Rituals & Runes Anthology presents Melissa Bell Author Interview!

 

Rituals & Runes is the PERFECT escape to worlds filled with paranormal, romance, urban fantasy, and more! And you can get a sneak peek into one of the stories exclusive to the box set, The Accidental Witch. 

 

Check out this author's interview with Melissa Bell to find out about her contribution!

Author: Melissa Bell

 

Book: The Accidental Witch

 

R & R:  What is the one aspect of your story that you think readers will enjoy?

 

Melissa:  I’m hopeful they will enjoy the quirkiness of the characters and unique personalities of the many fantastical creatures I have woven into the story.

 

R & R:  I have no doubt the readers will absolutely love the story!

 

Name something magical from the plot of your story.

 

Melissa:  The female lead character thinks she imagining the things she is suddenly able to see.

 

R & R:  Sounds delicious. I can only imagine her reaction when she realizes the truth!

 

What book or genre would you love to write in?

 

Melissa:  I love writing in Paranormal but I hope to try on many hats and different dance moves on this merry-go-round.

 

R & R:  LOL Merry-go-round is a perfect definition.

 

What is something you’ve tried and would love to do so again?

 

Melissa:  I’d like to try writing a Science Fiction or Dystopian.

 

R & R: I bet readers will love both!

 

What books do you have coming out that are not involved in the anthology?

 

Melissa:  I am working to complete my ‘Five Brothers Series’ and my ‘Dutiful Gods Series’ as well as the second book in my co-written series Demon Hunters – Book #2 Sebastian.

 

R & R:  It sounds like you are a busy lady.

 

What is the best part of being an author?

 

Melissa:  I get to write the stories that nobody has read yet.

 

R & R:  That’s a perfect answer!

 

Fun Question - Do you prefer a quiet dinner with friends or a night out at a club?

 

Melissa:  When I was young I would have gone for the nightclub but now that I am older I would much rather the quiet dinner with friends or family.

 

R & R:  A much more intimate setting. Thank you so much for sharing a little bit about  you!

 

 

Blurb:

 

The Accidental Witch

 

Up until three days ago, her life had been mundane. 

 

What has been seen cannot be unseen.

 

What is known cannot be forgiven.

 

What’s been spoken cannot be taken back.

 

Cassiopia is the Accidental Witch. She went to bed one night and woke up to find the world had gone crazy. 

 

Excerpt:

 

She was hallucinating. There was no other explanation for what she was looking at as she walked from her apartment to work. Looking around, she wondered if they were filming a movie or something in the area around her apartment or on a neighboring street. There were people with pointy ears and the most beautiful faces. But if you stared long enough, their eyes would change color, and their features would morph into something nasty with lots of sharp teeth. The thing was that every single monster on the street seemed to know that she was watching them and their eyes transfixed on her, and they did not look happy to see her. In fact, they looked like they wanted to kill her.

 

A man approached and took her arm, “If you want to live you need to come with me. Now!”

 

 

“If said monster didn’t want to take on the additional monster duties they said they did then why don’t they just say so?” Monster one asked Monster Two.

 

Cassiopeia was still stuck on their names being, Monster One and Monster Two. She knew she would regret asking but still didn’t seem capable of stopping herself. She figured it probably had something to do with the stuff she’d ingested, absorbed, or tripped over.

 

And without further ado, her mouth was moving, and the words escaped her lips. “If you don’t mind me asking,” she began. “If you’re Monster One and you’re number two….”

 

“No, I’m Monster Two. I’m definitely not Number Two.” Monster Two stated in a way that said he wasn’t happy about the mix-up in names.

 

“I’m sorry,” she apologized. Then trying again, she refused to give up on getting her answer, “If you’re Monster One and you’re Monster Two then what are your parents’ names?”

 

Author Bio:

 

Melissa Bell lives in Brisbane, Australia. She has loved to read since the age of twelve when she discovered ‘To Kill A Mocking Bird’, previous to reading this book she hated reading. With a couple of handfuls of years and thousands of books later she wanted to try writing.

 

She has most recently accomplished making the USA Today Best Sellers List in October 2021. And has now set her sights on reaching the NY Times Best Sellers List.

 

She enjoys good food and good company when she’s not trying to concentrate on what she’s writing. She loves to laugh as laughter makes the world go round not money. Unfortunately laughter doesn’t pay the bills unless you’re a really well-known stand-up comedian. Which she is not. She is hoping that this is the start of an exciting adventure as a published Author, and that maybe something amazing will come of it. She would like to invite you all to join her on her journey.

