Island Shifters is #2 on Epic Fantasy list in the U.K. Yes, it is free, but I am enjoying a chuckle at seeing my novel anywhere near the likes of Terry Goodkind. #arrived :)

Thank you, mates!

Since the release of Island Shifters, I have received many similar questions so I decided to answer them here on my blog.  But, please keep the comments coming!  Each and every one is a unique gift that I treasure receiving.

Is Island Shifters an epic romance novel?

No.  While it is true that two of the main characters in Island Shifters do love each other (and, there is even a scene where they express that love), this is a gritty tale about survival.  I never wanted to follow the young, timid boy turns hero and saves the world formula.  Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely adore Tolkien and Brooks—what epic fantasy reader doesn’t?—but I gravitate more to strong, confident men.  The kind who will not hesitate to throw himself between a woman and a fire-breathing dragon.  I like strong women, too.  The kind who will appreciate the offer, but is more inclined to push the man out of the way and take care of the dragon herself.
P.S. There are no fire-breathing dragons in Island Shifters. 

Will guys like this book?

Yes!  My husband, who is not an avid reader, is working his way through the book now.  He never so much as glimpsed at the manuscript for three years, but has since decided he better read the book to be able to answer the questions that are coming his way. 

He insists that he can’t put the book down, and—I kind of believe him.  I know.  Of course, he has to say so.  I mean, seriously, can you imagine his life if he said any different?  This would take the “honey, do I look fat?” scenario to a whole other level.  But, he is looking at me funny these days as if I am a complete stranger.  I will turn suddenly, and he will have this pensive, narrowed gaze directed my way.  I can tell that he is trying to figure out how I came up with all of the elements to this story and is wondering if he even really knows me.  It is almost as if he sees Kiernan’s sword with the sigil of Iserlohn peeking over my shoulder and is waiting for me to unsheathe it at any moment.
   
It is really quite weird—and hilarious. 

Why do you like fantasy?

It is hard to pinpoint exactly when I decided that the fantasy genre was where I wanted to spend my free time.  I believe it was after I read Terry Goodkind’s, Wizard’s First Rule, but I have devoured so many great novels since then, that it is hard to be sure.  I do know that, for me, it is a magical experience that is hard to come by in other styles of writing.  The best analogy comes from my family’s vacation preferences.  My husband’s idea of a vacation is sitting on a beach and relaxing with a drink (or two) in hand and maybe a massage thrown in.  My idea is more along the lines of Disney.  Fast, exhilarating rides, lights, sounds, new experiences.  I love to be entertained and will be up and at ‘em at the crack of dawn so I do not miss a single moment. 

Fantasy is my thrill ride at home.

Why is the book not available on Kindle?

Amazon has assured me that the Kindle version will be available by November 4th. 

Are you going to have a book signing?

I hope so.  Different venues are being looked into now, and I will post on the Island Shifters Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Island-Shifters/207290402664749) with dates if/when they happen.  Make sure you “like” this page if you want to keep up with the latest news.

How is Book Two, An Oath of the Mage, coming?

Very good.  I will be posting an excerpt from Chapter One soon.  Release date still TBD.

Happy Reading!

~Valerie~

After more than three years of writing Island Shifters, the hardcopy proof of the novel is making its way to me through the mail.  At long last, I will be able to hold and cradle the baby I have loved and nurtured over so many long days and nights. 

I will finally have my proof.  Proof that I actually completed this daunting epic tale.  Proof that my efforts have been worth the pain.  And, proof that Beck, Kiernan, Rogan and Airron truly exist.  I would hate to go back to a world where the Island of Massa was still a figment of my imagination instead of fleshed out and documented for the world to get to know and enjoy.  Fantasy author Greg Hamerton says it best on his website http://greghamerton.com/greg/about/ when asked, why fantasy?  "Because there's nothing like it!  To feel the world dissolve around you and to see a new world appear, raised from your imagination, well that’s just the beginning.  To read great fantasy is to enter a world of hidden secrets, of great beauty, mystery and danger. We become involved in a struggle on a grand scale. Fantasy gives us the gift of seeing, being able to experience a world beyond our own develops a powerful imagination." 

Well said, Mr. Hamerton. 

The last proof for me comes from you...the readers.  Proof that I did the Island of Massa and her tale justice.  On September 30, I will know for sure. 

~Valerie~