INTERVIEW: Fantasy Author/Artist Judy Mastrangelo

 

Judy Mastrangelo

USA

 

Good morning, Judy, and welcome to Vision and Verse, the site for Art and Authors and those who love them. Can you tell us a little about what you've written?

I both write and illustrate my books.  These are mostly my original Fantasies and Verse about the Fairy Realm, and also stories about Children and Animals. I’ve also published Poetry and Fairy Tale anthologies. The Poetry collections include some well known beloved poems, plus a few of my original ones. My book “Enchanted Fairy Tales” includes several famous classical stories that I’ve abridged. I’ve also done the text and artwork for Oracle Card decks, and written about my Painting techniques.

 

 

What is your favorite genre to write?

Fantasy

 

Favorite food.

Fresh fruit and vegetables

 

Tea or coffee?

I’m off of caffeine now, and I drink warm cacao with milk.

 

Pizza or ice cream?

Both are wonderful.

 

 

Wine or beer?

I’m not much for alcoholic drinks.  A little sip once in a while is nice.

 

 

Where would you like to visit?

Gardens, Mountains, Museums, and Castles in Europe.

 

Favorite musical artist.  

Luciano Pavarotti, Operatic tenor

 

Do you listen to music when you write? 

Yes.

What?

I enjoy listening to Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern Music.

 

What makes you laugh?

I love to watch animals at play, and really good film comedies.

 

Favorite work of art or sculpture.

“Hylas and the Nymphs”

by John William Waterhouse. 

I love the paintings by Bouguereau. 

Rest is beautiful.  I especially love his angels also.

How old were you when you started writing?

8

 

Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? Or just write?

I sometimes write preliminary notes and outlines, and sometimes just start writing.  Each project has its own way of coming through me.

 

Describe your perfect evening.

A lovely Spring Evening, sitting in a beautiful garden with my husband, enjoying the delicious scent of flowers all around us, watching little animals at play, and talking about secret things. 

 

Where do you get your inspiration?

A lot of my Inspiration comes from observing Nature.  I also go into my inner mind where my Imagination, and Memories live.  When I contact that secret place, I create a “Mind Painting” of my ideas, which develops into an original story, with illustrations to go with it.  

 

What do you do when you get a writer's block?

I first tell myself not to worry about having a creative block, since it will soon pass.  Then I just relax and close my eyes, going into a semi dream-like state.  As I see images go by, like watching a film, I become excited and inspired to create new artistic projects.

 

Who is your favorite author?

I have so many to choose from.  William Shakespeare is one of my favorites.

 

Best book you ever read.

The play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare.

 

Last book you read.

“Parish & Poetry: A Gift of Words and Art”

 

 

What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?

I’m a graphic artist also, and enjoy painting very much.

 

Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?

My dear husband has influenced my personal life greatly.  He is an amazing polymath, and very talented in many ways, including artistically.  He has opened up many exciting and inspiring vistas to me.

 

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?

I’d love to have a conversation with the great Artist Leonardo da Vinci.  I think he’s one of the greatest painters who has ever lived, and I would really enjoy talking to him about his beautiful paintings, the Art of the Italian Renaissance, and about his amazing inventions.

 

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?

Look into yourself and discover your deepest dreams and aspirations.  Find out what you love and hold dearest in your heart. Then meditate on how you can impart these intimate feelings to others.

 

 

Do you have some links for us to follow you?

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/judy.mastrangelo.9  and  https://www.facebook.com/JudyMastrangeloArtofficial

 

Twitter: @JMastrangeloArt 

Instagram: jmastrangeloart. (https://www.instagram.com/jmastrangeloart/)

 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judymastrangelo/

 

MY BOOKS ON GOODREADS:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/620382.Judy_Mastrangelo

 

MY WEBSITE:

www.judymastrangelo.com

 

MY WEBSITE BOOK PAGE:

https://judymastrangelo.com/books-2/

 

MY WEBSITE SHOP PAGE:

https://judymastrangelo.com/portfolio/shop/

 

MY AUTHOR’S PAGE ON USA AMAZON:

https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B08TGNL7D9

 

MY RED BUBBLE. COM ONLINE STORE: 

(I’ve designed products from my artwork in this online store:)

https://www.redbubble.com/people/judymastra/portfolio?asc=u

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BOOK REVIEW: Crown of Betrayal by Marie F. Crow

Verona has lived in the safety and bliss of the palace and the luxury of what being a Siren means. Content to live her life in the shadows of her beautiful mother, Ostila, and the enchanting, dark beauty of her aunt, Morlena, Verona never thought about what life would be like should they be taken from her. At her mother’s coronation, these once impossible thoughts become shockingly real.
Corander has lived his life in the shadows of his father, Kurt. At the head of the Empradar bloodline, Kurt holds no mercy for those who fail him and even less for those he distrusts. When the palace falls to madness, it will be Corander who is tested by his father’s desires and torn by his own.
Together, Corander and Verona must discover who they really are, and who they are truly meant to become, before all is lost to hidden plots and crowns of betrayal.

Amazon Buy Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Crown-Betrayal-Siren-Book-1-ebook/dp/B088R9DYKB/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Crown+of+Betrayal+by+Marie+F.+Crow&qid=1591203478&s=digital-text&sr=1-1


My Review:

I thoroughly loved Crown of Betrayal by Marie F. Crow. It’s a beautifully written coming of age tale of Princess Verona and her struggle to take her rightful place in an elaborate world of sirens, nobles, sea people, dark creatures, and hidden powers. Twists and turns abound as Verona’s world is shattered when her mother, the queen, disappears. The author throws us into the  chaos Verona is feeling. Has the Queen been kidnapped? Murdered? Is she still alive? We travel with Verona as she navigates a castle where longtime friends and protectors all have ulterior motives and agendas of their own. Will she survive while she grows into her powers? Who can she trust? This writer’s descriptive style set me right in the middle of the action. I highly recommend Crown of Betrayal. 

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SCHEDULE: April 19 - 23,2021

 Mon., April 19 - ART:

Rest by

William Adolph Bouguereau

Tues., April 20 - BOOK REVIEW:

Crown of Betrayal

by Maria F. Crow 

Wed., April 21 - INTERVIEW:

Fantasy Author/Artist

Judy Mastrangelo

Thurs., April 22 - ENTERTAINMENT:

A Monster Calls

(Netflix)

Fri., April 23 - BOOK:

April Yellow Moon

by Carol Ann Kauffman

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BOOK: Red Sarah by Carol Ann Kauffman

Sarah is a beautiful redhead who works for a special agency that fixes broken timelines and rescues historically significant people who are in trouble. 

She has a special set of skills that allow her to 'tap' someone out of a dangerous situation. Her present assignment is to find and rescue a prince whose son eliminates hunger and disease on his island nation. 

“Save the Prince; save the King; and save the Reds. In doing so, Red Sarah may just save herself, who knows, but what might be the cost? Moving from modern day wisecrackery to a time of romance long ago, Carol Ann Kauffman’s tale is filled with majesty and bravery. This time travel story is a gift for all.” - Amazon Review 

“Sarah has one job and that is to rescue Crown Prince Lucas of Mist from captivity in a dungeon. Yet everything is not as it seems and will Sarah be able to stop an upcoming war? 
This was an interesting book about time travel and trying not to disrupt the time continuum. I liked Sarah and it was interesting on where her and Lucas ended up.” -Amazon Review  

Excerpt:

Chapter One

Look What I Found in the Dungeon

Sarah approached the lifeless figure huddled on the floor. The prisoner was shackled to the wall in the small, dark, damp cell. She reached down toward his throat to make sure he was still alive.

“No,” he growled as he pulled away from her.

“Shh,” whispered Sarah. “I come to help you, not to hurt you. But you must be quiet. I cannot be detected in here.”

“They will kill you… or worse,” he whispered, “for trying to help me. I am not some poor unfortunate soul. Do you have any idea who I am?”

“Yes, I do. You are Crown Prince Lucas of the Mist Kingdom in the highland of LaMere. Let me touch your neck.” 

He moved toward her as much as he could. 

She gently touched his bearded neck. “You are very warm, Prince Lucas. I fear you have the fever.”

“I am Prince Lucas, yes, but not the Crown Prince. My eldest brother Marcus is the Crown Prince and heir to the throne of the Mist Kingdom. I wield no power, here or in the highland. If you help me, I can do nothing for you in return. Leave this rotten stink hole at once. You only put yourself in extreme danger. There is nothing you can do for me.”

“Oh, really?” Sarah laughed as she put a small flask to his lips. He sipped, then swallowed and sighed.

“Ahh, good. Thank you,” he whispered. “What is that?”

“Herb and honey infused whiskey. It will induce a deep and heavy sleep. If you are chained to the wall in here, you may as well get some rest.” Sarah gave him more of the strong, sweet liquid. 

“Sleep now, Prince Lucas. I will return tomorrow night, when the guards are fast asleep. I will bring you bread and cheese. Is there something else you crave?”

“Freedom from these bloody chains. A bath. Warmth. Clothing. Sunshine. Strawberries.”

