Author Interview: D. Thomas Jerlo

 

Please welcome to the Pen Dames blog author D. Thomas Jerlo, who also writes as Dawné Dominique!

We’re excited by this opportunity to interview her and treat you to an excerpt from her novel, Dark Prisoner: The Kruthos Key. She’s one of our favorite writers as well as a talented artist who has created many beautiful covers for Pen Dames books. We know you will enjoy getting to know her.

 Dawné is also giving away a free eBook to one lucky commenter!

 Here’s the interview:

 Please tell us a little about YOU—where you live, your background, jobs, interests, etc.

I’m an author living in one of the coldest regions of Canada. I write under the pennames of D. Thomas Jerlo and Dawné Dominique. I also have twenty-five plus years’ experience as a professional book cover artist and run DusktilDawn Designs.  I’m also a twin, with my sister being 45 minutes older (it’s why my mom likes her best).  I am in the process of retiring from my paralegal position and look forward to writing full-time (again).

 How and when did your writing journey begin?

I wrote stories all my life in a little black notebook and probably began a dozen novels throughout my lifetime, which I never finished; however, in the early 1980’s I discovered Anne Rice and was instantly hooked on paranormal. Although I was primarily a fantasy reader, Ms. Rice gave me the push to follow my dream of becoming a published author. I joined a writing site and learned all I could about fiction. I have met some unbelievably talented people along my journey, and I have them all to thank for helping me become who I am in this business. 

     Which authors/books are on your keeper shelves?

To name just a few: J.R. Tolkein, Anne Rice, Robert Jordan, George R. R. Martin, Terry Brooks, Stephen King, Piers Anthony ... I could list more but there’s only so much room. 

What genre is your book? What do you like about writing in that genre?

Dark Prisoner: The Kruthos Key is an epic fantasy novel similar to Lord of the Rings, but with a female heroine. It was my first love genre to write. Since then, I have branched out into paranormal and speculative fiction. Writing in these genres allows me to use my imagination to its fullest.

What is the setting of your book? Please describe it.

Etharia is a fantasy world made up of majestic mountains, fertile plains, rich forests and many lakes...it’s beautiful.

Why did you choose this setting? Is it a real place or did you create it for the story?

I wanted to create a setting that was relatable to readers, so I chose a setting very similar to Canada.

Is your book part of a series or a standalone? If it is part of a series, briefly describe the series.

Dark Prisoner: The Kruthos Key and Dark Prisoner: Ebbing of Tides is a two-book series.  Ebbing of Tides requires proofing and edits before I can send same to my publisher for consideration. Both novels share Suna and Feran’s journey to save Etharia. In the process of doing so, they find that more than duty binds them together. There is a little romance, but the gist of the story is epic battles, the fight for power, good overcoming evil, and a few memorable characters that will stay with you long after the book is finished.

Writing this book was more than a labor of love. I took facets of what was happening in my real life and turned it into fiction. When I write, my world(s) must be believable, even in fantasy. I want my characters to intimately touch my readers and make them laugh or cry. Dark Prisoner has epic battles, scheming underlords, heroes that you want to cheer for and villains you'll despise.

 Describe your main character—life, personality, motivation—whatever you think will make us want to get to know the person.

Dark Prisoner: The Kruthos Key centralizes on Suna Di'Viao, a Divenean with mage'ical abilities, so she ages much more slowly than an average human. She's hidden from the world for over thirty years, wallowing in guilt and remorse for failing to protect her king and queen. During her isolation her entire race vanishes, leaving Suna the last of her kind. I like to think of this novel as a little like J.R. Tolkien meets Wonder Woman with serious guilt issues. I structured Suna after myself because what I wanted to do more than anything at the time I was writing this book was to hide from the world. I wanted to be strong and confident again, but I had lost myself, very much like Suna. For me, my characters are very real people; they have flaws, and I wanted her to be as relatable as possible.

Suna intuitively feels the land’s pain and senses change is coming and it is not good. Being on her own for so many years has left her bitter, and solitude is something she not only craves but feels she needs; however, she is instructed to meet up with someone who is to help her find the Kruthos key - a companion she does not want or need, but has no choice but to accept.

