Blog Tour Kickoff: Mind Over Psyche

Today, I'm kicking off a new blog tour for Mind Over Psyche, the second in the Mind Over Trilogy.  Deryl Stephens isn't crazy; he's psychic.  At last, he'd found someone to believe him.  Joshua helped him gain control over his abilities, but he realizes that the only way to gain a life of his own is to escape the asylum where he's been captive five years.  Unfortunately, escape leads him top another planet, where the dangers to his sanity and to the his life and Joshua's are greater than those he faced on Earth.

I thought it might be fun to start the tour with an interview I did of Mind Over Mind, kind of a catch up, but also a nice explanation of the characters and world:

1. This novel has quite a history, doesn't it?

I started this in college as a short story for a science fiction class.  I wrote it more out of spite than anything; my midterm paper got a B because the professor didn't like my analysis of some story I've long since forgotten.  He loved the story and thought I should make it into a novel.

I spent the next year working on that novel, and even sent it out to several publishers, who all sent me very nice form rejections.  So I gave it up, finished college, became an officer in the military, got married and had kids, then started a writing career.

In 2001, I was homeschooling two kids and had a toddler and a baby at home, so I decided to brush off the old novel and try again.  I thought it'd be easy until I saw how, well, shallow it was.  The character was a cool college Mary Sue with psychic powers, and Joshua was a hick sidekick.  TRIPE!  Ten years of living had given me some perspective, and I realized I needed to rethink the whole thing.  I did love the premise, though, and Kanaan and Tasmae (known as the Miscria.)  So I rethought poor Deryl until he ended up with a tortured history and was living in an asylum.  Joshua became a protégée intern (and went from country hick to Black kid from the suburbs--don’t ask how; I don't question these things.)  The book then had enough meat to become a trilogy.  It took another ten years to find it a home, but I'm pleased as punch to have DragonMoon publishing it.

2. What are the major differences between your original draft and the current one .... the quality of writing aside, that is?

Characters are more complex, as is the plot.  There are some important issues the characters are dealing with, from mental illness to abortions to attempted suicide.  Frankly, it's just overall more fun to read, too.

3. What would you say your aspirations were for Mind Over Mind?

To get read--by a lot of people. Thousands.  Tens of thousands.  (Help me out here, folks and buy it?)
To have the trilogy out in the next few years.  DragonMoon has the second book, and I need to write the third next year.

4. How much work did you put into the story itself before you started writing? Was this outlined before the computer was even warm, or did you just start writing before you started?

I tend to be a seat-of-the-pants writer.  I know the beginning, the end, and some of the stops on the way, but the characters lead me through the story.  This one, of course, had the general idea written out with the college draft; but I am discovering so much great stuff as I write.  I often imagine scenes for days or even weeks before starting, but because I'm writing another project at the time rather than because I'm waiting for it to gel in my mind.  I sometimes write scenes or snippets in a file for safekeeping.

5. Neuro-Linguistic Programming is a psychological concept you use in the book as a way for Joshua to help Ydrel with his “issues.” How much research into it did you have to do for the book?

Most of it came from a very interesting book called, Frogs into Princes, which I'd had to read in college and fortunately kept all those years.  I also had an NLP therapist read the book to make sure I had accurately portrayed the use of NLP (at least within allowance for the fantasy setting.)

6.  Back when you were interviewed for ISIG2, you mentioned how you were more into fantasy than science fiction. Yet, you made this one a work of science fiction, even using fantasy novels as a template in some rather scientific uses. What made you decide to do this as SF, and not fantasy?

That's funny; I've always thought of this one as fantasy, since Deryl has psychic powers.  Sometimes the lines between fantasy and science fiction blur; this must be one of those times.

7. How much work went into designing the various alien cultures?

As much as has been needed for the story.  I know that sounds like a snarky answer, but it's the truth.  I spend a wonderful lunch hour with my astronomy professor in college playing with the orbits of the planets, but otherwise, the characters teach me their worlds as I write them.  Barin came as a particular surprise as I neared the end of Mind Over Psyche.  I had not imagined an underground world whose civilization collapses on a regular basis by an unknown natural disaster (which is really the Miscria of Kanaan using her telekinetic powers to push the planets apart from each other.)

