Adult Fiction Week : Author Michael Cargill

Today is day four of Adult Fiction Week!

Author Michael Cargill is here to share a bit about himself and his thriller

Underneath

Michael Cargill is an up and coming author, who lives in Surrey, England. In mid-2011 he published his first book, and has gone on to publish several more.

Although known for his dramatic and engaging stories, he is also a satirist and humorist. He encourages people to take a look at his humorous work - http://michaelcargill.wordpress.com/

Anyone unsure of which book to read first, should take a look at Shelter from Thunder. It is a short, and easy read, and also a personal favourite of his.

Q: Tell us an unusual fact about you!

A: I have a tattoo of a question mark on my upper left arm.

Q: What gave you your start as a writer?

A: I always used to send out stupid emails to people at work, and they often told me I should write a book.  I had always ignored this, but in the middle of 2011 I discovered that I could self-publish on Smashwords for free.  My very first book, Diary of a Dork was just a collection of emails, but it broke the ice, and I have been writing ‘proper’ stories ever since!

Q: What has been the greatest inspiration behind your writing?

A: It’s never easy to answer this definitively, really.  Writing gives me the opportunity to spill out all the bonkers stuff, that bounces around my head.  It means I’m less likely to get into trouble at work, for sending stupid emails out.

Q: Where did the concept for Hugh's character come from?

A: I got the idea of writing a story about a sociopath, but initially he was going to be far more analytical, and intelligent.  However, after a bit of research on sociopaths, which involved popping onto Wikipedia and typing in ‘sociopaths’, I realised that they weren’t really like that at all.

Q: What helps you really get into the heads of your characters?

A: Being a sociopath helps, I find.  Mostly, I just think about the motivations behind doing something, and work from there.

Q: What had been your greatest challenge while writing?

A: The editing.  My God, the editing.  It’s boring, it’s awful, and it’s like being an alphabet accountant.

Q: What is your most memorable moment in your writing career?

A: Well, my career has been very short so far, so it’s probably publishing something for the very first time.

Q: Where is your favorite place to write and what do you snack on?

A: I do just about all of my writing in my room, which is where my PC is.  Coffee, and chewing gum, help me along the way, though not at the same time of course.  Hot drinks, and Wrigleys, they just don’t get on.

Q: Do you have a favorite book/author?

A: Favourite author is definitely Stephen King.  My favourite book can sometimes change from one day, to the next, but I found The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William Shirer absolutely fascinating.  Yeah, it’s non-fiction, and I’m a boring WWII nut.  Sue me if you don’t like it.  Actually, please don’t, I’m a bit skint.

Q: What can you tell us about your works in progress?

A: What?!?  How dare you!

Oh, alright then.  I’m working on a book that is set in a school at the moment.  Can’t really tell you much more than that, though.  Mainly because I don’t really know much more than that...!

Look at the person sitting just across from you. It doesn't matter whether they’re a loved one, a friend, or a complete stranger.

Now look at their face. Are they happy? Are they sad? Or are they angry? Can you even tell?

How well do you actually know the people closest to you?

Have you ever seen the real person that lies just underneath what you see...?

~My Review~

Underneath is one of the more unique and compelling books of it's kind that I have read. Michael Cargill is definitely an author to look out for. His writing style really captivates the reader and immerses them in the characters and story line. Cargill masterfully builds the tension through out the entire story, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. 

Hugh is quite an intricate and strange fellow to say the least. I really enjoyed his character and the satirical humor that goes along with it.  Especially his incident with self service checkout-which I myself find obnoxious-and his use of the term 'slug'. Cargill has really created a character that will entertain and intrigue. Hugh's tendencies progress at an alarming rate and I was not at all surprised to learn he is plagued by blackouts. The author really knows how to get into the head of his characters, which is something I really loved about this book. The author really nails the portrayal of a sociopath and allows us a glimpse into their life. This book points out to reader's that we may not know someone as well as we think we do. It is very possible they have a dark side we have yet to meet. 

