Gregory S. Slomba | Ellwyn Autumn

About the Author

Gregory S. Slomba is an instructional designer, former editor, and the author of the award-winning Deliverers Series. He studied English at the University of Dayton, then worked as a banker for 20 years.

He also spent four years as an editor and writer for a national trade magazine, giving him an opportunity to sharpen his writing and editing skills. Along the way, he was able to visit some fun places such as Bermuda, Spain, China, and over 60% of the U.S. states. He currently designs, writes, and delivers training courses for bankers.

Reading fantasy and science fiction has always sparked his imagination. Inspiring the imaginations of young readers through his writing is what drives him.

Greg lives in Connecticut with his wife, Stephanie and his two grown children, a golden retriever, and four cats.

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Author Links

Website: https://deliverers.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDeliverers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedeliverers/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gregoryslombawriter

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gregory-s-slomba

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B005PFPA64/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5326723.Gregory_S_Slomba

Deliverers Character Interview: Hallo Tosis

Our Deliverers chearacter interview series continues with the last of the Deliverers, Hallo Tosis the dwarf. Let’s get right to it.

Greg: Welcome, Hallo, to The Deliverers Publishing Headquarters. It’s great to have you here.

Hallo: Thank’ee, thank’ee it’s great t’ be here, too. But, from what the others said, I thought it’d be more fancy-like, don’t ya know.

Greg: Umm, how do you mean?

Hallo: Oh, well, er, they said this were a magnificent showpiece an’ all. But t’ tell ya the truth, an’ I really don’t know how t’ tell ya this an’ all, but this here’s a real dump, don’t ya know. ‘T ain’t so much to it. They said the corridors went on f’ever an’ that there was fancy furniture an’ paintin’s an’ such, but I ain’t seen none o’ them things.

Greg: Hallo, it’s a joke.

Hallo: A which?

Greg: A joke. A running gag. We’ve been doing it throughout the interview series. Didn’t the others tell you?

Hallo: Wha’? Oh, er, um, sorry ‘bout that. Come t’ think on it, now that ya mention it, they did say somethin’ ‘bout gaggin’. It come t’ mind ‘cause I felt like gaggin’ when I come in, don’t ya know. Sorry I spoilt the joke, sonny.

Greg: Oh, don’t worry about it, Hallo. Let’s just get on with the interview, shall we?

Hallo: You go it, mister. Let’s get this show on the road, don’t ya know.

Greg: Alrighty, then. Why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself, Hallo?

Hallo: Well, let’s see. You’re prob’ly wonderin’ ‘bout m’ name. Hallo Tosis ain’t such a hot name. It were given t’ me by m’ pappy, Jeremiah Tosis. He has a cuttin’ sense o’ humor, an’ he thought it funny t’ give me such a stinky name.

I was borned in the Dwarf Kingdom. I come from a long line of smithys. Some o’ m’ ancestors was silversmithys, some were goldsmithys. Some were sculptors, artisans, an’ some was tunnelers, don’t ya know. M’ pappy is the Royal Goldsmithy, the official goldsmithy t’ the king, a right important position.

On the other hand, I don’t have none o’ them skills. I’m the only one o’ m’ folk without the Gift, as we call it. M’ pappy were right fed up w’ me. In fact, he had me banished. So, I took t’ wanderin’ in the mountains, not bein’ able t’ go home an’ afraid t’ be found out by the Big Folk.

Then, I met Eric, Stig ‘n’ Kate, an’ m’ life took a turn for the better, don’t ya know.

Greg: What’s the Dwarf Kingdom like?

Hallo: It’s a place o’ unsurpassed beauty, don’t ya know. It’s located under the Iron Mountains, not too far from Calendria. There are many villages in the Kingdom, an’ everyone lives in comfort, like. I sure missed livin’ there.

The art were stupendous. There are carvin’s and reliefs cut inta the walls. Gold an’ jewel inlaid statues line the streets. The villages bustle with activity in the marketplaces an’ forges. I’m proud that I’m from the Kingdom.

Greg: What are your thoughts about the rest of the Deliverers?

Hallo: I can’t say enough about ‘em. Without them, I don’t rightly know where I’d be. Eric’s been through a lot, an’ he’s a good lad. He had a big load on his shoulders, an’ I’m glad I could help him out a little, don’t ya know.

Now Stig, he’s a crusty ol’ birdie, but he means well. I just wish he’d loosen up a wee bit, don’t ya know. He’s the one what’s done this all before, so he helped keep us all focused on the task at hand.

Kate, she’s a grand lass. I’m glad t’ have her an’ her folk for neighbors. Her pappy, the Lord Mayor is all right, too. Kate helped keep us all together, kept us from gettin’ on each other’s nerves.

I think we all work well t’gether, don’t ya know, an’ I’m hopin’ we’ll get t’ work t’gether in the future.

Greg: What do you like to do in your spare time?

