Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Reader Interview with Stephen Zimmer for the Steven Shrewsbury and Stephen Zimmer blog tour

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Two awesome authors have some new releases to share with everyone. I am so lucky to have Stephen Zimmer on my blog today to celebrate their releases. Stephen Zimmer has done a reader initiated interview for my blog today. All questions are from readers and friends from all around. I even threw a few questions in there cause I was curious. As always Mr. Zimmer gives some awesome answers. Thank you so much for being on my blog today.  And on to the interview......



What are your favorite TV shows? Song? Movie?
My favorite TV shows?  That’s a tough one, as I have liked many over the years.  Growing up I loved everything from Fantasy Island to Dukes of Hazard, and then a little later, Family Ties.  I love series like Game of Thrones, the Borgias, and The Following, but I’ll give the highest nod to the Spartacus series from Starz, as that was a great tribute to some truly courageous and noble people from our own history. 
My favorite song is even harder to chooose, as there are so many hard rock, metal, and other types of songs that I love dearly.  For my heart’s sake, I’ll choose “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, as there is a special meaning and day in my life that surrounds that song.  It brings back better times and better days for sure.
As far as movie, that’s an easy one, LOL.  Lord of the Rings trilogy tops the list, taking up three co-equal slots in the number 1 position.  :)


What do you do to unwind and relax? – Christian
Anymore, I just fall into a trance and stare blankly into space, LOL.  Seriously, I love listening to music or watching a movie for my main forms of relaxation, as these days I barely have enough energy left at the end of a workday to do that! haha

At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to be a writer? – Robin B.
I got serious about it just at the transition point between high school and college.  That was when I felt I should get more serious and make an effort to craft some novels.   My earliest attempt at a series is “in the vault” as they say.  I think the ideas are good but it was definitely my learning experience! LOL

How did you start your writing career?
More or less it started when I got serious just after high school, though it took until 2009 until I had a book published.  The act of starting a writing career is really quite straightforward, I just began to write on a consistent basis with a clear focus! :)

What would you consider to be the best book you have ever read?  - Gene
Without question, the Lord of the Rings trilogy, seeing it as one body of work.  I give it the slightest edge over the Chronicles of Narnia simply because this was my first introduction to the magic of speculative fiction. 

Describe what it’s like to be an author in three words. – Sue
Sheer chaotic madness!  :)

If money was not object and you could fly anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go? – Robin B.
What a good question!  Are you going to sponsor a trip for me?  How nice! LOL   Seriously, I would give the nod to Germany, as I’ve been to Ireland, covering a major part of my heritage, and would love to visit the other major part of my ancestry/heritage.  There are other sites that come up close behind, including Japan, Norway, Iceland, and Russia.   Maybe Australia too?  Now you have me thinking! LOL

If you could exchange lives with any of your characters for a day which character would you choose and why? – Mary B.
I would choose The Wanderer, as the Wanderer is still active in the world we live in, but holds certainties about existence, and the greater order of things in a way that would provide some comfort and peace of mind.  He is one who encourages and helps, but also has a strong connection to the things that transcend the world. 

When will he publish his bizarro book? - Jessica L.
I’m writing a bizarro book?  What a rumor!  I wonder where this started.  How scandalous!  I will have to find out more about this claim. ;) 

What would he do if he wasn't a writer? - Jessica L.
I’ve thought about this as well, and I probably would have just been fully immersed into filmmaking, or perhaps gotten more serious about music. I love creativity, and there’s no way in the world I could ever be happy in the same routine day to day. 

If he could be a superhero which would he be? - Jessica L.
I’m not much on superheroes, as I love it most when people of modest abilities do extraordinary things.  But if pressed I’d have to tilt towards Thor.  He’s the one superhero that connects to my medieval nature! LOL

What superpower does he wish he had? - Jessica L.
 The power of flight.  I fly often in my dreams, but it would be incredible to experience it in this state of existence.