 

 

Website and social media links:

 

Website: https://melissabellauthor.wixsite.com/melissabellauthor

 

 

Facebook Author Page: facebook.com/MelissaBellAuthor

 

Goodreads: goodreads.com/MelissaBellAuthor

 

Amazon: amazon.com/Melissa-Bell/e/B00PC90RIE/

 

Twitter: twitter.com/Peekaboo2u2

 

BookBub

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-bell

 

Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/melissabellindieauthor?fan_landing=true

 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/melissa.bell.author//

 

Newsletter- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCwYYrbrKAJx2wS_Z5OKMSm-_r_Oa4WQfOwtoq-PEDZ5dzrQ/viewform

 

Facebook Reading Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/307826966552421

 

 

Get more magical & paranormal-themed stories like this in Rituals & Runes!

 

Universal: https://books2read.com/rituals

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oz9aGJ

 

 

Rituals & Runes Anthology presents A.L. Kessler Author Interview!

Rituals & Runes is the PERFECT escape to worlds filled with paranormal, romance, urban fantasy, and more! And you can get a sneak peek into one of the stories exclusive to the box set, The Mark. 

 

Check out this author's interview with A.L. Kessler to find out about her contribution!

 

Author: A.L. Kessler

Title: The Mark

 

R & R:  How does the magic within the story create a powerful world that will entice your readers?

 

A.L.:  The magic in The Mark is a little more free-flowing than what is typically seen in a UF world. Because the story is shorter, I opted not to make hard and fast rules for the magic system and just let it flow with the story. This allows each character to use their magic in a way that’s more suited to their personality and is more of an energy from the person.

 

R & R:  Incredible! I think the readers will really love to see how you do that.

 

What aspects of your FMC make her resilient and powerful?

 

A.L.:  Zada has to overcome a failure that she thinks she made in her pass while trying to stop a short term of peace from ending because of a traitor. She’s powerful in her own right with magic, of course, but she’s also smart and quick. She doesn’t let the opinion or persuasions of others to keep her from finding the truth.

 

R & R:  It’s wonderful to see a powerful, persuasive heroine and I think she’ll really connect with the readers.

 

Is your story going to continue into a series?

 

A.L.:  As of right now, it won’t be. It does pretty well as a standalone.

 

R & R:  Never say never. The readers might demand more!

 

What’s your favorite aspect of your story?

 

A.L.:  I love the family-like interactions between Zada and her group and Verick and his spymaster. There’s a lot of fun banter between the characters.

 

R & R:  Fantastic. I think a little humor adds so much to a story.

 

What books do you have coming out that are not involved in the anthology?

 

A.L.  My most recently release is the 13^th and last book in my Here Witchy Witchy series, Rise and Fall. It’ concludes the adventures of Abigail Collins, a witch that solves paranormal crimes.

 

R & R:  I’m sure writing the last book in a series is bittersweet and one the readers will enjoy!

 

Do you have any habits before you sit down to write a book?

 

A.L.  I have to have a cup of something to drink (typically coffee) before I start writing. It just gives me something to do with my hands during the minutes I have to think.

 

R & R:  I think it’s so enjoyable to readers to learn about the different rituals authors have.

 

When did you begin writing?

 

A.L.  I’ve always crafted stories of some sort as I grew up. I actually started completing written stories in sixth grade and it was Sophomore year of high school that I decided I wanted to be an author.

 

R & R:  Goodness, that is truly a remarkable feat and one to treasure.

 

Do you prefer Chocolate Truffles or Twizzlers?

 

A.L.:  Truffles! Chocolate all the way!

R & R:  A chocolate lover. I’m certain many readers can relate. Thank you so much for giving us a little insight into the world of A.L. Kessler!

Blurb:

 

The Mark

 

Zada Maddock became a demon hunter after the destruction of her family, but after a near-fatal mistake in her last battle, has spent two years away from her team. Now, she’s reluctant to return home and face the attack threatening an already uneasy truce. Her team is charged with hunting down the demon responsible for the attack. Only one problem….

Verick never expected to mate with a witch, but there was her mark on his skin. She and her team are out to destroy him. He needs to prove he was not behind the demon attack. Chaos lurks around every corner and time is running out to find the truth and stop another war between the witches and demons.

Excerpt:

 

A smirked pulled up at the corner of his mouth. “How did you survive that night?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Get out of here.” She held her hand up and swirling purple magic gathered in her hands. “You aren’t welcomed here.”

