Brothers-in-Arms Blog Tour—Guest Post

So much book stuff this month! Today I have Jack Lewis Baillot here for a guest post as part of the blog tour for her upcoming book, Brothers-in-Arms, which releases May 31st!

About the Book

Can a Jew and a Nazi survive Hitler's Germany?

Franz Kappel and Japhet Buchanan never expected their friendship to be tested by the Third Reich. Friends from early childhood, the boys form an inseparable, brotherly bond. Growing up in a little German village, they escape most of the struggles of war until the day Japhet is banished from school for being a Jew, and later has a rib broken when other village boys beat him up. Franz learns he is putting himself in danger for spending so much time with Japhet but continues to stand up for his Jewish friend even at the risk to himself. Then one day their lives are shattered when they see first-hand that the price of being a Jew is dangerously high.

With the war now on their doorsteps, Franz and Japhet come up with a desperate plan to save their families and get them out of Germany alive. Leaving behind the lives they've always known, they move into Berlin with nothing to protect them but forged papers and each other. Convinced their friendship can keep them going, the boys try and make a new life for themselves while trying to keep their true identities and Japhet's heritage a secret. Taking his best friend's safety upon himself, Franz joins the Nazis in an attempt to get valuable information. At the same time, Japhet joins the Jewish Resistance, neither friend telling the other of their new occupations.

With everyone in their world telling them a Nazi and a Jew can't be friends, it is only a matter of time before they believe all the lies themselves, until neither is certain if they are fighting against a race of people or fighting for their homeland. Somehow they have to survive the horrors of World War II, even when all of Germany seems to be against them.

Guest Post

Hello to everyone! I am sure you can guess why I am here. Seeing as I have invaded so many blogs before Jaye's I guess it was only a matter of time before I took her's over for the day.

Therefore here I am. Jack, the Author of Brothers-in-Arms. Visiting guest today.

Jaye wanted to do a book spotlight and I figured after I did a spotlight of Japhet and Franz I figured I should do the main villain character even though I can't stand him. I guess he can at least have an introduction before the book escapes.

Gorge Stein is a Nazi operating in Berlin with the mission of hunting down all the fighters in the Jewish Resistance group. When Franz first meets him his first thought is that Stein fits the picture of Hitler's perfect Nazi. He's tall, blond, well built, and his eyes are a striking blue. Deep down though Stein is cold and unfeeling. (As you can see, I am not at all fond of him. I've never created a character I couldn't exactly stand until Stein showed up.)

Born into a fairly well off family, Stein was the oldest of two. He has a younger brother who serves in the air force, which is why Stein never talks about him in the book. It was kind of a disgrace for a German to join the air force.

Stein joined the Hitler's Youth as soon as he was old enough, as did his brother. Their dad came from a military family and his sons wanted to follow in his footsteps. He encouraged them and both him and his wife became proud of how well they did in the Hitler's Youth.

When he was old enough Stein joined the Nazis and moved into Berlin. He did so well there he was promoted and given the special task of finding and killing any Jews still in the city. He takes his job seriously and his life goal is to please the Nazis and be the man Hitler wants him to be.

Stein is withdrawn. He keeps his thoughts to himself except when he's angry then he lets everyone know. His men know to do what he asks of them when he asks it. He believes that what he is doing is the right thing and goes to any means to find the resistance.

Stein was a hard character to work with. Most of the time I was just angry with him. Thankfully he had others in the book who shared my anger so I felt I was able to get across to him how much I disliked him.

About the Author

Jack is one of those strange people who calls herself an Author. She spends a lot of her time writing and even less time editing. She likes to write about friendships which is partly how Brothers-in-Arms came to be. More than ten years in the making, this is the book she dreaded the most writing, but which also has the most meaning for her.

When Jack isn't writing, which doesn't happen too often, she keeps busy with various other hobbies – such as reading, playing the bagpipes to the dread of her neighbors, and drinking tea – which might not be considered a hobby by most but which should be.

She lives in a cabin in the woods with her dog and a library which isn't quite equal to Prince Adam's but will be given enough time and a secret doorway.

Contact Info

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/JackLBaillot

Twitter – https://twitter.com/JackLBaillot

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5862775.Jack_Lewis_Baillot

Blog – http://www.jacklewisbaillot.com/

Goodreads link - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24703965-brothers-in-arms

Brothers-in-Arms Pintrest Page - https://www.pinterest.com/jackbaillot/brothers-in-arms/

Samara’s Peril Blog Tour—Conclusion

And so ends the Samara’s Peril blog tour. This was my largest tour yet! Thank you so much to everyone who participated! I was in total panic mode just before it started, but it thankfully went very smoothly. Minus the paperback of Samara’s Peril not being ready in time. But good news! It’s available now!

