Leeland Artra: Pitching Flinch-free Fantasy

Promoting 'clean' Speculative Fiction

 

Leeland Artra is dedicated to the Fantasy SciFi genre, and not just through his writing. He selflessly promotes almost one hundred authors and their books on the Fantasy SciFi Network that he founded.

I am counted among that number with my novels SCHRÖDINGER'S CAT and DISPASSIONATE LIES.

What makes a man decide to take on such a massive project? Let's ask him.

Leeland Artra, author

Welcome to Magic of the Muses, Leeland.

Briefly describe Fantasy SciFi Network and what makes it unique. 

The Fantasy and Science-Fiction Network is unique in that we hold our authors to one very specific requirement. That requirement is that every article, blog post, Tweet, Facebook post, and published works under the pen named used to join the FSFNet does not exceed a PG13 rating.

We have over ninety authors with one to dozens of published works in the genres of fantasy, science-fiction and all the subclasses therein. And they all maintain the FSFNet brand. We allow members to promote other works which might exceed the PG13 rating but we have a two click rule. That means that posts or links cannot go directly to a risky item. There has to be a layer of separation that clearly shows were the next step leads. 

What does the Fantasy SciFi Network offer readers? 

We are working to produce unique articles on our genres. Behind the scenes we support and help our member authors. But, for the front of house operations we are all about enjoying the genres. We are working to find some steady reviewers who will read, review, and rate books for us as we build up a flinch-free library of selections for anyone to come and browse through.

Has Fantasy SciFi Network evolved as you initially envisioned? Where do you dream it will be in five years?

It is evolving, there is more back of house support happening for the member authors, and we are considering limiting membership only to authors who have published works in our genres. Naturally we'd like to see the reader base expand and it has been a challenge to get the word out without have to post pictures of scantly clad models or constant references to questionable subjects.

How can authors become a partner in Fantasy SciFi Network’s success?

Any author who write in our genres and who doesn't use a lot of swearing, sex, or other items listed on our about page can join, it's semi-free. There are membership requirements but those are mostly fun items we all do anyway.

Behind every great organization there is a driving force. You, Leeland Atra, are one of those behind Fantasy SciFi Network. Tell us about what motivated you to create Fantasy SciFi Network.

When I started publishing my books I went looking for someplace to call home. I wanted to promote other authors like myself. Every place I found where authors help each other were usually open to all genres and therefore overrun with romance, thriller, horror, and other genre writers who's audience were not interested in a flinch free fantasy novel, and my readers didn't like that I occasionally recommended romance authors.

The few science fiction places I found had some great people, but were flooded with near and actual porn stuff. So I didn't feel good about re-posting any of that material. Not being able to find the authors I was looking for, or a place to connect with readers in my branding, I decided to make it.

In addition to running Fantasy SciFi Network, you are an author. Aside from the creation of your author group, of which personal accomplishment in your literary career  are you most proud?

I'm really proud of my Golden Threads Trilogy. The level of detail and years of work they took are both more than expected. At times I thought about just tossing it in as a good try. But, I powered through and am very pleased with the results. Right now I am super stoked by the Endless Horizons Sagas I'm writing in the pulp serial tradition. The latest works in progress are a direct result of all the work I put into the Golden Threads Trilogy.

What personal literary achievement/s are you striving to reach within the next five years?

I've set a goal of producing an episode (aka a novella) a week for the Endless Horizons Sagas (EHS). 

EHS is broken down into seasons of fifteen episodes. The fifteen episodes pull together to make a complete novel (aka there is a bigger story when you put them end to end that emerges). I've gotten the first season done on schedule and I am working on the second season now. The plan is to produce five full seasons for EHS and then take that style and start putting out a follow up series to Golden Threads.

Please offer authors and aspiring authors some sage advice.

The best thing I can recommend is write what you love, and to have the discipline to be sure you have a complete set done and ready to publish before you publish the first one. Consistent release schedules for sets is critical. So if it is a trilogy, make sure you have it all done and then release each book ninety days apart. If it is an ongoing series release in waves, again with a ninety day period between books. Or if your writing pulps or shorts, get at least a few months leads done before you actually publish the first one. Release cadence means a lot to readers, sales, and your sanity.

I know you’re itching to mention something I’ve neglected to ask about. Tell us what that is.

