Meet YA Historical Author Melanie Mason

Melanie is an author, designer, photographer, and flight attendant all rolled into one. She has told stories all her life and finds her passion in sharing the plots that spin through her head. She now lives in Portland, Oregon, with her two dachshund-chihuahua dogs. She loves the beauty of the Pacific Northwest that feeds her imagination.

When no one is listening, Melanie loves to belt Broadway songs in her living room and car. Someday she hopes to be on a flight where someone is reading her book.

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To escape capture by Imperial soldiers, 16-year-old Eridale Storm leaves the only home she’s ever known and drags her younger sister into the wilds of Mericon—the Empire that formed when America collapsed. Hoping to find safety with their mother who disappeared when Eridale was three, the girls follow clues that lead them across the country, but the empire hounds their every step.

The journey draws Eridale deeper into the conflict between the Empire and the rebel Freedom Fighters, producing questions about Eridale’s heritage, questions no one wants to answer.

Caught between the threads of deception, rebellion, and betrayal, Eridale struggles to find out who she is. The answers she finds could lead the country back to freedom or shackle them under the imperial throne forever.

This is book 1 of a 4 book series and not a stand-alone book.

~ Universal Amazon Link ~ 
  

Snippet:

The villagers won’t help us. Survival is up to me.

            I take a deep breath, calming the jitters that twist my stomach. My fists tighten and release. “Leah, bring me Papa’s bow.”

            Her eyes widen. “You’ll be considered an outcast if you hunt.” Her gaze darts to the door and windows.

            “I’ve never been accepted in this village. I’m different from everyone, honey. Just look at me.” I motion to my reflection in the mirror, still broken from when the Opprimere took my step-father.

            My dark, coppery red hair cascades in a mass of curls from my ponytail down to my waist, and my steely violet eyes reflect the pain of my situation. No one in the village looks like me. 

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Meet YA Author Betty Bolte

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes YA author Betty Bolte. I had the pleasure of meeting Betty last October when we were at the Vegas Valley Book Festival to accept medals from Literary Classics for our books.

First, a bit about Betty:

I live with my hubby on a 22-acre farm in Tennessee with our two outdoor dogs and one house cat. I started reading romances in the 1980s, much to my mother’s dismay—she actually threw away a copy of my friend’s mother’s Rosemary Rogers novel! But I was hooked, and there was no going back. Language and writing are my first loves. I have written in a variety of types and genres and have been published since 1995. I started writing as a child—short stories and reports—but turned professional as a technical editor and freelance writer, and then published historical fiction and romance. I’m a member of Romance Writers of America, the Historical Novel Society, and the Authors Guild.

Why did you pick to write books for Young Adults?

I wrote Hometown Heroines: True Stories of Bravery, Daring, and Adventure for a YA audience because I wanted to bring history to life, to make it entertaining for younger readers and perhaps spark a love of history in the process. I stumbled upon the idea by reading a book that listed the historic landmarks in America and was surprised at the number dedicated to youth. Since it was a book most youth wouldn’t read, I decided to write one they might enjoy and thus discover other youth and what they’d accomplished. Perhaps it would even inspire them to strive for their own dreams.

What types of books do you like to read?

I read a little of everything, including a lot of nonfiction—biographies, histories, memoirs, etc.—for research purposes. But my favorites are historical fiction, classics, mysteries, and contemporary romances.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

I love to go outside and walk or hike, dance with my husband, read, crochet, cross-stitch, and travel to historic sites.

Tell us about Hometown Heroines and how the story came to be.

Hometown Heroines: True Stories of Bravery, Daring, and Adventure is a collection of 18 short stories, each featuring the actions of a particular girl who lived in the 1800s who is remembered today with a landmark or exhibit dedicated in her honor in America. Each of the 19 girls—one story is about two sisters—did something worthy of her community and our country establishing a durable way of celebrating her achievement or actions. Most remarkably, they were all teenagers or younger at the time. The historical sites range from a park, to a statue, a railroad trestle, and even a mountain. Included with each short story are the biographical facts the story is based upon, a list of other books/resources related to her, and the locations of landmarks and other sites. I was honored to receive for this book a gold medal for Best Female Audience YA book in 2015 from the Children’s Literary Classics organization.

Here's a peek at Hometown Heroines:

During the 1800s, daring and courageous girls across America left their unique mark on history.

Milly Cooper galloped nine miles through hostile Indian Territory to summon help when Fort Cooper was under attack.

Belle Boyd risked her life spying for the Rebels during the Civil War.

Kate Shelly, when she was 15, crawled across a nearly washed-out railroad bridge during a ferocious thunderstorm to warn the next train.

Lucille Mulhall, age 14, outperformed cowboys to become the World’s First Famous Cowgirl.

These are just a few of the inspiring true stories inside Hometown Heroines—American Girls who faced danger and adversity and made a difference in their world.

Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.

Yes, I’ve written several other nonfiction YA books, two on starting school clubs for Mason Crest (Foreign Language Clubs and Hobby Clubs), and two on horse sports for Chelsea House (Dressage and Jumping). I’ve also written romances, two paranormal for Liquid Silver (Traces and Remnants), and four historical (A More Perfect Union series set in Charleston, SC during the American Revolution). Emily’s Vow, Amy’s Choice, Samantha’s Secret, and Evelyn’s Promise each features a woman fighting for her own form of independence at a time when the women’s rights movement was just beginning along with the new country of the United States of America.

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

I’m always writing! I’ve started writing a spin-off trilogy set in 1785-86 Charleston, featuring the three Sullivan brothers introduced in the AMPU series. I’m also working on a historical women’s fiction series.

What advice do you have for other authors?

Write what you’re passionate about. Dig down inside to find the emotion to put on the page. Don’t publish the story before it’s ready. Just because you can easily self-publish doesn’t mean the story should be quickly put out there before its polished. Get away from your writing regularly to refill the well with activities and experiences that inform and energize your stories. But most of all, don’t write/publish in a vacuum – join a supportive professional organization related to your genre/category of books to learn and grow as an author.

Anything else you want readers to know?

I know I’m not perfect, but I do my utmost to ensure that my historical stories are based on meticulously researched facts to the best of my ability. One male reader reviewed one of my romances. He admitted he didn’t normally read romance but he did find the historical details accurate. That was a huge compliment to me! Also, the Historical Novel Society has given very positive reviews to the AMPU series. You can find links to the reviews on my website.

Where can readers find you and your books?

My books are available at most retailers and e-tailers. The best starting place is my website, www.bettybolte.com. From there you can find me on social media, and the descriptions and buy links for my books. You’ll also find a list of my upcoming appearances where we can meet. I love to hear from my readers, and am available to talk to book clubs (in person if possible, or via Skype). You can also sign up to receive my newsletter to keep informed about new releases and other news. 

Meet Historical MG/YA Author Laurel A. Rockefeller

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes MG/YA historical author Laurel A. Rockefeller. She is the author of numerous stories about the fascinating women in history.

First, a bit about Laurel:

Born, raised, and educated in Lincoln, Nebraska USA, author-historian Laurel A. Rockefeller educates while she entertains, encouraging readers to think about current events and history in a completely new way. Using exhaustive and comprehensive research across dozens of academic disciplines, Laurel's stories come alive so vividly it is easy to forget you are learning something new.

Why did you pick to write books for MG/YA?

I never actually set out to write for MG/YA per se, actually, but more for a general audience where everyone in the family can enjoy a book or film. When I was a child, the first movie I ever watched in a theatre was watched with three generations of my family. Likewise, for a couple years when I was young, our entire family sat around the tree and read A Christmas Carol aloud together. That experience really imprinted on me the value of creative works that people can enjoy together.  Especially in today’s world where everything is so sliced up and niched, and where we are usually alone in a crowd, I feel it is important to restore the social aspect of enjoying a great book or film, of doing things together again. 