What writing projects do you have on the horizon?

I have a mystery/thriller in the works, but I need to finish a few previous projects first. The basics of the book are mapped out, but because this is a new genre for me, I’m doing my research. In other news, I have finally finished writing the fifth and final novel to my vampire series, which is currently undergoing extensive rewrites and edits.

What do you like to do when not writing?

I have a five-year-old grandson who I absolutely adore, and we try to spend as much time with him as possible. Having battled cancer all last year, I find time and health the most precious commodities in life, and I want to spend as much time as I can with my loved ones.

 

Fate Comes Softly Anthology

 

Fate Comes Softly

Meet Liberty Trivette, Isabelle Landers, and Audra Tadlock.

A collection of three unforgettable love stories.

*****I give this book 5 of 5 stars. Each story is unique and will appeal to a wide audience. The characters are so diverse yet realistic. I felt I knew many of them well and hated the way some acted though they were true to character. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. ~ Chrisk

 

 Saving Liberty

Falsely accused of a crime she didn’t commit, Liberty Trivette is exiled from a wagon train. Alone on the prairie, she fears for the life of her unborn child. For widower Ethan Wheeler, saving Liberty creates unforeseen challenges. As love unexpectedly blooms between them, Liberty and Ethan dare to envision a future together until the man responsible for having her cast out of the wagon train shows up and threatens to shatter their lives.

Isabelle and the Outlaw

History Professor Isabelle Landers accidentally walks into a time portal. Propelled back two hundred years to land smack dab in Arizona’s outlaw territory, she meets Raphael Sinclair, a Pinkerton agent posing as an outlaw. According to her history book after he was wrongly hanged, his body disappeared and was never found. Isabelle is faced with the dilemma of saving Rafe from hanging a second time. Falling in love was never part of the equation. If he leaves his world he will die. If Isabelle stays with him then she will die. Can their love survive the ultimate sacrifice?

McKenna's Woman

 

Nothing is more important to McKenna Smith than receiving a pardon from the State of Texas for a murder he didn’t commit. Working undercover as a photographer his luck changes for the better when he recognizes Audra Tadlock, the twin sister of the man who betrayed him. But McKenna and Audra’s delicate bond of trust is threatened when she learns the shocking truth that the brother, she thought died ten years ago is alive and a maniacal killer. If she testifies against him, he’ll hang; if she allies to save him, then she risks losing McKenna’s love.

 

Available in print or as an Ebook at Amazon.com; BarnesNoble, or your favorite online store

HAPPY READING!

 

How Does a Book Heroine Celebrate December?

 Greetings Friends,

Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, or a different celebration, Pen Dames thought it would be fun to imagine how the heroines in our stories might celebrate the holiday. These women are from different time periods and occupations. So join us on this imaginary journey.

                                                 

                                                

                          Mind Your Goddess 

                                       by 

                      Flossie Benton Rogers

        Tickle your fantasy with a little Yuletide fun!

The life work of Epona, goddess of fruitfulness, involves seeing her people flourish and helping humans from the nearby earth dimension. The inhabitants of Epona's realm celebrate a midwinter holiday called Yuletide. Festivities surround Winter Solstice and the rebirth of the sun after the longest night of the year. There is feasting, singing, dancing, and gift giving. Special guests are always welcome, and the sun god Apollo has been known to play his lyre after a seven-course Yuletide meal. He says Epona's blackberry wine surpasses that served on Olympus. Epona's most honored guest is her lover Eshigel, the dark guardian of the between. She adores frisking him away from the dim corridors of his domain and cuddling up with him by a crackling midwinter fire in her Rose Cottage. 

             https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Your-Goddess-Wytchfae-Book-ebook/dp/B076XX9TPJ

                                                                          

                                                                                          Echoes of the Moon

                                                                                by Jennifer Taylor

         Jolly Ole England, Christmas Day

                   King's Harbour, 1737

It was a Happy Christmas indeed, thanks to gracious Lena, owner of the Siren Inn. After church, the town fair danced their way to the party, awed by the greenery that graced the walls and tables groaning with the bounty of the town's excellent cooks. Identical twins Bethan and Elunid were breathtakingly beautiful in white gowns embroidered with holly and ivy by the talented and troubled Elunid.

Henry, our town night soil man stood against the bar, eyes only on Bethan. He and son George so looked like the perfect gentlemen that no one would ever know their occupation.

The day was complete when the dashing Reginald and the Wandering wastrels sallied in, singing. we enjoyed hours of revelry: eating, drinking, gambling, and hilarity.

Best of all we witnessed Henry and Bethan passionately kissing under the mistletoe.

https://www.amazon.com/Echoes-Moon-Jennifer- Taylor/dp/1509217606

                                                                       

                                                              Siren Descending

                                                 by Katherine Eddinger Smits

                                                              Bah Humbug!

Athenia is a Sea Witch apprenticed to Thorne, a swamp mage from the bayous and backwaters in Florida. Before, she didn't celebrate holidays. Now, with Thorne, she endures human ways. Though he forgave her for stealing his powers and abandoning him to die, he hasn't forgotten. And the other mages treat her with contempt. As Christmas approaches, Thorne drags her into the human world. Their customs mystify her. Why do they worship a fat man in a red suit? Although the mages aren't obsessed with old guy, they're incomprehensible too. They have immense power to conjure lavish meals and beautiful clothes, but they eat simply and wear shorts and t-shirts. Makeup? The women strive to be plain-ass boring. They look down on her for her fondness of luxe, and hate her for what she did to Thorne, but she can't stand them either. This Christmas complication is a bitch.

https://www.amazon.com/Siren-Descending-Sirens-Book-2-ebook/dp/B082CMLGTF

The Bone Yard by Loretta C. Rogers

A Christmas Dinner Flub-a-Roo!  

Dr. Tullah Holliday is a veterinarian, and amateur sleuth. She uses her empathic abilities to help solve

crimes. While she is a great doctor, she didn't inherit her grandmother's cooking gene. This year was Tullah's turn to host Christmas dinner. While whipping the potatoes with her new electric hand mixer, the power kicked off. Her father rushed to the basement to flip the switch in the breaker box. When he returned upstairs, Tulllah was propped against the kitchen counter holding the mixer like a pistol and shooting mashed potato bullets all over the kitchen with globs decorating her grandmother's face and hair. Tullah was relieved when the guests didn't complain about the dry turkey and gloppy gravy.

https://www.amazon.com/Boneyard-Doc-Holliday-Mystery-Book-ebook/dp/B09QXQNLYW

                                

 

Now that you've seen how our book heroines might celebrate the holidays, we'd love to hear how you and your family celebrate or perhaps share some of the flub-a-Roos you've experienced during this joyous season by posting in the comments section below.

From Pen Dames to you, we wish you Happy Reading, Happy Holiday, Merry Christmas, and a New year filled with Blessings!

April Fool's Day--NOT!

 

It’s happened to most of us. We try to pull an April fool’s joke, and it backfires or someone pulls a joke on you and it’s more hurtful than funny. Well, today isn’t about fooling our readers. Actually, I have some exciting book-related news. On April 21st, book #2 of my Doc Holliday Mystery series releases. 

Don’t you just love the cover?


Enjoy a sneak preview of “The Boneyard.”

“This place gives me the creeps,” grandmother’s voice sounded strained. “Tullah, you’re white as a sheet.”

Dad adjusted the .45 on his hip as if expecting trouble. I felt as if someone was walking on my grave without me being in it. Part of me wanted to turn around, get on my horse and race away from this place. The other part was held by a voice inside my head saying I’m here. We’re all here. Find us. Please find us.

I could feel that the voice was in a place—a deep dark place. I felt it in me, and it clawed its way up my spine. I knew it would come out my mouth like a regurgitation of emotion if I let it.

I inhaled. I would never get used to these surprised visits of the mind that iced my blood and burdened my heart. I never had them when my mother was alive. Had she somehow in death gifted me with this curse?

I stood there, listening to the hum of mosquitoes and my dog’s whines, and staring into the dark marsh until I became aware of the welling of tears in my eyes. I gripped his arms. “Dad, this is a place of death.”

