Wayne Turmel
Writer, speaker, not a bad guy once you get to know him
Short Stories and Other Pieces
Wayne's Books
Contact Wayne
About Wayne Turmel
Speaking and Appearances
Tio Fernando's Field Trip
Sponging- an award winning Flash Story only for subscribers
Scary Critters in the Canadian Woods- Katie Berry
Are You Ready for the Werewolf Apocalypse? Steve Morris
Team Writing, Series, and Furious Claws with Ben Zackheim
Send in Your Johnny Lycan #Bookselfie and Win
Today is Publication Day for Johnny Lycan & the Anubis Disk
Katie Gets Grilled! – Katie Berry Books on Scary Critters in the Canadian Woods- Katie Berry
Pamela Allegretto on Today is Publication Day for Johnny Lycan & the Anubis Disk
Pamela Allegretto on Chicago, The Ghost of Jamie McVay, and Ray Ziemer
Pamela Allegretto on A Creepy New Tale About the Fountain of Youth- Maybe
Pamela Allegretto on Cover Reveal: Johnny Lycan & the Anubis Disk
A Modern Soldier in Ancient Rome- Jackie Anders
When you write historical fiction AND fantasy, as I do, finding others who mix the two is always fun. Add to that Jackie Anders is also a Black Rose author (Black Rose will be publishing my new novel in November,) and I knew I had to speak to her.
Jackie, welcome to my little corner of the blogosphere.
I am glad to be featured on this blog! I am a mother of three, teacher, writers' podcast co-host, and an author. So why am I an author? I have always loved to write. However, my journey began when I was five. I began by writing music and lyrics. After a few years of staying up until two in the morning reading books, I decided to start writing books instead of music. My first book was Phoenix: Field of Mars that I queried for over a year until I finally got a publishing contract with it releasing in Dec. 2018. Now, I have Phoenix 2: By the Sword which released in Feb. 2020 and Arion Rising that released in Sept. 2019.
What is Phoenix: Field of Mars and the rest of the series about?
Phoenix: Field of Mars and Phoenix: By the Sword are the first two books in the Phoenix Trilogy. Phoenix begins with a young career woman that expectantly falls into a U.N. Special Ops mission that takes her from 2018 to First Century Ancient Rome. After learning her new reality, she discovers that the team's mission is to stop a biochemical scientist from unleashing a deadly virus on the unsuspecting 1st Century people in order to change history.
As Kyla encounters hostility and strife on her journey, she is surprisingly protected by the team's leader, Capt. Christopher Eriksen. Even though Eriksen has many internal struggles from what he's seen and done, he inspires her to trust in something bigger than herself. But as Kyla and the team race to stop the impending genocide, Kyla's biggest fear is no longer the known threat. It is the not knowing if she will ever be able to get back home.
What is it about the story or the magic system that appealed to you? Why this story?
The huge appeal in my stories is 'hope'! Yes, I have adventure, action, historical fiction, romance, military, and spiritual undertones, but overall my stories about hope!
Who are the authors who influenced you and who do you like to read?
If you enjoyed the Twilight Zone, then you know who Richard Matheson is. He was one of my favorites. One of his novels became a movie, I Am Legend. I also enjoy Ayn Rand, H. G. Wells, Diana Galbadon, and Francine Rivers.
Where can we learn more about everything you're up to?
I am on Twitter: @jandersbooks, Instagram: jandersbooks, Website: jandersbooks.com, Facebook: Jackie Anders – Author, and Goodreads: Jackie Anders
You can also tune into our writer's podcast that I co-host called By the Moonlight Writers Podcast!
And if you haven't already joined my email list, you should do it and get a FREE story that few have ever seen, and is available on my site only to those who subscribe. Signup is on the left side of this page. You'll have links to cool interviews with other authors and learn all about my upcoming book (a werewolf detective, no Zombies!) Johnny Lycan and the Anubis Disk. it's coming November 19 from Black Rose Writing.
Posted on March 26, 2020 March 23, 2020 Categories UncategorizedTags fantasy, Jackie Anders, Johnny Lycan & the Anubis Disk, Phoenix: Field of Mars, Rome, Urban Fantasy, Wayne Turmel1 Comment on A Modern Soldier in Ancient Rome- Jackie Anders
When Magic Betrays with Anne Marie Lutz
Not too long ago I came across the novel "Taylenor." Not knowing anything about the author, I took a chance and enjoyed the way it upended a familiar fantasy trope. Sure, there's a young, idealistic female mage. But what happens when she learns the system she's been faithfully supporting is actually corrupt and killing people? It was intriguing enough to want to talk to the author, Anne Marie Lutz.
So, who are you and what's your deal?
I'm an author of fantasy novels and short stories. My novels are epic fantasy, and my short stories all have a touch of the supernatural about them – fantasy or even a touch of horror.
