Juli D. Revezzo Interview

First off, tell us a little bit about you...

I’m Juli D. Revezzo and I write a blend of fantasy and supernatural—well, a lot of things, actually. My current list of published works run from the Supernatural suspense series Antique Magic, to my fantasy romance series Celtic Stewards Chronicles. I even released my first steampunk novel, this year, Watchmaker’s Heart.

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Tell us about your books/What genre do you consider your books?

My Antique Magic series is about a woman and witch who has been asked by the gods to help forlorn ghosts with their problems. The genre? I’d say supernatural suspense with a hint of fantasy. Something of a cross between Charmed, Charlotte Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper”, and Grimm (except Grimm didn’t exist when I first conceived The Artist’s Inheritance, years ago.). My latest release, MOURNING DOVE LOCKET, belongs to that series.

When did you start writing?

I started making up stories when I was a child. I started writing seriously when I was 18.

Why do you write?

I’ve always been creative, and it’s an outlet. If I didn’t get the stories out, I’d probably implode! *lol* If I’m not writing, I’m listening to music. I can’t draw worth a darn but I’ve tried. I do love photography and fiddle with photo manipulation, from time to time. I’m working on another supernatural fantasy series called Reign of Tarot and have been studying up on the tarot for that. Oh, and I knit a little. See? Creative. But my first love is writing.

What would be your choice for a superpower?

To heal sickness in man and sea.  Breathing underwater might be cool too.

Who is your favorite author?

I have a ton! First and foremost, Fantasy author Michael Moorcock, for one. Without him, I probably wouldn’t be writing; I love the gothic authors and poets like Mary Shelley and Poe; Tanith Lee; Patty G. Henderson, Marsha A. Moore, Suzanne G. Rogers, Jolene Dawe and many more indies. Also, the Medieval bards who wrote the Celtic myths the Mabinogion and so forth. They are the major influence on MOURNING DOVE LOCKET—well, honestly it greatly influences both my Antique Magic series and my Celtic Stewards Chronicles.

What are you reading now?

 I’m currently reading Spirit Touched: A Caleyna Summoner Tale by Jolene Dawe. I just finished Witch’s Moonstone Locket by Marsha A. Moore and about to start the next in her new series.

Who is your favorite character to write?

 Caitlin definitely. But I must say, the new girl in Mourning Dove Locket, Maria was fun. She’s a younger character than I’ve written in the past but she’s so eager to know all Caitlin has to share, I enjoyed being in her head.

Do you have a writing process?

 Depending on the day, I’ll do a little research first, make notes, and then start writing for the day. Sometimes, I wake up with an idea and write first, then research. I’ve been known to (more often than not!) get halfway through a draft before I do much heavy research. *ducks* For MOURNING DOVE LOCKET, since this is so far into the Antique Magic series, I made a few notes and when I finally got to a section where research on Cuba was needed (for the ghost) I stopped and went on the research spree then went back to writing. And then I’ll usually just write all day, stopping here and there for social media and sanity breaks and such.  But like I said, my daily process changes from day to day.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author?

 Write and read as much as you can. Unlike other advisors, yes I think you should read in the genre you wish to write in. However I also think you should read as widely as possible and don’t get too stuck on labels. From experience, I can tell you sometimes, genre, is in the eye of the beholder! So my best advice is don’t limit yourself.

What inspired you to pursue writing?

 While studying literature in college I realized there might actually be something of a career to be made out of my passion. And so, I thought it a great fit for me.

What are your favorite TV shows/Movies to watch in between writing?

I love all kinds of movies. Excalibur, Star Trek, the Godfather, Fifth Element, True Grit, Pan’s Labyrinth, Malificent, Cloud Atlas, Apollo 13, Labyrinth, just to name a handful. My TV list is much smaller: Once Upon a Time, and I’ve been trying to catch Houdini, a bit. I miss Sleepy Hollow and can’t wait for that one to come back. 

What are your current projects?

