What is your stance?
The Empress’ Journey
Tikl The First of Nehel Book 1
by Joseph Kopel
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Amid turmoil and despair, a new hope
arises as a young empress.
The Gesha obliterated the once thriving but ailing Kingdom of Aranka,
triggering an imbalance in Sankaris. Epidemics, wars, pollution, and madness
plague the land as the protagonists pursue for answers.
A glimmer of faith spreads throughout the maimed world as the Promise. Her rise
to power brings a much-needed balance, ensuring a fresh start and the dawning
of a new era.
Will she unravel the mysteries behind these afflictions and restore the balance
to Sankaris?
Join this captivating tale of humanity, resilience, determination, and the
search for truths in a world gripped by darkness.
GUEST POST
Can you, for those
who do not know already, tell something about yourself and how you became an
author?
As a kid I always
loved stories, either way, books, movies, TV shows, comics, or whatever there
is a story, and as a kid from the 70’s a good story always amazed me. And that
included a peeking among the books from my grandfather’s library, on the last
floor of his apartment.
My grandfather had
his collection of thousands of books. Indeed, I am not making up by saying he
had thousands of volumes, half of his room he called “office” had walls covered
by bookcases and volumes. I could find any genre, fiction and non-fiction, encyclopedias,
and manuals, as well as those written by famous authors I still remember in my
head—Dickens, Wild, Christie, Dumas, Hugo, Verne, Fuentes, Paz. However, my
eyes got tempted by two titles in particular— “The Andromeda Strain” by Michael
Crichton and “Martian Chronicles” by Ray Bradbury.
The blend of Sci-Fi
with thriller, suspense, terror, and a bit of worldbuilding attracted me,
inspired by those authors I took the choice to start writing at the age. Many
writers made up stories, and I wanted to make one.
Since then, I have
never stopped writing.
As I grew up, I
discovered the works of Asimov, H.G. Wells, Heinlen and others. Through my
school I learned about Latin American writers such as Juan Rulfo and Gabriel
Garcia Marquez, inspiring me into the Magic Realism. There were other
authors as Stephen King that also introduced me to the written language of
horror.
Much later, closer to
my 30 years old, my half-brother led me into the Medieval Fantasy with “The
Lord of the Rings” by J.R. Tolkien, from there I have immersed myself in other
works from Suzanne Collins, R.R. Martin and World of Warcraft’s Christie Golden.
Apart from a brief
slump, I will still write today. But until recently I have decided to
publish—self-publishing—because I believe it was time that my wide selection of
characters, I have created in forty years had to go out from the hiding and
become known and public. I could not stand having them buried, wishing to share
them with my readers and, at least, put a smile on their faces because in any
way they could identify with them, to inspire them in their lives.
What is something
unique/quirky about you?
In the past I used to
smoke—I know, not a good habit—and always had cigarette in my hand while
typing. Since I quit smoking eleven years ago, I suck flavored lollipops or
bite gums. Even I steal from my kids’ Halloween candies to get a lollipop and
focus on my writing.
Also, sometimes I eat baby food just for pleasure, though I have not done it for a long time. I need my wife’s permission for it.
Tell us something
really interesting that happened to you.
My love for writing drove me to work for a small newspaper at a small city in Mexico. I was a news reporter. I covered politics, social realities, crime, and even local sports, I had my own column. It was an interesting time I experienced, but that was not the kind of writing I wished, fiction was my stuff, not harsh realities I had to witness everyday as part of my job. Covering crimes and injustices can really suck your soul, and it’s something I don’t wish to no one.
What are some of your
pet peeves?
My kids do not listen to me when I teach them the proper ways to do chores—rest assured I love my kids! Distraction when I am focused on something, especially writing. When someone talks to me with their mouth covered as I have hearing loss unable to read them.
Where were you
born/grew up at?
I was born in Mexico
City from a Mexican English teacher and an American Marine from New York,
giving me the chance to learn and master two languages. I grew up in that city
until my eighteen years old, and moved a lot, first to Northern and Central
Mexico, then Florida, Puerto Rico and lastly Missouri where I live since 2007.
My childhood in
Mexico City is an unforgettable one, as I had lived in the city’s Golden Era as
I was born just four years after the Olympic Games and two years after its
first World Cup. The colors and the unique culture that Mexico offered from the
seventies to the late eighties were parts that complemented my childhood and
most of my teen years. Unfortunately, I had to move away even against my will
for many reasons.
However, moving and traveling to other cities also allowed me to enjoy more about the Mexican culture, met many people and had some opportunities.
If you knew you’d die
tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
In the company of my family, nothing else
Who is your hero and
why?
John F Kennedy. He favored the human rights along with his brother Robert and Martin Luther King. He did not achieve what he intended with the equality and took decades, but he started an openness to other races. He also averted another world war.
What are you
passionate about these days?
My family and my pets.
How do you unwind and
relax?
Watching some sports I like, especially baseball.
How do you find time
to write as a parent?
It is still hard to find time for myself and my books. The only available times I have are from around 8 to 10 in the morning, as my three kids leave for school before my usual chores or job, and from 10 to 12 in the night as they are sleeping while I await my wife from work.
Describe yourself in
5 words or less.
Caring, emphatic, loyal, believer, observant.
