Demon's Destiny, book one of the Dark City Guardians by TW Knight ARE YOU READY?

Demon's Destiny is book one of the Dark City Guardians.

Garrett Duex Sabres is handsome, wealthy, brilliant and a demon with a split personality feeding on the living energy of humans. However, unlike others of his kind, Garrett chooses not to feed off pain and misery, he’s discovered a more palatable and just as potent source—sexual energy. Exploiting his charms, Garrett spends many evenings moving from one “dinner-date” to the next siphoning off small amounts from willing playmates. When Kay walks into Garrett’s life, his entire world is flipped around.

Set in the world of the Dark Knights of Heaven 

Meet Author TW Knight

Tricia was born in Michigan and knew at an early age that she had a creative soul and a connection to the paranormal.

After moving to Maryland her first artistic expressions were in the forms of crafts, sketches and paintings. In later years she even dabbled in comic book art, before getting her Associates Art Degree in Studio Art.

During the 1980's Tricia branched out into jewelry design creating a small handmade jewelry business, which is still operating today.

While Tricia had begun writing in her early teens it was not until 2007 when she met a wonderful group of likeminded women (through of all things an online fan club discussion for one hot young vampire) who encouraged her to take that first step and introduce her intriguing stories to the world. After that the dam of creativity broke and a multitude of plot bunnies burst forth.

By day, Tricia is a Customer Service manager for an insurance brokerage handling clients numerous daily needs; by night, she wields her mighty keyboard to craft otherworldly universes filled with fantastical - and often lusty - creatures, who beckon us to join them in their irresistible adventures that determine the fate of men and angels."

Tricia has been inspired by everything from music, art, cultural and religious mythology, ancient aliens' theory, and history.

Her books are His Soul to Keep, His Soul to Hold, His Soul to Save and Demon's Destiny.

Primed for Revenge: Sydney Jones Novel Series by Carolyn Bowen

Practicing law in a large partnership, Sydney Jones was primed for making partner. Then her life turned upside down after a disagreement with her boss at Birdman & Birdman.

Leaving the office, she was swiftly kidnapped and taken to her assailants’ hideaway, beaten, and raped. With no memory of whom she was put her at a disadvantage with her captors. Through gritted teeth, she promised a day of repercussions for their actions while mentally visualizing her revenge.

Warned by her assailants to keep her mouth shut or else, she was delivered to her home. Not recognizing her former living quarters, she was careful in exploring her options for regaining her memory.

Piecing together the reasons for her kidnapping brought her into contact with people, some she could trust and others risky. The problem was the amnesia prevented her from recognizing the difference.

Tapped for crime once nudged her toward caution for something afoul was going on at Birdman & Birdman. She prepared for a fight. With a vision of fury she made a chilling decision – never to be a victim again.

To Buy Primed for Revenge

Meet Author Carolyn M Bowen

Carolyn Bowen was into life planning and career development before it was cool! With extensive advanced studies in psychology, adult learning, and career development, she has the background to guide you in becoming the best possible you! She’s not only walked the walk but perhaps can save you a few steps in finding your niche – your purpose in life. She knows how to master cross-stepping as a surfer and life coach. She can guide you in avoiding wipe-outs while discovering your niche – your purpose in life. She’s a well-read and beloved mystery author who calls on her life escapades and an adventurous imaginative spirit to create entertaining novels. Her writing credits include "Cross-Ties," a historical romance, and "The Long Road Home," a contemporary crime fiction mystery.

Carolyn is the author of Primed for Revenge, The Long Road Home, Cross Ties and Cross Stepping Your Way to Success.

True Beginnings by Amanda Mackey

I’m addicted to it. War, battle—the thrill of being in mortal combat and constant danger. Not knowing whether I’ll still be breathing one moment to the next is a rush I can’t explain.

But I hate that I love it. It’s like a sickness that sank its hooks into my psyche and refuses to let go. I’m living with nightmares and the strange reality of civilian life, while I crave my next mission.

Until I meet a sassy redhead with sharp wit and scalding green eyes. She stirs the same adrenaline rush I experienced while dropping from the sky into enemy territory.

Charlotte is everything that’s right in this wretched world. There’s a kindness in her, but I’m afraid the darkness lurking within me will destroy it. I’m not the kind of man she deserves. She’s too good for me.

I shouldn’t want her the way I do, and if I were a good man, I would walk away

Problem is…I’m not.

To Buy True Beginnings

Meet Author Amanda Mackey

Amanda Mackey was born in New Zealand and moved to Australia when she was 12 years old with her family, where she has lived ever since. She has loved books since an early age and is an avid reader. This has helped lay the foundation for her writing. She's published 7 novels to date with plenty more on the way. An author with Limitless Publishing, she loves to spend time with family when she's not writing or reading. Amanda hopes to make writing her full time career and travel in the near future.

She is the author of Pain, Your Heart to Keep, Instinctual 1 & 2, Finding You, Losing You, Saving Me, Defending Jagger, Stealing Dallas, Once an Angel, True Identity, True Sacrifice and True Beginnings.

One Night in Daytona Beach: 17 in Tirgearr Publishing's City Nights Series by Dellani Oakes

He hadn't seen her in 10 years, but there she was, dressed in black leather, straddling the Harley. Draven Wick is back home, on a break from filming his vampire themed TV show, when he spots Jamie Humphrey at a Bike Week raffle. The love of his teen life, Draven never thought he'd see her again. Rekindling their romance after 10 years is the easy part. Unfortunately, Draven has been blamed for the death of a notorious bike gang leader. Staying ahead of the police, and the biker gang bent on revenge, takes Jamie and Draven to the brink of disaster.

To Buy One Night in Daytona Beach

Meet Author Dellani Oakes

Dellani Oakes makes her home in Florida, but she grew up in Western Nebraska. Before that, she had lived in four other states. Since then, she has added two more, giving her a unique perspective on life. Always a people watcher, Dellani put that talent to use when she became an author.

Bitten by the writing bug early in life, Dellani first pursued poetry as her medium of self-expression. Soon, she moved on the song parodies and then short stories and humorous essays. Once she got to high school, it became apparent that she needed to learn to spell when she got a paper back from her English teacher, “For content – A+. For mechanics – F.” That comment changed her life, forcing her to focus as much on how she said things as what she said.

Dellani took up writing full time when her youngest son started kindergarten in 2002. Since then, she has published sixteen books. Her five romantic suspense novels are with Tirgearr Publishing. Eleven other books ranging from historical romance to sci-fi, round out her resume of published works. She has also contributed to several anthologies. Her titles include So Much It Hurts, The Ninja Tattoo, Under the Western Sky, Undiscovered, One Night in Daytona Beach, Conduct Unbecoming, Room 103, Room 203, It Takes a Thief, Lone Wolf, Shakazhan, The Maker, Lone Wolf Tales, Indian Summer, Savage Heart and Doodle Your Stress Away.

Take a Bite Outta Crime Part 26 by Dellani Oakes

Tommy's gone missing. Kirk and Margo agree to help the police officers find him.

"Well, we're done with you for the day," he said sadly. "I hope we'll see you tomorrow."

"Count on it," Kirk said with a sly wink. "She's a few weeks pregnant. You know how they get...."

"Oh, sure! Tell her to take it easy. I didn't know."

"Thanks."

"Hey, congratz!"

Kirk nodded and left. He changed rapidly and went looking for Scott. Heading to the men's room, he smelled something odd. It tingled his sensitive nose, making the hair on the back of his neck rise. Someone was bleeding—a lot. And he smelled—vampire, ready to feed.

Bursting into the restroom, he found a vampire he didn't recognize, bending over Scott's prostrate form. The young police officer bled copiously from his scalp. There'd been a hell of a fight, and Scott had taken the worst of it. However, he'd landed more than one good punch on the vamp. One fang was loose, his jaw bruised and his lip split. If he bit Scott like that, the young human would turn. He couldn't let that happen!

