I’ve always had a soft spot for young adult fiction, so I knew that I wanted to write for a younger audience. The problem was that the romance I had in mind wasn’t geared toward younger teenagers, per se, so I started researching new adult fiction. It was a perfect fit for the story I had in mind, so after that, I committed myself to writing and it was smooth sailing from there!

3) Tell us a little about your grimoire anthology submission, title,

synopsis, etc. Is it a standalone, or a part of a larger novel series?

(A) When I was invited to participate in the Grimoire anthology, I immediately thought about the Salem Witch Trials. I’ve always been so moved by that part of history because, to me at least, the entire situation was so tragic. Even as a child, I remember wondering how two little girls could have been given so much creditability. Why had the adults not only believed them, but also encouraged them to act on these outrageous accusations? Now, as an adult, I’m even more astounded because I really can’t comprehend how the feverish rantings of children could have so easily persuaded an entire community into hysterics. It truly blows my mind, so I wrote “No Good Deed” with that hope that, in some small way, those unfortunate people and animals were given some type of justice.

4) Do you see yourself as one particular character in this novel? If so, which one? BTW, are any of your characters based on family or friends? (…just asking…)

That’s a great question! I think, as writers, we always put ourselves on the page! Some authors may do so intentionally, but for other writers, like me, we try to keep ourselves out of the proverbial picture. Unfortunately, that’s impossible to do because we’re the ones telling the story, from our prospective—with the glossy tint of all of our life experiences. So as much as some of us try to avoid including ourselves (and all the people we know), we’re always there, in the periphery of the story.

In “No Good Deed,” I can definitely see some of my personality traits reflected in the protagonist’s character, which I’m hoping is a good thing, but I can also understand what drives and motivates all of the other characters as well, because in real life, I’m many people—a wife, a mother, a friend, a coworker, a neighbor—so each of those perspectives, I hope, comes through in my cast of characters.

5) Are there any spoilers that you want to give to the readers?

Ah! That’s a tough question when it comes to a short story, especially one that I hope has a good twist at the end! For now, I’ll just share the short blurb, which I hope is equally intriguing: “Even the most noble of deeds cannot right the gravest of wrongs…”

6) Aside from this project, what book (or series) are you known for?

I’ve been fortunate enough to become part of the Gothic Bite family, so I’ve published “My Brother’s Keeper” in the Merry Krampus anthology and “A Girl Named Audrey” in the Downfall anthology. I also have my debut novel, “Eve 2.0: The Ultimate Gaming Experience,” due out in the summer, and book 2 of the series is due out in Spring 2020.

7) So, tell us your fave genre all around, in writing? What genre do you prefer to read?

I prefer to read and write young adult fiction. I’m such a fan of coming of age stories and I especially love when someone (or something, in most cases) is learning how to handle their life situation, especially if what’s happening to them sets them apart from the norm. I feel as though I can relate to those characters, because I had a unique upbringing and I understand those emotions.

Don’t get me wrong though, I do love my adult fiction as well. My favorites are paranormal cozy mysteries. I’m a sucker for romance. But I also love supernatural, horror, and science fiction. I especially adore flash fiction and I always try to honor the classics, like Chopin and Marquez, who are just a few of my favorite authors.

8) What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?

Oh, this is a good one! I offer an Author’s Spotlight segment in my blog, so I’m used to asking questions, not receiving them! I guess if I had to think of something off the top of my head though, I would go with, “If you could go back in time, knowing what you know now about the writing and publishing industry, would you still pursue a career as an author?”

And to that, I would reply to myself, “Yes…but I wouldn’t take it so seriously next time around.”

I know that may sound counterintuitive, but when I started writing, it was because I’ve always been blessed with a muse and I genuinely love to write, and quite frankly, I didn’t think it would be that hard of a job. I know—could a girl be anymore wrong! Writing, as I’ve discovered, is a very tough business, and I’ve learned the hard way that when you put so much pressure on yourself to become an accomplished author, it can be a very emotionally taxing process. So now I try to just write for fun—like when I’m inspired by my muses or when I want to share a story that I know is worth telling, and I just enjoy the process and the people I get to meet along the way.

9) Alrighty now, just to wrap it up, one last thing. This is the interview trademark of my blog. What's your favorite bedtime drink? Cocoa, soda, wine? Inquiring minds want to know, please. (Don't worry, you can answer 'water,' if you don't want to say (lol).

I love the idea of a trademarked blog question! It’s brilliant! Unfortunately, for me, there’s nothing remotely exciting about my bedtime routine. On some nights, I go with my Yogi tea (the tulsi spiced berry immune support one that I can’t ever seem to find anymore!), or I sip on my water. LOL, I did try to forewarn you that I’m as boring as can be!