When did you consider
yourself a writer?
Since the moment I began writing stories, at the age of 10. Anybody who writes is a writer, no need to publish or make stories public.
Do you have a
favorite movie?
I love movies and favorites are so many that I can’t decide which one I like the most, I guess I don’t have a favorite. But I can mention the most memorable ones. The Fifth Element is to me like a drug that takes me inside a world between the fantasy and sci-fi, Sophie’s Choice is something that can break the heart, The Neverending Story is a beautiful film that even gave me inspiration to write. I am only mentioning the ones that come to my mind.
Which of your novels
can you imagine being made into a movie?
From all my novels, published and unpublished, this, “The Empress’ Journey.” There is a reason why I decided to start—or restart—my career in the self-publishing by choosing that specific novel.
What literary
pilgrimages have you gone on?
I have not done it, but the closest thing to a pilgrimage was Eureka Spring in Arkansas, a place that helped me to give ideas for my book. Also, the Renaissance Festival in Kansas City.
As a writer, what
would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
Ram. It is my zodiac
sign, and I identify myself as a ram in my style.
EXCERPT
The Promise has to accept her stance.
"I am just a small girl with all the burden of an empire."
Beings of pure evilness.
"I had an encounter with a wraith of nightmarish malevolence!"
Tests of loyalty.
"Do not ya see, indeed, the Promise is with this knight?"
The
Gesha (Prologue)
So
many stories about the Gesha spread throughout Sankaris. Unfolded in different
accounts, but the same culmination.
Though
restricted to half a continent, the influence reached all over the world.
None
of the four moons were visible that night as dark clouds gathered over the
ailing Kingdom of Aranka.
A
realm so cursed by the plague and the sudden death of two monarchs in a short
time.
The
thunderstorm came afterward.
A
massive roar echoed from the clouds, even in distant places on three
continents.
The
sound was too bizarre to be a rumble of thunder.
The
blazing white lightning impossible to see fell to the ground somewhere in
Aranka. A burning reverberation resonated, shrieking.
The
powerful earthquake trembled the underground.
Twisted
and massive, rapid winds danced along with the fire. It lasted a moment in time
but seemed an eternity.
Then, void. Silence, darkness. Without a trace, the clouds vanished, unveiling the night sky with the imposing moons of No Sak and No Nunn.
By
the morning, when the sun arose, Aranka was no more.
Nothing.
All
existence of a realm gone.
Life
became dead. Sand only sand. Desert.
A
kingdom obliterated.
Everyone
knew the morning sensed strange.
A severed balance immutably maimed Sankaris.
Excerpt from: Kopel, Joseph. The Empress' Journey: Tikl the First of Nehel (pp. 7-8). Joseph Kopel. Kindle Edition.
“I
have a feeling there is more you wish to reveal. Have you forgotten?” she said
with a fixed stare. “What is my life stance?”
“Aye,
Lakia,” he smiled with apprehension. “You were born as the Promise of the
Jyistereerk, an empress entrusted with bringing balance to this ill world.”
The girl, feeling a sense of tranquility, turned her gaze towards the majestic Karekall Mountains. She understood what dwelt beyond the formidable mountains and knew her purpose. Still, an essence of chilling mystery hid behind.
Excerpt from: Kopel, Joseph. The Empress' Journey: Tikl the First of Nehel (p. 203). Joseph Kopel. Kindle Edition.
His
eyes wetted, and he was about to cease on his purpose when a light wind crashed
on his face. He sensed her and turned to glance to the left.
Juni
found her.
Lakia
stood under a cherry blossom tree of white flowers. She was immobile and
covered by the cloak’s hood and with boyish clothes.
The
wind, her wind, made the loosened flower’s tiny petals descend on her like a
snowfall. Her hazel eyes stared at him inexpressively.
Juni rushed and halted when he had her before him. His breath was fast that he could barely speak. “Please! Forgive me! I should not have called you a sorcerer!” gasped, with a regretful and sad face. “You are more than that!”
Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Empress-Journey-Tikl-First-Nehel-ebook/dp/B0CPLDZKR9
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-empress-journey-tikl-the-first-of-nehel-by-joseph-kopel
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203297039-the-empress-journey
Book Trailer:
About the Author
Joseph Kopel is an imaginative author who
has transitioned from Sci-Fi to Space Opera and now ventures into the realm of
Fantasy with his debut in the genre.
What began as a hobby has grown into
thirty-five years of writing. Being bilingual, he switched between English and
Spanish. The greatest influences on him were the Latin American literature in
Mexico City's libraries and the most famous American Sci-Fi authors.
When he is out of any fantastic realm to be
in the world of reality, he enjoys his time with his wife, three kids, and his
two pets.
Currently, he lives in Northwest Missouri,
in a small peaceful country town of only 250 people.
Facebook * TikTok * Amazon * Goodreads
Author
Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JosKAuthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joew7705
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Joseph-Kopel/author/B073ZYW7X6
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47224999.Joseph_Kopel
Giveaway
$20 Amazon giftcard – 1 winner,
Signed Original First Edition of The
Empress’ Journey – 5 winners!
Follow
the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
https://bit.ly/EmpressJourneyTour
Thanks by hosting my book! JK
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the guest post. Sounds really good.
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