 Elias: Ciao Stefania. Happy to be here?
Stefania: I'm in awe of Mr Snazzy. You really do have the bestest moustache in the whole wide world. Elias: I see by your name that you're Italian. Are you related to my personal chef, Gino the Slug? Stefania: I know Gino pretty well but we’re not relatives. It might sound weird to you as Italy is quite small comparing to other countries. I come from a glorious family of kitchen wizards, so one day I’ll challenge him. I’m afraid his cabbage recipes are better than ours though. Elias: Slugs often say you should write what you know. As your Cutting to the Chase books deal with solving crime, are you a notorious criminal and should we get ready to launch cabbages at you in defence? Stefania: I was tempted to become a criminal. You know, like Arsène Lupin, but with less hair on my legs. Then I changed my mind, as I’d rather preferred to act in fiction like Inspector Zenigata. Chase Williams’ mate, Inspector Alunni, looks like Zenigata himself. You can keep your cabbage for more exciting activities. (phew!) Elias: Creepy-Crawly the Slug, a lab experiment that went wrong, escaped a while ago after I forgot to close the garden gate. Could Chase Williams track it down before it feasts on yet another human head? Stefania: Yeah, I think so. Chase’s a natural snooper. I’m pretty sure he’ll be able to find Creepy-Crawly the Slug within a blink of an eye. Furthermore, you know how lab-experimented slugs are: so clumsy and sloppy! Plus, Chase is quite a fast runner. Creepy-Crawler’s doomed! Elias: Is Chase Williams based on somebody you know? Would he not be better with a moustache like mine? Stefania: Yes and no. I sketched him starting from a person very close to me, but then he developed his own personality once I started picturing him in details. I must admit he has a lot of things in common with me. Moustaches included. Elias: Would you consider writing a murder mystery novel starring Elias Zapple as the murderer? Stefania: That is a great starting point for my new crime novel. The guy has the numbers for being a serial killer hard to nail. His nonsense will strained Chase’s logical mind to the limit. Challenging. Elias: You also write blogs for the Huffington Post UK, are you the one that wrote a slanderous piece about my moustache, Mr Snazzy? Stefania: That wasn’t me. Maybe you’re referring to my evil twin, Erania Pinnera. It must have been her. Shame on her. Elias: What's your next book about? Something featuring my slugs? Stefania: Your slugs won’t feature in any of my upcoming books this time, sorry mate. Despite their continuous attempts to interject, I managed to keep them out of my plots. You know, to not make the stories too complicated. I am currently working on Volume 3 of the Cutting Right to the Chase series. It will feature ten detective short stories 1000 words length, all of them starring Chase Williams, his Inspector friend Angelo Alunni and a the city Tursenia as the main setting. The plot of the third book in the Chase Williams murder mystery stories is almost ready. Chase, Angelo and I are going to have a pretty awesome time! Elias: How do you balance your time as a writer, criminal, trainee cabbage thrower and everything else you do? Stefania: The trickiest part is to manage the cabbage thrower trainee side. I receive a lot of reservations and I don’t want to disappoint anyone. Therefore I have to reserve some extra time for that every week, sacrificing time for coding. It’s such a demanding activity. I’m trying to keep the criminal part of my life to a minimum. London is full of surveillance cameras and life’s not easy for crooks nowadays. As for the writing, Chase commands attention. He’s like a little boy, and you know how pesky 3 year-old boys can be. They’re exactly like 3 year-old slugs. Elias: You reside in London - where I too stalk. With its superior slugs, how does living there and being amongst its many slugs influence your writing? Stefania: I like slug company. They’re way more polite than Italian slugs. Moreover, Chase’s from London, so he well knows Londoner slugs - I must admit it’s been a great advantage to me when I moved out from Italy to here. For those reasons, I like writing right after it stops raining, when the mighty slugs pop out and tell me the deepest secrets of London. I’ve been told lots of rumours about urban foxes, but I can’t tell you anything more, it’s classified information. Elias: Would you care for some spaghetti slugonese? Stefania: Oh, yes please. Can I have also another portion to take away? Grazie, Stefania! Cutting Right To The Chase Vol.1: http://bit.ly/1ns1my3 Cutting Right ToThe Chase Vol.2: http://bit.ly/1qNO3tP Into The Killer Sphere: http://bit.ly/1i02sRe Pull The Trigger: http://bit.ly/1s4S12j Twitter: @eraniapinnera website: www.eraniapinnera.com Chase Twitter: @chasewilliams78 blog/website: www.chasetwilliams.com
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 Without her hand her head would fall off. Elias: Welcome, Della.
Della: I'm honoured you're interviewing me. And your moustache is the greatest. Elias: As a child you grew up on a farm in Montana. Did you grow cabbages there? Della: I only remember one time we grew cabbage and my mom tried to make sauerkraut. She had this HUGE stoneware crock that she mixed the most vile smelling stuff imaginable. We put the crock outside around by the side of the house as far from the windows as we could and it still smelled like something died. My brother and I would circle the crock, holding our fingers tightly over our noses and dare each other to take in a deep breath as we hung our heads over the crock. I never won the bet and to this day I don't like sauerkraut. My father must have felt the same way because we never grew cabbages again! Elias: How has living on a farm, riding on horses, breeding slugs and throwing cabbages helped you in shaping and creating your stories? Della: I guess the sheer isolation of growing up and living in the boonies, made me a very imaginative person. I spent a lot of time as a child at the creek telling stories to the turtles. They weren't very appreciative of my story-telling skills. When the turtles bored of storytelling, I would make up songs for them. I didn't get to breed slugs on the farm, but we had plenty of prairie dogs. Does that count? Elias: When you longed to live the big city life you chose to go to Texas. Why didn't you choose to go to New York City or Camberwell or even, Maputo? Della: I grew up in one of the least populated states in the union. I couldn't even imagine living in huge city like NYC, although now it is one of my fave places to visit. Texas seemed like a logical step up without being a continent away. Also, my grandparents were snowbirds and wintered in South Texas and summered in Minnesota. Anything my grandparents did was super awesome to me. In fact, two of the characters in my book are named after them. When you see the name Archie in my book, that was my grandfather's name, and Irene was my grandmother's. I had to look up Maputo and Camberwell on google. I only wish I knew of those places when I made my decision to move. I might have lived somewhere else. :) Elias: In your book Spirit Warriors: The Concealing, the four main characters can move their spirits into the bodies of various animals. None of them move their spirits into the bodies of slugs. Why not? Are you a sluggist? Why did you choose those particular animals? Della: LOL, This is how racism rumors get started! I am not racist towards slugs. I don't particularly like them, but I don't wish them dead. Well maybe just a little dead. Maybe I better stop, before I get in trouble. :) Each animal was picked