Well, I just released the latest instalment in my Antique Magic series, MOURNING DOVE LOCKET. I’ve also got more edits on other things: I’ve got a follow up to my story “House of Cards” on deck for sometime this fall (I hope) and the follow up to my paranormal romance Druid Warrior’s Heart to get out.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to readers?

Just that I hope they enjoy MOURNING DOVE LOCKET and the entire Antique Magic series, as much as I’ve enjoyed writing them. If they’d like to they can check it out at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Smashwords

Quick Fire:Cats or dogs? dogs
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Favorite food? Lasagne
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Both. Mix strawberry in with it and it’s awesome.
What are 3 things you never leave home without? My MP3 player, my camera, and a notebook.
Laptop or desktop? Desktop
Who are 3 famous people you would to hang out with? Virginia Woolf, the medieval authors who wrote the Celtic myths, and Ann and Nancy Wilson (of the band Heart). 
TV or Movies? These days? Movies, hands down.

Thanks for having me here today, Gary! It was fun.

(My pleasure, Juli! Also check out her book trailer here)

Visit me on my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE to borrow any of my books for FREE!

Best-selling author of Wake the Dead! On Amazon Kindle here!

All Artwork and covers of my works by William J. Kenney & Carlos Cara

All maps, names and content copyright Ashenclaw Studios 2014 unless otherwise noted.

Juli D. Revezzo Interview

Juli, tell us a little bit about you! Hi, Gary, thanks for having me. Well, let’s see what can I tell you? I’m a Florida girl with a love of Arthurian legends and good stories. I have a degree in art history and English Lit. I also love movies and music. I also dabble in photography and gardening.

Tell us about your books/What genre do you consider your books? The Antique Magic series is dark fantasy or sometimes called supernatural or paranormal fantasy. The series, beginning with The Artist’s Inheritance and continuing through Drawing Down the Shades, is about a couple living in Gulf Breeze Florida–Caitlin and her husband Trevor—who owe a debt to the Welsh Gods. They also run an antique store and deal with various ghosts that come to them for help from time to time. Sometimes they accidentally get too wrapped up in the ghosts’ troubles and it’s up to Caitlin and her coven to get them out. ;) When and how, well, you’ll have to read the series to find out! If you’d like to, my books are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, and Createspace.

When did you start writing? I’ve been making up stories practically my whole life. I didn’t get serious about writing until I was in high school, though.

Why do you write? Why do I write? I’ve always made stories up; writing them down makes them permanent.

What would be your choice for a superpower?Foreknowledge. I think it would be useful to know some thing’s ahead of time, so one can avoid stupid mistakes. ;) Also, Teleportation: I like traveling, but wouldn’t it be great to be able to teleport places?

Who is your favorite author? Fantasy author Michael Moorcock, up and coming historical romance and Fantasy author S.G. Rogers is a favorite. Urban Fantasy author Kim Harrison, paranormal cozy author Juliet Blackwell, too, and classic British author Virginia Woolf. I’d love to write like her, but …no way could anyone get away with that style now.

What are you reading now?I’m doing research for a book idea I’m kicking around so lots of historical tomes. I’m currently reading Seeking Pleasure in the Old West by David Dary and a few others. As to fiction, I’m enjoying Heritage Avenged by indie fantasy author Marsha A. Moore and Dark Oracle by Alayna Williams.

Who is your favorite character to write? It’s a toss-up between my main character Caitlin and her friend, the witch Beryl. Beryl’s a lot of fun to write. Knows all kinds of things about magic and the gods that Caitlin hasn’t learned yet, and she’s got a heck of a sense of humor.

Do you have a writing process? Depending on the story, I’ll start by writing as much of the idea down as I can, sometimes that’s a paragraph, sometimes, it’s a whole chapter. Then, if necessary, I’ll do some research, enough to get me started. I’ll probably bounce the idea off my writing pals, and just pick at it until it grows. 

What advice would you give to an aspiring author? Don’t waffle around. If you want to be a writer, stick your butt in the chair now, and start writing.

What inspired you to pursue writing?I’ve been telling stories since I was a kid, that just turned into writing them down and crafting them into books.

