Kings & Queens by Anarie Brady and Jae El Foster

Please welcome Anarie Brady & Jae El Foster authors of Kings and Queens

The authors will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Kings & Queens

by Anarie Brady and Jae El Foster

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GENRE:  Romance

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INTERVIEW

1. What or who inspired you to start writing?

I wrote my first short story in the third grade. Writing is in my blood. Both of my grandfathers were fantastic storytellers – one a poet; the other, a short story genius. My brother writes for a comic book company. However, as far as my inspirations go, the following authors have been the major literary influences in my life: Walt Whitman, Robert Bloch, Ira Levin and Dean Koontz.

2. How did you come up with ideas for your books?

When a writer tells you that the voices in their head direct them, believe them. As I type, my books are told to me by the spirits of my characters – some call them muses – and they remain with me until their book is finished. After that, they depart and another voice with another story appears. Once that “muse” is gone and that book is written, it is time for something else. I don’t plan my books. My fingers type what the “muses” tell it to type.

3. What expertise did you bring to your writing?

My goal, once upon a time, was to scare my readers, as I predominantly wrote horror. However, a car wreck in 2015 changed my outlook and perspective. While I still write horror, romance and erotica, I now try to write nothing that can’t be learned from by my readers. When it came to “The Man with the Kind Eyes” in theKings & Queensanthology, I wanted to tell a story that would show both sides of politics. I wanted to allow people to see how easy it is for someone in control to lose their power to the people around them.

4. What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio?

Here are some odd facts for you: I collect camels and have two camel tattoos. I love to play video games (I never grew up), and there’s nothing better to me than a good, well-written, well-directed and well-acted scary movie.

5. As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans?

Progression – nice and steady – just as has been the case with me for the last 15 years or so. I would like to continue writing things that make people think outside of the box that they are used to. I would like to continue to make people uncomfortable in order to help them become more comfortable and secure with themselves and the world around them, through the trials, tribulations and lessons learned through my characters.

6. If you could be one of the characters from any of your books, who would it be and why?

None. I know my characters too intimately from writing them, and they know me too intimately from spending so much time in my head. I am who I aspire to be, and I remain a separate entity from my characters. Having said that, if my arm was twisted and I had to make a decision, I would choose to be Madame Howell, the fortune-telling gypsy from “To Adventure” – a story of mine in an anthology called “Enchanted Fairy Tales” from DCL Publication. I consider that story to be one of my best and most important writings, and I consider Madame Howell to be the most like me. We both read tarot cards, we both prefer dark lighting, and we both will go the limits to help those who deserve it.

7. If you were the casting director for the film version of your novel, who would play your leading roles?

As the writer of the book, I would want no involvement in the film-making process. Give me the check, do what you want with the story, and make the movie. A movie based on a book should always be looked at as something entirely separate. Otherwise, disappointment is assured. I would chose to never watch the movie also, because I would hate to pick it apart.

8. Do you belong to a critique group? If so how does this help or hinder your writing?

I once did, back in the late nineties and into the start of this century. After nearly 15+ years of doing this though, no one sees my work before publication except for my editor, or my followers on Twitter if I really like something I just wrote and think they might get a kick out of it – and then it is just a specific excerpt. Critique Groups are wonderful for new writers. They offer valuable insight and writing/editing tools. For us old folks, they take up precious time that should be spent writing the next book or finishing the current one before our readers have forgotten us.

9. When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step?

My first piece of fiction was submitted in my junior year of high school. My teachers were the best. Some would let me read to the class what I’d written when the bell rang. My educators were my biggest pushers to pursue this. Shout-out to the staff, then and now, of Vicksburg High School.

10. What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing)

The worst advice would be: Hurry up and write it so you can get it out there!

The best advice would be: Take your time and think things through.

11. Do you outline your books or just start writing?

I just start writing. I write a book like people read a book – I don’t know what the next word will be until it’s told to me by the muse controlling my fingers. I never know where something is going – so when you’re reading my work and you see a surprising twist that you didn’t expect, don’t worry… I didn’t expect it either.

12. Do you have any hobbies and does the knowledge you’ve gained from these carry over into your characters or the plot of your books?

I do have hobbies. I’m a little secretive about them, but I will answer that, no, my hobbies do not make it into my books.

13. Do you have an all time favorite book?

Leaves of Grassby Mr. Walt Whitman. It is the greatest piece of American literature ever crafted.

14. Have you started your next project? If so, can you share a little bit about your book?

I stay on a project. I have a few things in line with DCL Publications, but the piece I’m currently writing on is a horror novel called White Padded Room. Currently, I’m offering a contest for it. People can enter on my website at www.jaeelbooks.com/contestsfor a chance to be a character in the book. The deadline is Sept. 6 and the winner will be randomly drawn on Sept. 7. Aside from the title and genre, I’m tightlipped (as always) on the actual plot details. However, just for you, I’ll share this piece of info. The book takes place in 1963 and deals in both insanity and in aliens. It will be my first full length feature that incorporates both horror and science fiction.

15. Who is your favorite actor and actress?

Maggie Smith. Whoopi Goldberg. My favorite film is Sister Act. Favorite actors… hmm… I have no clue. I really enjoy Jason Bateman. When I was a kid, I had a crush on Richard Gere.

16. Can you tell us a little about the black moment in your book?

Bridgette finds her life spiraling out of control to a very pivotal moment in the story. In that moment is when the “black moment” hits. Everything comes full circle for her, and the truth of her story unfolds in a way that – to me – is more terrifying than her earlier reality at the start of the tale.

17. What is your favorite reality show?

Reality television is a waste of time. I’d rather live life than watch others live it for me. The closest thing to reality that I watch is Dancing with the Stars, and that’s more of a competition show.

18. Can you tell us a little bit about what it was like to write a series?

I’ve written a few series in my time, but two of them stand out for me as they were both such different experiences. My first was the “Ashaki” series, based on an African Matchmaker turned Miami Beautician from my novel The Estranged Affair.Ashaki was so beloved in that book that I gave her a spin-off called Ashaki’s Beauty Parlor. That spawned a whole slew of titles, leading up to next year’s final chapter Ashaki’s African Adventurewhere she returns home to battle poachers. My other series is Shaded Whisperings. This is an anthology series, meaning every story is different, including the characters. Think American Horror Story. The first of these, “Forever,” tells the story of Miranda, a woman who buys a male doll at an antique shop only to learn it has specialtraits that fulfill her in ways like never before. “Playing St. Nick” – the second story in the series – is a holiday tale about the “true” story of Santa – a demonic creature that eats children and turns people to ice. The next installment, coming in 2019, is called “She Rises at Night.” I have been tight-lipped on this project, but I will share one note on it with you. Shaded Whisperings: She Rises at Nightwill be my first – and likely only – venture into the zombie genre. However, I don’t like to follow the rules, so don’t expect a zombie apocalypse and a bunch of people waiting it out in the mall. That’s way too easy, and I hate nothing more than the easy button.

19. Anything else you might want to add?

Thank you so much for this opportunity and for being a host of this blog tour. If any reader has any follow-up questions, I’m addicted to Twitter (@jaeelbooks), or they can email me at the address provided on my website – www.jaeelbooks.com. Once a month, I publish a newsletter highlighting everything that is going on in my world of fiction. I also offer free reads on my website. On my blog, you can find a short story or two, and I have a page of Free Flash Fiction. There is also a page on my site called Stories Behind the Stories. This is a series of essays in which I take my readers behind the scenes of some of my most popular and newer titles. I have fun with my website and I am always open to suggestions on how to improve it.

BLURB:

As I Follow – Blurb by Anarie Brady

Princess Orla must first learn to follow if she is to lead her homeland once her evil step mother is dethroned. Who better to teach her than Prince Darcy, the leader of the rebellion against Queen Ena and a strict but fair Dominant who would love nothing better than to take the beautiful Orla in hand and return the kingdom of Athas to its former glory.