for the power they wield in the Native American world and to match the personality of the character. Ollie is one of the characters. He is fun-loving, mischievous, smart, and crafty. His animal the coyote, Zephyr, is believed by the Native Americans to have these same attributes. By the end of the series, you will see the powers of each animal. Elias: What can you tell us about Native American magic? Any spells that you can teach me that I can use on my neighbour, Dieter? Della: No spells, but you could make a fetish. The Native Americans would carve an animal form out of wood or stone. They believed the fetish had a spirit of its own that would protect the owner. I'm thinking a slug fetish might do the job. Let me know how it goes. Elias: Will there be a sequel to Spirit Warriors: The Concealing? Perhaps Spirit Warriors: The Furry Moustache? Della: Actually there is a sequel and it is due out late June 2014. The name is Spirit Warriors: The Scarring. There will be a total of 5 books and can I say maybe possibly someday on the furry mustache? Elias: Would you consider writing a novel about the Wild West featuring Billy the Slug as a notorious outlaw? Della: Possibly, maybe we could work together on that one. I'll bring the Wild West experience and you bring the slugs! Elias: When you go biking across places like the Golden Gate Bridge, do you go by push-bike? Della: Actually I rode the traditional bike, but my friends had one with a motor. I'm not sure it helped because you still had to push the @#*&^ thing up the hill to get to the bridge. Elias: If you need help with your coffee addiction my slugs can contaminate your coffee granules. After which, you'll never go near it again! Would you like their assistance? Della: Can I pass on the slugs contaminating my coffee grounds? People don't seem to like me when I go without my coffee! Elias: Which other books do you plan to write about Elias Zapple? Della: How about Cabbage Killer: Making sauerkraut with Elias? Or Slugs Unite, a Story of Elias's Revenge. Feel free to use either one. :) Thank you, Della. Spirit Warriors: The Concealing Sixteen-year-old Emme Belrose has it all: four best friends, a horse of her own, a hidden tepee hangout, and a blossoming romance with tall and handsome Charlie. These friends also have a secret. They can move their spirits into animal bodies: an osprey, a mustang, a grizzly, a mountain lion and a coyote. But when Charlie, who has a gift for seeing the future, has a vision of Emme drowning in the icy Yellowstone River, the Spirit Warriors must train their animal bodies to kill an enemy they know is coming… but know nothing about. Suspenseful, romantic, and awash in Native American magic, Spirit Warriors captures the tragic enchantment of the American West—and confirms the power of friendship.  She's 10 ft tall! Elias: Welcome, Katherine.
Katherine: You're my hero! Elias: As you're only around 5ft tall, are you afraid that one of my slugs might trample you? Katherine: D’you know, that’s a real risk…my little legs don’t walk so fast, so I bet I wouldn’t be able to outrun your slugs! I don’t mind being short – I’m used to it! Mind you, it can be a bit embarrassing trying to find a tall person to reach something off the top shelf. I reckon all supermarkets should have Ikea stools in their aisles so shorties like me can get their own groceries. Elias: Tell us about Granny Rainbow. Wouldn't Slug Rainbow be better? Katherine: Rainbow slugs…you’ve just given me an idea for a new story. I love rainbows and rainbow colours, so the story of Granny Rainbow began when I had the idea of someone who wanted to steal colour; Granny, a lady with a house full of coloured powders, was the one who’d get the colour back. The original story was written for a charity anthology ‘Reading is Magic’ in aid of the NSPCC. When he read the finished story, my son said I ought to write a story for every colour of the rainbow, so I did. The Granny Rainbow book has seven short stories in it, each one just long enough for a bedtime read regardless of whether a child’s reading it for themselves or having it read to them. That’s something I wanted very much for Granny – that she could be listened to as well as read - because so many children enjoy stories but aren’t necessarily good enough readers to manage reading them alone. And sharing stories is brilliant fun! I’d even read them to your slugs! Elias: Does this particular granny like to throw cabbages? Katherine: I’ve not asked her! I think she’d be up for it though, as she’s got a twinkle in her eye in most of the stories. Elias: Why is Granny Rainbow not available on Amazon? Afraid of the competition from the great Elias Zapple? Katherine: Hehe! Nothing to do with competition, Elias! Granny is the only publication I’m involved with that isn’t on Amazon – my other work is all listed there. The reason it’s not listed just yet is that Amazon needs an ISBN number, and we’re waiting at the moment for that registration to go through. Hopefully, it will be listed in the future, but you still won’t be able to buy it from Amazon direct; it’ll probably point you to my website or the bookshops (assuming they want to carry on stocking it). The other reason why it’s not been automatically listed is because *whispers* I didn’t use CreateSpace! It was important to me, personally, to be able to support local businesses in creating this book, so every aspect of this book has been done locally – illustration, cover design, publishing, printing and the launch all involved local people and local businesses. Yay for the little man, rather than the mega-business! Elias: Tell us about the process you went through in getting your books into local bookshops. Do you have you own PR slugs? Katherine: An army of PR slugs! Oh, I wish! It would mean I didn’t have to do all the legwork – or slimework in their case! The first thing to stress is that I knew I had to make Granny Rainbow the best I could – quality look, quality writing, and be professional in my approach to the business owners. I made enquiries in advance of publication to drum up interest and plugged the ‘local author’ bit pretty hard. I kept an eye on certain shop facebook pages to maintain contact, and finally went to see them with a copy of Granny Rainbow in my hand. I’m lucky that my publisher has contacts with the local branch of Waterstones, but Granny’s not stocked there…yet. Fingers crossed. Elias: You're also a short story author. What's the appeal of writing short stories? Lack of willpower to write longer ones? Katherine: I have to say I love writing both novels and short stories. To date I have written two complete novels for children, have a third half-written, and outlines for four more to continue a series if one of the two completed novels ever sees the light of day. I enjoy creating longer stories, getting to know my characters and watching them do unexpected things to add to the storyline. Short stories appeal because of the variety and challenge. Variety-wise, I’ve written horror, comedy, romance, sci-fi and fan-fic, to name but a few genres I’ve played with. I love how a simple thing can spark a train of thought and develop into something original. Like the time I saw a clear plastic guitar in the music shop and thought ‘The Crystal Guitar’…or a picture of a beautiful peacock-like fantasy bird and came up with ‘The Feather of Flemantoll’. Both these stories are still locked inside my head, but they will get written. The challenge for me is to make the story complete; I get really cross with stories that leave me hanging, so I tend to write a definite ending rather than leaving my reader guessing. To date, all my published work has been