And many thanks for having me, Kish! It was great fun and I’m glad I was given the opportunity to sit and share my thoughts with you! Until next time, be well and write on!

 

Cheers!

Winter

Forward to the Grimoire Anthology!  See you soon!

Ta-Ta!

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Grimoire Interview with A. Wayne

Gothic Grimoire Authors!

 

Second up on the interview podium.....(drumroll)…..is A. Wayne!

 

 

 

1) How long have you been writing?

I have been writing since before I knew how to write. I was raised by my grandparents and my grandpa worked at a binding/printing company that would allow him to bring home any novels and encyclopedia that had defaults in the printing. I was surrounded by books from the moment I was born.

 

2) Do you remember the very first story that you wrote?  Please, please share with us!

I wrote my very first novel when I was twelve years old inspired by the Greek Mythology and the television series Hercules – The Legendary Journey. It was meant to be a trilogy. I wrote it all by hand, it was about two hundred pages. I might still have it somewhere and was called, Blade Slayer.

 

3) Tell us a little about your grimoire anthology submission, title, synopsis, etc.  Is it a standalone, or a part of a larger novel/ series?

I’m a paranormal author with OCD, a fan of Batman comic books and maybe that is the reason why I like to think in series and so I don’t really write standalone novels. The novel I wrote for The Gothic Grimoire Anthology is the introduction to the Nightfall series inspired by Gothic Bite Magazine and is called, Château De La Dauphine Bourbon.

The Nightfall series eventually will tie with my two other paranormal series, The Impaler and one that is soon to be released.

 

 4) Do you see yourself as one particular character in this novel?  If so, which one?  BTW, are any of your characters based on family or friends? (….just asking….)

Clementine has some of my traits such as my OCD, PTSD and chronic anxiety. I thought maybe it would comfort some people to know that there are authors living with those too and so I shared those with this character.

Because the story is based on Gothic Bite Magazine and its writers, of course many characters are the inspiration of those in the series. It makes it so much easier when basing a character on people you now.

 

 

5) Are there any spoilers that you want to give to the readers?

I guess I gave it already, it’s inspired by Gothic Bite Magazine and the wonderful writers. It brings a deeper understanding of the vampire world I’m establishing with The Impaler and all paranormal novels I write have a reason to be and are all part of the same vampire universe to come.

 

6) Aside from this project, what book (or series) are you known for?

Aside from The Gothic Grimoire Anthology, I am known for Gothic Bite Magazine and The Impaler series, the first novel Mrs. Blackwood came out in June 2018 and the Winter Goat Man, part of the Merry Krampus anthology part of the same universe came out in December 2018.

 

 

 

7) So, tell us your fave genre all around, in writing?  What genre do you prefer to read?

I grew up reading Goosebumps by R.L. Stine and once I was done, along with a few novels from Fear Street by him as well, I jumped to Stephen King and fell into his world. Aside from giving me clourophobia – the fear of clown, I admired his way of writing and expressing his stories, Salem’s Lot being one of my favorite novels.

Later on, I grew to enjoy Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse and Jeaniene Frost’s The Night Prince. So, I enjoy the paranormal and horror.

That is why, I believe, I’m always digging for more stories to tell in the paranormal and vampires. It is also the reason why I created Gothic Bite Magazine. I wanted a place for those who share the same passion as me to come and feel welcome. I refuse to believe our world is this grey, creatures in the dark make it so much more vibrant in colors.

 

8) What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview?  How would you answer that question?

Something that often comes in my different writing are strong female leads with mental challenges, and there is a reason:
 

I believe that 2019 should be the end of mental illnesses taboo. It should also not be a surprise that women can take the lead. Along with my husband, I watch the WWE Monday Night RAW and Tuesday night Smackdown.

After so many years, finally, the women division is now rising to the top and show how strong they can be with amazing professional wrestlers such as Becky Lynch. They are showing the world — at least some of them, that not all women are “Barbies.”
 

I want my novels to reflect that women can be strong and leaders, just like Ripley did back then with the Alien franchise. However, I want my women lead to also be real and relatable, and for that to happen I learned from my second editor to ask myself this question, “How would I react to this?” Well, the reality is that my female characters of often represents the damaged side of me.

The first installment in The Impaler series, Come In..., is about a 21st-century woman who despite her knowledge of the paranormal, comes to the realization that not everything is what it seems and that sometimes it might be best or quite dangerous to meet your hero. When writing about her, I realized that she would be quite nervous and even suffer trauma.
 

