MEET THE AUTHOR
FEATURED AUTHOR: CRYSSA BAZOS
Hi Jacks here! Today SBC welcomes the extremely talented and wonderfully warm Historical Fiction with Romance author CRYSSA BAZOS!
Hi Cryssa, let’s start by GETTING TO KNOW YOU. WHAT GENRES DO YOU WRITE?
I skirt the line between historical romance and historical fiction, so I like to call it romantic historical fiction. There’s a central love story and a HEA ending (no spoilers), but the history is very much an integral part of the story.
It sounds like quite a fun story. (Jacks)
What are the TITLES OF YOUR BOOKS?
TRAITOR’S KNOT is my debut novel, but I have been published in two anthologies: CANADIAN TALES OF THE HEART and CANADIAN TALES OF THE FANTASTIC.
Cryssa, outside of writing, what are SOME OF YOUR INTERESTS?
I’m an avid gardener, though the writing has cut into the time I can spend in the garden. My roses are my pride, and I never tire of photographing them in their glory. I don’t have too many spots where I can grow them so the ones I’ve planted were carefully selected for their fragrance and stunning good looks.
A LOOK INSIDE CRYSSA’S GARDEN:
I skirt the line between historical romance and historical fiction, so I like to call it romantic historical fiction. There’s a central love story and a HEA ending (no spoilers), but the history is very much an integral part of the story.
It sounds like quite a fun story. (Jacks)
What are the TITLES OF YOUR BOOKS?
TRAITOR’S KNOT is my debut novel, but I have been published in two anthologies: CANADIAN TALES OF THE HEART and CANADIAN TALES OF THE FANTASTIC.
Cryssa, outside of writing, what are SOME OF YOUR INTERESTS?
I’m an avid gardener, though the writing has cut into the time I can spend in the garden. My roses are my pride, and I never tire of photographing them in their glory. I don’t have too many spots where I can grow them so the ones I’ve planted were carefully selected for their fragrance and stunning good looks.
A LOOK INSIDE CRYSSA’S GARDEN:
Those are all so lovely! (Jacks)
Let’s switch gears and talk more about ABOUT THE BOOKS. Can you spill and tell us if there are ANY TRACES OF YOUR PERSONALITY IN YOUR MAIN CHARACTER?
I have two main characters as the story alternates between the hero and heroine. You can definitely find a little bit of me in the heroine, though the hero has traits that I personally admire.
Elizabeth Seton is a herbalist, and while I am not one, she shares my love of growing things. She is also the type of person to roll up her sleeves and solve a problem through grit and determination—trust me, she’s not waiting around for the hero to come and save her.
James Hart is a highwayman who wins the day through wits, cunning and skill. Once pledged, he will not forsake his vow, no matter how painful and difficult it becomes. He also has a dry sense of humour.
What is ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT WRITING?
Losing myself in the world that I’ve created! There is nothing better than crafting the right sentence and having a good writing day, when the characters won’t stop talking and the scene unfolding in my head pours onto the keyboard. I also love the editing process, where I can take the rough draft and mold it like clay into something almost life-like.
What is one of the BEST PIECES OF ADVICE that you received or a QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY?
One of the hardest things to master is receptivity to feedback, because if you can understand what is not resonating with people, you will strengthen your story. But it can be a Catch-22. Not all feedback is constructive. It’s critical to distinguish between the useful feedback and the type that will derail you. To make matters worse, not all the people who give the latter actually intend to give harm. They can be very well meaning, which can really muddy the waters.
When sifting through feedback, I think of what Neil Gaiman once said: “Remember: when people tell you something’s wrong or doesn’t work for them, they are almost always right. When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they are almost always wrong.” So true! Too often the right fix isn’t anything anyone suggested but instead comes from the muse and knowing your own character.
What is one thing that YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO YOUR READERS?
Let your friends know what you thought of TRAITOR’S KNOT! Please leave a review on Goodreads and Amazon. It will help other readers discover the story too. I’m a Goodreads junkie and this is often how I find new favourites.
Let’s switch gears and talk more about ABOUT THE BOOKS. Can you spill and tell us if there are ANY TRACES OF YOUR PERSONALITY IN YOUR MAIN CHARACTER?
I have two main characters as the story alternates between the hero and heroine. You can definitely find a little bit of me in the heroine, though the hero has traits that I personally admire.
Elizabeth Seton is a herbalist, and while I am not one, she shares my love of growing things. She is also the type of person to roll up her sleeves and solve a problem through grit and determination—trust me, she’s not waiting around for the hero to come and save her.
James Hart is a highwayman who wins the day through wits, cunning and skill. Once pledged, he will not forsake his vow, no matter how painful and difficult it becomes. He also has a dry sense of humour.
What is ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT WRITING?
Losing myself in the world that I’ve created! There is nothing better than crafting the right sentence and having a good writing day, when the characters won’t stop talking and the scene unfolding in my head pours onto the keyboard. I also love the editing process, where I can take the rough draft and mold it like clay into something almost life-like.
What is one of the BEST PIECES OF ADVICE that you received or a QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY?
One of the hardest things to master is receptivity to feedback, because if you can understand what is not resonating with people, you will strengthen your story. But it can be a Catch-22. Not all feedback is constructive. It’s critical to distinguish between the useful feedback and the type that will derail you. To make matters worse, not all the people who give the latter actually intend to give harm. They can be very well meaning, which can really muddy the waters.
When sifting through feedback, I think of what Neil Gaiman once said: “Remember: when people tell you something’s wrong or doesn’t work for them, they are almost always right. When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they are almost always wrong.” So true! Too often the right fix isn’t anything anyone suggested but instead comes from the muse and knowing your own character.
What is one thing that YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO YOUR READERS?
