Phoenix Entertainment and Development

Phoenix Entertainment and Development

Friday, June 27, 2014

Review: Friends with Full Benefits

Welcome everyone to another big week on the Writer's Revolution. I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess. Today we'll be reviewing Friends with Full Benefits by Luke Young.


Friends with Full Benefits

Plot: This is the continuation of Brian and Jillian's romantic saga. The story picks up right after Friends with Partial Benefits left off. Brian and Jillian have declared their love for each other and working out how to continue their relationship. They're biggest concern has become how to tell their families; including Jillian's son and Brian's best friend Rob.

Review: Friends with Full Benefits was definitely an interesting read. It picked up where the first book left off which was great. It gave us some of what we were missing before the first ending. I loved the first half of the book. It had great comedy; especially when Rob eventually finds out about Jillian and Brian.

It was evident from the beginning that the book would have a different twist added to it. Although I loved the progression of Victoria's character and the introduction to Jim (Brian's brother), I felt the story became too jumbled. The beginning focuses on Brian and Jillian's relationship and how they broke the news to his parents and her son, but quickly became too focused on Victoria and her struggle to battle her own emotions of love and sex. It was a great story all on its own, but found the sporadic individual chapters featuring Brian and Jillian or Rob going on a job interview was distracting and confusing to add in with the ongoing Jim and Victoria plot.

Despite the minor hiccups, I felt the general plot was developed well and the story gave the readers everything; comedy, drama, sex, and a nice twist ending.


Get your copy of Friends with Full Benefits
 http://www.amazon.com/Friends-Full-Benefits-Book-ebook/dp/B006KH5OGW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1403877010&sr=1-1&keywords=friends+with+full+benefits

and of course your copy of The Phoenix Blade: Project Justice: http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Blade-Project-Justice-ebook/dp/B00J2HG2H2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400788203&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Phoenix+Blade

And remember to rate and review the books on Amazon.com. Everyone has a voice; let it be heard.




Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Review: Friends with Partial Benefits

Welcome everyone to another big week on the Writer's Revolution. I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess. Today we'll be reviewing the romance book Friends with Partial Benefits by Luke Young.


Friends with Partial Benefits


Plot: Brian, a student at Georgia State University, is dating a girl named Natalie who seems to genuinely care about him but tends to shy away from anything sexually. Things take a turn for the seemingly happy couple to where Natalie has become distant. Brian's buddy, Rob, suggests he comes back with him to Miami for Spring Break and stay with him at his mother's house.

There he meets Jillian, a divorced bestselling romance writer that has  series of bad luck blind dates with men that have only one thing on their minds. Brian and Jillian hit it off very well and have a lot in common; especially tennis. They share a mutual attraction and decide to take it to the court where things heat up.

Brian is stuck between his attraction to Jillian his loyalty to his best friend and his potential love with Natalie.

Review: Probably one of the most intense romance books I've read. Friends with Partial Benefits was  fantastic ride with a great storytelling voice, interesting characters and an unique take on the world of dating and how age is not a factor. I think a few parts in the story should not have taken place as it is less likely to have happened; more at the end when they are going back to the college and that the ending that was placed on this book should have been saved for a future book as it takes away so many options to continue the larger plot. It did leave me wanting a little more in both a good and not so good way. I wanted to read more about the Brian, Jillian, Rob and the neighbor Victoria. However, if the book was to include chapters detailing an intense lead up to sexual encounters, then there should be more follow through. It doesn't need to be graphic but at the same time shouldn't leave you saying "that's it; it's over."
All in all I think this has been a really good book and look forward to reading the next one Friends with Full Benefits.

Check out Friends with Partial Benefits which is currently free on Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/Friends-Partial-Benefits-Book-ebook/dp/B0057XY24K/ref=la_B004FW07CU_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1403704719&sr=1-1

and of course your copy of The Phoenix Blade: Project Justice: http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Blade-Project-Justice-ebook/dp/B00J2HG2H2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400788203&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Phoenix+Blade

And remember to rate and review the books on Amazon.com. Everyone has a voice; let it be heard.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Review: Neighborly Complications

Welcome everyone to another big week on the Writer's Revolution. I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess. Today I wanted to take the time to review an incredible book written by one of our previous guests Anne Conley.



