“THE SPIRIT BOX”
by JH Glaze
About the Book
Review
Author Interview
GIVEAWAY!!!
“THE SPIRIT BOX”
When Walt Turner's mother died, he inherited
her apartment and the antique shop below. After losing his job due to the
treachery of a co-worker, The Spirit Box calls to him from the darkness of the
shop with an offer of revenge.
Lured by the promise of ultimate power and eternal life by the prisoner inside the box, Walt agrees to help it gather the final spirits it requires to return to human form.
John Hazard is investigating a series of murders and missing persons in this otherwise quiet town. His perceptions of reality are about to be altered in a life changing confrontation that will force him beyond the boundaries of darkness and ancient evil.
It is a spiralling descent into madness, where you may have everything you desire, if only you are willing to sacrifice all that you believe.
When you look into The Spirit Box, be prepared to have more than your breath taken away.
Lured by the promise of ultimate power and eternal life by the prisoner inside the box, Walt agrees to help it gather the final spirits it requires to return to human form.
John Hazard is investigating a series of murders and missing persons in this otherwise quiet town. His perceptions of reality are about to be altered in a life changing confrontation that will force him beyond the boundaries of darkness and ancient evil.
It is a spiralling descent into madness, where you may have everything you desire, if only you are willing to sacrifice all that you believe.
When you look into The Spirit Box, be prepared to have more than your breath taken away.
WARNING: This book is not recommended for readers below the age of
18.
REVIEW for “THE SPIRIT BOX”
by Books4Tomorrow
I
finished reading “The Spirit Box” in less than two days, as it was an effortless
and magnificent read! This is another one of those books which I would purchase
straight off the shelf of a bookstore, on the stunning cover alone. So let me
jump right in and tell you everything I loved about this book.
The two
main characters, Walt Turner and Detective John Hazard, each have their own
story line which comes nicely together at the end of the book.
Walt I
can only describe as strange. I didn’t know whether to love him or hate him! On
the one hand I felt sorry for him because of all the bad things that happened
to him due to his naivety, but in a heartbeat he also repulsed me with his
blasé attitude (mostly to the end) towards offering up human souls to the spirit
box. It made for some interesting reading though, and entertaining as heck each
time his wishes came true, but not exactly how he wanted it, so you sort of
feel it serves him right for what he did, while having a good laugh at his
reaction.
Walt’s
over the top use of profanity might be offensive to sensitive readers, but I
found it suited his character. He is a really complex person, but not difficult
to understand. I often asked myself what I would do if I was in his shoes,
though my answers were not the same as his.
Then
there is tough-as-nails Detective John Hazard, the unlikely hero. His character
alone will keep you entertained until the end of the book, especially with some
of the laugh out loud things that happen to him. He is also not your typical
small town detective, but quite rough around the edges and it took some time
for me to get used to him. As yet I’m still undecided whether I like him or
not, but I cannot argue that he isn’t intriguing.
Overall
I found “The Spirit Box” a highly entertaining read. A few pages into the book,
it was clear to me that the author had put a lot of time, effort and
imagination into crafting a well thought out plot; as well as creating strong
characters with relatable flaws and to whom irony is no stranger. More often
than not you’ll find yourself laughing at the shocking situations the
characters find themselves in – not because you want to, but because you can’t
help it! The unpredictable plot twists kept me terrified and thrilled; and the
action-packed ending made every minute spent reading this book, worthwhile.
From
the next up-and-coming master of suspense, “The Spirit Box” by JH Glaze will have
even Stephen King fearing the dark. So whatever you do, hurry and get yourself
this one-of-a-kind book, but “do not look into the box”!