Podcast of audio book for Endless Horizons Sagas has just launched. Along with the weekly EPUB release I'll be simultaneously releasing the audio book for that season via the podcast channel. There will be premium content for my patrons. You can watch my Patreon page for details https://www.patreon.com/lartra 

Finally, I'm trying to kick off a different kind of podcast called Epic Geeking Out with Authors. It is about digging into one of their novels (within FSFNet standards) and discussing the hidden details. Spoilers are a given. Check this out at http://epicgeekingout.com/

Fantasy SciFi Network’s link/s:

http://fsfnet.com

https://www.facebook.com/FSFNet

https://twitter.com/FSFNet

Author link/s:

http://lartra.com/latestwip

http://lartra.com

https://www.facebook.com/LArtraAuthor

https://twitter.com/LArtra

"Pitching flinch-free fantasy" is brought to you by

THREAD SKEIN (Golden Threads Trilogy, Book 3)

"A perfect ending to Golden Threads (hope there is more)."

"Great Read"

"...skillfully written"

"...most definitely full of surprise and unexpected turns"

"This is a great end to this trilogy."

The long and the short of it...

Making a long story short 

"Bikers vs cops on the Canadian prairie...oh, and throw in a thirteen-year old girl" (THE TRAZ)

"One mistake and a young man dies. Someone must shoulder the blame." (FATAL ERROR)


"Two worlds, two lives, too much for one woman..." (SCHRÖDINGER'S CAT)

"The identity of those who stole the libido of an entire generation of women may be forever hidden beneath the collapse of the world wide web. #Conspiracy (DISPASSIONATE LIES)

Ah, yeah. Those troublesome promo tweets, that difficult one-page pitch to agents and publishers, the all-important back cover copy.

Summarizing one's novel to fulfill publishing and promotional needs is one of an author's most difficult tasks.

"Capture the essence of your 100,000-word story in 200 words or less," says the publisher as the cover for one's novel is readied for press. "Write some 140-character tweets, create a one-liner for the front cover. Make it interesting. Don't include spoilers and for heaven's sake don't say how it ends. Keep it truthful. Name names. Address your target readership. Reveal the main plot. Create suspense. Mention the romance..Make it compelling for kids, appealing to adults. State the genre..."

"No need to send us the entire manuscript," says the agent's submission guidelines. "Just the first five pages and a summary." "We're sorry," says the agent's email. "Your novel is not for us."

You're kidding me, right? If I wanted to write short-stories, I would. There are not 99,500 useless words in this book. It's not just romance, or crime, or a thriller. It's not just for teens. The story is about a murder, how can I NOT reveal that? She struggling with her past, but she's also solving cybercrime. She disobeying orders AND falling in love. And what about him? What about all the great stuff he does and says within those 100,000 words? And the other guy, the one she hates?

Her career--hey, guys what about her crime fighting career? And shouldn't we mention her incredibly high IQ? Her shortness? Her mesmerizing azure eyes? His broad shoulders...the prairie grass? The loons and coyotes? That metal shed on the prairie where the blood spilled? The flickering fluorescent lights in the interrogation room? How about Gator's evil eyes? The smell of beer? The facts she's an orphan, wealthy. A drop-out, a street child?

How about those stiff and staid legal guardians of hers? What about the books in the series before this one...?

It's not easy knowing which words and details will attract readers. I have found the most painless way to produce these summaries and promos is to do it aloud. When someone asks what my books are about, I pay heed to my answers. I'm not going to ramble for half an hour, so what am I going to say?

It depends on my mood and the person asking, too, perhaps. Sometimes I first mention my favourite character. "There's this young girl...Sometimes I start with the genre. "My BackTracker Series is gritty teen fiction." Sometimes I note the differences in my books. "Katrina's thirteen in THE TRAZ and ages to twenty-two in FIREWALLS." Or, "THE TRAZ is the first in my crime series but I also  have two SciFi novellas out".

Sometimes I notice the similarities. "All my fiction contains elements of crime and psychological drama." Sometimes I note kind words from reviewers. "I get many compliments on the endings of my novels."

It is quite surprising how much info one can pack into a few sentences. I closely watch to see which words spark the most interest in my listener.

"It's about this violent biker gang, The Traz..."
"This young runaway girl witnesses a gang slaying..."
"It's about gangs and drugs and murder..."
"This undercover cop recruits a young girl into The Traz...She doesn't know he's a cop...oops. Too much info"
"She's a police officer with Post Traumatic Stress...She denies it and refuses help. Things get pretty mixed up for her. She's feisty, though."
"She falls in love with this guy when she's thirteen but by the time she turns eighteen, he's married."

It takes many tries, but sometimes one sentence appears that just lays it all down on the line.

"Her testimony as a child brought down the gang. Now the bikers want revenge." FIREWALLS.

Eileen Schuh, Author
THE TRAZ
FATAL ERROR
FIREWALLSDISPASSIONATE LIES
Schrödinger's Cat

You are invited... Summer Sizzles

 You are invited...

