Loading ...Author Stephen Zimmer Release Party and Contest
PLEASE NOTE: The contest portion of the Stephen Zimmer event is now over. The winners will be chosen at a later date and contacted via email.
Welcome to Epic Urban Fantasy…
I am very excited to be the guest author today at Bitten By Books, during the launch period of The Storm Guardians, the second book of the epic urban fantasy Rising Dawn Saga. I hope that the readers here fire away with any and all questions that they might have about me, my work, influences, or anything whatsoever.
A few notes about my work, as I do know that I am a relatively new face to fantasy and urban fantasy readers. In addition to The Rising Dawn Saga (which began with The Exodus Gate last year), I do have another active fantasy series, the Fires in Eden series, which launched with Crown of Vengeance last fall. This series has a medieval-type setting (though it features several characters from the modern world that get taken back into the fantastical world of Ave). Even though it does have presences of the supernatural within it, and features a broad range of elements, for purposes of today we’ll stick with The Rising Dawn Saga, as it is probably the one that would be of greater interest to the readers here at Bitten By Books, and it is the series with the brand new release. (Though if you like fantasy authors with multi-threaded styles like George R. R. Martin, and stories with a scale like the Wheel of Time series, you should check my other series out!)
The Rising Dawn Saga has all the elements that readers enjoy with urban fantasy, as it is permeated with the paranormal and the mystical, with much of its setting taking place within a contemporary environment. It is also epic in scale, which makes for an urban fantasy reading adventure that is a little more uncommon in terms of what is generally published within the genre. I have a very hard time comparing it to anything
currently out there.
I have been told by readers that they really enjoy the mixture within this series, which has elements of sci-fi, techno-thrillers, fantasy, and even a few ample doses of horror. Though it is not light reading, I have endeavored to create a series that a reader can make what they want out of it. A reader can simply enjoy the wild ride, or can choose to explore the layers that are in there, as the threads in the series bring forth an
array of references, characters, creatures, and settings that are drawn from a very diverse range of cultures and traditions. There is a nice array of principle characters as well, with male and female main characters, both human and non-human (with some of the latter being spirit in nature!). I have a hunch that readers will find at least one, if not several, characters to really connect with and follow throughout the course of the series.
But enough of me talking about all of this. I want to meet new friends and hear from you today, and I hope that you will consider giving my series a look. You can look forward to a new title roughly every year, a
continuation of the illustration series that has been developing wonderfully with artist Matthew Perry (each of my books feature a nice collection of full page illustrations), and each new installment will give you a reading experience that you can really immerse into and explore!
Here’s a few questions that hopefully will get some discussion going as we meet and introduce ourselves today!
As readers of urban fantasy, what are your thoughts of series in the genre that are crafted on an epic scale?
What are your favorite mythologies or supernatural lore? I just might have something in my series that relates!
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Learn more about Stephen Zimmer below:
To read reviews of this author’s work go here.
To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit this author’s blog go here.
http://www.risingdawnsaga.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/sgzimmer
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sgzimmer
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CONTEST INFO:
Prizes:
Grand Prize (Open to all contestants, international and domestic):
Signed copy of The Storm Guardians, with set of extras including a big poster of
the cover art, glossy 8X10 of the cover art, 9 card art card set featuring
illustrations from the book, and bookmarks.
1st Runner Up Prize (US only): Signed copy of The Storm Guardians
2nd Runner Up Prizes (US only) (2): Celestial Female Spirit T-shirt from
The Storm Guardians and the set of 9 art cards.
3-Headed Dragon T-Shirt from The Storm Guardians and the set of 9 art cards.
1. LEAVE YOUR FIRST NAME AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME in your comment/post so we can give you the proper credit for your entries. Mandatory, if you don’t leave this, none of your entries will count. It is NOT mandatory to make a purchase to be entered into the contest.
2. Answer at least ONE of Stephen’s Questions and or ask her some questions, please make sure they aren’t duplicates. Good for 10 entries per question. (Max 3 good towards entries)
3. Order copies of Stephen’s new book The Storm Guardians by clicking the links below
To purchase a print copy of The The Storm Guardians from Amazon click here
To purchase a print copy of The Storm Guardians from Barnes & Noble click here.
Books in The Rising Dawn Saga in the order they should be read:
The Exodus Gates
The Storm Guardians
Good for 500 entries per book you purchase by using the links above. Email your receipt to the prize Goddess here bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Not valid on past purchases.
OR you can use the Barnes & Noble link HERE to make your purchase of ANY kind of merchandise during the contest. You can also use the Amazon link HERE to shop as well. Good for 100 entries to the contest for EACH item you purchase. Not valid on past purchases.
4. Spread the word about this event and invite everybody you know by using the new Share Buttons below at the bottom of the post to tell your friends about this contest and come back and tell us where you shared. This is the live link to the event: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=26603 if you don’t know how to use either of those functions. Good for 25 entries per place you post the event link.
While you are here today, please be sure to stop by the Diana Francis Pharaoh Interview here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=26610 and these other events while you are here today: read and comment on our Off the Fang column here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=26498 also and join our weekly book chat here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=26508 and Vote in our weekly poll here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=26519 also, RSVP for Jackie Kessler’s event here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=26598 good for 25 entries per each one you do.
That’s it!
RULES AND LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
The contest ends on 6/24/10 at 11:59 pm Central and the winners will be contacted via email. You will receive your prize directly from the authors. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME as well as a valid email where we can contact you. REMEMBER the more things you do, the more entries, the greater the chances of winning. PLEASE ALLOW THIRTY DAYS to receive your prize BEFORE EMAILING US.
