Wednesday 17 May 2017

The Heart of Escher Author Interview






James Fisher, a lonely, bullied schoolboy, finds himself in the dark and twisted land of Escher after wishing himself away from an ill-fated family holiday.

Lost and frightened, James must help heal the dying world of Escher, overrun by the creatures of the Nightmare forest, to return home.
Guided by the emerald-eyed cat, Sam, and befriended by the headstrong resistance fighter, Jasper, James is taken on an adventure through a world mirroring his own nightmares, where he is forced to confront his own fears and the ghostly Shadow in order to save Escher.

Unbeknown to James, not only is he fighting for Escher’s future, but also his own.

Purchase your copy here:  Book Website ~


Check out the trailer!







Born and raised in Hampshire, I spent most of my childhood dreaming up random adventures.

I left the sunny south coast to study Graphic Communication in Bath, where I fell in love with the rolling Somerset hills when I wasn’t walking up them.

Returning to Hampshire 6 years later, after meeting my now wife, Claire, I enjoy a quieter life, walking in the New Forest and relaxing with my wonderful wife and fluffy cat Molly.

I have always enjoyed telling stories, more often than not in visual form, either in films or animations. However, the idea of Escher was too big for me to do visually by myself so I picked up a pen and started writing.

Having written one novel, I am now keen to tell more stories of Escher, while at the same time expressing my imagination with my art. 


Connect with the Author here: 
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Author Interview:

What is your writing drive? The power that keeps you going when your writing gets difficult?

The thought of people enjoying my story, and maybe, one day being involved in creating a film version. When I was little I loved watching, fantasy or sci-fi films, they used to capture my imagination like nothing else. The thought of being able to create a story that could captivate someone the same way I was has always been a massive ambition of mine.

How did you come up with the title?

The Heart of Escher, started with the working title, the Tunnel, based on the concept that sparked the story. However, after the book had been fully developed this aspect of the story was no longer the core focus, so the title needed amending to reflect the new essence of the story. The Heart of Escher, is about a journey of self-discovery, an adventure to heal the heart of a dying world, where James, must find himself again if he is ever to return home. Having the title focus on this aspect of James' adventure seemed fitting.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family member?

My cat Molly, she is such a daddy’s girl and a big softy. Having her around helped me relax during the tough times. At the same time, she could be my biggest distraction when she chose to sit on my laptop.
My editor, Cas Peace, was also a great help. She gave me some great advice, and helped tidy and streamline my manuscript. 

What is your favorite late night snack?

A glass of milk, if you classify that a snack.

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

Hopefully, art directing the film version of the Heart of Escher (Wishful thinking)

Tell us 5 random things about yourself.

1.    When I was little I could only fall asleep whilst listening to an audiobook version of Journey to the Center of the Earth
2.    It can take me weeks to eat all my Easter eggs, bearing in mind I only normally get about 3.
3.    I was once bitten by a horse.
4.    I love a good film or television score. (Current favourite, Planet Earth II, by Jasha Klebe)
5.    I enjoy watching the live feed from the International space station.


What was the most surprising part of writing this book?

Honestly, I think the most surprising thing for me was I actually managed to finish the book. Before I set out on this mammoth endeavour, I had never written past the first chapter of any story concept. I would often get disheartened by the plot or frustrated with my writing and give up. This time, however, I approached things differently, partly from some great advice from one of my friends. This advice was to establish the structure of the plot first, before writing the first chapter. Letting my imagination run wild, I started to jump from the beginning to the end of my idea, piecing it all together as I started to write more detailed notes. I then built on these notes, much like a foundation to a house, and 5 or so years later, the book was finally finished. Considering my experience beforehand, this certainly was a surprise.



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Monday 8 May 2017

A Doorway Back to Forever: Trust



Forbidden … and yet. The black vial calls to you.


“Mark my word,” Dr. du Monique said, “One third of your team will fall to Midnight—and this black vial will be the cause of it.”

Robyn, Kit, and Cam are called to be on the Elite Skyborn Warrior Team, but the Legend’s prophecy points a guilty finger—three of the nine are destined to turn on the prince. They swear none of them would ever fall, but the vial has a secret, mesmerizing appeal.
While learning to control their powers, their younger siblings, Shirley, Grace, and McCoy, are taught to spy on suspected magic-users and turn them in to the police. When the older kids discover a plot to kill Mr. Fischer, they must use advanced skills they’ve secretly cultivated—skills that could push them over the edge into Midnight.
Will they be the ones to fall to the dark side, or will their younger siblings have them arrested before their mission is complete?
A Doorway Back To Forever: TRUST, is the perfect sequel to BELIEVE. It takes two families on an adventure to Midnight and back that challenges their ability to trust who they are, why they are here, and what they’ve been chosen to do. Do you have the courage to join them?

“Nanette O’Neal spins another great tale of faith, this time asking who can resist temptation—would you pass the test?” Kary Oberbrunner, author of ELIXIR Project.

Purchase Paperback copy here:
Amazon ~
Purchase both books in the series:

~ Amazon ~ Goodreads
~ Amazon UK
~ Amazon CA
~ Amazon AU ~




Nanette O’Neal has had a long time passion for the idea behind the Doorway series, stemming from her faith and her love of story. 

Her interests have always been strong in various creative endeavors, such as music, martial arts, science fiction, and fantasy. Having studied music in college, she made a career of teaching and directing various ensembles in the public and private fields for years. 