He took a step forward, wanting to wipe that look of hate and anger off her face. Smooth her brow so she no longer looked so tortured. He hadn’t expected to bring up that night, but after seeing her. He wanted to know.

“I saw the sword they stabbed you with, pinned you to a wall after saving a child.”

She shook her head and backed up. “Your king pinned me and my own leader left met to die.” She twirled the dagger in her hand. “Leave.”

That wasn’t how it went down, but he could see that no amount of arguing was going to help right now. There was only one thing here that she understood right now. She was back in her territory and he could see her need to defend it in her eyes.

“Make me.” He growled out with a smirk.

And that got a smile out of her. She launched herself off the steps and threw her hand up, casting purple magic toward him.

Verick dodged out of the way and called his own magic to his hand. A swirled of black sat above his palm and he raised a brow. “That all you’ve got, little witch?”

She tapped her foot and the ground shook beneath him, a crack opening up between his legs. The sound of it echoed down the street and he knew it was only a moment before her friends would come out to investigate.

He rushed toward her, catching her off guard in her inebriate state. He curved his hand over the back of head, cradling it in his palm. He met her gaze.

“Next time, little witch, fight me sober.” And then he did something he hadn’t actually been planning on. He press his lips to hers.

For a moment, she pressed her lips back to him and then a sharp pain went through his stomach.

He glanced down at the dagger in his side, she pulled it out and laughed.

“Sober or not, I still drew blood.” She flicked her wrist casting the blood off her dagger and then stepped back.

The blow wasn’t deadly, but it hurt like hell. He laughed at her and then wrapped shadows around him to take him back home.

Author Bio:

 

A.L. Kessler is known for her Here Witchy Witchy series. She lives in beautiful Colorado with her family. She dwells in her basement where she can be bribed with coffee or chocolate to leave.

Website and social media links: 

 

www.amylkesser.com

https://www.facebook.com/alkesslerauthor

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/a-l-kessler

https://www.goodreads.com/alkessler



Get more magical & paranormal-themed stories like this in Rituals & Runes!

 

Universal: https://books2read.com/rituals

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oz9aGJ

Rituals & Runes Anthology presents Andrea M. Long Author Interview

 Looking for your next favorite read? 

The runes are cast, the rituals prepared, now it’s time for you to go on an adventure filled with witches, demons, shifters, and more.

Don't miss out on this interview to talk with Andie M. Long about her book, Slayer Versus Player, coming out in the Rituals and Runes Anthology!

Author: Andie M. Long

Book: Slayer Versus Player

R&R: Tell us something we wouldn't suspect from your submission?

Andie: Slayer is a funny book. I’m not sure how many authors in the collection have written romantic comedies, but my paranormals come with sass, snark, and silliness! 

R&R: Humor is a special talent and having seen many of your fun covers, we're not surprised you would include jokes.

If you could have any item out of your story what would it be and why?

Andie: I would love the secret glade surrounded by trees in the middle of the woods. A great place to escape when you want to be alone with your thoughts, or to do your magic rituals in.

R&R: A secret glade! Yes, perfect to escape and refresh yourself. 

What are things your main characters do NOT want to do?

Andie: To fall in love with each other. Aurora and Luke are sworn enemies and cannot stand each other!

R&R: Got to love that Enemies-to-lovers tension!

Just for fun, what tattoo would you get to represent your submission? 

Andie: Definitely a stake to represent the slayer. The whole book idea originated from firstly a premade I fell in love with and then the fact it’s the 25th anniversary of Buffy next March.

R&R: We adore those reasons. A paranormal tattoo like that would be so awesome!

You have multiple pen names. Which book was your favorite that you have written under any of them?

Andie: My favourite book is The Vampire Wants a Wife under my Andie M. Long name. I fell in love with Theo, the main character, as I wrote about him, and I’ve been in love with him ever since. He’s old-fashioned in manner, though has kept himself up to date with modern technology, and watching him as he gets his woman and then becomes an overprotective father has been a delight.

R&R: Romantic and it's on our TBR list now!

What distractions do you have to overcome when writing?

Andie: Oh my, This is my biggest peeve ever. I seem to be the go-to for all the neighbourhood parcels so my doorbell is always ringing. My OH has just gone part-time and so he’s constantly interrupting me. My son often works 5pm-12 midnight shifts so same, and my parents will just call round (they live around the corner). I’m okay until writing days where the interruptions make my blood boil. Trying to explain that they might have only needed 2 mins of my time but it’s pulled me completely out of the story just falls on deaf ears!

