I probably first considered myself a writer when I was studying English language and literature. I realised I enjoyed writing and the creative process, using words to form emotion, expression and imagery.
I pursued a creative writing course and wrote for the local newspaper. I began to find the discipline of writing every day and this would eventually lead me to writing the novel that would become Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice.
Where were you born/grew up at?
I was born in Bath, a beautiful and historic city in the west of England. I spent my childhood and some of my adult years living in Frome, an attractive market town near the Mendip Hills to the south of Bath.
I have spent the last two decades living in Bath and now Bristol. Bristol is a major city in the west of England with a vibrant culture and music scene.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Describe myself? An idealist, yet a realist.
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
I would like to think my debut novel, Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice, and the other two I am working on in the trilogy, have the potential to become a movie. The revolt of Queen Boudica and the Iceni tribe against the might of Rome has an enduring appeal.
The wronged, rising up against the oppressor. Boudica and the Iceni have been the inspiration for novels, plays, films and drama. Bringing my story of the revolt to the big screen would be my ultimate ambition.
What is something unique/quirky about you?
As well as being a writer and author, I am a gig photographer. I photograph some of the best bands in the business, mostly in Bristol and Bath. The Levellers, Selecter, UB40, Kaiser Chiefs, Texas.
I am well placed in Bristol with so many festivals, gigs and star attractions coming here. The Bristol Sounds and Harbour festivals are highlights of the summer.
To learn more about Stephen D. Owen’s book and giveaway, click the link.
I was trying to figure out what direction I wanted to go with my book series I was working on. The first books I released turned out to be ones I am still working on because they are epic fantasy novel length.
But I decided I needed to do more world building and broke things down into individual stories to tell the stories for the land of Ferrês. “Bonds of Friendship” is about Karigan and Silvashi.
It tells the story of how Karigan found Silvashi and they became friends when they were from two different worlds. Dragons were considered being deadly beasts that killed without thinking.
Turns out Karigan proved that myth wrong. Silvashi and her journey together back to her father’s place only to find they can’t be separated so easily.
The inspiration behind this story is how friendship bloomed between two different species. They are curious about each other and want to know one another. This leads them to become good friends and wondering about the world now that they are friends. I plan to work with this story towards creating another series off of it. But those won’t come for a few years yet.
What can we expect from you in the future?
Right now, I am working on my novellas within my Tales of Tarza Series. This series is like Tales of Ferrês, but instead of short stories they are novella length. I am currently on book 3 in the series and that is titled “The Emerald Knight.”
Each book features a story within the kingdom of Tarza with original characters. And the time is different as well. “The Sunflower Meadow” is during the time of King Tyler and his children’s reign across the land.
This is the story when Prince Joseph finds his true love and fights to keep her for himself. “Masquerade Assassin” is the second book in the series and is the first book I featured Kerowyné Flares in.
She is my leading lady, but this adventure is when she is younger and still finding her place among royalty. Love this story and think it is a fun read to experience. “The Emerald Knight,” is the third installment.
And it is the story of Princess Rachel and how she finds her dragon Kurza. It is a broken romance adventure story that leads a strong female heroine to choose her destiny over love.
I’m still writing this one so you will have to either subscribe to my blog for fun details HERE or sign-up for my newsletter HERE to get notifications on its progress.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in “Bonds of Friendship”?
Karigan is a farmer’s daughter that is brought into the folds of the Forest of Ferrês. This is where she finds Silvashi, a baby silver dragon. He ends up befriending her and changing her life forever.
Silvashi is a baby silver dragon that finds himself isolated within the Forest of Ferrês. He wants a friend or someone to keep him company. The only thing he didn’t realize was that one goddess would answer his plea and give him a friend.
For more information about Bonds Of Friendship and the Giveaway click the link.
Since I have been in high school I have had a story idea in my head that created upon itself more and more throughout the years. This was my world of Tarzinëa.
I have the novels planned out in my head. The problem is how complex the story is itself and how long the books will probably be. This led me to find small ways to world build for the overall story. One of the main ways was creating “The Tales of Ferrês Series.”
It allowed me to get into the head of some of my characters and dive into their backstory to create a short story series all its own. Tales of Ferrês was created of ten short stories that helped break down the unique elements within this kingdom.
Many haven’t stepped foot in the kingdom for 500 years and lived to tell the tale. But some have entered but never spoke of their adventures within.
This series comprises standalone stories that stand in different time periods of Tarzinëa. And each story has its own character that is influenced by the creatures within.
I love each story individually in its own way, and each influences the overall story line throughout my journey as a writer. You are free to read them in order or pick each to read in any order they want.
If you want to get all the stories in one book you can grab “Tales of Ferrês,” bundle book. All the stories are included plus a bonus story never seen outside the bundle book. You can grab the bundle book HERE at your favorite retailer or through my author store HERE.
To learn more about the books and enter the giveaway click the link.
Who are the Dogs on the Cover of PJ and The Paranormal Pursuers – The Phantoms of Pittenweem?
Well, the small white dog, who appeared on the cover of my first PJ book, The Mackenzie Poltergeist, was designed from a photograph of my beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Smudge.
Sadly, at the time the first book went to print, Smudge, who was almost 17 had been terribly ill for a while. The book has a dedication to him but he went to the Rainbow Bridge before publication and I wanted his memory to live on.
He does so as ‘Dug,’ Shuggie’s JRT in the book and as the motif on the covers. The other dog, added for the Phantoms of Pittenweem is modelled on Gus, another family dog. He was a Schnauzer who was also a lovely soul.
When he wasn’t freshly groomed, he was a shaggy dog on whom I modelled Buddy, PJ’s dog. Gus had also travelled the Rainbow Bridge by the time the new book was published and he joins Smudge on the cover of my second book.