What are your favorite TV shows/Movies to watch in between writing?Right now I’m addicted to the ABC fantasy series Once Upon a Time. My favorite movies are …many—maybe too many to list them all! But if you twisted my arm I’d say Excalibur, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Fiddler on the Roof, I Am Legend, Star Trek: Wrath of Khan, Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Insurrection, and so many more. J

What are your current projects?I’m working several things: I’m about to release a paranormal romance called Changeling’s Crown sometime this summer, I hope. I’m also working on the next instalment(s) in the Antique Magic series. I also have a paranormal romance series I’m working on with a small publisher (Harshad Wars). I’m revising the second volume in that series right now and I have a historical romance I’m kicking around. So, my stove has lots of stuff on its burners. :)

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to readers?I hope they enjoy my books, and if they do, please review them. If they’d like to know more about my work they can find snippets and tidbits on my site: http://julidrevezzo.com


Quick Fire:Cats or dogs? I don’t have either right now, but between them, I’d have to say I’ve owned more dogs.
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Favorite food? : Italian food
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Vanilla
What are 3 things you never leave home without? A pen, something to write on, and my keys.
Laptop or desktop? Both. It helps the carpal tunnel to switch around.
Who are 3 famous people you would to hang out with? Ann and Nancy Wilson, and either Samuel Taylor Coleridge or Virginia Woolf.
TV or Movies? Movies. Though it’s nice to see more paranormal and fantasy based shows on television these days, I prefer movies. as I guess you can tell from my list above.

Thanks again for having me. :)

Visit me on my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  & my SMASHWORDS PAGE!

Best-selling author of Wake the Dead!  On Amazon Kindle here!

All Artwork and covers of my works by William J. Kenney & Carlos Cara

All maps, names and content copyright Ashenclaw Studios 2014 unless otherwise noted.

Gary Val Tenuta Interview

I recently ran into fellow writer Gary Val Tenuta on twitter and he was excited to be interviewed here on Eye on Ashenclaw.  Gary had an interesting path and the following interview is certainly worth reading!

First off, tell us a little bit about you Writing and art have always been two of the things I do best. So I’ve combined those two talents to become both an author and a book cover designer (http://www.freewebs.com/bookcoversandvideos).

I graduated from The Evergreen State College (otherwise known as “that hippie school in the woods) with a degree in Social Psychology. My professional writing career began as a contributing writer for Fate Magazine in the 1990s. One of my feature articles about the mystery of the alleged secret military group known as Majestic-12 resulted in requests to appear on radio programs across the U.S. and Canada.

Having had a life long interest in paranormal phenomena, the supernatural, occult and ancient mysteries and basically anything that could be squeezed into those categories, it should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me that these same elements would become the fodder for my novels and short stories. I grew up devouring Poe, Lovecraft and Roald Dahl and those writers definitely had a huge influence on me. I wonder if they realize what they've done? Maybe I should dig out my old 1920s-era Ouija board and let them know. Nah. Probably not a good idea.

Tell us about your books My debut novel, The Ezekiel Code, took nearly 9 years to complete. It was released in 2007 and quickly became an amazon.com bestseller and held on to that ranking for over 57 weeks. When I started writing it back around 1997 I knew about the approaching end of the ancient Mayan calendar (December 21, 2012) and I suspected the closer we got to that event the more it was going to become a pop phenomenon on a global scale. So I incorporated that cultural element into my original idea for a story which was, basically, about how the Biblical prophet, Ezekiel, encountered an alien spacecraft and what that fact would mean to mankind when modern day humans realized that’s what actually happened. By the time 2007 came along, the whole “2012” thing was starting to get some feet. People everywhere were beginning to discuss it. Lots of nonfiction books were being published about the phenomenon but, as it turned out. The Ezekiel Code was one of (if not the first) work of fiction based on the phenomenon to hit the market. Then along came the blockbuster movie, titled “2012”, and all of the press about the movie, the internet forums focusing on 2012, and so on – all of this essentially functioned as “free” publicity in a sense, helping to bring attention to my novel. It was a heck of a ride for a newbie at this novel writing stuff.

My current novel, Ash: Return Of The Beast, is a supernatural crime chiller steeped in occult lore. The story is a work of fiction inspired by a little known factoid about the death of Aleister Crowley (1875—1947), the notorious British occultist whose favorite number was 666 (hence, the “Beast” in the title) and whom the British Press once labeled as “The Wickedest Man In The World”. Crowley’s body was cremated but the unexplained 1947 disappearance of the urn containing his ashes has remained a mystery… until now. (Cue spooky music…)

The timeline shifts to the present day where Brian Kane, a street-worn Seattle police Lieutenant, is investigating a series of mysterious deaths, ostensibly caused by heart attack. The victims are all clergymen from a variety of Christian denominations  Their bizarre deaths, oddly enough, are occurring exactly nine days apart. Is that a clue or just a strange coincidence?

Soon, a rather unconventional female FBI agent by the name of Rowena Ravenwood joins the detective to help solve the case. She’s an expert in the field of paranormal phenomena and she suspects the perpetrator in this case may be dangerously knowledgeable in the occult arts and ritual magick. Kane doesn’t believe a word of it but he seems to be stuck with her and her weird ideas whether he likes it or not.

Eventually, a suspect rises up out of the mire of perplexing clues and it turns out he’s the leader of a death-metal rock band. But is he really the killer? What about the other suspect? The one who heads up an occult group called The Brotherhood of Baphomet? His past association with the infamous Charlie Manson of “Helter-Skelter” fame does cast him in a suspicious light. And what is the disturbing secret that detective Kane is holding so close to his chest?

Or is none of this what it seems to be? Indeed, are these deaths even really homicides? Is this a murder case or isn’t it? No fingerprints, no eyewitnesses, no signs of struggle, no weapons. There is one thing, however. Those black plastic Batman coins that are found stuffed into the mouth of each “victim”. What is that all about?

Ravenwood thinks she knows. But, to be certain, she’ll have to risk her life, not to mention her very sanity, should she manage to survive. She’s uncovered a clue that leads her to believe a bloody carnage of unimaginable horror is about to be unleashed upon the world as the offspring of the fabled “Old Ones” are awakened from their ancient slumber.

The survival of the entire human race hangs in the balance and the amount of time to stop this from happening is running short. All Hell is about to break loose and, according to Special Agent Ravenwood, that’s not just a figure of speech.

KINDLE (U.S.) $3.99 - http://amzn.com/B006J6HRGE

PAPERBACK (U.S.) $12.95 - http://amzn.com/1478314192

PAPERBACK (U.K.) £9.95 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1478314192

I’m currently working on a series of short stories (almost novelettes, actually) for a series called Twisted Tales From The Files Of The Second Chance Limousine Service. When asked what they’re like, I say think Twilight Zone. Two of those stories (“A Bite Out Of Time” and “Atonement”) are currently available in Kindle format from amazon.com for 99¢ each.

A BITE OUT OF TIME -- http://amzn.com/B002OHD2CK

ATONEMENT -- http://amzn.com/B00AZISY14

When did you start writing? I think the first story I ever wrote was when I was about 12 years old. It was a sci-fi story called The Beam From Saucer-X. It was really good, too. I know that because my mom told me so.

But it wasn’t until I was about 15 or 16 that I started to really become interested in creative writing. There were two authors that pretty much kick-started that interest. First was Edgar Allan Poe and then H. P. Lovecraft. I think the first Poe story I read was The Telltale Heart. I was immediately hooked. I read everything by Poe that I could get my hands on.

Why do you write? Because I don’t have a life? No, that’s not entirely true. However, it seems the more I write the more true it becomes. But the serious answer is that I think, to some extent, it has something to do with my life long dream of being a screenwriter, an actor and a movie director. Since those things didn’t come to pass, I’ve sort of incorporated all of them into writing novels and short stories. I get to write the story, direct the action and play all the parts.

What would be your choice for a superpower?It would have to be to fly like Superman. I get to do that in my dreams sometimes. It’s awesome.