I have PTSD, OCD, IBS, anxiety, insomnia, night terrors, cardiophobia, incarcerophobia and more. I consider myself damaged and I made Lara as such. I wanted people who like me who suffer from many panic-related problems to have someone going through the same stages. After all, Lara faces all of her fears one by one without a choice to run away resulting from the decision she took. She has to keep her word and face nightmares and terrors and must come out alive each time. That makes her as real as can be.

 

9) Alrighty now, just to wrap it up, one last thing.  This is the interview trademark of my blog. What's your favorite bedtime drink? Cocoa, soda, wine?  Inquiring minds want to know, please.  (Don't worry, you can answer 'water,' if you don't want to say (lol).

It’s actually water. Lol! I’m not kidding. I drink 3 liters of water per day, which equals to 101.5 ounces of water per day. My very last drink is a bottle of water before I go to bed. What can I say, maybe I was a mermaid in another life? Haha!

Thank you for this opportunity and this interview! I had a great time.

 

 

 

Forward to the Grimoire Anthology!  See you soon!

 

Ta-Ta!

 

 

 

Grimoire Interview with Aida Jacobs

Gothic Grimoire Authors!

 

First up on the interview podium.....(drumroll)…..is Aida Jacobs!

1) How long have you been writing?

I first began writing nineteen years ago, during my Senior year of high school. I took a creative writing class as an elective, since I didn't have a math or science class, and it sparked my love of writing. 

 

2) Do you remember the very first story that you wrote?  Please, please share with us!

Actually, this ties into the first question! The first story I wrote was Celtic Princess, which was the original draft of what was to eventually become Dragon Guardian: Fire, book 1 of my Primordyan Chronicles. This book was actually my class project for my creative writing class. You see, at the end of every week in the class, we would either have to turn in a collection of three poems, or a single short story. Short stories were really difficult for me back then, and poetry was something I reserved for when I was feeling depressed; so, I approached my teacher with my idea of writing a novel over the course of a year, and she gave me a very enthusiastic "yes" of approval. As such, the beginnings of my Primordyan Chronicles was born!

 

3) Tell us a little about your grimoire anthology submission, title, synopsis, etc.  Is it a standalone, or a part of a larger novel/ series?

 

The name of my submission is Darkest Dealings, and it is actually a prequel to my Primordyan Chronicles. It focuses entirely upon the character of Nahga, who happens to be the villain of my series. The road to victory is paved with blood, and Nahga's rise to power is certainly no exception. I thought it would be fun for readers of my series to have a peek into the dark origins of the cunning and sadistic villain they love to hate; and, I thought that the story would also serve as a good starting point for people who have yet to read my series.

 

4) Do you see yourself as one particular character in this novel?  If so, which one?  BTW, are any of your characters based on family or friends? (….just asking….)

Dear lord, I would HOPE not! Nahga is a seriously nasty customer! Being the Hufflepuff that I am, I'm honestly still amazed that I managed to create so dark and twisted a villain. 

 

5) Are there any spoilers that you want to give to the readers?

Nope! 

 

6) Aside from this project, what book (or series) are you known for?

Given my small, but dedicated readership, I would say that my being "known" would be a bit of a stretch, lol. However, those who have read my work will know me for my Primordyan Chronicles. This series has been my life's work for nineteen years. It took fourteen years of tweaks and rewrites in the wake of being rejected time and time again by publishing houses before I decided to self-publish book 1 (Dragon Guardian: Fire), and I am currently working on book 4 (Dragon Guardian: Earth). In addition to my series, I also contributed a fun story (Krampus Korps) to the Merry Krampus anthology done by Gothic Bite Magazine.
 

 

7) So, tell us your fave genre all around, in writing?  What genre do you prefer to read?

Fantasy is my preferred genre for writing. When it comes to reading, I enjoy fantasy, romance, and occasionally, sci-fi.

 

8) What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview?  How would you answer that question? 

Q. What is the secret to your chocolate-chip cookies?

A. I'll take that secret to my grave! ;) 

 

9) Alrighty now, just to wrap it up, one last thing.  This is the interview
trademark of my blog. What's your favorite bedtime drink? Cocoa, soda, wine?  Inquiring minds want to know, please.  (Don't worry, you can answer 'water,' if you don't want to say (lol).

Depends on the situation, quite honestly. If I'm on a time crunch to meet a writing deadline, then I'm all about the coffee, regardless of the time of night. If it's an average night, then my drink of choice tends to be water, or ginger-ale.

 

 

 

 

Forward to the Grimoire Anthology!  See you soon!

 

Ta-Ta!