Monday, October 10, 2016

Interview with Julie Wetzel, Author of Blazing Moon + Excerpt & Giveaway



Welcome to Julie Wetzel, author of Blazing Moon!

Where are you from?
I’m originally from Ohio, but I hail from Jackson Mississippi right now.

Tell us your latest news?

There is a lot of stuff going on in my world right now.
Currently, I’m working with a lovely man by the name of Marcio Catalano to get the Kindling Flames series made into audio book. He has the most wonderful voice. We just finished with Smoke Rising and are waiting for it to come out before heading on to the next.
In addition to that, On the Accidental Wings of Dragons is up for a RONE award with InD’Tale Magazine. I should be getting the results of that any day now.
Right now I’ve got the next in the Dragons of Eternity series on my writing desk. I just need to find the time to get it going. Things have been a little hectic with getting this book out and planning for my overseas trip.

When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with the English language. I loved reading. I hated the way words were put together. My spelling was horrible. But I braved my first stories in 2010-2011 when my sister asked me to send her stories while she was deployed in the US Navy.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’ve had book in print for two years now and I still don’t consider myself a writer. I play with words, I throw them at the page, and I pray that what comes out is worthy to send out in the world. I’m still terrified that people are going to wake up and realize what I write is drivel. But I can’t leave my two series hanging like they are, so I push on trying to be a writer. These stories aren’t going to put themselves on paper. Just, please, don’t let anyone wake up yet. This is a good dream.

What inspired you to write your first book?

In 2010-2011, my sister was deployed aboard the USS George H W Bush. They were out at sea in a military action zone and had limited communications. My sister emailed me to ask if I could download some of her fanfictions and email them to her. The fanfiction site she used would not allow me to copy and paste the stories over and I refused to spend hours retyping them for her. So I told her I would write he a new story and I asked her what she wanted. She wanted vampires, so I wrote her a vampire story. I sent her a chapter a day so she would have something new in her in-box when she got off work. Shortly after that, I started getting mails from some of her other shipmates asking for chapters. My sister was sending chapters to her friends, but only the current chapter. She hadn’t bothered to send them all the chapters. So by the time I finished the story, I had a bunch of sailors on my email list and several wanting to know where they could buy the book to share with others. And so, a novel was born.

How did you come up with the title?

This is the sixth book in the Ancient Fire Series, also known as Kindling Flames. There is a reasonable explanation as to why the series ended up with two names, but that’s a long story. As to the actual name of the novel, this story steps away from the main characters of Darien and Vicky and deal with the events that take place in Brenton while they are away. Since most of the problems deal with the werewolves, we picked something to represent them: Moon. Now, to stick with the fire theme from the rest of the series, we picked the name Flaming. This led to an odd cadence in the title, so we changed it to a fire related word that hadn’t been used: Blazing. And so we ended up with the name of Kindling Flames – Blazing Moon

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Nope. I don’t write with a message in mind. My books are meant to entertain, not teach or preach.

How much of the book is realistic?

The basic setting is fairly realistic, but it’s a paranormal series. It’s about as real as vampires and werewolves can be.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

No. My life isn’t this interesting.

What books have most influenced your life most?

Oh the books are endless. I can’t really name all the books that have some influence on me. I like high and epic fantasy most of all.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Sherry Ficklin. Not only do I love what she does, she had taken me in and helped me understand the world of writing. If I have a question, she is always right there with the answers I need. She’s always teaching me new ways to get into trouble. (Hey Sherry, I love your *face*!)

What book are you reading now?
I’m trying to work my way through Jon Messenger’s Magic and Machinery series, but I haven’t been doing a good job at it. With everything that’s popped up, my reading has taken a side line. So far it’s a fabulous series. I’ll get back to it when life settles down after my overseas trip.

What are your current projects?

I have too many irons in the fire right now. The most important project is the four book in the Dragons of Eternity series, For the Kingdom of Dragons. I’ve also got a gender-bent retelling of the Little Mermaid, a pair of Deamon/Reaper books, and a book about Death and his troubles in the afterworld. I’m sure I’m missing a few others, but they will get their time to shine eventually.

What would you like my readers to know? 

If you see me out and about, by all means, introduce yourself. I love meeting new people and am very friendly. I also hope you all enjoy the new book.



Blazing Moon
Kindling Flames #6

Julie Wetzel

Published by: Crimson Tree Publishing
Publication date: October 10th 2016
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Trouble has once again found its way to Brenton…
When a pack of rogue werewolves makes a grab for the local pack’s land, Rupert, the local alpha, does his best to keep the peace. Unfortunately, his people have been having some issues of their own that complicate matters.
When Phelan, Rupert’s second, becomes the latest wolf to lose control over a simple dispute, Rupert is left with no choice than to seek outside help.
Krissy, a human empath who stumbled on the scene, was able to help Phelan, but dealing with an entire pack of enrage werewolves is too much for one person to handle. With Master Darien on his honeymoon, Rupert turns to his next best choice—Elliot.
Now Phelan, Elliot, and Krissy have to discover what’s driving the weres into an emotionally savage rage before all hell breaks loose and destroys the wolves of Brenton.

kindling-flames-series

Grab book 1 for FREE today!


EXCERPT:

“But you didn’t even try,” Phelan screamed. His fist clenched at his side in rage as he threw out his accusations. “You would rather coddle your damn vampire than stand behind the needs of your own people.”

Confusion and concern creased Rupert’s brow. This was unlike his friend. Phelan liked Darien. He had also understood Rupert’s position in the past. It was bizarre he would take such a stance now.

“Phelan?” Rupert asked as he reached out to touch his friend’s shoulder.

As the hand made contact, Phelan shrieked in rage and slung his fist into Rupert’s face, staggering the man back. Red colored Phelan’s vision as he tore out of his coat and leaped at his alpha. His mind spun with hate and rage, driving all thought out of his head. The smell of blood on Rupert’s split lip made Phelan’s blood boil. His wolf ripped through his skin, shredding his shirt.

Staggering away from his attacking friend, Rupert threw his arm up just in time to stop the sharp teeth from reaching the delicate skin of his throat. Shocked by the sudden attack, he yelled out as he fell backwards under the weight of the wolf. He lay on the ground, stunned by the sudden violence, as Phelan mauled the sleeve of his jacket. The outburst was unlike anything Rupert had ever seen from his second. The unprovoked attack reminded him of the problems they were having with the pack, and sorrow filled his heart as he gathered his thoughts enough to start fighting back. It wasn’t fear of death or injury that pained Rupert, it was the dread of having to hurt or kill one of his closest friends.


Author Bio:
Originally from Ohio, Julie always dreamed of a job in science. Either shooting for the stars or delving into the mysteries of volcanoes. But, life never leads where you expect. In 2007, she moved to Mississippi to be with her significant other.
Now a mother of a hyperactive red headed boy, what time she’s not chasing down dirty socks and unsticking toys from the ceiling is spent crafting worlds readers can get lost it. Julie is a self-proclaimed bibliophile and lover of big words. She likes hiking, frogs, interesting earrings, and a plethora of other fun things.

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5 comments:

  1. The Kindling Flames series sounds great ♡ Looking forward to reading these books. Thank you

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