Neighborly Complications

The story takes place in a little town called Serendipity Texas. Claire, a woman reeling from catching her boyfriend cheating on her, has inherited property from her uncle that has recently passed. She arrives at the property and sees the house is in dire need of being fixed up. As she began clearing out the trash from the house, Claire stumbles and falls into an old dried up well. She struggles to keep herself from falling and cries out for help. Max, Claire's new next door neighbor, hears her cries and rushes to her aid.

There is a mutual attraction between Claire and Max; although neither of them want to admit it out loud. There is an intense connection between them which can be felt throughout the story. Each have their own baggage they bring to the table and has a constant back and forth battle with each other from the beginning and an even tougher battle with their own emotions.

The book has a great story to it. The chemistry between Claire and Max was great and had you wanting them to find a way to let go of their baggage and fall in love and had you wondering if they ever would.

There were definitely some moments where I wish the author gave us a little more beyond the two main characters by showing more of their friends and how they interact with them and even a bit more action and story with the movers. But the story was riveting, exciting and had me glued to it from beginning to end. I loved the progression of Claire and Max.

This is a true must read for romance readers and I for one look forward to reading more from Anne Conley.


Grab your free copy of Neighborly Complications today on Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/Neighborly-Complications-Stories-Serendipity-1-ebook/dp/B00B73TIBG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403196648&sr=8-1&keywords=neighborly+complications

And make sure you check out all of her books on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Anne%20Conley&sprefix=Anne+%2Caps&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3AAnne%20Conley

and of course your copy of The Phoenix Blade: Project Justice: http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Blade-Project-Justice-ebook/dp/B00J2HG2H2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400788203&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Phoenix+Blade

And remember to rate and review the books on Amazon.com. Everyone has a voice; let it be heard.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Septemeber Series Blurbs


Welcome everyone to another big week on the Writer's Revolution. I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess. Our guest this week is the lovely Hunter S. Jones





Sometimes when you believe it’s the end, it’s only the beginning.
 
 
 
September Ends is contemporary fiction, with romance, erotic and supernatural elements, bound by poetry. It reveals the intricate web of passion and desire which entangles Liz Snow, Pete Hendrix and Jack O. Savage. The story is told through Liz Snow’s diary, Jack O. Savage’s poetry, and from letters sent across the Atlantic. Traveling throughout the lushness of a summertime in Tennessee and Georgia, September Ends journeys into the elegance of London’s West End and is finally settled in the countryside of Cornwall, England, a decade later.
 
September Ends is a story of sin, redemption and salvation through love
because love happens when we least expect it.
 


 
 



SEPTEMBER AGAIN

According to Cherokee beliefs, opportunity will bless you twice.

September Again, second in the series, September Stories, is the follow up to the hugely popular indie sensation, September Ends. September Again finds Liz Snow Savage leaving England. She follows her daughter Zelda Savage back to America after Zelda’s betrayal of her. More drama ensues as Liz looks for meaning in life while Zelda finds her direction after the tragedy of losing Jack O. Savage, The Poet. Set mainly in Chattanooga, Tennessee, September Again chronicles the rhythm of life's cycles. The ebb and flow of love unravel the mystery of Liz's past. September Again allows a further glimpse into the intricate web of passion and desire which have entangled Liz Snow, Pete Hendrix and Jack O. Savage for years. Will a chance encounter finally reveal the truth?  What act will change the destiny of Liz and Zelda forever? The story of sin, salvation and redemption continues in Book 2 of the September Stories, told through a mosaic of prose with a smattering of poetry.

Magic happens when you least expect it.

 
 

about.me/huntersjones101
www.thehuntersjones.blogspot.com – Exile on Peachtree Street

and of course your copy of The Phoenix Blade: Project Justice: http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Blade-Project-Justice-ebook/dp/B00J2HG2H2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400788203&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Phoenix+Blade

And remember to rate and review the books on Amazon.com. Everyone has a voice; let it be heard.
 

 

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Hunter S. Jones Interview Part 2


Welcome everyone to another big week on the Writer's Revolution. I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess. Our guest this week is the lovely Hunter S. Jones




Now a little more about you:

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you bring (excluding family, laptop, or writing utensils)?

Wine

Sunscreen

A hat

Optional choice – Johnny Depp

Not necessarily in that order…who would really need a hat if they had the other three?

We find out the world is going to end tomorrow.  How do you live your last day?

Please refer to the last question for the answer to this question. J

If we were to make a movie of your life.  Who would play the part of you?

