Saturday, August 31, 2013

Interview with Author Kirby Roy III



Author Bio:

At the young age of ten Kirby Roy III was introduced to poetry, but his exposure to literature just didn’t begin or end there. “There were always books around my house, so whenever I would get bored, I would read,” says the scribe.

In 1989, he left Hampton University before completing his degree in order to become a writer. However, it was not until graduating from Clark Atlanta University that he was able to actively pursue his passion. While maintaining a full time job as an analyst at a major financial institution, he started jotting down a few ideas for several books that he wanted to write.

While maintaining his full time position as a financial analyst, Kirby eventually managed to finish his first book. “After I had Love Letters edited, I started taking notes on the second book. I wasn’t sure how I was going to get the first one published, but I knew that I didn’t want to stop writing.”

As it turned out, his patience paid off. Kirby’s first work was published and received rave reviews. Heart And Soul Magazine said that, “Kirby Roy III adds another voice to the growing club of male novelist making a mark…” Since then he has continued writing, including penning three screen plays. He also served as story editor, producer, and line producer for the award winning film Big Ain’t Bad. His next novel is set to be released, after which, he intends to continue writing and working in film. 






Book Synopsis:

           Two Roads is the story of Bryon and Kaya, two lovers coping with the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. And because Noah and Naamah had to be faithful beyond forty days and forty nights, then the waters that follow the storm aren’t the only troubles brewing between them.

But as the waters as well as the story ebb, they find themselves embarking upon the road less traveled. In the wake of true love, Kaya and Bryon find that through belief, destiny can be an outcome they share. And with that, the story ends with Kaya’s tears leading the road laid by their love. 







Contact Info:
Email:                    Kirby@kroy3rd.com




Coming soon!




Website:              www.kroy3rd.com





1.       When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
When I was very young (about ten), I was introduced to poetry and subsequently developed a passion for words.  However, it wasn’t until I was about 22 that I actually thought about becoming a writer. The thing that made me consider it was a quote I heard, which was, ‘do something you’d do for free and no matter what, you will always be a success’. When I heard that quote, it made me think that I could be a writer simply because I enjoyed writing.

2.       What makes you passionate about writing?
For me, the passion in writing comes in simply expressing yourself. It allows you to convey your thoughts and feelings, which for me has become a priceless benefit.

3.       Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?
I think there are always times when everyone feels discouraged in anything they do. For me the discouragement was sometimes just thinking that I was wasting my time writing because no one would ever want to read my work or that it would never be published. The way I dealt with it was to remind myself that I started writing because it was simply something that I enjoyed regardless of reward or recognition. In that vein, the reward simply came in writing.
But also, I sometimes look at war movies, or pictures with similar themes to encourage me. I know it may sound a little silly, but the thing about those types of movies that motivates me is that the characters never give up no matter what the circumstance or hardship may be. So sometimes when it’s early in the morning and I feel like I can’t go on, I look at excerpts from a movie or listen to a song in which the character doesn’t quit and it motivates me to keep going. 
4.       What is your writing schedule like?
My writing schedule is pretty simple. I go to work at my regular job. I get home about 6:30. I take a nap then wake up between 7:30 or 9:30. I then start to clean up, just to clear my head, and afterwards start to write. I usually aim for one to one and half pages a night. I usually finish about 2:00 to 3:00 in the morning, then go to bed, and repeat the same process the next day.
On the weekends, instead of going to work, I catch up on sleep, but repeat the same writing process.

5.      Can you tell us a little about your book, Two Roads.

Two Roads is the story of Bryon and Kaya, two lovers coping with the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. And because Noah and Naamah had to be faithful beyond forty days and forty nights, then the waters that follow the storm aren’t the only troubles brewing between them.

In the midst of the calamity, Dana, a tryst from Bryon’s past, pounces upon them like the tide from the tempest. Still, since Bryon is sincere in his dedication to a future with Kaya, he finds himself willing to give up everything in order to be with her.

So as the waters as well as the story ebb, they find themselves embarking upon the road less traveled. In the wake of true love, Kaya and Bryon find that through belief, destiny can be an outcome they share. And with that, the story ends with Kaya’s tears leading the road laid by their love. 

