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Stephen H. Provost is an author of paranormal adventures and historical non-fiction. “Memortality” is his debut novel on Pace Press, set for release Feb. 1, 2017.
An editor and columnist with more than 30 years of experience as a journalist, he has written on subjects as diverse as history, religion, politics and language and has served as an editor for fiction and non-fiction projects. His book “Fresno Growing Up,” a history of Fresno, California, during the postwar years, is available on Craven Street Books. His next non-fiction work, “Highway 99: The History of California’s Main Street,” is scheduled for release in June.
For the past two years, the editor has served as managing editor for an award-winning weekly, The Cambrian, and is also a columnist for The Tribune in San Luis Obispo.
He lives on the California coast with his wife, stepson and cats Tyrion Fluffybutt and Allie Twinkletail.
Filtering by Category: Science Fiction
I’ve done a number of interviews with various authors over the past few years, all via written questionnaires that they returned to me by email. On the occasion of my 50th book being released, I decided to fill one of those questionnaires out myself. I’m very excited to talk about Crimson Scourge: Rise of the Fourth Horseman, which marks my return to writing fiction after a three-year hiatus.
Read MoreC.W Tickner is a UK author and Terry Pratchett fan who's here to talk about his Humanarium trilogy, which is available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
Where and with whom do you live? Cambridge, UK. Fiance and the spirits of past pets.
If you could co-write a book with any author, living or dead, whom would you choose? Terry Pratchett. The things he could inject into my story would have me in stitches.
Why do you write? Because no one had written the book I wanted to read. (I did look.)
Where do you write? Sitting on a bed. Comfy, and with the ability to switch positions as aches dictate.
What imaginary land would you choose as your home, and why? Any form of interplanetary vessel. Endless possibilities on where to go, where to eat and who or what to meet and discover. Space gypsy.
What animal, real or imaginary, would you choose as your constant companion? A pocket-sized dragon, preferably orange in colour. But i’m not fussy.
Your superhero alter-ego: T-Man: Able to produce excellent cups of tea that wow strangers and colleagues but burn the skin of any who oppose me.
Historical period you’d like to visit: Feudal Japan.
Favorite board, card or video game: Dungeons & Dragons, in any form.
“This is one of the best books I’ve read in years. I highly recommend this to any Sci-fi fans! The characters are believable and the story is well written. The world is unique and amazing!”
Title, genre and length? The Humanarium, science fiction, 177,000 words.
When and where does it take place? In the future and on another planet, inhabited by giant aliens.
How did you come up with the title? It’s a play on words; Humans and Terrarium. A place to keep humans.
What inspired you to write it? I was cleaning out my fish tank one day and the thought occurred to me that I was in some way a god to the fish inside. (no god complex, honest). I realised that if I did not feed them or provide them with a landscape and companions, they would suffer as a consequence. I wondered how it would be if the roles were reversed and humans were on the inside. I figured I could swap “Fish” for “Aliens” and hey presto, a bizarre world was born in which humanity lives inside a fish tank.
Is there a sequel in the works? The trilogy is out already and a fourth on its way.
Where, how can you get it? Amazon store and in Kindle Unlimited.
Describe your book in one word that most people don’t normally use. Fantastical.
Who would want to ban it? Anyone with a phobia of giants or the premise that the “god” one might worship is in fact another creature with a greater intellect.
To whom did you dedicate it and why? To my editor. He puts up with a lot.
“I very much enjoyed this book!! I’ve been reading Science Fiction since I was about 10 yrs old (56 now), have read all the Masters and hundreds of other authors. I have to say this book is completely different than anything I have ever read before. It was so nice to be able to read a story that makes you think on it for quite a while afterward.”
Name, age and occupation: Harl Eriksson, early twenties, blacksmith.
Where and with whom does he live? Alone, on the outskirts of town, beside the “Wall” at the edge of the world.
Who would play your protagonist in a movie? Adam Driver (Kylo Ren).
What’s his celebrity crush? Anyone with blonde or red hair. He has never seen such a thing, having grown up in a tank with black-haired people only.
What’s his biggest fear/phobia? Fear of being “Lifted” by the titanic hand that enters the tank and steals people from the world.
Weapon of choice: The people around him.
At the beginning of the book ... our hero is a simple blacksmith, by the end he must free humanity and fight for “Human Rights”
Worst habit? Demanding instant vengeance.
Best feature? A quick learner and being able to accept the world for more than what it “appears.”
“Tickner’s ‘The Huminarium’ is a gripping tale. It not only makes us question what it would be like to be stuck in a Terrarium style world but whether we already are in such a place. The themes of disobedience, curiosity and escape from the gods’ wrath make for a compelling read from start to finish. ... For fans of Sci-fi, ‘The Huminarium’ is thought-provoking, exciting and a damn good read. I loved it!”
Janet Racciato is the author of Jade and Time of the Assassin, the second installment of the Jade series, which focuses on Julie, who has the power to teleport to anywhere or anyone in the world. She sat down for an e-interview with The Open Book to discuss the series.
Author's website: http://www.elfinforestwritersguild.com/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jade-Janet-Racciato/dp/1495488209/
Name, age and occupation: Janet Racciato, 44, I am currently a stay-at-home mom, but I was the director of Together We Grow, a facility for children with special medical needs.
Where and with whom do you live? I live in Escondido, with my husband, two daughters, dogs and horses.
If you could co-write a book with any author, living or dead, whom would you choose? If I could co-write a book with any author it would be Jim Butcher. I think his stories are amazing.
Why do you write? I write because I have stories running around in my head that I think other people would enjoy too.
Where do you write? I write anywhere that I can find. I've done some of my best scenes while waiting in my car to pick up my kids from school.
What imaginary land would you like to visit? If I could live in any imaginary land I would choose to live on Pern, by Anne McCaffrey. It has vast unexplored areas and dragons and firelizards to impress.
What animal, real or imaginary, would you choose as your constant companion? I would choose Mouse, the temple dog from the Harry Dresden Files, as my constant companion.
Historical period you'd like to visit: I would love to visit Ancient Egypt.
Favorite board, card or video game: My favorite video game is a toss up between Diablo and Minecraft.
“I loved this book! Well written and compelling. You won’t want to put it down.”
Genre and length: Jade, urban sci-fi, 368 pages.
When and where does it take place? It takes place in the present, and the main character lives in Oceanside, California, but she teleports all over the world.
How did you come up with the title? The title is based on the main character's alternate identity, her superhero name.
What inspired you to write it? About nine years ago I had two friends die. One was a Marine who died in the Middle East and I watched his family deal with their loss. The other was a very close friend, an uncle figure to my daughters, who died under mysterious circumstances. The Jade story was one that I told myself to help me fall asleep at night instead of thinking about the friends I had lost. I was feeling helpless, especially with the chaos in the Middle East at the time. I came up with a superhero who could help. The story evolved over the years, and after about seven years I decided to try to write it down.
Is there a sequel in the works? It is a trilogy, with the second in the series, Time of the Assassin, just recently published. The final book, Mercy's Battle, is due out this year.
Where, how can you get it? Jade and its sequels are available on Amazon in paperback and ebook.
Who would want to ban it? If anyone would want to ban my book it would be China or North Korea.
To whom did you dedicate it and why? I dedicated Jade to my two daughters. They were always my biggest fans. Their love of my writing, even when I was just starting and was terrible, encouraged me to keep trying.
“Awesome book! Truly enjoyed the first and this sequel is no let down!”
Name, age and occupation: Julie, 19, nursing student.
Where and with whom does she live? She lives with her parents in Oceanside with a dog that she rescued using her powers.
Who would play your protagonist in a movie? I'm not sure who I'd want to play my protagonist. Maybe Dakota Fanning.
What real-life person would be your protagonist’s hero, mentor or role model? My protagonist's mentor would be the same person who was her role model in the story. Her Uncle Mark is based on a real person, our family's close friend who died.
Who's her celebrity crush? Her celebrity crush is Brendan Fraser from The Mummy.
What's her biggest fear/phobia? Her biggest fear is being alone, of losing another friend.
What's her favorite quote or motto? Her favorite motto is Keep Calm, Zap On.
Weapon of choice: Her weapon of choice is a shotgun.
Gwen Clayton released her debut novel, Fermata Cellars, in the fall. The first installment in her Riverine trilogy, it tells the story of a young marketing director and a haunted winery. The Amazon synopsis declares that the story will "challenge your religious and political beliefs as it dives into the concepts of spirituality, justice and free will. It is best read while drinking a bold, spicy California red wine." Gwen answered a series of questions about the book, the story behind it and her approach to writing.
Author's website: http://gwenclayton.blogspot.com
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2kOQj9g
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RivervinePublishing
Twitter: @GwenBClayton
Name, age and occupation: Gwen Clayton, age 47, freelance writer and publicist
Where and with whom do you live? Recently moved to Golden, Colorado with my husband, Eddie. Previously lived in Pine Grove, California. Born and raised in Reno, Nevada.
If you could co-write a book with any author, living or dead, whom would you choose? Mark Twain, of course. The man knew his whiskey.
Why do you write? I’m a slave to the muse.
Where do you write? Mostly in my head, but occasionally words fly off my fingers and onto my computer. Best time is when I’m alone, and in my room, which is small and cluttered. My muse has claustrophilia; she has to be a small, closed-in room. I would never be able to write in a large room like in The Shining, although I can relate to the typewriter tantrum Jack Nicholson had when his wife interrupted him to see if he wanted a sandwich. I have to remind my husband and daughter that when they hear me going clackity clack on the keyboard, that means “Do not disturb.”
What imaginary land would you choose as your home, and why? My old home in Pine Grove. God, I loved that house. Had my own den with wall-to-wall bookshelves. Quiet, dark street and a great view of the big-ass oak tree in the front yard. I named it Charles.