For some reason, I've never been interested in writing fiction set in the real world. I remember my early attempts at building a fantasy world — all the complex interactions that go into making a world that seems real. I was so excited when I went to a convention where there were panels on worldbuilding, and people actually talked about fantasy maps, the realities of long-distance travel on horseback, what to consider when describing an alien planet, and similar topics. I was in my element!
I was raised in Youngstown, Ohio, leaving to go to Ohio State and major in journalism. A few years later I went back to school for my MBA, and worked as an office manager and an operations analyst. I left that world years ago, and I've fulfilled a lifetime goal by writing fantasy novels. My Color Mage novels, Black Tide and Sword of Jashan, were recently reissued, and my newest stand-alone novel is Taylenor. I've always wanted to write a space opera, so maybe that will be next!
What's the story behind Taylenor?
Taylenor is a fantasy novel about Jaena, a young traveling priest of her peaceful goddess, Imn-ashu. Jaena finds a boy with a rare mage talent that is linked to a terrible illness. She takes him to the city to try to save his life, only to find that she has delivered him into the hands of the Mage Defender, who rules by stealing the magic — and the lives — of children.
Desperate to right the wrong she has done, Jaena races for aid to save Wiel and destroy the Mage Defender. At stake are the lives of the last remaining taylenor as well as Jaena's own survival – and the destruction of an ancient scourge that has reawakened to threaten all the people of Cassahn.
What is it about that form of magic or the story that intrigued you?
This is such a good question! Since I'm a discovery writer (EDITOR'S NOTE: MUCH NICER WORD THAN PANTSER!) who finds out what my novel is about while I'm writing it, the roots of Taylenor developed slowly.
Jaena, my main character, is a strong woman in spite of being a priest of a peaceful goddess. She discovers that she has unknowingly led someone into great danger, and takes it as her duty to rescue him and others who have fallen into the Mage Defender's trap.
I was fascinated by the kind of heroism so many ordinary people show in real life – not swinging swords in battle (though there are a few battles in Taylenor), but fighting in her own way, out of a sense of duty and love. Although it turns out that Jaena has her own special ways of fighting.
As for the details of the magic – it's a bit of a spoiler, so I'll leave that for those who choose to read the novel!
Who do you read in this field that people should know about?
I've read and enjoyed many authors' work – in and out of my favorite genres. I'll have to pick only a few, because I could go on and on.
I started with the classics: Bradbury, Heinlein, C.S. Lewis. "The Mote in God's Eye" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle was a favorite, a great first-contact novel. I also loved Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern. Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan books are addictive space-opera reading with complex characters, and some of my favorites.
More recently, I've enjoyed N.K. Jemisin's The Fifth Season, as well as Martha Wells' All Systems Red. I always laugh a lot when reading one of Jasper Fforde's humorous novels featuring literary detective Thursday Next. I am watching, but haven't yet read, The Expanse series, which I think is some of the best science fiction I've seen on television. I appreciated George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire books as well – would recommend them to anyone as essential epic fantasy.
Where can people learn more about you and your work?
Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog! I've enjoyed your questions. Readers can follow me and check out reviews and events at any of the places below. Also, I occasionally post a free short story on my Facebook author page and my blog.
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Anne-Marie-Lutz/e/B00CF67TEM/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1
My blog: https://annemariesblog.wordpress.com/about/
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorannemarielutz/
Twitter: @color_mage
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6569602.Anne_Marie_Lutz
Speaking of free stories. In a month or so I am going to be offering a FREE story, not seen anywhere else, for subscribers to my newsletter. Please use the form on the side of the page to get on board and learn more about my work, including the upcoming novel, Johnny Lycan and the Anubis Disk.
And you can see all my current work on my Amazon Author Page!
Posted on January 28, 2020 January 28, 2020 Categories UncategorizedTags Anne Marie Lutz, fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Wayne Turmel2 Comments on When Magic Betrays with Anne Marie Lutz
Just Another Russian-Argentine-Jewish-Historical-Fantasy-Mashup
When you put out the call to authors who have unique stories to tell, be prepared for the unexpected. This is especially true for historical-fantasy "mashups". These can be fabulous and inventive (Think Naomi Novik's Dragon/Napoleonic War series). Of course the line between mashup and car wreck is pretty subjective, so it's a risky proposition ("It's Harry Potter set in the Civil War and Hogwarts is in Arkansas…"). Still, the imagination and talent required to pull off such a trick is impressive. Even when it doesn't work, sometimes the "what if" of it all makes the read worthwhile.
Full disclosure, I haven't read Mirta Ines Trupp's "Becoming Malka," but when it takes the real history of a Russian/Jewish/Argentine family and mixes in time travel and mysticism, that's some chutzpa/valentia/khrabrost'/nerve right there. I had to talk to her.