The Boneyard available in print and Ebook at Amazon. com

 https://amzn.to/2GBb0iI

WAIT…Don’t Go!

If you are a book lover, you don’t want to miss novels by our wonderful Pen Dames. There’s a genre for every reader.

Do you need to escape from reality? Then Flossie Benton Rogers’ fantasy novels are the perfect gateway to magic and romance. For a list of her books visit Flossie at: https://flossiebentonrogers.com/

Love mermaids and mermen? Then be swept away by Katherine Eddinger Smits enchanting tales of adventure and mystery. Visit Katherine at: http://katherineeddingersmits.weebly.com/

If you are inspired by women who fought the good fight, then Linda Tillis’ historical western romance are just the books for you. Visit Linda at:

https://www.amazon.com/Linda-Tillis/e/B01I1SY3K0%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Jennifer Taylor’s historical romance novels immerse readers into the lives of our foremothers, and help us appreciate how far we have come. Visit Jennifer at: https://jennifertaylorwrites.com/

And this, dear readers, is no joke. Happy April fool’s Day!

 

Happy 2022 - A New Year's Game and Contest!

 

Welcome to 2022! It’s a new year and everyone is busy making resolutions, setting goals, and catching up on all the things we put off until after the holidays. 

Frankly, it’s exhausting. 😫

Wouldn’t you rather just sit around, play games, and read books?

We can hook you up!

Be the first to reply to this post with the correct answer to the question below, and we’ll give you two eBooks. 

Choose from eBooks written by the Pen Dames: Loretta Rogers, Flossie Benton Rogers, Katherine Eddinger Smits, Linda Tillis or Jennifer Taylor. (U.S. residents only. Alternate prize available for residents of other countries.)

The five Pen Dames live in a magical land. Can you guess where it is? Here are 10 clues to help you out:

1. Mermaids dance below the surface of crystal springs.

2. Stars live in the sea.

3. Dollars wash up on the beach.

4. Snow is only seen in pictures.

5. Ice is only found in coolers.

6. Snowbirds fly here for the winter then return to northern climates.

7. Snowfrogs move here and stay until they croak.

8. We have four seasons: Summer, Tourist, Love Bug, and Hurricane.

 9. A medium founded a town here after he was led to the location by his Native American spirit guide.

10. The sponge capital of the world is located here.

 Hurry! Be the first to reply with the correct answer and win the prizes. Happy New Year! 💖

Spirits and Contacting the Other Side

 

Have you ever seen a ghost? This question came up in one of my Facebook groups and hundreds of people responded. I never encountered any spirits. But I have had some strange experiences.

An odd thing happened two or three years after a good friend died. One night I dreamed I was speaking to him on the phone. The connection was not good, and it was hard to hear him, but one thing came across loud and clear. He said, “Tell my mom I’m doing well, and everything is fine here.” This dream was so powerful, I was sure it was real. I don’t have any proof, but I know this message consoled his mother and I believe, somehow, he contacted me so he could ease her grief. Why not call her directly? I don't know. Maybe he could only get through to me. 

My grandmother died more than 30 years ago. We were close and I didn't want her to leave. However, she lived a long life, and she was ready to reunite with my grandfather. Recently, I had a vivid dream about her. We talked and she said she wanted me to have something. When I woke up, I didn’t know what it was and didn’t care. The important thing was the feeling that she had been right there with me. I told my husband about it, then let it go. It was comforting, but also sad because it was only a dream. Later that afternoon, a package arrived for me. When I opened it, I found my great aunt had sent me a dresser scarf embroidered by my grandmother. She hadn’t told me she was sending it, just popped it in the mail. Maybe it was a coincidence, but I truly believe I spoke with my grandmother that night.

In Witch Trial Legacy, the heroine, Sybilla Sanborn, works with mediums in the Spiritualist town of Cassadaga, Florida to find a way to break a curse which she inherited.

 Here’s an excerpt inspired by the dreams about my friend and my grandmother. Sybilla meets with a medium who sees the spirit of Sybilla’s mother and gives her a message:

 

She closed her eyes and her lips moved. When she opened her eyes again, she gazed into the corner of the room. “A presence is here, someone close to you. A spirit is forming now. She’s a lot like you in appearance. A relative, perhaps.”