Oh, yeah! It's that time of year again and Imajin Books (publisher of THE TRAZ, THE TRAZ School Edition and FATAL ERROR)  is gearing up for its annual Summer Sizzles promotion.

Things really heat up with the Summer Sizzles facebook party on Sunday, July 12 from 4 - 8 pm PDT (7 - 11 pm Eastern).

Here's the link for all the info. https://www.facebook.com/events/484341911728130/


You are invited to attend so visit the event page and click the join button so we know to expect you!

Who will all be there?

Almost the entire Imajin Books crew will participate, from publisher to editors to authors to cover designers, formatters....

Fans of Imajin Books' authors will be there, eager to ask their fave writers questions and offer support and compliments.

Aspiring writers will be there, schmoozing with those in the industry, asking questions, giving answers.

Other authors will be there.

Family and friends will stop by.

People who like winning things will be there--there are always lots of giveaways.

Those who love drinking virtual margaritas on virtual sunny beaches will drop by. Don't worry, there will be free virtual taxi service for those who overimbibe! HA HA!

Come on over, join in the fun! If you've never attended a facebook party, this is the one to change that!


Eileen Schuh, Author
DISPASSIONATE LIES
FIREWALLS
FATAL ERROR
Schrödinger's Cat
THE TRAZ

Exciting new venture

Press Release: Multi-author autographing even

Friday, 20 June 2014

1 - 3 pm and 6 - 7 pm

St. Paul Value Drug Mart

(new location by Sobey's)

June 16, 2014 , St. Paul, Alberta - In a gathering unlike any St. Paul has seen, six area authors will be introducing themselves and their books to the community at a group autographing session in the new St. Paul Value Drug Mart on Friday, 20 June 2014 from 1 – 3 pm and again in the evening from 6 - 7 pm.

A broad taste of books will be available to purchase from the authors.  Shannon Ouellette, writing as Shannon Raelynn, will be there with her romance, SEASCAPE.

Diane Beveridge, writing as Diane Peeling, will present her brand new book of poetry, A JOURNEY IN WORDS: Discovering my Being, which Michael Simpson reviewer for The Observer, Vegreville calls,  “an emergency companion to reconnect with your Center Being...”

.

Award winning author, Diane Robinson, will be on hand with the two books in her children’s series: SIR PRINCESS PETRA and SIR PRINCESS PETRA’S TALENT.

Learn a bit of local history from Ella Drobot with her semi- autobiographical anthology BEHIND THE KITCHEN STOVE and Nicholas Verbisky with his autobiographical EMBARRAS PORTAGE:  Before, and After.

Eileen Schuh will be promoting the first three novels in her young adult BackTracker series: THE TRAZ, THE TRAZ School Edition, FATAL ERROR and FIREWALLS as well as her adult science fiction novellas, SCHRODINGER’S CAT and DISPASSIONATE LIES. 

Schuh’s BackTracker novels are on the shelves of venues such as the North Slave Young Offenders Facility and the St. Paul Alternate Education Centre outreach libraries as teaching tools for at-risk youngsters and the adults in their lives.

“All the authors are very excited about this opportunity,” Schuh says, noting St. Paul and area businesses, organizations and individuals have been exceptionally supportive of her career. “We love writing and are really looking forward to sharing our words first hand and face-to-face with members of our community.” 

As St. Paul doesn’t have a bookstore, the Value Drug Mart for years has supported area authors by stocking their books. Now, with an expansive new location, they’ve decided to further promote the literary arts in their community by sponsoring an autographing event for the authors behind the books on their shelves.

Hope Ainsworth, Store Front Manager for St. Paul Value Drug Mart, whose idea sparked the event says, “We are looking forward to showcasing talent that is in our own backyard and seeing many of you stop by to chat and meet the people behind the stories .”

For more information on the event, or to schedule interviews with the authors please contact:

Eileen Schuh, author co-ordinator: eileenschuh@yahoo.com

 

Hope Ainsworth, Value Drug Mart Store Front Manager: ph: 780-645-3063

Authors will also gladly grant interviews during the event.

 Eileen Schuh, Author
DISPASSIONATE LIES
FIREWALLS
FATAL ERROR
Schrödinger's Cat
THE TRAZ

Shy authors

On overcoming shyness about promoting my books:

 I have the most success when I just spill the beans about how passionate I am about my books. How I love my characters to bits. How writing novels was a childhood dream that took 50 years to fulfill. I no longer feel like I'm bragging or tooting or my horn, I feel I am sharing myself, revealing my heart.

