Books: Meet Fantasy UK writer Martyn Stanley

I'm excited to feature Martyn Stanley today. I've read and reviewed a couple of his books and I totally recommended for those who love good fantasy! And don't forget to scroll down to the end to take advantage of a free offer. Let's get to know more of him and his work!

 

Where are you from and what's your background?

I'm a British author, I live on the Staffordshire, Cheshire border with my wife and two kids. I've always been a reader and a gamer. My favorite games have always been fantasy RPGs, but I prefer writing these days, because it gives me more freedom. I don't have to unfold someone else's plot. 

 

When did you realize you wanted to write and when did you start writing?

I've been writing for decades. I started writing a lot, on a daily basis around the year 2000 when I began co-writing Star Wars Fan Fiction on an RPG forum. I'm still in touch with some of the people I met there, I haven't written any of that sort of thing for years though.

 

Great way to start. What genre do you write and what's your target audience?

I mainly write fantasy, but I have some sci-fi, paranormal and black comedy in

the pipeline too. For my fantasy and folklore stories I'm really aiming at the mysterious NA category. Some of the contents in my books is a little mature for YA, but they're an easy read. Many adults enjoy them too!

Yes, I enjoy your books! How many books have you published? Do you have a favorite?

I've published four novels and two short stories under my own name. My favorite is 'Deathsworn Arc 4: Rise of the Archmage' though I'm very fond of my second short story - 'Return of the Worm Slayer' too. 

 

What is your favorite quote, and who wrote it?

I like a lot of quotes. My favorite source of inspiration is actually a very brief You Tube clip of David Bowie. David Bowie on why you should never play to the gallery. He talks about the importance of not trying to fulfill other people's expectations. He also suggests that if you feel 'safe' where you're working, then you aren't working in the right area and you should go further out of your depth. I completely agree with Bowie on everything he says in this video.

 

 

 

Excellent advice. Thanks for posting it! Do you have a favorite author? Who? What's your favorite book? Has this author or book influenced your writing in any way?

Definitely Terry Pratchett. I've read all his disc-world and some of his other work. His wit and perceptiveness are without equal. I also read his 'Slip of the Keyboard' I felt like I got to know him. I think we'd have got on well. We share a lot of opinions. This was my review of that book:- Martyn Stanley (Stoke-on-Trent, I6, The United Kingdom)’s review of A Slip of the Keyboard: Collected Non-Fiction

 

What inspired you to write your first book? Did you research the topic? How did you overcome writer's block if you had any while drafting the plot?

I just had an idea about a 'big thing' and started to write some characters and fill in the gaps. The little story is what's important. Relationships, friendships, arguments - the human aspect of the story. Always make the big story small and the small story big.

Very interesting. And what are you working on now?

Deathsworn Arc 5: The Temple of the Mad God is my main project at the moment, but I also have a paranormal, a black comedy and a time-travel in the pipeline. So little time, so much to write!

Can't wait! Where can we find out more about you and your work?

Goodreads is always a good place. I'm very open and willing to interact with readers. I'll happily discuss my books or other books I've read with anyone on Goodreads! I also have a You Tube channel where I talk about many things. Occasionally even writing and books!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

One of my projects in the pipeline is a short story prequel to 'The Last Dragon Slayer' it will be a subscriber exclusive. I may list it on Amazon, but it will be at an absurdly unrealistic price if I do. Once it's ready I will be giving an e-book of it to all my subscribers so if you've read my first book and want to know what Vashni was up to before she met the companions you should subscribe here:- 

The Martyn Stanley Newsletter - Martyn Stanley

 

Great deal! Readers, don't pass up subscribing to Martyn's newsletter.

 

Here's the link to this Amazon author page where you can browse his work:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Martyn-Stanley/e/B009EOVJC6 

BONUS: Get the first book in his series FREE on Amazon:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Last-Dragon-Slayer-Deathsworn-Book-ebook/dp/B009ECABOA

 

 

Art: Unique Project joins Photography and Writing - KSHM Project

What happens when a talented, inspiring author writes about amazing images taken by an award winning photographer? A unique project is born. The KSHM Project. 

"The KSHM Project is the result of a joint collaborative effort between an award-winning Australian photographer, Karl Strand, and an American author, Henry Martin. Aiming to combine striking visual images with thought-provoking prose, the goal for this project is to create one-of-a-kind tales that delve deep into the human consciousness, while addressing some of the struggles our contemporary society faces. Our work ranges from short vignettes and captions to complete short stories," the artists state about their project.

There are currently four free installments published on all major ebook channels, so you should take advantage of the artists' generosity, and download this beautiful collection of short stories and amazing photographs.

What readers are saying:

"Great story. I don't know what I can even say since it's so short and anything is likely to be a spoiler.  It definitely evokes feelings. Give it a try. It will only take a few minutes. See if it surprised you the way it did me."

