Today I am chatting with Fantasy author, RA Winter about her contribution to the Realm of Darkness boxset, Themis which releases on October 4th, 2022 and is currently available on preorder.
Helen: I am delighted to welcome you to my blog today, and I am so looking forward to chatting with you about Themis. To start please tell us a little about your book.
RA Winter: My contribution to the Realm of Darkness Boxset is Themis. I’ve been wanting to write about Greek Mythology for a while and Themis fit my idea of a strong woman and one who wouldn’t take any sass from the other Olympian gods. It’s a fantasy/mystery/adventure that will take you on a journey into the underworld of Hades, Tartarus, and beyond.
Helen: Strong heroines on an adventure, sounds exciting! Your cover is striking. The colours remind me of the fires…
Writing a novel isn’t as easy as it sounds. Plotting, characters, setting, fact-checks, and a lot of research are required before you even begin writing that opening line. Months (and sometimes years) of agonizing decisions, second-guessing, rewrites, proofreading, and editing (the list goes on and on) are bound inside of each story you’ve ever read. I guarantee it.
Everyone would love to see their fingers flying over the typewriter, creating the world’s next best seller. The truth is that for most of us, it is a multi-person effort. But where do you go for help?
I use Scribophile. I’ve been a member for six years (or longer-my oldest email is dated 2016 in my inbox). There are writers who use the site for the bare-minimum-post work and receive feedback. That’s fine, but there is fun in the details.
There are Groups you can join and just like any social media site out there, you can add friends, have chats and share knowledge. There is a ‘Medical Questions’ group. Want to know how to kill your MC without a trace? How about morgue etiquette? Need to know how to dress a combat injury? Ask away, there’s someone who will answer. Want others to read your finished novel and give their feedback? Beta and Alpha book swaps are for you. (N. Noel Fudge runs those-a fantastic person.) Need plot help? Post the questions and just wait for the answers.
What if you want a dedicated ‘team’ to share work with? Afraid you won’t be able to keep up in a group? There are teams that share one chapter every week-and others that share 40,000 words a week (or more). Pick your speed. Don’t want to join a team? Work on your own, choose works you’d like to read, and just make friends.
The goal at Scribophile is to FINISH that novel.
But what about once you’ve hit The End? What then?
Scribophile has you covered. There’s always someone who will give you feedback on covers, blurbs, beta & alpha read, editors, and advertising questions-just about any subject you can think of.
There is an area called the Academy. Lots of articles on grammar, writing craft (from structure to rhythm), outlining, personification-I could go on, but I left out the best part.
Friends. Right now, as I’m writing, I’m participating in a word sprint with a friend and wonderful writer. She’s in South Africa-I’m in Pittsburgh. We’ve ‘known’ each other for years. I’ve met a couple of other writers in person and plan on continuing the meetings. I visited one fellow Scribbler just a month ago in North Carolina-we had a blast together-I wore my cowboy boots-she wore angel wings. A couple of years ago, I met another friend for lunch 1.5 hours away. We ate hotdogs and laughed for hours. These are relationships that only came about because I decided to write novels-and I needed help with the whole creative process.
I love Scribophile. I’ve grown as a writer and hope to continue gathering knowledge and perfecting my writing.
There’s more to Scribophile than that, but for now, I’ll leave you with this thought. How do you plan to finish that novel?
Tartarus, the name was used for the deepest region of the underworld, where the gods locked up their enemies and the dreaded Titans. The worst punishments were eeked out in this realm. Tartarus was one of the personified elements of the world, along with Gaea (Earth) and others. Tartarus and Gaea produced the monster Typhon
It was far below where the god Hades resided and it was the most horrible prison. The distance between Tartarus and Haides was the same as between the earth and Haides, it would take nine days for an anvil to reach Haides if dropped from earth, and another nine days from Haides to Tartarus. Although the kingdom of Hades was the place of the dead, Tartarus was where ferocious monsters and horrible criminals were banished, or where the gods imprisoned their rivals after a war. The three judges of the Underworld, Rhadamanthus, Aeacus, and Minos, decided who would go to the realm of Hades and who would be banished to Tartarus.
This blog introduces you to people and places that will be in my release in the anthology, The Realm of Darkness.
When darkness falls, beware of the creatures that come out to play…
Packed with creepy creatures, edge-of-your seat adventure, heart-melting heroes, and devastating anti-heroes, Realm of Darkness includes 40+ novels from NY Times, USA Today, and international bestselling authors.
