Character Interviews: Amelina Scott (The Curse of Time series by M.J Mallon) | The Glorious Outsiders

Thank you so much to fabulous fellow YA author Chantelle Atkins for inviting me to contribute to these wonderful character interviews on her blog. Follow the link below to Chantelle’s blog to read the full interview at source.

Welcome to a new feature on The Glorious Outsiders where I’ll be interviewing unique characters from other people’s books! You’ll find a character interview at the start of each month and today, I’m chatting to Amelina Scott from the YA series, The Curse of Time. I’ve read and enjoyed Bloodstone and will be starting Golden Healer very soon. So, let’s find out what Amelina has to say!

1. How old are you?

I am sixteen now. My story includes flashbacks to my thirteenth birthday when my dad disappeared. Since then, nothing has been the same.

2. where do you come from?

Believe it or not, I originate from this long line of Krystallos (crystal) magicians. It came as a shock to me when I discovered that.

3. where do you live? Describe it to us

I live in Cambridge in the UK, in a normal suburb. Don’t let that fool you! Our house has a hexagonal hallway, with a magical attic study, overseen by a key that talks and there is a much needed lookout point on the upper floor. If you visit, check out the clocks and the mirrors, too. You will find some mysterious surprises! Our house and the surrounding land is creepy and oppressive. I swear the house is a living entity; it makes a lot of grumbling, whispering noises! As our circumstances changed – with Bloodstone magic – the house reflected this by becoming altogether quieter.

 

Nearby, a short walk takes you to the river and the train tracks, where there is a pathway representing light and darkness. At the beginning, my mother warned me off going there, but how could I resist when there is a magical crystal cottage hidden there?

Source: Character Interviews: Amelina Scott (The Curse of Time series by M.J Mallon) | The Glorious Outsiders

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Ryder: The enigma – The Curse of Time #Characters #Fantasy #YA #Paranormal

 

Who is Ryder? And more importantly is he a good guy or a villain?

Check out his photos and make up your own mind…

 

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

Images above via Pixabay.

Here is a review meme all about Ryder!

Unsplash_XkFuXMtWUQg

 

To find out more about him check out this interview plus some more pics:

https://mjmallon.com/2017/07/02/mj-interviews-ryder-the-curse-of-time-bloodstone/

Genre: YA/Paranormal Fantasy
Pages: 240
ISBN: 9781999822439
Book Design: https://wendyannedarling.wordpress.com/
Book Cover Photography Credit: Dr John C Taylor, OBE: http://www.johnctaylor.com/
Illustration: Paperback includes additional material – two black and white illustrations by Artist – Carolina Russo: https://yesterdayafter.com/
Edited by Colleen Chesebro: https://colleenchesebro.com

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Unique Selling Point: Unique, Imaginative, ‘Charming, enchanting and richly layered this is purely delightful.’

“This delightful book will appeal to teens and young adults who love stories filled with magical crystals, dark family curses, and mysteries waiting to be solved around every corner. Each chapter leads you on a journey of discovery where Amelina earns the right to use three wizard stones to reset the balance of time and finally break the curse that holds her family hostage. A captivating tale!” – Colleen M. Chesebro (Editor)

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#SCBWI Author Event – Cambridge Meet Your Local Children’s Authors #Library #Authors #Illustrators #YA #MG #PB

I am thrilled to say that I am one of several SCBWI MG and YA authors and picture book illustrators at this very special event in the central library in Cambridge.

Doesn’t it sound just amazing?

If you happen to be in Cambridge on the 9th of February do pop over to the central library and say hello!

 

If you’re interested in finding out more about SCBWI, (a fantastic group for writers and illustrators.)  Here’s a link: https://www.scbwi.org/

 

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m j mallon _ ya author

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

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The Curse of Time #YA #Fantasy #Offer 1.99 Amazon UK

Special offer 1.99

xxx Take Two !!! I am reposting this to generate some more sales!!! So please share, reblog and the like. Thank you so much, my lovelies. xxx

I have some wonderful news, I have updated the kindle copy of The Curse of Time Book 1 Bloodstone with some new features – my logo, author photo, two amazing full colour images of Esme and The Creature plus a few minor changes and enhancements too.

xxx Yeah!!! I work hard to ensure that my readers are happy. xxx

The kindle is new and improved!

