Brain to Books Cyber Convention (FAIRGROUNDS) discussion
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Are You Afraid of the Dark? - Fantasy and Horror Author A.F. Stewart
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My Official Author Bio:
A. F. Stewart was born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada and still calls it home. She favours the dark and deadly when writing—her genres of choice being dark fantasy and horror—but she has been known to venture into the light on occasion. As an indie author she’s published several novellas and story collections, with a few side trips into poetry and non-fiction.
She is a steadfast and proud sci-fi/fantasy geek, fond of good books, action movies, sword collecting, comic books, and oil painting as a hobby. She has a great interest in history and mythology, often working those themes into her books and stories.
Some Profile Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/A.-F.-Stewart/e...
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...
And of course here on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
And you can sign up for my newsletter for slightly unreliable updates: https://www.facebook.com/afstewartaut...
Quick Q & A
1 - What story has recently inspired/moved you?
I don't know about recently, but one short story that stuck with me, and made a serious lasting impression is All Summer in a Day by Ray Bradbury. It is the perfect example of how words can have a profound emotional impact on a reader.
2 - Characters begin with their strengths and weaknesses. Many authors reflect their own strengths and weaknesses in their characters. What are some strengths and weaknesses that you relate to, and how have these traits influenced your characters?
I relate to people who stand up for themselves and are not be afraid to speak out. I think that has led me to write some rather mouthy secondary characters, and hopefully some strong willed protagonists. As for weakness, I have a few (including impatience), but in my writing I love exploring the idea of temptations.
3 - What did story mean to you as a child?
Escape, enjoyment and adventure. I was sick quite frequently as a child; books helped pass the time, and take my mind off things.
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News, updates, books links, and assorted ramblings can be found here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afstewartaut...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/scribe77
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AFStewart
Website: https://afallonblog.wordpress.com/
My book trailers can be found here:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/scribe97
Free stories and poems can be read here:
Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/AnitaSte...
Inkitt: http://www.inkitt.com/anitastewart
Kintsugi Poets Society: https://kintsugiart.wordpress.com/tag...
I also have two blogs where I post about my books, do interviews with authors, and post book spotlights. In addition, I have a weekly drabble (100 word stories) feature on my main blog.
You can also check out the series of interviews and spotlights I've been posting for my fellow authors participating in the convention.
Blogs:
Main blog - Are You Afraid of the Dark? http://afstewartblog.blogspot.ca/
Secondary blog - In The Spotlight: http://afstewartpromotion.blogspot.ca/
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~*~ ~*~ ~*~ My Books: ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Freebies:
(These free books are not available on Amazon, but you can find them on Smashwords, Kobo, iTunes, and Barnes and Noble)
Books to Buy:
Novellas and Story Collections:
Non-Fiction:
Poetry Books:
Anthologies where you can find my stories:
My books are available on Amazon, Smashwords, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo
You can find a listing of buy links on my website: https://afallonblog.wordpress.com/books/
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Balthazar (The demon bounty hunter from Killers and Demons I and II)
Why do I keep getting dragged into these things? I don't want to be here. Get away from me.
Nimue (The witch of Camelot from the short stories Legendary Debts, Grail Days, and the in-progress novel, Past Legends)
A pleasure to meet you all. I'm one of the Camelot Immortals. Yes, those characters from the legend. We're real, and still alive and kicking. That's what happens when you fool around with magic. You get to play nursemaid to a bunch a daft would-be heroes and villains. I'd much rather drink mead in my garden.
Tom Piper (Detective of the Fairyland Metro Police from Fairy Tale Fusion)
Detective Piper here. I investigate all the strange and criminal happenings in Fairyland. I usually partner with the efficient Officer Simon, and work hard to keep Fairyland a safe place.
These charming three will be around all weekend, so feel free to ask them a question.
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April is National Poetry Month, and since I'll be doing my daily poems again all month, I thought I'd add the link to the convention. You can check out all my poetry posts at my website: https://afallonblog.wordpress.com/new...
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Thanks.
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POLLS: https://www.goodreads.com/poll/list/1...
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I can't find your free books listed on your author page at Amazon. ???
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Unfortunately they're not on Amazon. They're only available through Smashwords, Kobo, iTunes, Barnes and Noble.
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So kind. Such gifts are always welcome (especially chocolate).
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Start here: http://www.angelabchrysler.com/brain-... and then wend your way through the blogs to find all the author goodies. My book Ruined City is being featured as part of the tour, so be sure to check it out.
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Here's my Story Hop tale: https://afallonblog.wordpress.com/201...
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And here's a word from the villain himself:
"Go vote for me. Or else."
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“Storm’s coming, boys. Doesn’t bode well, not with the moonrise tonight.”
“How long, Captain?” The first mate spoke up, but all ears of the deck crew listened for an answer.
“Within an hour or two, my reckoning. After nightfall by certain.”
“Are we heading back ta port, then Cap’n?” The sailor at the ship’s wheel chimed in. “Might make Abersythe if we head east.”
“We might. But we head west. We may skirt the edge of the storm, but the ship will find better shelter anchored at Crickwell lsland.”
“Aye, sir. Laying in course to Crickwell Island.” The sailor, One-Eyed Anders by name, turned the wheel and the ship’s bones groaned. Other crew adjusted the sails, and The Celestial Jewel leaned into her new bearing, headed west.
Grunts and a smidgeon of swearing accompanied the renewed activity on deck. The smell of ripe sweat mixed into the salt stained air, as the night stayed warm and the men were not ones to bathe as regularly as they should.
Footsteps sounded behind the Captain, the scuff of stiff leather boots. “Will we see the Moon Goddess tonight?” The low, deep voice of the first mate drifted past his ear, cast against the night wind.
© A. F. Stewart 2016 All Rights Reserved
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Breakdown in Communication
"The city council approved the zoning laws."
"I could care less."
I looked up from my copy of the newspaper and frowned at Zoe. "It's could not."
"What? What are you babbling about?"
"You said, 'I could care less.' The correct phrase is 'I could not care less.'"
"Simon! C'mon, do you always have to be the fucking grammar police? I swear some days I just want to smack you for being such a know-it-all ass. Why can't...?"
I stopped listening to her rant and turned back to my paper with a secret smile. I loved to wind her up; it was my only satisfaction in our sham of a marriage. My pretty wife was a mess of insecurities, and she resented the fact I was smarter and better educated.
Therefore, I corrected her sloppy vocabulary and internet-speak. She insisted it was “just the way people talked these days,” but I knew better. Language should flow, be eloquent, not this new devolution that promoted laziness and shortcuts over grace. Language should promote beauty, philosophy, inspiration and ideas, not acronyms.
Yet, she refused to listen. Her ignorance irritated me greatly.
© A. F. Stewart All Rights Reserved
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"For all you magic and fantasy lovers, my story might interest you. We're a bunch of immortal nutters from Camelot still making trouble. Here's a bit from Grail Days, and a smidgen from the WIP, Past Legends."
Grail Days
I smiled and changed the subject. “So, why are you here, Morgan? You said something about trouble?”
She nodded. “Big trouble. No easy way to say this, but it’s the Grail. The thing’s gone missing.”
I nearly choked on my mead. “Again? I thought we finally had that detestable hunk of metal contained. Damn. Magic that powerful could wreak havoc.”
I held my slightly ruffled demeanor, but internally, dread invaded my bones. The thought of the Grail up for grabs stirred an ominous panic in me. That thing possessed enough magic to level cities, countries even.
“There’s worse news. Perceval escaped the mental hospital, and Galahad vanished, too.”
“What? Tell me they didn’t steal the Grail and go off on some harebrained crusade together. I swear I’ll turn them both into toads if they did!”
The corner of Morgan’s mouth quirked. “Toads?”
“Well, killing them won’t do any good. They’d recover from that.” I drained the last of my mead. “So, did those fools pilfer it?”
She shook her head. “They didn’t steal the Grail. That cursed crock pot disappeared all on its own. But Perceval and Galahad may be off chasing it again.”
