Blog Tour Kickoff

Welcome to the To Slay a Curse Blog Tour! We’ve got a lot planned for you this week, but before we get into that, I just want to say a great big THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me on this journey to publication. My first book baby has been officially out in the world only two days and I’ve already sold out of signed copies! Fear not, I have ordered more 😉

Ok, you ready to get this thing started? So am I! Kicking off with my signature tour post, a character interview 😊

Meet Giselle

Character art by Laura Hollingsworth. Rest from Pinterest.

Welcome, Giselle! Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with us today.

‘Tis so good of you to have me! I’m not sure why anyone should care to interview me. But I’ll do my best to satisfy.

Now don’t be like that! My readers have been dying to meet you. The girl who traveled her own mind! And while so young, too. Tell me, dear, how old are you?

I will reach my 19th autumn this year.

See? Your trip was quite the achievement.

*Blushes* I thank you. But, truly, credit must go to the others. I didn’t do all that much mysef.

If you say so. Now, down to business! What’s your favorite scent?

Roses to be sure. I always get this warm, cared for, feeling when I catch a whiff. As if wrapped in a mother’s arms. *smiles sadly.* I like to think my mother kept them about.

Roses are delightful! Even better when coming from a man, right? *sly wink*

*embarrassed laugh* I would not know. I have yet to receive any.

What a shame! And his own mother runs the florist shop. Don’t worry, love, I’ll see that he pulls his act together.

Ah, here’s another favorites question for you. If you had to choose one sweet to eat the rest of your life, what would it be?

Ami’s tarts. She is always so disappointed when they don’t come out just as her mother’s, yet I love them. I attempted baking some myself, once. It was quite the disaster!

Haha! I feel your pain. I enjoy baking, but am not much good.

Now, for one of my personal favorites. If you could go anywhere, where would you go and why?

I would give anything for a chance to see Ivlin. It’s Healer Aliza’s birthplace, you know. And Elden’s home. I want so badly to see their tales.

I don’t blame you. It sounds like a truly magical place. In the vein of tales from childhood, what’s your best childhood memory?

*Eyes gleam* The first time Ami came over! It was rather unexpected and I had just made a dreadful mess in the kitchen. *laughs* I’m sure I looked a fright, flour all over. I was mortified, yet she wasn’t put out. Not one bit. Just picked up a rag and started cleaning! She claimed me as a sister that day and we have been, ever since. I truly don’t know what I would do without her.

Sister friendships are priceless. And it sounds like you admire Ami a good deal. Who else would you say is a personal hero?

It’s no secret where Ami gets her courage. Healer Aliza gave up her home for love, came to a village on the edge of nowhere that feared her, and had kids of her own yet still found room for the lonely girl a cottage over. I aim to be her one day.

What a wonderful legacy to leave. Any other hopes for the future?

I do miss my friends in the mind world terribly. Especially Leal. That boy never failed to bring me a smile. I know there is no going back, so I’d like to find a way of honoring their memory here. Perhaps write their stories down. Tell the lives I know, imagine where they could be now. After all, I’ve got Stella to help.

I think that’s a lovely idea! Come to me if you need anything. I’m more than happy to help.

Many thanks, I certainly shall!

*Consults list* Looks like that’s a wrap! Thank you again for sharing so much with us. It’s been truly inspiring.

It was my pleasure entirely.

And thank you, dear readers, for joining us! I do hope you’ll return for our next stop on the tour!

*Exit together deep in writerly discussion.*

Lineup

Ready for more? You’ll have to wait till tomorrow I’m afraid 😉 Here’s what you’ve got to look forward to in the upcoming week:

January 19 Candice Yamnitz: Book Spotlight (https://candiceyamnitz.com/2021/01/19/book-spotlight-to-slay-a-curse/)

January 20 M.H. Elrich: Author Interview (https://mhelrich.com/author-interview-rae-graham/)

January 21 Cheyenne van Langevelde: Review & Author Interview (https://thedancingbardess.wordpress.com/2021/01/21/to-slay-a-curse-review-interview-with-author/)

January 22 Tamika Doyle: Book Spotlight (http://standingstronginthechristianwalk.blogspot.com/2021/01/book-spotlight-to-slay-curse-by-rae.html)

January 23 Emily Hayse: Review (https://emilyhayse.com/2021/01/23/to-slay-a-curse-tour-stop-review/)

Want to know more about To Slay a Curse? Check out my Books page!

