War of the Sea - Kickstarter
Olympian Wars, #1
by Dana Claire
Publisher: Chamberlain Publishing House
Cover Artist: Brush Media Group
Genre: Fantasy Romance
ISBN: 9798987263563
ASIN: B0BLGH16G6
Number of pages: 270
Word Count: 80,000
Tagline: A bargain. A brigand. A battle for the sea.
BLURB
His powers could save the ocean. Her vendetta could sink a kingdom.
Captain Elouise Farrington, the youngest pirate on the Caviar Sea, seeks revenge on her father’s killer. But when her oddly hypnotic foe proposes a pact to kill the Siren Queen and end the War of the Sea’s bloodshed, she must make a choice. Put aside her long-brewing retribution or act the underhanded pirate and use the alliance to claim the life of the man who destroyed her family?
Captain Rylander Bordeaux, the revered royal navy captain of the Isle of Cava, has one mission—kill the Siren Queen and end the War of the Sea. The ocean is the only place Rylander calls home, but to bring peace to his beloved waves, he must defeat his past so he can reshape the future. His greatest hope is Captain Elouise, who calls to him like no siren song ever has. Too bad she’s almost as bloodthirsty as the fanged heart-eaters themselves. She promises to lend her all-female crew to his war on the sirens, but can he trust a brigand—especially one who wants him dead—to uphold her end of the bargain? Or will she be his undoing?
Excerpt:
Our mouths met once
again, hungry and desperate, as I lifted her into my arms. Her chemise rose and
bunched in between us. My palms cupped her exposed thighs, urging them to
encircle my waist. I walked us backward to the bed, never breaking our kiss,
and slowly lowered her down, careful to bear my weight against my forearm. I
savored the softness of her lips, the warmth of her breath mingling with mine,
as her fingers wove into my hair. Pleasure and pain radiated through my scalp
as she pulled the ends with her iron grip, her moans urging me on. With my free
hand, I explored her, tracing the lines of her neck, the softness of her
breasts. Her body arched in response, a silent plea for more.
I continued my
journey, my hand tracing the curve of her hip, slipping beneath her knee, and
wrapping her leg around me once more. The connection between us grew stronger,
an unspoken understanding that we were meant to be entwined, a meeting of
souls. And then, with a surge of anticipation, I pressed into her, feeling her
heat and the electric pulse of our bodies against one another.
She pulled back, her
eyes locking onto mine, reflecting a hunger and longing that mirrored my own. A
mischievous smile played upon her lips as her fingers toyed with the button on
my trousers. But before she undid it, I heard a noise. Footsteps.
“It’s probably a good
idea to tell you both I’m in the room.” Smitter’s voice sounded somewhere
behind me, way too close to the bed, to us.
I jumped backward,
lost my balance, and stumbled to the floor. My rear landed hard. Lou swathed
herself in a wad of sheets.
“I had hoped you’d
come up for air, but there’s really no good way to interrupt.” He waved in
between us.
“I’m going to kill
you,” I growled from the floor. Out of all the times my uncle had popped in and
out of a room, this had to be the most invasive and humiliating.
“Why would you …? I
can’t— Don’t you ever do that again,” Lou shouted, horrified. Her hands balled
around the sheets. Flushed like a sunburned noble, she volleyed her gaze
between me, half clothed on the floor, and Smitter. Her knotted hair stuck up
on top of her head.
“Yes, I realize it’s
not great timing, but the two of you need your rest. We drop anchor tomorrow on
the perimeter of Anthemusa. The men have already been moved to the soundproof
rooms. And we need to strategize how you’ll slay the Siren Queen, now that our
first plan is no longer viable.” Smitter’s concerned brown eyes found mine.
“Also, your aunt said this isn’t the right time for”—he swirled a finger in our
general direction—“this.”
Lou’s brows
contorted. “What? Who is your aunt?” She gaped at me.
I waved Lou off. Aunt Artemis, the goddess of
childbirth, would know when Lou should abstain, but I wasn’t about to have that
conversation. I bent my knees, resting my elbows on my thighs, and rubbed my
temples. My family had truly outdone themselves. Not a single boundary nor a
clue as to how their incessant involvement could be a nuisance.
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Author Info
DANA CLAIRE is an award-winning author whose stories explore identity, fate, and destiny in the crossroads of romance and adventure.
Her love of romantic tension and the supernatural effortlessly translates into spine-tingling action and unforgettable characters.
She lives in Los Angeles, CA with her adoring husband living her dreams: writing books, telling stories, and changing the world, one reader at a time.
The Book Junkie Reads . . . Interview with . . . Dana Claire . . .
How would you describe your style of writing to someone that has never read your work?
My writing style is distinctly cinematic, creating an immersive reading experience that mirrors the engagement of watching a TV show or movie. I utilize Blake Snyder's beat sheets from his book 'Save the Cat', typically a tool for screenplay writers. While I'm not a screenplay writer myself, this framework aids me in maintaining a steady narrative rhythm, interspersed with climactic plot points and escalating tension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
I have a penchant for fast-paced plots with plenty of action, and I love to infuse my stories with romance that leaves readers swooning. The love stories I weave touch hearts and linger in readers' minds, courtesy of characters whose chemistry is palpable and whose emotional depths are explored.