If you missed any of the tour, here’s a recap. I also have a little surprise at the end of the post as well the winner of the giveaway!

Reviews

“Oh my goodness.  THIS WAS SO GOOD.” – Mickayla at Pencils Can Change the World

“From the first chapter, Jaye L. Knight sets the stage for a complex and involved plotline that takes us through some of the darkest and brightest times in Jace’s life so far.” – Erika at Written Rest

“I can't say enough how much I love this series.” – Jack at However Improbable

“Certain long-awaited events occur in Samara’s Peril, and they absolutely met my expectations.” - Meagan Davenport

“This book blew me away with all that was revealed.” – Gabrielle at Gabrielle-Soli Deo Gloria

“The bottom line is: the storytelling is amazing, the story itself is meaningful, and the characters will make a home in your heart and never leave.” – Leah at Leah's Bookshelf

“This book was absolutely incredible. So many things about it were just… *squeals giddily*” – Ivy Rose at Lakeside Publications

“So where do I begin?  So much happened in Samara's Peril, a lot of good things that many readers of the Ilyon Chronicles have been hoping for.” - Soliel at Reviews by Soleil

“The author surprised me in how she ended it, but the ending also seemed to work particularly well.” – Athelas at Red Lettering

“Full of the action, development, plot and faith inspired struggles as it's predecessors, I dare say this might be the best installment yet!” - Therru Ghibli at Sutori no Hana

“If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be ‘powerful‘, especially emotionally.” – Melody at Melody Jackson, Author

“I fell in love with this story from the get go! The characters are wonderful and I love the depth of the message of God's love.” – Amanda at Inklings and Notions

“This book is probably my favorite in the whole series.” – Hannah at My Bookcase and I

“As fantasy, this is a delightful story. As Christian fantasy, it is exceptional.” – David at Reality Calling

“Jace's story is a powerful one about what it looks like to be completely broken and what it means to be completely forgiven.” – Rebekah at Backing Books

“I have read all of Jaye’s books thus far and this one is by far my favorite as each character matures even further.” - Faith at Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections

“I don’t know if I can convey to you how great this book, this series, is.” – Gabriela at A Heart Redeemed

“This book seemed to be basically Jace’s book. Which. I. loved.” – Alyssa at Reading Anyone

“Not only was her writing style first class, but the faith themes were some of the strongest I've found in a fictional work. Samara's Peril is no exception.” – Kenzi at Honey Rock Hills

“Each book in Ilyon just gets better. I loved this book, every bit of it.” – Morgan at Shire Reviews

“Oh my word. After finishing the last page on that fateful night, I literally sat on my bed: mind blown. The twists, the development, and emotions were immaculate.” – Jazy at Thriving Hope

“The plot is a good mix of every element that makes a passionate and resonating story aimed at surpassing the need to simply entertain, but to pass on a message of hope and courage at a time when this generation of God’s children needs it.” – Miranda at To Be A Person

“How to describe this tale? Heart-rending, yet beautiful. Poignant and soul-stirring. Intense. Humorous and endearing. Incredibly sweet. Emotional. So many moments for our beloved characters!” – Shantelle at A Writer's Heart

“I’m not sure how it’s possible, but these five-star books keep getting better with every installment.” – Amanda at Scattered Journal Pages

“However...there were some amazing things that happened and gave me chills.  Seriously.” – Alea at Elvish Pens, Fantastical Writings

“It’s the Ilyon Chronicles! Of course I spent most of this book as a puddle of fangirl mushiness!” - Tricia Mingerink

“The ending to this one had me worried for a few pages, but I was very pleased with where it left off. There’s a promise of some more great action in the next installment.” – RM Lutz at The Book Hound

“And let me say up front: If you're not reading this series, what are you doing with your life????” – Kendra at O. Scarlett! Reviews

“At last I got to read book three of the Ilyon Chronicles, Samara's Peril! The book was wonderful, just as the other two are!” – Natasha at Looking Through My Lens

“I would highly recommend this book to those who enjoy NA Christian fantasy.” – Emily at Zerina Blossom's Books

“This book is probably my favorite in the series. If you realized how much I love the previous two, then you’d realize that that’s saying a lot.” – Hope at The Warrior and the Writer