1. Please note, the prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be absolutely no substitutions or changes the prize is non-transferable. If you don’t want the prize being offered, please don’t enter the contest. If you ever win an electronic copy of a book, please note that it is ILLEGAL to forward, give away or copy it in anyway once you receive it. Doing so violates copyright. If we find out that it has been done, you will no longer be eligible to win any of our contests.
2. You have FIVE days from the day the we contact you to claim your prize by sending your name/mailing address to me. Failure to contact me will forfeit your prize. BBB can at that time, choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.
3. The prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be no substitutions, trades or changes. No exceptions. Please do not ask. If for some reason you do not wish to claim your prize, please let me know as soon as possible. Bitten by Books has the option to re-award it or not.
4. Contest is open to readers in the USA except where noted above. The prizes are shipped directly from the publisher unless otherwise noted.
5. Bitten by Books is in NO way responsible for the prizes being offered in any of the contests. If for some reason a contributor does not honor their prize, there is nothing we can or will do about it. We are not worried that this will happen, but we want to be very clear that WE are not offering these prizes, the contributor is and it is their responsibility to fulfill their prize obligations.
6. These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.
7. Contest is void where prohibited.
8. By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry
(2 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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I love series. You get in bed with old friends and see what they are up to this time!! Now I’m not trying to be so mellow but I have no favorite mythologies. I pretty much like them all. Not very orignial is it! So where did you grow up? What college did you go to? I myself went to and graduated from OSU(Oklahoma State University). I walked away with a masters in wildlife. Have you had other jobs over the years that totally sucked while you were writing your books? I RSVPed for this event and Kessler’s event, chatted, voted, commented on Off the Fang column. Thankyou, Lisa D.
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Hey Lisa, just wanted to be sure you knew my answer to you is down in the 3rd comment. Forgot to hit the direct reply feature here! scatter-brained authors… lol
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Just wanted to say hi to everyone visiting, and to let you know that I’m ready to field any questions you might have!
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Hi Lisa,
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I grew up most of my life in Lexington, Kentucky, as my dad was a cancer researcher/professor who taught and researched at the University here. I was born in Denver, CO, with a short stint afterwards in St. Louis. I did get to travel a great deal, though, as dad usually took us along for his meetings and conferences wherever they were held in the USA.
As far as myself, I went for 3 years to the University of Kentucky and then finished up my last 2 years at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene Texas. Degree was in Visual Communications, kind of a mix of photography/videography/journalism. Loved Hardin-Simmons, as I like smaller educational environments.
As far as jobs that have “totally sucked”, I would have to say that working on commercial productions, in terms of video production, are never satisfying. You always have a representative of an ad agency or some other company figure on site that can never be satisfied, which can grate when you are on a 15 or 16 hour shooting day. It is mercenary work for sure, haha. The pay is much, much better than when working on independent film, but I’d rather make less money and be happy. I also did some stints shooting equestrian “hunter and jumper” events, out in the summer heat, by myself, in what was some of the most mind-numbing work I have ever done (getting video of hundreds of horses going around the ring one after another, all day long)
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About 25% of readers (and authors) do some kind of ‘fantasy casting’ for their characters. As a filmmaker, you’ve seen the difference between casual “dream team” casting and the real thing. All three of your books are now on Storycasting (http://bit.ly/Cast_StephenZimmer ), so you and your fans can have a ‘casting conversation’. Do you think fans have any better insight than you do for who ought to play the roles in the adaptation? Does fan casting work for you as feedback on how your characters are perceived?
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Hi Jeff, great question!
I am actually very curious to find out who readers would cast for the various characters in the two series. Of course, readers come up with casts that would probably cost a few hundred million dollars to put together! LOL Seriously, though, I am very interested to find out who fans would cast, as it definitely would give me some insights in regards to the perception of the characters.
In filmmaking one of the key things you learn is that to be a good director, you surround yourself with the best people. You strive to surround yourself with people better than yourself, in fact. Always be open to a better insight, or you are limiting yourself. In that sense, it is possible that a reader might well come up with a better casting idea than myself!
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hi stephen! this sounds really good….all that and pictures, too! you listed most of my favorite genres, and all in one book…how can you go wrong with that?
i love series, whether they’re on an epic scale or barely connected - i like watching the characters grow and change, not to mention how they affect their world….
my favorite mythologies are really ancient ones - usually ones i’ve never heard of, so when they’re introduced to me, it’s like a nice surprise!
my question is, how do you even begin to plan a series like that? and are you doing a book tour, or are you sticking to blogs and such?
i voted in the weekly poll
k_sunshine1977 at yahoo dot com
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Hi Kisah,
sounds like you would definitely like the scope and content of the books. I love the artwork that Matthew Perry has done for these books too. Almost 40 illustrations between the three books now!
The threads really flow from one book to the next, as the characters grow. And as for ancient mythologies, I have a very heavy dose of Sumerian/Babylonian influnece, which is one of the oldest of them all. There really is a nice mix of mythical influences and cultural lore, and every book will feature new elements in this regard.
A series idea really begins from a small seed. My grandmother used to listen to Art Bell all the time, and was the one that introduced me to Coast to Coast AM. I always wondered what Art really thought of his guests, and also whether he ever had access to some things that he didn’t talk about on the show. This musing led to the inspiration for the character of Benedict Darwin. He is not a fictional depiction of Art Bell, but he does have a similar show to Coast to Coast AM, and he does get a device in The Exodus Gate that draws him into a story where all of the things that he discussed on his show begin to take on a reality in his world. That is the seed where the concept for the full series really sprouted.