short stories… Elias: I read about you hitting innocent concrete blocks with a spade and now having tendonitis. Why hit concrete blocks? Perhaps you should try throwing cabbages instead? Katherine: Throwing cabbages might have done less damage! The problem with this particular concrete block is that it was hiding near the bramble I was trying to dig out… Fortunately the rest, painkiller and splint route seems to be working, and I’m still able to type – hooray! Elias: How does living in the East Midlands inspire your writing? I've found the beautiful East Midlands Airport particularly inspiring over the years. Katherine: I, too, have spent much time at EMA over the years. When I’m a superceleb author, no doubt I will use it even more when I fly out to film premieres in my private jet. I love where I live. I’m a five minute walk from a busy market town centre if I want to people-watch. I’m ten minutes away from a lovely brookpath walk that will take me into the woods or a twenty-minute drive from some of the most wonderful countryside and a deerpark, if I want to get in touch with nature. And only about twenty minutes on the train from three major cities with fabulous shopping centres. What more could I ask for? If I can’t find a story or two in that mix, I’m done for! Elias: Your first novel is called StarMark. Is it similar to Star Wars? Katherine: My son (big Star Wars fan) read this over my shoulder and said ‘Not at all!’ The StarMark is like a birthmark on the skin; Lord Terenz, the overlord of Koltarn, has one but it’s black, not gold like it should be for a man in his position. (Yep – gold stars on your skin, how cool is that?!) The story is about Irvana, an orphan girl who goes to work in his palace…and what she finds out. But I can’t tell you any more or I’ll spoil the story! I’m hoping this one will be published next – I’m working on polishing it up (again) at the moment. Elias: Finish this sentence: Mr Snazzy is the greatest moustache because... Katherine: Mr Snazzy is the greatest moustache because he always looks like a great big smile. Thank you, Katherine. Katherine's website & blog.  She eats raw slug Elias: Konnichiwa, Elsa.
Elsa: Mr Snazzy looks wonderful. I'm jealous. Elias: Being that you live in Japan, do you eat your slug raw? Elsa: Unfortunately, I am not a huge fan of raw slug, I do enjoy however the more “western” adaptation of this delicacy-fried. Elias: How does living in Japan and being surrounded by sumo wrestlers, influence your writing style? Elsa: My children and I are big fans of the local library. The children’s book section is incredible and I am always amazed at the quantity of children’s books that display nudity, of course it is done in such an innocent and playful way that it makes seeing pictures of nearly naked Sumos pretty awesome. It has made my writing style bigger and bolder. Elias: Your book, 'Goo and Spot in the Do Not Wiggle Riddle', teaches the importance of good listening skills. Would it work on slugs too? Some of my slugs have gotten to be very disobedient as of late. Elsa: I am not sure if slug world has wi-fi but up here we are bombarded by daily distractions and an over abundance of media, active listening is in fact becoming a thing of the past. Goo and Spot in The Do Not Wiggle Riddle, was created as a result of noticing the trend of people looking down at mobile devices rather than face a speaker during a conversation. Teaching children this is not acceptable should start at an early age. Elias: The illustrations of Goo and Spot look as though they have a touch of anime about them. What inspired this style and would you consider employing Yoshi the Slug to illustrate your next book? Elsa: Yoshi the Slug would have to formally apply and be interviewed but being that I already have a strong partnership with Catherine Toennisson, the current illustrator, Yoshi’s luck runs short. Catherine, is in fact a huge fan of anime more specifically a huge fan of Hayao Miyazaki director of Studio Ghibli. Her strength lies in storyboarding which is evident in Goo and Spot in The Do Not Wiggle Riddle. Catherine, has recently started her own web comic showcasing this strength, to see more of her wonderful work visit her here http://fyrecalla.deviantart.com/ or ://papercallalilies.tumblr.com/. Elias: How did you come up with the name Goo? Was it after my slugs had slimed your kitchen? Elsa: The name Goo was inspired after a little slug in my life, a mischievous and energetic little boy, Christopher. Elias: You say that you're a country girl at heart. Did you grow then throw many a cabbage in your younger days? Elsa: I am indeed a country girl, born and raised amongst the agriculture fields of California. As for “cabbage chugging” younger days- I had plenty. Never once bought fruit until I moved out of California, prior to that It had been hand picked from the fields by my grandfather, everything from watermelons to cabbages. Elias: Did mathematical genius and amateur dramatics enthusiast, Clyde the Slug, help you with your book 'My Journal Notes on Addition and Diversity'? Elsa: I will take all the help I can get in mathematics even if it comes from Clyde the math savvy slug. The book was such an effortless project. On a vacation trip to Las Vegas, a dear friend of mine showed me her most recent illustrations, a set of wooden dolls from around the world, an idea was born and the book soon followed. A rare case of illustrations came first, ingenuity. Elias: How do you come up with your ideas? Is it due to the stuff that my slugs put into your tea? Elsa: I take my tea with milk and two lumps of slug, sit quietly while my little ones doodle and play and gather my inspiration from the beauty of their childhood. Elias: Would you consider writing a book to help English-speaking slugs learn Japanese? Elsa: The goal is that all of the books I write be translated for bilingual readers both in Japanese and Spanish. I am fluent in Spanish and around mid-level in Japanese. However with so much to learn and do, I have yet to reach that goal. Elias: How did you find our group, Fun-tastic Children's Books (Slugs Welcome)? How much do you love it? Do you consider the group's founder to be an absolute genius? Elsa: I was lucky enough to receive an invite from one of the group members. I love the group and I apologize ahead of time for not being more active in it with helpful information, life is pretty hectic at the moment. I do however enjoy being surrounded by fellow authors, I have always believed it takes a very special person to write for children. It is very difficult to get noticed and quite easy to get discouraged but knowing that we are all in it together for a common good, children’s literature makes it a bit more bearable. As for the groups founder, thank you AND I plea the slug amendment in answering any more questions… Thank you, Elsa. Try not to eat too many slugs. Goo and Spot in the Do Not Wiggle Riddle Funny, silly and sweet, Goo and Spot teaches the importance of good listening skills. This amusing riddle educates without sounding like lessons and lectures. Instead, it has a fun and imaginative style. This book about Goo and Spot’s amazing and colorful adventures will definitely hit a child’s funny bone, with a valuable lesson learned along the way! My Journal Notes on Addition and Diversity A wonderfully sweet journal-and-doodle style picture book for ages five and under that teaches early mathematics concepts; counting and addition. Illustrated with whimsy wooden dolls from around the world, the book sends a message of diversity and acceptance.  A second later they were blown away Elias: Hello, Darren. Welcome to Elias Zapple Interviews...
