Author Interview: Astrid HLGoossens, plus J is for Jack O’Lantern

Books: Eos           

Genre: SF      

Author: Astrid HL Goossens

Today, I’m happy to welcome SF author Astrid HL Goossens. Hello Astrid, can you tell us something about your book?  

Eos started as a Dutch short story, but I realised it would reach a lot more people if I translated it to English. It is a short e-story about Earth where the inhabitants live in complete darkness. Janna, the main character, has a boring life until she drops the word Eos.

Eos is also the title of your story. Why did you choose this title?

Eos means dawn, which is lacking in that world. It can also refer to a new beginning and this refers to the changes in the boring life of Janna.

What do you consider to be something fascinating about your work?

The world in the book can be seen as the world we know now, except for the darkness. It doesn’t take the reader to a fantasy world, but to a possible future of Earth.

Tell me more about your protagonist.

She has a boring life, hardly any social connections or friends. Work is the only thing that fills her days. And all of the sudden it changes and she takes the opportunity to discover that change.

How did you get the idea for this book?

A writers’ competition. I entered the Dutch version (but didn’t win 🙂)

What are your thoughts behind the choice of design for your cover?

I was standing outside my house during the morning. It was still dark, but when I looked East, I could see the first signs of dawn. So I took a picture and used that as the cover.

Who inspired you to write and why did you choose SF?

I’m not sure if there ever was a person who inspired me to write. My favourite writer is Tanith Lee who wrote Scifi and Fantasy. So she probably inspired my choice of writing Fantasy/SF.

Is this your first book?

No, I already have two books in Dutch (POD), a Dutch manuscript searching for a publisher, and a lot of other books in progress.

What are your plans for the future?

I have already started a series about Witchcraft. ‘Wicca Adventures’ #1 Water, New Beginning and #2 Fire, Finding your passion. I’m currently working on the third and fourth.

Thank you so much for joining me today. One last question: Where can readers find out more about you and your work?

www.astridhlgoossens-schrijfsels.com  There is a separate page for my English E-books.

About the Author: A Belgian author, with a degree in psychology (bsc) and a private practice. For a few years now, she spends more time writing than counselling.

Link to book on smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1309606

On to this week’s fantasy creature.

J is for Jack O’Lantern

We’re in Halloween season and we’re used to seeing carved pumpkins yet I for one didn’t know the legend that could have led to this tradition.

In Celtic myths, Jack O’Lantern or Stingy Jack was a blacksmith who made a pact with the Devil and got him to promise that he would not take his soul into Hell.

When Jack died, he was not admitted into Heaven because of his stinginess and cruelty but the Devil also kept his promise and didn’t accept him in Hell.

So Jack continues to wander around the countryside of Ireland to this day carrying a burning coal or ember which the Devil threw him and which he placed within a hollow turnip.

References: https://www.irish-genealogy-toolkit.com/jack-o-lantern.html; https://www.pumpkinnook.com/facts/jack.htm

Some self-promo!

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

If you like magic, enemies to lovers, twists and turns, harrowing escapes and family drama, then you’ll enjoy The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy.

Dawn of Purple and Grey, Days of Wind and Snow, and Night of Rites and Wraiths (The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy) are available through Amazon as ebooks and paperbacks or as a Complete Series Box Set in ebook format.

Till next time,

Caroline

Author Interview: C.J. Sahadeo, plus J is for Jack-in-Irons

Book: Ierie

Genre: Folklore Fantasy

Author: C.J. Sahadeo

In today’s newsletter, I’m excited to interview fantasy author C.J. Sahadeo. Hello and welcome! Can you tell us something about your book?

Ierie is a folklore fantasy novel which brings to life the Ole Mas carnival characters of the Caribbean islands Trinidad and Tobago. These characters, like the stickfighter and the midnight robber, must use the abilities granted to them by the island of Ierie to foil a terrible plot to the native people of the island.  

Why did you choose this title for the book?

The original name for the island of Trinidad was Iere. Ierie is a twist on that and also sounds a lot like the word ‘eerie’ which is something a lot of the characters are!

How did you get the idea for this book?

I was actually listening to a song on the radio, ‘buss head’ which is about stickfighting, and that combined with my desire to have a fantasy book set in my home with my people inspired me to write Ierie.

Who is your favourite character in the book?

My favourite character has got to be Amrika. She’s fierce and loyal and above all, she is kind. She gets her abilities activated because she chose to help a child. She goes into battle against her brother’s wishes. She steals from the rich and gives it away to needy families in her village.  She’s awesome and I think the world deserves to know her.

What do you consider to be something unique about your work?

Ierie is a fantasy book placed in my island and with people like me. Growing up, I had never seen any books like that before. It also has bits of my local dialect in it!

One last question. What are your plans for the future?

I certainly plan to publish again, though it is not likely that there will be a sequel for Ierie. I have a few other sci-fi and fantasy projects in the works.

Thank you so much for joining me today. Where can readers find out more about you and your work?

I can be found on Instagram:

https://instagram.com/c.sahadeo_?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA==

And on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21276285.C_J_Sahadeo

Link to book on Amazon:

My book can be found on Amazon.com!

And also in Amazon uk:

I’m always amazed at how diverse epic fantasy books can be!. Now on to this week’s fantasy creature.

J is for Jack-in-Irons

Jack-in-Irons is a fearsome giant who roams lonely country roads, traditionally in Yorkshire. He carries a spiked club, and his torso is encircled by chains to which he hangs the heads of the people he’s killed. It’s not surprising, therefore, that they are sometimes employed as jailors or torturers.

If you’re on a lonely road and hear the clanking of chains, best run as fast as you can! 😊

ARC copies

Before I sign off, I’d like to introduce you to the work of a writer who set up the critique group I form part of. Cordia Pearson’s debut novel will be launched in the coming days and she’s offering free copies in exchange for a review. Just look at that cover: isn’t it gorgeous!

These are the links to her two giveaways:

LibraryThing: Book Giveaway for Iridesce by Cordia Pearson

Find Titles | NetGalley

Some self-promo!

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

If you like magic, enemies to lovers, twists and turns, harrowing escapes and family drama, then you’ll enjoy The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy.

Dawn of Purple and Grey, Days of Wind and Snow, and Night of Rites and Wraiths (The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy) are available through Amazon as ebooks and paperbacks or as an ebook Complete Series Box Set.

Till next time,

Caroline