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FANTASY SHORT STORIES – New Magazine

I love short stories. They’re the quiet gems of the writing world – done right? They catch your imagination, worm under your skin and squeeze your heart…

The great ones..? You never forget.

A short story is harder to write than a novel. Flash fiction is the hardest of all. I’ve been a traditionally published short story writer since I was fourteen (of course the editor didn’t know I was a kid…)

I write science fiction, fantasy and dark fiction. What I really write? Emotion. That extra something, which will grab you and not let go.

My most recent short story is being featured in the very first edition of a new literary magazine Scaffolding. It’s passionate about the same things I am: inclusion, gender and mental health. The magazine itself pairs the very best writers with the most stunning artists.

The story “How to Scalp a Doll” is dark fiction about a human trafficker who makes the mistake of opening the truck door…then his whole world is turned on its head.

It’s about siblings, fear, loneliness, freedom…and what it means to be alive.

Danny had always hated geese…

Rebel Vampires will also be part of the magazine long-term, offering rewards to readers who subscribe. Click here to find out more.

Start the Rebel Vampires adventure today here.

What’s your favourite short story – and why have you always remembered it?

REBEL VAMPIRES THEME SONG – Release of New Single by Off The Realm

Off the Realm- Forevermore rock single - Rebel Vampires Theme Song

So you all know I’m a music fanatic..? It’s why I wrote my lead vampire – Light – to be one too. It’s why music is at the heart of Rebel Vampires, and Light falls in love with Kathy in the wild 1960’s London music scene.

Forevermore rock single by Off the Realm - inspired by Rebel VampiresOff the Realm – a phenomenal rock band with an edgy, gothic sound and serious head banging guitar – have been inspired by Rebel Vampires to write the song: Forevermore. It’s released this week. And it’s BLINDING!

This is a song about Light: ‘I am the Shadow/ That follows you/ Your redemption, your slave…

It ends with a Latin phrase, which means ‘forbidden love’. That’s the heart of the series, but the song catches me every time because it gets to the heart of Light: ‘Enslaved to remember/Afraid of the dark/Afraid of the light…

Light - Rebel VampiresThis is what Tim Black from Off the Realm says: “Growing up, I was always intrigued by the city of London, (unbeknownst to me, my future wife resided there as well). And I’ve always been a fan of The Beatles, and Hammer Horror Movies, and many other things from British Pop Culture. To this day, London continues to inspire; I mean, twist my arm to write a song about London and vampires?!”

Their sound is unique but it reminds me of Linkin Park, Kings of Leon and Nothing But Thieves.

Light is ‘forevermore London bound…’ This is an inspired theme song for the series.

Grab your copy of this new single on iTunes here. 

Want to listen on Amazon? Click here.

What are the best theme songs for vampire books or movies?

Off the Realm - Forevermore new release - Rebel Vampires

WOMEN IN FANTASY – A Storytime Reading About a Red-haired Devil

Gender in fantasy – and women’s evolving role  – is a tricky but interesting subject. Things have come a long way from heroes in epic fantasies rescuing the princess.

Except, have they..?

In urban fantasy, there’s a divide between the human woman being controlled and ultimately sacrificing everything – even her life – for the paranormal male.

This was explored in my most recent panel on Twilight. There’s a reason my human woman chooses to grow old, rather than be elected into Blood Life in Rebel Vampires.

I’ve always wondered why stories focused on vampire males’ obsessions with teenagers…and never followed their lifelong – adult – loves.

It may be partly because an increasing number of paranormal books are Young Adult, so must have young protagonists.

The other side to urban fantasy..? The kick-ass heroine (look at the covers of the top 20 urban fantasy books). This in itself is a stereotype, especially when they don’t have equality but dominance over men.