Dust Blog Tour Stop #25

Welcome back, Adventurers! Have I got a treat for you today! Not only am I interviewing the boy who never grew up, but I’ve also got the inside scoop on a Treasure Hunt hosted by his lovely author, Kara Swanson! Are you ready to join the Lost Boys and fight Hook for some awesome bookish swag? Here’s how!

Treasure Hunt Rules

There are a total of 36 posts throughout the month of June with hidden keywords. Collect them all and arrange them to find the message, which you will then submit on the Post-Tour Stop to win a pirate’s chest of awesome prizes! And if you’re the first to solve and submit your answer, your treasure will contain an extra special gold piece: a signed and annotated Advanced Reader Copy of Dust! What are you waiting for? You can start the adventure here: https://gracebought.wordpress.com/2020/05/31/dust-blog-tour-kickoff/

Peter Interview

Sorry, what’d you say? Oh, you want my clue? Well, you’ll just have to wait till the end for that 😉 We’ve got an interview to do! Everyone, please welcome, PETER PAN!

‘Ello there, mates!

Hello, Peter! We’re so glad to have you with us today. Let’s start with some easy questions, shall we? What is your favorite season?

Summer! All play and fun and sunshine!

What about your favorite food?

CHOCOLATE CAKE! With loads of icing.

Great choice! You can never go wrong with chocolate.

Now we’re getting into some of the deep questions. What is your greatest fear?

Fear? Me? *Peter smirks* Ha! Nothing.

…except maybe growing up. And snakes in my bed. Both are rather beastly.

That would be terrible! And along that train of though, what is your biggest regret?

*Peter shuffles uncomfortably* Probably Claire’s brother, Connor. I said some…things to that lad I wish I hadn’t. *crosses arms stubbornly* But I’m not saying a word more on that!

Ok, let’s change track and talk about something happy! What’s your best childhood memory?

All of it? So many grand adventures and getting out of scrapes with the Lost Boys. We also played a lot of jolly pranks on the pirates and that codfish!

Who do you admire the most and why? I’m guessing it’s not the codfish 😉

Myself! Because I’m pretty bloody awesome!

*Kara smacks a hand over Peter’s mouth and mutters apologies for his swearing. He’s spent way too much time with pirates.*

Well, all right then, mister ‘pretty awesome’, if you could only keep three things you currently possess, what would they be?

Tink…my blade…and maybe a bit of gold I stole from Hook? Could always come in handy.

Smart boy! As for how it might come in handy, what is one secret dream that you have?

*Peter rubs a hand over his face, groaning dramatically* Do I REALLY have to answer this?

*Kara pokes at him.* Yes, you do.

*Peter groans again*

*Kara tells him to stop being a baby.*

*Peter rolls his eyes* Alright. Whatever. I’d secretly like to…see a play someday. Like the stories Wendy would tell–but with real blokes acting it out. Might be kind of fantastic.

*Kara grins* That’s actually sweet!

I agree!

*Peter snorts* Better not tell anyone I said that!

Then you’re really going to hate this next question. What is one thing that makes you cry?

*Peter groans loudly, starting to walk away.* What am I? A bloomin’ flower? I’m not answering that.

*Kara grabs him and drags him back* C’mon. I know you can do it. I’ll give you a slice of cake if you just finish the interview…

*Peter raises an eyebrow at her* …the whole cake?

*Kara snorts* Fine, just do it, please.

*Peter grins and gives a dramatic bow* For cake, I’d do most anything. Alright, last thing that made me cry… losing Tink. That hurt a bloody lot.

I’m sure it did. Now, hang in there. I promise this is the last question. What is one hope that you have for the future?