Below in the slideshow you can see my wonderful logo which is now a feature in the kindle copy. The logo was designed by Allie Potts: https://alliepottswrites.com/

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

It is a black dragon and a white unicorn doing a Kyrosmagica dance, twirling around. I absolutely love it. Allie very kindly created different colours for me and a black and white shadowed one too! Love them all.

The wonderful images of two of my characters – Esme and The Creature created by talented artist Carolina Russo https://yesterdayafter.com now feature in the kindle too.

Do pop over to Carolina’s awesome blog to read about our collaboration and to order a limited addition fine art print: https://yesterdayafter.com/2018/04/02/characters-illustration-a-collaboration-with-author-mj-mallon-1st-stop-blog-tour-abrsc/

To celebrate I’ve decided to lower the price of the kindle for a limited time period only.

You can buy a kindle copy of The Curse of Time Book 1 Bloodstone at a really amazing price – 1.99 pence on Amazon UK. What a bargain!

For less than the price of a coffee you can get a little piece of my soul! But rush, this soul offer is for a limited time period only!!!

All I ask in return is perhaps you might consider reviewing The Curse of Time for me on Amazon, Goodreads and the like. Currently I have nine reviews on Amazon, and eleven on Goodreads. So don’t be shy, I won’t say no to a few more!

My latest five-star review on Goodreads by Gemma Bray, Neverland Blog Tour Host:

I am truly addicted to this book! Marjorie is such a talented author and really does reel you into the book and the life of Amelina. At first, I was a little unsure about the book with it being different from my normal genres and a little slow. After a while though, you do get addicted and just can not put it down! Amelina is a really good character, super lovable and you want to keep reading to see where things take her.

You are quickly whisked off into a world filled with supernatural happenings, people in mirrors and crystals. Lots of crystals! There is an element of change evident in Amelina as the book progresses, showing her development as a person who is capable of having a huge effect on those around her, as she learns of the powers she has had bestowed upon her. On the other end of the spectrum, Ryder is a really dislikeable character.

I suppose he needed to be like this, as you’re really not meant to like him! He definitely influences Amelina negatively, her friends and family also question him, making him for a well-written character within the story. The last couple of chapters were crazy and left me on the edge of my seat wanting more from them. This book does focus on things from the norm, the whole secret and wanting to know about these crystals.

Normally I hate finishing books, as the impressive story is over, but I have the luxury of Book 2 for this series, which I hope I can get my hands on it soon! Overall, this is a book brimming with supernatural happenings, a mysterious cottage and a family problem that needs solving. I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a good mystery as it will reel you in.

Link to Gemma’s blog: https://anoceanglimmer.wordpress.com/2018/04/19/book-review-the-curse-of-time/

To see details about my #ABRSC and Neverland Blog Tour which happened in April with reviews, q and a’s, and author spotlights, etc, please follow this link: https://mjmallon.com/2018/04/17/blogtour-giveaway-the-curse-of-time-1-bloodstone-abrsc/

If you bought the original copy and would like to update it don’t fret – follow this link to see how: https://www.howtogeek.com/tips/how-to-get-the-latest-version-of-your-kindle-books-including-ours/

I’d be so grateful if you could share this post widely on social media, reblog and the like.

Many thanks,

Much love,

bitmoji-20180502103159

 

http___signatures.mylivesignature.com_54494_373_07053E7D9657CC81851243011100E58F

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com

Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com

Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time

My Facebook Authors/Bloggers Support Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Tumblr: http://mjmallonauthor.tumblr.com/

 

 

 

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The Curse of Time #YA #Fantasy #Special #Offer 1.99p #Kindle Copy !!!!

Special offer 1.99

 

 

I have some wonderful news, I have updated the kindle copy of The Curse of Time Book 1 Bloodstone with some new features – my logo, author photo, two amazing full colour images of Esme and The Creature plus a few minor changes and enhancements too.

xxx Yeah!!! I work hard to ensure that my readers are happy. xxx

The kindle is new and improved!

