Interview with G. Eric Francis, Author of A Prayer for the Dying

Gregory F. Flagler, aka G. Eric Francis, was born in the late 1960's on the East Coast. He attended Utica College (Formally of Syracuse University), graduating in 1991 with a degree in Journalism. He has been writing poetry and short stories since he was 8 years old, and had dreams of either being a screenwriter or a published author. He moved to the Midwestern United States in the mid 1990's, where he met his wife of 12 years, Carla. He has 2 kids (including one with special needs -Down Syndrome and Autism). He is an avid sports fan, and a collector of music (nearly 18K at this time).

Visit the author online at http://www.gericfrancis.com/

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in New York City; born in Manhattan, raised in the Bronx. I spent most of my formative years in the South Bronx.

When did you begin writing?

Probably when I figured hout how to use a pen (Laughs). I believe I started making up stories around 8 years old, using my friends as characters in grand adventures. It was my way of escaping what was a somewhat rocky childhood

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

Well, the big thing concerning my writing is that there are times that I will write at 3 AM in the morning…then not do anything for months. I always believed that a writer needs readers, otherwise the inspiration dies. Had/Have a blog, yet never caught fire because of my, um, "unique" view of myself and the world.

What is this book about?

A Prayer For The Dying is about a young boy who loses his brother to a more aggressive and deadlier version of the HIV virus. Having a knack for biology and chemistry, he discovers a cure for this strain a few years later. The catch? It only works on his own blood. Enlisting the help of the government, including two unorthodox feds from a special division of the DEA, the intent is to escort him to D.C. from the West Coast. Of course, with something that powerful (and money making), they attract some unscrupulous company.

What inspired you to write it?

A couple of things. One, to finally achieve what I think I was meant to do, which was to write for a living. Two, I had an aunt who passed away from HIV about 20 years ago, and that sort of planted the seed for the story.

Who is your favorite character from the book?

That is a tough one…Dionne Richards, the heroine of the book, is a total bad ass, but covers her soft side with her tough exterior. Francis is, well, the guy I wish I was (without the bad decisions…grin). I would have to say a slight edge goes to Dionne on this one.

Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?

It was complex. I made a LOT of mistakes (including one that almost derailed the entire project…long story). Going over the book again and again, changing plot points, and then arguing with the folks who helped me edit it down was…never dull.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0095BZOZQ

Do you have a video trailer to promote your book? If yes, where can readers find it?

I do, actually. Folks can catch it on YouTube here: http://youtu.be/HXExtfDC2Hg

What is up next for you?

It is my hope that if the book does well, I will turn this into a trilogy. I also have a book for young adults coming out, as well as what I like to call my "Death" trilogy. I'm always thinking of new ideas…

Is there anything you would like to add?

As that I am new, I have recently lowered the price of the book down to .99 cents, so folks can check it out, and hopefully enjoy and leave reviews. I am here to entertain, if folks will give me a chance to do so.

The Broken Teaglass Virtual Book Tour October 2009

Author Emily Arsenault travels the blogosphere in October 2009 on her first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion Public Relations to talk about her debut novel, The Broken Teaglass.

The dusty files of a venerable dictionary publisher . . . a hidden cache of coded clues . . . a story written by a phantom author . . . an unsolved murder in a gritty urban park–all collide memorably in Emily Arsenault’s magnificent debut, at once a teasing literary puzzle, an ingenious suspense novel, and an exploration of definitions: of words, of who we are, and of the stories we choose to define us.

In the maze of cubicles at Samuelson Company, editors toil away in silence, studying the English language, poring over new expressions and freshly coined words–all in preparation for the next new edition of the Samuelson Dictionary. Among them is editorial assistant Billy Webb, just out of college, struggling to stay awake and appear competent. But there are a few distractions. His intriguing coworker Mona Minot may or may not be flirting with him. And he’s starting to sense something suspicious going on beneath this company’s academic facade.

Mona has just made a startling discovery: a trove of puzzling citations, all taken from the same book, “The Broken Teaglass”. Billy and Mona soon learn that no such book exists. And the quotations from it are far too long, twisting, and bizarre for any dictionary. They read like a confessional, coyly hinting at a hidden identity, a secret liaison, a crime. As Billy and Mona ransack the office files, a chilling story begins to emerge: a story about a lonely young woman, a long-unsolved mystery, a moment of shattering violence. And as they piece together its fragments, the puzzle begins to take on bigger personal meaning for both of them, compelling them to redefine their notions of themselves and each other.

Praise for The Broken Teaglass:

“…a fascinating mystery filled with suspense that hooks the audience…” –Harriet Klausner, Genre Go Round Reviews


Emily Arsenault has worked as a lexicographer, an English teacher, a children’s librarian, and a Peace Corps volunteer. She wrote The Broken Teaglass to pass the long, quiet evenings in her mud brick house while living in rural South Africa. She now lives in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, with her husband. You can visit Emily Arsenault’s website at www.emilyarsenault.com.

If you would like to follow Emily on her virtual book tour, visit the official Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tour site at http://virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/.

Emily’s virtual book tour is brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours, a virtual book tour agency for authors who want quality service for an affordable price. More information can be found on their website at http://www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com. Sign up for our 12 Days of Christmas Tour Special! Deadline to register is October 30, 2009.