If I were to liken my style to established authors, I would choose Jennifer L. Armentrout and Tricia Levenseller. Much like Armentrout, I delight in constructing vivid, compelling worlds where action and romance blend seamlessly. My characters, often battling their inner demons while navigating high-stakes adventures, are complex and relatable.
Drawing parallels with Levenseller, my narratives are populated with strong, independent characters who aren't afraid to stand their ground. They carve their own paths and confront their own battles. The allure of adventure and the charm of the unknown course through my tales, reminiscent of Levenseller's captivating stories.
In essence, my writing style is a dynamic mix of cinematic storytelling, swift pacing, gripping action, and stirring romance, all revolving around relatable, strong characters. It resonates with the allure and adventure that fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout and Tricia Levenseller would find familiar and compelling.
Do you feel that writing is an ingrained process or just something that flows naturally for you?
For me, writing operates on a continuum between a meticulously honed skill and an innate, intuitive process. On one hand, it's a craft I've diligently cultivated through years of education and practice, akin to the steady training of a muscle for a precise task. I adhere to routines, techniques, and structures that underpin my writing process, ensuring I'm constantly refining my skill and pushing the boundaries of my creativity.
On the other hand, I often find that writing is an instinctive journey, where words and ideas seem to emerge spontaneously, requiring little conscious maneuvering. I'm often led by a surge of inspiration, drawing from my personal experiences and observations of the world around me.
In essence, my writing approach oscillates between these two polarities.
What mindset or routine do you feel the need to set when preparing to write (in general whether you are working on a project or just free writing)?
That’s easy. A quiet environment. No distractions, noise, interruptions, etc. That’s all I need to get lost in writing.
Do you take your character prep to heart? Do you nurture the growth of each character all the way through to the page? Do you people watch to help with development? Or do you build upon your character during story creation?
The preparation for each character in my books varies. Sometimes, I meticulously construct a comprehensive character bible, detailing their personalities, physical attributes, and potential development. At other times, I simply dive into the narrative, allowing the characters to evolve organically as the story unfolds. I never box myself into a single method; instead, I choose what feels most natural and authentic for each individual character.
My primary objective is to ensure that by the conclusion of the narrative, each character has undergone meaningful growth. I aim for them to have enhanced the best aspects of themselves, worked on their flaws, and successfully navigated the challenges that they encountered. When I achieve this, I feel a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I've fulfilled my responsibilities as an author.
Do you have a character that you have been working on that you can't wait to put to paper?
Yes. Birdie and Noah. They are the main characters in The Offensive Line. I’ve been writing them in my head for weeks now but I’m still in War of the Land fantasy fiction world and need to finish that before I move onto contemporary romance.
Can you share your next creative project(s)? If yes, can you give a few details?
I have four more books on their way. I just handed in to my publisher, HunterLore, book #2 of the Hunterland series which has been optioned for TV. The pub date is September 17th, 2024. Here’s the official blurb:
Every hunter knows dangerous supernatural beings rule the shadows of our world, but what happens when they step into the light.
For Liam Hunter, monster hunting is a way of life—a family tradition passed down for generations. But when campers are murdered in the woods, their hearts ripped from their chests, Liam finds himself facing his most terrifying adversary yet—his own mother, turned monster. Her pack of werewolves will test Liam’s limits, his morals, and his undeniable connection with the girl who still has too large a claim on his heart.
Olivia Davis is determined to uncover her own place in Hunterland’s society and hone her newfound abilities. But when Olivia has a terrifying vision, she’s faced with a much larger uncertainty, her feelings for the boy she let slip through her fingers.
Together can Olivia and Liam survive the deadly game of cat and mouse, or will they become victims in a world where the monsters are the hunters? The clock is ticking. The game is on. And the price of failure may be humanity.
I am currently in the process of finishing three other young adult works: 'War of the Land', 'The Offensive Line', and 'Chess Games'.
'War of the Land' is a successor to 'War of the Sea', exploring the next generation of protagonists. It is a tale of epic confrontations where celestial beings and mortals stand shoulder to shoulder, driven by a shared objective to halt Zeus from obliterating humankind. The narrative resonates with echoes of ancient legends, from Prometheus to Apollo. Prepare to be immersed in a battlefield where legends are born, honor clashes with destiny, and the very earth beneath our feet serves as the stage for acts of courage, the stirring complexities of love, and humanity's struggle for survival. All this, underscored by the tension and anticipation of an arranged marriage.
'The Offensive Line' serves as a companion novel to 'Sideliners' and delves into the exhilarating world of high school football romance. Our protagonists are an unlikely pair: a New York City girl, grappling with the recent loss of her father and move to a backward, regressive Texas town, and a boy who hails from Texas's rougher neighborhoods while caring for his mother and brother after his father was incarcerated for trying to kill them. Despite their stark differences, they share a common battle - the fight for survival.
