Sands of Time by Christine Church Excerpt, Interview & Giveaway

Sands of Time

Fate of the True Vampires

Book One

Christine Church

Genre:  Paranormal

Publisher:  Grey Horse Press, Createspace

Date of Publication: October 26, 2015

ISBN:  978-1518815232,

ASIN: B0187LY2P2

Number of pages: 90

Word Count: 26,000

Cover Artist: Christine Church

Book Description: 

The main character in this first installment is Kesi (later known as Kesi Akhede, as in ancient Egypt they really had no last names). Kesi is a hybrid; half human and half "Pet Mer," a term used for her father's people who are from another place after theirs was destroyed.

She appears a delusive Goddess. She is ageless. But what she wants most is family. Unable to bear children through her own body, and after the death of her husband, she travels the world searching for a way to "create" a child (later known as “Vampyr”). She offers aid to those who need her. But, her deep desire to have a family of her own is never met until she comes across an alchemist by the name of Yin.

Taking what she needs and leaving behind chaos, Kesi continues to run, to search, and to hope. Her everlasting quest takes her through history, from one continent to the next; from her home in Egypt, to China, Scotland, Rome, and finally France.

Read the journals to hear her story, learn about the truth behind the "myth" of what humans call the vampire, read about her unique take on her species and those they create, and discover the chaos and bloodshed caused by a man determined to put an end to vampires forever.

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/gaCXGCv87AA

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Excerpt:

“Queen of the Nile”

Entries found on Papyrus sealed and preserved within a tomb in Egypt

Circa 20th Dynasty

English Translation, 1958

Believed to be written by Kesi, who lived in a village near Giza, and is later known as Kesi Akhede.

Wind over the desert creates a sandstorm that has left all in ruin. The days of old. Eras long past. Will he believe that I existed long ago and was dubbed "The Nile’s Graceful Queen" by pharaohs and kings? Will he believe that, to Amenhotep I in the eighteenth dynasty, I was viewed as an "exquisite work of art?"

I pray now. Not to the gods the desert people bow to, but to my ancestors and my family. I pray that he will understand what it is I must tell him. Who I am. Where I come from. And where I must go.

I think about the time that has passed so quickly. My heart swells with love for my family, for the desert so cruel yet forgiving, the people, and most of all for Jabari.

Life was once simple yet elegant and my people worshiped. When I was young, I heard say that all of the gods had blessed me with a part of themselves. The grace of Bast, the eyes of Horus, the wisdom of Thoth, and even the cruelties of Seth made me who I am. Perhaps this is true still. And yet I remain as I always have and life around me continues to weave its gradual yet inevitable web anew.

Now, the sands of the Sahara have drifted, propelling the destiny of the Pet Mer in a new direction, forcing me to choose, to make the most difficult decision of my life. A decision on which I have procrastinated for too long. A decision, I know, I must make on this night.  And so, I prepare my journey with a questionable destination.

Entry Two

The journey was a familiar one. The mud-brick estate stood on the edge of the village, far enough from the Nile that few had business in that direction, yet close enough to Jabari’s estate to place little travel time between the two. My thoughts had already run too far and I needed to make haste.

I saw her before she saw me. Head bowed, ebony hair flowed over her shoulders. Though they were lowered, I knew her russet eyes. My heart pounded, loins ached, each time I saw her. She stood half hidden behind a copse of rose bushes, palm and myrrh trees, nestled within the vast gardens, just as we had arranged. I approached, letting my presence be known.

She raised her head. "Mistress. No one saw me come but I have little time this night, as my chores are vast."

I nodded. This one I had known for over a year. One of few humans remaining who, through family ties, still revered Father’s people. One of few raised to recall a time when my people were seen as Gods from the Sky. When offering their blood to us was an honour. 

Yet still I did not know her name. Usually, it mattered little. She was merely a servant, though a generous one with the sweetest scent in all of Giza, Saqqara, Alexandria, and all the Nile Delta. Even as far as Abydos. So many I had tasted none of their names known. But tonight it mattered. Tonight everything mattered. This could be my last eve here.

"I know the time has been long," said I, "but please, tell me your name. I need to know it now."

The girl raised an enigmatic brow. "Zahrah." 

About the Author:

Christine began writing at the age of nine, penning and illustrating picture books, taping them together, and even creating a publishing company. In school, she could be found sitting in the back of the class, writing short stories (she aced English and literature). By 1992 she was professionally published in both nonfiction and short stories. In 1998 her book was traditionally published, which led to many more book deals (nonfiction).