“Samara's Peril is excellently written as all Jaye's books are. She continues to tell a story of amazing faith through trials. But the struggles that are faced are not ignored either.” – Anna at Thoughts of Anna S. Brie

Interviews

• Written Rest
• And Then There Were Three
• Lakeside Publications
• Reviews by Soleil
• Red Lettering
• alivemasterpiece
• A Heart Redeemed
• Reading Anyone
• Honey Rock Hills
• Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
• Leah's Bookshelf
• Scattered Journal Pages
• Tricia Mingerink
• The Book Hound
• Knitted By God's Plan
• Zerina Blossom's Books
• The Warrior and the Writer
• Thoughts of Anna S. Brie

Excerpts

• Written Rest
• Gabrielle-Soli Deo Gloria
• And Then There Were Three
• Melody Jackson, Author
• Inklings and Notions
• Haddie's Haven
• Rachel Rossano's Words
• Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections
• The Overactive Imagination
• Thriving Hope
• Elvish Pens, Fantastical Writings

Spotlights

• Fictionally
• Fishing For Ideas
• God's Peculiar Treasure Rae
• The Destiny of One
• The Writer's Window
• ♦ A Sapphire Chamber ♦

Giveaway Winner!

The winner of the SP giveaway choosen randomly by Rafflecopter is . . .  Mikayla!Congratulations, Mikayla! I’ve sent you an email to get your address so I can ship your prize.

And for everyone who didn’t win this giveaway, you can still enter to win one of 2 autographed copies of SP over at Goodreads!

On to the second half of the series!

Samara’s Peril marked the halfway point of Ilyon Chronicles. Now I get to delve into preparing the beginning of the second half of the series for release! Many of you probably already saw it at the end of Samara’s Peril, but it’s always exciting to “officially” announce the title for the next book at the end of these blog tours. So, without further ado, the title of book 4 is…

Exiled from his homeland, King Balen leads a group to Dorland in search of aid against the emperor, while those in Landale must tread carefully as their enemies close in around them. In Valcré, Prince Daniel has his own challenges to face in the midst of his father’s tyranny.

Exiles happens to be my darling and may just be my favorite of the series (I won’t know for sure unitl I finish writing book 6). It was such a difficult book to write because I was so unhappy with it most of the time, but that somehow completely changed once I finished it. It also may be the longest book of the series. SO MUCH HAPPENS. I can’t wait to share it! For a sneak peek at a little bit of my inspiration for the book, head over and check out the new Pinterest board. ;)

Also, don’t forget that the 2016 Ilyon Chronicles Fan Art Contest is going on right now! You have until June 15th to send me your submissions.

Espionage Blog Tour—Guest Post

A couple of days ago, I shared a character spotlight for Morgan Elizabeth Huneke’s new book, Espionage. Today, Morgan is here sharing a guest post on writing that character! Don’t forget to check out the other fun stops on the tour!

About the Book

“Sir Roland has invited us to visit for the Autumn Feast.”

“Do we have to go, Papa? I couldn’t feast with the most crooked politician in all of Briznom.”

As the daughter of a Briznomian vassal lord, Vannie Cumberland has spent her childhood immersed in the world of politics. Relations between Briznom and the neighboring country of Calhortz are strained due to the tyrannical rule of the strytes. A proposed alliance could calm relations between the two countries, but would come at the cost of Briznom’s freedom.

When her father’s political archenemy invites them to the Autumn Feast, Vannie uncovers an evil scheme endangering the life of someone close to her. Personal enmity comes to a dangerous head as Vannie struggles to expose the corruption and stop the alliance. Time is running out.

Events are becoming too big for her to handle. Will Sir Roland’s son help or will things finally spiral out of control?

Buy Now

Kindle ~ Paperback ~ Signed Copy

Guest Post 

Working with Vannie: On Character Voice

One of the most important parts of writing in deep character point of view is character voice. If your protagonist is the narrator, then the narrative needs to sound like them just as much as the dialogue does.

I often struggle with character voice in third person narrative. I’m not as much in my characters’ heads in third, so it sounds more like me, more like an omniscient narrator, even though I’m going for deep character POV. First person narrative was a lot easier. Or maybe it was just Vannie. Her vibrant personality sprang onto the page.

The best way to write character voice is to really be in the head of your well-developed narrating character. A lot of the rules for writing a well-developed character apply. Understanding the character’s personality. Knowing what makes them tick. Understanding their relationship with their family and friends, where their loyalties lie. Knowing what sort of things they like to do for fun. Recognizing the effect their upbringing had on their character. Using their thought processes instead of your own.

Vannie was an easily developed character, so I did a lot of these things unconsciously, but looking back, I can identify how they affected the narrative voice of Espionage. Vannie is stubborn and opinionated. She displays this in the way she acts, but also in the way she describes people. She’s not shy about portraying people she dislikes in an unfavorable light, or about praising the good qualities of those she likes and glossing over their shortcomings. She’s also very devoted to her family and very close to her father, which shows in the way her father consumes her thoughts when she feels that he’s in danger. She’s a practical little girl, which is revealed in her disdain for dressing up. She’s a roller coaster of emotions, so her manner of narrative often becomes an emotional roller coaster as well.

Her way of speaking was particularly interesting to me. She’s a nine-year-old girl, so often her thoughts are childish, but she’s also well-educated and a voracious reader, so a large amount of Anne-ish fanciful language and bookish tendencies slip in. Particularly when she has an opportunity to playact an honored lady or questing adventurer. But her impulsive nature causes her to sometimes have to modify statements for accuracy. (I’ll pretend she didn’t get that straight from the Doctor. ;) )

Of course, moderation must be used. Too much of a character’s internal thoughts and backpedaling can turn off a reader, but too little can make it boring. Character voice is important, but don’t stress about it. If you know your character and can get into his or her head, it’ll happen naturally, and writing is always better when it’s not forced.

About the Author

Morgan Elizabeth Huneke is a homeschool graduate who lives in Georgia. She has enjoyed creating characters and writing stories since early childhood. Books have always been a big part of her life, never more so than when working at the local library. Her other interests include reading, playing the piano and violin, and politics.

You can connect with Morgan on her website, blog, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, and Pinterest.

 

 

Giveaway

Join in the excitement of Espionage and enter to win a special prize! The first prize winner will receive a signed copy of Espionage. The second and third prize winners will receive an eCopy of Espionage in the eBook format of his/her choice. Giveaway open to U.S. residents only.

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Espionage Blog Tour—Character Spotlight

Big week for book releases! Yesterday, my good friend Morgan Elizabeth Huneke just released her latest book, Espionage! As part of the blog tour, I get to share a spotlight of one of her characters. :) And make sure to check out the other stops on the tour!

About the Book

“Sir Roland has invited us to visit for the Autumn Feast.”

“Do we have to go, Papa? I couldn’t feast with the most crooked politician in all of Briznom.”

As the daughter of a Briznomian vassal lord, Vannie Cumberland has spent her childhood immersed in the world of politics. Relations between Briznom and the neighboring country of Calhortz are strained due to the tyrannical rule of the strytes. A proposed alliance could calm relations between the two countries, but would come at the cost of Briznom’s freedom.

When her father’s political archenemy invites them to the Autumn Feast, Vannie uncovers an evil scheme endangering the life of someone close to her. Personal enmity comes to a dangerous head as Vannie struggles to expose the corruption and stop the alliance. Time is running out.

Events are becoming too big for her to handle. Will Sir Roland’s son help or will things finally spiral out of control?

Buy Now

Kindle ~ Paperback ~ Signed Copy

Character Spotlight

Physical Appearance: Blonde hair, fair skin, thin, average height, practical dress.

Age: 9

History: Vannie Cumberland is the oldest of three girls, the daughter of Sir Cumberland, vassal lord of Briznom. She was betrothed in infancy to her second cousin Kermit. She has always spent a lot of time with her father, even journeying regularly to the capitol and sitting in on Court sessions. As such, she has an extraordinarily deeply developed knowledge of politics for her age. She has been well educated in many areas, from academics to sewing and knitting to archery and riding.

Author’s Notes: Vannie started off as a version of me, and then took off in her very own direction. She still shares a few traits with me, but she’s very much her own person, which made her a lot of fun to write. I particularly loved her strong relationship with her father. She’s very much a daddy’s girl, and it was an interesting and highly important dynamic. She’s a bit of a roller coaster emotionally, and that certainly made it interesting to write. She also, um, got a tendency to modify statements with a “well” from the Tenth Doctor. Vannie was fun. I like her a lot, and I hope to write more about her someday.

About the Author

Morgan Elizabeth Huneke is a homeschool graduate who lives in Georgia. She has enjoyed creating characters and writing stories since early childhood. Books have always been a big part of her life, never more so than when working at the local library. Her other interests include reading, playing the piano and violin, and politics.