The story takes place from two different points of view. That of Hugh as he wreaks havoc and that of the cops that are called in to handle the disturbances.  

I enjoyed the cop's characters as well. Robert's passion for bacon sandwiches and his continuous banter with his partner really add to the story. The reader also finds that the cops share similarities with Hugh. Perhaps, one human's 'underneath' is not so different from another. If you want a wild ride of a book and a story that will keep you wanting more, I highly recommend reading this book and other's by Michael Cargill! 

You can email the author at mcargill79@gmail.com 

or visit him on

Wordpress / Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter

Underneath and Michael's other works are available on

Smashwords / Amazon

Adult Fiction Week: Author Buck Tanner

Welcome to day three of Adult Fiction Week here on my blog!

It is time to share some laughs with Buck Tanner!

Author of:

Have you ever wondered...

Why is my unicorn attacking my dog?

Is my Russian Bride a spy?

Would it rupture the space-time continuum if I opened a 

Subway sandwich shop in 1910?

Find answers to these questions and many more in...

Buck Tanner's FAQ Collection

This collection includes all TEN volumes:

#1 Vampire Sex     

#2 Secret Service

#3 Big Buddy           

#4 Nudist Colony

#5  Killing Hitler            

#6 Russian Bride

#7 Your Unicorn    

#8 Sex Robot

#9 Eco-Tourism

#10 Your Genie

~MY REVIEW~

Buck Tanner is a voraciously funny author. He brings originality and tons of belly laughs to every installment of his FAQs. I am not big on humor but this was definitely worth the read. This collection is full of cynical and politically incorrect situations that readers will find down right amusing. Each FAQ gives you a different story, told in the format of a question and answer type pamphlet. I have never read anything quite like this and the author's knack for creativity definitely shines through. 

The author deals with an assortment of absurd topics, like what to do when you purchase your very own unicorn. Vampire Sex is sure to be a favorite among readers who choose to read this collection. It's witty and jabs a pointy stick into all the vampire romance hype. My favorite was Secret Service. It had me laughing all the way through. The thing I like about the author's writing style is that each FAQ starts off light -with the basics of what you would need to ask- then gets progressively more hilarious and obscure.

All though this humor might not be for every reader, the majority or those who are down for a good laugh will be sucked into Tanner's outrageous world! These FAQ's are a quick and fun read, right up there with the Uncle John's Bathroom Reader. I hope to see more from Buck Tanner in the near future! I will definitely recommend this to any adult humor enthusiasts!

Don't forget to visit Buck Tanner on:

Goodreads / His Website

Buck Tanner's FAQ Volumes 1-10 can be purchased on

Amazon

Throwback Thursday #4

"It’s the nature of book blogging to focus mainly on new releases, but there are thousands of great books out there that haven’t seen the “New Releases” shelf in years. We hope to be able to bring attention to some older titles that may not be at the top of the current bestseller list, but still deserve a spot in your To-Be-Read pile."

It is Adult Fiction Week on my blog! 

That means this weeks posts are all about great adult fiction! 

In order to honor this week, I have chosen to remember an Adult Science Fiction Classic:

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

(Originally published in 1990)

An astonishing technique for recovering and cloning dinosaur DNA has been discovered. Creatures once extinct now roam Jurassic Park, soon-to-be opened as a theme park. Until something goes wrong...and science proves a dangerous toy.

Who doesn't love dinosaurs and science gone awry!

I loved this book back in the day and I still love it now.

Chichton is a master when it comes to a heart thumping, thrill ride of a book.

I am really hoping more people now a days go back 

and decide to pick up a classic like this.

This is well worth the read! And then when your finished 

you can bust out the popcorn and watch it on DVD ^^ 

~FUN FACTS~

- Michael Chichton wrote a screenplay about cloning a pterodactyl from fossil DNA in 1983.

- Jurassic Park was originally written from a young boy's point of view.

