Rebecca Blackwood finally has what she's worked for: a home of her own. Then the phone starts ringing in the middle of the night...
At first it's silence. Then breathing. Then a voice that knows exactly where she's sleeping, what guest is in her home, what she's going to do. Rebecca does everything right — she calls investigators of the paranormal, she checks the locks, she stays calm.
The Call is a slow-burn re-imagining of one of horror's most
enduring urban legends — “the babysitter and the man upstairs” — retold
around a first-time homeowner instead of a teenager on a job. The
recognition is instant.
DL Mullan holds a Master
of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology.
The creative spirit inspired Undawnted's DL Mullan to combine her love of literary, performing, visual, and media arts into its own variant expression. With a consummate background in music (competitive orchestra, band, concert choir, musical theater, and solo talent performances), Ms. Mullan produces cinematic and hauntingly expressive songs that pair well with her stories. As an award-winning poet, the lyrics she creates immerses the reader in the emotions, characters, and motifs of each individual book. With the addition of her digital (book covers and merchandise) and media forte (trailers, films, and music videos), her audience receives an innovative arts experience. Altogether, she is an independent publisher (Sonoran Dawn Studios), merchandiser (Sonoran Dawn Merch), and record label owner (Sonoran Dawn Music). DL Mullan also writes a syndicated column about technology and the creative industry, Undawntech.
Kaye Lynne Booth Interview: The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2
Welcome to Day 1, Tour Stop 2 of the
WordCrafter Double Visions Book Blog Tour. Today, I’m interviewing
author Kaye Lynne Booth. We also have a great giveaway, so leave a comment at
each stop for a chance to win one of three free digital copies, and for U.S.
residents, one signed print copy of The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Double
Visions.
_____
The Giveaway
Follow
the tour and leave a comment to let me know you were here and be entered
for a
chance at one of three free digital copies or one signed print copy of
The
Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Double Visions.
Winners are chosen in a random
drawing from my hat. You can visit any stops you missed through the links in
the tour schedule below. So, get your comments in now.
Place your comments on Writing to be Read
_____
Tour Schedule
Mon. – Writing to be Read
– Amaryllis, Rock Star & The Pretty Reckless/Undawnted –
Interview with the author
About The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Double
Visions
In 1887, LeRoy is stuck, bringing
trouble down on those around him. Sissy is kidnapped and he's the only one who
can save her.
Amaryllis wakes up in 2030, in a
future very different to the one she knows, one in which she may not have been
born. She will stop at nothing to find LeRoy fix what went wrong in the past.
She and a version of Monique which
is different from the one she grew up with travel back to 1887 to try and make
things right.
Add two time travel regulators from
the future who are after the time module, and things begin to get wild.
When the time loops are crossed,
things change, but not the way Amaryllis intended and pretty soon, everybody is
seeing doubles.
__________________________________
The Kickstarter campaign for book 2
of Kaye Lynne Booth’s Time Travel Adventure Series is still in full swing until
the 29th of March, so pop on over to offer your support and check
out all the cool rewards. You can get discounted digital copies, exclusive
signed print copies, posters, goodie bags and more.
1- What got you interested in time travel? Books? Movies? Science?
The
whole time travel thing is a lot to wrap my brain around. I would watch
time travel movies and my mind would ponder the possibilities for days
after. I watched one movie where the time traveler goes back and falls
in love with his grandmother, essentially. making the guy his own
grandfather. I mean, wow! Think about that for a moment. H.G. Wells', The Time Machine,
explores the idea of going back and changing events in time to create a
different outcome. The main character discovers that it is not
possible, and if you change an event that was fated to happen, it will
find another way and happen anyway. He goes to the future in search of
the answer to why we can't change time.This story was so profound. How
can your mind not be boggled by the implications? The Butterfly Effect deals
with the same issues, showing the unintentional things that could
change from changing just one thing. In the words of Michael J. Fox's
Marty McFly, "That's some heavy stuff."
