The book tour began a couple weeks ago, so I started biting my nails. It's a nerve wracking thing to just put your work out there and then wait, hoping someone will like it. After your book is done is probably the hardest thing for indie writers. You've spent months on this narrative, spent money on the village that helps you get it looking good, you upload it to your platform (we mostly use Amazon, because who doesn't use Amazon these days) and wait some more. You get the congratulatory email from the virtual giant and your book baby is published. And you wait some more. Then you think, "How the f*ck does anyone even know I did this thing that ate up all my spare time when I could've been dating, or having cocktails, or singing karaoke on the beach in an over-sized sweater..." [Let's be honest, I did all that except the dating part.  I can sum up everything I know about dating in my little pinky. ] My answer to this was: I NEED HELP!!!!  So, I hired Nicole and Giselle. Nicole is a virtual assistant to writers and Giselle runs Xpresso Book Tours. 

Nicole has helped me organize my random and wild thoughts. I start down some marketing hole and look back only to find, I've not written anything for a week and it's already the next week.  She helps me keep it together. Giselle organizes the touring of book excerpts, reviews and giveaways. This has been great. I wanted to acknowledge these fine woman for their contribution to my indie author life and getting Song of Princes (re-titled Song of Sacrifice) out there in the blog-o-sphere.

Song of Princes (re-titled Song of Sacrifice) is doing fine... I've listed a few link below where you can check out who said what. And much thanks, by the way, to these dedicated blogger/reviewers. Because Amazon has changed it's policies up, most of the reviews are on individual sites and/or on Goodreads (it has a 4.26 rating as of 10/10/2016). If you really like Greek mythology, a little sex (okay a lot at times), romance, battle, you will like this series. I'm happily banging away at the computer keys half way through the second installment...65,000 words and counting.

Zaheerah of Book Reader and Reviewer said:  "...What’s great about The Song of Princes is that it involves all the characters, rather than focusing on one. We see how one action of one character come to affect another and the events seam together effortlessly."
The Pursuit of Bookiness said: "...I am now a convert, hooked on this series and eagerly awaiting the next book.  Written in a style that is easy to read while at the same time pulling you in to the story.  A real page turner and a book I couldn't put down."
Married to Books Review and Blog said: "...Plenty of action, thrills and spills, the storytelling was very well portrayed in a world full of myths and legends. For action readers, lovers of Greek Mythology and historical fiction lovers, Song of Princes offers a rich, detailed story line into the lives of the Gods."
Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile said: "Truth be told, I know that this is a series that many readers are going to love. I don't blame them one bit. It's tough to take something that's already a legend, and mold it to your own devices. Rhiannon has accomplished just that. Readers who love this kind of book, filled with fate and fortune, will likely fall in love with Song of Princes as well."
Liz Gavin said: "Being a huge fan of mythology in general – Greek, in particular – I started off Janell Rhiannon’s book with great expectations. Which she totally fulfilled and then some. As I said before, my standards regarding Troy were already quite high; but, Song of Princes knocked them into the stratosphere...Fast-paced story lines, poetically described settings, realistically developed characters. These are just a few examples of the book’s qualities. Mix them up with clever shifts of POVs and engaging dialogues, you’ll have an engrossing novel you cannot put down."
Fanatical Paranormal Romanitcal said: "I loved this book!!! ...I loved this book!!! After slogging through Homer’s “Odyssey” TWICE (once in high school and again in college), this is a much better telling of the ancient story. The author actually draws you into the story and makes you WANT to continue reading."
Taking It One Book at a Time said: "Any fan of Mythology, or Gods, will devour this book. Not only did the author provide you with a beautifully written fictional tale, she was able to intertwine facts elegantly within the story. There were no boring moments or lulls at any point during this story...in fact it was a whirlwind of excitement! Really quick, can we talk about how delicious this cover is too?? O-M-G! (I can only fantasize about what it looks like in person) Trust me when I say that the passion blasted all over this cover reflects throughout the book....and there isn't a speck of disappointment here."
Mama Reads said: "Rhiannon’s spin on these wild and exotic stories definitely nods to the commonly known tales while giving us an original epic fantasy with characters we can become wrapped up in and worlds full of wonders."

