UFI welcomes Author Christina Bauer. Thanks for Joining us!!
Urban Fantasy Investigations wisely asked what advice I’d give myself at the ages of 5, 11, 16, and 20, particularly in terms of what to read. Good question! Without further ado, here goes:
To Me at Age 5
“First of all, Mom hides cookies in the shelf over the fridge. If you can horde those, you’ll have a source of power over all your siblings that will be second to none. Also, read Where the Wild Things Are about five hundred times. It’s a great primer for the rest of your existence.”
To Me at Age 11
“Sorry about the breasts coming in early. Whatever you do, DO NOT GO BRA SHOPPING WTH GRANDMA. She’ll try on bras over your clothes before you can say ‘why don’t we find the dressing rooms.’ The sales ladies will cry so hard, they hide under the register. Therapy moment! Also, read The Hobbit by J R R Tolkien. You’re welcome.”
To Me at Age 16
“Good news! You get to secretly kiss the captain of the football team in the locker room this year. Other than that, sixteen will be a bit of a bust. Better stuff is coming, though. While you’re waiting, read Lord of the Wings by J R R Tolkien. It’s all good.”
To Me at Age 20
“It’s a really good idea to join a sorority and go shopping with Kim Stern. Also, be sure to blow off more classes while you’re at it. And stay up all night with Cat analyzing The Wasteland by T S Elliot. Totes worth it.”
There you go; my life and book advice, all in one place. It’s been a wonderful few decades!
__________________________________
Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. An avowed girl geek, Christina loves creating immersive fantasy worlds with action, adventure, romance, and kick-ass female protagonists. As part of her work in Ink Monster, Christina has co-developed the ‘Heroine’s Journey,’ a blueprint for telling female myths inspired by the work of Joseph Campbell. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and golden retriever Ruby.
Find Christina and her books
__________________________________
PortiaAngel Offspring #2
Unlike her famous older brother Maxon, Princess Portia isn't known for killing demons or attracting admirers. The reason why is simple: a spell was cast on Portia, and the magic has marked her to one day transform into a dreaded Void demon. To fight this horrible fate, Portia’s spent her life hiding in libraries and learning magic. But when the Void demons threaten to destroy all the after-realms—and the handsome dragon Emperor Tempest offers his help—then Portia suspects that her future holds more than just a demonic metamorphosis. Fate is calling the bookworm princess onto the battlefield, and it’s a fight against both deadly enemies and her heart’s desires.
May be read as a stand-alone.
Excerpt
Chapter One
My heart beats at double speed while I rush up the staircase to the Ryder mansion. After pulling open the fancy wooden door, I step inside a large and empty foyer. Well, it’s almost empty.
The President of Purgatory is waiting for me. Not good.
Even worse, her mouth is pressed into a thin and frustrated line. No question why she’s unhappy. My lecture on Magic Across The After-Realms should’ve started twenty minutes ago.
“Portia, you’re finally here,” she sighs. “We were getting frantic.”
The President’s known for being tough on crime, graft, and well, everything really. But she’s also my grandmother. When it comes to family, Gram’s a softie who worries like crazy. I should know, being a softie myself. I give her a quick peck on the cheek. “So sorry, Gram. I got caught up.”
Gram’s tail sways warily over her right shoulder. No shock, there. Every quasi-demon in Purgatory has a tail. Gram’s variety is long and black with an arrowhead-shaped end and a mind of its own. Currently, that mind totally suspects that I’m up to something.
Good suspicion, actually.
“What are you working on this time?” asks Gram. “Is it dangerous magic? Please tell me you’re being safe.”
“No, it’s not dangerous at all,” I say.
Which isn’t entirely true.
My cheeks redden with guilt, but I can’t exactly admit that I was up all night trying to track Void demons by casting spells with an enchanted canopic jar. It’s super-tricky stuff. I could’ve ended up with a Void demon in my living room, and I’m not what you call battle-hardy.
__________________________________
Tour Wide
ENTER GIVEAWAY by following the link.