Darren: I'm so honoured to be interviewed by you that I think I may start to cry. Elias: I understand that you have two children and that one of them, your daughter Ellie, was the inspiration behind The Seren Trilogy. I myself was inspired to write Jellybean the Dragon due to my late pet slug, Steve - which made all my other slugs supremely jealous and demanding that I write books for them too. Do you find yourself in a similar pickle? Will you be writing a book for your other child as well? Darren: Firstly I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of your slug, Steve and it is a shame that the others would feel how they do BUT I think they have a point, if I was a slug and knew that Steve had inspired a book I might start to think “Am I not good enough?” “Do I not have enough inherent slugness?” So even though in a very small way my youngest is introduced into the books I can imagine a fair amount of sibling rivalry as the years progress and I think I had better start on some outlines now! Elias: The Seren Trilogy promotes the helping of others. Shouldn't it also promote the throwing of cabbages? Darren: Although cabbages do make fine throwing objects the creatures we are dealing with would either eat them or sling them with enough force to go through a wall so I think the health and safety issues override any want for lobbing cabbages about. Elias: You have a book called Ellie and the Dragon. I have a book called Jellybean the Dragon. In a battle, who would win between our respective dragons? Darren: Hmm, my dragon can be a bit of a softy but he is extremely loyal and brave and would only fight if protecting his loved ones. That said, mine. Elias: Will your next book be entitled 'Ellie and the Slug'? Darren: If only! Slug society is so complex and involving I don’t possess the writing skills as yet to take on such a task instead I shall be committing myself to Ellie’s adventures when she encounters a witch. Elias: In Ellie and the Rabbits, Ellie meets some talking rabbits. Are you aware of the evil, disgruntled rabbit in 'Ado in the Meadow' by Mary Danino? What are your rabbits like? Darren: I’ve seen that rabbit and it looks very mean and though some of my rabbits can be abrasive and a bit distrustful of Ellie at first they show their true side when she helps them. Elias: You have another book, a book of poems, called 'I Think I Lost My Bottom'. Did you indeed lose it? How does one lose a bottom? I once thought I had lost a slug until I found it stuck to my shoe. Darren: I’m very glad to say it was not my bottom that was lost but a close personal friend. They told me of their experience of waking up and just not being able to get their trousers to stay on, in short they had a very unhappy bottom so please everyone keep your bottom happy. Slugs in my experience like to stick to my windows so they can watch TV. Elias: Does living in Norfolk inspire you in your writing? If so, is it down to the Coleman's Mustard? Darren: The countryside is gorgeous and perfect for writing about. The setting for The Seren Trilogy is very close to our home near the coast and a summer’s walk through Sheringham Parkl ed to the grand ending in Ellie and the Battle. As for mustard? No. I’m a turkey man, it’s why I moved here, I love turkeys but not as much as rabbits. Elias: How much of your childhood in Wales comes through in your books. My time in Maputo shines through in my work. Darren: I honestly have to say not that much. As my ambition was for my daughter to be able to recognise the places, people etc in the book then I have based it on what she knows and loves about living here in Norfolk. That said a couple of the rabbit characters are definitely based on teachers I knew from school. One in particular, Cast, who is the magic keeper for the rabbits is based on my Headmaster Mr Thomas who I remember as a lovely man. Elias: Do you encourage your children to eat their cabbages? Darren: With my son I’m lucky as he’s not on his solids yet and that’s a battle I will face with dignity and restraint when the time comes. My daughter however is adverse to any form of vegetable when served at home. If she has it at school then it goes down a treat so I think she’s plotting, scheming and devising a grand master plan that I assume will come to fruition in its own good time. Elias: What are your main literary ambitions, Darren? Is it to become the next Elias Zapple? Darren: I can only dream about attaining such magnificent moustachioed greatness, I hope one day to be able to inspire slugs and teach my children to throw cabbages. For the present I write and write, for the future I hope I continue to love it as much as I do now. Elias: Thank you, Daren. May you one day achieve a moustache like yours truly. Unlikely, though. The Seren Trilogy ELLIE AND THE RABBITS Our world is home to a very special animal. It can walk, talk, think and feel. It has a purpose. It has a duty. And it's not human. On a family picnic curiosity gets the better of Ellie and sends her on a magical adventure with her new friends, Rox, Cast and Plume. She learns of a great danger and the duty that must be performed and promises her help no matter what. From a beautiful sunny day to the dark woods full of danger, to the home of these wonderful creatures and the birth of our world, Ellie will travel. Not only will she try save her new friends, but the world itself. ELLIE AND THE DRAGON The house stood silent. Consumed by ivy the house stood derelict and abandoned. Forgotten, it was slowly being reclaimed by nature. No one could live there. No one human. A year after her adventure with the rabbits, Ellie uncovers a remarkable secret next door to her new house. This secret will bring her joy and happiness beyond her wildest dreams. Her actions come with a price, however, and Ellie realises that what she has discovered could wipe out all mankind. Scared, but not alone, what will she do? ELLIE AND THE BATTLE The adventure that began in Ellie and the Rabbits reaches it's conclusion in Ellie and the Battle. The dragons are planning to wage war upon humanity. Never again will they be at the mercy of mankind. But first, they must contend with those that would stand in their way. Ellie and Cole have been captured but Rox enters into the struggle in an attempt to rescue her friend, and the dragons realise they have a new enemy to deal with. War seems unavoidable, and Ellie must now risk everything she knows and loves to stop the future. Join Ellie, Cole and Rox in the final book of the Seren Trilogy. Join the fight. Paperback (UK) www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1495931781 Paperback (US) www.amazon.com/dp/1495931781 Kindle (UK) www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00IFDD7U4 Kindle (US) www.amazon.com/dp/B00IFDD7U4  Gareth, along with inferior beard Elias: Welcome, Gareth. Mr Snazzy also welcomes your beard.