'Chess Games' presents a thrilling narrative about a young girl safeguarded by the youngest undercover agent posing as a high school student, tasked with protecting her from the man who killed her mother. This high-stakes dance of deceit, trust, and survival promises to keep the readers on the edge of their seats.
What are some of your writing/publishing goals for this year?
My biggest goal for 2023 is to run audio book Kickstarters and to help the voiceover actors receive opportunities while they endure the writer’s strike. As you may be aware, the recent writers' strike has left a significant impact on the entertainment industry. One segment of this industry that has been particularly hit hard is the acting community. With scripts not being written, these incredibly talented individuals find themselves in a challenging position, with limited opportunities to practice their craft and continue making a living.
In light of this ongoing crisis, we planned our Kickstarter project, War of the Sea Audio Book. Our mission is to create an opportunity where voiceover actors can continue to do what they love and get paid for their craft, all while providing engaging and uplifting content to a wide array of listeners.
Our project seeks to fund the production of a series of original audio fantasies starting with War of the Sea. If we fund, I will continue to run these until the strike is over, giving an opportunity to new voiceover actors each time. These projects will not only provide work for our voiceover artists, but they'll also allow them to connect with audiences in new, exciting, and meaningful ways while ensuring that our actions remain in compliance with the strikes.
If you could have dinner/dinner party with 7 fictional characters, who would they be?
Sherlock Holmes from Arthur Conan Doyle's novels - Sherlock could entertain with his profound observational skills and deduction capabilities. He might even make the evening a bit of a game, challenging everyone to puzzles or observations. Just be ready for some possible eccentricity.Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling - Hermione's intellect, extensive knowledge of wizarding world, and her ability to provide magical solutions to common problems would make for a great dinner conversation or spell swap. Her strong moral compass and determination might lead to some thought-provoking discussions.Tyrion Lannister from the Game of Thrones series by George R. R. Martin - Tyrion is known for his wit, charm, and his ability to keep a conversation going with interesting anecdotes and stories. His vast knowledge about the complex world of Westeros would also make for an engrossing chat.Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Known for throwing extravagant parties himself, Gatsby would add a touch of elegance and charisma. His fascinating and tragic story, as well as his thoughts on the American dream, would provide some deep conversation material. I also wouldn’t mind dressing the part.Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - Intelligent, quick-witted, and fiercely independent, Elizabeth's perspective on society, gender, and class in the early 19th century would be quite enlightening. She's also adept at handling difficult conversations with grace and wit. Plus, this might be my most favorite character of all time, redone in so many interesting ways that the original would be nice to meet.John "Preacher" Middleton from the Virgin River series by Robyn Carr - Preacher is the epitome of a strong, silent type. He's a former Marine who brings a strong sense of safety and security to those around him. Despite his rugged exterior, he's a man with a big heart who's incredibly loyal to his friends and loved ones. His experiences from his military days, his tales of adapting to civilian life, and his deep insights into human nature would make for very interesting dinner conversation. Plus, his charm and quiet intensity have a certain allure that many find irresistible.
If you could spend one-week with 5 fictional characters, who would they be and where would you spend that time?
I picked 5 people I’d like to have gone to college with for a week. Maybe attend a frat party or class or go on a date. But something about that time period in my life would have been pretty darn cool to have had the chance to meet and hang with the below characters.
Bruce Wayne (Batman) from DC Comics - Bruce Wayne's vast wealth and intelligence could be invaluable in a university setting, especially if he picked me up in the bat mobile for class. Plus, his detective skills might make him an excellent study partner, especially for courses requiring critical thinking or technology.Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series - Lisbeth is a brilliant hacker with a sharp mind. She might be a little unconventional, but her unique insights, intelligence, and tech skills would be invaluable. I might ask her to help me find out what the test questions would be….just kidding.Annabeth Chase from the Percy Jackson series - As the daughter of Athena, Annabeth is extremely intelligent and strategic. Her knowledge of Greek mythology would certainly make literature classes more interesting! Plus, as you know from War of the Sea, Greek mythology is my jam.Wade Watts (Parzival) from Ready Player One - Wade's deep knowledge of pop culture and his expertise in OASIS could lead to some fun and interesting conversations. Plus, his virtual reality skills could be very useful in an increasingly digital world. I’d definitely have him on my trivia team for game night.Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games - Katniss's resilience and survival skills could inspire and motivate during challenging times. Plus, she's got plenty of stories to tell from her time in the Games. She’d be a great wing woman at a party.
Where would you spend one full year, if you could go ANYWhere, money is not a concern? What would you do with this time?
I've always held the dream of spending a year in London, immersing myself in the city's vibrant heartbeat. The idea of penning down my stories while being in the thick of the setting that's inspiring them is absolutely thrilling. The allure of London is undeniable - it's a city steeped in romance and mystery, effusing an inexplicable magnetism that's equally exciting and captivating. It's my vision to experience it firsthand, channeling the allure into the pages of my books, crafting narratives interwoven with the city's essence.
Thank you Dana Claire for joining and giving a little insight to you and your process. Your work is appreciated. Wade Watts is a very interesting person. I have a list of questions to pick his brain. Best wishes.
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