Saturday, December 24, 2011

FEATURED AUTHOR: "The Spirit Box" - by JH GLAZE


“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.

WARNING: This book is not recommended for readers below the age of 18.

REVIEW forTHE 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 rating5/5

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.

INTERVIEW with author JH GLAZE

ABOUTTHE 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”

“NorthWest”

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:

Anonymous said...

Would love to win! nerdsrgood@msn.com

Jenny Zimmerman said...

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

Becca said...

I would love to win North West. Thanks! Becca(at)rebeccabesser.com

Lorraine said...

They both sound interesting, but Northwest would be my pick. Best of luck with the new release, Jeff!
lornel@xplornet.ca

Anonymous said...

Oh, I want a ticket for the exciting ride inside The Spirit Box. Thanks! Sandy at slsteckler@imonmail.com

Anonymous said...

I absolutely LOVE JH Glaze's The Spirit Box and am anxiously awaiting Book2 Northwest!!!!!

lovetiggi_04 @ yahoo (dot) com

Maegan Morin said...

I was really hoping to get Spirit Box for christmas!! Looks so great! Thanks for the giveaway.

megnate at telus dot net

Crystal Trent Dotson said...

The Spirit Box sounds amazing. I love it's cover !!
Crystal Trent Dotson
cfcbc@netzero.com

Anonymous said...

I would love to win Northwest !! It has amazing cover !! my email id is amessageinaglimpse@gmail.com

Stacey Jo Siferd said...

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

Stacey Jo Siferd said...

i'm back :0)
sorry....
bakinstuff(at) yahoo (dot) com

Ninja Wifey said...

looks good!

jesicaj1@yahoo.com
http://mommmybunch.com

Marjorie/cenya2 said...

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

Unknown said...

I have been wanting to read your work and after learning more about you, I want to even more. margaretmay_15@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

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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