TWELVE TANTALIZINGLY
TWISTED TALES
by
David C. Hughes
Genre: Children’s / Horror (ages 8-11)
Publisher: Progressive Rising Phoenix Press
Date of Publication: July 29, 2016
Number of Pages: 176
Scroll down for Giveaway!
Who can pass up a scary tale or a spooky ghost story, especially right before bed on a stormy night after eating a sloppy bean burrito? From possessed bunny slippers to a house guarding an ancient secret, Twelve Tantalizingly Twisted Tales features a dozen short stories sure to raise a few goosebumps, conjure a giggle . . . and make you think twice before disobeying your mom the next time she asks you to clean the shower stall.
PRAISE FOR TWELVE TANTALIZINGLY TWISTED TALES . . .
“This book is ‘Twilight Zone’ for kids.” –Don Winn, founder of Cardboard Box Adventures Publishing and author of the Sir Kaye book series
“Each story is a pleasure!” —Linda LaRue Austin, writer, historian, and author of Midnight Amethyst
“David Hughes is a modern-day weaver of tales much like the classic Grimm brothers. Each story awakens the imagination and questions what we commonly refer to as reality, while entertaining and delighting the senses.” –Jan Sikes, author of Flowers and Stone and other biographical fiction
CLICK TO PURCHASE
or Signed Copies from Progressive Rising Phoenix Press
Author Interview 2: David Hughes
What was the hardest part of writing Twelve Tantalizingly Twisted Tales?
The most excruciating experience writing Twelve Tantalizingly Twisted Tales was going through the editing process. I’m an editor myself, and being on the receiving end of editorial comments can be quite challenging for a control freak like me. But I understand and appreciate the importance of good editing, and the book shows it. This book probably went through 15 rounds of editing (and three editors) before its release.
Are you a full-time or part-time writer? How does that affect your writing?
I am currently a very part-time writer, but for a year I had the amazing opportunity to write full time. After being laid off from my job of 22 years, I took advantage of the situation to finish my Christian inspirational book, The Epiphany of Joy, published by Progressive Rising Phoenix Press in 2014. I also managed to blog at least once a week, which provided excellent incentive and opportunity to hone my writing even more. Until two months ago I still wrote half time, but, alas, financial reality stepped on my neck again and forced me to go back to work full time. Actually more than full time—I do contract electrical engineering and am working two jobs. I’m very much in tune with the seasons of life, and I’m convinced this current season will provide an opportunity to let the writing rest for a time, after which I’m confident it will emerge stronger and even more well-seasoned.
What kinds of writing do you do?
My writing could illustrate a definition for “eclectic.” I’ve dabbled in poetry, magazine and newspaper articles, and I even wrote a monthly communications column for my company’s management newsletter. I’ve written a novel, self-published (and illustrated) a cartoon book called You Might be a Writer, and even tried my hand at writing copy for greeting cards. But now I focus mainly on two genres: Christian inspirational non-fiction and spooky “Goosebumps” type stories for younger readers.
What do you think most characterizes your writing?
The way I can paint a picture with words. I feel I’ve reached a point in my writing development that I now wield a pen or a computer keyboard like a master photographer manipulates light or a successful artist brandishes a paint brush and pigments. Instead of being mechanical and stilted, now when I’m in the “zone” my writing flows onto the page like flourishes dancing around a concert hall during a symphonic performance. People have told me I write like I talk, and that natural, easy-going ebb and flow of conversation adds to the beauty and artistry of my writing. And my sense of humor and subtle use of symbolism helps to flesh out the story’s structure and mystery.
What do you want your tombstone to say?
“Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
David C. Hughes defies the premise that engineers can’t write. With almost four decades of writing experience, he left his full-time corporate job in 2013 to launch his writing career. He has a passion for writing and for other writers, and loves to “talk shop” with anyone who will listen.
A former youth leader and deacon, David’s life is resolutely defined by his pursuit of God, and his desire is to convey God’s love, joy, grace, and healing through his testimony. His blog site, “David C. Hughes, Writer,” broadcasts his latest take on what it means to be a Christ-centered man, husband, father, son, brother, and friend in these exciting and challenging times. His God-ordained book, The Epiphany of Joy, and his picture book, Melted Clowns, both won the Texas Association of Authors 2015 Best Book Award. He is also the author of 10 Little Hiccups/10 pequeños hipos, a bilingual counting book.
In July 2016, Progressive Rising Phoenix Press released his latest book, Twelve Tantalizingly Twisted Tales, a collection of a dozen spooky stories aimed at 8 to 14 year olds.
Originally from the town of Maine, New York, David now lives in Granbury, Texas with the loves of his life: his wife, Mary, and his daughter, Hannah. At last count he also has two dogs, a handful of fish, six chickens, and countless geckos.
GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
One Copy Signed by the Author & the Illustrator
(US ONLY)
October 12 – October 21, 2016
Click on Image Below to Enter
CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:
| 10/12 | Review | Margie’s Must Reads |
| 10/13 | Author Interview 1 | Texas Book Lover |
| 10/14 | Review | Hall Ways Blog |
| 10/15 | Excerpt 1 | Kara The Redhead |
| 10/16 | Promo | Momma On The Rocks |
| 10/17 | Review | My Book Fix Blog |
| 10/18 | Author Interview 2 | Forgotten Winds |
| 10/19 | Promo | Books and Broomsticks |
| 10/20 | Review | Reading By Moonlight |
| 10/21 | Excerpt 2 | The Page Unbound |
blog tour services provided by
