Danita Minnis

https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2021/12/vbt-prince-by-antony-soehner.html

Antony Soehner will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Author Interview: Antony Soehner

1. How did you choose your genre? What made you write this book?

I feel like fantasy kind of chose me. I’ve always been a fan of the escapism and creation of new worlds that bent the rules of our own world. I’m a huge Dungeons and Dragons geek so it was a no-brainer to tell fantasy stories. I wrote “The Prince” as a mix of fantasy-escapism from the pandemic but also as a way to bring light to real-life issues like abuse, imperialism, and racism. I want my story to create conversation whether positive or progressive.

2. Writers write what they know, and must observe the world. Are you a firstborn, middle or last child, and how does this shape your view of the world?

I am the oldest of 5 boys and that has always influenced how I write. The relationship between me and my brothers is always present in how my characters interact with each other. As the oldest sibling, you tend to take on the weight of the world’s responsibilities and I feel like lots of protagonists can relate to that in their own worlds.

3. Where is your favorite place to write?

Although I have a dedicated office in my house for my computer and publishing station, I find taking my laptop to my backyard when it’s nice out is the greatest place to write. Take a hot cup of coffee and a baked good of some sort and I’ll happily write until it’s dark and cold outside.

4. How do you feel about killing your darlings, and what do you do with the remains?

*insert maniacal laugh here* I think killing characters off is a great way to make readers squirm and face the uncomfortable topic of our own mortality. Even heroes have to die sometimes and it’s a hard truth to swallow. But their influence doesn’t stop there just because they’re gone. Maybe they become a symbol of hope or a warm memory that keeps your other characters motivated to stay alive.

5. You are introduced to your favorite author. Who is it, and what is that one burning question you must ask them?

It’s a very unconventional answer but it would be Anthony Bourdain. I also (sort of) met him once before he, unfortunately, passed away. I ran into him outside of his apartment building in New York and only managed to say hello before he walked off. But if I could ever have had enough time to ask him anything, I would have asked him his thoughts on the meaning of life. I know it’s cliche, but I feel like he was somebody who would have spawned a profound, witty answer that would lead to a deep, life-changing conversation. 

6. Inquiring minds want to know…tell readers something about you that no one knows.

I’m quite an open book but I think something that gets overlooked a lot is my newfound obsession with gardening. It’s been a hobby I developed over the past year and this is my first actual season growing things in my backyard. I’m super excited to see what my pantry looks like this fall!

7. You are stranded on a deserted island with only a backpack for company. What three items are in your survival pack?

My camping hammock, A copy of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, and a notebook to doodle inside of.

8. If you could have one superpower in your existence, what would it be?

I would want something to do with Fire. I’m very much a survivalist mindset about things and I think having the ability to produce fire would be such a useful tool. It also seems like a versatile power that can do more than just “producing a flame.” Maybe I could fly with it, who knows.

9. Favorite snack?

It might be controversial but I’m a big fan of salt n vinegar chips. The Pringles brand is especially my favorite.

10. Indy 500 – Do you know how to get where you’re going or do you drive the speed limit?

I always know how to get where I’m going and I like to “pocket drive” so that I’m never following other cars, but I tend to stick to back roads and speed limits because I love to see the neighborhoods, markets, and world around me. They always say “it’s about the journey,” right?

The Prince

by Antony Soehner

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GENRE:   General/Epic Fantasy

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BLURB:

Destiny will always test the greatest of leaders.
Theo never imagined life outside the king’s castle. But when the queen’s funeral reveals the king’s true colors, Theo must rely on his sister, her allies, and his friends to get him to safety. With the help of mercenaries and the native tribes of the plains, Theo must learn to face his destiny and open his mind to the diverse world he’s been thrown into.

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Excerpt:

“Dad!” Rhan burst out.

Ta’goda turned his intense focus to his daughter and suddenly his entire body deflated.

Without another word between the two, Ta’goda stood up from his fighting stance, faced whatever was hiding from view of the other three, and he closed his eyes.

Around the towering orc, three snarling wolves made of green flame formed from the ground up. Ta’goda raised his axe in the direction of his fight and the wolves took off.

Once the wolves were out of sight, Ta’goda rushed to his daughter and wrapped her in his arms.

“Rhan,” Ta’goda choked out.

“I’m okay,” she cried into his shoulder.

The chief pulled away and looked her in the eyes.

“What happened?” Rhan asked as she wiped away tears from her cheeks.

“We are under attack,” Ta’goda gritted his teeth, “I must get back to the battle. Our tribe needs me.”

“And me—”

Ta’goda shook his head at Rhan’s protest.

“What?” Rhan blinked at her father.

“You have a new duty,” Ta’goda swallowed. The chief’s eyes peered over his daughter’s shoulders and locked onto Theo. “I cannot leave our people and get the prince to the rivers—”

“I’m not leaving you here—”

“Rhan’takono, this is not the time to argue—”

“There is nothing to argue over! I’m fighting beside you—”

“I can’t—”

“I am to be chief one day! How can I stand before my people after running from this?”

“If you don’t go now, there won’t be a tribe for you to be chief of!” Ta’goda snapped. “This is not a command as your chief. I am begging you as your father—” the words caught in the back of his throat, “please.”

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Geek by heart, author by trade.

Raised on a healthy diet of geek and pop culture, Antony has come to share his love and appreciation for role-playing games, geek culture, and fantasy adventure. If it’s random comic book facts, Star Wars trivia, or just the measly obscure movie reference, Antony is there!

Website: Antonysoehner.com

Twitter: @AntonySoehner https://twitter.com/AntonySoehner

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

Instagram: @AntonySoehner https://www.instagram.com/antonysoehner/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17220779.Antony_Soehner

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/antony-soehner

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Antony-Soehner/e/B075Z3GM57/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

The book will be $0.99 during the tour.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway