NBtM Virtual Book Tour: Violins Played Before Junstan (The Celwyn Series #1) by Lou Kemp

Welcome to my stop on the NBtM virtual book tour for Violins Played Before Junstan by Lou Kemp. This tour was organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. On my stop, I have an excerpt from the book as well as a great guest post from the author about how similar (and not similar) she is to her main character. There's also the tour wide giveaway for a chance to win a $25 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: Violins Played Before Junstan

Series: The Celwyn Series #1

Author: Lou Kemp

Publisher: 4 Horseman Publications

Publication Date: September 17th 2022

Print Length: 397 pages

Genre: Magical Realism Fantasy

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While on a mission to avenge the death of his lover, the immortal peyote-eating magician Celwyn is hired to deliver an automat, Professor Kang, to a priest. But Celwyn quickly learns that everything the priest told him was a lie. Now his ship, the Zelda, is stuck in a horrific storm and Celwyn knows he must reconsider his allegiance if he is to steer his vessel in the right direction and continue his quest.

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EXCERPT:

The place was half full, the gas lights dim, and as quiet as it would get. Just inside the door sat a priest who boldly regarded Celwyn, as if he knew him, yet Celwyn would have remembered the little elfin ears, long black hair, and vaguely Asian eyes. The eyes glittered an invitation.

Oh, really? The magician thought it odd to discover a priest in a saloon—in his experience they were more likely to drink their whiskey by candlelight in the church vestry, elbow-to-elbow with the spiritual mice. Curious, he placed his top hat on the table and settled into the chair opposite the priest.

Beads of sweat decorated the bald head of the bartender as he rushed forward with a shot of whiskey on a tray. He deposited it in front of Celwyn and whirled to run back behind the bar.

The priest aimed a thumb at the publican. “Well-trained. Just like a seal at a waterfront show."

Celwyn paused and then picked up his glass. He recognized that voice. A fortuitous coincidence? A few blocks away, St. Marks provided excellent places to eavesdrop, such as a false wall behind the altar. This morning the Monsignor of St. Marks and this same priest had discussed some unusual incidents occurring during Mass. It was not a coincidence that the same man should be sitting here.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Early work was horror and suspense, later work morphed into a combination of magical realism, mystery and adventure painted with a horrific element as needed.

I’m one of those writers who doesn’t plan ahead, no outlines, no clue, and I sometimes write myself into a corner. Atmospheric music in the background helps. Black by Pearl Jam especially.

I'd love to hear from you and what you think of Celwyn, Bartholomew, and Professor Xiau Kang.

Milestones:

2009 The anthology story Sherlock’s Opera appeared in Seattle Noir, edited by Curt Colbert, Akashic Books. Available through Amazon or Barnes and Noble online. Booklist published a favorable review of my contribution to the anthology.

2010 My story, In Memory of the Sibylline, was accepted into the best-selling MWA anthology Crimes by Moonlight, edited by Charlaine Harris. The immortal magician Celwyn makes his first appearance in print.

2018 The story, The Violins Played before Junstan is published in the MWA anthology Odd Partners, edited by Anne Perry. The Celwyn series begins.

Book 1, The Violins Played Before Junstan reissue with the publisher, the 4 Horsemen on 10-17-22. The 4 Horsemen will publish the remaining books in the series beginning with Music Shall Untune the Sky, The Raven and the Pig, The Pirate Danced and the Automat Died. The companion book, Farm Hall continues the story of Pelaez, another immortal magician and Celwyn's brother will also be available.

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GUEST POST:

- How much alike (or not alike) are you and Celwyn?

It has always been in the back of my mind that my ego, or inner soul, is manifested in my protagonist. His mannerisms stem from my perception of a cultured gentleman of the 1800’s. The Celwyn series is going to be a long one, and we will know each other very well when it is over.

First, our differences.

I’m not immortal, or enjoy peyote, or stand over six feet tall. I’m also not a man, or magician, or immortal.

Unlike Celwyn, I meticulously plan things, and backup plans. As you read the series, you’ll notice Celwyn loves a dangerous, spontaneous confrontation, much to Kang’s annoyance.

We are alike:

Celwyn and I are alike in that we get bored easily, and we tend to become more playful as that continues. Without divulging too much, lets say that I enjoy practical jokes more than the average seemingly normal woman. I dream of antics daily, along with things for Celwyn to do as his whims carry him forward.

I do have the same piercing green eyes, and enjoy pets. Since I do not have a pet mechanical bird or a wyvern, I settle for cats who can sometimes do the same things. I give Celwyn the same tolerance for fear as I have, and the same intolerance for evil (don’t get me started on politics). Like the magician, I am nosy and would not hesitate to read anyone’s mind if I could do so.

Would I defend friends to the death as Celwyn does? Yes. I would. On paper, I’d destroy anyone who hurts an animal. There should be stronger laws for those crimes.

Would I murder as Celwyn does at times to save another? Unknown. More likely, I’d do what I can to scare off an attacker before they hurt anyone. Would I plot a murder? You bet. It is a safe way to get your inner madman out without anyone getting hurt.

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GIVEAWAY:

Lou Kemp will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card to one randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Good luck!

(All the Ups and Downs is not responsible for this giveaway, its entries, or the prizes. Goddess Fish Promotions and the author assume all responsibility with this giveaway.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway