Saturday 20 February 2016

Callum's Fate by Dianne Hartsock


Callum's Fate Tour Banner
Title: Callum’s Fate
Author: Dianne Hartsock
Genre: Fantasy, Gay Romance, Erotic Romance
Length: Novella
Publisher: Wayward Ink Publishing

Synopsis

In 1780, Scotland, following a harsh year of drought, Callum Mackenzie is forced from his father’s farm in the hopes of finding work.
But as fate would have it, Callum is lured onto the moors by the will-o-the-wisp. Lost in the dark, he falls into enchantment, encountering faeries and nymphs, until he stumbles into the arms of a licentious Barrow-Wight who lays claim to his soul.
Hearing his silent pleas, Donal sends Liam the gruagach (faery) to rescue Callum and bring him to his farm, a place of refuge from the Fae.
Callum is happy working on Donal’s farm, slowly falling in love with the beautiful, silver-haired gruagach.
Yet there’s something wrong in the nearby forest….
Despite Donal’s warnings, Callum is lured into the forest and becomes tangled in its magic, easy prey for the Barrow-Wight.
Will Liam be able to strike a deal with the Barrow-Wight to save Callum’s life, or has Callum found his last resting place instead?
Callum's Fate Dianne Hartsock Cover

Buy Links links

Don’t miss the Valentine’s Day Sale (February 11-17) 50% off on WIP’s website and 40% off on ARe!
WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/callums-fate-by-dianne-hartsock/
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Callums-Fate-Dianne-Hartsock-ebook/dp/B01B383YP0/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Callums-Fate-Dianne-Hartsock-ebook/dp/B01B383YP0/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/Callums-Fate-Dianne-Hartsock-ebook/dp/B01B383YP0/
Amazon DE: http://www.amazon.de/Callums-Fate-Dianne-Hartsock-ebook/dp/B01B383YP0/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-callum039sfate-1973471-143.html


Video Trailer


About the author

DIANNE HARTSOCK is the author of m/m erotic romance, both contemporary and fantasy, the psychological thriller, and anything else that comes to mind. Oh, and a floral designer. If she can’t be writing, at least she has the chance to create through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage to bring a smile to someone’s face.
Currently, Dianne lives in the Willamette Valley of Oregon with her incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours she spends hunched over the keyboard letting her characters play.

FOR A REVIEW OF THE BOOK SEE HERE

INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

Let’s start by telling us, in twenty words, or less, what you’re book’s about.
Callum becomes lost on the moors,  attacked by Fae, rescued by an imp, and finds happiness in his lovers’ arms.

Are your books character led or plot led, or both?
I’d say my stories are definitely character driven, though I hope there’s a good plot line going on as well. But my favorite thing to do when writing is to crawl right inside my characters’ skin and experience everything through their eyes and touch, taste, smell, what they hear, and anything they might intuit. The interaction between my characters is everything, and I let the story unfold around them naturally. Cause and effect, you might say. 

Tell us a little about the characters in your book and their story.
Callum is vulnerable and shy, a young man sent from his impoverished home to find work. Instead, he makes the fatal mistake of following the will-o’-the-wisp out onto the moors and is doomed.
Liam is the Gruagach sent to aid Callum, a brownie full of mischief and power, who quickly falls for Callum’s gorgeous red hair and sweetness and swears to protect him.
The Barrow-Wight is a creature of surprising beauty and allure who demands Callum’s soul as well as his tender body for disturbing his resting place.

If I came to dinner what would you feed me?
To honor Callum’s heritage, we’ll start with Forfar Bridies (Scottish pasties filled with seasoned lamb) followed by Sheppard’s Pie and Cranachan (toasted oats folded into lightly sweetened whipped cream and topped off with berries and a splash of dark rum) for desert. Oh, and whisky tea (tea, milk, sugar and a jigger of Irish Whisky)

Which of your characters would you like to be sharing the dinner table with us?
Callum and Liam will be with us tonight, as the Barrow-Wight never leaves his cairn. And besides, he might try to seduce you and steal your soul, which wouldn’t be the best way to end our dinner party.