“Strawberries, I can do. And maybe something for the fever.”

“Why? Why do you chance danger to bring me real food and medicine?” Lucas eyed her warily.

“Because you need to regain your strength if I am to help you escape.”

“Escape?” squealed Lucas with a surprisingly hearty laugh for a man in his depleted condition. “Are you daft?”

“Shh,” whispered Sarah. “Be quiet.”

Lucas nodded.

“You have quite the sense of humor, lovely one,” whispered Lucas. “I am chained to the wall in a filthy dungeon in the miserable, hellish depths of Marlow Castle. There is no escape for me. And where would I go? I am too weak to even make it to the drawbridge, let alone up the rugged terrain of the mountainside. I am alone. My people have abandoned me. And, in case you did not notice, this cell is locked.”

“So then… how did I get in here?” Sarah smiled.

The prince looked around in confusion.

“Now, close your eyes.”

Lucas closed his eyes.

Sarah disappeared.

The next night, Sarah appeared in the locked cell once again. “Is there anyone in here who is hungry for real food?” she whispered to the sleepy prince.

“Ahh, there you are!” He smiled at her. “When I awoke refreshed from my deep and restful sleep, I was not sure if you were real or simply a lovely vision of my imagination.”

“I assure you, I am real. Here,” she handed him a small cloth pouch with berries and pieces of bread and cheese and a flask of water. 

“I am most grateful,” said Lucas, “although I do not know why you do this.” Lucas lifted the cloth pouch to his nose and inhaled. “Smells wonderful.” He picked a strawberry from the pouch and ate it. “This is the best thing I have tasted since...since…”

 Amazon Link:

 https://tinyurl.com/y7zcmuq4

Sign up below in the comments 

for a chance to win

 a free kindle version of 

RED SARAH!

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ENTERTAINMENT: The Dig (Netflix)

Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes are two reasons to watch "The Dig". Based on a true story, a woman (Carey Mulligan) in a mansion hires a man (Ralph Fiennes) to excavate on part of her country estate for a paltry salary, looking for what I was not quite sure, in this very British film.

She has a young son who named Robert Pretty (Don't you feel sorry for this kid already?) who runs around in a cape and befriends the old excavator man. 

But it's about more than digging a big hole in the ground and finding treasure while fighting bureaucrats. Much more. It's a lovely movie.

 

 

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INTERVIEW: Master Storyteller Jared McVay

Jared McVay

Powell Butte, Oregon

Good morning, Jared, and welcome back to Vision and Verse, the site for Art and Authors and those who love them. Can you tell us a little about what you've written? 

So far, I've written over 20 books in eight different genres, including an award winning western Hacker's Raid, and a 10-book western series, Clay Brentwood, a contemporary mystery 2-book series so far, about a young woman named Kathleen McClusky. I've written a twice awarded contemporary action adventure, Not On My Mountain, a pirate/wizard trilogy, Brody O'Shea, a YA Fantasy that is also loved by adults, Silent Runner/Guardian Warrior, three children's books, and at present I'm writing book one of a Post Apocalyptic Fiction series called Patriot Warriors.

    

Favorite genre to write?

I'm still working on that one. As I said,

 I write several genres and like all of 

them. Who knows how many more I will write?

Favorite food.

Let's see, I'm a simple eater: Bacon and eggs, biscuits and sausage gravy, and last but not least, a pot of navy beans with cornbread, fried potatoes and a big slice of onion.

Tea or coffee?  

Black coffee, but a cup of tea on a cold or rainy afternoon is good.

Pizza or ice cream? 

Definitely, ice cream

 

Wine or beer?

Beer on a hot afternoon. But Brown Sugar Bourbon is best, anytime.

Where would you like to visit?  

With a name like McVay, it has to be Ireland and Scotland.

Favorite musical artist. 

I'm an ole country boy so it has to be Hank Williams and Johnny Cash.

                                           

Do you listen to music when you write? 

No, it distracts from the movie I watch in my head that I write down what I see and hear - which turns out to be the book I'm writing.

What makes you laugh?

Far, far too many things to list. But basically, people and the silly things they say and do.

Favorite work of art or sculpture?  

Anything by my friend, Tom Browning, Artist.

How old were you when you started writing? 

Fifteen. I began writing short stories at the encouragement of my literature teacher. 

Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? 

No. As I said earlier, I turn on a switch and watch a movie in my head and when the movie ends, so does the book. I never know who's coming next or what will happen next. And I'm the first one to read it, so I get excited, angry, upset or sometimes, even cry. If I get emotional, then I figure I have a good story, which is what we all strive for.

Describe your perfect evening.