 In fact, I don't even feel like it is me in the spotlight--it is my books, my beloved Katrina, Shrug and Sgt. Kindle, it is the youngsters who love and learn from them. It's Ladesque saving the world and Chorie going mad. 

That I want everyone in the world to read my novels is no longer a dirty little secret--it's my passion....revealed.

____________

Brought to you by:

DISPASSIONATE LIES

 

Eileen Schuh, Author
DISPASSIONATE LIES
FIREWALLS
FATAL ERROR
Schrödinger's Cat
THE TRAZ

Dianne Tchir: Making Poetry Happen

The winners of the three autographed Dianne Tchir books are:
MY STORY: BABY'S FIRST YEAR: Strider Marcus Jones
BEARS BATH TIME: Aveksha
THE RHYTHMIC CYCLE: Vijay Ellaurie

Thank you to all who visited, those who entered, and to Dianne for appearing on my blog and generously supplying and mailing the prizes.

Dianne Tchir is excited to announce the upcoming release of her debut book of poetry. Although she has many writing successes, including two self-published books, THE RHYTHMIC CYCLE is her first book-publishing contract. It is great to have a fellow Albertan guest on my blog.  Welcome to Magic of the Muses, Dianne.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Thank you for inviting me to this interview. I am a retired High School English/Drama teacher, and when I am not writing poetry or children's stories, I am teaching advanced “English As A Second Language” at the local college in Slave Lake. I also facilitate workshops in writing memoir, poetry, readers theatre and teach a chair yoga program for seniors.

___________________________

"...my two children's books were

self-published,

an education in itself..."

______________________________

 

I have written poetry for over 40 years and have had several poems published in literary magazines, anthologies and newspapers. My two children's books were self-published, an education in itself.

MY STORY-Baby's First Year was published in May 2010 and is narrated by baby.  It shows developmental stages and is interactive: baby's picture is put into each illustration (stage of development). The Literacy Department at Northern Lakes College purchased several books for gift bags to families with newborns. My daughter, Michelle Tchir, was the graphic designer.

My second book, BEARS Bath Time, was published in September 2010 and is intended to teach steps for bath time fun and introduce rhyming to preschoolers. My sister, Suzanne Levasseur, illustrated this book. The website for my children's books is http://www.myongoingstory.com/  Both books can be ordered online and make wonderful gifts.

What innovative writing, Dianne! With the holiday season approaching, these are indeed great gift ideas for children and grandchildren.

There is much debate in the writing community about the career value of a strong cyberspace presence. You’ve proven that the internet is a great way for authors to showcase their abilities and attract attention.

______________________________

"...the more I read of your poetry on your blog,

the more I want to publish

a collection of 30-40 poems..."

_________________________________

My son, John Tchir, motivated me to post my poetry on the internet. I created a poetry blog http://dianneswordshop.blogstop.com/  and started on Facebook in August, 2010 .

I had many comments posted on my blog, including one from DYSTENIUM LLC -Publishing for the Third Millennium, publisher Don Odom.

Don sent me an e-mail on August 29, 2010.  "The more I read of your poetry on your blog, the more I want to publish a collection of 30-40 poems."

I, of course, investigated the legitimacy of the publisher and even received a call from New York- Don Odom. I was satisfied with the authenticity of this publishing company and signed an agreement, retaining all copyright, receiving royalties twice a year at no cost to me.

___________________________

"...he is very interested

 in doing a second volume..."
______________________________

He is very interested in doing a second volume and I would have no trouble fulfilling another request for 30 or more poems that rest in my box, waiting to be born again.

How exciting to have a second book in the works. You must let us know when it is launched. You told me that in the 1980's you had poetry published in the St. Paul Journal and written on the walls of Blue Quills College–that sounds interesting, especially since St. Paul is my community. Tell us more.

"Home of the World's First UFO Landing Pad"

 

 St. Paul, AB., Canada

Yes, my poetry was on the walls of Blue Quills College in St. Paul and in the St. Paul Journal in the 1980's. At that time, I was attending the University Of Alberta completing my Bachelor of Education Degree in Secondary Education, major-English and minor- Intercultural Education.  A professor from Native Studies commented that he had seen some of my poetry on the walls of Blue Quills College and in the St. Paul Journal.  I'd not been aware of that.

Some of my poems had been published in a literary magazine associated with the Athabasca University and that may be where they were found. At this time, I was invited by the Edmonton Separate School Division to take part in a Writing Workshop for teens.  I did the poetry and Martin Godfrey did the short story segment.

You live in Slave Lake, a small northern community. Tell us how the land and the people have inspired your writing career.

I was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and grew up on an acreage outside of the Jasper Place neighbourhood.