R&R: What a tough situation. And sometimes it's hard to get a private office space. 

What books do you have coming out that are not involved in the anthology?

Andie: In September I have book five of my Sucking Dead series, Hot As Suck releasing. This one is about a dragon shifter who has just started dating and then finds out he’s heir to a dragon throne. Jason, the main character, is a happy go lucky chap who wants to chill, not command, so it’ll be interesting to see where the story takes me!

If you like supernaturals who live in a cute village, and books with humour, start with book one Suck My Life.

R&R: Lovely! Lots to look forward to.

Would you rather hear dirty limericks or sweet nothings and why?

Andie: Most definitely dirty limericks. Sweet romantic stuff makes me want to gag lol. I have a filthy mind and make innuendo out of everything. You know I now have to create one, right?

There once was a woman called Anna

Who had a peculiar manner

She’d climb into bed

To give her man head

But instead handled it like a jackhammer.

See what I mean? I don’t know where this filth comes from hahahaha.

R&R: You're a riot! Lol! That was great. 

Check out the information on Slayer Versus Player and read a juicy tidbit below.

Book blurb:

Lucien Youngblood is a vampire… and a player

 

As the heir of Beastwick, he thinks he can do what he likes, including treating women like childhood toys, discarded after one play when he’s bored.

 

Only now I’m here. Rory de Courtenay, the seventh of seven witches, fated to take back rule of the town stolen from us by Luc’s father.

 

I’m completely unimpressed by the tall, good looking, arrogant male who’s determined to find out why my family has returned.

 

It’s de Courtenay versus Youngblood. Until a ghost reveals there’s another way forward.

 

Together.

 

I wouldn’t trust Luc as far as I could throw him, and the feeling is entirely mutual. As far as I’m concerned, in Beastwick, there’s everything to slay for.

 

And Luc Youngblood better keep an eye on his heart… because I might just plunge a stake through it.

 

Excerpt:

“I’ll see you out,” Aurora said in a tone that brooked no argument.

She strolled in front of me, through the hall and to the large door at the entrance, which she pulled open. I walked through it, and she followed me out onto the porch.

“So he’s still here, the great Ocean Youngblood, and he married his mistress, the one who spilled our secrets.” I looked down at her hand and she huff-laughed. “We no longer wear rings on our fingers that can be hacked off, Mr Youngblood, so don’t waste your time looking.”

“I was actually seeing if you were betrothed,” I shot back in a complete lie. “Though, as I figured, you clearly aren’t. I mean, who’d bloody put up with you?”

She screwed up her face in distaste. “Good of you to stop by. Here’s a message for your family from me. I will be listening to the house as it and my ancestors reveal the secrets as to why it called me home,” she said. “Because I know, in here.” She put a hand to her heart. “It did. It called us all home.”

She put a finger under my chin and raised my eyes back to her own from where they’d been looking at her chest. 

“I was not checking out your rack if that’s what you were thinking. It would be impossible to discern it within all that dreadful material. Plus, you annoy me immensely. Now Louisa, she seems much more my kind of woman,” I teased.

“You come near any of my sisters, and I will slay you.” She mimed dusting me off by fisting her hand and pushing it out into my chest and going, “Poof.” I caught her hand and pulled her up close to me, making her stumble and fall into my chest. 

“I’ll bite you and enjoy every drop of your blood before that happens,” I said, relishing in the fact that she looked discomfited. She righted herself then pulled the zip of her onesie down and showed me her breasts.

I was mesmerised because they were glorious. I had seen many, many breasts in my time and hers were creamy, full, and pink-tipped with the perfect amount of areola, and right up close. Indeed, I was so distracted that Aurora pushed me and I landed on my arse at the bottom of the porch steps.

“You might be a vampire, but you’re still a pathetic dude,” she announced, before going back in the house and slamming the door.

Author Bio:

Andie M. Long lives in Sheffield in the U.K. with her partner, son, and a gorgeous Whippet furbaby. She loves writing about the fictional supernaturals she wishes were real. When not working she can be found drinking coffee, eating Toblerone, and losing hours of her life to TikTok.

Where to find her:

Website: https://www.andiemlongwriter.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andieandangelbooks

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/andie-m-long

Get more magical & paranormal-themed stories like this in Rituals & Runes!

Universal: https://books2read.com/rituals

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oz9aGJ