Thank you to all the bloggers and reviewers who took the time to check out the book, and also a huge level of gratitude to all the readers who bought it, borrowed it and read it as well!
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© Janell Rhiannon2016
Any information from this blog must be properly cited :)

I've known Tommy for about 3 years now. We met on-line when I was working with Regina Wamba of Mae I Design for a book cover, and he happened to be one of the cover models I was considering. When it came time to actually do a project together, as the cover model for the second book in the Homeric Chronicles, he came out to California. The photo shoot was organized by Tim Huitt of Huitt Photography. We had a funny "meet-cute" story. Since I didn't really know what he looked like in person, nor he me, we actually lost each other in the airport!  Well, needless to say, he has become a great friend and he knows how to make everyone laugh. He's funny, sweet and an all-around great guy. Ladies, he's single and waiting on that special blend of nerdy-cute. Let me introduce you to THOMAS DAVID.

1. I notice you’re on several book covers. How did you get started doing that? What’s it like being in a cover shoot? Do you ever get nervous?
My agency at the time, Privileged Model Management, introduced me to Regina Wamba. (She's amazing!) I've been on a total of 15 book covers. [Soon Rise of Princes!!!] I'm so grateful for the opportunities she has given me. She is amazing to work with and always pairs me up with someone who I have amazing chemistry with so we can really make that magic when we all work together. Do I get nervous doing book covers? No, I'm usually really happy and excited because I get to work with a gorgeous woman. 

2. You’re a very handsome guy and also do modeling! Tell us about some of the recent shoots you’ve done. What’s your goal with modeling? Is it something you want to do more of, expand on, like acting?
Modeling is awesome. I've had many experiences on the runway for Ray Edwards clothing line, Janice Dickinson fashion show, Kate Grahams Sexy in the Twins cities fashion show and many more. I've been in "Pop Star" magazine and Home Defender magazine. I worked with Raul Osorio from Project Runway on the Ice Pack show modeling his clothing on television. One of my biggest accomplishments, even though I didn't get on the show, was I making it to the semi-finals for America's Next Top Model (ANTM). I'm still happy to this day for trying and getting so close. I've done a lot and so much more but what truly makes me happy is acting. I love the feeling it gives me and making others smile. I love getting into characters and making them my own. There's not one day where I don't practice acting. It's me and it's who I am. I dream of being in movies and I'll keeping striving to get there because that's how winning is done. 

3. You recently won a physical fitness title. Tell us about that. What did you do? How difficult/easy was it?
I did a Herbalife 8 week challenge. I took 1st place Grand Champ for the most change in my body. I looked jacked. It was hard because I ate extremely clean. I like to eat and I eat a lot but I still did it and didn't crack no matter how much I wanted a doughnut. Lol!
 
4. I know all the ladies want to know: Are you single? Do you believe in love at first sight?
 Yes, I'm single but I think I may found my superwoman/princess Leia. Yes, I do but she never tends to look back for some reason. 

5. In your videos, you’re often doing impressions. You’re funny. When did you realize you had this talent? What’s your favorite impersonation?
I do impersonations all the time. It's my hobby and it's why I love acting. I can do hundreds of voices. It comes very easy to me. Honestly, I'd rather talk in one of my voices than my normal voice. I could fool a lot of people. Jim Carrey, Robert Downey Jr., Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger are my favorite voices and those tend to come out daily. I've done this ever since I was a young calf. Lol!  I was always doing impersonations of things I saw on television.
 
6. Lately, you’ve been all about Pokémon Go. You are a collector, right? Tell us about your collection. How old were you when you started? What’s your most prized possession?
I've been a Pokemon fan since I was a kid. I have a collection of the cards and actually I collect Star Wars items too. I have a life size R2D2 in my kitchen. Lol!
 
7. I see you like to watch movies. What are your top three movies and why?
Tropic Thunder, Bruce Almighty, The Hobbit.

8. You have a minor obsession with the Batman. Great mask by the way! What is it about Batman that draws you to his character?
I can sound like him and several other characters from the Dark Knight. Batman is just badass. I just love getting into characters. 

9. What fascinates you about life?
The movie and entertainment business. I want to be behind the camera and learn how everything works. 

10. At the end of all things, when light fades to black, what is the only thing that’s real?
The relationships we build, out families and friends. The things we do for each other. And sweet baby infant Jesus. The good memories. The people that help you try to reach your goals. 

If you enjoyed this post, give it a LIKE or a TWEET :) And by all means, SHARE :) If you'd like a heads up on future Big Ten Interviews or giveaways, join my email list. The only spam I like is with my eggs.
© Janell Rhiannon 2016
Any information from this blog must be properly cited :)