Gareth: My beard is not worthy. Elias: Your father was a wandering shepherd. How did sheep inspire you to write The Kinmaran Chronicles? Gareth: My dad mostly rode around on a tractor, and he was too large to saddle up a sheep. I guess sheep inspired me in that Isomee Hogg-Bottom grew up on a farm, but instead of sheep, she and her uncle breed and train chostri, super intelligent, fast birds large enough to ride on an race. Kids love animals of course. Slugs, not so much, except in a comedy setting. Elias: Apparently, you've been a teacher for twenty years. In that time, how many children have you scarred for life with your tales of farming? Gareth: I do talk about my childhood a lot, actually. I’m very proud about having grown up in the country, even if I didn’t realise how great it was at the time. Life for children these days is very different from when I grew up, let alone where I grew up. I don’t think I’ve scarred anyone, but the deepest scars are always hidden any on the inside and often hidden by wit, sarcasm, or moustaches wouldn’t you say, Elias? Elias: The Adventures of Brackenbelly are published frequently. How are you able to do this? Do you have a team of slugs doing your writing, or do you force your pupils to write them? Gareth: I’m just very talented. No, honestly, the stories are quite short at only 12-15,000 words, but that’s all changing as of book 5, which will hopefully be out in April. I had always intended the books to be short and episodic, but, to be honest, that doesn’t seem to be working so, along with a few other reasons, I’m making the books longer. Elias: If you do not force your pupils to write your books, may I force them to write my books? (Some of my slugs have been quite slack of late). Gareth: You could try, but they are huge Brackenbelly fans and fiercely loyal to me. Elias: Have you found being a shepherd teacher has either helped or motivated you in writing in the field of children's literature? Gareth: I think it’s helped me to know what makes children tick, plus I think and act like a child. I obviously read a lot of children’s books as a part of my job and am shocked at how boring many of them are. Elias: How do you pronounce Kinmaran and what is a Kinmaran? Is it perhaps a kind of poisonous cabbage? Gareth: Kin-mar-run, or at least that’s how I say it. A Kinmaran is a person or thing that comes from the planet Kinmara. So The Kinmaran Chronicles are stories that come from Kinmara. Brackenbelly is an uma, one of two (that we know of) Kinmaran races, the other being human. I’m sure there are cabbages and slugs on Kinmara, and they would most definitely be poisonous. Elias: Your books deal with racism. As quite a few members (Mary Josefina Cade and Mary Danino specifically) of Fun-tastic Children's Books are sluggists, do you have any advice to battle not only racism but also sluggism? (My cabbages are available). Gareth: They do, and hopefully in a way that isn’t in your face, unlike your slugs and moustache. The only way to defeat racism, or sluggism, is through education and good role models. Can you provide that, Elias? My books aim to be entertaining but with strong moral values that hopefully the reader will pick up on, if only subconsciously. Elias: Do any of your characters use cabbages as weapons? If not, why not? Gareth: Not yet, but I could easily write it in. Part of what inspired The Kinmaran Chronicles was Chinese Wuxia (martial arts hero) stories. The characters in them often fight with everyday objects like umbrellas or even musical instruments. Maybe Isomee could use her Lak-Ti to fire cabbages at the enemy. In book 5 a new character, who is nominally Chinese, is introduced. I already had plans for a weapon, but a cabbage isn’t entirely out of the question. Elias: Have you any plans to write an entirely different series of books based on my moustache, Mr Snazzy? Gareth: Not about Mr Snazzy, no. But, I am writing the first in what will probably become a new series. It will keep many of the themes of The Kinmaran Chronicles, especially what it means to be a hero. It’s funny, Brackenbelly was inspired by Wuxia stories and myths and legends, and now I’m going back to my roots. My new project is retellings/imaginings of the great hero myths from Greece and Rome. Elias: Don't you think it's time you shaved off your beard and walked away, head bowed, admitting defeat to the all-powerful and furry, Mr Snazzy? Gareth: I did shave it off on the first day of the half-term holiday. While my beard isn’t as luxuriant as your magnificent ‘tache, it does help hide my double chin and flabby jowls. It’s slowly growing back. Elias: Thank you, inferior beard-grower. www.kinmaranchronicles.com https://www.facebook.com/Brackenbelly https://twitter.com/G_Baker_Kinmara The Kinmaran Chronicles I.i - The Adventures of Brackenbelly: All in a Day's Work A thought provoking and exciting fantasy adventure for 8-12 year olds. The Adventure Begins! Isomee Hogg-Bottom's life changed forever the day she met Brackenbelly. A traveller of incredible skill and intelligence. A warrior with a kind heart. An outsider who could communicate with animals. A stranger who would become her friend. When Brackenbelly arrives at Hogg-Bottom farm to buy a chostri to ride, he finds himself thrown into the middle of a dangerous mystery. Something is trying to eat the giant birds in the darkness of night. In exchange for a chostri, Brackenbelly agrees to capture the foul beast, but he soon finds it isn't the only monster that lives on Hogg-Bottom farm. The Kinmaran Chronicles I.ii - The Adventures of Brackenbelly: Two's Company An action-packed and thought provoking fantasy series for 8-12 year olds. The Adventure continues! Brackenbelly’s life changed forever the day he met Isomee Hogg-Bottom, he just didn’t know it yet. Leaving Hogg-Bottom farm, and Isomee, far behind, Brackenbelly takes a short cut through a large forest. He soon discovers it’s riddled with mysterious dragon ducts and that there are many dangers lurking in the trees. To make matters worse, something is following him, but who, or what is it and what does it want? It doesn't take long for Brackenbelly to realise it’s none other than Isomee Hogg-Bottom, who’s run away from home, but the danger’s only just beginning for them both. Isomee’s trapped down one of the dangerous dragon ducts and something equally dangerous wants to stop Brackenbelly from rescuing her. Will Brackenbelly succeed? And even if he does, will the pair escape the other dangers of the forest unharmed? In All in a Day’s Work, Isomee Hogg-Bottom's life changed forever the day she met Brackenbelly, but in Two’s Company, things REALLY change - for them both! The Kinmaran Chronicles I.iii - The Adventures of Brackenbelly: Three's a Crowd? A thought-provoking fantasy/adventure series for 8-12 year olds. Finally emerging from the dangers of the dragon duct forest, Isomee is about to find out that her new Lak-Ti isn't just a Gift, but can also be a curse. Tired and hungry, Isomee and Brackenbelly try to get a lift from a passing farmer, but when he discovers Brackenbelly is an uma, he refuses. Despite his reaction, Brackenbelly charges to his rescue when he is attacked by a band of vicious L’Tar. Grateful for the help, Audley, the farmer, takes them to his home in Bently village. Will our heroes finally get a chance to rest or will the L’Tar return for revenge? “Three’s a Crowd?” expands the world of Kinmara and introduces exciting new characters.  He can write without looking Elias: Welcome, Christopher. Thanks for coming.