8 What, if anything, surprised you while writing Mind over Mind?

How vicious I can be to my characters?  I've seriously messed with Deryl's mind, literally and figuratively.  But he's so much more interesting this way!

9. Do you have any advice to blog readers who are thinking about writing their own novel?

If you don't sit down and write it, it won't get written.  Start there.

10. Last chance: What do you think is the one thing we should all remember about Mind Over Mind?

That there will be a second book!  In Mind Over Psyche, Deryl escapes the asylum, inadvertently taking Joshua with him.  Deryl will meet Tasmae; Joshua will learn his has an ability of his own; Tasmae gets to go fabulously insane; and Deryl will at last confront The Master.

Mind Over Mind Excerpt. Get Ready for Mind Over Psyche!

Hey, guys!  Mind Over Psyche, the second in the Mind Over trilogy, comes out September 15.  I'm very excited to continue the adventures of Deryl and Joshua, this time on Kanaan.  get ready for more action, aliens, and the most bizarre unicorns you've ever seen.  In the meantime, I thought I'd prep you with the last chapter of Mind Over Mind. (If you've not read Mind Over Mind, what are you waiting for?  Get it here: http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Over-Karina-L-Fabian/dp/1897492367)

Deryl grinned to himself and used his thumb to blend the shadows on the sketch of Joshua proposing to Sachiko. After sticking around the hallway to make sure Sachiko ran to Joshua, he’d retreated to his room. They had to come by here before heading to Japperwoppy, where her family had planned the engagement party.

A knock on the door told him he’d overestimated the time they’d need to accept the congratulations from the staff—or maybe they were anxious to share the news with him? He felt something in him release and relax, and he had to close his eyes a moment before he shouted, “Like you have to knock!”

“Protocol must be followed,” Joshua replied as he and Sachiko entered. “Where were you?”

“Oh, like you’d have known if I were there! As a matter of fact, I found myself a good vantage point.” He turned the sketch for them to see, but pulled it back when Sachiko reached for it. “No way! I’m not done. You guys came here earlier than I’d expected—but come on! Where’s the ring?”

Sachiko plopped on the bed beside Deryl and pulled out the chain for him to see. He glanced from the simple silver band* to Sachiko’s sappy smile, then to Joshua, who held up his empty hand with a shrug. But he, too, had a happy, love-struck grin, and Deryl could feel the stretching in his own cheeks. How long had it been since he’d smiled so much? Impulsively, he threw his arms around Sachiko. “I’m so happy for you!” he whispered.

“I’m still not sure I believe it,” she whispered back.

“Trust him.” He gave her one more squeeze and released her. With a small giggle, she wiped her eyes. He found he had to take a deep breath, himself. “Oh, hey. Your clothes are hanging in my closet. Why don’t you go get changed while I tell your fiancé what will happen to him if he ever hurts you?”

“Fat chance of that. Wait—my clothes?”

Joshua pulled out the suit bag and handed it to her. “Your mom got them from your apartment for me this afternoon. She said either way, you’d want to come by the restaurant tonight—”

“My parents know?!”

“Honey, your dad’s one scary dude! Of course I went to him first!”

Her eyes widened, then she glowered. “He stuck a butcher’s knife under your chin.”

Joshua hesitated, then nodded. “Day we met. Didn’t stop me.”

“Arrgh! It’s like prom all over again!” Sachiko threw her arms into the air, snatched the suit bag and headed to the bathroom, griping in Italian about overprotective fathers.

“She’s got a temper. It runs in the family,” Deryl warned. From behind the door, Sachiko yelled, “I heard that!”

“Ya think? I can handle it.”

“How’d you handle Malachai?”

Joshua responded with a snort, and Deryl realized that whatever mix of scolding and innuendo the Chief Psychiatrist had used had gone right past him. Deryl glanced at the picture he was drawing, and again that wave of well-being washed over him. Was this joy? Yet, he also felt a funny kind of emptiness... He rubbed at the base of his skull, as if the pressure could fill it.

“You okay?” Josh asked, taking a seat in the same chair where just a few weeks ago, they’d faced each other off about his “friendship assignment.”

“Been quite a summer,” Deryl offered in lieu of an answer.

“Summer’s not even half over. You okay?”

“I... Well, don’t tell Malachai, but for the first time in a very long time, I feel... I’m not sure. Hope? I’m going to get out of here.” A laugh escaped him, and he pressed his fist against his mouth to stop it. “I actually believe I’m going to get out of here.”