Hallo: Well, I have a new job now, an’ that keeps me pretty busy, don’t ya know. When I’m off duty, I still try m’ hand at metal workin’. I still ain’t improved none. I also like t’ go down t’ Calendria t’ see Kate an’ her pappy. I also chew the fat with Cordon, the village blacksmithy, talkin’ shop. Me an’ the apothecary, Mrs. Bubblebeak, I mean Madame Bottleneck, have also become thick as thieves. I go over for a chat now an’ again.

Part o’ me, though, is waitin’ t’ go on another Assignment. I think one day, I’ll be called t’ go on one. I’m interested t’ meet the Gatekeeper. When that happens, I’ll be ready t’ go on another great adventure.

Greg: Why do you think that dwarves love treasure so much?

Hallo: Well now, it’s so beautiful. It’s the greatest feeling t’ take gold an’ jewels an’ make them inta somethin’ even more breathtakin’ than what ya started with. Treasurer’s why we dig. It’s our whole purpose—t’ find it an’ mold it.

Greg: Speaking of treasure, what can you tell us about the Jewel?

Hallo: Beggin’ your pardon, there ain’t much I can say ‘bout it. It’s our oldest legend an’ our deepest secret. Suffice it t’ say that the Jewel o’ Paradise is a jewel beyond price, an’ it lies on the other side o’ the Iron Mountains. But it’s guarded by fierce beasts. None what’s gone after the Jewel has ever got back alive. You kin learn all ya need t’ know ‘bout it in the book, don’t ya know.

Greg: How has the release of this book changed your life?

Hallo: Well, it’s exposed a lot o’ the secrets o’ the Kingdom. That’s been right strange ‘cause we’re private folk who don’t take t’ makin’ our comin’s an’ goin’s public. I almost got in trouble with the king all over agin over the whole mess. But, since it worked out okay for everyone in the end, the king figured there weren’t no harm in it. So, now I’m a lot famouser, an’ folk’re recognizin’ me more. Usually when they do, they got good things t’ say about the job I done. So it’s been right gratifyin’, don’t ya know.

Greg: Well thank you, Hallo for taking a few minutes to speak with us. Will you have any trouble finding your way out?

Hallo: Are ya daft? The door’s right over there. It ain’t like this place is a palace or anythin’. Oh, er. Uh, yeah, right. I mean, I think I’ll be all right. Us dwarves have a great sense o’ direction. It’ll take a lot more than a few windin’ twistin’ passages for me t’ get lost, although I might have trouble crossin’ the moat, don’t ya know.

Hey, how’s that?

Greg: Oh, that’s just great. Thanks a lot, Hallo.

Hallo: How’d ya like the part about the moat? I thought that one up all on m’own. Right good touch if I do say so m’self!

Featured Book:

Tales of adventure, friendship, self-confidence and teamwork for all ages.

Sharky and the Jewel

The Deliverers Book 1

by Gregory S. Slomba

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure

WINNER of the Golden Wizard Children’s Book Award 2024!
NOMINATED for The Book of the Year Award 2024 in the Ages 8+ Category.

A world is in trouble, who can save it?

Certainly not Eric Scott, a 12 year old boy coming to grips with his own personal tragedy. But that’s exactly what Stig, an owl from another world, asks him to do. Together, they are sent to deliver Calendria, a small fishing village, from Sharky, an immortal pirate captain that has enslaved them. But defeating Sharky and his band of bloodthirsty pirates will be no easy task.

When they arrive, Eric and Stig meet Kate Endria, who is convinced that they are the Deliverers—heroes of an ancient prophecy who are destined to defeat Sharky and his crew. Eric devises a plan that he hopes will work. Eric’s confidence rises when they rescue Hallo Tosis, an outcast dwarf who gives them the key to a powerful weapon. But it’s only after things start to go horribly wrong that Eric and Stig discover the true object of their mission.

THE GOLDEN WIZARD BOOK PRIZE REVIEW 2024:

This book is truly a masterpiece, showcasing the author’s incredible talent on every single page. Slomba’s writing style…blurs the boundaries between fiction and reality, immersing readers completely in the story.

The protagonist, Eric, is exceptionally well-crafted. As the plot unfolds, we witness his remarkable journey of self-discovery, gradually uncovering his inner strength and determination. This evolution of the character adds depth and relatability to the narrative, allowing readers to form a personal connection…and reminding us of our own untapped potential.

What else sets this astounding literary piece apart is its ability to resonate with a wide range of readers. It surpasses age boundaries, entrancing not only younger readers but also adults who will find themselves completely absorbed in its pages. The allure of this book is undeniable, and personally, I found it to be an absolute delight to read. I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment in the series, excited to continue the journey.

– Louise Jane, CEO The Golden Wizard Book Prize

Amazon * Audible * B&N * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00492CMYC

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Deliverers-Audiobook/B00B1DJHMW

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-deliverers-emily-hurst-pritchett/1143299941?ean=9781461003618

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-deliverers-sharky-and-the-jewel-by-gregory-s-slomba

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205514646-the-deliverers

Series Trailer: