Sunday, July 13, 2025

📚 10 Things You Might Not Know About Jury Duty is Murder by Kate Damon & Win $25 Amazon Gift Card! #10things

When Kate Damon is not writing, she and her husband enjoy RVing, spending time with family and friends, raising Monarch butterflies, and playing a wicked game of bridge.

Writing as Margaret Brownley, she has published more than 40 novels and is a New York Times bestselling author. Known for her memorable characters and humor, she is a two-time Romance Writers of America Rita finalist.

Not counting the book she wrote in sixth grade, and the puzzle of the missing socks, this is her first mystery.

Website ➜http://margaret-brownley.com/

Twitter ➜https://www.x.com/katejuryduty

Facebook ➜https://www.facebook.com/MargaretBrownleyAuthor/ and https://www.facebook.com/p/Kate-Damon-61565155275435/

Instagram ➜https://www.instagram.com/katedamonbooks

BookBub➜https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kate-damon

Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4072660.Kate_Damon and https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/163681.Margaret_Brownley

10 Things You Might Not Know About Jury Duty is Murder by Kate Damon

1. The story unfolds following a high-profile trial, where jurors—sequestered for four long months—struggle to rebuild their disrupted lives. However, their attempts at normalcy are abruptly overshadowed when jurors begin dying under puzzling and unexplained circumstances.

2. The story features a cast of diverse characters, including Harold Ashman, whose marriage is on the rocks; CeeCee Laine, an exotic dancer dealing with personal betrayal; Alex Manning, an actor facing career decline; and Helen Ryder, a 72-year-old woman confronting family issues.

3. The four former jurors didn’t get along during the trial and hoped to never see each other again. Nevertheless, they must now work together to find the killer before the killer finds them.

4. While murder is a serious issue, the antics of these four amateur detectives on the hunt for a killer will have you laughing regardless.

5. The story explores themes of friendship and betrayals, both personally and within their group, as they navigate the danger surrounding them.

6. The novel offers insights into the responsibilities and risks associated with serving on a jury, highlighting how verdicts can impact not just defendants but also jurors' lives.

7. Readers can anticipate unexpected twists as the plot unfolds, keeping them guessing about who might be behind the threats against the jurors.

8. Each character faces unique challenges that lead to significant personal growth throughout the story, adding depth to their personalities and relationships.

9. The story is told from four points of view. This significantly enhances the narrative by providing depth, complexity, and a multifaceted understanding of what each of the four characters are going through as they face both personal and outer fears.

10. Writing as Margaret Brownley, the author has published more than forty-six novels and is a New York Times bestselling author. Known for her memorable characters and humor, Jury Duty is Murder is her first mystery.

The verdict is in; a famed athlete is headed for prison. The jurors have done their job and are free to go back to their lives. But after being sequestered for four months, life as some knew it no longer exists.

HAROLD ASHMAN’s house is almost destroyed by a careless driver. Exotic dancer, CEECEE LAINE, discovers that her boyfriend is two-timing her, and she no longer has a job. Actor ALEX MANNING learns his career is down the tubes, and 72-year-old, HELEN RYDER, discovers her family is plotting to put her in an old folks home.

Then things take a turn for the worse. When former jurors start dropping like flies, CeeCee, Helen, Harold and Alex are convinced there’s a killer on the loose. Now the feuding foursome must find him before he kills them—or before they save him the trouble by killing each other.

Jury Duty is Murder is available at Amazon.

Kate Damon is giving away one $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:

By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card.
This giveaway starts May 5 and ends July 31.
Winner will be contacted via email on July 31.
Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

First Chapter Reveal: Find My Daughter by Jennifer Chase

thewriterslife 9:00 PM 0 Comments

Title: Find My Daughter: Detective Scott Series Book 13

Author: Jennifer Chase

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: February 17, 2025

Pages: 384

Genre: Crime Thriller

Format: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook

BOOK BLURB:

She hears footsteps approaching, then the clunk of a heavy lock. Her body is numb in the cold but she stands, determined to fight. A blinding light overpowers her, and the world goes black…

When Detective Katie Scott finds a woman dying in the car garage, blood pooling around her, she reaches her just in time to hear her utter the words: find my daughter.

Katie doesn’t waste a second gathering her team and pulling the case file for the missing child, Anna Braxton, a teen with sparkling blue-eyes and an even brighter future. Staring at the blank investigation board, Katie won’t rest until she fulfills Anna’s mother’s dying wish.

Searching the Braxton’s impeccable family home, Katie finds Anna’s journal, filled with teenage secrets. Buried among the pages, she thinks she finds a lead—a strange man reached out to Anna, just days before she went missing…

But the case takes a terrifying turn when Anna’s best friend also vanishes. Hours later, a girl’s body is found in the embers of a house fire, her yellow satin dress devastatingly beautiful amongst the ashes. Is it Anna, her best friend, or another girl?

One thing is certain: a monster has the closeknit community of Pine Valley in a chokehold, and Katie must get one step ahead of the killer before any more precious young lives are taken. But at what cost?

Find My Daughter is available at Amazon.

First Chapter:

Wednesday 1045 hours

The large conference hall had standing room only. The California Law Enforcement Conference (CLEC) in Sacramento was at full capacity, with guest speakers from all areas of the law enforcement community along with information booths, recruitment, and representatives from various police departments. The overcast, showery day didn’t dampen the annual event.

Detective Katie Scott from the Pine Valley Sheriff’s Department was finishing up her talk on the importance of criminal profiling and how effective it was for her cold-case unit. Dressed in a navy pantsuit and a white blouse, Katie crossed the stage while giving the audience her bullet-point summary, photographs on the large screen behind her.

“Criminal profiling isn’t about guesswork, wasting detectives’ time on theories. It’s about identifying the perpetrator by building a solid, evidence-based background for them, which is created from crime scene behavioral evidence, victimology, forensics, and the autopsy report. This is what’s going to assist detectives to move forward in specific directions. It will also help with time management, which is especially useful with staffing stretched thin these days. Profiling can help the investigator keep on the right path and move ahead accordingly.”

Several photos scrolled across the screen behind Katie as she concluded her presentation. She glanced at the clock on the wall.

“Are there any questions?” she said, gazing out at the attentive audience.

Several people raised their hands.

“Yes,” she said, indicating a man in the second row.

“I’m Sergeant Kevin Randall, LAPD. Based on your hundred-percent solve rate for cold cases, what do you believe is the most important component to a successful investigation along with profiling?”

“Sergeant, it’s multifaceted, and I can only speak from my own experience. I believe it requires exceptional teamwork, not only from me and my partner, but with forensics as well. And then it depends on the evidence available. If there’s not much evidence, that’s when it’s crucial to put together a profile, or at least a basic threshold assessment as the blueprint for the case.”

Katie glanced toward the back of the room where a tall man stood—her partner, Detective Sean McGaven. He smiled broadly as he watched the presentation.

“Thank you,” said the LAPD sergeant.

Katie saw a woman enter, impeccably dressed in a tan suit. She had dark shoulder-length hair and carried herself with purpose. Something about the woman gave Katie pause. She was definitely agitated; her body rigid and her hands fisted. She was angry.

Another audience member stood up and said, “Detective Carey Dayton, SPD. Detective, what if there’s very little or no evidence at the crime scene? For example, if the body was washed clean and there’s no other evidence.”

Katie loved this question. So many people didn’t see the obvious clue. “If there isn’t any of the usual evidence, as you stated, then that’s actually a big piece of evidence.” She walked across the stage and brought up a photo on the big screen of a minimal crime scene. “A crime scene lacking in physical evidence is a key piece of evidence and says quite a bit about the perpetrator. It says that this particular crime was planned, organized, and the killer thought of everything. Well, almost everything. You see, most crime scenes are generally sloppy, but this type of perp shows skills and that can tell you a lot. But, in my experience, no criminal is perfect and mistakes will be made. What mistakes are made will help you profile the killer.”

Katie answered a few more questions before the talk ended.

The audience filed out, with the exception of a few law enforcement personnel who shook Katie’s hand and expressed that the seminar was helpful.

McGaven made his way to Katie, joined by a dark-haired man with intense eyes, forensic supervisor John Blackburn.

“Hey, partner,” said McGaven. “I think you missed your calling as a teacher.”

“I don’t know about that.”

“Great stuff,” said John.

“Thanks. Hey, I don’t know what your schedules are, but I’m starving. Lunch?” she said.

“Yeah, sounds great,” said McGaven.

“I’ll take a raincheck,” said John. “I’m heading to one of the forensics seminars about cutting-edge procedures.”

“Okay, see you later,” she said, and he headed out.

The woman who Katie had seen enter the room at the end of her talk passed John. He too seemed to notice that the woman appeared agitated and angry. He waited at the door, watching.

“Excuse me, Detective Scott?” the unknown woman called.

“Yes?”

The woman walked up uncomfortably close to Katie. “You should be working on cases and not giving these feel-good seminars to law enforcement who don’t have anything better to do than to attend this conference. People need your help…”

“Ma’am, please take a step back,” said McGaven as he moved closer.

Katie wasn’t sure whether the woman’s behavior was going escalate, but she watched her wringing her hands and couldn’t help but notice a deep sadness in her eyes. It appeared she had been crying as her face was slightly puffy and her eyes red.

Katie put her hand on McGaven’s shoulder. “It’s okay, Gav.” Turning to the woman, she gently said, “What are you referring to, ma’am?”

“What am I referring to? I want justice. I want you to do your jobs.”

“Please sit down. Tell us your name and what you’re referring to,” said Katie.

“You’re a detective with Pine Valley Sheriff’s Department, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then why can’t you tell me why you haven’t found Anna Braxton? My daughter! Why?!” The woman lunged and then retreated. “I don’t know why I’m wasting my time!” Her frustration exploded as she paced—every muscle in her body tense.

“Please…” Katie tried to calm the woman, but it was clear her emotions were boiling over and her anxiety was pushing her to retreat.

Two security guards entered the conference room accompanied by John.

“Ma’am, we’re going to have to ask you to leave,” said one of the guards.

“It’s okay,” said Katie holding up her hand. She truly wanted to help the woman. “Mrs. Braxton?”

“No, it’s not okay!” the woman said as she began pacing.

The security guards took that as their cue and approached the woman again. Katie and McGaven watched them escort the woman out.

“Wow,” said McGaven.

“We need to check on that case,” Katie said. She walked up to the podium and grabbed several files and her laptop.

“I’ll see what I can find out,” said McGaven.

“Okay, I’ll meet you at the restaurant. I have to put this stuff away and I have some outlines in my car.”

“See you in a bit,” said McGaven as he left the conference room.

As Katie hurried toward the parking garage, she couldn’t help but think about Mrs. Braxton’s appearance. The look in the woman’s eyes was so powerful and it was obvious she was at breaking point. How could she blame her if her daughter was missing?

Katie stepped into the elevator. As she pushed the parking lot button, she kept hearing the woman repeat in her head, Then why can’t you tell me why you haven’t found Anna Braxton? My daughter! Why?!

The elevator doors opened. Katie stepped out and headed into the covered garage. It was full of cars but unusually quiet. The only sound was Katie’s heels echoing as she walked quickly to her car. The name Anna Braxton resonated in her head as she tried to remember if she had heard it before.

Katie suddenly heard muffled voices, a scuffle, and what sounded like anguished pleas for help.

“Hello?” she called. Her voice resounded eerily around the garage, bouncing off the cement walls. She quickly looked in every direction to make sure that she wasn’t walking into an ambush.

More voices. One female voice kept saying: “Help… please help…”

Katie dropped her files and laptop near a black SUV and ran toward the voice. She hated not having her weapon but rushed toward the disturbance anyway. As she ran around a tight turn, she saw a woman lying on the ground in a vacant parking spot. She was still, her hands outstretched. Even from a distance, Katie could see spatters of blood along the ground and around the body. The woman was wearing a tan suit.

Katie took a quick survey of the area and didn’t see anyone and she didn’t want to leave the victim. Within seconds, she was at the woman’s side, having recognized her immediately.

“Mrs. Braxton? Stay still,” she said as she retrieved her cell phone and dialed 911, reporting the incident and stating that she was a police officer.

Katie noticed the blood patterns across the woman’s abdomen. It appeared there were several knife wounds. The front of Mrs. Braxton’s blouse was soaked in blood and her breathing was rattled and short. “No, please… please find her. Find my daughter.”

“Don’t try to speak. Try to relax and breathe.” Katie shed her suit jacket and used it as a makeshift bandage, pressing it firmly against the woman’s abdomen to try to slow the bleeding. “Help is coming.” She kept a watchful eye for anyone who might be loitering or coming back to the scene. She felt vulnerable; the attacker could be hiding. She kept vigilant even while her heart was breaking.

“Please…” The woman grabbed Katie’s arm. “Please…” Her grip was strong, her eyes expressing her desperation. “You have to find her…”

“Did you see who did this to you?”

She shook her head. “No… never saw… him before…” Her voice was weakening. “He’s still out there.”

“Is there anything you can remember?”

“No, but Anna… she’s all I have…” Her breathing became unstable as her strength wavered.

“Hang on. Help will be here,” Katie said. She could hear sirens in the distance.

The woman slowly pulled Katie closer. Katie realized she wanted to tell her something, so she leaned in close.

“Find the million-dollar man… you’ll find my Anna…”

At first Katie didn’t think she’d heard the woman correctly. But when she looked at her the woman’s stare was powerful as she slightly nodded, as if to confirm what she had said. Katie decided then she would find her daughter, no matter what.

“Who is the million-dollar man?” Katie asked.

“He’s who’s behind this… there will be more… please find Anna before it’s too late…” She could barely speak as her breathing became shallow.

Katie kept the pressure on the wounds until the ambulance and fire truck arrived and took over, stabilizing the woman before putting her into the ambulance. She felt helpless with the fact there was nothing more she could do and no leads on who had attacked Mrs. Braxton, as she stood in the parking garage covered in the woman’s blood, watching the ambulance speed away.

About the Author:

Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and USA Today Best Selling crime fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. Jennifer holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master’s degree in criminology & criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent psychopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling.

Website & Social Media:

Website ➜ https://authorjenniferchase.com/

X ➜ https://x.com/jchasenovelist

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferChase

Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/jenchaseauthor/

Goodreads ➜ www.goodreads.com/author/show/2780337.Jennifer_Chase

# Find My Daughter # First Chapter Reveal

Thursday, June 26, 2025

📚 Back Story: Soul Stirrings by Anita Hackley Lambert #BackStories

thewriterslife 9:00 PM 0 Comments

📚Back Story: SOUL STIRRINGS

By Anita Hackley Lambert

I never set out to become an author for accolades or recognition. I wrote to survive—to breathe through the storm of my own silence.

My earliest inspiration didn’t come from a classroom or creative workshop. It came from deep pain—wounds that weren’t visible to the world but weighed heavily on my soul. By the time I turned fourteen, the trauma of my childhood had left me emotionally paralyzed. Depression had taken root. I was young, broken, and desperately trying to understand the purpose behind my pain.

Then, one evening during a small Christian fellowship at our kitchen table, something divine pierced through the darkness. The Holy Spirit rested upon me, and I heard His voice—not in the natural, but in my spirit. He said, “Anita, you can choose to be bitter or better. Which do you choose?” That moment was sacred, unforgettable. It changed everything. I chose better.

From that encounter, my calling was birthed. I picked up a pen and poured my pain onto the page, writing my first manuscript, No Where to Run. It was never published, but it served its purpose—it became my healing balm, my silent prayer, my soul’s release. Writing became more than a coping mechanism; it became a holy commission.

But I had to wait on God's timing—and that required obedience and much patience. For over sixteen years, I wrote in secret. I filled notebooks with dreams, outlines, and chapters, while continuing to live, learn, and grow spiritually. Though the vision tarried, I trusted the Lord to bring it forth in its season. That season finally arrived in 2023.

Without a traditional publisher or literary agent, I turned to Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). It was a door God opened, and I walked through it. The process was intimidating at first—but liberating. From God’s guidance, I learned the essentials: formatting interiors, designing covers, crafting descriptions, and optimizing keywords. Most importantly, I prayed over every step. Each decision was guided by the Holy Spirit, from the cover concept to the final sentence.

Publishing through KDP allowed me to steward the message God entrusted to me without compromise. Since then, I’ve released several books, each one born from divine instruction and spiritual insight. These aren’t just titles—they are living testimonies. They represent altars in my life—points of divine encounter, revelation, healing, and transformation.

Now, I write not only to survive, but to help others do the same. My books are for the wounded and the weary, the searching, the silenced and anyone needing spiritual uplifting. I want them to know that God sees, hears, and heals because their lives matter to Him. I want them to realize that what nearly broke them can become the very platform from which they rise.

If there’s one truth I could share with every aspiring author, it would be this: do not wait for perfect circumstances. God’s timing may involve preparation, pruning, and perseverance—but when He says it’s time, move. You don’t need man's approval to fulfill a God-given purpose. If He gave you the story, He’ll provide the strength. He’ll equip you with everything you need to release it. The world is waiting, and your obedience could be the answer to someone’s silent prayer.

Soul Stirrings Books 1, 2 & 3 are available at Amazon

Renowned for her expertise as a genealogist, historian, and biographer, Anita Hackley Lambert secured her place in history with her inaugural book—a feat lauded by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Levering Lewis, esteemed historian Charles Patterson, and Harpers Ferry Historical National Park. She stands unrivaled as the familial authority, penning insightful biographies of F.H.M. Murray and Barry A. Murray, both visionary businessmen and lifelong champions of civil rights. As the CEO and president of her former high-tech company, Ms. Lambert founded HLE Publishing, a subsidiary of Hackley Lambert Enterprises—from which she launched her writing career.

With a passion for sharing God’s truth and a deep understanding of scripture, she crafts compelling messages that uplift, encourage, and strengthen believers in their walk with Christ. Her works reflect a profound commitment to faith, wisdom, and the transformative power of God’s love. Through her books, devotionals, and teachings, Anita aims to empower readers to confidently embrace their spiritual journey, trust in God’s promises, and experience the abundant life He has planned for them.

She is the mother of three sons and one daughter. Nestled in the picturesque Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, she lives with her husband. Her journey continues. In addition to two captivating biographies, she as added an impressive number of faith-based nonfiction gems to her literary legacy.

Website & Social Media:

# Anita Hackley Lambert # BACK STORIES

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

🔥 Hot New Release! Crown of Blooms by R.C. Dickens #newrelease

thewriterslife 9:00 PM 0 Comments

When a shy disillusioned pastor’s son becomes fast friends with a worldly, freckle-faced, painter, he is forced to grapple with intense new emotions that he can’t pray away…

Author: R.C. Dickens

Pages: 143

Format: Paperback, Kindle

Genre: Coming of Age/Literary Fiction

Kayden Moses has worked for 15 years to be a good pastor’s son. He’s volunteered at every Vacation Bible School, never missed a youth group meeting, and tries to follow the example of his spiritually gifted twin sister, Delilah. However, all his diligent efforts are disrupted when he meets the biggest stumbling block of his life:

Alex. The new boy in youth group. Bubbly. Opinionated. Dizzyingly nice to look at.

Suddenly, Kayden finds himself caught in a spiral of confusion and asking questions he’s never asked before.

Who is Kayden Moses? Because he’s certainly not a good pastor’s son anymore.

Crown of Blooms can be purchased at Amazon and B&N.

Book Excerpt

The church gym smelled of fresh, hot body odor and even more profusely of cheap cologne. The youth game room had been abandoned by the boys in favor of a pickup basketball game before their parents arrived to take them home. Kayden sat on the bleachers that creaked with every twitch, imagining the girls upstairs having much more fun with the foosball table and the worn UNO deck, and waiting for someone to tire out and pull him into the bracket. He sucked the noxious smell in deep in an attempt to distract himself from how the late afternoon sun was interacting with the sweat on Manny’s skin; Manny was dark and when the light hit that smooth black skin it glowed, reflecting in stark patches on the ripples in his bare stomach and, most prominently, his chest.

– Excerpted from Crown of Blooms by J.C. Dickens, Juniper Press, 2024. Reprinted with permission.

About the Author

R.C. Dickens is the pen name of Juniper Ray, a black, queer writer, choreographer, teacher’s assistant and disaster living in Appalachia with big dreams of escaping out to the West Coast. Along with their debut novel, Crown of Blooms, they have worked as a ghostwriter for several years and have published several short stories. In 2023, Juniper won the Webby Award for Best Single Episode of a Podcast for their appearance on Snap Judgement. When they aren’t writing (which is rarely) Juniper enjoys dancing, singing, anime, cosplay and generally being a menace to the general public.