To eat some chocolate cake! And maybe take some of you readers to Neverland with me. We’d have a jolly old time.

And I’m sure they would love to come! Thank you, so much, Peter. You’ve done a splendid job. Now go have some cake!

The rest of you jolly adventurers, join in! Grab yourself a slice of your favorite dessert and read on to take Peter up on his offer!

Dust Spotlight

The truth about Neverland is far more dangerous than a fairy tale.

Claire Kenton believes the world is too dark for magic to be real–since her twin brother was stolen away as a child. Now Claire’s desperate search points to London… and a boy who shouldn’t exist.

Peter Pan is having a beastly time getting back to Neverland. Grounded in London and hunted by his own Lost Boys, Peter searches for the last hope of restoring his crumbling island: a lass with magic in her veins.

The girl who fears her own destiny is on a collision course with the boy who never wanted to grow up. The truth behind this fairy tale is about to unravel everything Claire thought she knew about Peter Pan–and herself.

Links:

Add Dust to your Goodreads list!

Preorder Dust from Amazon or Barnes & Noble!

And you can also follow Kara on Amazon to stay tuned for all her new releases! Don’t know Kara yet? It’s high time you met her!

As the daughter of missionaries, KARA SWANSON spent her childhood in the jungles of Papua New Guinea. Able to relate with characters dropped into a unique new world, she fell in love with the Fantasy genre and was soon penning stories herself. She is the author of the 2018 INSPY Award Finalist, The Girl Who Could See and the upcoming Enclave release, Dust.

Connect with Kara on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for awesome bookish boards, photos, chats, and more!

Follow Kara on Facebook or join her Starchasers group where we have loads of fun getting to know one another and nerding out on all things bookish! And, lastly, you can find all things Kara on her website and even sign up on her newsletter to receive a free short story!

My Clue

And at long last, we come to what you’ve all been waiting for. My clue! Please note it is capitalized with no punctuation.

Did you miss stop #24? Find it here: https://wearethefutureblog.home.blog/2020/06/20/why-care-what-you-read-and-dust-tour-stop-24/

Ready to move on with the hunt? Stop #26 can be found on June 21 here: http://www.klpiercebooks.com/2020/06/21/dust-blog-tour-stop-26-dust-review/

Farewell, and happy adventuring, treasure hunters!

Guest Post: Emily Hayse and The Last Atlantean Blog Tour

I’m thrilled to welcome Emily Hayse back to the blog today with her tour for The Last Atlantean! Emily is a lover of log cabins, strong coffee, and the smell of old books. Her writing is fueled by good characters and a lifelong passion for storytelling. When she is not busy turning words into worlds, she can often be found baking, singing, or caring for one of the many dogs and horses in her life. She lives with her family in Michigan.

Welcome Back, Emily!

What have you got for us today?

Thanks Rae, it’s good to be back! Today I’m interviewing Taurus Lamnidae, a cousin of Isurus Lamnidae and second in line to the throne. His hobbies include swimming, dangerous sports involving sharks, and eating.