6.       What is the best complement you could receive from a reader?

The best complement I ever received was when a reader told me it only took about a day to read my first novel. Which ironically, at first I didn’t take as a complement. My initial thought was, ‘it took me more than a year just to write it, and it only took you a day to read it…’ But then the reader explained to that was great because for them, the book flowed and was easy to read.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Fetch - An Illustrated Book - Kick Starter Project.

Fetch - An Illustrated Book - Kick Starter Project
To learn how you can be apart of this project visit:




Fetch is the story of where dogs come from. Hollywood VFX Artist and Theme Park Designer team up to bring you one amazing book.
I've written what I think is a marvelous story book adventure about a far off place where dogs roam wild and free, and where one special dog goes above and beyond the rest. It's called Fetch. It's the story of where dogs come from. The words are written, the thumbnail sketches are drawn, the printer has been found, and artwork is underway.







No jumping!
No jumping!







Dog birthday parties happen every 7 years.
Dog birthday parties happen every 7 years.







Dogs put the pedal to the metal.
Dogs put the pedal to the metal.
Below is just one of the two page spreads. It's going to look so cool with beautiful illustrations printed on every page!







Dogs know how to live the good life.
Dogs know how to live the good life.

WHO AM I?

By day, I'm a Visual Effects Artist for films like Pacific RimPirates of the Caribbean,Tron, I Am Legend, Thor, I,Robot, Transformers II, Ender's Game and King Kong. But I always had a need to tell my own stories. Last year, I launched my first novel for kids to astonishing success on Amazon. Evertaster claimed the Overall Top 100 Best Seller List on the day of its launch. 


Since then, the Evertaster series has grown in popularity, with children and adults alike giving rave reviews. Evertaster has gotten so popular it's been picked up by Barnes & Noble, Indy Bookstores, and Costco, to name a few. 
I've got 5 books planned for the series. One of those is a novella that just came out in May. 


The Project

Now I'd like to try something new. In the tradition of great books like Where the Wild Things Are, I want to tell  a story in pictures. I'm not a big publisher, with all the backing of a giant business. I just like to think big and make great books. 
In order to make Fetch a reality, I hired artist Edwin Rhemrev to illustrate this faraway canine adventure. You can see his work here:

Edwin's artwork went viral when he made some imaginary concept art for the Incredibles 2. He doesn't work for Pixar, but his work was featured in the Pixar Times, and Slashfilm, just to name a few. 







Edwin's hypothetical concept art for Incredibles 2.
Edwin's hypothetical concept art for Incredibles 2.














In order to get good art, it's expensive. Edwin is busy designing theme parks and concepts for other clients, but since he loves this project so much, he's excited to work on it! A portion of the funds will be used to complete the rest of the sketches and turn them into beautiful, full-color illustrations. 







Some of the setting designs.
Some of the setting designs.







Awesome character concept art for the story. This is just the beginning!
Awesome character concept art for the story. This is just the beginning!







Vehicle designs.
Vehicle designs.
The rest of the funds will be used to pay for printing the book. Fetch will be standard length for a picture book -- about 32-38 pages. It will be printed in stunning color with a squareback hardcase. Which is printer talk for high-quality picture book. We're using the same high-quality, professional printer that I used for my Evertaster books. In fact, these guys are the same ones who print Where the Wild Things Are and Polar Express! They are extremely economical (cheaper than printing overseas!) and very reliable. 
The more money we raise past our goal, the more books we can print and make available.

THE STORY

Fetch describes a far off place where dogs live wild and free. If dogs could do what they want, who would they be? 







Sometimes a dog just has to catch some shade in the cool pool.
Sometimes a dog just has to catch some shade in the cool pool.
When one intrepid dog finds the courage to leave the pack and do something truly courageous, he learns something about himself he never expected. He decides that the noblest thing a dog can do is fly.







Dogs burn rubber whenever they can.
Dogs burn rubber whenever they can.
So he fixes up an airplane and flies beyond the tenth horizon. What he finds there is something neither he nor any other dog ever expected. 
Music in the video: Fastest Man on Earth by Jahzzar. Video Filmed by the talented Matt Stumphy. Thank you!

The Funds

Putting together a book like this is a big endeavor. I've been working on this project for a long time now, and I'm passionate about finishing this book.  I won't be able to do it without your help. Without you, Fetch couldn't happen. Your contributions will be used for the following:
  • Finishing the Illustrations (in Edwin's capable hands!)
  • Formatting, laying out, and prepping the book
  • Printing the Books (it's going to be top-notch quality!)
  • Rewards (very cool ones - for you!)
  • Kickstarter fees.


Risks and challengesLearn about accountability on Kickstarter

The main risk we are facing after funding is TIME. Edwin is already working on the artwork. He estimates that it will take 4-6 weeks to complete. After that, there will be formatting, final layout and title design, then print preparation. Luckily, once the printing is funded (by you), the artwork is complete, and the book is sent off to the printer, it will take only take about 4-5 weeks to get the books printed and shipped to us so we can get your copy mailed out to you. If we're lucky, there is the possibility of the books getting the same distribution as the Evertaster books -- which means some Indy Stores, Amazon, B&N. How cool would that be? Something all of us put together -- but only if we reach our goal.
Luckily, I've completed books already, so I know the process and know what it takes to get them finished.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Product Review: The Snugg




Since tablets, iPads and other e-readers have become more popular, I thought I’d let you know of a new and impressive product I found.

This is a Snugg:




It protects your iPads from damage from being dropped and surface scratches when you throw your iPad in your purse or backpack.

What impressed me the most about this particular brand was the high quality.

There was a lot of care and planning in designing this product. The materials are sturdy, yet professional and elegant.


I added a personal touch to mine with glitter and rhinestones.



The Snugg comes in 10 different colors/themes.






You can get The Snugg here: http://www.thesnugg.com/ for about $35

ENJOY!

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Mist by Cheree Alsop GIVE AWAY






Mist takes us to the world of Shadows when the royal family is threatened by an assassin and a handmaiden puts her life on the line to protect them. Rya is then sent to tend the injured prisoner as soldiers search for the true source of the threat. Battling volatile mist, Sathen, and revelations about her past, Rya is pushed far beyond the limits of a normal Duskie. She finds strength and love where she least expects it, in a pair of light grey eyes and strong hands ready to catch her should she fall.

Mist tests the limits of love and strength during a time when Lumini and all within the Shadow kingdoms are threatened by darkness far more sinister than any they have ever faced before.

Social Media Links:


website: www.chereealsop.com

facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorchereealsop 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chereealsop 

Amazon for paperback & ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Cheree-Alsop/e/B006NPWD2Y/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1372913544&sr=8-2-ent

Barnes&Noble for ebook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/cheree-alsop?store=allproducts&keyword=cheree+alsop 

Smashwords for all ebook formats: http://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=cheree+alsop 


Leave a message or become a follower for a chance to win a copy of MIST by Cheree Alsop.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Book Review for Awakening—The Dragon Valley by Nadja Spath

Book Review for
Awakening—The Dragon Valley by Nadja Spath

The Awakening is full of adventure, magic, elves, dragons, visions, time travel and a hero/heroine combination that you’d never expect! Kathy and Aaronn didn’t plan on running into each other at the Sci-Fi and Fantasy convention. In fact, they’d met only one time before and she knew that he definitely didn’t remember her. Becoming separated from her friends she wandered around the booths. One of them in particular sparked her interest. The banner above said that there was an artifact on display. As she made her way through the crowd, she heard a man describing an artifact made of an unknown piece of bone. Looking up to see what he was talking about, she was surprised to see Aaronn.  He was listening to the man and holding the artifact.  Then Aaronn noticed Kathy standing there looking at him. When she realized he was looking at her she tried to back up. The man behind her pushed her forward and into Aaronn. Touching the artifact with her outstretched arms was the least of her worries as they were suddenly transported to another place in time—another world. Danger, supernatural abilities, and finding out they were brought to this strange place to save it were not things they had anticipated. All they wanted to do was find a way back home. When that didn’t happen they decided to immerse themselves in their quest. Fighting evil, deception, help from unexpected allies, and finding out who they could trust kept me engaged as a reader. I loved it!
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