"Henry Martin and Karl Strand have teamed up on a unique project. Martin has written several short stories  which are inspired by unique and haunting pictures taken by Strand. I love short stories. I think it's an art to be able to tell a story and elicit strong emotion in the short story format. In order to avoid spoilers, I will say  "Waiting" is the story of a man who waits to spend time with a young girl. The ending packs a punch and is totally unexpected. Martin is wonderful at writing about the dark side of the human condition. This is a story of torment and "Waiting". 

"It's not easy to review this short story associated with a picture without giving spoilers. I'd just say

the words are conducive to the picture, and the author plays with it skillfully, steering the readers into a quite surprising outcome."

This is a unique project, and a great opportunity for you to check out author Henry Martin's thought provoking prose, and enjoy the amazing images of photographer Karl Strand. Enjoy! And don't forget to write a review!

Links for download on Amazon:  

http://www.amazon.com/Waiting-KSHM-Project-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00R79C74Y/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

http://www.amazon.com/Phone-Booth-KSHM-Project-Book-ebook/dp/B00R8P7VNE/ref=pd_sim_sbs_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=19STDMH46RHEE213KA91

http://www.amazon.com/Four-Vignettes-Project-Henry-Martin-ebook/dp/B00RAQ98YQ/ref=pd_sim_sbs_kstore_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=03PYFNHTJEMZFR5Z98Q0

http://www.amazon.com/Elusive-Realities-KSHM-Project-Book-ebook/dp/B00TZ9Z9MG/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

For more of Henry Martin's writing:

http://mad-days-of-me.blogspot.com

http://www.amazon.com/Henry-Martin/e/B001JCCFNI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1 

For more of Karl Strand's photography:

http://www.karlstrandphotography.com.au/ 

https://www.facebook.com/karlstrandphotography 

Books: Reviews of New Indie Authors - Discover a new favorite!

Here are some reviews from Indie writers' books, which I enjoyed discovering. Different genres for different tastes, so pick one you like and give it a try, you might find your new favorite author here! And when you do, please don't forget to write a review! All of them are available on Amazon. Thank you for supporting Indie writers! "No two persons ever read the same book." (Edmund Wilson).

Reaching Kendra - Edward M. Wolfe

I just finished reading Reaching Kendra (I prefer Kendra Spirit, which is the name of another edition) and I'm not sure if I'm happy or sad with the ending. But not in a bad way. This story will keep me thinking for a while. It's provocative and creative, and I was not expecting the twist. The premise of the undying love is great and left me wanting more. Wolfe does a great job building the characters and the suspense. The scene with the suicide bomber is vividly descriptive, and wonderfully written. I was drawn to the characters from the very beginning and could feel the emotions, the sadness, the separation. Although Keith sounds selfish at times, you can only wonder what kind of emotions he was going through when faced with the horrible truth about the love of his life, never wanting to let go. A great love story.

http://www.amazon.com/Reaching-Kendra-Edward-M-Wolfe-ebook/dp/B00KYIEVGM/ref=cm_cr-mr-img


The Ringmaster's Gambit - Yannis Karatsioris

It's a circus you won't forget! I loved this second installment of "The Game" series, sequel to "The

book of the Forsaken." The book has a myriad of supernatural characters, skillfully described and each having a specific role to play in the overall plot of this ingenious story. It's one of those books you can't put down, full of adventure, action and mysteries. Thumbs up for Karatsioris for great imagination and story telling! This book was even better than the first and I can't wait to read further into the series.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Ringmasters-Gambit-Game-ebook/dp/B00EXLZH5U/ref=cm_cr-mr-title


A Knock on a Door - Christos Kallis

A Knock on a Door is a poetry book in which the poet was able to conjure up a collection of poems that will make you think, and are imbued with deep thoughts, albeit also sprinkled with irony and sarcasm. The words are used in a free verse style that is easy to read, for example: "The black rose kept falling from my hands, I had to sacrifice its beauty to reach that victorious peak" from the poem entitled An Apple. Two of my favorites are A letter to Aeschylus and A Million Dollar Smile - "There amongst the chaos and behind her ribs, A beast sat passively in its lair." Excellent use of figurative language and vivid imagery. Great job, and I will be looking for the next poetry book from Mr. Kallis.

http://www.amazon.com/A-Knock-On-Door/dp/1849635803/ref=tmm_pap_title_0


Echo of Heartbreak, A Recipe for Life - Carol Ann Kauffman

A very nice, inspiring book, that tells the story of a very strong woman who decides to go along with 

her much wanted pregnancy against all odds. And, expecting the worse, she decides to leave her unborn daughter a recipe for life, a journal with advice to help her understand life and receive the motherly knowledge she would miss. The inclusion of real food recipes was a delicious touch to the story. I'm looking forward to trying the mushroom and spinach fritatta! A moving story full of life advice for everyone.

http://www.amazon.com/Echo-Heartbreak-A-Recipe-Life-ebook/dp/B00ES2H0BS/ref=cm_cr-mr-title