I make every effort to make myself personally accessible to readers, and I do maintain a VERY active touring schedule. In fact, I have been on the road the past five weeks (this past weekend I did a Chicago to Des Moines Iowa swing). I do a mixture of conventions, bookstores, and other events like book fairs, libraries, etc. Feel free to check out my schedule anytime at:
http://www.stephenzimmer.com/appearances.html
I’ll be in Indianapolis for InConJunction during the July 4th weekend. This weekend, thankfully, is my homecoming signing here in Lexington, so I don’t have to hit the road! lol
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Hi Stephen!!! Thanks for stopping by. I honestly haven’t read much if anything that I would consider on an epic scale. LOTR would be the only thing that I would put in that category, and I cheated and just watched the movies.
For me, I have no problem with a series on a epic scale, as long as the characters are real and the story draws me in…that’s all I ask. As for mythology, I’ve always loved Greek mythology…adventures of the gods, etc.
I see you include art in your books, which is pretty rare. When I look at the covers of your books, I think graphic novel. Did you consider doing this series as a graphic novel? I’m a comic book geek…so i never shy away from that type of work.
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Hello Heatwave16!
I think that my particular style, of doing character threads (where each segment is focused on the POV of a particular character, and titled as such) helps to keep the characters close to the heart without getting lost in the big story that they are all a part of.
Greek Mythology? You’ll love this one then. The offspring of Typhon and Echidna make a grand appearance in The Storm Guardians, and are a major part of the epic battle that takes place in it. Some of the Greek Gods are a part of this series as well, represented as either angelic or demonic Avatars (Just wait until you get to meet Ares!) There are definitely a number of elements that do derive from Greek Mythology, and I think you will have fun reading how they are woven into interactions with creatures and things of other mythologies.
I love artwork, and old Dickens and Tolkien novels used to feature illustrations, so I don’t think it is a big stretch to have art in a novel, especially in a graphic novel age.
I have had discussions about a graphic novel version of each book, but it is a bit too much to tackle at the immediate present. Don’t be surprised in a year or so if something gets announced in this regard though!
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Ooo!!! Very cool with the greek gods popping in.
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Hey Just wanted to pop in an say hello, I RSVPed and Shared the link on Facebook. I was reading Crown of Vengeance and I noticed that you said your mom got you in to Fantasy, I was curious do you let your family read drafts and get input? Also can you say what is on the agenda for Friday. I am really looking forward to the signing. Well take care and have fun.
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Hey Robin, thanks for stopping by!
yes, mom is at fault, for reading me the Lord of the Rings trilogy when I was seven, out loud, a chapter a night. Then the Hobbit, and then she got me the Chronicles of Narnia boxed set, and I never looked back to the mundane world again! LOL
I still give mom the honorary first read of a new draft, and she is VERY brutally honest. If it isn’t working, I hear it quick, so it actually does help me know if I’m in the ballpark or not! LOL
Friday’s homecoming signing is going to be VERY fun.
7:15pm I will give an introduction to the Storm Guardians, and we’ll have a brief Q and A, followed by a bunch of door prizes/giveaways, featuring books, t-shirts and the new art posters, and more.
Signing should be fully underway by close to 8.
We are having a celebration and gathering at Bar Louie’s afterwards, and it will be getting underway before I’m done with the signing. When I am done at about 9:30pm I will join everyone in progress there.
We have a COOL full color art print being done exclusively for every attendee at this signing event. You definitely want to get one of these.
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Wow that sounds wicked awesome. I am really looking forward to it. I read my son the hobbit when he was seven. He is ten now and more of an artist. He loves drawing dragons and things like that. Thanks again for answering my question.
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Hey Robin,
Make sure your son gets a full set of the art cards and such on Friday night (including the collector’s print) if he is into art, he will really like that stuff!
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Stephen,
Wow I have read both books int he series. I love the characters the good, the bad and you just know the ugly. Your realms are very vividly described, and I was easily transported into your world. Did you find it difficult to keep the story line unique while entwining the religious aspects into the novels?
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Hi Caden,
so glad that you enjoyed the novels, and there is a whole lot more ahead in the series. New places and faces, and everything else keeps building.
It was not difficult for me, as I don’t box myself in, in terms of being strict on dogmatic elements or anything like that. This is a fun fantasy epic, which involves a cosmic war element between the worst of the worst in the spirit realms, and the best of the best. It is great fun to draw from various traditions in depicting this, and I think that people of all backgrounds can enjoy this storyline as it is very much a good vs. evil tale at its core, which is something that all faith traditions entail if you think about it.
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Hi Stephen -
You are a new author to me. I love paranormal fiction and Urban fiction tends to go along those lines. I’ve really gotten into the Valkyrie of late. Those women can sure kick butt.
What mythological creature would you like to write about in the future?
I rsvp’d.
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Hey Viki,
great to meet you!
Valkyries? hmmm…keep an eye on my medieval fantasy series then! Around the third or fourth book, depending on my editor… You will NOT be disappointed my depictions… hint, hint…
I really want to explore creatures of South American, African, and Asian mythology in the near future. They are on the horizon in my book series for sure, but the stories haven’t reached that point yet!
A little closer is the Draugr, from Norse mythology, a creature that I find very interesting as it is really a basis for what eventually became early vampire legends.
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Thanks for the heads up on your medieval series. Just bookmarked your Amazon page :).
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no problem! Book 2 in that series comes out in the late fall, and then 1 new installment per year (both series feature 1 new book a year). thanks!
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Hi Stephen,
I haven’t read any of your books but I think I will start with The Rising Dawn Saga - it sounds right up my alley. Until today I didn’t realize that in the last 100 books I have read - none have been authored by any men!
I tend to pick vampire or werewolf books but I haven’t intentionally avoided male authors. Are those subjects that you would avoid writing about? Your books sound like they have complicated characters then let’s say The Black Dagger Brotherhood.
What was the last book you read?
Thanks - Paula D.
RSVP
Voted
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Hi Paula,
if you like werewolf books, you won’t mind the An-Ki of the Rising Dawn Saga at all!