Cameron Diaz. She is giggly, tall and quirky enough to nail the role. She could easily handle the dramatic parts with her exquisite mannerisms.

Okay, crystal ball time.  Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Are you kidding? I don’t know where I’ll be in 5-10 minutes. This is impossible to answer.

Do you have any questions for me?

Any plans to visit Atlanta?
I was actually supposed to go this summer, but had to hold off and put the money towards my wedding.

Actually, what is your favorite food?
Sushi is my absolute favorite food, but also love a good old cheeseburger fresh from the grill.


Any final words for our readers?

Thank you all so much for your support. I love you all and promise to buy everyone that has ever bought one of my books a drink one day! Special thanks to you for featuring me today Andrew. Cheers!


about.me/huntersjones101
www.thehuntersjones.blogspot.com – Exile on Peachtree Street

and of course your copy of The Phoenix Blade: Project Justice: http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Blade-Project-Justice-ebook/dp/B00J2HG2H2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400788203&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Phoenix+Blade

And remember to rate and review the books on Amazon.com. Everyone has a voice; let it be heard.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Hunter S. Jones Interview Part 1


Welcome everyone to another big week on the Writer's Revolution. I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess. Our guest this week is the lovely Hunter S. Jones






Let’s get to know you a little more.  Tell us a about yourself.

The art form I create when writing is much more interesting than anything you will ever know or learn about me. However, since you ask, I have lived in Tennessee and Georgia my entire life, except for one “lost summer” spent in Los Angeles. My first published stories were for a local underground rock publication in Nashville. Since then, I have published articles on music, fashion, art, travel and history.

October 2013 saw the launch of a novel collaboration, SEPTEMBER ENDS, contemporary fiction laced with romance, erotic and supernatural elements, bound by poetry. SEPTEMBER ENDS has been labeled an “Indie Sensation” due the critical reception and international recognition the novel has received.  It has just been nominated for indie 2013 Book of the Year AND Best Romance by the peer recommended eFestival of Words. The book has been downloaded in every Amazon domain on the planet. It has achieved #1 status on Amazon for World Literature, #1 in British Poetry and #1 in Contemporary Poetry.

The first installment of The Fortune Series, FORTUNE CALLING, released in January 2014, is the story of Dallas Fortune, a musician from Nashville who has been dealt a bad hand by fate, but finds her way. It has been #1 on Amazon in Contemporary Fiction featuring Performing Arts and #1 in Contemporary Short Stories.

Look for the next September story, SEPTEMBER AGAIN, released on Amazon on April 15, 2014. SEPTEMBER AGAIN is a dramatic contemporary coming of age story, no matter what your age is.

What inspired you to write?

You never know what will inspire you, do you? Maybe a random smile from a stranger, a song you’ve never heard or it could be something you overhear in a crowd. Inspiration floats freely on the wings of the cosmos.

Tell me a little about your book.  (Title, plot)


The September Stories, September Ends and September Again, focus on the love triangle between Liz Snow, Pete Hendrix and Jack O Savage.
Sometimes when you believe it’s the end, it’s only the beginning.
 
 
 
September Ends is contemporary fiction, with romance, erotic and supernatural elements, bound by poetry. It reveals the intricate web of passion and desire which entangles Liz Snow, Pete Hendrix and Jack O. Savage. The story is told through Liz Snow’s diary, Jack O. Savage’s poetry, and from letters sent across the Atlantic. Traveling throughout the lushness of a summertime in Tennessee and Georgia, September Ends journeys into the elegance of London’s West End and is finally settled in the countryside of Cornwall, England, a decade later.
 
September Ends is a story of sin, redemption and salvation through love
because love happens when we least expect it.
 

How did you come up with the story?

The characters revealed themselves to me. The Story followed.


Tell me about your main character.  Who is he/she, what makes them special to you?

Liz Snow is a deeply flawed character. She hasn’t lived a typical life. I love her because she is the character that introduced me to this beautiful story.

Who has been your greatest writing inspiration?