I sighed. “Didn’t those two idiots learn from the last time? Nothing good ever happens hunting that relic. Sit down and tell me the details.”
Past Legends
“Iseult.”
“I go by Izzy these days, but yes it’s me.” She shifted her gaze. “Hello, Martin.”
“You look just like your picture. Except for the hair. And the new clothes.”
She smiled, and for a moment I had absurd hope.
Maybe she stopped by to visit her grandson?
Yet, the figure lurking behind her belied that wish. Vivienne, the Lady of the Lake, stood there, her face crestfallen, dripping water on my kitchen tile.
“Hello, Viv.”
“Oh, Nimue!” She wailed with the conviction of a banshee. “It’s gone! The lake entrance to the netherworld is gone!”
I sighed. And all hope of a happy family reunion flew out the window.
© A. F. Stewart All Rights Reserved
(Pssssst.... Hi!)Came to check out those promised excerpts.
Thank you for the chance to win your giveaways
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Came to check out those promised excerpts."
Thanks. I'll be posting a bit more later from published books, and some tidbits from my WIP steampunk novels.
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You're welcome. I've got some more prizes up for grabs at Sunday's Takeover.
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A.F. wrote: "Balthazar is now quite cranky. He lost the first round of the character showdown (by one vote) and was eliminated. So don't blame me if he blows something up."Loosing by one vote is worse than if it was by 50. I am so sorry Balthazar.
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Loosing by one vote is ..."
Thanks.
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Go Vote:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1nMPz...
Hi A.F.!I am very fascinated by your horror novels. I plan on buying some of them and reviewing them on my blog! I am also an indie author and have a booth here, but I was wondering why you chose to write horror? I have always wanted to write horror, but I don't think that I'm very good at it.
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I am very fascinated by your horror novels. I plan on buying some of them and reviewing them on my blog! I am also an indie author and have a booth here, but I was wondering why you chose ..."
It wasn't really a conscious choice. I'm not a big horror fan (too squeamish), and I never intended to write in the genre. I actually started out writing straight fantasy. Trouble is everybody kept dying in my stories (often in a gruesome manner). So eventually I ran with it and went full horror. It seems I have a knack for darker fiction.
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"Since I am being forced to attend this showcase of humans, here is some of my tale. I suggest you read it. I'll know if you don't."
Isn't Balthazar sweet?
"I am not. Never call me that!"
Anyway, here's a tidbit from Runner (warning some slightly graphic violence).
"Violence is the best part."
Be quiet Balthazar.
The Runner
“Hello.”
A tall, lanky gentleman stepped out of the gloom, and a wave of searing heat washed over the thief. He collapsed, wheezing, his lungs burning from the air he breathed. His clothing smouldered and his skin blistered, flesh peeling off his body in crisp, black patches and he smelled the acrid odor of his own roasting flesh. The thief screamed before his vocal chords cooked as his body slowly sizzled.
The gentleman smiled as he watched the thief’s pain. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Balthazar, one of Hell’s demons. I believe you stole my watch.”
© A. F. Stewart All Rights Reserved
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"The story The Dollmaker is my favourite, right after my own of course, so here is a sampling of that delightfully dark and horrid tale."
The Dollmaker
Lila whimpered, dread curdling in the sour pit of her stomach. “I don’t understand. How do you know all those things?”
“I told you. I’ve been watching.” She twirled, her arms outstretched. “Watching, watching, watching.”
“This is crazy. This can’t be real. This is a dream or I’m freaking out. It has to be. Somebody put something in my coffee, right? I’ll wake up and it’ll be okay. Everything will be okay.”
The child smiled and shook her head.
Lila wheezed, panic making her hyperventilate. “Who are you? What do you want with me?”
“You’ll find out.”
"Wasn't that lovely. And it only gets worse for Lila. I could read of her fate all day. So gruesome. But I digress, and I have no wish to linger here with you humans. Here is the next morsel, from another grisly tale, The Skeleton."
The Skeleton
No one came. It was just me, standing in front of the jumbled mess of storage, peering into the dark corners. Sure enough, the whispers drifted out from the trunk. I stared, gawked, at the murky shape behind the plastic Santa and the tinsel, and shivered. Shaking in fear, in disbelief, I still stood there and listened.
Let me out, Amanda. Please let me out.
It’s so dark in here. Amanda? Are you there, Amanda?
Let me out. We can be friends, Amanda.
If you just let me out.
I can set you free, Amanda.
I know you want be free.
Just let me out and back into the world.
© A. F. Stewart All Rights Reserved
A.F. wrote: "I'll be posting a bit more later from published books, and some tidbits from my WIP steampunk novels."Looking forward to seeing the tidbits, really enjoying steampunk lately and keen to see where you'll take it :)
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Looking forward to seeing the tidbits, really enjoying steampunk lately and keen..."
I should be posting the steampunk excerpts later today. I also have two published steampunk stories. Our Man Fred in the anthology Mechanized Masterpieces, and The Professor's Christmas Ghost in Christmas Lites IV.
I've never been afraid of the dark, but why do I feel I should be now?Looks good over here. Have a great conference!
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Looks good over here. Have a great conference!"
Thanks, you too.
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Racing the Hellfire Club
The Hellfire Club rules the world from the shadows.
I wake, my eyes blinking back tears, the phantom whisper of her voice an echo in my head. I stare at the grimy ceiling, my body shaking. I had the dream again. I dreamed about the night Annabelle gave me the ring, about the night she died. At least I didn’t cry out; the last place you want to draw attention to yourself is the London City Jail.
Except, as I now realise, I’m not in a London jail cell anymore. I don’t know where I am, or how I arrived, but I’m in another cell, one worse than the city jail. There are no windows, but by the glow of a sputtering gas light in the corner, I can see four damp walls of stone surround me. There’s not even a bed; I woke on a dirt floor, with a bug crawling across my cheek. Whatever happened in the night, I doubt it’s advantageous to me.
If it even happened last night. For all I know it’s been days since my stint in the city jail.
“Get going.” Her sharp words start my feet back on the path to the ships.
As I draw closer to the one that is to be my transport, I whistle in admiration. The airship is top quality, a Mark IV Royce design. I do a quick assessment; the gondola measures at least sixteen feet high and wide, and about forty feet long, with a single mounted propeller engine and rudder at the back. With a semi-rigid balloon structure and steel rigging cables, it’s a marvel of a ship. I’ve dreamed of flying an airship like this.
“Quit gawking and climb the rope ladder.”
© A. F. Stewart 2016 All Rights Reserved
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The Duke’s Assassin
I frowned and stopped listening as faint, distant screams caught my attention, drifting in through the open window. I stood abruptly and strode to the window, barely noticing that Cunard followed. I stared in shock. Just beyond Halifax Harbour, the edge of the burnished sky burned, and flames licked at the clouds.
“Good Lord, Gideon. That airship’s on fire.”
Before I could reply, we saw the vessel explode in a ball of fire and deafening sound. With macabre fascination I watched the massive dirigible ignite the horizon in lustrous radiance as it plunged towards the ocean, raining blazing debris.
“My God!” Cunard moved away and I heard him shouting to his secretary, “Sophia, an airship exploded over the harbour. Call down to the Navy Dockyards, tell them I’m on my way and to start rescue efforts.”
I could not take my eyes from the sight of the flaming wreck, imagining the people trapped inside, burning. I shivered, hoping none of my fellow vampires met their fate in such a horrid manner.
“Gideon!” I turned at the sound of Cunard’s voice. “We have to go, come along.”
We left the Royal Engineers Yard and travelled with every haste to the naval dockyards. When we arrived the place was hectic with activity, all hands put to use in recovery efforts of the destroyed airship and an improbable rescue attempt of its ill-fated passengers.
Cunard leapt out of the mechanized carriage, and immediately commanded attention. “What’s the status! Do we know what ship went down!” I followed at a more sedate pace as the answer to his shouted question came in loud reply, “It was one of ours, sir! An outgoing, on its way to England. The Brass Hawk!”
© A. F. Stewart 2016 All Rights Reserved
A.F. wrote: "And here is an excerpt from The Duke’s Assassin (a working title), my vampire/horror/steampunk WIP. This is part of the beginning of chapter one..."Love it. I'm so glad you're writing steampunk. Now I have to queue up Rush's Clockwork Angels to listen to while I wander around the con!
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Love it. I'm so glad you're writin..."
It's more stuck in the middle of steampunk at the moment. I have a few dangling plot threads to figure out.
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Goddess of War
Hear her ravens
Scream from silence
The coming of The Morrigan
Wing of black
Cry of death
The coming of The Morrigan
Horns to war
Hands to prayer
The coming of The Morrigan
Sky of rain
Rivers of blood
The coming of The Morrigan
Drops of tears
Over battlefields
The coming of The Morrigan
Copyright Colours of Poetry © 2015 by A. F. Stewart.
Hi, A.F.! Your booth is so much fun!First, yes. Yes, I am scared of the dark!
Second, I love your cover for Fairy Tale Fusion. I believe I've voted for it a few times already in the cover wars.
Third, I was wondering where Nimue resides these days?
Ta for now, it was great seeing your booth!
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First, yes. Yes, I am scared of the dark!
Second, I love your cover for Fairy Tale Fusion. I believe I've voted for it a few times already in the cover wars.
..."
Thanks for stopping by, and thanks for voting for Fairy Tale Fusion.
Nimue has a lovely bed and breakfast inn situated in England's picturesque Lake District, with a beautiful garden. Vivienne's lake is nearby.
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Brain to Books Cyber Convention (FAIRGROUNDS)
Books mentioned in this topic
Killers and Demons II: They Return (other topics)Killers and Demons II: They Return (other topics)
Legends and Lore: An Anthology of Mythic Proportions (other topics)
Killers and Demons II: They Return (other topics)
Ruined City (other topics)
More...
My thanks to everyone who stopped by, to all the author participants and the convention organizers. I had a wonderful time. See you next year.
Expect a few chills, some creepy creatures, and some poetry (yes, you read right, poetry). I'll be featuring my horror and fantasy books and be around to chat, answer questions, ramble, and post some artwork.
I'll also be chatting a bit about my works-in-progress, a steampunk adventure called Racing the Hellfire Club, a steampunk horror novel with the working title, The Duke's Assassin, an epic fantasy, The Prophecy of Seven and the first novel (there are two previous short stories) in the Camelot Immortals saga, Past Legends.
And here's a rundown of other convention events I'm participating in this weekend:
-I'm one of the authors in the B2BCYCON Fantasy Blog Tour: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
-I'll be participating in two discussion panels, Introducing Steampunk (5 PM EST, April 8th), and Paranormal Fascination (7 PM EST, April 9th)
-I'm part of the Facebook Author Takeover – I take the spotlight on April 10th at 2 PM EST: https://www.facebook.com/events/11160...
-My villain Balthazar will be part of the Character Showdown
-Fairy Tale Fusion is entered in the Cover Wars: https://www.facebook.com/events/92474...
-And an excerpt from Fairy Tale Fusion can be heard as part of the convention's Story Time Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsXm0...
For more on the Story Time tour go here: http://www.angelabchrysler.com/b2bcyc...
-I'm part of the Story Hop, with a paranormal tale called The Highwayman: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
And, oh yes, there are giveaways.
I have two books up for grabs in the B2B Convention’s Grand Giveaways:
Enter for a chance to win Killers and Demons II (plus other fantastic books)
And enter for a chance to win a paperback copy of Colours of Poetry (along with other great books)
I also have my own Rafflecopter Giveaway going this weekend with three sets of ebook prizes to be won: http://afstewartblog.blogspot.ca/p/bl...
And I'll also be giving away some bits and bobs and books during my Facebook Takeover spot April 10th!
So please stop on by and settle in. I promise I don't bite. My characters do, but I don't.
Want a quick way to find the authors of your favourite genres?
Check out the official B2BCYCON Booth Map here: http://riverfiction.com/bookfair/
My Map Categories: #Fantasy #Poetry #Horror #Steampunk