My
first time travel story was "Last Call", found in "Last Call and Other
Short Fiction", about a bar stool that was a gateway to a soda shop in
the 1950's. It was a fun story to write. Then, I got the idea for a time
travel device that fit into the pommel of a saddle, thus turning the
horse into a mode of time travel, which I thought was a pretty cool
idea. Maybe not as cool as a Delorian, but then again, maybe it is. That
gave me a time traveler from the old west.
2- From your usual protagonists, what is different in your characterizations of the Rockstar and Outlaw?
I write a lot of strong female protagonists, which is to say, girls who
can kick butt. Rockstar is no different in that way. The idea for her
character came from Sharon Stone's portrayal of the woman in Basic Instinct, making
her an adrenaline junkie, who thrives on cheating death. When I got the
idea to put the two characters together and base the story on the music
of The Pretty Reckless, she became a rock star, and a junkie of another
sort, due to the rock and roll lifestyle, so if anything, I would say
she is more flawed than my usual characters and has a lot more to
overcome.
3- If you could go back in time or forward in the future, when would you go? And, why?
That's
a really good question. Most people would probably go back and try to
change something in their present, even though every time travel story
carries a warning of the dangers of doing so. Since I lost my son right
after he turned 18, I would probably be inclined to do so, as well.
Especially since I can see several things that might have set events in a
different direction. But, the one consistent thing about time travel is
that you can never really change anything.
Maybe
I'd prefer to jump ahead in time, except that as I watch the trends and
the direction things are going on this world, I'm not so sure if I'd want
to go forward either.
No. I think I'm content to stay right when I'm at.
4- Would you like to be a rockstar or outlaw in another life? Are you either now?
Rock
stars lead wild lives filled with parties, sex, and illegal substances.
When I was younger, that might have appealed to me, but these days, I'm
an old lady who goes to bed at nine o'clock, so that type of life no
longer appeals to me.
Amaryllis
is on top of it though. She thrives on the excitement of that life. She
loves to flirt with danger. Whether driving fast, skydiving, bungee
jumping, mountain climbing, or dating the biggest drug dealer in Las
Vegas, Amaryllis is all in. For her, traveling back to the 1800s with an
outlaw cowboy is just another adventure.
Outlaws
spend their time running from the law and other outlaws. There is no
time to put down roots. They are always on the go, and always facing
danger. I'm pretty mellow, so that's not me either.
LeRoy
is a reluctant outlaw, who joined up with an outlaw gang to try and save his father's farm. After one robbery, he realizes this isn't for
him, but the gang is unwilling to let him go.
5- What else would you like to add for your readers to know about you and your publications?
Music plays a big part in this series. Amaryllis is all about The
Pretty Reckless. Each chapter is titled with a song, and Leroy's are by
various artists. The first book has alternating POVs between the two.
Double Visions has multiple POVs, so each of them have song titles for
each chapter, too. Both books feature a playlist of all the music, so
you can listen as you read to put you in the right frame of mind.
I
really hope you will all enjoy this series. I had so much fun writing
it. And I hope you will all pop over to the Kickstarter campaign, where
we have discounted digital copies and exclusive signed print copies of
books 1 and 2, plus posters and goody bags not available anywhere else.
When you purchase books through Kickstarters, the author gets to keep
more of the profits than purchases through retailers, and you don't have
to pay as much, so everybody wins.
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and Book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
___________________________
That wraps up today’s stops on the
WordCrafter Double Visions Book Blog Tour. Tomorrow's stop will find us
over at Poetry by Mich, Hotel by Mastcadores, and Masticadores
Phillipines with Michelle Ayon Navajas, where we'll explore the character
of LeRoy and Cowboy, and writing with music in a guest post and reading from me
and a review. I hope to see you there, but until then, don't forget to pop into
the Kickstarter campaign to get your copy of The Rock Star & The Outlaw
2: Double Visions.
