Finding Destiny

Genre: Fantasy Fiction

Book only out in EBook..

Blurb

When eighteen year old Alex’s little sister’s pony goes missing, he sets out to look for her and finds himself in a strange gypsy camp in the middle of a forest. The pony is being cared for by a young girl called Faith. When Alex accepts a drink from Faith’s grandmother, he wakes up later to find himself transported into 2038 to a technologically-advanced, very colourful world inhabited by humans and robots. Alex soon discovers that he is now twenty, married and has a magical little baby girl. A magic he only seems to notice. He soon finds out that he will have to defend his little girl from the half-breeds with everything he has. He travels back through the magic pages of books to try and save her before it is too late and she is lost from him forever.

Author Bio..

My name is Katrina Hart but I was always called Katie. I live in the East of England with my family and Holly, Smokey my two cats as well as Jessie our dog, they are a nutty bunch but I love them all the same. I have always had a passion for reading. I could easily spend a whole lifetime engrossed in a good book. In my twenties I joined an online writing class, where I fell in love with writing my own stories. Since I started writing I have discovered a new love for quotes, a quote that really inspired was from Toni Morrison. Toni said  “If there’s a book you really want to read but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” I came across this quote whilst I was studying, this is one of the many things that inspired me to begin my first novel. I always welcome anyone to visit my blog at http://katrinamarie25.wordpress.com.

Sales links...

Publisher site... http://www.pilrigpress.co.uk/books.html

Amazon...  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Finding-Destiny-Katrina-Hart-ebook/dp/B00U1WUFSE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435744291&sr=8-1&keywords=finding+destiny

Finding Destiny is now available on ITunes Ibook  https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/finding-destiny/id975158084?mt=11

Blogs and Social media links.

Blog; https://katrinamarie25.wordpress.com/

Twitter; @KatrinaHart2015

Facebook.;  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katrina-Hart/1785712648319624?ref=hl

Goodreads.;  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13566519.Katrina_Hart

Interview with Katrina Hart on her first novel Finding Destiny.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I'm not sure there's a message I want readers to grasp because everyone takes different things from books when they read them. But the message I've always taken from my novel is heroes can be found in the hearts of many of my characters. And it's those characters that have always shown me if you fight with an honest heart and good intentions you're already ahead no matter the outcome in the end.

Was there an Author who inspired you to write?

Many Authors inspired me to write as I read so much. But in recent years I began to read books by Ciara Gold and totally fell in love with them. I think reading her stories peaked my already wild imagination and made me want to explore the stories I always have in my mind.

How did you come up with the characters in your books?

If I'm honest they found me. One day I was following Alex through a short story, the next Robots and Dolls among many other characters started joining the adventure. I like to think that they showed up because they wanted their story told. Writing what they show and tell me is a good way of doing that. Each character is special in his or her own way.

What are your current projects?

I'm working on polishing my second novel 'The lost Town of Man's Crossing' And writing some short stories at the moment. I've also got a third first draft hiding away in my bookcase.

Do you see writing as a career?

No, for me writing is a pleasure and a fantastic adventure that always leaves me wanting to have more adventures as each novel or short story comes to an end. I think writing is a creative gift that not everyone gets to experience. As a writer I feel blessed to be able to engage with interesting characters whenever I sit down to write.

Do you ever picture yourself and one of your heroines?  If so, which one?

I don't think I ever have pictured myself and one of my heroines.

Do you have a favourite heroine/hero from one of your books? If so, who?

Favourites are hard as they are all so special in their own way. Although I've always felt a strong connection to Missy Talk A lot, she has been through a lot and has one of those personalities that can be both frightening and caring depending on who or what crosses her path.

What kind of research do you do for your books?

Finding Destiny is very much a fantasy book, so a lot was left to the imagination. However along the way I did some research into animal guides such as owls, also how to write spells and curses. And what is thought to happen if you put negative spells or curses out there, such as getting that negative energy  back three times. 

What is the hardest part of writing your book?

There are many challenges to writing a novel. I think for me editing all I have written and making it the best it can be can be a huge challenge. But editing's also another part of writing that in itself can be an exciting learning curve as well.

If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?

I would say to all my reader's. Thank-you for reading my novel I love to hear your thoughts. And I hope that the characters captivate you through their journey. As much as they have me while writing their adventure.   

What is your favourite Genre and why?

I love to read Historical romance, there is just something about going back in time to places that are far different now than they were back then.

Do you prefer to write alone or do you like to collaborate with other authors?

I've never collaborated with other authors. So my only experience is writing alone. I do think writing is a very personal thing (for me it is anyway) Sometimes it's nice to keep a story just for you for a little while before letting others into the story bubble.

Do you ever get writer’s block? If so, how do you get through it?

I have had writer's block before, but I came up with a plan as it did my head in for a while. So now if I even get close to getting blocked on a novel. I put it down and start writing a random story or scene that is nothing to do with my novel and that seems to keep my mind from getting blocked. Sometimes I think I get  close to writers block when I put too much pressure on myself. So I try not to do that and just let the character's lead the way.

When you are reading a book, who is your favourite author?

I've read many books and have quite a few favourites over the years, although Ciara Gold's books are ones I've read over and over again. I always look forwards to her books.

Do you come up with the cover or does someone else do it?

My publisher mostly came up with the cover for Finding Destiny.

If you could change anything in your writing what would that be?

My writing is changing all the time as I learn more and write more. I don't think I could say a particular one thing I would change. But I'm sure over time my writing has changed and got better.   

What book if any would you want to be made into a movie?

The Keeper of Moon Haven by Ciara gold. I think it would make an amazing movie.

Who would you want to play the hero/heroine?

Kate Winslet I think.    

Everyone uses computers, tablets, phones and no one uses handwritten form or typewriters, what do you prefer to use?

I use my computer and iPod mostly to write on, because they make writing much easier to edit and keep track of through each of the stages. Also if I have random ideas I can make notes and send them to myself to look at later.

Is there a ritual you do everything before you begin your book?

I often meditate or have imagination time before I start a novel. It helps me to follow my characters and get to know them a little before taking on their story. I also like to light candles because at times they help me get into the writing bubble, along with country music blasting out.

What do you do when you finish your book and turn it in to the editor?

I have started the next novel by then, so I have to continue to follow all the new characters and jump right into their lives and world. I like to have some kind of story on the go most of the time because for me there's nothing so exciting as being in my writing  bubble.

Finding Destiny

"Destiny! Destiny!" I yelled, walking the dark forest alone.

Broken branches crunched beneath my feet. Black, shadowing trees loomed over me, following my every move. Owls hooted and flapped in every direction. I proceeded, calling the girlie-named pony.

I walked till my feet burned. It had been hours with no sign of Destiny, when the forest seemed to come alive before my eyes! Classical music hummed around a circle of purple gypsy tents, which surrounded a huge pink camp fire. I rubbed my tired eyes in disbelief. I opened them again and saw Destiny being cuddled lovingly by a pale girl with black hair flowing like a never-ending river. I walked over to the girl and Destiny.

"Hey miss, you found my sister’s pony." I looked down at them both.

"Mister, she is my pony!" She held Destiny closer in a protective grip.

I was about to argue my point, but a cold hand pushed on my shoulder, stopping me.

"Grandma! He wants my pony." The girl pointed in my direction.

"Faith, don’t point it’s rude!" The old woman scolded her like she was a child.

"Where the hell did you come from!" I shouted and jumped to look her in the face.

"My tent, just this way," the grandma said as she walked inside her purple tent.

I followed, outraged. I just wanted my sister’s pony back.

"Enter," the old woman croaked, coughing.

"Are you okay!" I whispered.

"Yes! Yes! Don’t worry yourself, now what can I do for you, sir?" She coughed again.

"I need my sister’s pony back. It’s her everything," I pleaded.

"My Faith loves her too," the old lady coughed again.

"I will do anything, I need that pony!" I tried again, staring into the old lady’s purple eyes.

Her wrinkled, transparent face and white long hair, tied in a bun tight above her head, made her look frail. She sat down behind a crystal ball. "Anything?"

I nodded.

"Let me see your future," she coughed, rubbing her crystal ball and looking inside its clear dome.

The silence dragged on like an unspoken question in a crowded room. Sadness crossed her face.

"It’s done!" she shouted; her eyes seemed to turn black.

"Thank you." I smiled, a little confused.

"My pleasure." She coughed, handing me a blue drink in a clear glass. "Please drink, it will bring you good luck on your way home. It’s a tradition, you know," she said.

I didn’t want to seem rude, so I drained the glass. My head spun and everything became unfocused.

I fought to see through the darkness. Crying, and the smell of hay surrounded me.

"Hello! Who’s there? Where am I?" I whispered, following the cries of what sounded like a girl being murdered.

"Hello!" I yelled over her cries. I feared for us both. A light danced on of its own accord. Straw was everywhere. Pink, blue and red horses wandered about, leaving their stalls empty. The barn looked steel, unlike anything I had seen before. A computer was flat-attached to the wall, but there was no keyboard to type on. Had I been drinking? Or dreaming? I wasn’t sure, but this barn looked far too advanced for my time.

The girl’s cries turned to screams. The sound was deafening; my heart thumped. I stood beside the screaming stable door, sliding it open with a loud squeak. Peering inside, her gaze met mine; her black flowing hair lay upon the straw, sticking to her sweat-covered forehead.

"Faith? Is that you? What are we doing here?" I rushed to her side.

"I’m screaming and you are late!" she said blowing out a breath.

"I don’t even know where we are, do you?" I retorted.

Faith screamed, grabbing my hand like a vice then relaxing once more. She placed an old folded piece of paper into my hand.

"Read it!" Her breath came out raggedly.

The note read …

Dear Alex, and Faith.

Destiny had many lovely years with your little sister, as promised Alex.

I saved your lives. You are in 2038 on the morning that bound your futures together. I saw it!

Don’t hate an old Gypsy for sending you on your way.

Good luck both of you!

The note fell from my hands, "We are in 2038, hell!"

"Isn’t it?" Faith screamed.

I tried to get Faith to let go of my hand. Then her body went stiff and I began to panic; she needed a doctor or midwife right now. But a cry split the air and a robot computer handed her a screaming baby.

On the computer screen, fireworks announced Faith had a baby girl

"We," she whispered, as the robot computer walked away. I kissed Faith softly on the lips, and a weird deja vu came over me. Love flooded my heart, sending warm shivers coursing through my body.

"Shall we call her Destiny?" Faith asked, gazing into my eyes.

"That’s perfect," I smiled.

This was the first moment of my new life.