The Man With the Kind Eyes – Blurb: by Jae El Foster

Bridgette Mahoney just wanted a better life for herself and the people suffering under a corrupt president. What she gets is nominated to be Queen of the country whether she wants the position or not.

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EXCERPT:

As I Follow, So Shall I Lead excerpt:

“Princess, might I have a word?” a deep voice startled her out of her thoughts.

“Prince Darcy!” she squeaked, jumping to her feet. “Of course.”

“Shall we take a walk? I understand you have only seen this room of the Chateau. I’d like to give you a tour,” he said, holding his hand out to her.

Hesitantly she reached out her own hand and nodded. Ever since Gala shared some of her experiences in the Chateau’s training rooms, Orla had been curious. Actually, she had been dying to know more. While Gala had not gone into details, she had spoken of the feelings evoked by some of her sessions. Orla longed to experience such feelings of freedom, power, and something indescribable. During the past few weeks, she had witnessed the beauty of a woman kneeling before a man, the protective gentleness in the eyes of a dominant, and the glow of pride when a dominant praised his submissive. Orla felt a tingle deep within her body and had to admit that she longed for such feelings as well.

“Do you understand the dual nature of this facility?” Darcy asked as he led her down an ornate hallway.

“I believe so,” she answered. “The Chateau trains people in the arts of dominance and submission. Submission primarily, because, according to Gala, every good dominant understands what it is like to be a submissive.”

“That’s right.”

“People pay handsomely for the privilege of coming here to learn. The tuition then pays for the training of warriors who are in resistance to Queen Ena. They wish to overthrow her and place me back on the throne,” Orla said quietly.

“Indeed. Orla, it was your father’s last wish that you also be trained,” Darcy stated. “I am more than willing to help you learn how to become an effective ruler, but to become an applicant, you must yourself request it. We do not force anyone here. We abide by the dictums of Safe, Sane, and Consensual.”

Orla stopped walking and turned to face Darcy. “I understand and greatly respect you for following those dictums. Over the past few years, I have had no choice in what I wear, what I eat, when I speak, what I do, not even when I sleep. I’m ready for freedom of choice. My father also taught me that freedom is possible only when everyone agrees to follow certain guidelines. I don’t know if I’m ready to consent to this training yet, but let’s finish the tour and then I’ll decide.”

Darcy smiled and Orla breathed a sigh of relief. Despite Gala’s assurances, she hadn’t been sure that Darcy would respect her decision.

“Princess, I see you are wise as well as cautious. Both excellent characteristics in both a ruler and a submissive. Shall we continue?” he asked before tucking her hand into the crook of his arm.

Orla’s eyes widened and her heart began to beat erratically as Darcy showed her every room of the Chateau. First, there was the Medical Room where applicants were given a thorough medical exam to determine their overall fitness. “No one is excluded because of a physical difficulty,” he explained, “but it is essential that a primary be intimately familiar with any limitations. For example, if an applicant has respiratory difficulties, then the primary knows never to engage in breath play and to be very, very cautious about gags.”

“Good to know you take safety seriously,” Orla commented.

“It’s the first S of our motto – Safe, Sane, and Consensual.”

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Anarie Brady writes hot, happily ever after love stories filled with strong men and strong women who choose to submit to their own desires. She also loves scratching her chinchilla in all his itchy spots, sipping tea, and savoring whiskey. She absolutely adores hearing from fans, so don’t be shy!

https://anariebrady.blog/

https://www.facebook.com/Anarie-Brady-1419912908242821/

Jae El Foster is an author with whom you question going to bed with at night, but you dare to venture beneath the sheets with him anyway. As the venture concludes, you are perhaps romanced by it, or perhaps you are frightened by it. Don’t worry, because you are always satisfied by it. Despite the title or genre of the book, Jae El sets out to please you with climatic and unexpected conclusions that will make you tremble with emotion. Hop aboard the Jae El train and give it a good ride.

https://www.jaeelbooks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/authorjaeelfoster/

Buy Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Kings-Queens-Anthology-Castle-Lords-ebook/dp/B07D6CR1HW/ref=sr_1_1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kings-and-queens-anarie-brady/1128740431

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

The authors will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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