Author Spotlight: Excerpt from Evacuation

Thanks so much for supporting Jennifer during her spotlight week. Jennifer's giving away a copy of Book 1 of the Future Savior Series, "Conception." Leave a comment for Jennifer today, tomorrow, and Sunday on the excerpt blog and a winner will be chosen on Monday, 12 MAR. Please leave your email so we can get ahold of you. Thanks again,
Smiles
Moderator Steph

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We readied ourselves for the ensuing battle. The odds were horribly stacked against us, but I felt confident in my powers and in the abilities of my brave friends. Using the fallen rubble from the wall as a bridge across the newly created ravine, the enemy charged us. I stepped in front of my friends. I had no clue if the plan slowly forming in my mind would work, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to try.

Forcing all the power I could muster into my telekinesis, I wrenched dozens of the huge grey rocks and boulders previously a part of the wall out of the ground and into the air. Even though my powers had grown immensely, trying to move this large amount of weight certainly zapped my strength. I concentrated as hard as I could and threw the humongous rocks at the front lines charging toward us. The rocks wiped out the first wave of advancing troops and our enemies behind them looked utterly stunned at my display of power.

"That was incredible!" Markella exclaimed.

"Too bad I don't think I can do it again. It was way too heavy." I dropped to one knee to try and recollect my strength. Shaw knelt down beside me and placed a strong arm around my shoulder.

"Are you all right?"

"I'll be fine. Let's just get ready." I smiled at him. Then I looked up as the stunned humans and Leviathans recommenced their charge.

"Well, let's giddy up and go!" Drexton hollered, gripping his whip and readying himself for the battle.

Within seconds we were all enveloped in combat. Sword clangs and spear clashes rang out through the plains around us like thunder. Looking at the vast numbers continually flowing from the city, I was immediately concerned for my friends. Sure they were all trained fighters, but our numbers were so lacking. That's when my mind landed on Charis. Through everything I had endured here in Meric, I had never seen her in a battle. As far as I knew she didn't even have a sword. All she ever carried was a white staff.

I used my powers to throw a particularly large Leviathan back into his comrades. He knocked them down like bowling pins. During the slight hiatus after my Leviathan toss, I looked around for Charis. Worry instantly overtook me when I couldn't find her anywhere. I edged my way over to Shaw who was fighting right beside me. He was doing exceptionally well, as usual.

"Where's Charis," I asked him. I wrenched my slender rapier sword out of the belly of an exceptionally tall man. It was really difficult for me not to focus on the fact that during this battle I would be killing humans. The only way I could possibly fight them without excessive amounts of guilt was by realizing they were trying to kill me and my friends. A feeble attempt at easing my conscience, but it was all I could do to keep my mind focused on the battle.

"I have no idea," he replied and he looked around the fighting to see if he could see our silver haired friend, but she was gone.
Just past Shaw I saw Markella cutting a line through the human fighters. I always loved Markella's fighting style. She used two lightweight swords with such elegance and grace her fighting looked more like a dance than the deadly onslaught it actually was.

The sun would be setting soon. We had maybe an hour of full daylight left. As soon as darkness fell, the Nitehawks would join the fray. Not only would that increase the number of our enemies, but they would be attacking us from the air. The last time I encountered the Nitehawks I still was unaware of my levitation abilities. Should I try to fight these monsters in the air?


Pick up your copy of Future Savior Book Three: Evacuation at the following locations:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007F422AU/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_ask_urHID.1M1VA2B

Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/future-savior-book-three-jennifer-hartz/1109161021?ean=2940013890671&itm=1&usri=jennifer+hartz

Desert Breeze Publishing:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-268/Future-Savior-Book-Three/Detail.bok

Also, please feel free to harass me on the web at the following places:

Website: http://jenniferhartz.com
Twitter: @JenniferLHartz
Facebook: : http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000624983529

