Wednesday, January 26, 2011

ADVENT PHOENIX - Carol Parsons - Free Book

Welcome, Carol. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

There’s actually quite a bit of my personality in Kynan Craig’s character. He’s stubborn and loyal with a clear cut sense of right and wrong – which has a tendency to get him into all sorts of trouble. Morgain Treleyne, on the other hand, is the person I’d like to be.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Gone down a zip line in my mid-40s

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I began writing unbelievable horse stories in junior high – with horses intelligent enough to sling bolos I took my first tottering steps outside the realm of realistic fiction.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I’m more author-oriented than genre oriented, except for science fiction. Romance stories by Essie Summers or Dee Henderson are always at the top of my list. I’m a fan of Barbara Petersons’ archaeology mysteries, and Earl Stanley Gardner’s Perry Mason mysteries. I enjoy good action/adventure stories like Helen MacInnes and Alastair MacLean and YA books, like the Rick Brant adventures.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I have to settle down with a good book. If I go longer than two weeks without reading something, my family notices. Failing the time to read a good book, I’ll settle for 30 minutes of my favorite Japanese animé. For quick pick-me-ups, I’ll go outside and look at the stars or look at the clouds.

How do you choose your characters' names?

Every once in a while, the names come to me with a full-blown character attached. Most of the time, however, I look through baby name books for names exemplifying a specific character trait.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Raising four fantastic children with my husband.

 If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

An otter because they make work fun. As the editor of a small West Texas newspaper, I tell everyone I get paid for playing because I consider my work fun. Where else can you meet new people, learn new things, go to places and events and get paid for doing it?

What is your favorite food?

Cornbeef and cabbage

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

The greatest roadblock is writing Christian science fiction and living in a rural area. The only way to overcome something like that is persistence and being willing to get outside my comfort zone.

Tell us about the featured book.

Advent Phoenix is a Christian science fiction novel which pits the main characters in a struggle from both outside circumstance and inward conflicts as they work to hold fast to what is right and good.

Morgain Treleyne leads a double life as a shadowy figure specializing in hard-to-obtain cargos while hunting those who would destroy the peace-loving Patriots.

When the past collides with the present, Treleyne is torn between friendship and duty.

Time is running out as the Imperium springs its most deadly attack against the Patriots. Walking a razor-thin edge between light and dark, Treleyne’s pursuit pits allies against each other, brings age-old loyalties into question and threatens the very survival of the Patriots.

Please give us the first page of the book.

The tiny ship darted among the rugged canyons, desperately seeking an escape. The heavier Imperium battleship bore down relentlessly, its artillery spitting purple death.

Morgain Treleyne frantically shifted levers jamming further transmissions from the enemy ship, trying to divert enough energy to hold rapidly failing shields. Treleyne glanced over the controls noting coldly the falling energy levels and praying for time to find an escape. If the Star Phoenix were captured, the mission would fail and the princess would certainly be in danger. Even if Treleyne managed to wipe the memory banks before the Imperium troops boarded, the ship's cargo pointed plainly to Luri Talise of Oupha.

If boarding was their intention, the young pilot thought grimly. The battleship could easily blast the Phoenix out of the purple-gold sky of Ziglat once the Phoenix's shields were gone. Once more slim fingers flew rapidly over controls. The cruiser was gaining steadily on the smaller ship. The energy beams increased in severity.

A shudder tore through the Phoenix as the Imperium guns found another mark. Perspiration trickled down Treleyne's back as the ship bucked against the deadly coruscation. A blinking red light signalled the ruin of the...

Sounds exciting. How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is found at www.freewebs.com/adventphoenix

Thank you, Carol, for spending this time with us.
 
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.



Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

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14 comments:

windycindy said...

Hi! I have never read Christian
Science Fiction. Carol Parson's
book sounds like fun to me!
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Coolestmommy said...

Love, love sci-fi. So glad publishers are starting to publish Christian Sci-fi.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

Anne Payne said...

I'm so glad to find a new author and Christian Sci-fi (my son is going to love this one if I win)! I love these interviews and discovering so many experiences/likes as someone else has. Very cool! Best wishes to you, Carol, and blessings to you, Lena, for this great blog...

Anne, rural NC

Ticia said...

LOVE sci-fi, and it'd be so cool to get some Christian sci-fi.

we're in Texas.

apple blossom said...

love to be included in this giveaway thanks

i live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Mass.Maverick said...

Hey Tris, Glad to see you make the published list again. From one space opera writer to another it sounds like you've got a classic winner.
Write on Sis
SGD
dave

Sci-Fi newbie said...

I've actually had the pleasure of reading Advent Phoenix, and I can tell you that Carol Parsons is very good at action sequences. If I win, I'll give the book to my daughter. She has inherited my love of reading.

RebeccaPMinor said...

Great interview! Thanks so much for the peek into your journey.

Kristen said...

Love a good double life story!!
Sounds like a great read.
Please enter me
Kristen from WA

Anonymous said...

Hi!! My name is Angela and I am from KY. I would love to win a copy of this book.

Ann Lee Miller said...

Please put my name into the drawing.
Ann Lee Miller
Gilbert, AZ

Nancye said...

Sounds like an interesting book! Thanks for the chance.

Nancye, Kentucky

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Carol Parsons said...

Ladies and gents,
Thanks for the encouragement and warm comments. Another great place to find good Christian science fiction is at www.wherethemapends

It's a unique place where Christian speculative and science fiction writers hang out. There's a listing of Christian sci fi books, as well.

I appreciate Lena for giving me this opportunity to visit with you all.

And I love hearing from readers, so drop me an email.

Bakersdozen said...

I love the idea of Christian Science Fiction. I would love to read this. I live in S. California