Below in the slideshow you can see my wonderful logo which is now a feature in the kindle copy. The logo was designed by Allie Potts: https://alliepottswrites.com/

It is a black dragon and a white unicorn doing a Kyrosmagica dance, twirling around. I absolutely love it. Allie very kindly created different colours for me and a black and white shadowed one too! Love them all.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The wonderful images of two of my characters – The Creature, and Esme created by talented artist Carolina Russo https://yesterdayafter.com now feature in the kindle too.

Do pop over to Carolina’s awesome blog to read about our collaboration and to order a limited addition fine art print: https://yesterdayafter.com/2018/04/02/characters-illustration-a-collaboration-with-author-mj-mallon-1st-stop-blog-tour-abrsc/

To celebrate I’ve decided to lower the price of the kindle for a limited time period only.

You can buy a kindle copy of The Curse of Time Book 1 Bloodstone at a really amazing price – 1.99 pence on Amazon UK. What a bargain!

For less than the price of a coffee you can get a little piece of my soul!  But rush, this soul offer is for a limited time period only!!!

All I ask in return is perhaps you might consider reviewing The Curse of Time for me on Amazon, Goodreads and the like. Currently I have nine reviews on Amazon, and eleven on Goodreads. So don’t be shy, I won’t say no to a few more!

My latest five-star review on Goodreads by Gemma Bray, Neverland Blog Tour Host:

I am truly addicted to this book! Marjorie is such a talented author and really does reel you into the book and the life of Amelina. At first, I was a little unsure about the book with it being different from my normal genres and a little slow. After a while though, you do get addicted and just can not put it down! Amelina is a really good character, super lovable and you want to keep reading to see where things take her.

You are quickly whisked off into a world filled with supernatural happenings, people in mirrors and crystals. Lots of crystals! There is an element of change evident in Amelina as the book progresses, showing her development as a person who is capable of having a huge effect on those around her, as she learns of the powers she has had bestowed upon her. On the other end of the spectrum, Ryder is a really dislikeable character.

I suppose he needed to be like this, as you’re really not meant to like him! He definitely influences Amelina negatively, her friends and family also question him, making him for a well-written character within the story. The last couple of chapters were crazy and left me on the edge of my seat wanting more from them. This book does focus on things from the norm, the whole secret and wanting to know about these crystals.

Normally I hate finishing books, as the impressive story is over, but I have the luxury of Book 2 for this series, which I hope I can get my hands on it soon! Overall, this is a book brimming with supernatural happenings, a mysterious cottage and a family problem that needs solving. I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a good mystery as it will reel you in.

Link to Gemma’s blog: https://anoceanglimmer.wordpress.com/2018/04/19/book-review-the-curse-of-time/

To see details about my #ABRSC and Neverland Blog Tour which happened in April with reviews, q and a’s, and author spotlights, etc, please follow this link: https://mjmallon.com/2018/04/17/blogtour-giveaway-the-curse-of-time-1-bloodstone-abrsc/

If you bought the original copy and would like to update it don’t fret –  follow this link to see how: https://www.howtogeek.com/tips/how-to-get-the-latest-version-of-your-kindle-books-including-ours/

I’d be so grateful if you could share this post widely on social media, reblog and the like.

Many thanks,

Much love,

bitmoji-20180502103159

http___signatures.mylivesignature.com_54494_373_07053E7D9657CC81851243011100E58F

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Social Media:

Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com

Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com

Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time

Facebook Authors/Bloggers Support Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Tumblr: http://mjmallonauthor.tumblr.com/

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MJ Interviews Esme – The Mirror Girl

Esme And The Mirror ©Carolina Russo - Online Use

Welcome To Kyrosmagica! So lovely to see you Esme.

MJ: Tell us about your life Esme.

Esme: I’ve had two lives, and both are hard to understand. In my past life I appeared to be free but never experienced freedom. I felt trapped in my body and my mind didn’t feel that it fitted, like a puzzle piece trying to correspond to the wrong shape. My mind rebelled; I self-harmed. Now that I am a prisoner in the mirrors of Amelina’s house, I can’t self-harm.  I can’t do anything. I’m a victim of a curse but I’m not the only victim.

MJ: Why did you self-harm?

Esme: Everyone expected me to be perfect. I couldn’t cope. The pressure kept building up and up. It was my way of dealing. My personal punch bag.