- It wasn't until he changed the point of view to that of an adult that the publishers liked it

.

- Michael Crichton wrote "I try not to make too many judgements about the books that come out of me. I just write them and carry on. I try not to define myself, or what I do, because any definition is limiting. I like to leave the future open."

This post is also part of Adult Fiction Week here at Little Hyuts!

If there is a work of Adult Fiction that you would like to feature this week please do so!

Be sure to leave me a link in the comments so I can check it out!

Adult Fiction Week: Author Clint Morey

Today is the first day of Adult Fiction Week here on my blog!

Author Clint Morey is here to share a bit about himself and his exciting, suspense thriller

Jaidee : Out of the Ashes

Born and raised in L.A., it didn’t take much to convince my wife and I to leave the smog, traffic and dead bolts of Southern California and head for a new life in The Big Sky Country — Montana.                                                         Montana has been and continues to be a great adventure for us. God has blessed us in many ways — six beautiful children and many wonderful friends. It’s also a great place to be a writer.

Q: Tell us an unusual fact about you!

A: Back in my teaching days, I set up and ran an internet high school that had hundreds of students in a dozen countries around the world.  It was exciting to come to work and interact with students in China getting ready to go to bed and then work with students in the Middle East who were just getting started for the day.  It was also challenging to learn a language of “safe” words when chatting with students in the more restrictive countries.

Q: What gave you your start as a writer?

A: Reading, Jill.  I read everything I could get my hands on and enjoyed the worlds authors created within their pages.  I also enjoyed watching TV and going to the movies (double features!!!).  There was even a radio station that played old radio dramas late at night that I used to listen to when I went to bed.  I was a story-consumption machine.

I’ve always written and enjoyed telling stories.  I sold articles to several national magazines years ago and it was fun to think that tens of thousands of people were reading words that I wrote.  It was also fun to get paid to write those words

After leaving teaching and taking up writing as a profession, my screenplays began to get awards and three of them were optioned.  Then I began getting “writing for hire” jobs which helped pay the bills.  Novels and short stories were a logical medium for many of the stories I wanted to tell and I’ve enjoyed creating them.

Q: What has been the greatest inspiration behind your writing?

A: Stories matter.  At least they always have to me, Jill.  Stories encourage us to dream.  They challenge us to overcome obstacles.  They teach us to recognize the difficulties others experience.  They help us learn how to live in this world.  I want to write stories that captivate people but I would also like those stories to make a difference for good in the lives of the readers.

Q: Where did the concept for Josh’s character come from?

A: I wanted to break away from the “traditional” private eye character.  I liked the idea of a “family man” as a detective.  He focuses on catching the “cheaters” who are destroying their families even as he wishes he could have his family back .  Plus I had a friend who wanted to be a cop and joined the Air Force to get Military Police experience.  He was trained as an MP then spent three and one-half years guarding a missile silo in North Dakota.  Not exactly the job resume police departments were looking for.  I wanted my hero to have had similar experiences with bureaucracies and a commitment to pursue his own dreams without the boss peering over his shoulder.

Q: Have you always been a fan of mysteries and thrillers?

A: As far back as I can remember, I have enjoyed mysteries and thrillers.  As a kid, they were books like the Hardy Boys series.  Then it was the spy novels fostered by the Cold War.  More recently it has been police procedurals, legal thrillers, and stories set against the background of international terrorism.

Q: What had been your greatest challenge while writing?

A: With JAIDEE, the biggest challenge was the subject matter – child prostitution.  I wanted  the story to reveal a world that exists without having the story focus on sex.  I wanted the story to be about people who were struggling to make better lives for themselves in difficult situations.

In general, the greatest challenge for me is the business side of this storytelling career.  You have to market your “products” to readers, producers, and agents.  I just want to tell stories but unless I am content to tell them to no one, I have to learn how to sell those stories.  That takes time away from writing and creating new stories.

Q: What is your most memorable moment in your writing career?

A: The most recent moment was optioning my script, PREACHER MAN, to an independent producer.  You always have hope that the movie will get made.  Well, the movie didn’t get made, but it came close.

Q: Where is your favorite place to write and what do you snack on?

A: The local Barnes & Noble is just a few blocks from my house and has a coffee shop that is a guaranteed writing hot spot for me.  If I’m stuck on a scene or falling behind on my word count for the day, I head to Barnes & Noble.   I order a hot chocolate, sit at one of their little tables, and write.  It always works.  I don’t know why it works but it’s nice to have that place in my back pocket.

Q: Do you have a favorite book/author?

A: My favorite book is TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee.  I have several favorite authors and tend to read and re-read their works if I’m developing a story in a similar genre.  John Grisham, Michael Connelly, Michael Crichton, and Vince Flynn are a few of the authors who are on that list.

Q: What can you tell us about your works in progress?

A: I have a sci-fi novel, THE HARVEST, that is undergoing editing right now.  I have another sci-fi novel, THE HEALING PLANET, that is almost complete.  It’s a first draft so I know a lot of work is still in front of me on that one.  I consider them both thrillers that just happen to be set in a different time (the future). 

 I’m also working on the second novel in the Lyons Investigations series, the follow up to JAIDEE.  It is in a rough draft at the moment.  Now I have to make it beautiful.

And I’m working on a thriller script with a writing partner.

"A cynical detective working through his own demons must decide if he will

 fight evil or let it win the day uncontested. "

Josh Lyons is doing what he loves -- proving what happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas. 

Josh heads a small detective agency that documents the indiscretions of unfaithful spouses for use in divorce and custody proceedings.

During a routine job, Josh rescues a young Asian girl from a prostitution ring and gives the girl to a friend of his on Metro's Vice Squad. When he hears a contract has been put out on the girl and someone in Metro is involved, he steals her from the "safe" house and hides her from the people who want to kill her.

Accused of being a kidnapper and child molester, Josh is pursued by the cops, the mob, and the media. Friends who will help him are hard to find and difficult to keep alive. The girl wants to get back to her pimp. His computer guy is not into violence. And the ex-missionary who speaks the girl's language doesn't approve of Josh's lifestyle.

Josh doesn't know who he can trust but when his office is blown up, he realizes he's going to have to take down some rich and powerful people if there's any hope for them to survive.

~MY REVIEW~

Wow! It has been awhile since I have read a good adult fiction novel, and Clint Morey certainly has produced just that. Jaidee is a non-stop, action packed thrill ride of a book. I could easily see this novel being the basis for a movie. I have always loved suspense novels that keep you on your toes. Jaidee did not disappoint one bit. I was hooked from chapter one.

Clint has a great writing style that keeps the story moving. It is clear he has a passion for what he writes.

I loved Josh's character! He is not your run of the mill detective. As Clint mentioned in his interview with me, he wanted Josh to be non-traditional but also a 'family man'. He definitely succeeded. Josh is a well developed and strong main character. I liked the family aspect about him and that he sticks to what he knows is right. He has an exceptional, yet quirky crew, that really added to his story. 

Writing about the ugliness of the world is not an easy task. The author has given us a window into the world of child prostitution. The reader gets to experience the horrific struggle of humans trying to survive. Jaidee, despite being forced into a life of prostitution, is a sweet girl with a great deal of inner strength. She has a good heart, just like her name entails. I enjoyed her relationship with Josh and their amusing banter. 

The ending to Jaidee was ripe with tension and of course filled with great action scenes. Everything wraps up nicely, yet leaves you with an opening for the second book. I can't wait to see where the author takes us next. I am definitely recommending Jaidee to any reader who loves suspense and a whole lot of action!

If you want to know more about Clint Morey and his work,

Visit him on

Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Jaidee is available for purchase on Amazon in paperback and kindle format!

Red Dawn Cover Reveal and Giveaway!

I am pleased to present the cover for J.J. Bonds' 

upcoming release,

Red Dawn is the second installment in the wildly popular Cross Academy Series!

Katia’s done running. She’s fought fiercely to protect her identity, her secrets, and those she loves most. And while it hasn’t been easy, she’s finally making peace with the past. Katia’s even looking forward to the start of a new school year at Crossroads Academy.

Too bad things at Crossroads are going to be a little different this fall. There are new rules, new students, and new relationships. Katia quickly discovers that navigating the halls of Crossroads is as complicated as ever.

When a friend’s life is at stake, Katia will be forced to choose between the safety of Crossroads and an enemy more dangerous than any she’s ever faced.

Will Katia have the courage to risk it all -including her life- for a friend?

Red Dawn will be released August 28, 2012!

J.J. Bonds is an independent author who writes young adult speculative  fiction. Her debut novel, Crossroads, was released in fall of 2011. It is the first in the Crossroads Academy series. J.J. lives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania where her love of all things paranormal keeps life interesting. She lives with her husband, daughter, and two rambunctious dogs.

J.J. Bonds can be found on

Facebook | Goodreads | Shelfari | Twitter

Be sure to follow her for exciting updates on her release!

And Don't Forget, Red Dawn is going on TOUR! 

Aliens Are Real Blog Tour Stop

Enchanting  Book Tours presents,

 Sabrina Sumsion's YA Novel Aliens Are Real! 

When Jasmine moves to Omaha, NE with her Colonel father as he works on top secret matters at Offut Air Force Base, she prepares herself for another lonely station. Jasmine meets Yumi, a mysterious girl in Art Class, and her world changes. 

Jasmine plots to stay in Omaha but the acceptance of Yumi's housemates is central to her plans. Their rejection surprises her until she realizes they have a secret. For a chance at stability and blossoming love, Jasmine puts herself in harm's way to rescue Yumi and find the home she's been searching for since her mother died.

All About Sabrina!

Sabrina Sumsion is a former literary publicist and voracious reader. She enjoys creating, writing, jewelry, lotions and tasty food.

Sabrina published Produce, Publish, Publicize: What every writer needs to know to create an amazing product, avoid publishing traps and scams as well as increase sales to assist writers in making good choices in publishing.

She presents to writers groups across the nation teaching topics such as branding, building a platform, developing hooks, publicity and marketing.

Aliens Are Real is her debut young adult novel.

~MY REVIEW~

This book was so much fun to read! The author has created a great work of young adult science fiction.

The plot was original and exciting. It also had the ability to keep me engaged the entire time I was reading. This story had a great pace and  before I knew it, I was done!

The author's welcoming writing style makes this novel easily relatable for readers. Unlike a lot of young adult novels in a high school setting, Aliens Are Real kept the drama and annoying teen speak to a minimum. The author focused on the real story which is something I find to be extremely important.

The characters, especially Jasmine, were well crafted. Jasmine made a great MC, even though I wanted to shake her at times for having low self esteem. The reader was able to feel for Jasmine's frustration at her father and her desperate need to find stability. 

I got a kick out of the group of friends Jasmine makes in drama class. They reminded me a lot of the drama kids I knew in high school.

I do wish the author would have expanded a bit more on Yumi's character. She plays such an important role in the story and I felt like I didn't get to know her that well. 

There were hints at romance in this book, a couple instances of unabashed flirting, but overall the author kept it light. All though I am rooting for Jasmine to find the right boy, or alien?, for herself later in the series.

The ending left you with a decent amount of questions and also a need for clarification to some parts of the story. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series to find out.

If you are looking for a good clean read for your teen or just want a fun easy read for yourself, I am definitely recommending this book!

If you would like to know more about Sabrina and her work,

Visit her website

www.sabrinasumsion.com

or send her an email at

sabrina@sabrinasumsion.com.

Aliens Are Real can be purchased on

Amazon and for free on Smashwords!