The vampire grinned, wiping the blood from his lips. Fortunately, he hadn't bitten his victim yet. Kirk smiled, unbuttoning his suit coat.

"Do you mind? It's borrowed."

The vampire nodded, grin widening, face elongating as he changed into his feral state. Kirk took off his jacket and hung it in a stall. The tie went next.

"How civilized we are. Which means you're here to distract me, so I won't go rushing off after whomever kidnapped my pet."

The other vamp's eyes widened.

"You didn't know he was mine, did you." He chuckled. It was an eerie sound in the bathroom. "I don't take kindly to those who mess with my pets. This one's mine, too." He rolled up his sleeves.

"He's not. No one's fed off him." The loose fang made him lisp.

"Not yet. I was grooming him as the new pet. Tommy's getting ready to change." Kirk took a pose like an old fashioned boxer.

The other vampire lowered into a fighting stance. They circled a moment while the other sized up Kirk. Watching one another warily, they continued to circle, each waiting for a moment to strike. Tired of waiting, the other vamp attacked. He swung at Kirk with his right fist. The attack was ill timed and slow. Kirk ducked out of the way.

Another lunge and the vampire growled as Kirk dodged that blow too. A third attack earned a smack in the mouth. The vampire spit blood and his loose tooth fell to the ground.

"That all you got?" he growled as Kirk resumed his ridiculous pose.

"What makes you say that?"

They scuffled a moment, the other vamp keeping out of Kirk's way as much as he could. Kirk suspected that the fellow was trying to wear him down. Interesting tactic, and ineffective. Kirk leaped at him, hitting him with a left hook, followed by an elbow punch. The vampire staggered back, holding his cheek.

"I'll rip his throat out," he threatened.

"Hard to do with one fang," Kirk countered. "Leave now, while you're ahead and I won't take you apart."

"As if you could, old one." He spat again.

Kirk's smile changed to something lethal as his body went through its metamorphosis. "It's precisely the reason why you should give up now, boy. How long ago did you change? A year? Two?"

"Three and a half," the other said arrogantly.

"And you were what? Twenty?"

"Twenty-three."

"Good....." He settled into a different stance, but the young vamp didn't register the change.

Kirk's foot shot out catching the younger man in the midsection. His opponent staggered back. Kirk leaped on him, knocking him to the floor. He pinned him, fangs bared.

"Do you know what happens to a vampire that's bitten by another?" His voice was harsh, his fangs a mere breath from the other's neck.

The younger vampire shook his head. Kirk ran a finger down the side of his throat.

"At first, a euphoria. Followed by a feeling of listlessness, then you dry up, fall to sand and poof! No more vamp. You can experience that first hand, unless you help me out. I want to know where Tommy is. I want the location of the others who have been taken and I want to know who's behind this. Think you can help me?"

"Bite me," the young man tried to talk tough.

Kirk's laughter was chilling. "Don't tempt me, child." Hissing, he let his fangs extend to their full length.

"Back away," Scott said from behind him.

"Don't interfere, Officer Scott," Kirk warned. "He'll tell me before he'll tell you."

"I can't let you do that, Kirk. I won't be party to that."

Kirk's hideously contorted face turned toward the police officer. Scott flinched, but held his ground, weapon drawn and leveled.

© 2019 Dellani Oakes

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For More About Dellani

From Sea to Sea by Nelda Bedford Gaydou

From a three-week voyage of more than 7000 miles from New Orleans to Buenos Aires in 1964 through an eight-day, 3258-mile round-trip drive between Evanston, Illinois and Clovis, New Mexico in 2017, whether in their prime or in their nineties, the Bedfords have packed a lot into their life's journey. Follow their inspiring story of faith and service, set in fascinating times and places in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres. 

To Buy From Sea to Sea

Meet Author Nelda Bedford Gaydou

Nelda is the author of delightful biographical books about the Great Depression, Post World War II and early 1960's. Her stories include King of the Hill – Set in Depression Era Texas, From Sea to Sea – takes place in 1964 and follows the journey of the Globe Trotting Bedford family. Her third book, To the Ends of the Earth which chronicles the life of missionaries who travel from Texas to Patagonia.