Her books and articles have won many awards. She lives for the paranormal, writes in the deep dark night and has a closet full of Goth clothing rarely worn any longer. By day she works at a horse barn caring for 7 horses, including her own noble steed--her best friend, her “son.” She is a professional photographer, actress, and voiceover artist as well. In rare spare time, she loves riding, archery, swimming, singing and auditioning for “Survivor.”

Interview

Where are you from? I am from Connecticut, near the border of Massachusetts. I still live in the same house where I grew up, actually.

Tell us your latest news? The only latest news I have to offer is my new novella, Sands of Time: Fate of the true Vampires. It’s the first book, an Introduction, in what will be a long and very unique series.

When and why did you begin writing? I began writing at a very young age, but have records of writing at 9 years old. I always loved horses, so I would write little stories, picture books (drawing the pictures and everything), then tape them together, give them a title and even a publishing company name (which was “Church Books” based on my last name). From there, I could often be found sitting in the back of the classroom in school, writing short stories. As someone who was born with severe mental illness, writing was my form of escape from the real world that taunted and bullied me. I never stopped loving disappearing into my own worlds, interacting with my own characters, controlling lives (if my characters will allow it, they often do what they want).

When did you first consider yourself a writer?  In the early ‘90’s when I started to write short stories for publication, and then articles for magazines that PAID me.

What inspired you to write your first book? My very first novel was a romantic thriller about a woman who tries to save a killer whale from the abuse of a man at the sea aquarium where she is a new employee. I am not really sure what inspired that book other than a love for saving whales, and I do plan to do a rewrite. But, the actress Loretta Switt (think M*A*S*H*) called me and helped me with information for the book.

Do you have a specific writing style? I think most seasoned writers have their own style. You learn your “voice” as you go along, and if you really study the craft and pay attention to what works and what doesn’t, after time your voice will be unique and recognizable (just as music groups have their own unique sounds). In the beginning it is ok to use successful authors and mimic their voice a bit until you develop your own.

How did you come up with the title? Sands of Time, Fate of the True Vampires has a long and convoluted story behind it. It started as letters within another book that takes place in the 1990’s. That’s all it was and nothing more. I never did anything with the original book (yet), but wanted to take those letters and do something with them. One thought led to another and Sands of Time was born. Because the main character is from Egypt and travels throughout eras in history during her long life, I picked Sands of Time as the title. Perhaps not the most original, but fitting.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? I didn’t write it with any message in mind, but have heard from readers that they have gfotten a lot out of it. The plight of a woman unable to bear children, yet wanting to carry on her bloodline has been mentioned to me as being a big universal message/theme.

How much of the book is realistic? Actually, quite a bit. ALL historical information and people (such as Caractacus in Rome, and Christian Shaw in Scotland) were real people, and every aspect of their lives within the book was real. The ONLY fiction is the vampire characters and their relationships and involvement in history.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? No. All characters come from my head only.

What books have most influenced your life most?  This is tough. I am unique in that I am a very visual person and actually prefer movies and TV to books. For instance, I saw “Interview with the Vampire” long before I even knew the book existed (since, I have read the book a dozen times). It was the movie, the visualizations that I fell in love with. And though my vampires vary widely from Anne’s (especially in origin), there are similarities in our styles. My vampires, too, are beautiful and possess human flaws. Some embrace their powers, other fear it. Otherwise, the similarity ends there. Fifty years of vampire movies, TV shows, and books (some books have made a big impact on me) have all rolled in and made my choices for me. Music is another huge influence for me!!

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? As cliché as it sounds, Anne Rice to an extent, but also Christine Feehan, Marjorie M. Liu, and several authors from my past who seem to have disappeared. Also, Dracula, a classic, is one of my favorites (though I cannot say Bram Stoker is a mentor).

What book are you reading now? The only books I am reading now are books on marketing and promotion for indie authors. This is my first stint as an indie author, and marketing is a nightmare. I am also writing, and when I write, I read no fiction.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? Not yet. But I have been looking very diligently for something fresh and new (besides my own book) to read once I have time. I keep going back to my old list, until I can get a new one.

What are your current projects? Right now I am writing a Compendium to Sands of Time. This will be a very small publication of entries that predate Sands of Time! There will be “fill in” information that will answer many questions currently posed in Sands of Time. This new novelette will be called The Early Scrolls and it will be FREE!! I will be doing this throughout the series… offering “fill in” documents for free.

What would you like my readers to know? I know many authors say their books are “different” or “fresh” or “unique,” but I can say with all honesty, Sands of Time: Fate of the True Vampires is NOTHING like you have ever read before. Read the reviews. I was even shocked at how well it is being received by the reading public. Non-vampire readers have told me they loved it because it’s not like anything “vampire” that’s been out there before. Non-vampire readers like it. Vampire readers will LOVE it.

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