My work reflects that, especially with the Legendary Women of World History Series of biographies for young readers. The audio editions—narrated by British voice artist Richard Mann—allow children as young as four to enjoy these inspiring stories, are written to about the second or third grade reading level, and yet are so rich in detail and information that most adults are shocked at how much they are learning from these compelling creative non-fiction true stories. And this is how it should be. Instead of telling our children fairy tales, I feel we should be inspiring our children (and ourselves) with true stories about people who really made a difference.

What types of books do you like to read?

I generally prefer non-fiction, especially science, history, and politics.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

Believe it or not, I really do love working and researching for my books. History is a lifelong passion of mine since I was very young, and I love reading historical research and watching documentaries and historical films. Love biographical motion pictures, especially those by the BBC. The Imitation Game is my latest obsession. I also love sharing what I learn with people. I write the Legendary Women of World History Series out of a genuine passion for these stories.

Beyond history, I enjoy English country dancing, attending live theatre and concerts, singing and writing music, and spending time with friends. When I’m in a crafty mood, I spin with a drop spindle, something I learned to do in the twenty some years I spent in the Society for Creative Anachronism.  I tried archery once and really do want to pursue that again.

I also spend a lot of time on social media. I love talking to people and being social. I am probably one of the most easy to reach authors online and will spend hours talking to a single reader about really anything and everything (within certain limits of privacy). I love reaching out to people and hearing their stories as well.

Tell us about Catherine de Valois and how the story came to be.

I am a huge Shakespeare fan. Shakespeare, Arthurian legends, and tales of Robin Hood made me fall in love with England. One of my favourite plays is Henry V, especially the Kenneth Branagh adaptation. Shakespeare takes King Henry’s side in his storytelling, but I was always fascinated by Princess Catherine. 

After launching The Legendary Women of World History Series with Boudicca:  Britain’s Queen of the Iceni in March 2014, it seemed only logical to tell Catherine’s story as the second book. What I discovered along the way was that Shakespeare’s depiction of Catherine as this giddy romantic who could not wait to marry Henry could not have been further from the truth. Henry, like Richard the Lionheart, was a soldier who loved killing and glorified war and slaughter. His marriage with Catherine was likely very unhappy. Fortunately for Catherine, Henry’s refusal to honour the Treaty of Troyes led to his early death after only two years of marriage. What happened next launched the most famous dynasty in history: the Tudors.

Here's a peek at Catherine de Valois:

“Must we do this, Mother?” asked Catherine, pacing furiously.

“What choice do we have, Catherine? The blood of the women and children of Rouen cry out for action. We must meet with King Henry this day or risk further slaughter,” conceded Queen Isabeau, her heart equally furious and grieved at the same time at Henry’s atrocities in Rouen.

“I do not want to meet him! I hate him! I have never heard of any living man being so vile and disgusting to me!”

“It is said that he is otherwise to his own English people, that he governs them kindly and with great skill.”

“But what about the Welsh, Mother? Was he kind to them when he slaughtered them while his father reigned?” countered Catherine. “I know it is my duty as your daughter – but you know how I hate violence, especially against the innocent. How are the Welsh any different than us? All they wanted was to not be slaves to this conqueror. We of all people understand this!”

Before Isabeau could respond, the door opened. Jacques de Heilly entered with a bow, “Your Majesty, Your Highness may I introduce you to Henry, by God’s grace King of England.”

Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.

Catherine de Valois is one of twenty books, novellas, and flash fiction stories I’ve published since August, 2012. Joining Catherine and Boudicca in 2015 were Mary Queen of the Scots and Queen Elizabeth I of England in Journey to Gloriana

American Stories has two books: the flash fiction A New Start in the Niobrara for Mr. and Mrs. O’Malley about Irish immigration to Nebraska and the 70 page non-fiction American Poverty: Why America’s Treatment of the Poor Undermines Its Authority As a World Power which is a thoughtful comparative analysis looking at the real face of poverty in the USA, how poverty here differs from poverty among our closest allies, and what each of us can do to make life in America truly great again.

The Peers of Beinan Series is a six volume (one flash fiction, two novellas, and a completed novel trilogy) social science fiction series exploring a medieval monarchy in another galaxy. The books are: The First King (free flash fiction), Good-bye A672E92 Quintus, The Poisoned Ground, and the Legacy of Princess Anlei Trilogy: The Great Succession Crisis, The Ghosts of the Past, and Princess Anyu Returns. I offer a proper introduction to the series on YouTube.


What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

Yes! I continue to work on additional LWWH biographies. The first of these for 2016 will be Empress Wu Zetian. Empress Wu is probably the most demonized woman in world politics, yet her wise rule led to some of the most important social and technological advancements in history. The prologue and epilogue are set in 1861 Beijing for a look at the Victorian Era from the Chinese point of view.

Joining her will be the Empress Matilda of England. Born 7th February 1102, Matilda was the daughter of Henry I and his only surviving heir after a shipwreck on the English channel killed her brothers. As the rightful heir to the throne, she journeyed to London for her coronation only to be driven out of the city and denied the throne in favour of her cousin Stephen. It is a fascinating story I can't wait to tell you!

What advice do you have for other authors?

Talk to people not at them. Readers are really good at ignoring sales pitches. Stop trying to sell and spend more time interacting with people. Remember that people buy from people, not companies.

Anything else you want readers to know?

My blog regularly runs a character profile column on Thursdays featuring books by largely undiscovered independent authors. Please take a look!

If you are an author with a children’s to young adult book, please apply for a character profile. 

It has been wonderful talking to you today!  I cannot wait to hear from each and every one of you reading this!

Where can readers find you and your books?

My office door is always open!

Connect with me on Twitter  and on Pinterest.
My blog is very active and full of great information about a wide range of topics.
Follow my YouTube channel.
If you ask me a question on social media or comment on any of my pins, videos, tweets, or blog posts, there is an excellent chance I will respond. Let’s have a conversation!

You can find my books:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iTunes/iBookstore
SmashWords
Goodreads

Meet YA Author Gail Strickland

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes YA author Gail Strickland. It was an amazing twist of fate of brought Gail and I together. Actually it turns out that it was our love of Joseph Campbell and his Hero's Journey. It is a tale few would believe. Since we've met, we have held one book discussion on Campbell's influence in our books, Sons of the Sphinx and Night of Pan, and are gearing up for another. On January 20, we will be at the Highlands Ranch Tattered Cover Book Store (the largest Indie book seller in Colorado). If you live in the Denver area, we invite you to join us. And now, I'm excited to introduce you to Gail Strickland!

First, a bit about Gail:

Gail Strickland loves music, art, writing and languages. She has spent her life performing as a pianist in cabarets in San Francisco, symphonic orchestras and a little known eclectic country rock band called The Prairie Dogs. During her years as a piano teacher helping children discover music, Gail also pursued her passion for languages and foreign lands. She lived for months in Greece and Ireland and studied in Stuttgart, Germany. Gail's also translated much of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. But beyond her love for all the arts, Gail has always sought the magic that lingers between the words, within the silent void we cannot paint or play or write.

Why did you pick to write books for YA?

I wrote Night of Pan, a YA historical fantasy because, as a Greek scholar in college and a music teacher who has worked for many years with young people, I was eager to share the ancient myths and wisdom with young people. Also, I tired of many modern historians—even the History Channel—telling us that the young Oracle of Delphi did not know what she was doing. Night of Pan reclaims history for the young Oracle in 5th Century BCE Greece who spoke and the entire world listened. I believe she helped save the cradle of democracy and change the course of history. I hope young people will understand after they read Night of Pan that one person can change the world … even one young person.

What types of books do you like to read?

Everything! I love YA books (anything by John Green and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak are some of my favorites!) I also love books that talk about myths from all over the world, showing the similarities between cultures. Myths are not just ancient stories with no relevance to our lives. They are stories that connect nations and live beyond time. The Power of Myth and The Hero with A Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell are both great. But like I said, I read everything: novels, historical fiction and even books about quantum physics and fractals and consciousness. (LOL) Well, that’s me in a nutshell … always curious. Always reading.