Rebel Vampires

In Rebel Vampires I write from the British male vampire’s perspective. This meant I could write powerful women into the book but avoid the ‘kick-ass’…

Kathy is human but she’s never controlled by Light. She’s his equal and although he saves the world, she saves him.Blood Dragons (Rebel Vampires Volume One) Award-winning fantasy

Ruby is Light’s ‘red-haired devil, Author, muse, liberator, guide: my gorgeous nightmare.’ His Elizabethan Author, she’s savage, powerful and offers an all-consuming love.

This reading by K Kantis is taken from Blood Dragons. It’s a rare moment of vulnerability, when Ruby for the first time tells Light about her human life: the fear she has of being ‘caged‘ again, ironically means she cages all men, even though she’s desperate to set Light free.

Escape into Blood Life here

What do you think about women in fantasy? What books have the most interesting female characters?

VAMPIRES DON’T SPARKLE – Live Fantasy Panel Tonight 7 p.m. EDT

Join me tonight at 7 p.m. LIVE here as I take part in a panel of other vampire authors. The discussion? Vampires don’t sparkle…

Vampires have been with us – through myth, legend and fireside tale – for hundreds of years.

The idea of the immortal – given life through blood – never goes away. It evolves. Clever authors? We reinvent.

In my books, Light has this role.

Vampires can be creatures of horror, fantasy or science fiction. These lines are increasingly blurred: vampires as real creatures alongside humans.

In Rebel Vampires Blood Lifers are a second species, camouflaged predators that are evolved alongside humans. Like G. R. R. Martin’s Fevre Dream, this pushes it into science fiction, as much as dark fantasy/urban fantasy and paranormal suspense.

In Twilight by Stephenie Meyer the vampires sparkle in sunlight because their skin is marble-like. It’s become one of the most quoted phrases…

Blood Dragons Rosemary A Johns Fantasy Vampire Book Rebel VampiresYet it’s only one of the many faces of the modern-day vampire. Mine? Are dark, adult and in the words of a recent review?

“Take what you know about vampire romance and throw it away. Rosemary A Johns is not only a refreshing new voice in this genre, she excels it. Her vampires are edgy and enticing” – Rockchick Addiction Reviews

There’s room for both types because vampires – like zombies, shifters or angels – represent what each society needs, wants and desires.

I will always love, read, and write them.

So, do vampires sparkle – and should they?

LISTEN IN LIVE TO THE DEBATE HERE. 

Blood Dragons

Blood Shackles

Blood Renegades

Blood Renegades - Rebel Vampires 3 - Rosemary A Johns - Vampire Series

ANNOUNCING WINNERS OF BOOK AWARD – Blood Dragons by Rosemary A Johns

Today the winners of the Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2016 were announced. Blood Dragons was on the list of Finalists.

Blood Dragons Rebel Vampires Rosemary A Johns Vampire BookIt was a blinding surprise to discover Blood Dragons had won the Silver Award.

To celebrate I wanted to explain why it’s such an important novel to me.

The spark of inspiration for the entire series came from my son who is an autistic savant: everything he sees he remembers.

Light – the lead character – is a savant. I wondered what it would be like for a vampire to live over the centuries and to remember all the wonders and horrors with the clarity of a photograph. Would  it be a blessing – or a curse..?

The theme of memory is at its core: identity. As well as what it means to be an individual: the book is for everyone who has ever felt different or alone.

And that? Is everyone on the planet…

Blood Dragons is set in a divided, paranormal London. My dad’s a Londoner, and I wanted my first series to show the ‘dark and glory‘ of London.

I love complex anti-heroes, struggling on thrilling redemptive journeys: cue Light. British male vampires played the role of villain, love interest or sidekick; my British vampire would be the anti-hero telling his own story, in his own words.

Dark, intelligent and subversive. These are the books I love to read and the series I set out to write.

Blood Dragons is close to my heart for so many reasons: it’s an intensely personal novel.

Why is it important to you?

Rosemary A Johns Author Blood Dragons Vampire Novel

FANTASY AND SCIENCE FICTION CONVENTION – Panels from Tolkien to Dr Who

One of my secret passions – did I say passions…all right you’ve twisted my arm – obsessions – is watching convention panels on YouTube. Only when I have time and until I work out the serious flaws in my ‘Clone the Author’ experiments, I have almost none of that.