Maybe this question should be who hasn’t inspired me. Everyone who has ever written a book is my hero.
On a personal level, it’s the people who love me that will always be my greatest inspiration. Love. It really is all you need.
about.me/huntersjones101
www.thehuntersjones.blogspot.com – Exile on Peachtree Street
and of course your copy of The Phoenix Blade: Project Justice: http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Blade-Project-Justice-ebook/dp/B00J2HG2H2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400788203&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Phoenix+Blade

And remember to rate and review the books on Amazon.com. Everyone has a voice; let it be heard.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Preview: Hunter S. Jones


Welcome everyone to another big week on the Writer's Revolution. I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess. Our guest this week is the lovely Hunter S. Jones





Greetings from Atlanta GA. I am author and rock/entertainment blogger Hunter S. Jones. Music is my first & true love although I have no musical skills or abilities. However, throughout my life I have written something/anything. My first articles were written for an underground alternative/indie rock publication in Nashville, Tennessee. Since then, I have published articles on  fashion, travel, history and art. My debut novella was released in October 2012.  In March 2013, Moon Rose Publishing released the short story Yule romance, Magic in Memphis, as part of A Celtic Tapestry Collection.  



about.me/huntersjones101
www.thehuntersjones.blogspot.com – Exile on Peachtree Street

and of course your copy of The Phoenix Blade: Project Justice: http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Blade-Project-Justice-ebook/dp/B00J2HG2H2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400788203&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Phoenix+Blade

And remember to rate and review the books on Amazon.com. Everyone has a voice; let it be heard.

Friday, June 6, 2014

Allen Renfro Blurbs

Welcome everyone to another big week on the Writer's Revolution. I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess. This week our guest is an amazingly talented author, Allen Renfro.

Today we're going to highlight some of Allen's recent books.


The phone rings.

Will is glad he didn't go straight to bed after his shift. The call is probably Derek. After a night of bar hopping he’s probably too drunk to drive and needs a ride home.

At such a late hour Reverend Wallace wonders which elderly member of his congregation has died.

Nearly asleep Laura knows she shouldn't answer the phone in the middle of the night, but it could be her husband who is out of town.

They are wrong.

In the wake of a senseless and horrific crime a city is torn apart and a nation is in shock. As investigators delve into the lives of the suspect and the victims they unravel an even darker mystery. A grieving community will struggle to deal with the consequences of the secrets that are revealed. Secrets that will leave no life untouched.




Forced to come out of the closet to prove his innocence in a brutal murder, Detective Derek Cooper is warned by the police chief not to get involved in the case. Consumed with guilt, Derek knows he must unravel the secrets of his own drunken actions on the night of the murder in order to help find the killer. When he is asked to work with the detectives on the case he must face his own personal demons that he has ignored for years. As they struggle to solve the bizarre murder, Derek realizes the pieces of the puzzle won't fit and a more sinister element could be involved. He then realizes something even more frightening: he could be falling in love…



The Morrelini saga continues. Adam desperately tries to save his family through the blood of the second life. While he seeks the knowledge and understanding of the journey of the dead he senses a sinister presence watching him. Fearful for his family and his village he unknowingly summons the aid of all who have been changed by the blood. As the surviving victims of Antony's horrific experiments converge on Kensington old scores will be settled and secrets they have kept hidden will be revealed. But their desire for revenge will be overshadowed by armies of men determined to capture or destroy the powerful beings for their own purposes. They must join together to protect those they love from power hungry kings and from the coming wrath of their creator.




Churches are burning. People are being slaughtered. The country is petrified by a rogue criminal known as Killer Ghost who posts videos online of his brutal crimes.  Danny, a young hustler, is rescued and befriended by a stranger. As if falling from the heavens the stranger he calls Blue Eyes is a dream come true offering Danny a chance to start a brand new life. Happiness is short lived when he realizes the stranger, tormented by horrific events in his past, could be the Killer Ghost determined to destroy everything and everyone in his way and avenge a past he did not deserve.


Adam O’Brien closed his eyes to go to sleep. When he woke four days later his world was gone. He was alone. His parents had disappeared. The gaping wound on his head and the scratches on his arms were the only testimony to a tragic horror. Waking in a room of luxury that seemed familiar he was greeted by Nicolas, a friendly stranger, who provided him a haven to rest and recuperate. It was not long before Adam realized something was very wrong and all that was held true was a lie. An unnatural presence lurked in the shadows, a force as strong as the devil. As Nicolas slowly offers Adam the answers he desperately seeks and reveals an unspeakable crime, Adam comes to understand that he is connected to a family cursed for thousands of years, born to bear a burden even they don’t understand. 