When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

I’m a musician and a piano teacher besides being a writer, so music is a big part of my life. Living at 7600 feet on top of a mountain high above Lake Tahoe, I also love to hike, ski, snowshoe or just sit on my back porch and watch for the gray fox that likes to visit.

Tell us about Night of Pan and how the story came to be.

Night of Pan is my first book and the first of my Oracle of Delphi Trilogy. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk up a mountain and come face to face with a god … a satyr-god who is half goat and half man? I did. I also decided that the History Channel is wrong when they claim that the Oracle of Delphi was only a drug-crazed teenager being controlled by priests who had their fingers on the political pulse of 5th Century BC Greece, so I decided to reclaim history for all of us.

I translated four mysterious prophecies that the young Oracle declared about the million Persians who invaded Greece 480 BC. The same period of history that the movie 300 depicts. My book describes real events, but sometimes history can be confusing—lots of dates and battles and generals. I wanted to tell the story of a simple village girl who was very brave. She is a fictional character based on the real Oracle of Delphi. Her name is Thaleia.

Though the largest invasion the ancient world had seen is in my book, my story isn’t about the kind of courage where someone picks up a sword and chops off heads. My book is about the courage it takes to know who you truly are.

Here's a peek at Night of Pan:

The slaughter of the Spartan Three Hundred at Thermopylae, Greece 480 BCE—when King Leonidas tried to stop the Persian army with only his elite guard—is well known. But just what did King Xerxes do after he defeated the Greeks?

Fifteen-year-old Thaleia is haunted by visions: roofs dripping blood, Athens burning. She tries to convince her best friend and all the villagers that she’s not crazy. The gods do speak to her. And the gods have plans for this girl.

When Xerxes army of a million Persians marches straight to the mountain village Delphi to claim the Temple of Apollo’s treasures and sacred power, Thaleia’s gift may be her people’s last line of defense, but is one girl strong enough to stop an entire army?
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Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.

My previously published works are travel writing stories in Travelers’ Tales anthologies, Venturing in Southern Greece and Venturing in Ireland: Quests for the Modern Celtic Soul, and two poetry books: Clutter and Poems from my Father’s Living Room.

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

I am currently working on The Oracle’s Inferno, second book of the Oracle of Delphi Trilogy. The entire book is set in Erebos, the Greek Underworld. Great place to wander around! Giants, Medusa with snakes in her hair, rivers flowing with fire and The Lord-of-Many-Names: Hades. I’m having a great time writing it! My only problem is that readers who recently finished my first book of the trilogy have told me that I need to write faster and finish this second book so they can read it!

Anything else you want readers to know?

There’s a secret I want to share with you that I learned from the ancient Greeks. In fact, I first learned it from Homer, the blind poet. I found it in the first three words of his epic poem, The Iliad, the story of the Greeks at Troy fighting for the return of beautiful Helen, fighting even the gods: Menin aeida thea … sing to us goddess of the wrath.

Now, Homer didn’t say, “Just send me a text message. Or even … just email me about that anger of Achilles. He asked the goddess to sing about the wrath of Achilles. And that was not a mistake. Homer asked the goddess to sing the entire song of Achilles, all 15,000 lines because ancient Greece was a song culture, a world in which they knew in their hearts the universal language and power of song. The ancient Greek song culture that survived for over two thousand years knew that power caught in the subtle resonance between musical notes and words, between the artist and the audience. That song is heart and yearning … it is everything. It will lead us to the stars. It will guide us to ourselves. It is the song of the universe.

So, don’t text me or email me. Walk along a dark sand beach beside the sea, and let’s sing and dance together … and don’t ever let anyone kill your song.

Where can readers find you and your books?

I want to encourage readers to go to their independent bookstores and order it. However, Night of Pan is also available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble as e-book, paperback and hardcover.

Readers can find information for book clubs, book readings and reviews on my website.

Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Google+

I also belong to the Worlds of Myth, an international Facebook group started in Greece to return a love of myth and ancient wisdom to the world. Check it out!