Website & Social Media:

Website ➜ https://rcdickens.wixsite.com/website

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRCDickens

Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/rcdickens_author

Sunday, June 22, 2025

20 Questions with Christopher Kaufman, Author of 'Tales of the Ocean City' #20Questions

thewriterslife 9:00 PM 0 Comments

Today's guest is Christopher Kaufman, author of the classic epic fantasy series, TALES OF THE OCEAN CITY. Christopher is here today to answer 20 questions about his life, writing and goals.

= you a morning writer or a night writer?

1. Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

Mostly at night. I do a lot of work lying in bed at night before sleeping, or at my desk during the day. I was always the type of person who needs an active imaginative scenario to get to sleep - thus I emerged from completing my advanced degrees in music with the full event structure of my epic fantasy series, Tales Of The Ocean City, in my mind.

2. Do you outline or are you a pantster?

As I mentioned above, I began with the overall event structure for about eight books. I am finishing book eight now. However, when I reach each point I have planned out in my mind, anything can happen and new plot streams are constantly flowing.

For example,

Tales Of The Ocean City tells the tale of a young civilization turning the corner into the future. The city as a whole must do this by facing a terrible enemy from the deepest past, The Vorm - with whom they co-evolved in ages past on their ancestral isle. The main characters are young Harl’ut and his lifelong companion, Vispushin - who is a perianth (a kind of telepathic pegasus). They are very close, like family. They speak to each other mind-to-mind. Harl’ut too must face the past. At the end of book two he undergoes an initiation adventure where he descends into the volcanic mountain, Pla’than’taa - from the belly of which The Ocean City was delved. There, he interacts with personifications of past god-like figures and battles a terrific monster. He then leads a cadre of young warriors into the Vorm Hive on a vital mission.

There are many autobiographical elements in the story…and when I realized they were present, certain parts of the story burgeoned out, most especially the relationship between the main characters, Harl’ut and Vispushin. Perianths are based on my animal family members!

3. Which comes first – plot or character?

Hard to say. They evolve at the same time originally, then the needs of a character may lead, or the plot leads and the character fulfills it.

4. Noise or quiet when working on your manuscript?

Quiet.

5. Favorite TV show?

Star Trek.

6. Favorite type of music?

I am a professional composer. In fact, the first two books of TOC have effulgent audio albums filled with cinematic symphonic music, narration and sound design and are an intrinsic element to my works. My favorite music is that of Igor Stravinsky.

7. Favorite craft besides writing?

For my works I create the graphically illustrated pages, story and music. Some of my works are also live shows, such as The Phantastic Zoo. For these I create performance films filled with illustrative art with the music attached and then I perform voice acting and the like and include dancers and actors in the presentation.

8. Do you play a musical instrument?

Yes. As a trained music artist, I compose, play keyboards and other instruments; I was an oboe major in High School, sang the bass solos in Messiah, and I conduct orchestras in performances of my own music.

9. Single or married?

I am married to a wonderful woman named Maryclare Scerbo - best thing I ever did for myself was to marry her.

10. Children or no?

We have a glorious daughter. For Sophie, I’ve created a series for family-based theatrical works filled with imaginative fantasy stories and orchestral music. We performed them many times. Now she is 15 and has grown out of that phase. Thus, I now work full time on Tales Of The Ocean City (which I term YA Plus - where adult fantasy lovers are a chief part of the audience) and promote my works.

11. Pets?

Yup. We are in pet heaven. Two rescue pets, a terrier-style pup named Angel and a gorgeous black cat named Pluto. Angel was left to die in a box with her siblings, but Second Chance Rescue found her and saved her. Pluto survived the hurricane in Puerto Rico. They are amazing family members!

12. Favorite place to write?

In bed, in the car, in my studio, in a tent..but no green eggs and ham.

13. Favorite restaurant?

A place called Tanoreen here in Brooklyn. Excellent Mediterranean food.

14. Do you work outside the home?

Yes. I travel and teach music and write in the car when waiting to pick up my daughter. I also present concert events and perform in theaters, concert halls and botanical gardens.