And don't forget my exciting contest:
BECOME PART OF THE STORY! Ever wish you could be a character in a fantasy novel? Now's your chance! Stop by my website to learn more – http://jenniferhartz.com

Author Spotlight - Jennifer Hartz talks about her favorite authors

Today I'm supposed to talk about my favorite author and how they influenced me… Yikes! How do I pick just one? I guess the best way to answer this is to look at the author's who directly influenced Future Savior. I have always been an avid reader. Back in my pre-teen years it was The Babysitter's Club by Ann M. Martin. I have always enjoyed reading books in a series. I like following the lives the characters I've grown to love and watching them, and the story, grow and evolve over a long period of time. I think this early exposure to series helped to lead to my own stories falling into series form.

Another major contributor to Future Savior would be The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Tolkien is truly the father of all fantasy stories and all fantasy writers need to tip their hat to this genius. Right alongside Tolkien, C.S. Lewis was a major influence of Future Savior. The Chronicles of Narnia is an amazing example of a Christian fantasy series which helped spur many of the ideas in Future Savior.



I would be remiss if I didn't pay homage to J.K. Rowling. Harry Potter is arguably the best speculative series ever written. Rowling created a fantasy world so intricate, elaborate, and amazing that it will capture hearts for generations to come. However, this is not what I took from Rowling, what I loved was how Harry was a seemingly normal boy thrust into not so normal circumstances only to find out that he was anything but normal. Christina Vaughn from Future Savior takes a similar journey.

Taking a look back at my favorites, one thing is abundantly clear, I should change my name from Jennifer Hartz to J.L. Hartz!

Pick up your copy of Future Savior Book Three: Evacuation at the following locations:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007F422AU/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_ask_urHID.1M1VA2B

Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/future-savior-book-three-jennifer-hartz/1109161021?ean=2940013890671&itm=1&usri=jennifer+hartz

Desert Breeze Publishing:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-268/Future-Savior-Book-Three/Detail.bok

Also, please feel free to harass me on the web at the following places:

Website: http://jenniferhartz.com
Twitter: @JenniferLHartz
Facebook: : http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000624983529

And don't forget my exciting contest:
BECOME PART OF THE STORY! Ever wish you could be a character in a fantasy novel? Now's your chance! Stop by my website to learn more – http://jenniferhartz.com

Author Spotlight - Character Interview with Christina & Shaw from "Evacuation"

Hey Readers! Today we've got a real treat for you. I was able to sit down with Christina and Shaw from The Future Savior Series. They've allowed me to ask them a few questions. I hope you enjoy!

***Spoilers!***
If you haven't read Future Savior Book 1: Conception or Book 2: Resurrection, be warned, there are spoilers afoot!

Good morning, Christina, Shaw. I’m so glad you two could be here with us today! Would you like to introduce yourselves to the readers?


Christina: I'm Christina Vaughn, originally from Pittsburgh until Charis, the prophet, somehow transported me to Meric. Apparently Meric needs me to save them from the evil tyrant Leticia. She has the ability to control people's thoughts. I've discovered that I can move things with my mind and I have visions of the past, present, and future. Leticia also has a very powerful son, Rayliex. Basically, I'm just trying not to get myself killed!

Shaw: Hello. I am Christina's Watcher. It's my job to keep her safe. I also have shape shifting abilities.

How are things between the two of you since I last heard from you in Jenn’s accounts of your adventure in Future Savior Book 2: Resurrection?

Christina: Actually, not very good at all. I just left Shaw at the altar because I found out he killed my father. The love of my life killed my father. How would you feel?

Shaw: I just hope Christina can somehow forgive me. I'm the reason she had to grow up away from Meric and never knew her father.


If you could describe yourselves in 4 words or less, what would they be?

Christina: Ugh! I hate this question! Okay… let me think… sarcastic, brave, kindhearted and adventurous.

Shaw: I would have to say: honorable, dutiful, strong, devoted.

Christina, what do you miss the most about home?

Christina: Indoor plumbing, hands down! Meric would be way better if I could take a hot shower!