As many people will understand, the grief of losing a pet, who is very much a family member, friend and companion is hard – often just as hard as losing a human.
I was devastated at the loss of Smudge and resolved never to have another dog of my own because the pain and trauma was too great. I know that many people say that you should offer another dog a happy home and believe me, I have been tempted – until that wave of grief crashes over me and reminds me of what we went through.
I have written about Smudge extensively on my blog; one part (For the Love of Smudge) telling his story and the second part (I’m only talking to my dog today) which explains the strange events after his death which convinced me he was still around and sending messages to say he was OK. These can be found here: Jacqueline Dempster – Medium. I hope that the articles help those of you who find themselves grief stricken after the loss of a beloved pet.
My days of doggy love are not over, however. Although we don’t have any of our own, we did join an organisation called ‘Borrow my Doggy,’ which offers just what it says on the tin!
For a small annual fee, you can offer to borrow other people’s doggies when they need company during the week or a place to stay when their people want to go on holiday.
It’s worked out brilliantly for us and we’ve had the joy of looking after Winnie, a Jack Russell Terrier (who looks remarkably like Smudge) and Arlo who is a very cheeky little JRT/Shih Tzu cross.
We also look after our grandpups, Willow (guess what – a JRT whose arrival as a pup was accurately predicted by one of the animal psychics I consulted after we lost Smudge) and Pepper, a Poodle/Bichon Frise cross.
We have a new boy, Joe, (JRT) coming to visit and stay for holidays very soon! I am certain that Smudge knows that we’ll never replace him but has a hand in bringing all these perfect friends into our lives.
It is very strange how all of the borrowed doggies who’ve arrived on our doorstep have been JRTs and I am certain our boy has a hand in it. To be honest, I love each one of them dearly and while they are not our dogs, the grief of losing any of them will be hard.
I can console myself, however, knowing that we’ve been able to give them a welcome and the comfort of a loving home from home whenever their mums and dads need a holiday, or just to stop them getting lonely while their people are working.
They return the love in spades and I wouldn’t be without them. They’ve also been very willing to read my books as you might gather from the photographs!
To learn more about Jacqui’s books and enter the Giveaway, click the link.
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.
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.
When Michael Seidelman was growing up, his passions were reading, watching movies, enjoying nature and creative writing. Not much has changed since then.
Working in Online Marketing for over ten years, Michael felt it was time to pursue his passion and began writing The Garden of Syn trilogy.
His latest Middle Grade book, Imaginary Heroes, is personal for Michael. While fiction, the book is inspired by his own childhood experiences with bullying, loneliness, and Tourette’s Syndrome. He set out to tell an entertaining story while delving into issues many kids can relate to, told by someone who has experienced them firsthand.
Michael was born in Vancouver, BC Canada where he continues to reside.
Can you tell us what your book is about?
Imaginary Heroes follows twelve-year-old Matthew, who struggles with Tourette Syndrome and relentless bullies. He finds comfort in his imaginary friends—a tough girl named Nabie and a lovable green monster named Garby. But when Matthew and his tormentors become trapped in a mysterious underground lair, they must work together to escape before the darkness consumes them all.
What inspired you to write this story?
I wanted to dedicate my next book to my nephew, who’s an avid reader, so I decided to write something for his age group. I was working on the final book in my young adult Garden of Syn trilogy when I heard a radio segment about the host’s imaginary friends—and that sparked something in me. I began thinking about my own imaginary friends from childhood and the challenges I faced, like bullying and Tourette Syndrome. From there, the story came together naturally.
Are any parts of the story based on your real-life experiences?
Very much so. While the book is fictional with elements of fantasy and adventure, Matthew—the protagonist—is similar to me when I was his age. Like me, he has Tourette Syndrome and is bullied at school. Because of his isolation, he still talks to the same imaginary friends I once had: Nabie & Garby. Although I left my imaginary friends behind in kindergarten, I brought them back for this story. The bullies, especially Declan, are inspired by the real ones I encountered growing up.
What was your favorite scene to write?
While the fantastical parts were a lot of fun, my favorite scene to write was when Matthew finally snaps and tells his main bully, Declan, how the constant bullying has impacted his life. It’s everything I wish I could have said to my bullies but never did. Writing that moment was incredibly cathartic.
Did any other books or authors influence your writing?
Absolutely. Growing up, I loved Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton. Their creativity and heart have definitely influenced my own writing style. I also drew inspiration from a few other authors I’ve read over the years who know how to mix humor, suspense and imagination.
Are there any hidden details or easter eggs in the book that readers should look for?
So many! While most might go unnoticed, I’ve included the names of businesses my great-grandparents owned, a former teacher’s name, and references to historic Vancouver companies—even though the story is set in Washington State. It’s a little way for me to honor my roots.
What was the most challenging part of writing the book?
Writing kids wasn’t too difficult—I was one, after all! But writing kids in a different era than the one I grew up in was definitely a challenge. I had to do quite a bit of research to make sure it felt authentic. My nephew and my sister, who’s a teacher, were incredibly helpful in that process.
Do you plot out your stories in advance or make them up as you go?
I’m definitely a “Plotter.” While some authors are “Pantsers” who write by the seat of their pants, I outline everything in advance. I map out the details for each chapter before I even start writing. Sure, some things change along the way, but the major plot points are always planned out from the beginning.
What do you hope kids take away from your book?
First and foremost, I hope they have fun reading it. Above all, I aim to entertain. But I also hope the story encourages empathy—that kids will come away understanding that people who are different from them deserve kindness and compassion just like anyone else.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I just want to thank everyone for checking out my books—whether it’s Imaginary Heroes or The Garden of Syn trilogy. If you read the book and want to share your thoughts or ask me anything, feel free to reach out on social media or through my website. I’d love to hear from you!