Which non SSP author should we be on the lookout for? - Jessica L.
There are so many who I have a great deal of respect for, but so I don’t just avoid this question, I have three to mention in particular! 

Mystery author Steve Demaree.  The guy is prolific, determined, and dedicated to his craft!  I always root for this sort of individual!  He’s an excellent writer with a nice body of work, and he represents it very well.  He recently got his work onto the Kindle and he’s been enjoying a surge of success as of late.  Won’t be long until he’s a household name all over the genre. 

Georgia L. Jones, who writes in urban fantasy and has characters that really come to life.  You can tell that Georgia puts her heart into her work in her Remnants of Life series, which now stands at two books.   Look for great things to come from her in the future.  

Ren Garcia, a very intriguing fellow who has a fascinating storyline in his League of Elder series.  Ren is the man bringing seals to the mainstream of speculative fiction! LOL  All kidding aside, Ren is extremely talented and one of the best guys you could meet out there.  In regards to his career, I say with a shout, “Onward!”

If he could never have Monster what would be the next best thing? – Jessica L.
 A world without Monster Energy is far too grim to even comprehend.   Now THAT is dystopian to the extreme.  I shudder to even think of the possibility!  So, I sadly must declare that there is no next best thing. All would be in ruin. Truly apocalyptic.  LOL

Do you have a favorite quote or saying?  Michelle B.
I do have a favorite quote that I often think of in the arduous world I’ve gotten myself into as an author.

“My center is giving way, my right is in retreat; situation excellent. I shall attack.” – Marshal Ferdinand Foche, a French general in World War I. 

I love this quote because it reflects absolute determination, of the kind that no matter the odds, or how things look, presses forward.  Many of my greatest historical inspirations have been against insurmountable odds and acquitted themselves with honor and courage, like Spartacus, Queen Boudicca, and Vercingetorix.    These are among the true heroes in history. 

How much wood could a demon possessed woodchuck chuck? ... Scott S.
 Quite a lot.  Though it might make for a pulpy type material, in which case we might be able to make a form of paper that would be very suitable for a limited edition hardcover of a horror title! LOL

Who should play you in a film of your life? – James H.
Oh, definitely Gerard Butler, LOL!  If I can’t get Gerard Butler, maybe Groucho Marx!  Either would convey the kinds of thoughts I have as I go through life very well.  ;)

Who is your favorite author? – John
J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis I hold as co-equals for the favorite author slot!

I have heard many authors use beta readers do you use them? – Sandra
I do, and plan on widening this circle in the future.    A good beta reader, like a good editor, helps save you from yourself! LOL

What books have most influenced your life? – Andrew B.
Lord of the Rings and Chronicles of Narnia books, for getting me on the path to fantasy and speculative fiction.  The Bible, without question, which has been as inspiring as it has been frustrating at times, but always points in a direction that asks the best of me.  Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand, a brave and unapologetic work that demonstrates the value, beauty, and moral solidity of the self-sovereign, free individual (just as much as it shows how oppressive, vile, and corrupted collectivism is).  I realize that it is a book very much at odds with the world of today and one that sometimes provokes a knee-jerk type of reaction, but if a person approaches it in an unbiased fashion, it makes tremendous sense and a compelling case for self-determination.  

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your books? Andrew B.
How many new doors open and characters bloom during the creation of a story.  I always have the core direction in mind, but it is amazing how many things rise up along the way as you create a body of work.   I look forward to those occurrences in all of my projects now.

What do you think makes a good story? -  Peter M.
For me, it is people without “superpowers” or overwhelming natural attributes who rise up when a moment of decision arrives and do the honorable and right thing.  Especially having the kind of courage to stand when the odds seem impossible to overcome.  Those make for the best stories in my opinion.
 
 Do you listen to music while writing? If so what? Nicole T.
Oh yes, it is one of the things that I do regularly in my writing space that helps me snap into writing-mode right away.  I listen to quite a bit of hard rock and metal, and it forms a nice barrier against outside noises in addition to keeping a good energy going.  Symphonic and progressive hard rock and metal can be quite epic and suited well for the kind of work I do as well!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? – Barbara
When I was a child, I had a huge love of dinosaurs and wanted to be a paleontologist!  From 4th to sixth grade I actually won first place at the state science fair back to back to back for geology/paleontology projects.

Tell us about your favorite restaurant. (:)) Robin B.
Pete’s Wok, a magical place of wonder and contentment.  It is run by a wizard who never ages, who protects and takes care of all who shelter there.  It is a place of laughter, smiles, and sunshine, and some really, really good Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese Cuisine.
In fact, the original Pete’s Wok served as an inspiration for Lee’s restaurant in the Fires in Eden Series, in Crown of Vengeance.  Further, Lee’s character is very inspired by the great Pete himself.  I think the world of Pete and his restaurant rising up once again this year is one of the few rays of light in what has been a very rough time for me.







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About Stephen Zimmer: Stephen Zimmer is an award-winning author of speculative fiction, whose works include the Fires in Eden Series (Epic Fantasy), the Rising Dawn Saga (epic-scale Urban Fantasy), the Harvey and Solomon tales (Steampunk), the Hellscapes tales (Horror), and the Rayden Valkyrie tales (Sword and Sorcery). 

He is also a writer-director in moviemaking, with feature and short film credits such as Shadows Light, The Sirens, and Swordbearer.




Stephen Zimmer
Website: http://www.stephenzimmer.com
 




StevenShrewsburyAuthorPhotoAbout Steven Shrewsbury:  Steven L. Shrewsbury, from Central Illinois, enjoys football, history, politics and good fiction. Over 300 of his short stories have been published in print or digital media. His small press novels include OVERKILL, HELL BILLY, THRALL, BAD MAGICK, BEDLAM UNLEASHED, STRONGER THAN DEATH, HAWG, TORMENTOR,  GODFORSAKEN, the forthcoming PHILISTINE and BLACK SON RISING. These titles run from horror to historical high fantasy. He tries to drown out the rumors that he is Robert E. Howard reincarnated with beer. When not wrangling his sons, he can be found outside in his happy place.



Author Links:


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Blood and Steel: Legends of La Gaul, Volume 1 Book Synopsis: Journey into the dangerous and exciting world of Gorias La Gaul in this collection of short stories from highly-acclaimed author Steven Shrewsbury! Volume One includes the tales “Day of Iniquity”, “Ashes of the All-Father”, “Author and Finisher of Our Flesh”, “Insurmountable”, and “Beginning of the Trail” (a prequel story leading into the events found in the novel Overkill).

Fans of authors such as Robert E. Howard are sure to love the adventures of Gorias La Gaul, as he battles all manner of adversaries wielding two blades fashioned from the wings of angels!
Blood and Steel: Legends of La Gaul is Sword and Sorcery as the genre was intended to be!

 

 

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Hellscapes, Volume 1: Book Synopsis: Journey into realms of darkness and explore the regions where angels fear to tread! Welcome to the Hellscapes, featuring tales of the infernal in settings where the horror never ends and the inhabitants experience the ultimate nightmare.

In “Blood Dreams” follow the tale of a woman who knew great political authority and influence in life, as she discovers the reward awaiting her in the next world.

“The Grove” welcomes a new arrival, a wealthy man who is looking forward to a weekend of indulging in lust and libation, as he has for many years in this secluded convocation for the elite. Something is different this time, though, and he soon finds that his visit will be taking a very different turn.

In “The Smallest Fish”, the story is told of a ruthless business mogul who finds himself in an abandoned, ruined version of the city he knew well, in life. This city won’t be remaining vacant for long.

“Drowning in Tears” tells the story of a young man’s unhealthy 
 obsession for a suicidal girlfriend that leads him on a path of severe transformation.

The final tale of Volume 1, “Lords of War”, follows the story of a man who wielded military power on a worldwide scale as a Secretary of Defense, who now learns the deeper nature of war and what kinds of monstrosities it breeds.

