Hi guys, Welcome to another author feature. Today I have the wonderful G.P Ching on the blog answering some of my questions. There's also a giveaway for an eCopy of any of her books. Before we get to that though, here is the info on her books.
The Soulkeepers Series
Book 1 - The Soulkeepers (This book is FREE so no excuse not to grab it, click on the name and it will take you to Amazon)
When fifteen-year-old Jacob Lau is pulled from the crumpled remains of his mother's car, no one can explain why he was driving or why the police can't find his mother's body. A beautiful and mysterious neighbor offers to use her unique abilities to help him find his mom.
But in exchange she requires Jacob to train as a Soulkeeper, a protector of human souls. He agrees to her demands, desperate for any clue to the mystery of his mother's disappearance. But soon Jacob finds himself trapped in a web of half-truths, and questions her motives for helping him.
Book 2 - Weaving Destiny
Malini Gupta thought Jacob Lau was her destiny. But after months of failing to decipher how she fits into the Soulkeepers, frustration threatens to tear their relationship apart. And it doesn't help that a new Soulkeeper named Mara is ready to stop time itself to earn Jacob's love.
When Malini faces her worst fears, and even death, she learns a funny thing about destiny. Fate is a tapestry of choices, and she has the power to weave hers.
Book 3 - Return To Eden
Dr. Abigail Silva has waited over 10,000 years for redemption and a chance at a real relationship with the angel she loves. But when you're made from evil itself, it's hard to remember if salvation is worth the wait. With Lucifer's plan coming to fruition, she must decide if God's offer of humanity is all it's cracked up to be, or if a deal with the devil is the more promising solution.
Book 4 - Soul Catcher
Dane Michaels has been to Hell and back and isn't interested in repeating the experience. But as a human caught up in the Soulkeeper's world, his life isn't exactly his own. No one can explain why Dane was allowed through the gates of Eden, but it's changed everything. Now, the only one who can make him feel safe is Ethan, the telekinetic Soulkeeper with a dark past and a heart of gold.
When Malini asks Dane to be part of a mission to find the last Soulkeeper, Cheveyo, more than one team member thinks she's tempting Fate. But Malini suspects Fate has had a hand in Dane's life for some time and that he could be the key to unraveling Lucifer's latest plan of attack.
Book 5 - Lost Eden
Rules. Balance. Consequences. War.
When Fate gave Dane the water from Eden to drink, she did more than save his life. She changed his destiny.
Since the beginning, a compact between God and Lucifer has maintained a tenuous peace, balancing Soulkeepers and Watchers and the natural order of things. Dane upset that balance the day he became a Soulkeeper. Fate broke the rules.
Now, Lucifer is demanding a consequence, requiring Fate to pay the ultimate price for her involvement. God intervenes on the immortal’s behalf but in order to save her soul must dissolve the compact and with it the rules, order, and balance that have kept the peace. A challenge is issued. A contest for human souls begins. And the stakes? Earth. Winner take all.
The Soulkeepers are at the center of a war between Heaven and Hell, and this time, nobody, anywhere, is safe from Lucifer’s reach.
Book 6 - The Last Soulkeeper
The end is near.
Just when the Soulkeepers think they’ve established a foothold in the war between Heaven and Hell, the playing field shifts. Enraged by Cord’s disappearance, Lucifer replaces his right-hand man with the Wicked Brethren, three Watchers so formidable even their own kind fears them.
The Soulkeepers struggle to survive in an increasingly deadly world while continuing to defend human souls. How far will they go when saving the world means sacrificing their most precious team member?
The Grounded Series
Book 1 - Grounded
Faith kept her plain. Science made her complicated.
Seventeen year old Lydia Troyer is far from concerned with science or politics. Growing up behind a concrete wall in the exiled community of Hemlock Hollow, life hasn't changed much since her Amish ancestors came to America. She milks her cow by hand, makes fresh bread every morning, and hopes to be courted by a boy she’s known since childhood.
But when Lydia's father has a stroke and is rushed to the outside world for medical treatment, Lydia poses as an Englisher and leaves Hemlock Hollow. An ordinary light switch thrusts her into a new world where energy is a coveted commodity and revelations about her personal history have life threatening consequences.
Book 2 - Charged
Faith kept her plain. Science made her complicated.
After her harrowing experience at the hands of Dr. Konrad and the Green Republic, the plain and simple life of Hemlock Hollow is a relief to Lydia Troyer. Her focus now is on helping Korwin to fit in and preparing for their upcoming marriage.
But when an untimely death vastly changes the expectations of the Ordnung, harsh judgment falls on anything or anyone from the outside world, including Korwin.
All books can be found on Goodreads and Amazon.
Author Interview
1) You have 2 series out at the moment. How do they differ from
each other?
The series are very different, although
they share some similar themes. The Soulkeepers is about a group of teens with
supernatural abilities who defend humans against fallen angels in the battle
between heaven and hell. Each book (and sometimes chapters within each book)
focuses on a different character’s point of view. The genre is strongly fantasy
with portals, magic, and paranormal beings, but takes place in the world we
live in today.