Mirta is a second generation Argentine; she was born in Buenos Aires in 1962 and immigrated to the United States that same year. Because of the unique fringe benefits provided by her father's employer- Pan American Airlines- she returned to her native country frequently- growing up with "un pie acá, y un pie allá" (with one foot here and one foot there). Mirta's self-proclaimed life's career has been raising a family and creating a home, alongside her husband of over thirty years. She returned to the world of the gainfully employed late in life; currently in a position which doesn't require one iota of dramatic flair – just common sense, organization and attention to detail. Rather than being self-deprecating, Mirta lightheartedly concedes that her paper pushing makes a number of people happy, as that bureaucratic busywork ensures that payroll is met and invoices are processed. Besides being an avid novel reader and a devoted Beatles fan, Mirta most enjoys singing choral music and researching family genealogy.
In a nutshell, what's the book about?
Thank you for inviting me, Wayne. I am delighted to participate in this interview! "Becoming Malka" is a Historical Fiction/ Fantasy. In pursuit of her master's degree in Imperial Russian history, we find twenty-four year old Molly Abramovitz heading to Moscow for a week-long seminar. Being methodical and meticulous, she is not one to miss an opportunity for genealogical research and so; she plans a side trip to Ukraine. Molly's trek to her ancestral home leads to the discovery of a mythical tarot card which transports her to the chaotic year of 1900. She finds herself in her great, great-grandmother's presence. Surrounded by the history and culture she has studied her entire life- and knowing, full well the fate that awaits her ancestors- Molly is faced with a dilemma of extraordinary proportions.
One reader expressed it best, I think, when she said that "Becoming Malka" on the surface appears to be a "modern-day fairytale, but there are layers of serious subjects to investigate and discuss i.e. Russian history, the debate of Jewish Enlightenment, Kabbalah and Jewish immigration to Argentina." I would add that the Molly's introspection- realizing her own strengths and value and how she fits into her familial evolution- speak to various universal themes such as tradition, assimilation, acceptance and personal growth.
You get major points for originality (historical fiction with no Tudors or honorable Confederate soldiers in sight, who knew?)What is it about that time period or story that intrigued you?
The historical mashup "Becoming Malka" is available on Amazon
Ah- great question! I was inspired to write the book I wanted to read! Here I was, an avid fan of Historical Fiction and all things Judaic, but I couldn't find a fusion of these two worlds. There are a few "mash ups" out there- if you look hard enough- however; I found most of them to be filled with stereotypical characterizations of the Jewish community. When I did find something of merit, the material was intense, heavy reading- "Daniel Deronda" comes to mind, as a good example. There is a wealth of dark Fiction and Nonfiction that speaks to the atrocity of anti-Semitism throughout the ages, but I was inspired to shine the light on a period of time just prior to the Russian Revolution and to bring attention to the heroic steps taken by Baron Maurice Hirsch and the Jewish Colonization Association.
Rather than being a tragic narrative, I depict an upper, middle class, Jewish community in the 19th century. My favorite reads- my period dramas- speak of the landed gentry, aristocrats and high society; I was inspired to create educated, successful, philanthropic, characters. The Brodskys- the famed Sugar Kings of the South-were a prime example and I based the Abramovitz family on their history. I wanted to present a cultured, well-established family living "Jewishly" in Mother Russia, and conversely, I wanted to write about their emigration to Argentina, as it speaks to the courage of my own ancestors who risked everything for the sake of future generations. I added the fantasy element, with the discovery of a mythical tarot card and some discussion of Jewish mysticism, to add a speculative dimension to the story. Who wouldn't want to travel back in time to meet their ancestors? I know I would!
Wtihout giving away spoilers, what's your favorite scene in the book?
Wayne! That is a tough question- somewhat akin to asking a mother to choose a favorite child! But, since we are limited here to time and space (no pun intended), I have to admit I thoroughly enjoyed writing the scene where Molly finds herself transported to her ancestral home. In "Becoming Malka," a reoccurring narrative revolves around the concept that "inexplicable" is not the same thing as "unexplainable." Duvid, a young boy of thirteen, poses an interesting question when he asks, "Why are adults so eager to dismiss things that they cannot explain?" History, I find, is full of extraordinary- miraculous- events. I discovered a quote attributed to Albert Einstein which states, "There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle." Quite apropos to my story!
And words to live by. Where can people find you and "Becoming Malka"?
http://facebook.com/mirtainestrupp
https://www.amazon.com/Mirta-Ines-Trupp/e/B00BA1U3SM/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6864345.Mirta_Ines_Trupp
Posted on July 24, 2017 Categories UncategorizedTags Argentina, Becoming Malka, fantasy, historical fiction, Jewish History, Mirta Ines Trupp, Russia, Wayne Turmel1 Comment on Just Another Russian-Argentine-Jewish-Historical-Fantasy-Mashup
History, Fantasy, Mystery- why can't you have it all? Barbara Barnett
As I've said before, what qualifies as historical fiction is open to debate. For some writers it's slavish devotion to the facts. For others it's a setting that opens up room for the thousand "what ifs?" that make a great story. In the case of Barbara Barnett it's kind of all of the above. Her newest book, The Apothecary's Curse checks the "all of the above" box.