Christopher: You're welcome, Elias. I admire you and your slugs so much and I'm also insanely envious of your Mr Snazzy. Elias: I believe you're from Chichester and your books are also set in Chichester. Are you a little obsessed with Manchester? Christopher: Manchester? Never heard of it. Chichester or Chi as we like to call it (rhymes with eye not knee) is 15 mins from the beach, 15 mins from Glorious Goodwood - what's not to like? Elias: Are you hoping Creatures of Chichester will do for Chichester what Sherlock Holmes did for Baker Street and, indeed, what I've done for both Camberwell and Maputo? Christopher: I don't think the creatures would like it if we were over-run by Twolegs. The bats at the Sports Centre, Punchbag and Rowina Duckpond can get pretty mean. (I think Rowina never forgave her dad for the stupid name). Elias: Why are there no slugs in your Creatures of Chichester books? Are you a slugist? Christopher: In fact I don't think there are any molluscs in the books so far. Bees and ladybirds and spiders but no slugs. I'm not slugist, just a little scared of what they may do. Elias: Is one of your characters, Mr Penfold, named after Penfold from the cartoon, Dangermouse? Christopher: No he's named after Mr Penfold who runs the butcher's called....ummm..Penfolds in Chichester. Who says creativity is dead? I have to get cheap steaks somehow! Elias: You've had many jobs throughout your life. Ever been a cabbage thrower? Christopher: Never thrown a cabbage but I have in it on my bucket list along with growing a moustache, visiting Maputo and buying a sluggery. Elias: Which of your many, many, many jobs has been the biggest source of inspiration for your books? How much does my moustache, Mr Snazzy inspire you? Christopher: Okay I have been around a bit, teaching little darlings in Slough was an inspiration. At least to stop teaching anyway. No I love them really and some of them even made it to adulthood. I'm really more inspired by the moustache of my illustrator Joe Elgie. Check it out. Elias: Would you like to try a grilled slug garnished with rosemary and basil? Christopher: Depends if Rosemary and Basil are okay about it. Elias: If your books were turned into animated films, who do you imagine would do the voices? I myself have a splendid voice that rivals Brian Blessed. Christopher: You're booked! Elias: What is your writing environment like? Cup of herbal tea close at hand, surrounded by many an admiring slug? Christopher: I have a lovely office overlooking the garden I designed which does have some lovely hostas and therefore the odd admiring slug. Elias: Any other books planned for this series or maybe something brand new? Perhaps a biography of Elias Zapple? Christopher: I am working on the third book called 'the one about the curious cloud' which has weird and wonderful effects on the Twolegs of Chichester. Luckily, Plectrum, the rabbit from the music shop is on hand to save the day. I might do a biography at a later date of my dear friend Elijah Dapple. Thank you, Christopher. https://www.facebook.com/creaturesofchichester www.creaturesofchichester.com www.chindi-authors.co.uk The Creatures of Chichester: The One About the Mystery Blaze The Twolegs of Chichester are awoken by a blazing inferno just days before Christmas. Evil clowns are roaming the city’s streets, and they are not here to throw custard pies. Two adorable hamsters, Shandy and Mash from South Street, have been badly injured in the fire and desperately need help. It’s time for Button and Stitchley, the intrepid spiders from North Street, to once again call upon the creatures of Chichester to solve the mystery, and this time there is a sting in the tail. The Creatures of Chichester: The One About the Stolen Dog It’s the summer of 2012 and most of the Twolegs in Chichester, England are having a good time but not Mr Penfold because someone has stolen his dog. A little red-headed Twoleg was last seen leading the dog away - but that was days ago. Button and Stitchley, two intrepid spiders living in North Street, decide to get to the bottom of the crime. They enlist the help of other creatures in the city to find out just who the vile dognapper is. But it’s not easy; the cats hate the dogs; the mice are not too fond of the falcons and don’t even mention the bats!  Snow frightens her. Elias: Happy to be here, Jourden?
Jourden: This is the biggest honour of my life, Elias. Elias: You use a pen name, Teddy O'Malley. How many aliases do you have and are you really a double agent working with the North Koreans? Jourden: I am not working for the North Koreans. As to whether I am a double agent, I am not at liberty to discuss! I only have two aliases, my pen name (Teddy) and my real name (Jourden.) However, when I was a kid I was not fond of my first name and tried on several different aliases. It often confused people! Elias: Everybody knows you're Jourden Renee and Teddy O'Malley, so why still use a pseudonym? Are you hoping my slugs will get confused and attack the wrong one? Jourden: I like the idea that if someone who hasn't met me is searching for my book, then my name is easy to pronounce and memorable! However, if it helps fend off slugs, then that's great too! Also, in some alternate universe in my mind, Teddy is a nickname for Jourden. Elias: Why did you choose the pen name, Teddy O'Malley? What's wrong with Elias Zapple, Version 2? Jourden: Teddy is cute and cuddly. It brings to mind fond images of childhood like a teddy bear! Who doesn't love teddy bears? I think it's possible that Elias Zapple, Version 2 was already taken. O'Malley is to honour my Irish heritage. Elias: What was the inspiration for your book, 'Tell Me How You Say Good Night'? Were you inspired when Coco the Slug came to visit you and outstayed her welcome? Jourden: Actually, I was inspired by an unexpected surprise of six adorable puppies, Alistair, Humphrey, Jean-Luc, Michaela, Marilyn (Mary), and Magdalena (Maggie). I took a lot of photos and put them together with the idea of the book in mind for a few months. I ended up publishing it as a way to both honour Alistair (who I lost on April 9, 2013) and share my love of puppies and languages with the world! Elias: You used puppies for 'Tell Me How You Say Good Night' when everybody knows slugs are cuter. Why didn't you use slugs? Jourden: Mainly because I have puppies and not slugs. I do have a kitten book planned for the future, but no slug books planned as of yet! Elias: In your other book, 'Bristol's Big Wish' the protagonist - Bristol, wishes for a best friend. Her doll Mallory then comes to life. Wouldn't it have been better if Bristol had had a cabbage and became best friends with that? Jourden: I don't think I've seen a little girl become friends with a cabbage yet, but I haven't seen everything! Bristol's Big Wish was actually inspired by my own doll that I had when I was a child. Her name was Mallory too! And Mallory's personality was inspired by my best friend at the time. Elias: Did Vincent the Slug do the illustrations for Bristol's Big Wish? Jourden: I didn't know that Vincent the slug was an illustrator. I have illustrated all of my books so far. Bristol's Big Wish is done in “virtual acrylic”. It's a medium I really liked working with. Elias: Aside from infiltrating the NSA, what other projects do you have planned? Jourden: My next step will be to convert Bristol's Big Wish into an eBook. Then I am trying to get Tell Me How You Say I Love You out by Valentine's Day. I also have more than ten manuscripts on my computer and around my office screaming, “Me next! Me next!”, but I'm easily distracted. And terrible with deadlines. Elias: Are you the one taking cabbages from my cabbage patch? Jourden: If they were genetically modified cabbages, then the answer is no. Elias: Tell us about your writing process. Is it like mine? Tea, throw a cabbage, prick a finger, grill a slug then write? Jourden: If you exchange tea for soda, 'throw a cabbage' for 'check Facebook a little too often', and remove the other two, then write, yes. Actually, I have a sort of complicated process. Writing is the first and easiest part of the process for me. As I said before I have several manuscripts lying around waiting to be edited and illustrated. After I've written a piece I edit, edit, edit, then I get distracted and check Facebook or take a phone call. I edit some more. My content editor suggests changes. I curse the book. Then I edit some more. After all that editing is done, I illustrate the book. That usually takes about two weeks. Getting the proof in the mail is like Christmas and makes the whole frustrating process totally worth it! Thank you, Jourden. Destiny and Faith Go To Twincentric Academy! Destiny and Faith are going into second grade and their mom has a great idea. She's going to send them to a school for twins! They're not sure whether to be excited or terrified. Come join them and see what happens! Destiny And Faith's Summer Adventures (Volume 2) Faith and I are out of school for the summer, and we are eager to explore and seek new adventures! We'll start by checking out the new neighbors and their rickety old house. But what do a creepy old house, American Sign Language, and purple lemonade have in common? Come join us and find out! Tell Me How You Say Good Night With visually stimulating photos of puppies you can help your child say "Good night" in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian. Tell Me How You Say Good Night is the perfect book for bedtime. Parents and children can enjoy this story and learn together as they say "Good night" to each little puppy. Bristol's Big Wish Bristol only wishes for one thing. She wants to have a best friend. But what will happen when Bristol's favorite doll Mallory comes to life? Will Bristol ever get her wish for a friend?  He steals cabbages. Grr! Elias: Welcome, Robin.