"In the Name of Blood" is a dark fiction novel that explores themes of
family and conflict within a vampiric universe, focusing on a character
named Riley who becomes entangled in a dangerous situation involving two
vampires. The story is noted for its vivid descriptions and engaging
characters, making it an intriguing read for fans of the genre.
In the Name of Blood: Vampires are Relative novel is available as a stand-alone book, and published by Sonoran Dawn Studios/Publishing, and Undawnted.
_____
The Review
Kaye Lynne Booth, Writing to be Read
Lured into a conflict between two
vampires, one a viciously insane vampiric killer who thrives on
torturing her, Riley is determined to see Wilhelm stopped at any cost.
The other vampire, Julian, is after the same prey, placing them both on
the same side, and he is equally determined to keep Riley from harm’s
way because they are related. This is book one in Mullan’s Legacy
Universe series, and I got the distinct impression that Riley will play
an important role in something much bigger in future books.
Mullan doesn’t use dialog tags, which
makes it difficult to know who is speaking at times, but probably reads
aloud smoother. Perhaps she plans to do audiobook versions in the
future. Her characters are larger than life, and you can almost feel
Riley’s pain from Mullan’s vivid descriptions. I’m not sure I buy into
vampires with governing bodies, as these seem to, but I can accept it
for what it is and immerse myself in the world for a time.
An interesting take on the vampiric universe. I give In the Name of Blood Vampires are Relative four quills.
Read her review of In the Name of Blood: Vampires are Relative on Writing to be Read.
_________
About DL Mullan
A
writer at heart, Undawnted’s own creative spark, DL Mullan, began
writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Over the years, Ms.
Mullan has showcased her literary talents by self-publishing several
collections of her poetry. She also writes novels, designs apparel, and
creates digital art. Ms. Mullan‘s creative writing is available in
digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies.
As an independent publisher, she produces her own book cover designs as
well as maintains her own websites. She is an award-winning digital
artist and poet.
The short story, The Initiation, is published in Midnight Oil Anthology through WordCrafter Press.
The narrative leaves off where The Reality Hackers
(Visions anthology, as well as Sonoran Dawn Studios novelette) did. The intriguing update reveals that John and Elleanor Chisum were murdered, leaving their three
children orphaned.
The
Chisums' daughter, Eliza, finds her first year in college a
challenge. When she writes a research paper for her introduction to
physics course, the professor gives her a failing grade. Like her
mother, Eliza sees beyond the five senses as a conduit of pure
consciousness. As she drifts through quantum consciousness, she learns
of her past, new allies, and a dark threat behind another door to her
future.
Enjoy a scene from The Initiation with this dramatic reading by DL Mullan:
The Initiation also provides a cameo from the popular character, Sarah Mitchell, from Mangled (Midnight Roost anthology, as well as Sonoran Dawn Studios' novelette) and Hode: Be Honor in Your Wars (Sonoran Dawn Studios' novel).
This story is its own stand-alone novelette for publication through the Legacy Universe next year.
Join all the character excitement and take a journey into the unknown.
_____
Support Great Artists
Read The Reality Hackers, available at these fine retailers.
A writer at heart, Undawnted’s own creative spark, DL Mullan, began writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Over the years, Ms. Mullan has showcased her literary talents by self-publishing several collections of her poetry. She also writes novels, designs apparel, and creates digital art. Ms. Mullan‘s creative writing is available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. As an independent publisher, she produces her own book cover designs as well as maintains her own websites. She is an award-winning digital artist and poet.
His fame turned out to be a curse, not a blessing.
_____
A Salt Pines Mystery
My short story, Kurst, published the year prior in Midnight Garden is based on an ancient curse. This submission cycle, I decided to be a reader and not a participant, since I wrote a story about the theme last year. I don't want to bore anyone!
Funny thing is, the initial story took on a life of its own. Now, Kurst is part of A Salt Pines Mystery trilogy of novelettes/novellas... so, altogether does that make a full novel then? We're going to find out!