Let your friends know what you thought of TRAITOR’S KNOT! Please leave a review on Goodreads and Amazon. It will help other readers discover the story too. I’m a Goodreads junkie and this is often how I find new favourites.
What’s NEXT FOR YOU:
What is the NAME OF YOUR UPCOMING RELEASE?
TRAITOR’S KNOT was just released.
Cryssa, what should people EXPECT TO SEE FROM YOU IN THE FUTURE?
I’m working on the second installment in what I call the “ROAD TO THE RESTORATION” series. Book 2 picks up the story following the Battle of Worcester and concerns the fate of a Scottish soldier who appeared in TRAITOR’S KNOT. This book will take the reader from the Tower of London to the cane fields of Barbados and the treacherous waters of the Caribbean. Look for it in 2018.
Are there ANY RECENT OR NEW EVENTS that you we should know about?
I had a blog tour lined up through Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours (HFVBT) from August 1st to 18th. For the tour stops, check out this link: http://hfvirtualbooktours.com/traitorsknotblogtour/
I had an official book launch bash on July 27th at a local art gallery. Gonzo author, A.B Funkhauser (read her SBC Interview), emceed (was a bit worried about the questions she was going to throw at me), but fortunately there was ample Prosecco to keep everything amiable.
What are you MOST EXCITED ABOUT?
Finally seeing my work in print. The eBook version is terrific, but there is nothing like holding a trade paperback in your hand. I’m also very excited about the overwhelming support and encouragement I’ve received. TRAITOR’S KNOT is being received very well and I couldn’t be happier.
What is the NAME OF YOUR UPCOMING RELEASE?
TRAITOR’S KNOT was just released.
Cryssa, what should people EXPECT TO SEE FROM YOU IN THE FUTURE?
I’m working on the second installment in what I call the “ROAD TO THE RESTORATION” series. Book 2 picks up the story following the Battle of Worcester and concerns the fate of a Scottish soldier who appeared in TRAITOR’S KNOT. This book will take the reader from the Tower of London to the cane fields of Barbados and the treacherous waters of the Caribbean. Look for it in 2018.
Are there ANY RECENT OR NEW EVENTS that you we should know about?
I had a blog tour lined up through Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours (HFVBT) from August 1st to 18th. For the tour stops, check out this link: http://hfvirtualbooktours.com/traitorsknotblogtour/
I had an official book launch bash on July 27th at a local art gallery. Gonzo author, A.B Funkhauser (read her SBC Interview), emceed (was a bit worried about the questions she was going to throw at me), but fortunately there was ample Prosecco to keep everything amiable.
What are you MOST EXCITED ABOUT?
Finally seeing my work in print. The eBook version is terrific, but there is nothing like holding a trade paperback in your hand. I’m also very excited about the overwhelming support and encouragement I’ve received. TRAITOR’S KNOT is being received very well and I couldn’t be happier.
HOW CAN WE:
BUY YOUR BOOK
TRAITOR’S KNOT is published by Endeavour Press and is available as an eBook and paperback through AMAZON.
CONTACT YOU
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KEEP UP TO DATE ON NEW RELEASES
SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER HERE
BUY YOUR BOOK
TRAITOR’S KNOT is published by Endeavour Press and is available as an eBook and paperback through AMAZON.
CONTACT YOU
WEBSITE
KEEP UP TO DATE ON NEW RELEASES
SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER HERE
Today, we have a treat for you SBC readers, here’s a blurb of TRAITOR'S KNOT:
READ YOUR COPY OF TRAITOR'S KNOT
TRAITOR'S KNOT
England 1650: Civil War has given way to an uneasy peace in the year since Parliament executed King Charles I.
Royalist officer James Hart refuses to accept the tyranny of the new government, and to raise funds for the restoration of the king’s son, he takes to the road as a highwayman.
Elizabeth Seton has long been shunned for being a traitor’s daughter. In the midst of the new order, she risks her life by sheltering fugitives from Parliament in a garrison town. But her attempts to rebuild her life are threatened, first by her own sense of injustice, then by falling in love with the dashing Hart.
The lovers’ loyalty is tested through war, defeat and separation. James must fight his way back to the woman he loves, while Elizabeth will do anything to save him, even if it means sacrificing herself.
TRAITOR'S KNOT is a sweeping tale of love and conflicted loyalties set against the turmoil of the English Civil War.
WHAT'S BEING SAID ABOUT IT:
TRAITOR'S KNOT is an epic saga about war and love. - Richard Foreman
SBC wants to say thank you for stopping in for the interview CRYSSA BAZOS. I personally had a lovely time finding out more about you and your novel. I'm quite excited to read it as well as your upcoming ones! Please do stop back to update us in the near future for another quick chat! (Jacks)
I am Jacks, for SBC, and I hope that you have had fun time reading about this amazing author!
I am Jacks, for SBC, and I hope that you have had fun time reading about this amazing author!
Jacks, Silver Beans Reviewer and Interviewer
Posting: HISTORICAL FICTION
Posting Date: 8/24/2017
ROBIN LYONS Book Reviews Average on AMAZON: 4.8 STARS
Posting: HISTORICAL FICTION
Posting Date: 8/24/2017
ROBIN LYONS Book Reviews Average on AMAZON: 4.8 STARS
A LOOK INSIDE THE BOOKS:
HUGE THANKS AGAIN...
CRYSSA BAZOS for popping in for a chat!
CRYSSA BAZOS for popping in for a chat!
Additional Fun Fact:
CRYSSA BAZOS loves to spend time in her rose garden!
CRYSSA BAZOS loves to spend time in her rose garden!
Looking...
for a good book readers. Check out Cryssa Bazos's NOVELS!
for a good book readers. Check out Cryssa Bazos's NOVELS!
Want more from this Author: CRYSSA BAZOS
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LET US KNOW