Shaw, were you ever homesick for Meric during the time you were keeping watch over Christina?

Shaw: Although I grew up in Meric and it is my home, I never really belonged. I had to live with the Elves since I was a small boy. I was the only human with the Elves and, yes, they were very accepting of me, but I was still an outcast. I did miss King Davis and Queen Lorna, but Davis was dead by my hand… honestly, I think I liked being away so I didn't have to deal with killing my friend and king.


Christina, what is your fondest memory of Shaw? And Shaw, what is your fondest memory of Christina?

Christina: Fondest memory? Well, I will never forget the first time I set eyes on Shaw. He had just transformed right before my very eyes into the most handsome man I had ever seen! It was amazing!

Shaw: The first time Christina and I kissed. It was right after she came back from the dead. It seemed like I had waited a hundred years to kiss her. I'll wait a hundred more if that's what it takes for her to forgive me.

So it seems like Shaw and Christina have some issues to work out… I can give you a hint that things will come to a head in Future Savior Book 3: Evacuation. Pick up your copy at the following locations:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007F422AU/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_ask_urHID.1M1VA2B
Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/future-savior-book-three-jennifer-hartz/1109161021?ean=2940013890671&itm=1&usri=jennifer+hartz
Desert Breeze Publishing:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-268/Future-Savior-Book-Three/Detail.bok

Also, please feel free to harass me on the web at the following places:
Website: http://jenniferhartz.com
Twitter: @JenniferLHartz
Facebook: : http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000624983529

And don't forget my exciting contest:
BECOME PART OF THE STORY! Ever wish you could be a character in a fantasy novel? Now's your chance! Stop by my website to learn more – http://jenniferhartz.com

Author Spotlight - Casting the Future Savior Series w/Jennifer Hartz

Before I really get to the heart of this blog, I'd like to tell everyone about an awesome contest I'm having:

BECOME A PART OF THE STORY!!! Have you ever wished you could be a character in a fantasy novel? Well, now's your chance! Swing by my website to learn more: http://jenniferhartz.com

Okay, for today's blog I thought it might be fun to cast the book! People like to ask me who I would cast as the characters in Future Savior if it ever became a movie (dream big!) so I thought it would be fun to share my picks with all of you.

Christina:

Ugh! She's the hardest one to cast! I think since Future Savior Book One: Conception, I've picked about five or six different actresses for Christina. Here are some of them: Alyssa Milano, Serena Gilroy, Kate Beckinsale. Right now? I like Sarah Bolger from The Spiderwick Chronicles. She might be a little bit young for Christina, but I think she would do well. What do you guys think?





Shaw:

Excuse me while I drool for a second…. Okay, I'm back. I don't think I would let people make a movie of Future Savior unless they cast Kellan Lutz as Shaw! If they wanted to do it without him I wouldn't sell the rights to it! He IS Shaw.





Jonus:


Zac Efron would make a fantastic Prince Jonus.








Rayliex:


Hayden Christensen is another actor who I had picked a long time ago. Rayliex is the tortured bad guy… who better to play that then Darth Vader! Plus he really looks the part.










Drexton:


Ryan Reynolds has the perfect amount of cheeky charisma to pull off Drexton. He's hysterical, but can also show a serious side when need be… plus he's easy on the eyes which helps too!












Beliza:



Not only is Mandy Moore so beautiful, but she also has the singing chops that Beliza needs.








Charis:

I've always liked Carla Gugino for Charis. I'm not sure what it is about Carla that fits, but every time I see her in a move I say, "Hey, it's Charis!"





I hope you've enjoyed casting the book with me. Sure there are many other characters in Future Savior that would be fun to cast like Markella, Leticia, Brezkin and Trayd. Maybe we'll hit those characters up next time.

But now it's your turn to BECOME PART OF THE STORY! Don't forget to go to my website http://jenniferhartz.com to learn more about this exciting contest. You could be a character in Future Savior Book Four: Desecration. And who knows, maybe someday we'll be casting you in the book ☺

Here's the blurb from Future Savior Book One: Conception… just to wet your appetite!

"I do not think it is a question of where, but when." were the words that Charis left my mother with thirty years ago when I disappeared from Meric…before I was born.

Shortly after being sent back I've been attacked by man-eating Vaipes. I've learned that my father was a power wielding Guardian. I've discovered that the silvery-blue eyes intriguing me my entire life belong to my Watcher, Shaw who is without a doubt the most handsome man I have ever seen. And somehow I need to stop a war mongering tyrant who can manipulate people's thoughts.

So my question isn't where or when. It is how? How can I help the people of Meric when I can't stop myself from falling in love?
Please feel free to harass me on the web at the following places:

Website: http://jenniferhartz.com
Twitter: @JenniferLHartz
Facebook: : http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000624983529

Author Spotlight - Q&A with Jennifer Hartz

STEPH: I don't know much about Evacuation. What's it about?

JENNIFER: Evacuation is the third book in The Future Savior Series. This series is a Speculative Christian Fantasy. The main character, Christina, is mysteriously sent from our world to the land of Meric… at least she thinks Meric is a different land. Christina soon learns of a prophesy claiming that she will be the savior of Meric and that she has amazing powers.

STEPH: Evacuation is book three in the future savior series. What's the underlying theme that ties the books together?

JENNIFER: Future Savior is a true hero's journey, combined with intricate Biblical allegory. Future Savior is one very long story broken into five parts. They cannot stand alone. Christina's hero journey takes place over the course of all five books.

STEPH: How long did it take you to write the novel?

JENNIFER:It took me about five months to writer Evacuation.

STEPH: What was the inspiration behind Evacuation's plot?

JENNIFER: The inspiration for the entire Future Savior Series comes from several places. First and foremost, the Bible. Someone familiar with the Bible will catch all of the Bible stories being played out in Future Savior. Even someone with limited Bible knowledge will be cognizant of at least of few of the more obvious ones, but there are some more subtle Bible stories in there too. Another big contributor to Future Savior was some of my favorite fiction stories like The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia.

STEPH: Christina is a main character. What are her strengths? Weaknesses?

JENNIFER: Christina likes to joke that she has the super power of sarcasm, but in actuality she is quite powerful. She has supernatural abilities like telekinesis and levitation she also has visions of the past, present and future. As far as weaknesses, she has a tendency to be self-sacrificial which is a detrimental since she is always willing to sacrifice herself for her friends and for Shaw, the love of her life. If she dies for them, she won't be around to save Meric.

STEPH: What do you want readers to take with them after reading the story?

JENNIFER: Hopefully a desire to read Book 4! Besides that, I hope they become interested in their Bible. By reading The Future Savior Series they'll catch the Bible stories that I talked about before. I hope Future Savior makes them scratch their head and say, "Hey! That story is familiar!" So they pick up their Bible and investigate.

STEPH: The cover has a castle by a lake at nighttime. What aspect of the story does it represent?




JENNIFER: castle on the cover represents Bristol Fortress which is the home of King Malcolm and Queen Aladonna. They were two of the four original Guardians who died almost one-hundred years ago. There is only one Guardian still alive, Leticia, and she is the evil tyrant that Christina must save Meric from. Christina's father, King Davis, was the fourth Guardian, but he died before Christina was born.

STEPH: What's your writing space like?

JENNIFER: Anywhere I can find! Sometimes I write in the library during my off-bell at work. (I work as a teacher) Sometimes I write with my laptop on my couch. Sometimes my husband will watch our young son so I can spend some time in a coffee shop. I've even been known to write in the car.

STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one?

JENNIFER: I have an Amazon Kindle and I absolutely LOVE it! It's so convenient for holding a ton of books and easy to hold in my hand. Plus it's really nice since I live almost an hour from the nearest Barnes and Noble. I like being able to get books so easily and instantly.