Grounded, on the other hand, is written
in first person present. So, you experience the adventure through Lydia’s eyes
for most of the book. The story takes place in the future, although Lydia’s
Amish heritage means her community lives as if it was the past. Grounded is a
science fiction novel that deals with genetic engineering in a speculative
world that has adapted to environmental change. There is no magic other than
technology and all of the special abilities in the book are based on science.
Although the series are very different,
they have in common a worldview that faith, family, and friendship serve an
important purpose in society. They also both have strong female characters. Additionally,
they explore the idea of being different and ultimately self-acceptance in the
face of adversity.
2) You have 6 books published in the Soulkeepers series, will
there be more?
As of today, I have no plans to continue the series. However, I
haven’t ruled out a spin off series or prequel.
3) I adore the Soulkeeper series and love the complexity of the
world you have created. How did you come up with the idea of the books and what
research did you have to do?
The Soulkeepers books are jam packed with Judeo-Christian mythology.
Some of the research I did for these books included a multi-year
non-denominational Bible study and a dozen or so articles on origin stories around
the world. Some notable areas of research included a visit to the Abraham
Lincoln museum in Springfield for book 2, a few weeks doing research on
Fermilab and the Higgs Boson for book 3, Hopi culture and Walpi village for
book four, and the Trump penthouse in Chicago for books 5 and 6.
4) Dane and Ethan are some of my favourite characters in the
series and I love their relationship, was it hard to write a gay couple into
the books?
It wasn’t difficult to write because those characters wanted to
fall in love. It was the most natural
progression of the story for me as the author.
What was difficult was knowing that a large portion of my fan base could
and would leave me due to their strong feelings on the subject. The interesting
thing to me is that book four introduces a Soulkeeper who is not Christian,
Cheveyo, and a Soulkeeper who has a sweet and innocent homosexual relationship.
I get a lot of bad reviews and emails that mention the homosexuality but none
that mention the non-Christian. There isn’t a Christian church in America today
that wouldn’t say that homosexuality is a major issue facing their
congregation, yet the topic is underrepresented in literature. I’m proud of
Soul Catcher and love the role Dane and Ethan play in the greater story.
5) Between the world in Grounded and the world in the
Soulkeepers books, which world is your favourite?
The Soulkeepers, only because it’s a friendly world. I love the
story of Grounded, but I wouldn’t want to live in that world.
6) If you were a character for a day in one of your books, what
would you do and why?
I’d be an angel like Gabriel and use my power to fly around the
world healing the sick and helping people find true happiness.
7) How do you plot, do you have a mood board etc?
I use a product called Scrivener and write using the three act
method as a guideline. I recommend Bell’s Plot
and Structure for anyone interested in learning to plot.
8)What was one of the most surprising things you learned in
creating your books?
I think it surprised me how many people were personally touched
by my words. I’ve had letters from people who decided they believed in God
after reading my books. Others, who came out of the closet after reading Dane’s
story. It is an author’s dream to connect with her audience like that, but I
don’t think anyone expects it.
9) Do you have any writing habits?
My goal is 2,000 words or to edit three chapters per day.
10) What are you working on now and can we have a tiny sneak
peak?
I am wrapping up Charged, Book 2 in the Grounded Trilogy. I’ll
attach the Prologue to the end of this interview.
11) Describe the Soulkeepers series in 5 words and Grounded in 5
words.
The Soulkeepers: Powerful teens fight fallen angels.
Grounded: Amish girl struggles to survive.
12) What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I love watching my kid’s activities and family life. Outside of
that, I’m a foodie who enjoys gourmet cooking and trying new cuisines. I also
enjoy gardening.
13) What are you reading at the moment and have you any
recommendations?
I’m reading a non-fiction book called Masterminds and Wingmen
about how boys relate to each other and their parents in High School. I’m also
reading Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon. Some of these are not appropriate
for all audiences, but books I loved this year included Gone Girl, the Rosie
Project, Goldfinch, and Outlander.
14) Finally is there anything else you want to say about your
books?
I think Grounded is a hard book for readers to wrap their heads
around. It’s not like anything you’ve read, but this one will surprise you. There’s
a lot more to Lydia’s story than meets the eye.
Quick fire round
Favourite Drink: Starbucks Venti non-fat cappuccino with a
splenda
Favourite Food: Balsamic marinated grilled Portobello mushrooms
Favourite colour: Silver
Favourite place: Hilton Head
Favourite movie/TV series: Here’s what is on my DVR--The Vampire
Diaries, The Originals, American Horror Story, The Walking Dead, Big Bang
Theory, Modern Family
Favourite reading spot: A cabana on the beach.
Charged, Book 2 in The Grounded Trilogy
Prologue
Dr. Emile Konrad was fascinated by pain. The delicious exhilaration
as sharp silver approached unmarked flesh was one no drug could emulate. Was it
the patient’s widened eyes that made him sigh in contentment? Or something
more? Fear, perhaps. He prided himself on the horrors within his black bag,
capable of eliciting a response by sight alone. An increase in respirations,
pallor, a bounding pulse. One must be careful at this stage not to cause
hyperventilation. Nothing was as disappointing as a plaything lost to
unconsciousness.