What animal, real or imaginary, would you choose as your constant companion? A penGwen [sic]
What do you collect? Stories, mostly in my head. Did you ever see that episode of House of Cards where Jack criticized Remy for choosing money over power? Well, I wouldn’t choose either. My goal is to die with as many memories and legends about me as possible.
What fairy tale describes your life, and why? When I was little, I made a wish on every dandelion seed and penny thrown into a wishing well that I would grow up to be Cinderella. Not that I was a poor orphan. Neither did I have an evil stepmother or stepsisters. But I was never pretty, rich or athletic, so I hoped some fairy godmother would magically transform me into Jaclyn Smith from Charlie’s Angels. I must not have properly pronounced “bippity boppity boo,” because I ended up becoming a writer instead. I fall asleep by midnight, though, so I guess I got that part of the spell right.
Your superhero alter-ego: Kelly Garrett from Charlie’s Angels. She was beautiful, brunette and bad ass.
Historical period you’d like to visit: I’d like to be a reporting working for a newspaper in Virginia City, Nevada, in the Old West.
Favorite board, card or video game: My new favorite game is called, “Typing a response to a political rant on Facebook, then deleting it before hitting Post.”
“As a first portion to a series this is a brilliant introduction to the main characters and themes of the story. I look forward to the continuation of the tale.”
Genre and length? I call it political science fiction, although that isn’t a bona fide genre yet. It could also be labeled as religious science fiction because the main ghost is the reincarnation of the snake from the Garden of Eden. Her adversary is the reincarnation of Adam who comes back in this life as a corrupt evangelical minister. The good reverend buys one of the city council members and gets him to condemn the winery as being unsafe for human occupation. The winery owners are Pagan, but they make the communal wine for the local Catholic church. I take a lot of liberties with zoning codes and traditional religious texts.
The length is only 46,000 words (128 pages), so technically, it’s a novella, but the story behind it is long. I’m debating whether to rewrite it into a full novel, or just leave it as is. The problem is that it was originally too long, so I had to kill some darlings. But I think I killed too many, and now it’s too short. The story is told in 128 pages, and I don’t want to add fluff, but if readers tell me they want more character development, background, or setting, I’ll revise it one of these days.
When and where does it take place? It takes place between January 2002 and June 2003 in a fictional California city called Rivervine.
How did you come up with the title? A fermata is the musical notation directing musicians to sustain a note or rest. The winery is called Fermata Cellars because the land had laid fallow for 121 years before the Divinorums (the winery owners) purchased it. Then the grapes suddenly started to grow. Scientists attribute it to “some kind of bizarre weather phenomenon that shocked the plants into a funky dormancy that coincidentally rejuvenated when the Divinorums took ownership of the land.” But the truth is, the place is haunted.
What inspired you to write it? It was originally going to be a cheap romance novel that I started in 2000 when I was laid off from my job and wanted to make some quick cash. The main characters were Lily the farm girl and Dalton Burnett, the entertainment director for the town saloon. But then in real life, I befriended some winemakers in the Sierra foothills, and the story changed direction. Of course, every place up there has its ghost stories, so Lily and Dalton were demoted to supporting characters, and the ghost took the lead.
Is there a sequel in the works? Yes. It’s actually a trilogy. They all have the same story line, but they’re told from three different points of view. Fermata Cellars is told from the marketing director’s POV. Grimoire will be from the ghost’s POV. I haven’t given the third novel a title yet, but it will be from the newspaper editor’s POV. I’m finishing up Grimoire this year and will release it this August.
Where, how can you get it? I sell them at book signings, and I have two bookstores so far that are carrying it: Hein & Company in Jackson, California; and Why Not Books in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It’s also available through Amazon.
Describe your book in one word that most people don’t normally use. Piquant, like a bold, spicy zinfandel.
What would you select as your book’s theme song? Who would you choose to write the musical score? I’m torn between “Planet Hell” from Nightwish and Bruce Dickinson’s “The Tower” as a theme song, but if I had to choose a composer to write the musical score, I would have to go with Tuomas Holopainen.
What’s your most interesting chapter title? Lughnassadh.
Who would want to ban it? The Establishment - both political and religious.
To whom did you dedicate it and why? I dedicated it to my husband, Eddie, because he actually served in Iraq in 2003. The war in the Middle East is a significant factor in the storyline.
“I love the setting, the intrigue and, especilly, the ending. The ending caught me by surprise. ”
Name, age and occupation: Manuel Chavez, age 26, marketing director for Fermata Cellars.
Where and with whom does he/she live? Lives alone in an apartment not far from the winery.
Who would play your protagonist in a movie? Diego Luna. Confession: I don’t actually know who that is. I had never thought about it before, so I had to Google “Mexican actors” and picked one.
What real-life person would be your protagonist’s hero, mentor or role model? Cesar Chavez
What’s his celebrity crush? Ferdinando Valencia. I don’t know who that is either, but he was in the same list for Mexican actors.
What’s his biggest fear/phobia? Confessing to Father Armando that he’s gay.
Weapon of choice: A good, solid, well rehearsed speech in front of the city council.
At the beginning of the book, our hero is … Insecure