When an anvil falls from earth nine days later it will slam into the deepest parts of Hades. Filled with the stench of mold and dead bodies, this realm is dark and filled with the voices of the doomed and bodiless ghosts flitted across the grey fields.
Pay the ferryman Charon or forfeit your chance at having an afterlife. He carries the souls of those who had received the rites of burial, across the river Styx.
Hades is surrounded by five rivers, each one representing an emotion connected with the underworld: the Styx (hatred), Acheron (pain), Lethe (forgetfulness), Phlegethon (fire), and Cocytus (wailing). Charon received the souls from Death (Or Hermes in mythology) and then guide them to the other side of the Styx River. The dead were buried with a coin under their tongue in order to pay Charon for their ride. Those who could not pay, or who had not received a proper burial, were turned back. The ghosts of the unburied were returned to the realm above to haunt the living in the form of dreams and to demand a proper burial.
The underworld’s entrance is not a very welcoming place, with Anxiety, Grief, Diseases, Old Age, Hunger, Fear, Agony, Death, and Sleep awaiting you. The entrance is guarded by Cerberus, a vicious three-headed dog whose duty is to keep the souls from leaving Hades.
Once Charon ferries the souls to the other side, the newly dead are then at the mercy of three judges: Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Aeacus. They decide the fate of the souls and send them to one of three places. If chosen for Elysium, the souls first drink from the river Lethe, to forget everything of their former life and commence a pleasant afterlife. Within the realm of Elysium, one can also find the Isles of the Blessed. When a soul has reached Elysium three times in a row, they are then granted access to the Isles of the Blessed for an eternity of unending bliss.
The second location, the Fields of Punishment, is designated for those who commit crimes against the gods. Hades decides on their individual punishment himself.
The Fields of Asphodel, thirdly, are for the souls who have not achieved greatness nor committed crimes against the gods.
This week we’ll be learning about Katherine D. Graham’s novel in the Realm of Darkness Fantasy and Paranormal Collection!
When darkness falls, beware of the creatures that come out to play…
Fall under their spell over and over again in this ultimate paranormal and fantasy romance boxset! Over 40 full-length novels with heart-melting heroes and devastating anti-heroes, full of romance, magic, mystery, and adventure can be yours for an insanely low price of .99c.
Ready to be swept away? Your book boyfriends are waiting… Enemies-to-lovers, alphas, fae, werewolves, dragons, shapeshifters, vampires, gods, angels, demons, and more: with novels ranging from sweet to spicy, there’s a flavor to sate your every craving.
You won’t find these exclusive novels anywhere else, so don’t miss your chance. Over ten thousand pages by New York Times, USA Today, and International bestselling authors and at less than three cents per book, this collection is a steal, but only for a limited time. Grab it today before it’s gone forever…
Katherine D. Graham
Kierra is a princess with a gargantuan secret. The kind of secret people would murder her for, were it to be discovered. The kind of secret her own mother would turn away from in hate. Kierra is the first Hybrd–a Human with Angel and Demon blood. Vampire-Elf Prince Lunev has spent his entire adult life protecting the only living Hybrid during her annual waning–the time of year where her Angel blood overpowers her Human blood. Love was not supposed to be in the cards. But love is what they found. Will their love for each other end a centuries-long war between their races and save their countries from the Devil and Demon hordes? Or will their love doom them all?
Katherine D. Graham is a bestselling Fantasy author from Tennessee, in the USA. She is also a developmental editor and a Reedsy Reviewer.
Katherine’s debut indie Epic Fantasy novel, The Vow That Twisted Fate, is an Amazon bestselling New Adult Fantasy novel, a Fantasy finalist in the 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, and a five-star IndieReader-approved novel.
Katherine holds a BA in Foreign Language/Lit: Japanese from the University of Memphis in Tennessee, where she also studied English (and editing). She worked for the Memphis Public Library and Information Center in her college years, and is still a vocal supporter of the Friends of the Memphis Public Library.
In addition to the library system, Katherine actively raises support for the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The House of Mews cat sanctuary, the Memphis Zoo, and Swim Across America.
Katherine loves adventures, especially traveling. She also enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her family and three cats.
This week we’ll be learning about Rosalyn Briar’s novel in the Realm of Darkness Fantasy and Paranormal Collection!
When darkness falls, beware of the creatures that come out to play…
Fall under their spell over and over again in this ultimate paranormal and fantasy romance boxset! Over 40 full-length novels with heart-melting heroes and devastating anti-heroes, full of romance, magic, mystery, and adventure can be yours for an insanely low price.