Joshua just smiled—a little sternly—and nodded, but Deryl could feel the joy coupled with victory that poured from his friend like the heat of the sun. “Well, it’s about time. But we’ve still got a lot of work to do to convince the rest of the staff before you can come to my wedding.”

“Hey, I’m not waiting that long. End of summer. We leave together. Deal?” Deryl held out his hand.

“Deal.” Joshua took it, then pulled him into a quick hug.

“I think my mother knew what I was going to answer, ya know what I mean?” Sachiko stood at the door in a sapphire dinner dress and matching heels. She did a little spin and the skirt swirled around her knees. The joy that emanated from Joshua took on a different tone, one that made Deryl uncomfortable and...not jealous, but envious of his friend’s good fortune. He ducked his head and turned to his sketch to keep his friends from noticing.

“I think you look great,” Joshua told her.

“Thank you, but what does Mom think we’re going to do?”

“Dinner with your fiancé isn’t enough?”

She laughed. “All right. I got your point. Hey—you!”

Now that the moment had passed, Deryl was able to grin at her.

“You want me to bring you some diakufu on Monday?”

“Please! I mean, if your mom’s made any—”

Sachiko snorted. “I have the feeling that’s not the only thing she’s cooked up today.”

*

When the door had closed behind them, Deryl turned back to his sketchbook. For a while, he just sat, his eyes resting on the drawing, feeling nothing, or perhaps feeling too much.

He flipped back to an earlier page, let his fingers trace the lines of Tasmae’s profile. That empty ache sharpened, and he swallowed hard. He forced himself not to think about how he’d left her, about her terror at losing him; otherwise, he’d go running back to her before he was ready. He could not go back to her yet. He had to be healed. Strong. Sane.

“But I’ll come back to you,” he whispered. “I promise. Just hold on for me.”

*Joshua gave Sachiko his most prized possession--his great-grandfather's silver wedding band--as an engagement ring.

Mini-review: H20 by Irving Belateche

 

Summary: In a post-apocalyptic world, a man discovers a mystery:  Where is the water going?  His search brings him in confrontation with the authorities and uncovers a conspiracy that goes beyond our planet.

About the Author:  Irving Belateche is an author, screenwriter, and Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. He's written screenplays for Paramount Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Warner Bros., and other studios.

He's worked with producers Lawrence Bender (Pulp Fiction), Gavin Polone (Gilmore Girls, Curb Your Enthusiasm), and Joel Silver (The Matrix) as well as directors Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump) and Roland Emmerich (Independence Day). Belateche adapted the first Hugo award winner, The Demolished Man, by Alfred Bester, for Paramount and producer Robert Evans (Chinatown, Rosemary's Baby).

Purchase it at:  www.amazon.com/H2O-Irving-Belateche/dp/0984026525/

Mini-review:  A compelling mystery, realistically told, drives this story.  The world has become small again, and this is reflected in the story-telling style:  very narrative, with lots of background brought in through personal stories.  If you don't care for this style, you might find it a bit slow.  however, I thought it a great complement to the philosophy of the post-apocalyptic world Roy lived in:  smaller, simpler, and more focused on individuals.  Definitely worth reading.

Cover Art for Mind Over Psyche

Here it is!  The cover art for Mind Over Psyche, the second book in the Mind Over Trilogy:

Thanks once again to the amazing Charles Bernard (www.onlineartacademy.com) for doing such a terrific job.  The book comes out September 15 form DragonMoon books!

Deryl isn’t crazy; he’s psychic. Desperate to escape the insane asylum, Deryl teleports to Kanaan, a world of telepaths who regard him as an oracle. But freedom comes at a price. The Kanaan expect their oracle to teach them to use their powers to wage war. Meanwhile, he’s falling in love, but to be with her means to share his psyche, which could drive her insane. Most dangerous of all, he hasn’t escaped the Call of the Master, enemy of the Kanaan, whose telepathic manipulations were why Deryl was committed in the first place. Now, the Master will forge Deryl’s powers into a weapon to kill all he loves or destroy his mind trying.