Hellscapes, Volume 1 is the first release in an exciting new themed horror collection from Stephen Zimmer, the author of the Rising Dawn Saga and Fires in Eden Series.



ChroniclesOfAve1200X800Chronicles of Ave, Volume 1: Book Synopsis:  Escape into the wonders of Ave in this first collection of short stories featuring the fantastical world from the Fires in Eden Series by Stephen Zimmer.

“Into Glory Ride” tells the story of a young Trogen Warrior who is called to go up against insurmountable odds when an Elven raid strikes his homeland. The Trogens have only begun training winged steeds for combat, but time is of the essence and a momentous choice has to be made by the young warrior.

In “A Touch of Serenity” a conscript laborer working on a massive wall constructed under the orders of the Divine Emperor begins to hear ghostly voices asking for help. His response leads him on a journey that will test his courage, wisdom, and compassion.

In “Moonlight’s Grace” a young man goes to help his people when a Midragardan raid strikes Gael. He seeks to prove his worth to the chieftain whose daughter he loves with all his heart.

The novella-length “Winter’s Embrace” follows a warrior-monk into the depths of dangerous woodlands in the heart of winter. There he will find his faith tested in ways he never anticipated, when he must help a forest witch against an enigmatic, immortal being known as the Undying.

“Lion Heart” introduces the heroic Sigananda of the Amazu people, who must confront things that transcend the laws of the physical world when powerful Wizards threaten his homeland.

In “Land of Shadow” a knight who is part of a band of Avanoran mercenaries discovers how perilous the mysterious Shadowlands are when they undertake a journey to locate a site to build a fortress.

A world of wonder beckons to be explored and fantasy enthusiasts are invited along for the journey in these half-dozen stories from the world of Ave!

Also be sure to take further adventures in Ave in the Fires in Eden Series, beginning with Crown of Vengeance, Book One!


Amazon Links for Blood and Steel: Legends of La Gaul, Volume 1

Print Version




Kindle Version




Other eBook formats:

Nook

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blood-and-steel-steven-shrewsbury/1116424628?ean=2940148708506

Kobo




iBookstore






Amazon Links for Chronicles of Ave, Volume 1

Print Version




Kindle Version




Other eBook formats:

Nook

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chronicles-of-ave-volume-1-stephen-zimmer/1116818186?ean=9781937929305

Kobo




iBookstore




Amazon Links for Hellscapes, Volume 1

Print Version




Kindle Version




Other eBook formats:




Kobo




iBookstore

 





Tour Schedule and Activities
9/30    Library Girl Reads and Reviews                                Contest
9/30    Ian’s Realm                                                                 Interview with Stephen Zimmer
9/30    Book in the Bag                                                         Review
10/1    Azure Dwarf                                                               Review
10/1    Bee’s Knees Reviews                                                  Reader Interview Stephen Zimmer
10/1    Armand Rosamilia, Author                                       Guest Post-Steven Shrewsbury
10/1    Lost Inside the Covers                                               Review
10/2    Beauty in Ruins                                                          Character Post-Gorias La Gaul
10/2    Come Selahway with Me                                          Guest Post-Stephen Zimmer
10/2    Sheila Deeth                                                               Guest Post – Steven Shrewsbury
10/3    Deal Sharing Aunt                                                     Promo Spotlight
10/4    Sapphyria’s Book Reviews                                        Promo Spotlight
10/5    Spellbindings                                                             Promo Spotlight
10/5    Jorie Loves a Story                                                    Review
10/5    Jess Resides Here                                                       Review
10/5    SpecMusicMuse                                                         Guest Post – Stephen Zimmer
10/6    The Flipside of Julianne                                             Promo Spotlight
10/6    L. Andrew Cooper’s Horrific Scribblings                  Review





Tour Page URL:



 

2 comments:

Omg publish the bizarro publish!!!!!! Or at least send it to me :)

This was a fun interview! Thanks! :)

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