Who is your favorite author? Oh, man. I guess if I had to pick one I’d say my favorite since 2003 has been Dan Brown. I’ve read everything he’s published so far.

What are you reading now? I’m reading two indie books right now. One is an outstanding true story for which I had the pleasure of designing the cover. It’s called Scoundrels In Paradise. The author is Scott Adlai Stevenson, the cousin of the former ambassador to the United Nations, Adlai Stevenson. Scott led an a nefarious life of high adventure on an international scale as a drug smuggler. The stories he tells are incredible.

The other book is The Rosaries by indie author, Sandra Carrington-Smith. It’s the sequel her first novel, The Book of Obeah which is currently being made into a movie.

Who is your favorite character to write? Usually the main character of what ever story I happen to be working on at any given time.

Do you have a writing process? I don’t really have a “process” in terms of something that I follow rigidly. I’m what has been called an “organic” writer. I just get an idea, I know basically how it will begin and I usually have at least a vague idea how it will end and I just jump right in and start writing. More often than not, the ending of the story is not what I originally thought it might be. But, for me, that’s part of the fun. As the characters grow and the plot takes on new dimensions that I hadn’t foreseen, I get really pumped to see where it’s going to go next. I also tend to edit as I go.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author? Don’t be intimidated by people who might doubt your talent or ability. As the Nike slogan said: Just Do It! But learn all you can from reading authors that you like and try to figure out what it is you like about their writing. You might find yourself copying something of their style but eventually you’ll come into your own. Also––and this is really important––get a good book on how to edit your work. There are several good books on the subject. I always recommend “Self-Editing For Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How To Edit Yourself Into Print” by Browne and King. I found it to be an excellent book on the subject, easy to read and comprehend and filled with valuable tips. I wish I’d had it when I wrote my first novel. It would have made a big difference in the final product. Whatever you do, be sure your book is edited before you have it published and out on the market. If you can’t afford to hire a professional editor (many of us can’t) then do it yourself. But, if you do it yourself, approach it like it’s the most important thing you’ll ever do in your life. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a bit. But even if you hate every minute of it, JUST DO IT! Read the book I mentioned above (or one like it) and soak up every little morsel you find in those pages. Take it seriously because it’s one of the most important aspects of the whole process. Believe me and every other author whose been around the block, if your book is full of misspelled words, missing letters, missing quotation marks, missing periods, missing commas, awkward sentences, massive paragraphs that fill an entire page, too many exclamation marks, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera… you’ll hear about it from your readers when they post their scathing 1 and 2-star reviews on amazon. And remember this: If you edit it once, and you think it’s perfect, you’re probably wrong. You missed something. I can just about guarantee that. You probably missed several things. Go through it again and then go through it again. Yeah, I know. It sucks. But it’s worth it in the end.

What inspired you to pursue writing?I always seemed to just have the desire. It was there when I was just a young kid and never went away. Many times, throughout my school years, some of my teachers recognized my talent and encouraged me to keep at it. Those words of encouragement were huge inspirations.

What are your favorite TV shows/Movies to watch in between writing? I’m mesmerized by the serial-killer drama called “The Following” with Kevin Bacon. My other “must watch” TV show is “Castle”. I love the humor and the relationship between Castle and Beckett. I’m also a fan of “Nashville” and “Smash”. Having been a musician (singer/songwriter) in the past, I can relate to those shows. So, of course, I’m also a big fan of American Idol and The Voice. Love seeing those young folks getting a chance to do what they love and maybe go on to fame and fortune.

 Please join me and the other amazingly talented authors over @ Skulldust Circle where we have formed a Writer's Circle that must be seen--a collection of brilliant, up & coming independently published speculative fiction authors with much to give both now and in the future!

All of my work can be found on AMAZON -- Kindle versions here

See you in Wothlondia! Cheers!

Please visit MY HOME PAGE to enjoy an extended reading experience, see direct links to purchase my full length novel, Covenant of the Faceless Knights, the short stories: Wothlondia Rising, and to see what else Ashenclaw Studios, LLC has in store in the future!

All maps, names and content copyright Ashenclaw Studios 2012 unless otherwise noted.