Rosemary A Johns Fantasy Author

I love to hear discussions about my favourite shows, books and writers. Hear sneak peeks behind the scenes and authors’ plans ahead of time.

This last week I was invited to take part in a series of fantasy and science fiction panels. They’re part of a Cyber Convention and Book Expo, which opens to readers 7 – 9th April: a virtual book San Diego Comic Con. 

So what did we discuss?

One panel was dedicated to how far fantasy has come from Tolkien to the modern day.

Another examined magical systems, including our own: what were the rules, limitations and dangers in our fantasy worlds and why did it matter?

Being the only honorary Brit on the panels, Britain and the BBC’s fantasy was in my corner: Dr Who. Enough said.

Not to miss the science fiction panels on Star Wars, Star Trek and how writing has evolved to match audiences.

If you could take one question to a fantasy panel – what would it be?

I’ll try and sneak it in to my next panel…

***Bestselling Rebel Vampires***

Dive into the spellbinding series…and discover a new world.

“One of the most unique and ingenious vampire books I have ever read …reminded me very much of Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles” – Leather and Lace Reviews.

~Blood Dragons: click here

~Blood Shackles: click here

MARCH PARANORMAL GIVEAWAY – $1250 in prizes

This March I’m one of a host of paranormal and fantasy authors taking part in a giveaway, which includes two $500 Amazon gift cards (among other goodies).

I wanted to kick off this Spring with something special, as I gear up for the release of the third book in the Rebel Vampires series – Blood Renegades – in June.

Blood Renegades Rebel Vampires Volume 3 Rosemary A Johns Fantasy

Here are Three Queens of Paranormal and Fantasy Romance who are alongside me this March:

  1. Felicity Heaton: A USA Today and New York Times Bestseller, her books feature vampires, werewolves, angels, demons… This is one for passionate paranormal romance lovers.
  2. Scarlett Dawn: A New York Times bestselling author of dark, dystopian and brilliantly unique paranormal fiction.
  3. Alicia Montgomery: A bestselling author of shifters and werewolves, with a healthy mix of New York and private detectives.

I take my place alongside them with a divided paranormal London where vampires are both predator and prey.

Light is the rebel of the vampire world – hunted by both humans and vampire alike – but he’ll battle to save both species…and the women he loves.

Click here to escape into Blood Life today…

Click here to enter the March giveaway.

Light from the Rebel Vampires series

HOW TO PROFILE A VAMPIRE – Fantasy Event on 15th March

Light anti-hero Rebel Vampires Fantasy book

On the 15th March Light – the British vampire at the heart of the Rebel Vampires series – will be taking over the Ides of March Essentia Event.

This is a Character Event: where authors take it easy and the characters come out to play.

From 12 – 1 p.m. EDT Light will be here. You can ask him whatever you like, chat and banter, listen to his music or play his games…blinding.

Blood Dragons and Blood Shackles - Rebel Vampires Fantasy SeriesIn honour of Light’s escape into the real world – here’s Light’s Character Profile:

Light – the British Rocker Blood Lifer – is on a redemptive journey. In Blood Shackles he’s enslaved by a secret human Blood Club. The dark conspiracy behind it, which threatens the world? You’ll have the read the series to find out!

As a slave, Light discovers something he hasn’t experienced for 150 years – love of a family. Blood Shackles is about hope. How love of family – and the drive to save them – can set you free.

A hidden paranormal London lies beneath our own… 

Light Anti-hero in Rebel Vampires Series Rosemary A JohnsLight: A rebel Blood Lifer with a photographic memory. And a Triton motorbike. He’s a British James Dean: rough leather motorcycle jacket, decorated with a worn gold Ace of Spades, collar firmly turned up, over a black t-shirt, jeans and tall motorcycle boots, topped by a light brown pompadour, tamed with Brylcreem. He tried to conforming once: didn’t fit.

When and where elected into Blood Life? Victorian London.