Favorite season?
The summer, for it is hot and it gives me a great reason to swim. I practice a great deal then in the runs.
Favorite weapon?
What is it with asking a violent question? A knife, to be sure. I wear one when I swim, for safety, and I am well-practiced in its use.
What is your greatest fear?
Can’t tell you that.
If you could have any life, what would it be?
I have it. Friends and companions I have grown up with, a rich life and no kingship, sharks and runs and the time and strength to pursue what I love—how could I ask for more than I have?
Best childhood memory?
I remember my father used to take me out in his boat, along with my cousins and the king. We would go out until we were in the middle of the sea in the beautiful sun and we would swim and dive and race in the water until it was nearly dark. I wish there had been more of those days.
If there was one food you could eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sea urchin.
Biggest accomplishment?
Me? I am not accomplished. I want to be, understand, but my fate in life is simply the ability to enjoy it—I can do that, to be sure—not to be good at it.
What do you hate the most in your life?
A foul question again? Can you not ask nice ones? I don’t think I hate anything…coral scrapes, or shark hide burns, those hurt. I will choose that.
Who do you admire the most?
Galeio Triakidae. Have you met the man? Best at lai-ilith-re that ever was. There was no man like him in his day, nor is there now. If I could ever be as good at the sport as he was, I’d die happy.
If you could only keep three things you currently possess, what would they be?
Now you will laugh at me, because I’m going to choose my knife! But it is not wise to swim in the sea without it. So, my knife, my strength (is that an acceptable choice?), and my honor.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
I have never seen snow. I should like to go somewhere where I can see something different—like snow.
What is one secret dream that you have?
That would be telling, wouldn’t it? I’ll give you this—to be as good at the lai-ilith-re as Galeio was. But it is no more than a dream, for certain.
What is one thing that makes you cry?
Whenever I think of a hound I once had, the first my father gave me. She was a two-year-old mako, and she had the manners of a queen. But she sickened with a tumor before she was even five. When she was very sick I would go in the water with her some nights and swim beside her to help her when she was tired. Then the Shark Kind took her, to put her out of her pain. You just—don’t forget your first hound.
What is one hope that you have for the future?
A long life and good health to my cousin, Isurus Lamnidae, and many sons for him. His mantle is not one I wish to take up.

Want More?

Are you ready to read more about Taurus and his friends? I know I am! Here’s a little more info on The Last Atlantean.

Synopsis:

“Watch, ye sons of the sea, your doom is at hand. With soundless storm rises the fate of Atlantis.”

As a lighthouse keeper’s daughter, Hattie has always been able to handle anything the Atlantic throws at her. But when a stranger washes ashore in a storm, she finds herself unraveling a mystery that will change her life.

Caught up in a high-stakes game of intrigue and hidden loyalties, Hattie watches legends take shape before her eyes. But as kings and pawns prepare for a showdown that will determine the fate of an ancient world, she wonders whether she has thrown in her lot with the hero or the villain.

Find The Last Atlantean Here:

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-last-atlantean-emily-hayse/1136925720?ean=9781733242813

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Atlantean-Emily-Hayse/dp/1733242813/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Find Emily Online:

Instagram: @songsofheroes

Twitter: @theherosinger

Website: emilyhayse.com

Facebook: /theherosinger

Blog Tour:

Interested in following the tour? Check out the rest of Emily’s stops!

April 28: Kickoff post: The Herosinger Blog emilyhayse.com/blog

Review/Guest Post: Schuyler McConkey www.ladybibliophile.blogspot.com

April 29: Interview: Anne Rhys annerhysauthor.wordpress.com

April 30: Interview: Allison Tebo https://allisonswell.website/

Interview: Claire Banschbach clairembanschbach.com

May 1: Interview: Esther Jackson https://wevegotpockets.wordpress.com

Interview/Review: Cheyenne van Lengevelde https://thedancingbardess.wordpress.org/blog/

May 2: Guest Post: Rae Graham https://writerraegraham.com/

May 4: Interview/Review: Jameson C. Smith https://www.jamesoncsmith.com/

May 5: Book Review: Gabrielle Emmons gabriellememmons.wordpress.com

Guest Post: R.M. Archer

Today, I get the wonderful privilege to take part in R.M. Archer’s blog tour for her short story collection! R.M. Archer has been an avid reader since the time she could first make out words, and has always been a lover of story. That interest developed into a love of writing when she was seven (though those first attempts have long-since been incinerated), and she’s been pursuing a career as an author ever since. Archer combines her love for writing with a passion for her fellow youth and aims to write YA speculative fiction that shows teens that even their deepest-seated struggles can be overcome.

Caithan/Rahim Character Interview

Hello, Caithan! So nice to meet you.

It’s nice to meet you, too.

Let’s start with an easy, get to know you, question. What’s your favorite season and why?

Teraco doesn’t have much by way of seasons; at least not near Pruyid. Toward the beginning of dry season, though, there’s an international festival hosted in central Teraco that my meuma allows me to attend, so I suppose that would be my favorite time of year.

