Monday, May 23, 2016

Virtual Book Tour + #Giveaway: The Other Side of Hope by R.F. Dunham @DunhamWriter @GoddessFish




The Other Side of Hope
by R.F. Dunham
GENRE: Alternate History
 

BLURB:
 

In 732 A.D., the Frankish and Burgundian forces led by Charles Martel defeated an army of the Umayyad Caliphate led by Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi and halted the Muslim advance into Christian Europe. At least, that's what happened in the world as you know it.

Step into the world of The Other Side of Hope, where the world as you know it is turned on its head. A world where Charles Martel fell on that field south of Tours, France and was never given his nickname, "The Hammer." A world where Europe came under Muslim rule and Christianity was eventually forced to flee to the shores of a distant land in search of religious freedom. A land where, without support from European colonial powers, they found only conflict and poverty.

In the modern day, this world remains divided. The wealthy Muslim East and the poverty-stricken Christian West are constantly at odds. A single spark is all it takes to ignite fresh conflict and the cycle seems never-ending.

Follow the paths of Ethan Lewis and Hamid Damir as they are put on a collision course with the other side. Will they find hope for a brighter future or be lost in the despair of intractable conflict?



EXCERPT:


When Ethan saw Elisa turn the corner, his eyes lingered on her face for only an instant. The familiar details of her delicate features filled his mind at once and he wondered how they could have ever become blurred. He would have focused on those features longer, much longer. Would have memorized every inch of her face, from the curve of her cheeks, to her soft nose, to the gentle slope of her chin, to her soft red lips, and shining blue eyes.
 

He would have stared for hours and maybe he would have never left again. But his eyes were immediately drawn away from her face and to her belly, which was large and round.
 

Ethan stared at her pregnant stomach for a heartbeat that stretched on endlessly. He blinked once and then hot anger, augmented by the sharp pain of betrayal, flared. He’d been gone for months and she’d gotten pregnant with another man’s child while he was fighting for their future.
 

He took a step toward her and she must have seen the rage in his eyes because she rested a hand on her stomach and backed away. Seeing her fear broke through Ethan’s anger and he stopped.
 

“Is it…?” he asked softly, almost breathless.
 

Elisa nodded once, just a small dip of her chin and Ethan knew it was true.
 

It was his child she was carrying. He was suddenly ashamed that he could have ever thought anything different. Elisa would never betray him.
 

Even though the revelation of her pregnancy was a shock, Ethan had to admit that it was possible. He hadn’t truly even considered the possibility that it would happen, that she would become pregnant before they were married. Or maybe he had just assumed that it wouldn’t matter if she did, that they would be married either way and no one would ever know the difference.
 

Yet here they stood.
 

Ethan stood just inside the doorway, wrestling with feelings of desperation and duty. Elisa at the end of the hallway, eyes wide with a potent mixture of fear and hope.
 

Ethan held those eyes with his own for a moment longer, then came to his decision. “I’m going to Turkey. Today.”


Guest Post:



What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first?


Well, the first thing to say is that I’m a planner all the way. I can’t even fathom writing a coherent short story without an outline, much less a novel. So, to all those “pantsers” out there, I think you’re crazy, but I salute you.



I typically start with some small idea and then build the story around that. The idea might come from a news article, a random thought, or a conversation and it could be related to the setting of the story, the plot, or a character. For example, The Other Side of Hope started with an idea about the world. Basically the question, “What if Christianity and Islam could switch places?” I took that idea and kept adding layers of complexity. First the general concept of the alternate history world in which the Battle of Tours was won by Muslim armies. Then I added some characters, one on each “side” and started sketching a story that would bring them together. As I went, I made more characters that were connected to the original ones and the story kept growing with more characters.



All of that, however, came before I really started writing. Like I said, I’m a planner. So everything above ends up in a collection of various documents and notes. Which leads into a great plug for Scrivener! I use it to keep all those notes organized and it’s priceless for the next stage: outlining. As another little plug, I wrote a blog post that’s been fairly popular about using Microsoft OneNote to plan a novel. It’s what I used before I found Scrivener and, while Scrivener is far better, it’s a good alternative if you really can’t afford the $40 price tag.



Once I’ve assembled that pile of notes and reference documents, I start outlining the story. My outlines (made in Scrivener) are broken down into chapters and scenes. I usually have a brief description of what needs to go in each scene. It’s typically written in a narrative format but I sometimes include notes to myself about things to be sure to include, lines of dialogue, or potential difficulties.