Human name? Thomas Blickle

Bloodline? Plantagenet. Powerful, ancient, Magnificoe. And hunted.

Favourite drinks? Coffee – black, two sugars. Guinness.

Favourite motorbike? Triton. ‘A sodding scarlet slash of beauty. 650cc Triumph twin-cylinder engine in a Norton ‘slimline’ Featherbed frame – and my bloody god.’

Favourite possession? His leather jacket. For the last 150 years, Light has always owned a ‘blinding coat’.

Favourite phrase? ‘Bollocks vampire myth…’

Who is Ruby? A sexy but savage Elizabethan Blood Lifer in crimson silk. ‘Ruby. My red-haired devil, Author, muse, liberator, guide: my gorgeous nightmare.’

Who is Kathy? A seductive singer, with blue eyes and long black curls. But she’s also human. When the two worlds collide, it could mean the end. For both species. ‘You looked like some little Moon Girl, shimmering in silver. I would’ve blasted into space with you in a bleeding heartbeat. ’

Who is Grayse? Master’s daughter: she chooses Light, as if he’s a puppy in a pet store. Commanding and business-like, Grayse is tall with ‘steely grey peepers’. Can a mistress truly love her slave? And can Light love her, when his family are still in chains?  ‘At that moment, none of it meant anything. Slave or Mistress. First Lifer or Blood. It never does when skin meets skin. It was just Light and Grayse.’

Light looks forward to having a chinwag with you on the 15th at the Ides of March

Until then, enjoy your escape into Blood Life

Want to dive into Blood Shackles? Click here now.

Want to read Blood Dragons first? Click here today.

WHAT’S URBAN FANTASY? – And the Chance to Win 45 Books

pixaby-fantasy-city

Straight to the question I get asked more than any other: what’s urban fantasy?

The twin question clinging to that one? What’s the difference between urban fantasy and paranormal romance?

Short answer: not much. See, I can be succinct when I want to.

Long answer: in urban fantasy, although love often drives the main character, their journey is the focus. Redemption or revenge. Not simply the romance between two characters.

It’s been said, however, that paranormal romance and urban fantasy share 95% of the same DNA.

 

rebel-vampires-black-letters Fantasy book Rebel Vampires Rosemary A JohnsBeing ‘urban’, in urban fantasy the city becomes central. It can be set in any time period. In Rebel Vampires London and its dark and glory, is as much a character as the vampires themselves: St Paul’s, London Bridge or Primrose Hill.

If you study the Rebel Vampires front covers, you’ll see a different London skyline and bridge: these are central in each book.

blood-dragons-cover-medium-web Fantasy Book Blood Dragons Rebel Vampires series Rosemary A Johns

I love urban fantasy because unlike some other types of fantasy, the supernatural is either hidden beneath our world or is right there alongside: the magical among the everyday. Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere first turned me on to this style of fantasy, when I watched the original BBC TV version: it opened my eyes to a new style of fantasy.

blood-shackles-cover-medium-web Blood Shackles Fantasy Book Rebel Vampires series Rosemary A JohnsThis is one of my favourite scenes in Blood Shackles, because it contrasts the powerful supernatural with the reality of our lives.

‘I realised I hadn’t heard the click of the front door, when I glanced up, and you were standing there. You were leaning against the wall, with a thoughtful expression, as you watched me on my knees, dusting cloth in one hand, glass vase in the other and tears in my peepers, whilst I sang along to Amy Winehouse. I must’ve looked like a right berk.’ (Blood Shackles)

feb-17-general-urbanfantasy-1200graphicI’m taking part in a big urban fantasy giveaway this week. You can win books from authors like John Hartness and Michael G Munz, and a Kindle Fire. This giveaway ends soon, so make sure you hurry and enter!

Join the fun here! bit.ly/urb-fantasy

When you’re done, tell me which books you’re most excited to win.

Good luck in the contest and click here to start the adventure into Blood Life now.

feb-17-general-urbanfantasy-940graphic-best

 

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