Website:  www.allenrenfro.com   
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Allen-Renfro/205552842862027


Make sure you check out Allen's books on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Allen%20Renfro&search-alias=books

and of course your copy of The Phoenix Blade: Project Justice: http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Blade-Project-Justice-ebook/dp/B00J2HG2H2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400788203&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Phoenix+Blade

And remember to rate and review the books on Amazon.com. Everyone has a voice; let it be heard.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Ambiguity Excerpt


Welcome everyone to another big week on the Writer's Revolution. I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess. This week our guest is an amazingly talented author, Allen Renfro.

Here is an excerpt of Allen's new book: Ambiguity


The screams of ambulance sirens flew past Will as his shaking hands held tightly to the steering wheel; the flashing lights illuminated the concrete walls and the trees along the freeway. He kept his car in the far right lane, out of the way of the dozens of emergency vehicles that were racing in one direction: downtown to the Exodus Club. The headlights of his car didn't feel bright enough; the speed of the car wasn't fast enough. The radio was turned to a station reporting live from outside the club, a stern male voice speaking.

"…the SWAT team that was moving into the club has retreated back to what they are calling a safe zone. From what we're hearing, there is fear that the front entrance and all exits have been booby trapped with explosives, but this can't be confirmed. There continues to be gunfire inside the club and several explosions have also been heard. We can see people running with their hands over their heads toward the police barricades, their clothes covered in blood, men and women, screaming and crying. I can see victims of the shooting being attended to on the sidewalks. There have been dozens of casualties…"

Will slid his hand across his eyes, wiping away the heavy tears about to streak down his face. "Please, God, let Derek be okay and I promise I'll tell him the truth."

Will's black Mustang screeched to a halt at the end of Kings Avenue just behind Kyle's rickety old truck. He shielded his eyes with his hand as he stepped out to the street, making sure his badge was displayed at the waist of his jeans. He quickly pointed to the badge as the armed police officers approached him, halting their potential interrogation.

The constant blinding flashes of blue and red were staggering. He could hear Kyle's loud voice above the screams and shouts and sirens as he approached the police car that idled sideways across the street. He felt a numbness climb from his legs up to his heart as he fought his way against the rush of emergency personnel around a long line of ambulances waiting to take the injured to hospitals. He pushed by a reporter, knocking his blue baseball cap to the ground. He was in no mood for the media's cameras.

Kyle was in a discussion with Chet, Will's partner. Will could see Chet's big bouncing belly and his too short tie through the blinding lights. Kyle and Chet stood face to face, talking directly into each other's ears. Only the yellow official tape separated them.

"Yeah," Chet shouted and pointed with his pistol to the far end of the street. "The sergeant is over there with the chief."

Will had just been a few seconds behind Kyle in arriving. From their perspective, they could see three fire trucks aligned in a semi-circle in front of the club. Will knew the chief had ordered the fire trucks arranged in that position as a barricade. They offered a means for officers to move back and forth with less risk of being shot from the gunman, should the gunman choose to fire his weapons from the building. With all the flashing lights and scrambling people, they could not see the chief or sergeant.

"Hey!" Will shouted, grabbing Kyle back by his shoulder and acknowledging him. "What the hell's going on?"

"Hey," Kyle shouted over the noise. "SWAT was about to go in, but they think there's explosives at the entrances and exits."

"Any word from Derek?" Will said.

"No," Kyle replied, his arms folding across his chest in frustration.

"How many of our guys have been called in?" Will asked, trying to filter the flashing lights from his eyes and look for familiar faces. He counted six city police cars scattered in the street, their lights flashing, and he could see more at the far end of the street beyond the black vans, fire trucks, and ambulances.

"All of us," Chet chimed in loudly. "For a bunch of …"

Will's pointed finger silenced Chet immediately. "Shut up! I'm not putting up with your shit tonight!"

Will took Kyle by the arm and pulled him back away from the noise so he could hear better and he didn't have to look at Chet.

"Who's running the show?"

"We still are, but I'm sure the FBI is on their way."

"It's like a war zone," Will said with frustration. "We gotta find the sergeant and the chief!"

"Where's your vest?" Kyle suddenly asked. Will noticed that Kyle was wearing his bulletproof protection over a t-shirt, the white of the t-shirt sticking out near Kyle's slightly plump waist. Kyle's tie and jacket had been discarded.

 "Dammit," Will shouted. "It's in the car."

"Go get it!" Kyle insisted.

"We gotta find the sergeant!" Will had nothing but Derek's safety on his mind.