The first story is Wallen. It's about Karen Kurst's ancestor, who started on this journey to solve the homicidal monster mystery. Next, is Kurst, about Karen, who you all met in Midnight Garden. The last story is Bear. The intrepid guide of the mystery.
Or, is he?
Just adding to the mystery!
______
About Kurst
Karen Kurst comes into the legal possession of her deceased grandmother's cabin in Salt
Pines, Arizona. As she delves into the secrets of the quaint mountain
village, she discovers that there is more than meets the eye. A
mysterious creature roams the woods, a blended cryptid: Elemental, Sasquatch, and
Skinwalker. The only way to contain this entity is through a magical
spell passed down by her ancestor, Ralph Wallen II. Teaming up with the
local indigenous sheriff, Karen is determined to break the family curse.
However, the question remains - will she have to sacrifice her own life
to protect her newfound community?
__________
Support Great Artists
Writers spend time and care to give you much needed respite and entertainment, please avail them with your appreciation by buying their books.
Curses
that last throughout time. Curses which can't be broken. Curses which
are brought upon ourselves. Curses that will kill you and those that
will only make you wish you were dead.
Eleven
tantalizing tales of curses and the cursed. Includes stories by Kaye
Lynne Booth, Molly Ertel, C.R. Johansson, Robert White, Joseph Carrabis,
Paul Kane, Danaeka Scrimshaw, Abe Margel, and Denise Aparo.
_____
Introduction
Welcome, this autumn we have two blog tours. The first is Curses: Chronicles of Darkness anthology of horror stories. Undawnted's author interview for the narrative, Mowhawk Monster: The Curse of the Herkimer Diamond, is Denise Aparo.
Please welcome her to Undawnted with our warm and graciously spooky hospitality.
_____
Interview with Denise Aparo
What is it about a Curse that inspires your imagination?
A curse inspires my imagination because it is something outside the norm. Anything unusual or paranormal gets my attention! The very word, curse, incites connotations of evil, negative, and possible harmful outcomes. These emotions, sensations, and the reactions that result will make for good storytelling!
What type of Curse is your favorite to write about: blaspheme, afflict, imprecate, or torment? Hex or jinx? By spell, object, or charm?
I believe I use “imprecate” the most.
As an author, I like to write about the paranormal, where curses are invoked by a person or being. I have had my characters use charms or incantations to imprecate curses on another person or being.
I definitely use “hexes” more than a “jinx.” However, if I create a character that is either too foolish/playful or not as savvy as most, then I would consider having them use a “jinx.”
I use all three “spell, object, and charm.” My character’s recite incantations to invoke a spell or charm and I definitely use “charmed objects.” In a few of my stories I have a charmed tome and sigil that gives muse inspiration to those who know how to use them or if the tome sees fit to have the person inspired.
Do you use mortal, paranormal, or supernatural means to render a Curse in your creative imagination?
I have stories where humans invoke a curse, but I also have paranormal beings preform a curse on a person, being, or object. I am open to all possibilities and have many stories where supernatural means are used.
Which type of Curse or progenitor of a Curse enticed you to write your story?
I’m mostly drawn to the generational curse. It is one of the oldest curses, which are the line of descent. This is where the curse that is passed through the family line from one generation to the next. However, I don’t believe it must be only family but perhaps those connected to the family or ancestors is fascinating, too.
In my story, “The Mohawk Monster: Curse of the Herkimer Diamond,” the curse is invoked by a Native American Goddess: Komorkis, Goddess of the Moon. She is devastated when the elite warriors of her sacred people are slain by an evil supernatural tribe. She curses the land where they murdered—hence, the diamonds embedded in the earth.
Are Curses forever?
As a writer, I can make a curse forever with only one way to break it and it is probably my most favored way of doing them. But I’m not opposed to setting limits on a curse, like a bomb! I plan to write my next curse story with a curse that is ‘set to go off’ at a certain time, or have it invoked when a certain ‘thing’ happens!
If you ever had the chance to use a Curse in real life, would you?