It's different from the cover of the first book int eh trilogy, Mind Over Mind.  I loved the monochrome effect in that one, but the colors do make the second one pop.  It's also more of a combination of fantasy and science fiction, which my publisher really appreciated.  (Just don't expect any spaceships; it's not that kind of science fiction.)  It does have a kind of closed in-prison feel, which I like.  Deryl has a choice--return to the prison of the Earth-bound world he's known all his life or embrace the fantastical new world with all its dangers.  BTW, if you've not read Mind Over Mind, it's not necessary to understand this book, but I would recommend it.  You can purchase it here.

Jo Linsdell and the Toughest Marketing Lesson Ever

Today, I'm welcoming my friend and fellow author (and marketer extraoirdinaire) Jo Linsdell to Fabianspace.

Jo Linsdell is a best selling author and illustrator, award winning blogger, and freelance writer. She is also the founder and organiser of the annual online event Promo Day (www.PromoDay.info). Her latest release Virtual Book Tours: Effective Online Book Promotion From the Comfort of Your Own Home is now available from Amazon. Find out more about her at her website www.JoLinsdell.com

I've learnt a lot of marketing lessons since I first started out in my writing career. The first one that springs to mind is how much time is involved. When you think of being a writer you don't take into account the amount of time you'll be putting into your marketing efforts. And let me tell you, the time you'll be investing is considerable. Between creating media kits, writing and submitting press releases, commenting on blogs, working various social media sites, etc.... you'll sometimes wonder if you'll ever have time to write another book.

The second is the importance of a marketing plan. You're marketing plan is the most important tool you'll create. It gives you focus and shows you what you need to do in order to reach your goals. It can also help you deal with the previously mentioned time issues.

The toughest lesson I've learnt though is asking for help. I'm a D.I.Y. kind of gal by nature and a complete control freak. Whilst growing up I always felt I could only really count on myself if I wanted to make things happen. As the saying goes "if it's meant to be, it's up to me". This is true... to a certain point. You can't always count on others to help you succeed. People can let you down. They might not fully understand your view or just be hell to work with. That said, you need other people. Sometimes you just have to accept the risks and concentrate on the benefits.

As a writer having a support network can make a real difference to your marketing efforts. Just think about it, You post a promo that your book is going to be released soon to your Facebook page. You could just put it out there and cross your fingers that someone happens to see it in their newsfeed and like, comment on, or share it (changes of these actions actually happening are slim to none). Alternatively you can ask your followers to share the post. Yep by simply adding a call to action to "like", "comment", or "share" has been proved to make a big difference in levels of engagement.

The same thing applies to marketing campaigns like virtual book tours. During a tour you need people to host you on their sites. One way or another you're going to have to ask people to support you. Whether you do a general appeal via your social media sites or send out individual queries, you're going to need to ask. The good thing is you'll be surprised by how many people will help solve your problems if you just let them.

Buy Virtual Book Tours at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ELNAQ92

Excerpt from Chapter 1: What are Virtual Book Tours?

 

Book promotion has changed a lot over the years and the introduction of the internet, and with it blogs, started a revolution in how authors can reach their target audience and connect with their readers. In the past authors would do book signings, readings, radio and television interviews, and aim at book reviews from noted publications in a hope of spreading the word about their books.

Whilst these methods are still valid in today's market they are limited. For a start, organising such promotions is difficult especially for new authors and even more so for those self publishing. It's true the reputation of self publishing has changed immensely in recent years and it no longer has the same stigma attached to it... that said some of the larger bookstore chains and publications still prefer to work with agents and well known traditional Publishers.

This is just one of the many reasons why virtual book tours are such a great idea. Everyone can do one. No exceptions. With a little knowledge of social media and blogging you can easily set up a virtual book tour to promote your latest release or put new life into an older project.

So what is a virtual book tour? A virtual book tour is when you tour the web over a set period of time promoting your book. (I'll go into the different types of stops you can include in your tour later in chapter 3).

There are various ways you can set up your tour. Some authors choose to do a tour lasting anywhere from a week to a couple of months where they are hosted on different sites each day. Others prefer to do a tour that lasts for several months but only has one or two hosts per week.

Then there's the question of content. Some are review only tours where the only type of stops on the tour are for reviews of your book. Others include a large variety of stop types and use all kinds of media and technology during their tours.

All these elements come down to your goals for the tour, the type of content you feel most comfortable doing and the amount of time you have to work on your tour.