What would they say (again in their own words) about themselves, and their story that will make us want to read about it?
*Callum gives us a self-conscious smile* There’s not much to say about me. I grew up on the farm with my parents and older brothers, who never seemed to have much use for me. When the drought became worse and we were forced to leave the farm, my brothers chose the easier paths to find work, leaving the terrible North to me. I became lost on the moors, chased by the dangerous Fae. *He flashes Liam a tender look* But I don’t regret taking this direction, since it led me to my clever lover.
*Liam shouts in glee and leans toward Callum* You’re delectable, my dear. Let’s forgo dinner and I’ll take you home and devour you. *He silenced Callum’s protest with a finger on his lips* We will go. I can find a much better use for your sweet mouth than talking. *Liam rose, pulling Callum up with him* Maybe we’ll pay a visit to the Barrow-Wight… Ha! You’d like that, my wild one.

What do you prefer writing. A one off novel, a series or short stories?
Would you believe me if I said all three? I love the freedom of a novel, the room to expand an idea as far as it will go. Add all those delicious details about a character you don’t get in a short story. But on the other hand, I like the discipline of a short story, where the sentences have to be sharp and clear and to the point to get the idea down in a limited number of words. And I’ve also loved expanding my psychological thriller novel ALEX into a second novel, THE SHED, and have an idea for a third book in the series.

(Nephy dances around yelling with joy at this point. Severe fangirling warning)

Do you have any other projects in the offing we should look out for?
I do! I have another short story coming out with Wayward Ink Publishing this spring, titled SWEET WILLIAM.
For the past three years William Wilkerson has led the life of the privileged rich. Head of his father’s shipping business, Willie indulges in the pleasures of Boston’s fine young men to his heart’s content. That is, until he meets Fredrick again, the one man who captured his heart.

As his former tutor, Fredrick has been declared off limits to him by William’s father. Fredrick also believes he's beneath the attention of Wilkerson’s heir. He’s about to lose his only pupil to graduation, with no prospects of a replacement. He’s also not been paid, and loses his apartment.

Homeless and hungry, he’s easy pickings for the men on the docks, shanghaied into service on William’s own merchant ship. Just in time, William discovers his capture and rescues him, inviting him to share his life on his mother’s plantation.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your writing?
At the moment I’m gazing at the flames dancing in the fireplace and playing on Facebook while my husband watches the football game. It’s a lazy Sunday here in Oregon and I’m taking a break from working on my latest WIP to chat with you. I mostly write in the m/m romance genre, everything from sweet hook-ups to highly erotic encounters. My three novels are paranormal thrillers and all my short stories are romances.

Are there any genres you prefer to write and if so, why?  
I write in the m/m romance genre, though not always erotic. And I always like to give my stories a little twist of the paranormal or the psychological drama. I’ve always found the supernatural intriguing and like to play that out in my stories. I chose to write in the m/m genre simply because I seem to be able to relate to my men better than I can to the female characters I write. Also, they’re just so damn sexy! What’s not to love about an m/m romance?

Do characters and stories just pop into your head, or do you take your time thinking about them?
I would have to say it’s a little of both. For instance, I heard a song this morning that was a trifle grim and sad, and a character suddenly came to mind, along with a vague background and storyline. I’ll probably mull over this person’s story while I finish other projects. In a few months, when I’m ready to write his story, I should have it outlined in my head, complete with family and friends, past and present, his likes, dislikes, hang-ups. Everything else will fall into place as I get into the thick of it.
Do you write often? Is it on a schedule, or whenever you feel like it?
I admit I write more often than my family likes. But it’s hard when one works full time and tries to have family time too. To help, I get up an hour earlier than I need to so I can write before heading off to work. Then I’ll try to write for another couple of hours in the evening when everyone’s gone to bed. I also use part of my day off to write/promote, if I have the time.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things (or people) would you want there with you?
1.         A Kindle Fire with unlimited internet access.
2.         A cabana boy to bring me drinks.
3.         A comfortable hammock.
If we’re talking reality:
1.         A large box of favorite books. (no batteries required)
2.         A way to make fire. (for warmth and atmosphere)
3.         A comfortable hammock.

What are your writing and personal goals for 2015 and beyond?
For personal goals, I’d like to attend a few more writing conferences. I really enjoy meeting favorite authors, making connections, and learning something new.

Writing goals: Finish my SHELTON novel and send that off. Rework my thriller, BIRTHDAY PRESENTS, and submit it. I also have two short novellas I’d like to get back to, and then maybe start another thriller I have in mind. Well, I actually have three of these in mind, so will need to decide which one to start.