The time for most major plot/story changes comes after the outline is done, but before writing begins. That makes for minimal revisions later on. So, after any necessary story tweaks are done, I start writing. Because I’ve already put so much into the story, this part flows pretty quickly. I get the first draft out and then go through a few rounds of editing/revising. To use The Other Side of Hope as an example again, I did some basic proofreading, then decided it needed a couple of extra chapters in the middle, so I added those in. After that, I sent it to my editor, Josh Davis, made the necessary corrections, and it was done!

AUTHOR BIO: 
R.F. Dunham writes with one purpose: to take you places you've never been before. That might be a distant fantasy land, the far reaches of space, the future of earth, or simply to an idea you've never encountered. A student of language and culture, Dunham's stories will pull you into complex worlds that challenge your perception of your own surroundings. 
After working for over two years as a professional ghostwriter, the time has finally come for him to release his first full-length novel published in his own name, The Other Side of Hope. His short story, “Just a Drop,” was recently published in Nebula Rift Science Fiction magazine and an interactive version of the story is currently in beta testing. When he’s not writing, R.F. can be found playing the trumpet, writing his thesis in Arabic linguistics, or hiking in the mountains of Virginia.  

$20 Amazon or B/N GC





Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.


80 comments:

Goddess Fish Promotions said...

Thank you for hosting

Mai T. said...

Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?

James Robert said...

Thanks for the great excerpt and giveaway

Rita Wray said...

I liked the excerpt.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great read.

Victoria Alexander said...

Great post - thanks for sharing the excerpt! :)

Mary Preston said...

I'm loving the idea of Alternate History.

James Robert said...

I appreciate you bringing us this giveaway, thank you

Ally Swanson said...

Congrats on the new book and good luck on the book tour!

James Robert said...

Thanks for hosting this giveaway, have a great Thursday!

Ally Swanson said...

Wow, this book sounds like such a great read! Can’t wait to read this book!

Ally Swanson said...

Where is your favorite spot to read?

James Robert said...

Good Afternoon and thanks for the great giveaway

James Robert said...

Wishing you a great Memorial Day weekend. Be safe and enjoy and would like to salute all those who have given their lives in defense of this country. Thank you for this giveaway as well

Ally Swanson said...

Hope you are having a fabulous weekend! Looking forward to reading this book!

James Robert said...

Stopping by and thanking you for giving us the opportunity to win. Have a great Sunday!

Ally Swanson said...

What is the name of your favorite restaurant?

Ally Swanson said...

Happy Memorial Day! Hope you have a fabulous holiday! Can't wait to read this book!

James Robert said...

Happy Memorial Day and saying thank you to all our military men and women who served our country and paid the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless our Military men and women and their families.
Thanks for this opportunity to win this giveaway

James Robert said...

Good afternoon! I am appreciate of you giving us the opportunity to win this giveaway, thank you

James Robert said...

Terrific giveaway and I want to thank you for the opportunity to win it.

James Robert said...

Good Afternoon, Happy Friday and thank you for this giveaway

James Robert said...

Hope your weekend is great and thanking you for the giveaway

James Robert said...

Sunday blessings to all and thanks so much for the opportunity to win

James Robert said...

Thanks so much for the opportunity to win, I appreciate it

James Robert said...

Thanks so much for taking the time to offer us this giveaway

James Robert said...

Awesome giveaway and I am appreciative of you giving us the chance to win

James Robert said...

Happy Friday and thanks so much for the chance to win your great giveaway

James Robert said...

Have a fun Saturday and I want you to know how much I appreciate the giveaway. Thank You!

James Robert said...

Thank you for the giveaway and all the work put into this.

James Robert said...

Hello and I am back saying thank you once again for the opportunity you have given us to win this giveaway

James Robert said...

Good Morning and thank you for this opportunity you have given us to win

James Robert said...

Good Morning! Raining here in Michigan but hope your day is a sunny one. Thanks for this giveaway

James Robert said...

I'm back, hope you're not too tired of hearing from me. Thanks again for this opportunity to win and have a terrific day!

James Robert said...

Thanks so much for the giveaway and have a great weekend!

James Robert said...

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's who may see this and thank you for the chance at winning this giveaway

James Robert said...

I'm running late today but still wanting to stop by to thank you for the chance to win

James Robert said...