Robin: I'm so honoured to be here that I'm on the verge of fainting. Elias: My slugs are not at all happy about my interviewing you due to your book, Anne and Stan's Magical Salt and Pepper Pot Adventures. Could you reassure them before they take military action? Robin: Yes. Unfortunately, Anne and Stan have no interest in your slimy slug empire. So your slugs are safe from them. Anne and Stan are currently having the time of their lives, enjoying all that life now has to offer them. They prefer to spend their time learning about more colourful, and interesting creatures. Elias: What inspired you to write the Anne and Stan book? Was it my inspiring moustache? Robin: No, Mr Snazzy! Your moustache has not inspired me. My inspiration comes from a combination of reading Enid Blyton books over many years, and the story of "The Adventures of Pinocchio" by Carlo Collodi. I wanted to bring some characters to life in my story; and Anne and Stan (my novelty salt and pepper-pots) gave me that opportunity. Elias: Will there be a sequel to this book in which slugs slime Anne and Stan? Robin: I would love to bring back Anne and Stan for another story in the future. Sadly, for you, there will be no slimy slugs! Elias: How about a book about vinegar and ketchup next? Robin: No! I don't think so. I've had a few ideas thrown at me, (no cabbages) - such as "Anne & Stan in Japan" - time will tell. Elias: Is it true that you've been stealing my cabbages? Robin: Yes! They make excellent ammunition for undesirables, such as slimy slugs; and unpleasant neighbours! Elias: How has living in Wiltshire helped to shape your work? I myself spent a considerable amount of time in Maputo where I managed to perfect my cabbage-growing technique. Robin: I live in a beautiful and quiet rural setting in Wiltshire, where you can sit down in the garden, and listen to skylarks, singing their hearts-out. It's an ideal location for freeing-up your mind, and forming pleasant ideas. Your fancy tent in the mountains of Mozambique sounds interesting though. Elias: What is Hallow-e'-en all about? Wouldn't a cabbage be better than a pumpkin? Robin: No! Pumpkins make really great lanterns, and you can also make very tasty winter soup with them. Please see question 9 for more information on this book. Elias: Tell us about your next book before I throw a cabbage at you. Robin: I plan to put together another Children's book, but this time with a 'mystery' theme. I have plenty of ideas running through my head! It will certainly be a challenge. Watch this space! Elias: Your book, 'Halloween, What's It All About?' is doing exceedingly well in the Amazon charts. Any tips for the Funslugz in how to achieve similar success? Bribing Amazon officials? Robin: Yes! I've read about your idea of courting one of the head honchos at Amazon, and working your way into their affections, in the hope of getting them to promote your books! I've been surprised at how well my Halloween book has done. It's a very short 'education & reference book.' My historical research didn't take me very long, and I actually put it all together, in just a couple of days. I was very lucky to find an ideal cover from the kindle library. It's a book that I still want to improve. Elias: What do you do when you're not writing books and not stealing my cabbages? Robin: I run my own self-employed bookkeeping practice to earn a crust. This means that I only get to do my writing in my spare time. I enjoy to read, review and exchange books. I also like art, drawing, music, gardening, comedy, travel and sport. Thank you, Robin. Paramedics are standing by in case you still faint. Robin's Website Anne and Stan's Magical Salt and Pepper Pot Adventures BookGoodies Anne and Stan are not your everyday salt and pepper pots. Their magical adventures goes beyond the family's kitchen. When their opportunity comes to take a risk and go on a magical adventure, they don't hold back, they make the transition with an abundance of energy, fun and expectation. Anne and Stan quickly meet and make some treasured friends and together their expectations are more than met. Will they decide to return to their family kitchen? or will their desire for even more magical adventures get the better of them! Get ready to join the ride... Halloween, What's It All About BookGoodies This book describes some of the concepts of Halloween. It includes a couple of easy recipes for a Halloween party, and some tips on the preparation of the pumpkin.  She knows Thor. Elias: Welcome, PJ. You kept me waiting a long time to interview you.