You can connect with Morgan on her website, blog, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, and Pinterest.

 

 

Giveaway

Join in the excitement of Espionage and enter to win a special prize! The first prize winner will receive a signed copy of Espionage. The second and third prize winners will receive an eCopy of Espionage in the eBook format of his/her choice. Giveaway open to U.S. residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Samara’s Peril Release and Blog Tour

That’s right, the release of Samara’s Peril has arrived! I have to say, getting it to this point was almost the death of me (well, not quite, but almost). But it’s here now, and I’m so excited to share it with everyone!

Available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iBooks!

I’m also taking orders for autographed copies! Unfortunately, due to issues getting the cover printed correctly, the paperback is going to be a bit delayed. I’m hoping to have it available and up on Amazon within 1-2 weeks.

As usual, I’m having an epic blog tour to celebrate the release. So many amazing bloggers signed up to be part of it. Check out the schedule and give them a visit! There’s also a giveaway at the bottom of this post!

Tour Schedule

Friday, May 13

• Tour Introduction at Jaye L. Knight
• Review at Pencils Can Change the World
• Book Spotlight at Fictionally
• Review, Author Interview, and Excerpt at Written Rest
• Review at However Improbable
• Review at Meagan Davenport
• Review and Excerpt at Gabrielle-Soli Deo Gloria
• Review at Leah's Bookshelf

Saturday, May 14

• Author Interview and Excerpt at And Then There Were Three
• Review and Author Interview at Lakeside Publications
• Review and Author Interview at Reviews by Soleil
• Review and Author Interview at Red Lettering
• Author Interview at alivemasterpiece
• Review at Sutori no Hana
• Book Spotlight at Fishing For Ideas

Sunday, May 15

• Review and Excerpt at Melody Jackson, Author
• Book Spotlight at God's Peculiar Treasure Rae
• Review at The World Of The Writer
• Review and Author Interview at Running In His Reign
• Review and Excerpt at Inklings and Notions
• Review at My Bookcase and I

Monday, May 16

• Review at Reality Calling
• Review at Backing Books
• Excerpt at Haddie's Haven
• Book Spotlight and Excerpt at Rachel Rossano's Words
• Review and Excerpt at Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections
• Review and Author Interview at A Heart Redeemed

Tuesday, May 17

• Review and Author Interview at Reading Anyone
• Review and Author Interview at Honey Rock Hills
• Author Interview at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
• Review at Shire Reviews
• Review and Author Interview at 26CountlessPossibilities
• Excerpt at The Overactive Imagination

Wednesday, May 18

• Review and Excerpt at Thriving Hope
• Book Spotlight at The Destiny of One
• Book Spotlight at Letters from Annie Douglass Lima
• Book Spotlight at The Writer's Window
• Review at To Be A Person
• Author Interview at Leah's Bookshelf

Thursday, May 19

• Review at A Writer's Heart
• Review and Author Interview at Scattered Journal Pages
• Review and Excerpt at Elvish Pens, Fantastical Writings
• Review and Author Interview at Tricia Mingerink
• Review and Author Interview at The Book Hound
• Review at O. Scarlett! Reviews
• Author Interview at Knitted By God's Plan

Friday, May 20

• Book Spotlight at ♦ A Sapphire Chamber ♦
• Special Post at Leah's Bookshelf
• Review at Looking Through My Lens
• Review and Author Interview at Zerina Blossom's Books
• Review and Author Interview at The Warrior and the Writer
• Review and Author Interview at Thoughts of Anna S. Brie

Saturday, May 21

• Tour Conclusion at Jaye L. Knight

Giveaway!

Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed giveaway pack! Prizes include an autographed copy of Samara’s Peril, a John 3:16 necklace by FaithWearDesigns, and a green wire dragon bookmark by Wirelings! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)

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I also have a Goodreads giveaway for 2 signed copies of Samara’s Peril!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Samara's Peril

by Jaye L. Knight

Giveaway ends May 31, 2016.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

My First Podcast Interview

Today I get to share something really fun and exciting—I did my first podcast interview! I think, subconsciously, I’ve been hoping to avoid such interviews because the socially awkward introvert in me always whimpered at the prospect. However, when I was invited by Daniel to be on his podcast, The Very Serious Writing Show, I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. While I had to drag my inner introvert kicking and screaming all the way there, I had so much fun and have been really excited to share it with everyone.

As part of the podcast, I’m also giving away a signed copy of Samara’s Peril! Just use the simple form below. :)

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