BOOKS4TOMORROW star rating: 5/5
READ more REVIEWS
“The
Spirit Box” by JH Glaze has 16 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here - http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12602129-the-spirit-box
MEET this week’s
FEATURED AUTHOR
JH GLAZE was born in Niles, Ohio and attended
Mineral Ridge HS. He has lived in large cities across the US and have had more
various types of jobs than most people can imagine. Once he worked with
teenagers in Long Beach CA. and had a teenage Snoop Dogg, Warren G. and Cuba Gooding
Jr. on his crew.
He settled in Atlanta in 1985 which has been home to him since. Currently he’s enjoying his life with wife and editor, Susan, their 2 dogs Harley and Jake; parrot JoJo, and an aquarium full of fish.
He settled in Atlanta in 1985 which has been home to him since. Currently he’s enjoying his life with wife and editor, Susan, their 2 dogs Harley and Jake; parrot JoJo, and an aquarium full of fish.
INTERVIEW with author JH
GLAZE
ABOUT “THE SPIRIT BOX”
Q: What sparked the
idea for “The Spirit Box?
A: The story idea came from a piece of pottery my adult son had made in a
studio. When I first saw it I was impressed with the design and I told him,
“It’s really cool, I feel like it’s going to rip the spirit out of my body.”
The Spirit Box was created.
Q: Who designed the
cover and how much input did you have regarding the design?
A: I do all of my own design work. For The Spirit Box, I actually designed
two different covers. For the initial print run, I used a photo of myself being
drawn into something unseen. Before the second print, I had an idea I wanted to
try showing a more detailed image of the spirit removal process, so I gave my
wife the camera and chose a photo I though would work. After about 3 hours I
had something I liked.
I am also a website designer and built JHGlaze.com, my author
website.
Q: What was the
hardest part of writing “The Spirit Box”?
A: Since it was my first novel, I didn’t have a writing routine. I would
sometimes have gaps of up to two weeks between writing sessions. Then I figured
out a way to be sure to write at least something each day. I got a netbook and
began writing on the public transportation train every morning on my way to
work. Most of “The Spirit Box” was written that way, 20 minutes a day, and
nearly all of “NorthWest” was written on that train.
Q: Are any of the
characters or their experiences based on someone you know, or events in your
own life?
A: I have lived all over the US in my life and known all types of people.
I have lived through life threatening experiences and each of them adds flavor
to my stories. There has not yet been a character in my stories who is based on
a single person. I like to think I draw them from parts of people and blend
them to fit the story. It is kind of like casting a film, but I don’t have to
pay the actors.
Q: If you had to do it
all over again, would you change anything in “The Spirit Box”?
A: There may be a few typos in the finished book, but as far as the story,
it came together just as I saw it happening when I was writing it. If he could
talk I am betting John Hazard would like a few changes!
ABOUT author JH GLAZE
Q: What is a typical Christmas Day like in the
Glaze household?
A:
We will host my inlaws on Christmas eve,
wonderful folks, then visit with my children and grandchildren on Christmas
day. Our day usually involves exotic themes such as our Swedish Christmas dish
with Pickled Herring and meatballs, or the year we had a vegan Christmas and
our main course was a turkey substitute called Tofurkey. For the record, I
don’t care much tor Tofyrkey!
Q: You are a generous author who has hosted a few
awesome giveaways from your website and FB page. What inspires you to do these
giveaways?
A:
I see a lot of ebook giveaways. A lot of
giveaways – period. I don’t like to think of it as a competition, but I feel
like if I am going to do it, I should do it and make it memorable for those
involved. Even if they don’t win they feel they have been a part of something.
I don’t just want fans, I want a community of folks who can read my stories and
share their thoughts and ideas about them with me. I like discussing the untold
backgrounds of the stories and characters. I feel like if folks can have a
paperback copy to hold, to put on a bookshelf, to move it from table to counter
when they are cleaning the house, they become more a part of the story. The
giveaways are a sacrifice that enables me to share the story – get it out
there, but how you do the giveaway can mean as much to the players as the prize
itself. I want people to have just as much fun losing as they do winning, so I
am trying to plan them like I would a party. A good host sees to it that his
guests are comfortable and entertained and he does his best to get his guests
involved and mingle.