When is your next book coming out, and what’s it about?
I have another short story coming out with Wayward Ink Publishing this spring, titled SWEET WILLIAM.
For the past three years William Wilkerson has led the life of the privileged rich. Head of his father’s shipping business, Willie indulges in the pleasures of Boston’s fine young men to his heart’s content. That is, until he meets Fredrick again, the one man who captured his heart.

As his former tutor, Fredrick has been declared off limits to him by William’s father. Fredrick also believes he's beneath the attention of Wilkerson’s heir. He’s about to lose his only pupil to graduation, with no prospects of a replacement. He’s also not been paid, and loses his apartment.

Homeless and hungry, he’s easy pickings for the men on the docks, shanghaied into service on William’s own merchant ship. Just in time, William discovers his capture and rescues him, inviting him to share his life on his mother’s plantation.

What are you working on at present? Would you like to share a snippet?  
 Several years ago I wrote a series of short contemporary romances involving my lovely SHELTON. At the moment I’m reworking the stories, then will add a new, final chapter, and hopefully submit it as a novel. Shelton is one of my favorite characters, and I would like to see him in print one day.

Excerpt:
Shelton glanced up at a low whistle, feeling the tingle of a blush starting under Nevil's appraising eyes. He tried to stifle a surge of excitement that Nevil had come to watch the photo shoot, when he hadn’t seemed interested earlier. Plans must have changed with Percy.
"You dress up nicely," Nevil assured him as he stepped closer to bat Shelton's fumbling hands away from the tie. "Let me do that."
Shelton concentrated on Nevil's fingers on his tie, urging his heart to stop racing before Nevil felt it pounding under his fingertips. Nevil's breath brushed his cheek and his spicy cologne sent his senses whirling.
Why was the man so damned attractive?
Shelton hardly noticed Tera slipping a jacket on his arms until Nevil commented on it, rubbing the silk and wool material between his fingers. "Nice."
Shelton glanced at his sleeve and admired the sharkskin pattern of taupe and tan and black checkers. He shrugged his shoulders, delighted with the fit and comfort of the sport coat. "A new one?" he asked Tera.
"I've had the design finished for months but couldn't decide if it should go in my summer or fall catalog."
Nevil finished with the tie and stepped back, looking Shelton up and down. "Definitely summer, though I'd wear a coat like that all year round. Almost any color of slacks would go with it."
"Or socks," Shelton muttered, a reminder to himself as Nevil ran his fingers through his hair, sending sparks of desire through his body as the man mussed his curls.
Nevil tilted his head to take in the overall affect. A lazy smile spread on his face while a warm gleam entered his fantastic eyes. "Delicious." His gaze lingered on Shelton's shoulders before sliding down to his hips.
Shelton wished the coat was buttoned as he felt a twitch in his groin, his body perking up at the attention. The whirl of the camera in Tera's hand recalled him from the tantalizing thought of Nevil's hands on him as well as his gaze, and Shelton moved to stand under the soft light she set up to complement the glow from the setting sun.
He thought he'd feel awkward with Nevil watching as he posed, but instead found the man's presence exhilarating. Shelton knew he looked his best and Nevil's admiring attention bolstered his confidence. Ignoring the stares of a few passersby, he flirted with the camera, losing his inhibition as Tera called encouragements and clicked frame after frame, only calling a halt when the sunlight had gone.
"These are lovely. They'll fill out the catalog nicely," she commented, tilting the camera to show the men a few of her favorites.
Nevil whistled at one in particular, where Shelton had glanced at the camera through lowered lids, a secret smile playing on his lips. The overhead light brought out the highlights in his chestnut hair and lightened his hazel eyes, complementing the warm colors of his ensemble for an overall attractiveness.
"You'll need to stockpile this coat, Tera," Nevil observed, his eyes never leaving Shelton's. "Every man who sees that picture is going to want one for his own." His gaze was intense and Shelton colored at the innuendo.
"I'd better change."
Nevil grabbed his tie as he took a step away, stopping him, his smile widening at Shelton's exasperated breath. "Can we borrow the suit, Tera? I want to take Shelton out for a drink in it. The boys will love it."

If you were able to quit your day job and write full time, would you, and why/why not?
There are times when I find the thought of not working extremely attractive. But even if I could afford not to have a day job, I think I would still prefer to work a couple of days a week. I like people! I’m a floral designer at a locally owned gift shop and I love working with my customers, helping them create something beautiful to take home to share with a friend or loved one. I would miss the interaction, and also, I get some great inspiration for my stories. People are fascinating to watch, don’t you think?



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