Ready to be swept away? Your book boyfriends are waiting… Enemies-to-lovers, alphas, fae, werewolves, dragons, shapeshifters, vampires, gods, angels, demons, and more: with novels ranging from sweet to spicy, there’s a flavor to sate your every craving.
You won’t find these exclusive novels anywhere else, so don’t miss your chance. Over ten thousand pages by New York Times, USA Today, and International bestselling authors and at less than three cents per book, this collection is a steal, but only for a limited time. Grab it today before it’s gone forever…
Rosalyn Briar
As a performer in the underwater Cirque du Mer, Muriel charms skeletons to dance using her voice and magic pearls. When the circus travels to the Crescent Reef, Muriel is eager to take part in the Sacrifice. She desires to sink the ships of humans, the vile creatures who had once enslaved her.
During the Sacrifice, though, Muriel comes upon a different type of human—a woman. Instead of feeding the woman to the Moon Priestess’ kraken, Muriel saves her. Soon, she learns that Yara is a princess and, despite being human and mer, they have much in common. A romance blossoms between the pair, until Yara’s rescue ship arrives.
When the depressed Muriel learns that Yara has died in another shipwreck, she rushes to the Moon Priestess for help. Muriel gives up her voice as payment, and the Moon Priestess turns Yara into an undead mermaid. Muriel has three days to make Yara fall in love and find her soul’s pearl—all the while performing in the circus.
I am a former Latin teacher, a mother to two fearless daughters, and a wife to my soul mate. I have two novels, A Sea of Pearls & Leaves and The Crown of Bones. I also have gothic romance short stories published in anthologies by Dragon Soul Press and Jazz House Publications. When I’m not reading or writing, I’m playing dress-up or gleaning through the woods for wildflowers with my princesses.
Hates: Being cooped up by myself. Dead people all around.
What are you looking for in a mate? I have a mate. What’s this about? *shouts* Zeus, you said this was the gods messaging app.
*Zeus* Of course, it is. Just answer the questions-so we can all get to know you.
*Haides* Ok, I’m looking for my wife-she’s my mate.
*Zeus* Pussy.
Past Loves?: Well, I try to be faithful and a good hus-
*Zeus* Double pussy.
*Hades* As I was saying, I’ve tried to be faithful, but there were two other women in my life-
*Zeus* Boring.
*Haides* There was this sexy nymph, Oceanus’s daughter Luce. I kinda kidnapped her and brought her to the underworld. I flirted a bit but she ignored me. Persephone found out and wanted her dead so I returned her topside and turned her into a poplar tree.
There there was this nymph from the river Cocytus. She smelled so sweet and smiled a lot but again Minthe hated my home so I asked for a kiss and said that I’d take her to the human realm for a kiss. I just pecked her on the cheek, I swear. Once topside, I knew it was a mistake and left her, I didn’t want to upset Persephone-
*Zeus* OMG, Big pussy.
*Haides* Shut up, man. Not all of us are assholes to our wives. Persephone deserves my respect.
*Zeus* I tapped that.
*Haides* She’s your daughter.
*Zeus* And??
This is a companion to my Facebook page, stop by for some snark! Also, you can pre-order Themis, the first book in the Queens of the Underworld Series in the Realm Of Darkness Boxset. Forty-five full-length novels by USA Today Bestsellers and other great authors! Grab your copy today!
Today we have the lovely Jessica Grayson with us! She’s one of the forty-five authors in the Realm of Darkness Boxset who are offering full-length books in this fantasy and paranormal collection of novels!
Everyone fears the High Elf King. He is known throughout the seven kingdoms as a fierce and lethal warrior. When I accidentally wander too close to the Veil, I’m captured and brought before him. The sentence for trespassing is death. The moment our eyes meet, the King claims I am his Fated One–his Khio’ri. He spares my life, but he refuses to let me go. His people believe that a soulbond woven by fate cannot be undone. Our people have been enemies for hundreds of years. But the more time we spend together, I find myself captivated by this man who would be my husband and king. Now, I find myself wondering: What would it be like if I allowed myself to fall?
I can’t wait to read this one! Ok, so you know me, I want to devour the whole book! A little about Jessica,
USA Today bestselling author, Jessica Grayson writes fantasy and scifi romance about strong heroines and the otherworldly heroes that cannot help but fall in love with them. She lives with her husband, cat and dog in the San Antonio, TX area. In addition to reading and writing romance, she loves swimming, chai and dark chocolate.
And if you want to get a head start on Jessica’s novels she has two out in the same universe!
Everyone fears the Dark Elf King. Varys is known as a fierce and lethal warrior; none can stand against his armies.