Take a Bite Outta Crime Part 25 by Dellani Oakes

Nervous and on edge, Carley only trusts the vampires. She finds out how Margo became a model, and asks her if it was difficult for her to be taken seriously.

Margo laughed, rocking back and forth on her chair. "It's in the attitude. If they talk down to you, you turn it on them. Condescension can go both ways. You're the face, dear. They can't get very far without you. Yes, there are other models out there, but you're here. They need you. Of course, having a diva fit isn't very becoming. I'm not saying do that. But they can only hurt you if you allow them to. I never did."

"You're so much more brave than I am."

"Watch me, precious. The lighting director had it in for me yesterday. Doesn't like blondes because we're too hard to light, especially platinum blondes like me. He made some comment, and I shot him down. He swore revenge." She giggled and wielded the brush with a flare. "Done."

She finished right on time. The photographer called for Carley almost immediately. Margo finished her own makeup and went to put on her first outfit. Kirk was dressed and waiting for her in her dressing area. They talked quietly as she changed. Margo wasn't modest. She and Kirk had known one another far too long for it to bother her.

"How's Tommy liking the gig?"

"He seems to be enjoying it," Margo replied. "Flirting outrageously with the models."

"Does that bother you?"

"Why should it? At the end of the day, he goes home to my bed." She grinned. "Does it bother Drea that we're acting cuddly?"

"Why should it? At the end of the day, I go home to her. Someone's got an eye on Tommy?" Kirk was very anxious about their friend.

"Sandra and Eddie are acting as wait staff. They have him under surveillance."

"Good. I worry about him."

"No more than I do." Margo gazed off in the general direction of Tommy's catering table. "I asked him last night if he'd ever agree to letting me turn him." Casting her eyes downward, she glanced up at Kirk. "He said yes. Then proposed." She smiled, tears forming in her eyes. "I love him so much. I never thought I could love again."

"I'm glad you were wrong."

"Me too."

Kirk kissed her forehead, holding her close. "I'm happy for you, Margo. You deserve a good man. Tommy is that man."

"I think so too." She cocked her head to one side. "I hear my name. Love how they bellow, don't you? I'm coming!" she yelled as she strode to the set.

As he wasn't needed immediately, Kirk wandered over to the catering table and looked over the delicious treats. Tommy and Drea had outdone themselves. The finger sandwiches and canapes were unique and delicious. The new assistant was also working out well. With their business growing daily, they had considered keeping him on permanently.

Both Kirk and Margo were called to the set. After nearly an hour of walking the catwalk and posing, the director called for a break. Margo made her way to the catering table. Tommy wasn't there. Assuming that he was in the bathroom, she waited for several minutes. Sandra came over with an empty tray, looking expectant.

"Where's Tommy? The new canapes are disappearing like crazy!"

"You don't know?" Margo's hand flew to her throat in a panic.

"I'm sure he's fine," Sandra replied. "He was here less than five minutes ago. I got the tray from him."

"But he's not here now! Did anyone see a driver?"

"I didn't see anyone who didn't check out," Scott said as he walked over to join them. "I had a complete list from the company. No one got in this area who wasn't on that list."

"But the restrooms aren't in the secured area," Kirk said.

Margo's knees gave out. Kirk caught her before she fell on the floor.

"Oh, my God," she whispered. "Not my Tommy!"

"Margo, buck up," Kirk said. "This isn't like you."

"Buck up?" Margo screeched. "The love of my life had been kidnapped by a homicidal maniac, and all you can say is buck up? I should wrap this faux fox stole around your neck and yank—hard!" She spoke in French. Only Kirk understood her.

Kirk laughed. "No need. This is my Margo." He patted her on the fanny. "Now, we think logically and have our fine police officers take charge."

"I'll check the restrooms and the exit list," Scott said, striding away.