STEPH: Fun Question: How do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

JENNIFER: Even though I'm part Irish and I love all things from the emerald isle (I even gave my son a Gaelic name!) I don't really celebrate St. Patty's Day. I might wear some green and try to get my hands on a Shamrock Shake! But my biggest dream (besides having a book made into a movie *dream big*) is to have a long, fantastic vacation to Ireland someday.

But before I take my Irish trip (LOL!) let me leave you with a small snippet from Future Savior Book Three: Evacuation.
Excerpt:

We readied ourselves for the ensuing battle. The odds were horribly stacked against us, but I felt confident in my powers and in the abilities of my brave friends. Using the fallen rubble from the wall as a bridge across the newly created ravine, the enemy charged us. I stepped in front of my friends. I had no clue if the plan slowly forming in my mind would work, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to try.

Forcing all the power I could muster into my telekinesis, I wrenched dozens of the huge grey rocks and boulders previously a part of the wall out of the ground and into the air. Even though my powers had grown immensely, trying to move this large amount of weight certainly zapped my strength. I concentrated as hard as I could and threw the humongous rocks at the front lines charging toward us. The rocks wiped out the first wave of advancing troops and our enemies behind them looked utterly stunned at my display of power.

"That was incredible!" Markella exclaimed.

"Too bad I don't think I can do it again. It was way too heavy." I dropped to one knee to try and recollect my strength. Shaw knelt down beside me and placed a strong arm around my shoulder.

"Are you all right?"

"I'll be fine. Let's just get ready." I smiled at him. Then I looked up as the stunned humans and Leviathans recommenced their charge.

"Well, let's giddy up and go!" Drexton hollered, gripping his whip and readying himself for the battle.

Within seconds we were all enveloped in combat. Sword clangs and spear clashes rang out through the plains around us like thunder. Looking at the vast numbers continually flowing from the city, I was immediately concerned for my friends. Sure they were all trained fighters, but our numbers were so lacking. That's when my mind landed on Charis. Through everything I had endured here in Meric, I had never seen her in a battle. As far as I knew she didn't even have a sword. All she ever carried was a white staff.

I used my powers to throw a particularly large Leviathan back into his comrades. He knocked them down like bowling pins. During the slight hiatus after my Leviathan toss, I looked around for Charis. Worry instantly overtook me when I couldn't find her anywhere. I edged my way over to Shaw who was fighting right beside me. He was doing exceptionally well, as usual.

"Where's Charis," I asked him. I wrenched my slender rapier sword out of the belly of an exceptionally tall man. It was really difficult for me not to focus on the fact that during this battle I would be killing humans. The only way I could possibly fight them without excessive amounts of guilt was by realizing they were trying to kill me and my friends. A feeble attempt at easing my conscience, but it was all I could do to keep my mind focused on the battle.

"I have no idea," he replied and he looked around the fighting to see if he could see our silver haired friend, but she was gone.
Just past Shaw I saw Markella cutting a line through the human fighters. I always loved Markella's fighting style. She used two lightweight swords with such elegance and grace her fighting looked more like a dance than the deadly onslaught it actually was.

The sun would be setting soon. We had maybe an hour of full daylight left. As soon as darkness fell, the Nitehawks would join the fray. Not only would that increase the number of our enemies, but they would be attacking us from the air. The last time I encountered the Nitehawks I still was unaware of my levitation abilities. Should I try to fight these monsters in the air?

Here's where you can find me on the web.
Website: http://jenniferhartz.com
Twitter: @JenniferLHartz
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000624983529

Plus some buy links for Future Savior: Evacuation:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007F422AU/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_ask_urHID.1M1VA2B
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/future-savior-book-three-jennifer-hartz/1109161021?ean=2940013890671&itm=1&usri=jennifer+hartz
Desert Breeze Publishing: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-268/Future-Savior-Book-Three/Detail.bok