When I’m captured by the Dark Elves and taken before their king, my first thought is of escape. The moment our eyes meet, King Varys claims I am his Fated One—his Khio’ri.
Humans and Elves have been enemies for centuries, but his people believe that a soulbond woven by fate cannot be undone.
I doubt he’s ever going to let me go. But what does it mean to be Bound to the Dark Elf King?
Everyone fears the Dragons that live in the ice mountains, beyond the edge of our kingdom. Fierce creatures that can take the shape of a man or that of a terrifying beast.
Accused of practicing witchcraft, I’m sentenced to death by my Uncle—the King. Tied to a stake and sentenced to burn, he offers me as sacrifice to the fierce Dragon King.
Name: Hera, Sister and Wife of Zeus. Queen of Olympus, loved by Zeus.
Parents: Chronus and Rhea
Goddess of women, marriage, family, and childbirth.
Loves: Zeus. My pets. Oh, our kids too.
Wants: Zeus
Hates: Those awful women who think that Zeus could be theirs! Really? He married me! He loves me! I’m everything to him. We are a family first and foremost.
What are you looking for in a mate? Mate? I have a mate. What kind of questions are these?
*App Master* Lady Hera, this is an application for the Greek God-
*Zeus interrupts* Greek God Messaging app-to keep family close.
Thera continues- See? He’s all for our family, aren’t you dear?
*Zeus chuckles* Of course, my love.
Past loves? Oh, I’ve been faithful to Zeus-always. There was this one time when Ixion tried to me but, Zeus threw him into Tartarus, for his attempted cuckolding of Zeus.
I think we’re done now.
This is a companion to my Facebook page, stop by for some snark! Also, you can pre-order Themis, the first book in the Queens of the Underworld Series in the Realm Of Darkness Boxset. Forty-five full-length novels by USA Today Bestsellers and other great authors! Grab your copy today!
Join me in welcoming the GREAT KC Freeman. Besides being a wonderful author, she is an excellent editor that I couldn’t do without.
The Realm of Darkness features Forty-Five Full-Length Books and I’m gonna give you a sneak peak of each!
Blurb-Jasper is here to prove that angels may have hearts of gold and be warriors for Heaven, but this angel is too sexy for his … well, anything. He’s fun and adventurous with a daring, provocative side that tempts even the most grounded woman — including one who knows that you can’t tame this angel and his renegade heart.
KC Freeman, paranormal romance/mystery author and winner of the 2021 Firebird Book Awards for Paranormal Fiction.
After leaving the corporate world to raise her five rambunctious children with her husband in North Carolina, KC Freeman eventually found her way back to her lifelong desire to write fiction. First, she dipped her toes in the writing world by ghostwriting cozy mysteries and romance novels.
She struck out on her own to write urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Rekindled Prophecy: Greylyn the Guardian Angel Series Book 1 was originally published by Zimbell House Publishing November 2019; however, due to the publisher closing their business, KC has chosen to relaunch the first book in the Greylyn series.
Additionally, she contributed a paranormal romance short story to the Autumn/Winter 2017 anthology The Bowman’s Inn; as well as another paranormal romance short story released March 21, 2019 with the After Dark anthology where readers will be introduced to an upcoming character in the Greylyn saga.
KC writes mostly fantasy and paranormal romance novels, especially angels and demons.
When she is not writing, KC is running her children to practices, football games, swim meets, wrestling tournaments, and generally all over town. In her spare time…who are we kidding? She doesn’t have any of that.
AND she forgot something… She won first place in the Naked Reviewers Best Novel of the Year Contest. How do I know? Because my book, Twisted, came in second!
Warrior for good. Slayer of demons. This petite guardian may look like an angel, but she is pure wrath.
Heaven and Hell collide at a quaint inn nestled in the Shenandoah Mountains. Despite plans of a relaxing vacation after 450 years of saving humans, a guardian angel is put to the ultimate test. Pure unadulterated evil, in the form of a sexy dark guardian and Hell’s most lethal weapon, is on the scene and he aims to misbehave.
An unlikely alliance binds eternal enemies together in a quest to unravel a prophecy so deadly that Heaven refused to write it down.
Greylyn the Guardian Angel series is an epic paranormal romance full of adventure, mystery, and a passion that burns stronger than the flames of Hell.
4 out of 5 read-ologists recommend this WordPress.com site. ups and downs of writer's insanity and day to day life. I will write whatever makes the voices happy, for a writer that ignores her inner voices is merely a mental breakdown waiting to happen. Keeping the voices happy and creating new worlds for them to play in is my main goal.
Ra Winter Writer 