“My mother?” Chills ran over Sybilla. I’d give anything to talk to her again.

“Yes, she’s nodding. She wants to tell you that she and your father are fine. They watch over you whenever they can, and they’re trying to help you find the solution to your problem. She says you’re right about inheriting powers from your ancestor Alse Young, and the curse from Matthias North’s line. Somehow, both came together in you, and you’re paying the price for the actions of those who came before you. Alse was no witch, but in her desperation and rage, she cursed Matthias and his progeny for all time. By doing so, she subverted and tainted her gifts. Then, her daughter Truth made things worse by taking revenge on him through his son. North was not pure evil, merely a greedy and arrogant man who accused Alse because of his bruised ego. He did a terrible thing to her, but his descendants certainly didn’t deserve to live with no one ever believing them. The curse drove countless innocents to suicide, drug addiction, and confinement to mental hospitals. The fact you were able to survive this long is a testament to your strength. Don’t give up.”

Tears formed in Sybilla’s eyes as she listened. She peered around the room, aching for a glimpse of her mother. “Mom, I miss you so much. I need you so much.”

Elana slumped in the chair. “She’s gone. The spirits use a great deal of energy trying to communicate, and the transmission is always short. What your mother sent was longer than most.”

“It’s not fair that I lost my parents so young. I want to see them. Why can’t I, when you can?” Sybilla grabbed a tissue and held it to her eyes while she sobbed.

Elana poured tea for herself and refilled Sybilla’s cup too. “Channeling is my special ability, just like yours are healing and premonitions, which I don’t possess. Everyone’s aptitudes are different. Some people aren’t sensitive to the spirit world, but they’re talented in other areas such as singing or art. One must work with what one has and try to cultivate those talents. That’s why you’re here with me, to make your gifts work for you instead of against you.”

“I’d give up all the visions for one moment with my parents. The precognitions don’t help anyone. They only cause me trouble.”

“Would you give up your healing abilities? You’ve helped many people with them, and you might not be able to pick and choose.”

Sybilla hesitated. “I don’t know. It might be worth it, if I could see my parents, witness for myself there really is something beyond this life.”

 “Are you sure you would believe if you saw them? How could you prove it wasn’t a dream or hallucination?”

“I couldn’t, and the thing that means the most to me would be gone. Not a good trade. Well, I don’t have the option anyway. Guess I should stop wishing for the impossible.”

“You have the message from your mother. You can keep faith she is watching over you, and all will be well in the end. Will you do that?”

Sybilla swallowed the lump in her throat. “I can try.”

The basis of Spiritualism is that people continue on after death and can communicate with the living to help and guide them. Cassadaga was founded by people who believed this and thought the location had properties which made it easier to connect with the other side. I’ve always been fascinated by the paranormal, and so I chose the unique town of Cassadaga as the setting for Witch Trial Legacy.

 Have you ever seen a ghost or had an experience that makes you believe it’s possible to make contact with people who have passed? Or do you believe, like Conn, the hero in Witch Trial Legacy, that it’s all wishful thinking or naïve people being taken advantage of by scam artists?

 Let me know in the comments. I would love to hear your thoughts!

 

5 Star Amazon Review:

Witch Trial Legacy (The Cassadaga Collection) by Katherine Smits is a wonderful read. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series that I am so hooked on and can not wait to read the rest. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading fantasy.

Buy Witch Trial Legacy: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0977NF15J/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1

 

 

For a free, exclusive short story, subscribe to my newsletter: http://katherineeddingersmits.weebly.com/

 

 

Katherine Eddinger Smits is a direct descendant of Susannah Martin, who was tried and executed for witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. Katherine holds a master’s degree in social work.  For 20 years, she assisted veterans and their families until she retired to pursue her writing obsession.