Definitely not. Curses are nothing to be flippant about. In life, I believe that our words have power. All words. This is why I am so attracted to words and language. This is why I am a writer. I believe that “Like attracts Like.”
In the law of attraction—the oldest law is found in the book of the Holy Bible and other ancient works like in Buddhism, Hinduism, Hermeticism, and Greek Philosophy. One bible states the following: Mark 11:24: "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
Hinduism believes in Karma and “What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.”
Have you ever known anyone or anything (object, town, landmark) who/that was Cursed?
I believe that many people and objects can be “cursed”—on what scale is undetermined. Many call this sort of thing either misfortune, bad luck, fate, karma, or whatever. This can be believed through social conditioning, such as cultural beliefs and superstitions. Many families have at least a few of them, such as “don’t walk under a ladder!” or when a bird comes into a home through an open window it may trigger a negative event. It also depends on the color of the bird, too!
When I was in grammar school, I walked by an old, dilapidated, house each day. I would cross the road when I approached it! The windows were dark and there was always a buzzing sound that resonated from the building. I was terrified I would be cursed if I got too close. I wasn’t old enough to be cynical so I think it was an instinctive response!
Have you ever visited a Cursed place?
I have had negative feelings or vibes from places, in the past. I was in South Carolina several years ago and went on a tour to an old prison. One room gave me chills and it was a hot summer night. I left it immediately! I usually avoid those places if I am able.
Another time, I did a tour of a Nantucket Mansion and I remember that one bedroom gave me bad vibes. I went outside after that.
Do you believe that in order for a Curse to work that the target of that Curse has to believe in it?
That’s a good question. Maybe not, because I believe in the ‘power of attraction,’ so a curse, negative energy, or bad mojo can definitely surround or overwhelm a person and possibly cause a negative reaction. However, again, I believe that we as humans can protect ourselves from negativity by attracting the positive! I suppose this means we are able to counter the curse, block or repel a curse with our positive thoughts…maybe these are our own spells or invocations? Many of the basic and predominant religions use invocations. Prayer or to pray is to make an earnest request to invoke a desire. Many holy people, shamans, ministers and priests use prayer or invocations.
Do you believe that a Curse is inevitable, and works no matter anyone's belief system?
No, I don’t believe they are inevitable. I think that a curse or bad mojo can affect a person, but how they handle the situation or deal with the negativity is up to them. I believe that we can protect ourselves much of the time. If someone is determined to do harm in any manor, then they probably are able to affect another person in some capacity. But again, I believe that we all can counter those negativities with our own will. This is why that when I write a curse story, the person, object, or being, can eventually break the curse.
What swear word is your go-to Curse?
A “curse” word or phrase I always say is, “oh, crap!” I suppose all ‘curses’ are the most negative thing or word a person calls to mind!
Anything else that you would like to add about yourself, your story, or books?
I think that most occurrences, objects, places, or thoughts in the horror genre, need either a curse, hex, jinx, or other adverse paranormal thing to create a good scary, or thought-provoking story.
I hope to publish my first novel, Crossbows, soon. It is a story with many curses, counter-curses, and supernatural gifts.
I think that I will always insert the paranormal in any story I write!
_____
About Denise Aparo
Denise Aparo is an author with four published short stories in the horror/supernatural genre in the WordCrafter Midnight Anthologies. All of her stories are written under Denise Aparo and are edited by Kaye Lynne Booth, through WordCrafter Press.
As a native New Englander, she lives with her husband Joe, spending much of her time writing, reading, gardening, making crocheted blankets, and crafting with her grandchildren. She loves the paranormal historical fiction genre and has recently completed edits on her first novel, a historical fiction titled Crossbows, which will be self-published in the near future.
She has aMaster's Degree in English - Fine Arts/Creative Writing with concentration in Fiction
from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). And a member of
five honor societies with leadership recognition. CURSES: CHRONICLES OF
DARKNESS.
