Welcome to my stop on the NBtM virtual book tour for The Virus of Beauty by C.B. Lyall. This book tour was organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. On my stop, I have an excerpt from the book as well as an interview with the author. There's also the tour wide giveaway for a chance to win a $50 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card. Be sure to visit the other stops on the tour for more content. Enjoy!
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Title: The Virus of BeautySeries: The Virus of Beauty #1
Author: C.B. Lyall
Publisher: Hazel Publishing Company
Publication Date: November 16th 2020
Print Length: 243 pages
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
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Ugliness is power, and the Virus of Beauty is spreading causing panic throughout the witch population.
Wilf Gilvary is a teenage wizard who is terrified of using magic. When his father dies under mysterious circumstances, Wilf is plunged into the middle of a political struggle between the witches and wizards in the Magical Realm. He’d rather play soccer than practice magic, but he’s forced to make a choice between the life of a normal Hong Kong teen and one of wizardry after a powerful virus begins to decimate the witch community. The cure is spellbound in a journal Wilf inherited from his father and when his friend Katryna contracts the virus, Wilf understands that he must overcome his fear of magic to unlock the journal’s secrets – but will it be too late to save her?
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EXCERPT:
A woman stomped down the central aisle towards him. He observed the purple silk slippers she wore. Shoes that delicate shouldn’t sound like soccer cleats marching across a metal basement hatch. She stopped at the counter.
His gaze lifted from the woman’s feet to her face. Her leaden complexion and doughy face were enough to make him recoil. But the enormous wart at the end of her long, beaked nose was his undoing. He gasped.
She pursed her lips and her eyes flared. Wilf took in the rest of her appearance, from the severity of her hair bun to the red carpetbag, the size of a professional tennis player’s racket bag, slung over her shoulder. He furrowed his brow. She reminded him of someone, but he couldn’t quite remember who.
“Beautiful, isn’t it? Not many are blessed with a wart of such magnitude,” she said.
The hairs on his arms all stood up at the sound of her scratchy voice. Blackened nails poked out of the ends of her fingerless gloves, but thankfully, she wasn’t offering to shake hands.
“Have we met?”
“Not that I recall,” she said.
“You’re probably right. I think I would remember seeing you before.” He tried to avoid meeting her hypnotic, brown eyes. They seemed like mud pools wanting to suck him into their fathomless depths.
“Is that so?”
His stool rocked of its own volition and forced him to stand.
“Ermentrude Wakefield is the name.” She glanced around the small store. “You may call me Witch Wakefield.”
Wilf stepped back, braced against the wall, and shoved his ringed hand into his pocket. His heart raced. The Wizard Council had dispatched this witch to collect him. Well, it didn’t make any difference who they sent. He wasn’t leaving Hong Kong.
“Now, I don’t usually deal with wizards” — her face wrinkled the way Myra’s did when she took his soccer kit out of its bag for washing — “but this time I have to.”
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carolyn Lyall was born in Stockton-On-Tees, United Kingdom. As a child Carolyn growing up in Northern England in the sixties Carolyn loved sports, reading and amateur dramatics. She joined a renaissance group, practiced the broadsword and dreamed of visiting other worlds. Her passion for what could be drove her forward when faced with everyday struggles. Her first memorable skirmish with gender inequality came at nine-years old when she was told that only boys were allowed to play soccer. In response, she simply refused to do any classwork until they changed their old-fashioned policies. She won that battle.
At the age of 18, she took a role as typist for a nursing school in Middlesbrough. She then moved to London and enrolled in night school. She was quickly recognized for her ability to fit in anywhere and for not being afraid to push back on the predominantly male leadership. She eventually became a project manager in software development and micro-computers, bridging the gap between computer programmers and management.
Her dream to travel was finally realized in 1990 when she moved to New York City, USA with her husband and the first of three sons. This was the steppingstone to a lifelong adventure that has taken her and her family to India, Belgium and Hong Kong.
Raising her family in multiple countries around the world, she saw that each move, while a shock, was an opportunity for her sons to redefine themselves against new challenges and different cultural norms. Now, that her sons have left home, Carolyn has used her passion for the fantastic to create a world where every day gender inequalities are at the forefront of a world ending conflict. She shares this story through the eyes of a young man who is suddenly thrust into this new world along with all of his own woes and prejudices. The introduction to this world is in Carolyn’s debut YA fantasy novel, “The Virus of Beauty,” due to be released July 31, 2019 under C B Lyall.
Carolyn has published two short stories in an annual anthology by 25 Servings of Soop. She wrote a number of articles for the American Women’s Associates Magazine. Fueled by her love of the works of Terry Pratchett, Sarah J Maas, Cassandra Clare, Brandon Sanderson and others, Carolyn has completed a number of writing courses, which included a Master Fantasy/Science Fiction writers course with Gotham Writers’ Workshop, a YA Voice class and Advance Novel Writing course at Sarah Lawrence College’s Writing Institute.
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AUTHOR INTERVIEW:
- What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
I have recently discovered Pistachio Gelatino and could eat a whole tub in one sitting with no trouble at all.
- Which mythological creature are you most like?
I’m not sure there is a mythological creature I’m like. A writing, tidy, golf playing, mother/ grandmother who is very organized and a geek. Haven’t heard of that creature in any mythological book I’ve read.
- First book you remember making an indelible impression on you.
A copy of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. I’m dyslexic and when I was 8 years old my coping mechanism in class was to always take out the same Fairy Tales book from the school library. I learned to read it my heart. Then when called on in class to read aloud from my library book I could do so without stumbling and being laughed at by my peers. In those days dyslexia wasn’t recognized as a learning disability.
- How do you develop your plot and characters?
I like to interview my characters. I have a list of questions for them. This usually leads to insights on their internal and external struggles. From there I can develop the story plot line.
- Describe your writing space.
My office is in the above ground basement. The doors open out onto a small courtyard patio next to a pond. I have bookshelves surrounding my desk, photographs of my family and friends on a side table. There is also an electric tea kettle and a tea caddy full of my favorite teas. The space is bright, warm and inviting.
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GIVEAWAY:
C.B. Lyall will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card to one randomly chosen winner via Rafflecopter. To increase your chance of winning, leave a comment at a different stop on the tour each day. Good luck!
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteHow long was the writing process?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your question.
DeleteThe Virus of Beauty took around three years from conception to publication. The second book took around 18 months, because I already knew the characters.
I think that the cover of your book is very eye catching!
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Thanks.
DeleteThis sounds like a very good book.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy reading it.
DeleteThank you for hosting. I'm excited to be on this tour.
ReplyDeleteNice cover and excerpt!
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteThis sounds like an interesting book and I also like the cover.
ReplyDeleteabfantom at yahoo dot com
Thank you
DeleteSounds like a good book. I like the cover and the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I hope you also like the book.
DeleteWhat inspired you to write this book?
ReplyDeleteI needed a story for a short story workshop I was attending. I came up with a wizard who hated magic. From there the story grew into a three book series. I wanted to turn the tables on beauty being such a dominant focus, so along came the witches and a virus.
DeleteSounds interesting, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an exciting plot!
ReplyDeleteThank you
Deletekeep up the great work
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteColorful Book Cover and the book sounds interesting
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteThe book sounds really great.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy reading it.
DeleteDo you like meeting fans?
ReplyDeleteYes. I used to enjoy live readings. I have a podcast of me reading the first chapter. Check my website for the link cblyall.com
DeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeletesounds good
ReplyDeleteI love a good fantasy with witches. Good work.
ReplyDeleteThese might look like your average witch, warts and all, but their struggle for representation is one we can understand.
DeleteThe excerpt is interesting. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the excerpt.
DeleteI enjoyed the excerpt. Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Hope you also enjoy the book.
DeleteLooks like an interesting book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest.
Thanks
DeleteHave to buy this for my granddaughter.. she will love it!
ReplyDeleteI hope you're granddaughter enjoys the book. I hope you will also read and enjoy the adventure.
DeleteIt sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read a book review post, I always find information about the author to be very interesting.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Thank you
DeleteI liked the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked the excerpt. Hope you enjoy reading the book too.
DeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteCool cover
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day!
ReplyDeleteVirus of Beauty - that is interesting!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the review.
Hope you enjoy reading it.
DeleteHOPE YOU'RE ENJOYING YOURSELF TODAY.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteDo you have a favorite genre/topic you enjoy writing about?
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of fantasy, but also like historical fiction and nonfiction.
DeleteWant to read this book!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy the adventure.
DeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteI admire your ability to write.
ReplyDeleteIt's a special gift.
Thank you
DeleteHope your book sells like hotcakes!
ReplyDeleteHAPPY HUMP DAY!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteTweeted about this -
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/1384910644584005637
Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteShared this on Facebook -
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/barbara.montag.7/posts/10226026232658648
Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting book and I also like the cover.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteDo you write on the weekends?
ReplyDeleteSometimes, but I mainly write during weekday afternoons.
DeleteHope you are having better weather than we are.
ReplyDeleteCloudy & stormy.
I think that the cover of your book is unique and one of a kind.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Nice cover and interesting story.
ReplyDeleteShared this on Facebook -
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/barbara.montag.7/posts/10226067496850227
I always enjoy hearing about new books.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this review.
Happy Hump Day!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteI tried several times to write.
ReplyDeleteApparently I do not have the needed talent!
It's Saturday and a beautiful sunny day!
ReplyDeleteI think that the cover of your book is quite unique.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Thanks
DeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying your weekend!
ReplyDeleteThat is a really pretty cover! Hope to read soon.
ReplyDeletedigicats {at} sbcglobal {dot} net
Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the review.
ReplyDeleteThank you for a great read!
Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteShared this on Twitter -
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/1389629805608505344
Hope you are having a great day!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteHow long have you been writing for?
ReplyDeleteI've always written, but I've only published in the last ten years. This is my debut novel.
DeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying your weekend.
ReplyDeleteDo you have any advice for new writers?
ReplyDeleteDon't wait for inspiration, write every day. A page a day makes a first draft a year.
DeleteWhat's your plan to change the world?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your plan to change the world?
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping my novels will resonate with readers. They show my passions and beliefs.
DeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteWhat's your favourite love song?
ReplyDeleteLady in Red - I danced with my husband to it at my wedding.
DeleteAre you a walker?
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying the warmer weather for outdoor exercise.
Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteHow do you relax after a long day?
ReplyDeleteI always read when I go to bed.
ReplyDeleteIt helps me fall asleep.
Where is your favorite place to write at?
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteTweeted about this -
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/1393028380212219910
Sounds like an amazing book.
ReplyDeleteI hope your weather is better than ours - rainy.
ReplyDeleteGuess we are needing it though.
I am making rhubarb coffee cake today - yum!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading all book reviews.
ReplyDeleteIt helps me to find ones I would enjoy.
Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteDo you know what your next book will be about?
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday! Author why did you pick the names of the main character in the book?
ReplyDeleteThat is really an eye-catching cover! Sounds good!
ReplyDeletedigicats {at} sbcglobal {dot} net
Author, Do you feel like it’s most important to have A) Strong characters B) Mind-blowing Plot twists or C) Epic settings?
ReplyDeleteI think I am getting in a rut reading the same authors.
ReplyDeleteTime to expand.
I admire your skills in writing.
ReplyDeleteI have difficulty writing just about anything.
Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
ReplyDeleteDo you ever go camping or fishing?
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
ReplyDeleteI so enjoy reading - it's relaxing and helps me fall asleep at night.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteWhat is your favorite genre to write?
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun book to read. Witches are an interesting genre.
ReplyDeleteTweeted about this -
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/1398311129319940097
Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteI live in MN.
ReplyDeleteDanger of frost is gone so putting in my garden today or tomorrow.
I like the concept of wizards and witches being in the same book. Sounds really interesting.
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying your weekend!
ReplyDeleteOut of all the countries you've lived in, which one was your favorite and why?
ReplyDeleteIt's Memorial Day & we are having beautiful weather in central MN!
ReplyDeleteHope your Tuesday is going well!
ReplyDeleteDo you write on holidays?
ReplyDeleteRan out of things to comment on so I tweeted -
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/1400496671683977218
Thank you for writing such an outstanding book.
ReplyDeleteIs it so hot by you also, 99 here today!
ReplyDeleteHoping you are having a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you for doing this review.
ReplyDeleteIt's a big help in finding new books for me to enjoy.
Do you believe in ghosts?
ReplyDeleteAre you close to your family?
ReplyDeleteYou are a fantastic writer!
ReplyDeleteHow is your relationship with your family?
ReplyDeleteI am sure getting tired of this 90's weather!
ReplyDeleteHow about you?
I'm not sure where you are located but it was dang hot here today. I hope you are staying cool.
ReplyDeleteDo you speak any other languages?
ReplyDeleteWhat gavew you the inspiration to write this book? It looks good!
ReplyDeletedigicats {at} sbcglobal {dot} net
I am sending this to my granddaughter as I think this would be a perfect read for her. Fun read.
ReplyDeleteDo you have allergies?
ReplyDeleteHope not, now is pretty nasty.
I am so excited to read this book!
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying your Sunday.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a young adult but I love to read YA novels. They are so much more entertaining than the adult books.
ReplyDeleteHow do you define beauty?
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this amazing read!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that excerpt. The book sounds amazing!!
ReplyDeleteTweeted - https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/1405300665258283011
ReplyDeleteHave a good night!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thursday!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteI hope you are getting some rain - we are not.
ReplyDeleteWhat inspired this book?
ReplyDeleteVery good post today.
ReplyDeleteLove the plot concept!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the review - thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
ReplyDeleteAbout how long does it take you to write a book?
ReplyDeleteSuppose it varies?
Hopefully your day is going great.
ReplyDeleteLove the cover title and art!
ReplyDeleteNothing like a good book to help me relax!
ReplyDeleteHere's to a wonderful Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thursday!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading all reviews.
ReplyDeleteThis helps me to find books I will enjoy.
Happy Fri-YAY!
ReplyDeleteHappy a super day!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteEver tried to make a website?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your favorite book you've ever read?
ReplyDeleteDo you have a favorite book from childhood?
ReplyDeleteHave you ever pawned anything?
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying your weekend!
ReplyDeleteHere's to a great week!
ReplyDeleteWhat's your favourite hike?
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the review & I love the cover!
ReplyDeleteHere's a great day!
ReplyDeleteWhat inspires you?
ReplyDelete