They are a main element of the Rising Dawn Saga, and include some of the main characters of the story.
I am honored to be the first man in over 100 authors that you have chosen to read! (and glad that you haven’t decided to shun male authors too, LOL.) I hope to represent my gender well as an author! Be sure to add me on Facebook, stay in touch, and let me know.
The last book that I read was a horror novel called The Sticks by Andy Deane, put out by the outstanding independent pubisher Delirium. Interestingly enough, it is a hard-hitting werewolf tale that I highly recommend!
Right before that, I had the honor of reading the forthcoming novel Emperor by H. David Blalock, an intrigue-laced epic fantasy tale and the followup to his novel Ascendant. Fantastic writer, and well worth checking out. Another example of why there are many gems out there from small press publishers.
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Hi Stephen,
This is Shon Medley. We met at Con Nooga this past February and I’m hoping to cross paths with you again later on this Summer. The question I have for you is this: How do you keep your writing fresh and original? I gave up television and reading in order to inspire my own original writings, but even with those sacrifices, I feel that when I reread what I’ve written that it sounds like something I’ve watched or read before. What should I do?
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Hey Shon,
glad you stopped by today!
This is a tough question, as each writer has their own approach and process. For me, I have a separate computer that I write on, and I have developed a personal environment that creates a “bubble” of sorts to allow me to immerse into my creative sphere when I work. I always advise a real environment of detatchment when working on your material.
I would also suggest to zero in on the elements that are bothering you the most, in terms of the things that you feel echo something else too strongly, and then think about ways to approach those particular areas differently.
Of course, it is pretty hard to not find something somewhere with the million and one stories and shows out there that might be an element of your story. Remember, there are a ton of vampire series and stories out there right now, a ton of zombie stories, and another ton of werewolf stories. The challenge is to put your own voice onto a popular element. You might have done so already, so I wouldn’t necessarily scrap what you have until you’ve had some feedback. Writers tend to be overly self-critical, and could feasibly rewrite their work for eternity if allowed to do so. I would see if the things that you are worried about come up in the critiques of test readers. If not, then maybe you have put your story in its own voice, even if it has some relation to an element out there in television or fiction.
I hope that helps a little.
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Hey Stephan, first off great interview. I’m gonna have to grab the first in the series next time I’m at the store. Let’s see, my favorite supernatural lore is a tie between golems and gargoyles, golems because I think it’d be pretty rad to create a “living” being and gargoyles because they’re virtually indestructable.
RSVP’d and spread the word
Thanks
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hey Jason,
thanks! and if they don’t have it on the shelf, it is distributed through Ingram, so any store, independent or chain store, should be able to get it in. As a newer author it is sometimes hit or miss on store shelf availability.
I have the Gulagar, which are gargoyle like creatures, that make a big appearance in the Storm Guardians, and are a part of the big battle in there.
I have not yet featured golems in my writing…not yet being the key!
take care and thanks for visiting!
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I have no doubt that if Jay wants it Jay will find it. He’s stubborn like that….
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What are your favorite mythologies or supernatural lore? I just might have something in my series that relates!
Celtic Mythology; especially with The Morrigan.
RSVP
http://twitter.com/RaonaidLuckwell
Google Buzzed
http://www.myspace.com/visionarydruid
Attending Diana Pharaoh’s event after this.
Read and commented on the Fang column
Participated in the weekly poll
Participated in the book chat
RSVPed for Jackie Kessler’s event
http://buzz.yahoo.com/article/1:9b9f7afc6a521013363c519d59c53fbd:956b8d3b4bcc84984a861e7a44234f04/Author-Stephen-Zimmer-Release-Party-and-Contest-LIVE-Here?usc=1
http://www.facebook.com/#!/RaonaidLuckwell
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Hi Raonid,
I have many traditions that I really enjoy. I love Norse mythology a whole lot, and I also love Chinese and Japanese myths a great deal as well (and I loved weaving the Qilin into The Exodus Gate). It is hard to name a specific favorite, as so many figures appeal to me. In terms of Celtic lore, it appears more heavily in my Fires in Eden series (and I REALLY want to tell you more about that, but it would be a spoiler, but I can say it involves The Morrigan!), though it does make an appearance in The Storm Guardians with The Hunt. I put my own take on that legend and the key individuals involved.
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I think stories that are created on an epic scale is amazing if they’re done correctly. There’s a delicate balance between creating a story that’s fun to read and one that makes you think the author has lost their minds.
In regards to mythologies/lores, I can’t really think of one. I love stories that can pull in a bit of history or just give a new perspective to things. I really enjoy stories that can bring a bit of insight.
So my questions are in regards to the covers and merchandise that you have for your books. Some authors have said that they don’t really get too much say in their covers, but I’ve heard of some who have an idea in mind and work with an artist to ensure that it comes across. Your cover is amazing, were you closely related to it’s creation? Also, for cards, bookmarks, etc., do you get to choose and pick what to put on those or is it all editor’s choice? And for the Storm Guardians, what were you trying to convey across to the readers who has so many different covers to choose from?
Thanks a bunch!
Biki
contest:
Diana Francis Pharaoh Interview: done
Fang Column: done
Week book chat: Done
Weekly poll: Done
RSVP for Jackie Kessler’s event: done
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Hi Biki,
I did it again! LOL
My reply to your question is one notch down…I’ll get this posting straight!
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Hi Biki,
if you like stories that draw in from history and lore, and put new faces and twists to them, then you might well enjoy this series.
As far as the artwork and other items go, I travel and appear regularly, year round, at conferences and conventions, and I wanted to develop some things that I could give to readers that visit with me at these appearances. Having always been a collector of sorts, and having a fair amount of artwork in my books, the art card sets were a very natural outgrowth. That was my idea, which I feel has been a good one as people tend to like these cards a lot. The posters, t-shirts, and such are very fun, and people can make use of them as a fantasy art piece or clothing whether or not they are into the books. They are very nice, quality items, which do help to raise some awareness, and they all celebrate the artwork, so I see it as a win-win.
One advantage of being with a smaller publisher is that I do have input regarding the artwork. I am very enthusiastic about visual arts (as I am a filmmaker as well). I work closely with the artist, Matthew Perry, who is a very good friend of mine and really enjoys this collaboration. He gets a great deal of artistic freedom to interperet the text, as the only corrections are when something is markedly different from what is spelled out in the text itself (I.E. Such as when he turned in a one-headed dragon design when the text spelled out a 3-headed Dragon, Gorynych, who is based directly on a dragon from Russian mythology, LOL ).
Matt is very, very good when it comes to layout as well, and he is the one that came up with the “medallion” stylization that you see on the two covers in the Rising Dawn Saga. He also styled the fonts and layouts such that these books really do look good on a shelf. The guy is definitely talented and I’m very fortunate to have him working with my publisher.
The cover itself shows the Rising Dawn symbol, which is from the books, with two characters…one, the sorceress Dagian Underwood, and the other one of the Avatars, which readers could interpret to be Enki or Calliel. I won’t make a declaration, as I’m curious to see which of the two they feel it is.
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Thank you for the reply Stephen. I’m glad to hear that you had some input in the covers and arts because I feel like it has to have author input to have that amazing of an impact. I hope I’ll get to the bookstore soon to find the Rising Dawn Saga… either that or wait for the 3rd book, lol.
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If you can’t find Exodus Gate or The Storm Guardians, tell them it is available through the Ingram system and that they need to carry it! LOL Borders stores have been very good to me, as have independents, if those options are available. I hope you don’t have to wait till book 3, since book 2 just got released! Definitely keep in touch and add me on Facebook if you are on there.
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I have never read any of your books but I am very interested in reading them. I like to read all types of books. I enjoyed the Twilight Series very much. Reading is one of my favorite things to do. I like how an author can draw a reader into a book. I have even thought about writing. I am not sure if I would be a good writer or not. Tore923@aol.com
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Hi Victoria, thanks for the comment and I hope you enjoy the books. Like you, reading is one of my favorite activities. Don’t let anyone discourage you from writing…just start writing, you can always save files on your computer and go back and work on them later, lol! Good luck with it!
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Hi Stephen
*Hay I like Epic Tales the bigger the better,and i like very long series the longer the better.
*Dragons I love Dragons
* I Spread the news on my myspace and facebook and here is the links
http://www.myspace.com/sasluvbooks & facebook.com/sasluvbooks
* I RSVPed to be here
* I Voted in the weekly Polls
* I’m going to Daina France interview
Stacey S
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
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Hi Stacy,
In regards to point one: both of my series will be about 7 books in length, and each volume is substantial (they are 600 pagers in hardcover or trade paperback size), so I suppose I make your qualifications.
In regards to your second point: There are dragons that factor in heavily to BOTH series (yes, even the Rising Dawn Saga with its contemporary setting!)
thanks for coming by the event!
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You are a new author to me. Looking forward to reading your books. They sound very interesting.
I have not read anything that was an epic series yet. The longest series I have read is Twilight which I loved. I don’t mind them as long as they are kept interesting.
I tend to pick a lot of vampire books. I love medevial books. I really love dragons but; have read any books as of yet.
What gives you inspiration? Do you do a lot of research for your stories?
Off the Fang column~Done
joined our weekly book chat~Done
Voted in our weekly poll~Done
Sue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com
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Hi Sue,
each new installment in my series builds upon the books before, while always introducing some new elements and characters, so that things are always interesting! As I mentioned to Stacy, I have dragons in both series.
My inspiration comes from my love of fantasy and anything beyond the mundane, as well as people, dreams, and life as I’ve experienced it. There are really so many sources for inspiration, and in fantasy you can create living metaphors with the use of imagery and creatures, which makes for a lot of fun in developing a series.
In terms of research, I do a great deal of it. From various religious traditions, to the mythical heritage of many cultures, to military equipment, along with many other areas, there was a great deal of research undertaken to help add some depth and layers to the Rising Dawn Saga. Readers doing a second reading will find that they catch some things that they might not have noticed the first time around (I always love those kinds of books).
Researching various topics relating to the things in the book can be incredibly interesting, but you must always make sure that the characters are well-rounded and the story flows.
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Contest stuff:
i did RSVP
answered question on comment 6
completed poll
rsvped for jackie
posted on twitter - http://twitter.com/Heatwave316/status/16892371103
facebook - http://www.facebook.com/#!/hcreely
goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/event/show/89129-stephen-zimmer-chat-blog
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This series sounds great. I love urban fantasy. I really like the supernatural characters (shifters, vampires, demons)
RSVPed for this event
Commented on Off the Fang column
Joined in weekly book chat
Voted in weekly poll
RSVPed for Jackie Kessler’s contest
Stopped by Diana Frances Pharaoh Interview
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Hi Julie,
thanks for visiting! I’ve got lots of shifters and demons…don’t have any vampires per se, but I do have some darker entities with some vampiric qualities!
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Hi Stephen,
You are one of my favorite people, a new author to add to my list. I am always looking for you or the next you…..
Do you set one large goal or many small ones?
What do you do to reward yourself when you meet your goals?
Do you keep track of random plot bunnies as they pop up or do you let them run free until you need them?
[Reply]
Hi Koren,
I’m very flattered, and I hope you enjoy the series.