The Green Republic wanted information and
therefore it was only natural Konrad not gag his patient, but in truth the
doctor wouldn’t have it any other way. He needed to hear the results of his
handiwork, to see the bunching muscles and breathless torque of his subject. It
was a disappointment when the patient gave up the goods too quickly. To do so
would deny him the ultimate high—the scream.
Unfortunately, this patient had the
spineless and weedy quality of a traitor. He’d have to savor the moment. The man’s
mouth hung open for one… two… three seconds before the shrill screech pierced
the room. The corners of Konrad’s mouth pulled toward his ears, and he inhaled
deeply, the scent of blood enhancing the thrill. What a rush.
“Where is the girl?”
“I t-told you, I d-don’t know.” The man
writhed against his bonds in a vain attempt at comfort, but the steel
examination table was unforgiving.
“Let us review,” Konrad said. “We have
established that you are a member of the Liberty Party. Through an act of
treason, you attacked CGEF in an attempt to gain control of the energy hub and
overthrow the Green Republic. You did this in collusion with Korwin Stuart and
Lydia Lane, who are now missing. Given the considerable talents of these two, I
find it difficult to believe that you are unaware of their whereabouts.”
“She came from nowhere,” the man babbled in
a rush. “Maxwell raised Korwin in the manor. We all knew him. But Lydia appeared one day. I don’t know where
she’s from or where they are now. Maybe she took him back to wherever she came
from.”
“Hmmm.” Konrad contemplated the revelation,
stroking one stubbled cheek. According to the probes hooked up to the man, he
was telling the truth. At least his chemistry said he was, and Konrad’s
equipment was nearly impossible to fool. Lydia’s identification claimed she was
from Willow’s Province, yet there was no record of her birth and only a minimal
paper trail linking her to a Lakehurst address in the middle of nowhere. Green
soldiers had searched every inch of Willow’s Province as well as Stuart Manor
without gaining a clue to their whereabouts. They’d released flasher drones
over the Outlands and in the most remote regions of habitable land. Nothing.
He must find Lydia and Korwin. Operation
Source Code, his life’s work and greatest accomplishment, was permanently
halted until he did. The loss of the beta specimens was intolerable, as
unacceptable as the loss of the Alpha Eight. The deaths of David and Natasha
had been a particularly hard blow, their bodies found burned beyond recognition
in the wreckage of Lydia and Korwin’s escape.
No, he must not allow this loss. Dr. Konrad
selected a new tool from his black bag, a twisted, clamping implement that
glinted in the overhead light. He lowered his thin lips to the man’s ear. “You
don’t know the whereabouts of Lydia and Korwin, but you must know where the
Liberty Party is currently organizing. Where should I look for the one who
would know?”
The man gulped air in panic, staring at the
sharp in Konrad’s hand hovered over his breastbone. “A-all of the information
about the Liberty Party, all of the members names and addresses, the
organizational charts, all of it is in a vaulted basement in Stuart Manor.
Maxwell called it the Compound. Place was rigged to lock down if the manor was
infiltrated.”
Well now, finally a useful tidbit, although
Konrad wondered how David had missed this fact while undercover. Certainly, as
the butler, he would have been privy to such knowledge. Yet, what the patient
said explained a vexing anomaly. When the Green Republic had arrested Korwin
and Maxwell and taken control of Stuart Manor, Konrad thought it odd that
Maxwell, a well known albeit retired scientist, had no office or laboratory. A
man of his many scientific pursuits would be expected to have a modest workshop
for tinkering. A hidden compound made sense of the omission.
“Very good,” Konrad said. “Your honesty
will be rewarded.”
The man blew out a painful breath. “You’ll
let me go?”
Konrad lifted an eyebrow. “In one way or
another.” Dr. Emile Konrad was fascinated by pain, but he could be merciful
when a patient earned his mercy. Reverently, he returned the tool in his hand
to his black bag before reaching for an oxygen mask beside the examination
table. He strapped the mask on the man’s face and turned the dial on the
attached canister. It did not contain oxygen. The foggy mustard colored
contents flowed into the tube with a hiss. Slowly, the patient calmed, then
closed his eyes, and eventually stopped breathing altogether.
“As promised,” Konrad told the dead man.
“An easy exit, I am sure you would agree.” He patted the man’s shoulder, then
stood and reached for his phone.
Protocol demanded he call Pierce directly
with any new information. Stuart Manor was now evidence and property of the
Green Republic. But Pierce would want to follow procedure. Pierce would request
the proper channels be followed to investigate the possibility of a hidden
chamber. The man was becoming a bottleneck, too powerful for the Republic’s
good.
No. This job called for a special set of
skills. He needed someone who wasn’t afraid to break a few rules to get the job
done. Someone who was properly motivated to succeed.
The phone rang against his ear. Seven
times. It always rang seven times. As expected, when the call connected, no
greeting whatsoever was offered.
Konrad didn’t hesitate to speak into the
void. “I have a job for you.”