Good Afternoon! I appreciate all the work you have put into bringing us this giveaway, thank you

James Robert said...

Hello! I am helping my brother out entering his giveaways for a bit while he is camping with his kids and having a fun weekend. Thank you for the chance to win, I know he enjoys entering and following some terrific blogs. He enters many books for me and my other sister so we all appreciate it.

James Robert said...

Good Morning! Wanted to thank you once again for the great giveaway

James Robert said...

Have a terrific weekend and thanks so much for this giveaway

James Robert said...

Thanks for the giveaway and hope you all enjoy your 4th of July weekend

James Robert said...

I missed a day but catching up and thanking you once again for the chance at winning.

James Robert said...

Good Sunday Morning! Thanks once again for the opportunity to win and enjoy your day!

James Robert said...

Good Monday Morning, have a great day and thanks for the opportunity you have given us to win

James Robert said...

Thanks so much for the terrific giveaway and al the work you have put into bringing it to us

James Robert said...

I'm back saying thank you for the chance at winning this great giveaway

James Robert said...

A bright good morning to you! I really appreciate you offering us this giveaway. Thanks and have an awesome day!

James Robert said...

Hello! Stopping by and thanking you for the giveaway. Have yourself one terrific day!

James Robert said...

Good Morning! Have a great weekend and thanks once again for a great giveaway

James Robert said...

Good Sunday Morning to you and thanking you once again for the opportunity you've given us to win.

James Robert said...

Hope you had an awesome weekend. Let's keep it positive as we start the week by saying it's gonna be a great one for all.. Thanks for the giveaway!

James Robert said...

Thanks for the chance at winning, you're awesome! Enjoy your day and have fun!

James Robert said...

Good morning and thank you for brimging us this great giveaway

James Robert said...

I'm back and hoping you're not getting tired of hearing from me. I DO appreciate the opportunity to win this giveaway, Thank You!

James Robert said...

It's Friday! We made it through another week and looking forward to the weekend. Have a great day and thanks for the giveaway

James Robert said...

Wishing everyone a great weekend with lots of fun. Thanks for the giveaway as well.

James Robert said...

Everyone have a terrific Sunday and thank you for this giveaway

James Robert said...

Hey! Hope you have a good Monday and thank you for the chance at winning.

James Robert said...

Have a Happy Tuesday and thank you for the opportunity at winning!

James Robert said...

Happy Hump Day! Time is flying by but wanting to say thank you for the giveaway

James Robert said...

Good Morning! I am back to say thank you once again for the chance to win.

James Robert said...

It's that day so many of us look forward to...Friday! Have a good one and thank you for the chance at winning

James Robert said...

I will be working all weekend but wishing you all a terrific one. Thanks once again for the great giveaway

James Robert said...

Thanks so much for all the work you put into bringing us such great giveaways. Have an awesome Sunday and Thank You!

James Robert said...

Happy Monday and thank you once again for a terrific giveaway.

James Robert said...

Rainy morning here in Michigan. Hope your day is bright and sunny! Thanks again for a great giveaway

James Robert said...

Happy Wednesday! Thanks so much for the terrific giveaway and all the work put into bringing it to us. Not sure if you all are appreciated as you should be because from what I read, it is very time consuming and a lot of work put into doing this for us. Thank you so much!

James Robert said...

Have a great day and thank you for the great giveaway

James Robert said...

Happy Friday and stopping by to say thank you for giving us this opportunity to win

James Robert said...

Thanks again for the chance to win and have a great weekend!

James Robert said...

Enjoy this beautiful Sunday morning and thank you for the opportunity to win this giveaway.

James Robert said...

Thank you for the terrific giveaway. I appreciate the chance at winning.

James Robert said...

Good Morning! Enjoy your Tuesday (thought all morning it was Wednesday) and thank you for this opportunity to win

James Robert said...

Good Afternoon! Stopping by to once again thank you for the great giveaway.

James Robert said...

You're awesome and I do appreciate you bringing us this great giveaway. Thanks for all you do!

James Robert said...

Happy FRIDAY!!! Have a good one and thanks for the chance at winning.

James Robert said...

The days so many of us look forward to....the weekend! Hope it's a good one for you and thanks for the opportunity to win.

James Robert said...

Have a Super Sunday and thank you for the giveaway!

James Robert said...

I'm back and here to say thank you one more time for the opportunity you have given us to win.