Kyle grabbed Will by the sleeve of his t-shirt, the fabric clutched in his fist. "The sergeant is right over there! Go get the vest! Derek will never forgive me if something happens to you. Now get it! I'll wait right here."

"We don't have time for this, Kyle!" he declared.

"You have time to get your vest," Kyle shouted back and dragged him by the sleeve of his t-shirt. "Now come on! Guess I'll have to go with you!"

"Okay, okay!" Will said loudly, pulling his arm away more angrily than he intended.

The area was clearing of people and the interested onlookers were sufficiently away from the scene behind a line of policemen and “road closed” signs that flashed timid, round orange lights at them. Will fumbled with his keys, attempting to unlock the trunk of the car as Kyle attempted to be patient, pacing nervously behind him.

He wrestled the bulletproof vest over his t-shirt and slammed the trunk closed. They both made sure their badges were visible to any observer.

"Satisfied?" he asked with a glare on his face.

"Yeah, Derek would be," Kyle said back with southern sarcasm his mom would have been proud of.

They ran down the street, the galloping sounds of their feet on the pavement loud for such a chaotic and noisy scene. They ducked under the yellow tape and behind the row of fire trucks, heading for the sergeant and the chief. Will glanced over to the building; the green neon sign that glowed with the word “Exodus” was overwhelmed by the flashing blue and red lights that danced off the wall.

Quick repeating bursts of gunfire from an automatic weapon echoed from inside the building.

They froze in place.

"Sweet Jesus!" Kyle whispered.

"He's still shooting!" Will replied, his eyes no longer hiding the horror of what could be happening inside.



Website:  www.allenrenfro.com   
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Allen-Renfro/205552842862027


Make sure you check out Allen's books on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Allen%20Renfro&search-alias=books

and of course your copy of The Phoenix Blade: Project Justice: http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Blade-Project-Justice-ebook/dp/B00J2HG2H2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400788203&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Phoenix+Blade

And remember to rate and review the books on Amazon.com. Everyone has a voice; let it be heard.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Allen Renfro Interview Part 2

Welcome everyone to another big week on the Writer's Revolution. I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess. This week our guest is an amazingly talented author, Allen Renfro.






Now a little more about you:

 

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you bring (excluding family, laptop, or writing utensils)?

Gosh, can I have a week to do the research on this one? Well… letting the accountant side of my brain take over I'd say I need to be practical if I wanted to survive. So I'd bring a cigarette lighter to make fire; tools to build a shelter and a large bucket to carry and collect fresh water.  I was a huge fan of the show Lost and we now know that it's still possible to disappear and not be found as with flight 370 in Malaysia so if survival is the key these three things are what I'd bring.

Now…if I'm going to be rescued in a few weeks I'd want my Kindle, a Pandora subscription and maybe Henry Cavill serving me drinks!

 

We find out the world is going to end tomorrow.  How do you live your last day?

That's a simple one for me. I'd be with all the people I love, enjoying their company, just being near them, reminiscing, talking, laughing. Just enjoying each other.

 

If we were to make a movie of your life.  Who would play the part of you?

Aaron Paul. He has that perfect combination of intensity and there's that wild, crazy guy underneath with a twisted sense of humor. And of course, superficially, I want someone to play me who is sexy and people would want to look at!

 

Okay, crystal ball time.  Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

I want to still be writing that's for sure. It'd be nice to have a full time career in writing. Who knows? Maybe that's the future for me.

Do you have any questions for me?

I love it when an interviewer asks me this because I love turning the tables. I would ask you the same questions that you just asked me. Especially the question about what you would bring if you were stranded on a desert island. I would also add this question: what inspired you to become a blogger?

I tried my hand at general blogging years ago but felt it was more of a journal than anything and I wanted more from it. My fiancĂ© convinced me to give it another try and I did, but didn’t want to just write about my trials and journey as a writer. I wanted to give other authors their chance to tell their stories and help them gain exposure as well.

If I was stranded on the desert island, I’d take my fiancĂ© with me, a radio and a tool box filled with tools to build a shelter and whatever else I’d need them for to survive.

 

Where can our readers find you?  (Please provide links for everything Twitter, Facebook, Blog, Website etc).