 

Now she brings clinical training and experience to her stories of mermaids, mages, and magical creatures. Within the context of fantasy and romance, her novels explore real-life issues of self-acceptance, body image, relationship dynamics, fears, and phobias. Mystery, suspense, and a little sex add spice to her books.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Five Fabulous Books for $.99 Cents. Sale Ends January 29th

                            Nook or Kindle--Download to your favorite reading device

A Heart Made for Love: https://amzn.to/397PLDt    

 https://bit.ly/3bMHeJ3 Barnes & Noble

Echoes of the Moon: https://www.amazon.com/Echoes-Moon-Jennifer-Taylor/dp/1509217606

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/.../echoes.../1127176715...

Siren Descending: https://www.amazon.com/Siren-Descending-Sirens-Book-2-ebook/dp/B082CMLGTF

Lord of Fire: https://www.amazon.com/Lord-Fire-Wytchfae-Book-5-ebook/dp/B07DTHHG5H

Taming the Lyon: https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Lyon-Loretta-C-Rogers-ebook/dp/B073XZMY8M 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/taming-the-lyon-loretta-c-rogers/1126834877?ean=2940158876738

Will the Coronavirus be the Grinch that Steals Christmas?

 

Dear Readers,

Just like the title states: Will the Coronavirus be the Grinch that steals Christmas?

This is a blog I never wanted to write. COVID-19 cases are skyrocketing across the United States. Over 70,000 new cases have been reported on numerous days in the past weeks and the death toll has eclipsed more than 200,000 souls.

It’s clear that the COVID-19 virus isn’t going away anytime soon. And it’s certainly not going to be conquered before the holiday season. It’s almost painful to write the words “virus” and “holiday” in the same paragraph. The reality is that this is one of the strangest Christmas buying seasons we’ve probably ever encountered.

Did you know that in 1606, London was locked down in quarantine as the bubonic plague swept through the countryside? William Shakespeare used his enforced downtime to write some of his most enduring plays: King Lear, Macbeth, and Antony and Cleopatra.

Sixty years later, the plague returned to England. Classes at Cambridge University were canceled, so young Isaac Newton retreated to his family estate and wrote papers that would become his theory of gravity.

If the plague couldn’t stop the most famous playwright and mathematician from producing history-changing works, then I decided what’s stopping me from sitting in my typing chair and creating ideas for new books?

It’s true that the COVID-19 crisis has dramatically changed the way all of us do business and live our lives. But there is one activity where millions of people are finding solace during this difficult time: reading a book.

As an author, I’m wondering, like so many writers, with people avoiding crowds, shopping from home, and desiring instant gratification, will there be a surge in demand for eBooks? Studies show that book lovers haven’t embraced their digital cousins to the extent that was predicted when the first  Kindle was introduced, and while eBooks never became the “printed book killer” they were touted as, sales have taken off in the last few months.

So here’s the question, dear friends, will the Coronavirus be the Grinch that steals Christmas? Books could be the go-to gift option in what’s predicted to be a social-distancing Christmas, especially when this virus prevents us from celebrating with our friends and family in person. It’s my guess that gift givers will stay home to search for that perfect book title and have it safely delivered to their loved one’s doorstep.

I’m wondering what a post-COVID world will look like. What about you—have you also wondered? I’m looking forward to the day hubby and I can go to our favorite restaurants without thinking about social distancing or go to a concert in person, and hopefully have in-office doctor visits instead of tele-med by phone. I’m confident this day is coming with new vaccines on the horizon, but some things have changed forever, and that includes the world of book marketing.

I know it’s shameless of me to post this article then invite you to peruse our book titles. In fact, we’ll be the opposite of the Grinch. For the first five people to respond positively to this blog article, we’ll gift you with a pdf. copy of our listed novels. You may choose one title of your choice or you may choose to receive all five titles. 

      

                        

 However, there is a catch: we’re limiting this offer to the first five people #1) Who respond with one positive impact that 2020 has had on you, #2) Let us know which pdf. title you wish to receive or if you wish to receive all 5 titles, #3) Check on FB to see if you are a winner. You will then be asked for your email address so the authors can contact you, #4) While it isn’t a requirement, we would greatly appreciate it if you would post a positive review for each book you read on FB, Amazon, or Goodreads. Hurry: This offer expires December 21, 2020.

*Note all books are offered as a pdf. except for “Water Dreams” which is offered as an ebook.*

So, dear readers, keep reading, keep staying positive, and most of all stay safe!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!