Big glass of ice tea, a big bowl of popcorn 

and a good movie.

Where do you get your inspiration?

My publisher, or anyone for that matter will say, "You should write a book about..." And off I go. That's all it takes. Guess that's why I've written so many genres.

                                              

What do you do when you get writer's block? 

Good question. So far I've never had it - but if I ever do, I'll let you know. Like I said, I just watch a 

movie in my head and write it down.

Who is your favorite author?

Tough question. As it turns out, I read a wide variety of genres and authors, both male and female, many who are  author friends of mine and first time writers who send me their book. As long as they write a good story, I love them all.

What was the last book you read? 

1st time writer, Grant Rosenberg - Gideon - detective/mystery

What would you do for a living if you weren't a writer? 

I guess I would go back to my old profession - SAG - AFTRA - EQUITY principal actor. I've been in around 40 movies - worked on more than 20 television shows,  a whole slew of television commercials, voice-over dubbing for foreign cartoons, ghostwriter for screenplays , MC for live shows- along with speaking about, acting, writing and motivational. 

    

Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life?

 In 1955, I was running wild and living a rough life, when I met a man named, Gene Warren. He gave me a job and for the next two years, he taught me about life and how to be a man. I still remember his teaching today. He and his wife became lifelong friends, and I was sad when I heard of his passing.

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be, and why? 

After careful consideration, I would have to say, Benjamin Franklin. I would like to tell and show him all that came from his inventions.

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer? 

Hummm, I guess I would tell them, if you're motivated and feel you have a story or stories in you that you need to put down on paper? Do it... Writing should be for yourself. and...if other people like what you have to say - then you become a professional writer - but no matter, write for yourself.

                                     

Do you have some links for us to follow you? 

I'm a writer and not a very techy one. I do put things on Facebook, - which I believe is attached somehow to Twitter and Goodreads. My publisher, Creative Texts Publishers, also advertises my books - last but not least - my friend, Crystal Gauthier of CIG Promotions and Marketing sends out ads about my books. 

Website:  www.jaredmcvay.com

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Jared McVay/e/B0060B8M8Q

http://facebook.com/JaredMcVay   

Jared McVay

Actor, Writer, Storyteller

Novels, Children's Books

downwind.sailor@gmail.com       

http://jaredmcvay.com

Blog:  Jared's Scribblings

Dear Gentle Readers, 

Here are  my reviews of 

Not on My Mountain

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7343419041396488238/8243773885816418221

and Hacker's Raid https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7343419041396488238/5846653211073114152 .

They are great stories!

Hugs,

Carol

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BOOK REVIEW: Death Saint by Rich Curtin

Death Saint is another terrific Manny Rivera Mystery by the talented Rich Curtin. Set in the breathtaking New Mexico/Colorado area, the story begins with a confession leading to a cold case, and opens up the hidden world of tiny Hispanic village’s cultural and religious ways. I love New Mexico and felt as if I were back there again just reading the descriptions. I love Manny Rivera. This is the second book in the series I’ve read, it won’t be the last.

DEATH SAINT was selected as a Finalist for Best Mystery in the 2016 New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards.


New clues in an old, unsolved murder case lead Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera from Moab, Utah, to a small, remote village in the mountains of northern New Mexico. With reluctant and sometimes non-existent assistance from the local sheriff, he enters a community of people unwilling to open up with him because of a centuries-old distrust of outsiders--outsiders were the ones who stole their land grant. 


He slowly penetrates their hardened attitude toward strangers and learns about a series of bizarre events which took place there fifteen years ago. As layers of the case are peeled away, he begins to understand the complexities behind a number of mysterious deaths. Local cultural beliefs--superstitions, witches, evil spells, owl power, a secret religious organization, and a strange saint--stymie his progress, complicate his investigation, and threaten his life.

Amazon Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Death-Saint-Manny-Rivera-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01GQGW1EO

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SCHEDULE: April 12 - 16, 2021

Orchid Show2020 

Riverside Fellowship Gardens

Youngstown, OH   

Photo by CAKauffman

Mon., April 12 - ART:

Spanish Artist 

Joan Miró

Tues., April 13 - BOOK REVIEW:

Death Saint

by Rich Curtin

Wed., April 14 - INTERVIEW: 

Master Storyteller

Jared McVay

Thurs., April 15 - ENTERTAINMENT:

The Dig

(Netflix)

Fri., April 16 - BOOK:

Red Sarah

by Carol Ann Kauffman

VISIONANDVERSEDISCLAIMER:

Note:

Vision and Verse does not store any personal information like email addresses, home addresses, etc. We do not give any information to third parties. And cookies? We eat cookies.