"I'll see about the security footage," Sandra said. "You two go to work. We'll handle this."

Margo put her hand on Sandra's arm. Looking pleadingly into the other woman's eyes, she spoke softly. "Could you go back to work if it were Scott?"

Sandra nodded abruptly. "Do you really think you want to run in that dress?"

Margo hugged the police woman. "I'll be right back. I'll meet you at the security office."

"We're working, Margo," Kirk said.

"I'm ill. Tell them." She raised her chin to the set.

Kirk squeezed her hand, grinning. "You got it."

Margo made a big scene and went to her dressing room. Kirk went to the director and spoke urgently, telling him that Margo had taken ill and he needed to drive her home.

© 2019 Dellani Oakes

To Buy Dellani's Books

For More About Dellani

Curl Up with a Good Book ~ From Sea to Sea by Nelda Bedford Gaydou

From a three-week voyage of more than 7000 miles from New Orleans to Buenos Aires in 1964 through an eight-day, 3258-mile round-trip drive between Evanston, Illinois and Clovis, New Mexico in 2017, whether in their prime or in their nineties, the Bedfords have packed a lot into their life's journey. Follow their inspiring story of faith and service, set in fascinating times and places in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres.

To Buy From Sea to Sea

Curl Up with a Good Book ~ True Sacrifice book 2 by Amanda Mackey

I remember nothing.
Not my name, where I come from, my past, or how I ended up in the hospital with a bullet wound in my chest. Everything is a black void…except for her. The beautiful nurse with the friendly smile.
I have no idea who I am, but I know Mac has something that draws me to her. The more she helps me uncover the mysteries of my past, the more I want her to be a part of my future.
But as vivid images of being in a warzone seep through my dreams, I can’t help but wonder if I’m putting her life at risk by allowing her to help me—by allowing myself to fall for her.
With every piece of the puzzle we manage to put together, it becomes clear that there are secrets and dangers hidden within the darkness of a life I can’t remember.
Now I need to do everything I can to protect her. I’m just not sure what I’m protecting her from. My past…or me.

To Buy True Sacrifice

Curl Up with a Good Book ~ The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery by Carolyn Bowen

After a lifetime of being protected and sheltered by her parents, Kate is thrown into a state of turmoil after their sudden death. With nowhere else to turn, she finds herself living with her fiancé, a conniving businessman who is well on his way to becoming a corrupt super-lawyer. At the same time, Kate’s father’s law firm houses more secrets than a politician’s hard drive. Later, she receives a shocking surprise when a long-lost half-brother enters her life. Can Kate rise to these challenges, discover the truth and re-emerge as a stronger, smarter version of herself?

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Curl Up with a Good Book ~ Indian Summer by Dellani Oakes

It's the spring of 1739 in sultry St. Augustine, Florida and something's amiss. It seems a British spy has wormed his way into their lives and he's bent upon leading the British Army in an attack against the fort and town. It's up to Gabriella Deza and her fiancé, Manuel Enriques, to stop the spy from being successful.

To Buy Indian Summer

Character Quote from Indian Summer by Dellani Oakes

As I turned to see who it was had saved Marcos' life, I looked into the dark, smoldering eyes of Manuel!

"You?" I gasped. "Thanks is not enough! Oh, bless you!"

I fell on his chest weeping with joy. He hadn't the strength to speak but touched my shoulder before he lost consciousness. Marcos groaned, then he too passed into oblivion.

"We need stretchers from the hospital." James said to the men standing by. "We'll take them there."

The crowd broke up around us, tending to the injured ship. Men were already climbing the sides to see what state the passengers and crew were in. James smiled gently as he looked at Marcos.

"A brave little boy he is, though foolhardy to come out in this weather. He'll be a strong and brave man."

"Yes, he will be. He's already a little man. I think today he proved it. He came to help his mamá who is on the ship." I settled back on my heels, sighing deeply. Only then did I think about the ship. "Papa!" I started toward the ship.