Website:  www.allenrenfro.com   
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Allen-Renfro/205552842862027


Make sure you check out Allen's books on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Allen%20Renfro&search-alias=books

and of course your copy of The Phoenix Blade: Project Justice: http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Blade-Project-Justice-ebook/dp/B00J2HG2H2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400788203&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Phoenix+Blade

And remember to rate and review the books on Amazon.com. Everyone has a voice; let it be heard.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Allen Renfro Interview Part 1


Welcome everyone to another big week on the Writer's Revolution. I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess. This week our guest is an amazingly talented author, Allen Renfro.





Let’s get to know you a little more.  Tell us a about yourself.

Thanks for having me, Andrew! Well, I am a graduate of Tusculum College with a degree in business which I utilize in my real world. Back in the early 90s at the height of the zine culture I wrote and drew art pieces for several different zines. Before that I gave screenwriting a shot but that didn't work out at the time but is something I would love to try again. I am an absolute history buff and could watch documentaries all day long. I can see myself taking vacations centered around a location of historical significance.

What inspired you to write?

You know, I think the desire to write is genetic. It seems like I've always been inspired to write though I didn't write for a long period in my life. I discovered I had a knack for writing in the sixth grade when an English teacher praised a short story I wrote for an assignment.  I think now what inspires me are stories that haven't been told. Subjects that people haven't really touched before; giving a voice and shedding light on subjects that are in the dark. I think that's what challenges and provokes me, and hopefully it will do the same for those who read my work.

Tell me a little about your book.  (Title, plot)

Ambiguity is a story that begins with a shocking and tragic event. This tragedy leads to the revelation of several characters' deepest secrets. It's a story of closets that, due to circumstances, are forced open for everyone to see. There is a ripple effect that moves throughout the book as investigators attempt to piece together the history of a suspect and his connection to his victims. What is believed to be merely another hate crime turns out to be a deeper and darker mystery none of them could ever have imagined.

How did you come up with the story?

The story begged to be written. It's contemporary. It's a reflection of what's happening in our world today. It offered me an opportunity to talk about something that a lot of people are very uncomfortable with. I guess you could call it one my own personal fears, that when someone can't win their argument through respectful debate and with facts that they will turn to violence to accomplish their goal. And personally, in my writing, I want to be challenged myself. I want to take a story that may seem to be only one layer and reveal that there are many layers and that perception is rarely fact. It can make for riveting story telling.


Tell me about your main character.  Who is he/she, what makes them special to you?

Ambiguity is the first book I've written that actually has no one main character but several main characters.  In essence the tragic even that happens at the very beginning of the book is a character itself that affects all the other living and breathing characters. When I began writing Ambiguity I decided, because of the controversial topic, to bring in characters from my novel Bridge Water and create a complete, stand alone story with them just to see how it would affect them.

The story itself is told by three sets of characters from different perspectives. I think the characters that are the lead characters would be Detective Will Jones and Erik Layton, aka Laylay; Reverend Ed Wallace and his wife Judith; and Laura Jennings. These characters are the centerpiece of the story. They afforded me the opportunity to express all sides of the story in a way that allowed me to tell the story as I wanted it to be told.

What makes these characters special is just that they are all human to me, normal everyday people you could see on the streets. I think we can relate to all of them in one way or another, from the characters desperately trying to keep their secrets hidden, to characters that have to live with the fall out of the secrets that are revealed.  I believe Erik's reaction to the tragedy is one that a lot of us would have. Determined to never be a victim again, he wants to fight back. And there's Laura who has her world turned upside down by the tragedy and didn't see it coming, like being hit by a train and never knowing the train was barreling toward her. And then there's Will who makes a promise to God that if Derek is okay that he will tell Derek his deepest secret from his past.

Who has been your greatest writing inspiration?

As far as writing I think I'm not alone in saying it's tough to pick one inspiration, but for me as far the quality and style of writing I would say Anne Rice. I think her novel Interview with the Vampire is beautifully written.  She makes vampires human with the same emotions and desires that humans have. And her attention to detail to this day amazes me. And I think her own personal history inspires me especially when she describes how the vampire series came to be.




Website:  www.allenrenfro.com   
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Allen-Renfro/205552842862027


Make sure you check out Allen's books on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Allen%20Renfro&search-alias=books

and of course your copy of The Phoenix Blade: Project Justice: http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Blade-Project-Justice-ebook/dp/B00J2HG2H2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400788203&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Phoenix+Blade

And remember to rate and review the books on Amazon.com. Everyone has a voice; let it be heard.