PJ: I apologise profusely. It shan't happen again! Elias: PJ, are you from another planet sent to Earth to destroy us all? PJ: No, I was sent by the Greek gods to restore their powers. I am using the Mystic Princesses as my front for now. As little girls become enamored with the series, they will learn that they also have inherited powers similar to the Mystic Princesses. I will then have the little girls band together to bring the message of the gods back to the people of the Earth. I'm keeping that message a secret for now, because I don't want to blow my whole operation. Elias: Your book, The Mystic Princesses and the Whirpool seems to be based on the Greek Mythology but set in modern times. Which character from the Greek Mythology would you be? I would be Zeus, of course. PJ: I would be Athena, the Goddess of wisdom and purposeful battle. But, that would also make you my father since you have claimed to be Zeus. I would use my war shield to block your lighting spears and cabbages. And I would use my wisdom and intelligence to outwit you. Because everyone knows that children are smarter than their parents, especially during their teenage years. Elias: Why did you become an author? Was it to follow in my footsteps? PJ: I've always been an author, as I've written since high school. I wouldn't follow in your footsteps though, because they are littered with rotten cabbages and slimy slugs. Elias: For your next book, will your main protagonist have the power to throw cabbages? PJ: No, my protagonist has the ability to turn the other characters into birds which will then eat your slugs. However, one character does throw fireballs. So, I could have her throw flaming cabbages if I decided that it was warranted. Elias: You're also noted for your poetry. Complete this rhyme: Elias Zapple gave a cabbage to PJ LaRue... PJ: Elias Zapple gave a cabbage to PJ LaRue. She thought, so many are hungry, I'll make a stew. I'll need carrots, onions, potatoes, and of course, some beef. When Elias smelled the stew, he said, "Don't forget the bay leaf." But PJ added an extra ingredient much to Elias' surprise. A chewy, slimy slug lay on his spoon staring right into his eyes. Elias: Will a book based on Roman Mythology or based on my slugs be coming soon? PJ: My next book still focuses on Greek Mythology. However, the third book will feature the daughter of Pele, the Hawaiian volcano goddess. The fourth book will feature the daughter of Mother Nature. Because of that, I can see where the fourth book has potential to incorporate both slugs and cabbages, but you will have to pay me large sums of money and make all my publishing dreams come true to make that happen. Elias: You started the group, Best Family-Friendly Book Club, did you copy this idea from the great Elias Zapple's Fun-tastic Children's Books (Slugs Welcome)? PJ: No. I only recently heard of your group, and I am enjoying being a member of it, when you aren't tossing cabbages or infesting people with slugs. I started Best Family-Friendly Book Club with a couple of other authors nearly a year ago because we couldn't find a group that fit our needs. While it is predominately children's book authors and books we have YA and adult family-friendly books, as well. We have some teachers and librarians in the group. Our motto is that we can leave our books out on the coffee table without being embarrassed if someone stops by unexpectedly, especially our mothers and grandmothers. Elias: Ever considered breeding slugs? PJ: No. kittens maybe, but definitely not slugs. How many slug farms do you run? And how much cabbage does each slug eat per day? Elias: If the Mystic Princesses were to be made into a film, who would you like to see play the roles of the Mystic Princesses? I have five slugs that would be perfect! PJ: I might consider having your slugs can play the antagonists, the Children of Ares. Princess Coral – played by MacKenzie Foy Princess Harmonie – played by Maggie Batson Princess Breanna – played by Rhiannon Leigh Wryn Princess Catie – played by Willow Smith Princess Janna – played by Isabella Acres Elias: You're quite an experienced self-published author now. Any advice for new authors about to publish their first novels, perhaps advice along the lines of 'do everything Elias Zapple does'? PJ: This is everything I wish I'd known the first year after I published. (And even before publishing!) ~Join both of our groups to meet other authors, but wear body armor when visiting the Fun-tastic page. ~Other groups to check out are IndiesUnlimited and Book Viral on Facebook and @BookViral on Twitter. ~ Follow RachelintheOC Thompson and BadReadHeadMedia on Facebook and @BadRedHeadMedia on Twitter. She understands marketing, books and blogs relevant advice. ~Start a blog and post regularly. You will build an audience. I'm still working on the blog posting side of this, but I'm doing pretty well with posting book reviews. ~To find your readers, go through the bloggers that have already found them. Google "children's book bloggers" or "YA book bloggers" or "slug and cabbage bloggers," etc. Select a few of those bloggers and visit their sites regularly, comment, Share on Facebook and tweet them. Be their friend. But this is the key, keep being their friend after you've had your blog tour. Don't use them and drop them. When book 2 comes around, you still want them as your their friend. ~Understand that other authors are not your audience. They are your support network. If you make friends with them and share their work, then they will help spread the news about your book, but don't push them to buy your book. ~Do not spam people with your book links all the time. Social media users hate that! If all you have in your tweets and shares are links to books, you are spamming. General rule of thumb that I've learned along the way (from Rachel Thompson): ~1/3 content relative to the subject or readers of your books, 1/3 other interesting articles, quotes or pictures unrelated to your books, 1/3 sharing other authors' works and your own work. ~Set writing goals and make a time calendar so that you don't spend so much time on social media that your writing or your relationship suffers. ~If you review another author's work (even a friend's book) and don't like it, or it has major issues with the grammar and editing, you need to have a policy about how to handle the situation. Your name is going on that review and other readers are relying on the reviews when they buy the books. I personally prefer to talk privately to authors about issues, so that they can be corrected. In this day of POD and ebooks, one is not stuck with a huge print run when errors are found. And, if you trash an author's book publicly, you've made an enemy. Elias: When do you plan to publish your next cabbage book? PJ: I am currently working with a new illustrator to reissue the 1st book, The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool. When I decided to change artists, I wanted the artwork to be consistent throughout the series. ~My website is also being redesigned. As soon as that is complete, I will end the 1st edition and it will no longer be available for sale. I will then begin sharing the new look while I wait for the rest of the illustrations. ~I hope the 2nd edition will be published in the spring. ~I have written the 2nd book in the series, The Mystic Princesses and the Magic Show. It is in the final stages of edits. It is set in New Orleans and Alaska. I hope to publish it during late 2014. ~I have started writing the 3rd book in the series. Right now, it is tentatively called The Mystic Princesses and the Volcano. It is set on the Big Island of Hawaii. Thanks, PJ! And please make it a little bit sunnier here in the UK! The Mystic Princesses and the Whirpool Princess Harmonie, the daughter of Aphrodite, makes people feel peaceful. Her life in New York is disrupted when the war-god, Ares, demands that his five warrior children capture her so they can fight and cause wars. Princess Harmonie must give up all that she loves, including her beloved brother, Eros, move to Hawaii, and live with her new protectors, whom she doesn’t even know. Together, the five girls are The Mystic Princesses, and they learn they have inherited powers from their mythological parents. Along the way, The Mystic Princesses learn life-lessons in personal safety, trust, keeping secrets that could cause harm and stopping bullies. But will the princesses learn how to use their powers in time to protect Princess Harmonie from the Children of Ares, when their hiding place is discovered? Amazon UK Amazon.com |
Elias Zapple!My moustache is great, my slugs are great, my cabbages are great and Elias Zapple is meh. Archives
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