© 2017 Dellani Oakes

Curl Up with a Good Book ~ His Soul to Save (Dark Knights of Heaven Book 3) by TW Knight

Soulless and exiled from Heaven the Dark Knights have spent millennia protecting humanity from Lucifer and his demons. But the longer they live the closer they come to joining Lucifer’s ranks in Hell. Their only hope is to find their soul keepers, and love. After an attack by a demon left her injured and weak Amber Fitzpatrick welcomed the attention and caring of her rescuer Jacob—until he turned into an abusive monster. The night Amber flees the possessive, extraordinarily toxic relationship Jacob reveals his true demonic nature. Zach has more than Lucifer’s minions to contend with. Each day brings him closer to Hell. For fifty years he’s walked the thin line between sanity and giving in to his dark urges. Urges that go against his calling as a healer and a teacher. Every battle drives him closer to the edge, feeds his inner demon and pushes him to find a permanent solution to death. When Zach meets Amber he sees a chance for salvation. But Amber’s experience with Jacob makes her afraid to start any kind of relationship with Zach, especially discovering he’s not that different then the man she walked away from. Can she set her fear aside and save Zach before she loses him to the darkness forever?

To Buy His Soul to Save

Take a Bite Outta Crime Part 24 by Dellani Oakes

The vampires are at Carley's apartment, practicing for their runway show the following day. Andres arrives, telling them that Gene has disappeared. Apparently, the person abducting the victims, has been posing as a driver.

Tommy tapped him on the leg, directing his fixated attention to the younger man instead of the pretty woman.

"Because people like drivers are furniture," he replied. "And when you've got a beautiful, new lady, the furniture disappears into the background. You probably saw the guy a dozen times and didn't even know it. I think Gene disappeared because he talked to me. He told me what was going on. Had I known about the driver, I would have put the pieces together then. Now, he's got to realize I'm going to figure it out eventually."

"Making you a target," Margo said, clutching his hand to her breast. "Oh, Tommy! I had so wanted to keep you out of this!"

"Why do you care?" Andres asked snidely. "He's nothing. A mere human."

"He's something to me!" Margo flared. "How would you like me to say that about Carley? He's no less important to me, than she is to you!"

"You always let your temper get the better of you, Margo. You need to calm down...."

"And you need to shut up," Carley said. "How rude is that? You belittle her relationship with a human, yet you tell me you love me beyond all others. I'm a mere human too, Andres, or had you forgotten?"

"Carley, I...."

"I want you to go now," she said angrily. "Get out, Andres. I have to get up early. I don't have time for you tonight." She stormed out, slamming the door to her bedroom.

Margo cheered, scoffing at Andres. The elder vampire snarled, eyes flashing red. Margo smirked.

"Someone needs his beauty sleep. Go home, Andres. You're behaving like a child." She swished out of the room followed closely by Tommy.

The younger man had no desire to stay in a room with an angry 914 year old vampire. Kirk stood, stretching.

"Carley has a point, old sport. We do have an early day tomorrow. May I see you out?"

"This won't be forgotten, Nunne."

"I know, memory like an elephant," Kirk said, tapping his forehead. "Oh, you meant you!" He chuckled. "Andres, lighten up. What you said was snooty and condescending. If you want back in that girl's good graces...."

"And her bed," Drea added cattily.

Kirk nodded at his wife, accepting her amendment. "You'll need a hell of an apology."

"It wasn't that bad!" Andres fumed.

Kirk shrugged, leaving the angry vamp to his wife. Drea sauntered up to him, holding his lapels as she gazed into his eyes.

"Blood sucking fiend," she said quietly. "Demon spawn. Death bringer, evil one, creature of the night. These are all terms that have been used to describe us. There are other, more colorful, less polite terms applied to us, as you know. What you said was more offensive than any of those. Shut off the lights and lock the door on your way out." She followed her husband to their room.

The following day, the vampire contingent was greatly on edge. So far, the only people who had been abducted were vampires. Yesterday, a human had disappeared. Before going to bed the night before, Kirk and Drea had reported Gene's abduction to the police. Of course, since he was a human, Andres hadn't thought to do so.

