The Secret Seekers Society and the Beast of Bladenboro By Joe Hickey
Young siblings, Hunter Glen and Elly Anne, lost their parents in a plane crash merely two weeks ago. Unknowing how to deal with the sudden and painful loss, the children find themselves living with their enigmatic Godfather, Dr. Calenstine. Taken from their home, and all their friends, they find themselves living inside the even more mysterious Belmonte Manor, a secretive and enormous estate that houses a creepy ancient castle.
Despite the kindness of the Manor's caretakers, the siblings find themselves imprisoned in their room, where the many secrets and dark past of their new home slowly unfold before their very eyes. Follow the young children as they unravel the truth behind their parents past, the mysterious and creepy Belmonte estate, and their "roles" in the terrifying events that the kids often find themselves in. Filled with secret societies, ancient monsters, mysterious objects, and more adventure the children could have ever hoped for, J.L. Hickey promises a journey great for young adults, yet wonderfully exciting and riveting for all ages.
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$25 Amazon Giftcard and 3 ebooks and 1 print copy of The League of Delphi by Chris Everheart ends 2/26 (Int)
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--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.
Two kids find themselves alone, and living in a mysterious mansion filled with ancient secrets, and yes, there are monsters, too!
--How did you get the idea for the story?
I have always loved the paranormal, whether its ghosts, spirits, big foot, or anything that would fall under that unknown. I have been researching cryptozoology and haunted stories since I was just a young tyke. I am one of those people, back when I was able to afford cable, my DVR was filled with shows like Destination Truth, Ghost Adventurers, Ghost Hunters, Beast Hunter, Decoded, and the likes. A few years back I even decided to start up my own paranormal research team here in Michigan, called MIParanormal. So it’s been something I had been thinking about doing for a while, I just needed to find the right narrative arc to tell it in.
So, after the release of my first indie book, my sister made me promise one day I would write her children into a book. Fast forward two years later. It was Christmas 2011, and I had been extremely ill for over a month, unable to work, and pretty much in a lethargic state of self-pity. So instead of being a waste of space, I decided to start work on my second novel. It just came to me one day watching an episode of Supernatural on WGN with my niece and nephew, who were arguing over the lap top and what youtube video was funnier. Watching them and listening to them banter back and forth, I knew fictionalizing them into this world filled with secret societies and mythical creatures would be an amazing Christmas present for them next year. The next day, I wrote the first chapter in about a half hour, and new I was onto something. Originally, the book was only going to be made for them. As it continued to grow, and the story began to develop, I realized this was an amazing story to be shared.
--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?
Professor Calenstine would be an amazing dinner guest. Without giving too much away, his experience in life is unmatched by anyone. He has seen and been a part of things most people could never even fathom. Not to mention, he lives his life under the notion to better the entire human spirit, through unconditional love and understanding. Need advice on love, spirituality, Enlightment? The Professor not only has words of wisdom to share, but a few awe-inspiring real life stories to share.
--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?
The second book “Secret Seekers Society and Solomon’s Ring is in the early stages of development, with a 12/31/13 tentative release date. The second book focuses on the children’s first semester in the “Enlightment” courses and the mysterious artifact known as Solomons ring.
--What book(s) is your book’s “cousin”?
I have been told by my readers they get a sense of Lemony Snicket’s, Chronicles of Narnia, and even Night at the Museum. Personally, I see a closer relation to the Harry Potter series.
--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?
I love the Harry Potter series when I am in my writing mode, solely because of their inspiration. I can only get about five pages in before I put the book down and start on my own writing. Outside of when I am writing, I find it really hard to find a book I enjoy. I am very picky and spend more time searching for a book to peak my interest than actually reading. I enjoy early Chuck Palahniuk, some Stephen King (Running Man was amazing), Jurassic Park, Lost World, and the graphic novel Watchmen, which is by far my favorite of all time, with 1984 a close second.
--If a fairy godmother told you could be put into the world of your favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?
--If a fairy godmother told you could be put into the world of your favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?
Not Jurassic Park, that’s for sure lol. I wouldn’t last an hour with those Raptors. I would have to choose a one night stay at Hogwarts. I read a lot of dystopian lit, and really, it’s called dystopian lit for a reason, keep me far away from 1984 and Running Man’s world. .
--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?
--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?
I have recently become a coffee addict; it’s pretty much a necessity for me now at any computer. As for music, I listen to a lot of Kid Cudi and Lupe Fiasco. Not so much for inspiration, but I find them calming and relaxing, good background music.
http://youtu.be/ca3hhFfFH-k
--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
I have spent hours in debated with this amazing question! It’s such a hard decision. I would love to have the power of inspiration. To touch people with my words, written or spoken, to enhance their lives and their ability to be happy. Just think of the good someone could do with such a power! Inspire those with addictions to get clean, inspire those with dreams to live them out, inspire those lost in depression to find the light. If only life was so easy, right?
--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?
--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?
I work 50 hours a week in retail management and dedicate 25 to 40 hours on top of that with writing and self-promoting my books. Free time is valuable and hard to come by. I also run the MIParanormal group, and we do a handful of cases a year.
http://youtu.be/1eX4IYHbtTs
When I get to relax, I’m a gamer at heart. I try to get a few hours a week on my xbox or ps3 to unwind. Currently playing Walking Dead, Far Cry Three, and Final Fantasy III for my Vita.
--What is one thing you would tell your 15 year old self?
Don’t waste three years of college second guessing your true passion! You’re just going to end up picking creative writing despite everyone telling you not to anyway. Don’t listen to them when they say you can’t find a good job with that sort of degree. Guess what, you will land an awesome job that will pay the bills while you write as a hobby. So pick up that pen and start dabbling and never look back. Focus on the creative aspect of writing, and let the style and tone of your works mature with age. You will meet a lot of great wordsmiths who will flaunt over redundant flowery prose and use large and daunting words that will make you feel inferior, but don’t let it hold you back, more than likely they can’t spin a decent story for the life of them. Simple creativity will forever trump anything else a writer has to offer.
--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?
--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?
I am a no-named indie author swimming in an ocean filled with other no-named indie authors, all struggling to snag the proverbial hook of the masses. Just give me a chance! If you love YA books, paranormal, fantasy, or any combination of the three, this book will amaze you. If it doesn’t, contact me, and I will send you a personal apology to your email.
Lightning round: this or that?
Vanilla or chocolate? Chocalate.
Edward or Jacob? Hermione for the win.
Hockey or soccer? Basketball.
Ebook or paper? Ebooks.
Salty or sweet? Salty.
Beach or mountains? Beach.
Phone call or email? Email.
Early bird or night owl? Natural night owl living in an early bird sort of world.
Dog or cat? Great Danes!
Messy or neat? Messy.
Ninjas or pirates? Ninjas.
Joe lives in Saginaw, Michigan where he has a Bachelor's Degree in Creative Writing through Saginaw Valley State University. Joe has written and is currently self-publishing his first novel entitled The Deity Chronicles: Origins.
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His recent release, The Secret Seekers Society and the Beast of Bladenboro was released 12/31/12 and had already been a huge success.
twitter: JLHickey81
www.secretseekerssociety.com
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February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day.
Join Read for Your Future & I Am A Reader, Not A Writer in the kind act of giving away books.
I love this giveaway and what it stands for. I think there should be a lot more RAK's from people.Thank you for a chance to win and for being a part of this fun and awesome blog hop!!
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