Baptism of Fire
by Virginia Crow
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GENRE: Thriller
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BLURB:
Kevin gripped Jilly’s coat and his voice became little more than a whisper. “I’m cursed, Jilly. Everyone who looks after me dies in a fire, or someone they love does. I don’t know how to stop it.”
When Rev. Alastair Roberts adopts Kevin Alderman, he dismisses any reference to the boy’s curse. But, as the pair spend more time in each other’s company, it becomes apparent that Kevin is not the only one with a bitter past.
As the past continues to haunt them, can they hope to change their future?
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Excerpt Two:
Every twist in the road, every open patch where the bitter wind had caused a flash of ice across the tarmac, seemed like a battle he had to win. When the village lights came into view, after twenty minutes of driving a stretch which normally only took eight, he muttered an appreciative prayer and drove across the village to Mrs Henderson’s house. His smile was firmly on his face, and his relief even caused him to laugh.
His laughter faded as he turned the corner onto the quiet road where Mrs Henderson’s cottage was. It wasn’t quiet now. Blue lights filled the street, and Alastair stopped the car as a police officer appeared, lifting her hand to stop him. He turned off the ignition and climbed out of the car.
“What happened?” he whispered, looking at the fire engine which towered almost as high as the small cottage’s eaves. The cottage windows closest to him were smashed, but the house was not where the fire had been. The burnt-out remnants of the car, still in the drive, told the story. “Is Mrs Henderson alright?”
“Are you family, sir?” the policewoman asked.
“No,” Alastair replied. “I’m her priest. Her son sent me to find her. Is she Okay?”
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Virginia grew up in Orkney, using the breath-taking scenery to fuel her imagination and the writing fire within her. When she's not writing, Virginia is usually to be found teaching music. She believes wholeheartedly in the power of music, especially as a tool of inspiration. She also helps out with the John o' Groats Book Festival which is celebrating its 4th year next April.
Virginia lives in the far-flung corner of Scotland, soaking in inspiration from the rugged cliffs and miles of sandy beaches.
She loves cheese, music and films, but hates mushrooms.
Author Links:
Website: www.crowvus.com
Twitter: @DaysDyingGlory
Facebook: /DaysDyingGlory
The Book is on SALE for $0.99 During the Tour
Interview with Virginia Crow
1. What is your favorite part of this book and why?
This probably sounds a little bit strange, but my favourite parts are actually the everyday bits. I think writers – myself included – can sometimes fall into the trap of losing all humanity from characters because we want the plot to move forward at a crazy speed. The fact is, life has some fantastically human aspects which can be easily overlooked. The sweet little conversations which are held between Kevin and Alastair helped to take these two names off the page and create them into real people. Having these little exchanges between my two main characters uses the ordinary to prepare for the extraordinary!
2. If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?
I think it would have to be Alastair. Although, what would be really cool would be a jamming session with him, Jilly, and even little Kevin too! It’s no coincidence that all three of my main characters are musical, when music is such a huge part of my life (I’m a private music teacher). We could have a jam in the church – amazing acoustics! - and then go out for a meal. Although, Alastair is a pretty good cook, so maybe back to his house for a meal. And we’d round off the evening with a mug of hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows. They drink a lot of hot chocolate!
3. If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose?
Probably A Christmas Carol. It’s not my favourite book – though I do love it – but I love how ingrained it has become in our culture. I hope, one day, people will make everyday reference to something from one of my books, just like we do with the story of Ebenezer Scrooge!
4. Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
None of my characters are wholly either. Often they begin life as a cluster of emotions and mannerisms drawn from my imagination. Then it’s quite normal for me to think that one of them reminds me of someone I know, and so I put a bit of that someone into them. Alastair from Baptism of Fire is a really good example of this, because I only vaguely knew him to begin with but, by the end of writing the book, he really reminded me of someone I knew.
A lot of the settings are based on real places, though!
5. What made you want to become a writer?
I realised a long time ago that I wanted to write books. When I was a child I used to watch TV so much my parents decided to get rid of the television! After that, my imagination came to life. While most of my friends were playing computer games or playing sports, I was formulating stories.
It’s never stopped. I have so many stories in my head, and a hundred tales to tell. And inspiration comes from all over the place, from people, music, places and so much more! I’m never without a story. The only way I can bear to finish one book, is to have another lined up and ready waiting.
In terms of writing as a career, though, that’s a no-go for me! I write my best work when I’m stealing odd hours at a time. Besides, I love being a music teacher!
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION
Virginia Crow will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Follow the tour and comment; the more they comment, the better their chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:
Seven authors.