Thoroughly annoyed with Andres, Carley went to the shoot with them instead of waiting for Andres to send the car for her. Besides being furious with her lover, she was worried about being alone in the car with a driver. She had no way of knowing which one was actually abducting people. She hated to admit that she had no more idea what he looked like than Andres did. The fact here was no one but the driver made him anonymous, just like Tommy said. She wondered how often she did that to people.

Carley hadn't grown up rich. Her father had made a comfortable living, but there wasn't that much money in fish. They hadn't had servants, not even a guy to mow the lawn or clean the pool. She hadn't been raised as a snob, but had certainly become one. Being a super model, fawned over, spoiled, catered to.... She'd turned into a diva and it irritated her. She wanted to kick herself.

When she wasn't on camera, Carley spent time talking to Kirk and Margo or hanging around with Tommy. She felt safe with the three of them, not something she could say about the rest. She'd even dismissed her makeup and hair women in a huff. If it hadn't been for Margo, she wouldn't have been ready on time.

"I started out doing makeup," Margo said proudly.

Carley admired her handiwork. Margo had done things that gave her an entirely different look. She liked the result.

"Of course, that was back before it was this elaborate. All of us had more than one job. One day, a model didn't come in as scheduled. The photographer turned to me as I did the makeup of one of the other girls. Hop to! He yelled at me. I need another body and yours is better than most! That's how I became a model."

"Was it hard for you?"

"Hard how?"

"Did people take you seriously? You're beautiful, a woman—blonde...."

© 2019 Dellani Oakes

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Red River Radio Presents What's Write for Me with Kelsie and Rick

JoinUs Wednesday, April 24 from 4-6 PM Eastern on Blog Talk Radio

Dragons, and Dryads and Elves – oh my!

We're taking a step in a slightly different direction. Anyone who plays video games knows that there is an incredible story behind each one. Even if the history isn't active in the game, it's there. World building for a fantasy game can be especially challenging.

This week, we will chat with Rick Simmons, programmer and trouble shooter for Istaria: Chronicles of the Gifted. He is joined by Kelsie Belanger, an artist and animator for the game.

I'm looking forward to getting to know these two talented people a lot better. I know we're going to have a great time, regardless of where the conversation takes us.

Meet Artist Kelsie Belanger

How are you involved with Istaria?

I'm an artist, specializing in 3D animation and user interface (so icons), as well as some minor work in texturing and modeling. I also own and manage the Discord and have managed various events in the past.

Favorite pastime

I love to draw, but mostly I like playing video games with my friends.

Favorite book series or author

My favorite book series is the Age of Fire series, by E. E. Knight, though really only the first three books.

Family, furry friends or other life stuff

I have an elder sister and a young niece, and a whole boatload of cousins. I've a cat and a lizard as pets, though I really want a snake in the future, too.

Major things happening in life right now

I'm working my way through college to get a bachelor's degree in Biology, however I do hope to get into the gaming industry as a 3D animator in the future.

Meet Programmer Rick Simmons

How are you involved with Istaria?

I'm a programmer and do client and server side programmer. In general, I try to keep some distance from the design side of Istaria. It's my experience that programmers make games that programmers like, while Istaria is intended for a wider crowd.

Favorite pastime

I like cooking and reading. For fiction, I usually read hard scifi and non-fiction is currently the psychology and biology of consciousness.

Favorite book series or author

While a bit older of a series, I still think the Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons is a fantastic. I think a Canticle for Leibowitz deserves to be read more widely. For non-fiction, Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas Hofstadter is a favorite.

Family, furry friends or other life stuff

Wife and two kids, but kids are mostly grown up now.

Major things happening in life right now

Getting on the crazy train... I think we're on the cusp of significant changes to our lifestyle, based on climate change, and trying to figure out a better place to live that is more insulated from those effects. Maybe not so crazy.

To Join Us Live, or Listen Later!