Adult Fiction Week at Little Hyuts!

Due to the requests for me to review certain non-YA works,

I have decided to start hosting a bi-monthy meme!

ADULT FICTION WEEK

This particular meme will run for five consecutive days every other month.

Adult Fiction Week gives my blog and others like it the chance to showcase

some great works that do not fit the YA genre.

This will include, Adult Fiction in all genres (ie. thriller, suspense, humor), 

Adult Non-Fiction (ie. recipe books, memoirs, reference).

I hope that other bloggers will be persuaded to participate! 

Even if you just pick one day out of the week to post! 

And be sure to link back to Little Hyuts when you do ^^

This month, July 25th - July 30th, will be my first ever 

Adult Fiction Week!

**********

Here's the LINEUP:

Mystery Wednesday 25th : Jaidee by Clint Morey

 I will have and interview with the author and my review of his book!

Throwback Thursday 26th : 

Going hand in hand with my favorite meme, Throwback Thursday, I will be featuring 

a great adult fiction book that you haven't thought about in awhile.

Laugh it Up Friday 27th : The Buck Tanner FAQ

I will have an excerpt from his humor series and my review!

Thriller of a Satuday 28th : Undeneath by Michael Cargill

I will have an interview with the author, my review of his novel and 

I will also be hosting a GIVEAWAY of his book, Underneath! 

Short Story Sunday 29th : Demons of Fire and Water 

by Elly Rose 

I will be featuring her short story compilation about demons along with my review!

Non-Fiction Monday : The Rotation Diet by Joyce Weaver

I will be discussing her book of recipes for allergy sufferers along with my review! 

(And yes! I actually tried some of them!)

Short Story Sunday #2 : Zombie Playground

Short Story Sunday is dedicated to showcasing 

short works of fiction, short story compilations and epic poetry narratives. 

This Sunday I am pleased to be featuring an imaginative and exciting 

Short Story Compilation.

Zombie Playground By Astrid Yrigollen

Astrid Yrigollen is the author of several children's picture books and an up and coming young adult novel, The Mosswoods. She is now releasing her first short story compilation, Zombie Playground. It will be released this August in paperback and ebook format. 

"I would have to say about 70% of my story ideas come from my dreams. I dream very vividly so all I have to do is write it down and fill in the gaps. The other 30% come from weird little things that happen during the day or characters that I create from my Super Dollfies." Astrid Yrigollen

Astrid Yrigollen was born in the Bay Area of Northern California and currently lives in Marin County ,California. Aside from reading and writing she enjoys the beach,pets and learning new langauges.

~ABOUT THE STORIES~
When one is a child we see monsters as a horrible reality. Hiding under our beds, waiting at the window or in the darkest corners of the garage. We don’t quite understand our parents lack of fear.As we become adults ourselves, childhood monsters go into hibernation to be reborn as new monsters such as taxes, speeding tickets or mortgages. The concept of ‘good’ or ‘bad’ monsters does not apply for these stories. Do not judge them, they are just creatures.

~MY REVIEW~

Astrid has put together a delightful yet somewhat dark collection of short stories. Each story is an interesting take on our world and the secret monsters that dwell within it. The author has a fresh writing style that keeps you engaged the entire time you are reading. This compilation offers the reader a chance to acknowledge the complexity behind every monster. Some monsters like the ones in her short story, Raska, are not really monsters at all. Raska was my favorite short from this compilation. The author writes with emotion and creates a heart warming tale about a town in dire need of a hero. Each one of these stories could be the basis for an entire novel, which is something I really loved about them. If you are a fan of zombies and monsters, I suggest you check out Astrid's Creature Compilation, Zombie Playground.

Zombie Playground will be available in ebook format in early August!

It is available now in paperback from Lulu!

Visit the author on her Website / Goodreads Page

 Want to win your own copy?
Don't forget to enter the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway
Just Follow this Link!
GIVEAWAY