As far as goals go, I am a goal-oriented person, but I do set smaller milestones while working towards a larger one. When writing a large scale novel, it definitely helps to have some small goals to hit along the way! lol
As far as how I reward myself…hmmm…that’s a tough one. Knowing me, I probably sit back for a second, take a deep breath, open another Monster Energy Drink, and then start towards the next goal. LOL
In regards to your third question, I keep a big file of notes, and when things pop up, I’ll put it into the file, which I re-read from time to time. Sometimes, a new thread will emerge that I cannot keep out of the story!
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Shared on Twitter - http://twitter.com/jellybelly82158/status/16894138146
Shared on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000594583971
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Answers to your questions….
1. I love epic scale. I haven’t run into it too much in urban fantasy though. I really enjoy Brent Weeks, Fiona McIntosh, Jacqueline Carey, Sarah Monette….I could go on and on.
2. I don’t have a favorite. I love myths, legends and lore. That is what I love about the genre. Each author’s personal twist on these.
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Hi Koren,
I definitely have personal twists on a great many age-old myths and figures, so I think you might like what’s in the Rising Dawn Saga.
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other contest stuff…
1.done
2.done, asked 3 and answered 2
4.posted on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000458778923&ref=ts#!/profile.php?id=1339196135
participated in Diana’s event
commented on Off the Fang
participated in book chat
voted in poll
rsvp’d for Jackie
I RSVP’d
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Welcome to BBB Stephen ! I havent read any of ur books but they sound awesome
As readers of urban fantasy, what are your thoughts of series in the genre that are crafted on an epic scale? i love the idea of a series on an epic scale I think that mroe series should be that way
What are your favorite mythologies or supernatural lore? I love the idea of the Lady in white my fav metholog ha sto do with discord and ares ima ll about the gods and all of that i love them cant really pick one favorite
I RSVPED
and I
vote don the poll and commented
read and commented on our Off the Fang column
joined the book chat
stopped by the Diana Francis Pharaoh Interview
posted on
facebook: facebook.com/ghostssinner
googlebuzz : mortalsinn @ yahoo.com
twitter: @bainesgoddess
google bookmark:https://www.google.com/bookmarks/l#!threadID=GhKsy5lBjzLQ%2FBDQFwDQoQw9j9zPgk
myspace:myspace.com/forever149
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Hi Beverly…I did it again on these replies…my answer to your post is below! LOL
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Hi Beverly,
thanks for joining us here.
I’m glad you are open to an epic-scale urban fantasy story. I don’t have a lot of company, so I’ve been a little curious as to what readers will think of a series like this. Obviously, I think there’s room! LOL
Ares plays a big part in the Rising Dawn Saga, but you are going to have to wait until the 3rd book to begin to find out! But let me tell you, it is going to be something else!
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i cnatw ait i love ares he slike one of my fav gods
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hi Stephen! Congrats on the release!
You are a new author to me, but I’m adding you to my TBR list! LOVE the cover of the book!
Your questions:
As readers of urban fantasy, what are your thoughts of series in the genre that are crafted on an epic scale?
I LOVE books like that — Lord of the Rings & Tolkien’s world are my favorite series/books of all time so I love that genre/that sort of grand and epic scale.
A question for you:
Cheesy one, but - if you could time travel back to anywhere in history - who would you meet?
I RSVP’d and Tweeted about the event!
http://twitter.com/ailish79/status/16846439135
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hi Libby,
Yes, I am relatively new, but I’m very happy that I’ve been added to your TBR list.
Tolkien/LOTR is my favorite series of all time, so we are definitely on the same page there. It is what started me into fantasy at a very young age!
As far as traveling back in time, I would like to go back and meet the historical Christ, to get past all the conjecture and speculation and theology and really meet him in person. I have often wondered what his personality was like, and what things he was interested in as a person, like what foods he enjoyed, just simple things like that which never make it into religious documents.
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Loved reading your post.
Congrats on the new release.
“What are your favorite mythologies or supernatural lore?”-My fave mythology when I was a teen were the greek gods. Still enjoy reading about them with the twists paranormal authors can put on the old myths. As for supernaturals, I like books that have a mixture of supernatural beings, but me faves are the shifters. They are just so many different animals out there for shifters to become, all with their own quirks.
I RSVP’d
Diana Francis Pharaoh Interview-doing next
read and commented on the Off the Fang column
did the weekly book chat
voted in the weekly
rsvp’d for Jackie Kessler’s event
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Hi Beth,
If you like twists on old myths, the Rising Dawn Saga is loaded with them. From Russian to Asian, to Greek and Sumerian, there is a lot to be had in this series.
Greek mythology does have a very visible presence in the Rising Dawn Saga, especially The Storm Guardians, with Typhon, Echidna, and their brood of offspring. I’ve put my own stamp on this, which I think you might enjoy. Ares, as I mentioned to another reader, will be emerging in a huge way very soon!
In terms of Shifters, the An-Ki are a shapeshifting race that has a main part to play in the Rising Dawn Saga. Some of the key characters in the books are An-Ki. They are werewolf-like creatures. The name An-Ki is derived from the Sumerian An and Ki, or Heaven and Earth. They have a special ability that puts them in the crosshairs of the forces from the Abyss, who had been setting the Nephilim after them in a great hunt prior to the Great Flood. The Exodus Gate tells what happened in regards to that situation, and The Storm Guardians builds onward!
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My fiance and I were just discussing how Ancient the Babylonians are. Funny how things like that randomly come up.
I am fine with epics (though I’ve mostly seen movies and not read them). I don’t really read high fantasy, as I’m more into the paranormal and vampires, but your descriptions sound alluring.
Would you say that a typical urban fantasy reader who likes good character development and mysteries to solve would find a place for your books?
I like Greek Mythology (saw your post, so that’s good). It’s my go-to since I learned about it as a kid, but I enjoy other myths too, I’m just not as well-versed in them.
RSVPd for this, heading over to Diana Francis Pharaoh now, commented on Off the Fang, will do weekly book chat later, Voted/commented, RSVPd Jackie Kessler
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Hi R.E.B,
it is always funny how the random things sometimes line up with what is happening elsewhere in our worlds!
I do think there is a place for The Rising Dawn Saga on the shelf of a typical urban fantasy reader. The story is going to be on a larger scale, and it is not going to be light reading, but it most certainly will involve extensive character development and mystery elements. In fact, the larger cast of characters involved means that you will have a feast of character development. It is fun for me to hear the wide range of “favorite characters” in the book series from readers.
There is a great deal of mystery and twists to the story, especially in regards to the work of The Convergence, an elite group of ultra-wealthy, influential individuals who are collaborating towards the construction of a worldwide economic and legal order. Let’s just say that their intentions for most of us are not that good! lol But it sure is going to be a nice, comfy world for them if they succeed!
In terms of character development, I think my style of using multiple threads helps keep that on track. Each segment in my book is aligned with the POV of a particular character, whose name titles that particular segment. (I.E. The Arianna thread, the Seth thread, the Sargor thread, the Dagian thread)…this is what allows me to keep intimate with the characters while still working in the framework of an epic story.
Please do add me on facebook, at http://www.facebook.com/sgzimmer and keep in touch. I’d like to know how my books fare with you!
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1. I love series crafted on an epic scale no matter what the genre but especially for urban fantasy.
2. Myths and lore are my favorites to find in books. I’ve always been very fond of the Greek/Roman gods and Faerie. I have several nonfiction books I’ve read on both over the years.
____________
Q: Do you have any writing quirks or rituals?
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+25 I RSVP’d for Jackie Kessler
+25 Commented on Off the Fang
+25 Commented on Weekly Book Chat
+25 Commented & Voted in Poll
+25 Commented on Zimmer Release Party
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Hi Jennifer,
Thank you very much for taking the time to come by today. There are not a whole lot of series that are epic in scale when it comes to urban fantasy, so I think you’ll be very happy with mine!
As mentioned earlier, Greek Mythology does indeed have a significant presence in the Rising Dawn Saga. Ares is coming soon as a major character, likely in book 3!
Typhon and Echidna, and all of their offspring (like Cerberus, Geryon, etc.) have a nice part to play in The Storm Guardians, in the context of a great battle that takes place in the book in the spirit realms.
As far as the Faerie goes…I have a main character, Asa’an, who is one of the Peris, fairy creatures from Persian mythology, who have mortal enemies in the hideous Deevs. In my books, Asa’an and the other Peris were once in alignment with Diabolos, who is the lord of vast realms in the Abyss, but now have turned away and seek to go to the Higher Realms. The Deevs are still serving Diabolos and hate them because of this. This conflict has a part to play in The Storm Guardians, though Asa’an is introduced in The Exodus Gate. Though small and delicate in form, she should not be underestimated when it comes to her resolve and heart!
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I suspect there’s not a mythology that I *don’t* love. That said, I tend to focus on the Irish Celtic cycles, Arthurian legend, and Native American mythologies (particularly those local to New England of late). I’m trying to increase my Norse knowledge, too!
+25 for posting on Di’s guest page
+25 for RSVPing for Jackie
+25 Commented on Off the Fang
+25 Commented on Weekly Book Chat
+25 Commented & Voted in Poll
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Hi Alana,
You will have a feast of mythologies in terms of what is referenced in the Rising Dawn Saga. Oddly, the Norse and Native American mythologies in my work is most addressed in my medieval Fires in Eden series, where one of the main lands and some of the main characters are based upon the Iroqouis (during the 5 Nations Confederacy period). Likewise, Norse mythology plays out heavily with my own stamps on it in that series as well.
There will be Norse and Native American elements in the Rising Dawn Saga, just later in the series. There are some Celtic ones in The Storm Guardians…keep an eye out for The Hunt! You might like how I integrated that myth into the context of my story.
There’s a lot to explore in the books, and I do hope to hear from you. Add me on Facebook to stay in touch! facebook.com/sgzimmer
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1) I’m not so much a fan of epic scale, because it usually involves lot of new names for places and characters, which I usually find difficult to remember and confusing. OTOH, if it’s somewhere in the middle of a series, and I already know all the main characters well, then the story going on to epic scale is fine with me.
2) I like ancient Greek and Roman mythologies, especially stories involving gods. I also like stories involving magic/witchcraft and supernatural powers (in humans). And the less scary creatures and ghosts, the better:)
___
My question: do you favorite a favorite illustration from one of your books?
Thanks!
Dovile P.
____
international reader
I don’t remember if I RSVPed for this event:)
1 and 2 - done above
4. will go to Diana Francis Pharaoh Interview next, commented on the Off the Fang article, voted in the poll and RSVPed for Jackie Kessler’s event
[Reply]
Hi Dovile,
My books may or may not be to your liking. At first, it may seem like a lot as there are many characters to meet, but my threads flow from one book to the next, and build tightly on what came before, so as you continue, the familiarity and continuity will help offset what might be “confusing” in terms of the large cast involved. If you hang in there for a bit, I have a hunch you will see what I mean. I do understand that my books are not for everyone, as no author’s books are for everyone, as readers are all different. Let me know if you do decide to give them a shot, and if you stick with them, let me know if they did get easier for you as the story continues from book one to two.
I have loads of gods that are in the form of Avatars and Fallen Avatars in my series, and this includes some based on Greek Gods who will be making appearances very soon (such as Ares, I can’t wait to introduce what I’ve done with him in particular!)
There is a ton of supernatural and paranormal elements. Dagian Underwood, one of my favorite characters, is a dark sorceress who also is the CEO of a huge multi-national corporation that develops high technology for civilian and military sectors. Spirit creatures are everywhere in these books…
Yes, you might need a field guide as it is an epic, but there are a lot of things to enjoy! LOL
As far as my favorite illustration…it is a hard call. In The Exodus Gate, the illustration of Erishkegal and Kur is a favorite, as is Arianna standing with the 2 An-Ki. In The Storm Guardians I love the illustration of several Gryphons flying over square legions of Avatars who are heading out to meet the Abyss’ legions in battle. Very epic look! I love the illustration of Gorynych, a 3 headed dragon based on one from Russian Mythology, who is being ridden by Dobrynya, also from Russian lore, as they battle a hundred-headed Ladon (great dragon) that has been brought up from the Abyss.
In the illustrations from Crown of Vengeance from my Fires in Eden series, I absolutely love the one of the Trogen Warrior on a Harrak sky steed. Trogens are tall, brawny, dog-faced warriors that fly upon steeds that more or less look like brown hyenas (as opposed to the more well-known spotted hyenas) with great wings.
I really like all of the illustrations, but the ones above are probably my favorites at the moment.
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Hello Stephen! I have not read your work yet, but it sounds interesting. I checked it out on amazon, and clicked the I’d like to read this on my knidle link. I hate it when new things aren’t released for kindle right away, I hate waiting! I did see that Exodus Gate is availaabe, so I will be checking it out. I like epic scale series, RObert Jordan’s Wheel of Time are the first books that hooked me onto fantasy years ago. I also think Jaqueline Carey is along those lines, maybe the Anne Rice verse, but not quite there. Mercedes Lackey… And I like all sorts of mythology, but I have a soft spot in my heart for celtic myth, I saw listed above some others like that, also I am into native american lore, I love going to pow wows and talking to some of the “older chiefs”, they tell the best stories. My husband and I love coast to coast, I am a supporter of the site, I have to get most of my input from there, I’m not up late enough to listen, but my husband works 3rd shift, he listens all night long! Do you like to listen to audiobooks at all? How about your movie watching likes? Cheesy b horror flicks for you, or fearnet on demand? Thanks for being here, and I will be checking out your work.
did the poll
did the chat
did the off the fang column
rsvp’d for kessler
did the pharaoh interview
[Reply]
Hi Joani,
Be sure to add me on Facebook, as it sounds as if you would really enjoy both of my series.
The Storm Guardians kindle version WILL be available in the next day or so. Keep an eye on Amazon, as the publisher has released the Kindle version and it is simply going through their system at the moment. The publisher is also re-upping The Exodus Gate to clean up some typos that made it into the first Kindle version.
If you like Coast to Coast AM, then the Rising Dawn Saga will be a blast for you. Celtic myth does start to play a part in The Storm Guardians with The Hunt, though Celtic and Native American myth come in more prominently later in the Saga (I should mention that Native American lore, specifically that of the Iroquois, has a huge part to play in my medieval Fires in Eden series..book one is titled Crown of Vengeance). There’s a whole lot in there now, ranging from Greek, to Persian, to Sumerian, Asian, Russian, and more…
as far as audio books go, I always have enjoyed listening to an audio book when it is well narrarated, though I admittedly do not do it that often. I definitely want to have an audio book version of my series released eventually.
With horror films, yes, I love those “b movies”, whether it is from an indie filmmaker or a studio. Off the wall indie filmmakers like Jerry Williams to a good monster movie tend to catch my attention most often. gives me a nice change of pace from the rest of my endeavors, LOL. As an independent filmmaker myself, I have come to know many other filmmakers, and there is always something being released that I have a personal connection to, which makes it even more fun.
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Since it is now a little past 1pm eastern time USA, 12 central, I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for participating, and I hope to be hearing from all of you. Great to meet so many new readers, and please add me if you have FaceBook (facebook.com/sgzimmer) MySpace, etc. Stay in touch!
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I R.S.V.P.’D
2) 1. The bigger the better, as long as it doesn’t affect the story in a negative way, I am all for it.
2. I am a huge fan of Greek and Roman mythology. I have always loved hearing stories about God’s and Goddess’.
Hey Stephan what are one or two things we Wwouldn’t normally know about you?
And
What inspired you to write The Rising Dawn Saga or did you see something that inspired you to write it?
4) I Blogged About This Event.
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I Tweeted About This Event (@skyla11377).
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I Shared This Event On Myspace.
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I read and commented on your Off the Fang column here comment 7.
I Voted In Your Weekly Poll Here Comment 18.
I R.S.V.P.’D For Jackie Kessle’s Event Here Comment 39.
I got my FREE copy of Dark Valentine Magazine here.
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Hey Raquel,
glad you made it into the event here! I think based on your responses that you should be quite pleased with the Rising Dawn Saga.
As far as what people might not know about me: I worked a few summers doing lab work in a cancer research laboratory, and I played baseball up to the college level (pitcher), before a shoulder injury curtailed that experience! Those two things are not commonly known, as far as I can tell!
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I R.S.V.P.’D
1) I Already Joined The Bitten By Books Newsletter.
2) 1. If the story is good I don’t mind.
2. I am a fan of fairies, vampires and all things that can shape shift.
Hello Stephan If You Were Not A Writer What Would You Be Doing?
4) I Posted This Event On My Facebook Page.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1510150859
I read and commented on your Off the Fang column here comment 8.
I Voted In Your Weekly Poll Here Comment 19.
I R.S.V.P.’D For Jackie Kessler’s Event Here Comment 40.
I got my FREE copy of Dark Valentine Magazine here.
[Reply]
Hi Denise,
I appreciate you stopping in today! Hopefully you’ll find my story to be good, and it does have fairies and shapeshifters, so 2 out of 3! lol
I would likely be filmmaking all the time if I was not a writer, as storytelling is in my blood!
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