She is published in several newspapers and magazines—special interest articles, along with poems and short stories that have been published in print and digital format. She is a member of the Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association (CAPA) and the author of a WordPress writing blog, The Write Voice. Denise has three short stories in the horror/supernatural genre in the Midnight Series, through WordPress. These short stories are published under Denise Aparo and the third and last of the Midnight Series will be released on September 30, 2025.
This
tour, we’re giving away digital copies of Curses: to 5 lucky winners. Follow the tour and comment at each
stop, so we’ll know you were there. You’ll be entered for another chance
in the giveaway at each stop. Winners are chosen through a random
drawing by WordCrafter Press. We’ll be watching for your name.
__________
Support Great Artists
Writers of the stories in this dark fiction anthology deserve your support!
The short story, The Initiation, was submitted to the Midnight Oil Anthology published by WordCrafter Press. The narrative leaves off where The Reality Hackers (Visions anthology, as well as Sonoran Dawn Studios novelette) did. John and Elleanor Chisum have been murdered, leaving their three children orphaned.
The Chisums' daughter, Eliza, is finding her first year in college a challenge. When she writes a research paper for her introduction to physics course, the professor gives her a failing grade. Like her mother, Eliza sees beyond the five senses as a conduit of pure consciousness.
The Initiation also provides a cameo from the popular character, Sarah Mitchell, from Mangled (Midnight Roost anthology, as well as Sonoran Dawn Studios' novelette) and Hode: Be Honor in Your Wars (Sonoran Dawn Studios' novel).
This story is its own stand-alone novelette for publication through the Legacy Universe next year.
Join all the character excitement and bring the story to life!
_____
Support Great Artists
Read The Reality Hackers, available at these fine retailers.
A writer at heart, Undawnted’s own creative spark, DL Mullan, began
writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Over the years, Ms.
Mullan has showcased her literary talents by self-publishing several
collections of her poetry. She also writes novels, designs apparel, and
creates digital art. Ms. Mullan‘s creative writing is available in
digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies.
As an independent publisher, she produces her own book cover designs as
well as maintains her own websites. She is an award-winning digital
artist and poet.
My new album, Ages, was inspired by the poems that were published and I wrote for the Poetry Treasures 5: Small Pleasures anthology.
Ages is an instrumental medley. Each song has its own presence, style, and grace. Listen to these singles while studying or working to help you tune out distractions and focus on what is important.
For information about my original music, visit the Music tab and Ages album page.
________
DL Mullan has been a musical wonder and performer for decades.
A
teacher noticed her abilities on her dynamic, and technically perfect,
first use of the violin at age ten during class. She was rushed into
Competitive Orchestra the next school year.
After
switching schools, her
junior high music teacher discerned her aptitude in class. As Ms.
Mullan played the violin and the school only offered band and
choir, she believed her musical calling would go unanswered.
Fortunately, the band instructor loved the idea of having a string
instrumentalist. DL Mullan was the first violinist invited into the
group and seated in the flute section. She spent two years in band,
which she became a magnet for other string-playing students, as well as
succeeding to second chair.
Her Arts Magnet high school was a different matter. A violin in a Marching Band was not a match made. Without any background in singing, Ms. Mullan entered the world of choir. During her time in Concert Choir, she taught herself the piano, some drums, and took guitar lessons to expand her aspirations. Upon developing her voice, she discovered that she was an operatic lyric soprano with at least eight octaves at her disposal. She sang in theater productions, graduations, and other activities from high school and throughout college.
DL Mullan received her music letter in high school. In addition, she has written music for competitions, competed in talent shows, won an award for her solo singing, as well as maintained her lyricist skills as an award-winning poet. With her classical training, as well as her grandfather's jazz pianist genes, both musical legacies will be reflected in her pieces.
-------~o0o~---oOo---~o0o~~-----
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Undawnted's
DL Mullan can be booked for your online Blog Tour, Book Event, Book
Review (w/ARC), Interview, Writing Conference, or Genre Convention. Ms.
Mullan has years of experience in public speaking, readings,
present- ations, events, and tours.
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