PROTOSTAR - Braxton A Cosby - Free Book

I first encountered Braxton on Twitter. As he kept mentioning his debut novel, I became intrigued, so I'm really pleased to introduce you to him. Welcome, Braxton.Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I think I put a little of myself into all of my characters. Inspiration for me comes from life experience. I think I learn a little more about myself on a daily basis and I feel that the more I grow as a person, the better my writing will become because I will have more to offer readers. The main character in Protostar, William, is very much someone that I would like to emulate. He has strong characteristics of dedication, altruism, loyalty, self sacrifice and ambition: things that I hold dear to.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Hmm, I’d have to say singing on a cruise ship while I was on my honeymoon. Karaoke always seems to be a good idea before you step on stage.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I have always been very strong at expressing myself on paper. All throughout my time in college, I made straight A’s in classes that were comprised of essay formats, rather than multiple choice. Later, I received the vision for The Star-Crossed Saga, while I was in church. The Bishop was preaching and said that God was telling him that He wanted to reveal something to someone in the pews, but no one was asking. So I immediately began to pray and God told me to write a book. 

It's awesome when we listen when God speaks. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Young adult right now is very popular with me, as well as anything with a compelling storyline, that is different and off the beaten path. Fiction is my favorite, followed by self-help books on spirituality and encouragement. Health magazines with articles about wellness also peak my interest.

Since you like YA books, I highly recommend the Rivers of Time series written by Lisa Tawn Bergren. I read them as fast as I could get them. Awesome! How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I stay in prayer constantly and involve myself as much as possible with my family and my church. My wife has been a great support and my two girls are amazing. Spending time with them keeps me grounded and allows me to focus on things outside of myself.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I really do a lot of people watching. Some of the characters in my first book come from names of people I know or have met. I like cool names that are different, but have some root meaning that outlines their character. For instance, Elaine (Sydney’s name- character in Protostar) means sun ray or shining light.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

One of them had to be when my wife and I got baptized in 2003, before moving to Atlanta, Georgia. Going down in the water and coming back up as two new people (outward expression of faith) was very memorable.

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

I always liked cats. I never thought about owning one, but I love them because they always seem to be thinking. Their minds are always in motion as they survey their surroundings. I think that cats always have an alternate escape route in mind just in case situations get hectic.

What is your favorite food?

Anything Italian!

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

Organization. The way I get around it is by setting up an outline of the entire story and then I work off of it. I never tried to write when I got tired or was not inspired. I would only do it when I really felt like pouring out what was inside of me.

Tell us about the featured book.

It is a tale of two Star-Crossed lovers and the evolution of how their love came to be. Sydney Elaine (Star-Child) now knows the full meaning of the phrase “Be careful what you wish for,” when a strange visitor comes to her small town. Bounty Hunter William Derry, Prince of the Torrian Alliance, is the mysterious traveler who crosses thousands of light-years on a routine mission to assassinate her, fulfilling an age old prophetic practice, in order to bring peace to his ailing Binary Star System. He soon finds out that finding and eliminating your target are two tall orders that don’t sometimes easily coincide. What starts out as routine, becomes a little more difficult than he imagined when he is confronted by his most formidable foe yet—Love. As he struggles to conceal his hidden agenda, he is tormented by thoughts that challenge his inner being. William must also overcome a hidden threat here (in the form of another Bounty Hunter) on Earth that seeks to secure a vested interest. But his struggles on Earth are the least of his problems, as a conspiracy back on his home-world of Fabricius threatens the lives of the entire planet, along with his father’s royal legacy. With little time to spare, William must choose between his irrevocable duty and love.

Sounds interesting, with lots of conflict and intrigue. Please give us the first page of the book.

CHAPTER ONE- LOADING RESPONSE

Inside the chamber walls of the Capital Building, a young Prince stood approximately ten feet from his sparring partner. Sweat streamed from his forehead as he loosened his grip inside the leathery laced concussion gloves. As the sound of combat rang throughout the morning dawn, the two young men cautiously awaited each other’s next move. William was always taught to be patient in these times, holding only a slight lead over his formidable foe, he could easily finish this session off with one well timed blow.

A small crowd began to gather around the outer corridor to take in the entertainment. The Capital Building served as a place of meeting for high level officials and upper class folks, to participate in a number of activities ranging from business meetings, open forums, and dinner parties. But today, a sparring match between two young males was the main attraction. They had just finished a barrage of ...

Way to leave us hanging, Braxton. How can readers find you on the Internet?

You can find me on my website at www.braxtonacosbygodson.com. There you will find links to my Twitter page, Goodreads, Wordpress and Facebook accounts.

Thank you so much, Braxton, for coming by and sharing your book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

The Star-Crossed Saga:ProtoStar - Kindle
The Star-Crossed Saga: ProtoStar - print edition


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