Barbara Barnett
So Barbara, is a busy, busy girl….
She is Publisher/Executive Editor of Blogcritics Magazine,
(blogcritics.org) an online magazine of pop culture, politics and more, She has published more than 1,000 in-depth interviews with writers, actors and producers, as well as essays and criticism. Her book on the TV series House, M.D., Chasing Zebras: THE Unofficial Guide to House, M.D. is a critically-acclaimed and quintessential guide to the hit show. She is an accomplished speaker, an annual favorite at MENSA's HalloWEEM convention (author's note… Cool. Also, showoff!), where she has spoken to standing room crowds on subjects as diverse as "The Byronic Hero in Pop Culture," "The Many Faces of Sherlock Holmes," "The Hidden History of Science Fiction," and "Our Passion for Disaster (Movies)." This autumn, she will reprise her MENSA appearance with "The Conan Doyle Conundrum." She is a member of SFWA (the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association), and is current president of the Midwest Writers Association.
So give us the Readers Digest version, what's the book about?
History meets fantasy meets science meets Arthur Conan Doyle. The Apothecary's Curse weaves Celtic mythology, the science of genetics, alchemy, life in early Victorian London, and the world of Arthur Conan Doyle into a historical fantasy-mystery, steeped in an apothecary's cauldron.
The Apothecary's Curse moves between early Victorian medical society (and the dregs of London's worst neighborhoods) and a modern North Shore Chicago community, as a gentleman physician an enigmatic apothecary try to prevent a pharmaceutical company from exploiting an ancient book of healing that made them immortal centuries ago.
There's a lot going on there, and purists might cringe a bit (screw'em). What inspired the story?
History, fantasy, mystery all merge in The Apothecary's Curse.
I've always been fascinated by British history, especially where the lines between legend and reality blur. So many of the supernatural ballads of the British Isles seem to have the grain within them of real history, like the story of Thomas the Rhymer, a real Scottish Laird and confederate of William Wallace who'd been (according to the legend) abducted by the queen of Elfland to be returned with the gift of prophecy and then some. I explored a few "what ifs" with the myth of the man, connecting him with the Tuatha de Danann—again a real people of the 12th Century, who were said to have magical healing powers, so much so that they became to the Irish, Celtic deities.
I brought into the early Victorian era another period that fascinates me; the story of Thomas's descendent, a brilliant apothecary and the inheritor of Airmid's (the Celtic goddess of healing) magnificent book. But use of the book, with its powerful medicine, has rendered my poor apothecary Gaelan Erceldoune with curse of immortality. It is in Victorian London, in the squalid neighborhood of Smithfield Market that my apothecary meets gentleman physician Dr. Simon Bell (a relation of Joseph Bell, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's medical mentor), It is here that 19th Century British medicine as practiced by gentleman clashes with the practical, earthier medicine of the brilliant Erceldoune.
Without giving the game away, what's your favorite scene in the book?
It takes place in Bedlam in 1842. Simon is seeking insight into his own mortality when he learns of a prisoner in the infamous asylum who, like him, seems to be indestructible (at least physically). Arranging to see this prisoner, who has for five years been tortured and has been the subject of medical experimentation by a proto-Mengele figure—a "mad" doctor, Simon discovers that it is Gaelan, who had supposedly been executed five years earlier at Newgate Prison for murder.
The reunion, fraught with tension and bad feelings is a pivotal moment in the novel. (I can't say more than that without spoilers 🙂 )
Fair enough. Now that we've baited the hook, where can people find your work?
The Apothecary's Curse will be available October 11 at most online and brick and Mortar bookstores. Here are the pre-order and information links. City Lit Books in Logan Square is hosting a launch party of the book on October 20. If readers are interested in receiving an invitation, they can email me at barbara.barnett@barbarabarnett.com
Website: barbarabarnett.com
Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29236424-the-apothecary-s-curse
Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Apothecarys-Curse-Barbara-Barnett/dp/1633882330/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457895155&sr=8-1&keywords=apothecary%27s+curse
Twitter: Twitter.com/B_Barnett
Facebook: Facebook.com/BarbaraBarnettAuthor
Posted on October 7, 2016 Categories UncategorizedTags Apothecary's Curse, Barbara Barnett, Chicago, Count of the Sahara, fantasy, historical fiction, mystery, Wayne Turmel1 Comment on History, Fantasy, Mystery- why can't you have it all? Barbara Barnett