Q: How do you pay it forward?
A:
There are many ways I try to do that, in
the book world, I am trying to figure out how I can help others achieve the
level of success they want to reach. For the past 8 years I have built and
maintained a website dedicated to helping small to micro businesses and those
self employed be more successful. These people are taking big risks and many
lose everything they have striving for their dreams. I have been able to help
many over the years. Now to apply it to authors and others. I don’t want to
just write great stories, I want to do great things and be remembered when I am
gone. I used to say that if you wanted to see a man’s level of success in life,
count not the numbers in his bank account, count the number of faces at his
funeral. That others cared enough to pay tribute when you are gone speaks
volumes of who you were in life.
Q: If you can have
dinner with one person, who would it be and why?
A:
I would like to have dinner with all of
those who have been encouraging to me all my life and especially recently with
the books. But the person who is the most valuable dinner partner for me, and
who I wouldn’t want to dine without, is my wife Susan. I look forward to it
every day!
Q: List five "Good to Know" facts about you.
A: It
is good to know that I grew up in a small town in Ohio, and when I became an
adult, left there for the big world away from it. Had I stayed there I may have
never had enough experiences to blend into wild tales.
My
favorite childhood memories are related to my relationship with my mother,
vacations with family, and the friends I have had over the years.
I have
had a lot of embarrassing moments. We don’t have room for such things here!
I once
worked at McDonalds, as a milkman, cab driver and even in a chicken processing
plant.
The worst
job ever? The winter I worked on Natural Gas drilling rigs in Ohio. That one
almost killed me.
ABOUT WRITING
Q: Do you recall how
your interest in writing originated?
A: My interest in writing began in High School. Poetry, short stories and
such. I wanted to be a journalist, but never made it to college. I find that if
we are passionate enough about what we want we can accomplish it with hard
work. I never gave up on that dream. I am now making it come true.
Q: What would your
ideal career be, if you couldn't be an author?
A: I think I would like to have a laid back coffee shop on the beach
somewhere. A place where when you woke up in the morning after a hard night of
partying, you could go and hang out, listen to cool electronic music, and have
a bite to eat while watching the surf. Maybe even do some writing. Other than
that I would settle for being an author.
Q: Can you share a
little of your current work with us?
A: Working on the third book in the series called “Send No Angel”. It is a
complex story that goes from Iraq to California and ultimately into a hellish
world. Book three ties up a lot of loose ends from book two, then slams head on
into a new adventure where John Hazard and his new found love interest will
risk everything to save a friend.
Q: Is there anything
you find particularly challenging in your writing?
A: Just when I am working with a lot of characters, keeping track of them
all. I keep two documents open at once when working. The story and the document
where I keep notes about the characters, places and sometimes events. I am
blessed to have such a wild imagination, I throw my characters out there and
document what they do and say. I let the characters live in my head while
working on the story, and I let them speak their mind. If you ever wonder while
reading my stories why the F word is so prevalent, I am not saying it. My
characters are. I assume no responsibility!
Q: Do you have any
advice for other writers?
A: Do
not overthink. Start writing, follow your idea and write a first draft that may
have holes. You can always add details, fix story errors, and typos on the next
couple of drafts. Your goal is only to get that story written as best you can
while the action is happening and the ideas are flowing. I believe writer’s
block comes from trying to manage details in the first draft. Trust me, get it
out by the time you revisit it, you will know how to fix it.
As far as
advice for successful authors? I have none. Obviously they already know what to
do. I just hope they are making a living and have a good contract with the
publisher they are working with.
Ever
since I have started along this path, I have had a great deal of satisfaction with
the work I am doing. As long as I write the stories I would like to read, I
believe that somewhere out there is someone who would like to read it too. And
so far I think I am on the right track. So the bottom line is, write what you
want to read, not what you think will sell. We are best at the things that
convey our passion. With passion, you can’t go wrong.
Thanks
for reading!
NEWEST RELEASE from author JH
GLAZE
“NORTHWEST”
John Hazard is back on the trail of danger! After
a life-altering event, he has resigned from the police department in small town
America and enrolled in a Paranormal Investigation course at Bay University, a
community college in San Francisco. For their final grade, the class ventures
to the Pacific NorthWest to film a documentary on a mysterious phenomenon they
call “The NorthWest Triangle,” where scores of small aircraft and people have
gone missing without a trace. Professor Macy Renner believes the answer lies in
an unsolved mystery from her own past and is determined to discover it, no
matter the cost. Emily Sparks has her own reasons for going, and it’s not just
about the money. She is about to jump from the frying pan into the fire as she
signs on for a journey that will transport her into the veritable jaws of hell.
Can a rag-tag team of misfits succeed in uncovering the source of the
supernatural anomaly, or will the terror that lies in wait consume them in the
process? Come along on an adventure where you will learn that you don’t have to
outrun the creatures behind you. You only have to run faster than the person
beside you!
PURCHASE LINKS
“The Spirit Box”
Amazon.com – http://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Box-JH-Glaze/dp/0983906904/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324691952&sr=1-1
“NorthWest”
Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/NorthWest-JH-Glaze/dp/0983906912/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324692543&sr=1-3
GIVEAWAY!!!
2 X SIGNED COPIES OF
“THE SPIRIT BOX” / “NORTHWEST”
Author Jeff Glaze is generously offering 2 x signed copies of “The
Spirit Box” or his newest release “NorthWest” to two lucky readers, who leave a
comment in the comments section below. Remember to include your email address
so we know where we can contact you.
The winners will be selected using random.org and the giveaway ends
Friday, December 30, 2012.
The names of the winners will be announced on the Books4Tomorrow FB page
on Saturday, December 31, 2012.
FIND author JH GLAZE here:
Websites and Pages
Facebook:
Goodreads:
Amazon Author Page:
Author Website:
Blog:
Website under
construction: coming first quarter 2012!
15 comments:
Would love to win! nerdsrgood@msn.com
Thank you so much for the awesome giveaway and author interview!! I love The Spirit Box, now I would love to read Northwest!!
bynumjenny@yahoo.com
I would love to win North West. Thanks! Becca(at)rebeccabesser.com
They both sound interesting, but Northwest would be my pick. Best of luck with the new release, Jeff!
lornel@xplornet.ca
Oh, I want a ticket for the exciting ride inside The Spirit Box. Thanks! Sandy at slsteckler@imonmail.com
I absolutely LOVE JH Glaze's The Spirit Box and am anxiously awaiting Book2 Northwest!!!!!
lovetiggi_04 @ yahoo (dot) com
I was really hoping to get Spirit Box for christmas!! Looks so great! Thanks for the giveaway.
megnate at telus dot net
The Spirit Box sounds amazing. I love it's cover !!
Crystal Trent Dotson
cfcbc@netzero.com
I would love to win Northwest !! It has amazing cover !! my email id is amessageinaglimpse@gmail.com
Thank you for the invite! I really enjoyed your interview and the excerpts JH :0)
it's on my ever growing TBB & R pile!
Have a great new year everyone!!
xoxo
stacey jo
i'm back :0)
sorry....
bakinstuff(at) yahoo (dot) com
looks good!
jesicaj1@yahoo.com
http://mommmybunch.com
North West sounds like a very interesting read.
I would like to win and read that book.
Happy New Year.
cenya2 at hotmail dot com
I have been wanting to read your work and after learning more about you, I want to even more. margaretmay_15@yahoo.com
now this is what i am talking about...both books looks too good to pass up..so dying to read them....love the cover and the titles are just great....
Domonique Robinson
domoniquerobinson20@yahoo.com
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