15. What was the name of the last movie you saw?

We saw The Return Of The King with a live 280-piece orchestra in Radio City Music Hall. Incredible.

16. Favorite outdoor activity?

Walking Angel in the park. I also write in the park.

17. Pet peeve?

When people drive up beside me with their music blasting out of their windows…and shatter my thoughts, which are often Tales Of The Ocean City related.

18. Your goal in life?

All of my works celebrate the transformative power of imagination. I believe in that power as demonstrated in the fine arts and, especially, great fantasy stories. Much of my work is about feeding and growing imagination in one way or another. I hope people experience my work and then feel differently about how they experience the world around them. Imagination is the highest function of the human mind - it gives us art, music and scientific theories…and helps us envision a better future for ourselves and our civilization. It has been damaged in many ways in our modern lives. Fantasy can help cure this.

19. Your most exciting moment?

When my daughter was born. No Question.

20. The love of your life?

Wife and Daughter, Angel and Pluto. My family.

Christopher Kaufman is an author, composer, presenter, illustrative artist and performer. He started imaginative fantasy books with illustrative art at the age of nine. During high school years he found music and attended The New Orleans Center for The Creative Arts and went on to major in music composition in college. He finished his schooling – earning his DMA in music composition at Cornell University where he studied with Pulitzer Prize Winning composers who prize his abilities as a composer.

Christopher is the type of person who needs imaginative fantasy scenarios to get to sleep. Therefore, he emerged from Cornell, not only with his degrees in music, but with the full event structure for his classic epic fantasy series Tales Of The Ocean City in his mind.

He began writing the story down in the early 2000’s, but it did not really come to life until he developed his home music ‘laboratory’ and started creating the music and text at the same time. Thus books one and two of TOC came about simultaneously as both graphically illustrated pages and effulgent audio albums filled with cinematic epic symphonic music.

They exist now as physical books and audio albums (that go together) and the new Video Book version. He performs live tours with the music pouring through speakers, live narration and the colorful pages streaming on screen – a true immersive multi-media experience.

He also maintains his career as a composer for the concert stage with a full body of work, from solo works thru orchestral. He specializes as well in ‘environmental works’ which feature soundscapes crafted from hundreds of natural sounds, live musicians (from soloists, chamber groups and to full orchestra), videos filled with both natural and artistic images and readings from the works of John Muir and others.

Kaufman’s books feature full-page graphic illustration and go-with audio albums filled with epic cinematic music, narration and sound design. All available, with generous discount packages, at kaufmantales.com (epubs and the new Video Book version available there!).

His author page is talesoftheoceancity.com.

His you-tube channel is SOUNDARTUS.

Visit him at Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/talesoftheoceancity.

Christopher believes in the transformative power of imagination.

“Live with imagination!”

Title: Tales of the Ocean City: Battle in the Sky (Book 1)

Tales of the Ocean City: Descent Into the Abyss (Book 2)

Author: Christopher Kaufman

Publisher: Three Dashes Publications

Genre: Classic Epic Fantasy

A young civilization is turning the corner into the future, but first they must face a terrible enemy from their deepest past – THE VORM.

The main characters are a young man named Harl’ut and his lifelong companion Vispushin – who is a perIanth, a kind of telepathic pegasus. Join them on this epic adventure as they lead a group of young warriors into the heart of the Vorm Hive.

Book One: Battle In The Sky is the first of five books which comprise the opening series of this epic tale. Here, Harl’ut and Vispushin and The Princess Bryn’lynn, engage in desperate battle over the southern plain with savage Vorm warriors. You will be uplifted by the passionate and thrilling conclusion of the first installment of this fantasy adventure.

In Book Two: Descent Into The Abyss, Harl’ut recovers from his harrowing adventure from Book One: Battle In The Sky. He walks through the streets of The Ocean City, visits the Sculpture Garden and his friend, Elá, the bard, and engages in exciting training games with warrior/mentor, Calanctus. Then the story takes you down the throat of the vast volcano, Pla’than’taa, once worshipped as a god, where Harl’ut enacts a deadly initiation ritual, confronts the barbaric past of his people and battles a terrifying monster.

Pick up your copies at https://kaufmantales.com/.

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