I have lived in several places, most of which have been country and hamlets. The many journeys that life has taken me on have inspired much of my writings. I started writing and reading poetry as a young girl , the oldest of five girls and one brother. Many times my mother would be calling, and I would be hiding in the hay loft with pen and paper staring at the sky through the cracks in the barn roof- writing. I was very close to mother nature and read philosophy, the poetry of T.S.Eliot, Margaret Atwood, and later Leonard Cohen, Al Purdy and always more philosophy.

I have experienced many trials and tribulations and have always searched behind appearances and reality's underpinnings. Poetry is the medium that puts many jig saw pieces together for me.

Isolation poses difficulties in establishing a writing career. For example, help, support, and resources are distant and networking opportunities are scarce. What are some things you have done to overcome these difficulties?
________________________

FATAL ERROR
“A wise, haunting, deeply moving sequel to The Traz." 

On Amazon

In the UK

  ________________________

Isolation can present a barrier to one's writing; however, I have always been an avid supporter of the arts and with my teaching background (English and Drama) I am able to offer workshops in Writing Memoir, Poetry, Reader's Theatre, and , with my newly acquired teaching certificate in Hatha Chair Yoga, a program for seniors.

I have had a column in a local newspaper, freelanced and submitted commentaries, and edited two books for budding authors. I was a member of the Writers Guild of Alberta [WGA]for many years, then discontinued. However, resumed membership 3 years ago. The Guild has done a video conference in Slave Lake about self publishing, and setting up a writers group.

I found myself utilizing the computer and internet to aid me in self publishing--registering with the Canadian Library of Congress, acquiring an ISBN number and finding a suitable printer for the children's books. As I previously stated, self publishing is an education in itself.

When I write a novel, I start writing at the beginning of the story and keep at it over the course of a month or so until the story is told. I imagine there is a different process involved in writing a book of poetry. Enlighten us.

_______________________________

"...[I] lay my words out,

weed them, sometimes chisel them,

and transform them..."
_______________________________

When I write a poem, it evolves and reveals itself from one thread of thought that is important to me. Motivation and a sense of purpose are the fibres with which I weave my poems. Word play, rhythm, imagery, sound and word magic create themes dealing with nature, vital social issues such as racism, unemployment, alienation, our dying earth and the many masks of reality. I am not a formula poet ,and so lay my words out, weed them, sometimes chisel them, and transform them to elevate the poem to its essence.
 

You are launching your debut book of poetry. Tell us about it.

My new collection of poetry, THE RHYTHMIC CYCLE, shows the interconnectedness of all things. The juxtaposition of images created with my words and the beautiful illustrations by my publisher makes one want to return to the book for a second read.

The first two poems were written when I was 14. Some of the poems were published but most were laying dormant in my box, yellowing with age.

The poetry highlights important issues of our world today, and I am honoured to share them in this collection. The audience for my book is anyone who has an interest in the themes I explore.

I always offer my guests a chance to thank their supporters.  Dianne?

I wish to thank Eileen Schuh for inviting me to do this interview; my family- children, siblings and relatives for their encouragement; all the people who have left comments on my blog, especially Strider Marcus Jones- author of 2 books of poetry found on FB and all my Blog followers.

I have been interviewed by the Slave Lake Leader and this should come out this week.

You're very welcome--thank you for participating.  Good luck with the launch of  THE RHYTHMIC CYCLE.

If you'd like to meet Dianne, you will find her selling her books at the Christmas Bazaar Craft Sale in Slave Lake from 19 to 20th of November.  At the Widewater Christmas Craft Sale on the 27th of November and at the WGA Christmas Book Sale on 4 December.

You may purchase her poetry collection, THE RHYTHMIC CYCLE, (published by DYSENTIUM LLC- Publishing for the Third Millennium) through http://www.amazon.com/ or  http://dianne.limitededitions.com/
The book is priced at $14.95

Her children's books can be ordered through http://www.myongoingstory/

Dianne invites you to visit her poetry blog at http://dianneswordshop.blogspot.com/

===================

WIN! WIN! WIN!

Dianne has generously offered autographed copies of her three books (THE RHYTHMIC CYCLE, MY STORY--Baby's First Year, and BEARS BATH TIME) to lucky readers of this interview.

To be automatically entered in the draw, click on the green word "comment/s" below and leave a comment along with your contact information so I can notify you if you’re a winner.   You may only enter once, but feel free to encourage your friends, family, and fans to enter.

On 30th November, three names will be drawn—one for each of Dianne's books.

 

Eileen Schuh, Author

"Schrodinger's Cat"

http://www.eileenschuh.com/