MJ: That makes me so sad.  I wish I could help you.

Esme: I know you do. You feel my pain and wrote about it in your novel.

MJ: I tried to do it justice; I hope in some small way I succeeded.

Esme: You did. But can we talk about something else? This is making me anxious.

MJ: Of course, is it okay to talk about the curse? Or is that off-limits?

Esme: No, that’s okay.

MJ: Who else was a victim?

Esme: Amelina’s dad.

MJ: What about the rest of the family?

Esme: They’re trapped too but they’re not prisoners. Hey, wait a minute. They are prisoners in a way… sometimes you don’t have to be a prisoner to feel like one.

MJ: It must be a really sad story…

Esme: Yes it is, but it’s also much more. There’s light and laughter, darkness and shadows. Many magical threads tangle this story together, like many loves, and yet there are no real lovers.

MJ: It’s no romance then?

Esme: Read the beginning and you might think it’s a romance but read the end and you’ll know it’s not.

MJ: It sounds puzzling…

Esme: Yeah, it’s meant to be. Each chapter starts with a numbered puzzle piece instead of a chapter heading. Then there’s an awesome Tanka poem teaser.

This is my favourite from Puzzle Piece 12:

Think you know someone,

No, you don’t know anyone,

We’re all cheerleaders,

Carrying our false pompoms,

The mirror captures our truth.

 

MJ: A teaser… interesting… Are you a poetry fan?

Esme:  Hey! All artistic and tortured souls love poetry.

MJ: I love poetry!

Esme: Oh! Ha Ha… That means you’re a deep thinker.

MJ: I am. Talking about deep thinking… If you had a twin, what would you say to her?

Esme: I have a twin, inside me. It’s like there are two people in my brain. One’s happy, one’s sad, a yin and yang twin…

MJ: I wish I could make you whole and happy. Perhaps I might write your freedom…

Esme: Could you? Pleeease. But make sure that you write my freedom beyond the prison of my mind. Don’t send me to the land where shadows live.

MJ: Sigh. I wish I could promise that, but I haven’t finished book two yet and I have no idea what will happen in book three!

Esme: You authors have a wicked sense of power…

MJ: Yes, it is true dear Esme. You are without a doubt the most challenging character in my book and that is why I love you so…

Esme: Ahhhhh, thank you!

I hope you will love Esme as much as I do. She might make you sad but there is a young person like her out there somewhere. Self-harm is a growing problem in our young people. Let’s not bury our heads in the sand and pretend it doesn’t exist. Speak out about mental health issues, fight to take away the stigma. Help someone you know who is suffering, it’s the little things that mean so much.

Please feel free to comment and share.

The illustrations of the Creature and Esme will appear in black and white in the paperback book due to be launched April 2018.

Images copyright – talented artist Carolina Russo: https://yesterdayafter.com

Previous interviews on Kyrosmagica:

Shadow: https://mjmallon.com/2017/05/11/my-interview-with-shadow-a-black-cat-character-with-a-past/

Amelina: https://mjmallon.com/2017/08/20/mj-interviews-amelina-the-curse-of-time-bloodstone-sundayblogshare/

Ryder: https://mjmallon.com/2017/07/02/mj-interviews-ryder-the-curse-of-time-bloodstone/

The Creature: https://mjmallon.com/2018/02/20/mj-interviews-the-creature/

Bye for now,

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85978B3EEB2A2F45468E6707CEAFE70D

Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com

Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com

Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time

My Facebook Authors/Bloggers Support Group: Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club

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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Tumblr: http://mjmallonauthor.tumblr.com/

 

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Colleen’s Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge no. 63

 

This weeks prompt words from Colleen are cover  and precipitation and the challenge is to use only synonyms. I’ve chosen cloud-burst for precipitation and masquerade for cover.

A cloud burst erupts, Momentary rain shadows,Light illuminates,Ryder's narcissistic eyes,An evident masquerade.

 

This weeks prompt words from Colleen are cover and precipitation and the challenge is to use only synonyms. I’ve chosen cloud-burst for precipitation and masquerade for cover.

And the following is an extract of Puzzle Piece 28: Leanne’s Warning from my YA fantasy novel – The Curse of Time Book 1 – Bloodstone which is currently on special offer price, so grab a copy!!

I knocked and waited to enter. The door creaked open. I took that as my invitation to slip through the opening and breezed inside. As before, my eyes searched out the sparkling crystals, and for a moment I almost forgot why I’d come. I stood motionless, in awe of the surrounding beauty.
In the corner, I spotted Leanne, unpacking new stones that must have recently arrived. As I watched Leanne at work, the crystals freed themselves from her protective hands. They flew across the room, whizzing, creating a trailing rainbow of spectacular light, and sound. In no time at all they found their allotted places, embedding themselves with ease in the walls.
At last, I drew my eyes away from this amazing sight. I turned to face Leanne. ‘I need to speak to you.’
‘What can I help you with?’ replied Leanne, in a dream-like voice.
‘Recently things have been happening that are beyond my usual level of acceptable peculiarity. I wondered if you could help.’
Leanne’s eyes widened, and she nodded her head. I explained about how my new paint set seemed to have a mind and purpose all of its own. I described the strange events that had happened since I used my aunt’s gift. She listened but made no comment.
I stomped my foot and thought I would burst with frustration at her lack of response. ‘Leanne, what shall I do?’
‘Embrace these events.’ Cupping her hands together, fingertips touching, Leanne rocked on her heels. She turned back to her unpacking duties.
‘Whatever do you mean?’ I wailed, shocked at her response.
‘This is happening for a reason. You must not be fearful, Amelina. Welcome, all that’s happening, and the truth of who you are will dawn on you.’
The room was quiet except for the rustling of paper as Leanne unwrapped the remaining crystals. I listened but was unsure what to do next. I walked over to the wall of gems, ensnared once again in the magical beauty they exuded. Three crystals twinkled more brightly than the rest and caught my eye. I carefully removed the Black Obsidian, the Bloodstone, and the Merlinite and weighed each gem in the palm of my hand. An aura of light burst from the stones and encircled me. Each crystal’s field of energy exploded in a kaleidoscope of colour and joined together forming a solid beam of brilliant intensity. I felt an invisible energy force rush through me shooting all the way into my fingers. I glanced down, and my fingertips were glowing, the brightest pink I had ever seen.
I had never felt such raw power. I could tell something beyond my comprehension was taking place. I staggered back, filled with wonder, and my mouth dropped open. The experience made me feel complete as if something elemental had been missing from my life all this time, until now. I had no doubt these crystals were the perfect choice to give me the answers I was seeking.
I stumbled over to Leanne who winced from the brightness of my aura. I gently handed her the gems. She inclined her head and pondered over my selection. ‘Interesting… such a choice of crystals, Amelina. I’m sure these gems will set you on the right path towards discovery.’
The sound of rain falling outside, followed by rumbles of thunder, interrupted my thoughts. The cottage darkened, highlighted only by flashes of lightning. The crystals lining the cottage walls shrank into their protective spaces, their colours dull, seeming to hide from the sudden approaching storm.
Leanne’s face darkened, mirroring the impending storm. Thunder boomed above causing her to pause for a moment before she continued. ‘You must take extra care with these stones, for all three hold immense power. Guard the Wizard Stones, the Black Obsidian, and the Merlinite. Keep them safe, and remember, the power they may unleash could overwhelm you.’
The luminosity surrounding me swirled and intensified. I swallowed and asked my question carefully. ‘How?’
Leanne peered at me from the darkness. ‘These are Wizard stones. She pointed to the gems still cupped in my hand. Used without care they can drive you mad, make you hallucinate, or even provoke seizures.’ Her forehead creased and her eyes blinked as the lightning flashed through the windows. ‘You must protect them from damage, taking particular care to avoid scratches, blows, harsh chemicals and extreme temperature. Cleanse the Bloodstone Crystal if it comes in contact with anyone else.’
‘What happens if I don’t follow your instructions?’
Leanne leaned in close to my face and whispered, ‘The crystals will become impure, open to evil manipulations, wielded by darkness and used by black-hearted, devious souls.’
I whispered back a scared, ‘I promise.’

© M J Mallon 2017. All Rights Reserved

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