You visit Tramat quite often. What is your favorite thing to do there?

I love the music. *grins* There’s a group that plays just off the main street, and often I’ll sit and listen to them, or even dance.

Now, I know you’re not big on tradition, but there must be some you enjoy. Which Virilen tradition is your favorite and why?

Hm… Around the seventh full moon of the year, there’s a three-day festival to celebrate the introduction of music into the world. It’s taught that the world was originally lacking in any sound but speech, but the gods could hear the music of the stars, so the god Amak took compassion on man and introduced birdsong, waves crashing, wind through the trees… all the natural music of the world, which man adapted into music. The celebration isn’t as widespread in Pruyid as Meuma tells me it is in Virilia, but those of us who celebrate make music with whatever we can and appreciate the natural music of the world.

Ok, now I’ll give you a chance to rant. 😉 Which is your least favorite tradition?

*rolls eyes* Ugh. The coming-of-age ceremony. There’s no purpose to it, unless you buy into the myth that Virilen adults are granted gifts–gifts I’ve never seen in any of my Virilen neighbors–and I have no interest in all of my relatives coming to see me just because I’m now an adult according to Virilen standards. Those standards are arbitrary, anyway; in Virilia you only have to be seventeen to be considered an adult, but the Virilens brought to Teraco had to be better than everyone else and raise it to twenty-five just to seem wiser. *snorts* Instead, it just makes those of us born in Teraco more miserable.

Your turn, Rahim! You know how this goes.

What is your favorite color and why?

Blue. Everything in Tramat is warm-toned and blends together, but blue stands out, and all you have to do is look up at the sky to see it. *smiles*

I take it you are a bit of a foodie. What is your favorite dish?

Hm… There are so many choices. *chuckles* But, if I had to choose… Naan topped with spicy sauce, chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, olives… I could go on. You can pile a lot on naan, and it’s delicious.

What did you like best about your visit to Pruyid? Do you think you’ll visit again?

*looks up thoughtfully* Though I wouldn’t have guessed it… the people. I had meaningful conversations with many of the Virilen I met, and they were surprisingly welcoming of me. I learned a lot from my visit. I’d love to go back. *smiles*

And finally, as I asked Caithan this, I find it only fair to ask you. What is your favorite Tramati tradition and why?

I grew up not keeping a lot of traditions, though my friends did, so my favorite that I was able to participate in is the annual Dujalemin festival in central Teraco. People come from all over the continent to compete in athletic competitions, to show their wares, to simply see Teraco… If you enjoy crowds and excitement, it’s the place to be. My favorite of those I simply heard about was the tradition of children pooling their money to gift their mami a new dress on her birthday. I never had the money to carry on the tradition–and I had no siblings–but every year I wished I could.

That’s all we’ve got time for today. Are there any parting remarks you’d like to make?

Caithan: *shakes her head*

Rahim: Thank you for having us. *smiles*

Thank you so much for coming, it was a great pleasure to host you!

Want More?

The Book:

This collection features four stories from a range of select genres. Including Contemporary, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy. Here’s a little info on each:

Silence:

Fiona Wildman was born with powers she doesn’t understand. Powers a scientific mega-corporation will stop at nothing to exploit.

Carnival Hearts:

Ethan is amazed when his withdrawn friend Jasmine invites him to the abandoned amusement park for fun, but instead of the slightly-wacky tour he expects, he finds the opportunity to see a different side of Jas.

Escape Room:

Four teens wake in a dark room. Faced with puzzles they must solve to escape, they uncover a sinister secret.

Caithan:

Caithan is tired of her mother’s strict traditionalism, but when she runs away from her own coming-of-age party, she runs into someone who teaches her to appreciate what she’s been given.

The new edition e-book is now open for pre-order here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083H33Y5C While the paperback will roll out tomorrow!

The Author

Not only is R.M. Archer a teen writer of fiction, she also keeps up a non-fiction blog of writing tips and book reviews. Find her online here:

Blog: https://rmarcher.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RysaArcher

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rysaarcher/