When she decided to tackle writing, she began an intense process of study and research in the craft, through the use of text books, online tutorials, chat and critique groups, as well as various workshops, conferences and retreats. 

The Doorway series consists of seven novels about faith, courage, and the power within the human soul. She contributes regularly to an inspirational column for a religious website, Ldsblogs.com, and maintains her blog, Nanette O’Neal’s Doorway, found at NanetteONeal.blogspot.com. 

Feel free to subscribe to her blog posts and to like her author page. Nanette loves her husband and family, her faith, the mountains, aviation museums, Star Trek, and dogs.

Connect with the Author here: 
~ Facebook ~ Blog



Everything You Need to Know About
A DOORWAY BACK TO FOREVER
Q&A With the author

A DOORWAY BACK TO FOREVER: BELIEVE
A DOORWAY BACK TO FOERVER: TRUST
AUTHOR: NANETTE O’NEAL


What are the first two books about?

A Doorway Back to Forever: BELIEVE takes two families on a journey of faith and courage, discovering the magic within them. It begins by introducing the reader to the two families and the magical world they discover beyond the doorway that leads to Forever. It is there where they learn of the royal family that beckons them home, the madman that vows to destroy them, and how to gain strength to overcome the challenges they face.  A Doorway Back to Forever: TRUST is the second book in the series. It asks the question, “Now that you believe, can you be trusted to go further?” It explores the trial of temptation as the main characters are lured from both sides of the doorway. The rest of the series explores moral, ethical, and spiritual trials which fall in the realm of the fantasy world, the Kingdom of Forever.

Tell us more about the first book, BELIEVE:

FULL TITLE: A DOORWAY BACK TO FOREVER: BELIEVE
GENRE: YA, UPPER MIDDLE GRADE, AND FAMILIES
BACK COVER BLURB:

Welcome, Skyborn warrior. Your Awakening is now.

Robyn and Kit are best friends who share everything—except their darkest secret. They were born with forbidden magic-sense, the ability to see and hear beyond Earthly sight and sound. It’s been called a taboo, but Robyn and Kit are strangely drawn to it—could there be more to this curse than they’ve been told?
When their secret spills out, it opens a doorway back to Forever—the realm where magic-sense began. It is a gift, connecting them to the Skyborn people. They are summoned back by the forces for good to preserve the kingdom and revive magic where it once flourished—on Earth. It can thrive again, if Robyn and Kit are brave enough to follow.

However, the doorway awakens more than magical fairy-tales. A dark force is unleashed—one that has battled the Skyborn since time began—and it wants the girls dead, the Earth destroyed.

Beyond the doorway is where the adventure begins—trickery, kidnapping, a prison break, rescue teams, sword fights, magical gold-dust, holographic medallions, and singing orbs—but only for those who have the courage to believe.

Tell us more about the second book, TRUST
full Title: A Doorway back to forever: Trust
genre: YA, upper middle grade, and families
Back cover Blurb:
FORBIDDEN … AND YET. THE BLACK VIAL CALLS TO YOU.

 “Mark my word,” Dr. du Monique said, “One third of your team will fall to Midnight—and this black vial will be the cause of it.”

Robyn, Kit, and Cam are called to be on the Elite Skyborn Warrior Team, but the Legend’s prophecy points a guilty finger—three of the nine are destined to turn on the prince. They swear none of them would ever fall, but the vial has a secret, mesmerizing appeal.
While learning to control their powers, their younger siblings, Shirley, Grace, and McCoy, are taught to spy on suspected magic-users and turn them in to the police. When the older kids discover a plot to kill Mr. Fischer, they must use advanced skills they’ve secretly cultivated—skills that could push them over the edge into Midnight. 

Will they be the ones to fall to the dark side, or will their younger siblings have them arrested before their mission is complete?

A Doorway Back To Forever: TRUST, is the perfect sequel to BELIEVE. It takes two families on an adventure to Midnight and back that challenges their ability to trust who they are, why they are here, and what they’ve been chosen to do. Do you have the courage to join them?
 “Nanette O’Neal spins another great tale of faith, this time asking who can resist temptation—would you pass the test?” Kary Oberbrunner, author of ELIXIR Project.



ENDORSEMENTS FOR A DOORWAY BACK TO FOREVER: TRUST 

The second book in the Doorway Back to Forever Series by Nanette O’Neal, A DOORWAY BACK TO FOREVER: TRUST takes the fantasy to the next level with mystery, suspense, and temptations that leave you guessing who the villains really are! Robyn, Kit, and Cam continue their training while battling the dark forces of Sylvare beyond the doorway. Their younger siblings, Shirley, Grace, and McCoy, secretly investigate their forbidden use of magic. The three younger siblings add comedy to this thrilling tale as each side questions who and what to trust. This is a story of faith, courage, and knowing how to follow your gut. A perfect sequel to BELIEVE.  ~ Kary Oberbrunner, author of ELIXIR Project.

A DOORWAY BACK TO FOREVER: TRUST is an inspiring book about revelation and finding yourself. I felt like I was in the story learning and growing with each character. I felt inspired reading TRUST, and I am excited to have a book that I can enjoy with my kids. ~Whitney Rockwell, reader.

A DOORWAY BACK TO FOREVER: TRUST reminds me of the "Chronicles of Narnia" with a touch "Aragon" ... battling good vs. evil.  It is a perfect read for any age. I am a father of 3 young-adult children, and I couldn't put it down!  ~ DeLane Davidson, reader.



To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page