The SHANNON MUIR’S INFINITE HOUSE OF BOOKS column on Mondays and Wednesdays is a place at Shannon Muir’s author website showcasing books from a variety of fiction genres, with an emphasis on interviews and guest posts from other authors. One thing Shannon firmly believes in for readers not only to learn about new books available, but about those who craft the tales behind them. As its name implies, SHANNON MUIR’S INFINITE HOUSE OF BOOKS weekly column features writers from all genres of fiction who want their potential audience to get to know them, and their works, better.
Today, find out more about DEADLY GROUND.
Deadly Ground by Thomas W. Starbuck and Judy Belshe-Toernblom
Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc. (April 4, 2018)
Category: Fantasy, Romance, Science Fiction Lite, Post Apocalyptic
Tour dates: October-November, 2018
ISBN: 978-1641401678
Available in Print and ebook, 157 pages
“Deadly Ground” – a riveting story about the human race under threat, with a rare DNA condition providing a second chance for humanity. A fast-paced novel that reads like an apocalypse movie with a biological viral disease, some romance, and aliens in the mix, centered on the unforgettable human main character AB, who becomes the hope for humanity’s regeneration.
By author Thomas W. Starbuck, whose storyline for “Deadly Ground” was adapted and written by Judy Belshe-Toernblom.
Trailer Deadly Ground by Thomas W. Starbuck and Judy Belshe-Toernblom
Praise Deadly Ground by Thomas W. Starbuck and Judy Belshe-Toernblom
“Great concept…makes you think. Could history be repeating itself? Fast read. Anxious for the sequel.”- Peggy Holder, Amazon
“A really good book and definitely a page-turner. I really liked the characters which is so important to me when I read a book. And the story really makes you think a lot about the things that are going on around us throughout the world. This was a different type of book than I normally read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This book has something for so many readers’ interests – some fantasy, some romance, some sci-fi. It’s also a quick read. I’m looking forward to the author’s sequel to ‘Deadly Ground’.”-Tamara, Amazon Review
Praise Boonville Redemption: The End Of The Beginning by Judy Belshe-Toernblom
“Unique and wonderful on multiple levels. Told from a dog’s point of view, the tale of love, betrayal, and ultimate redemption is woven in a tapestry of beautiful description, colorful history and memorable characters. Set in the quaint town of Boonville, Anderson Valley, Northern California, the book resurrects Boontling, the valley-specific, and near- lost language of Boonville’s earliest settlers. It’s a great read that will draw you into the quieter, gentler times, captivate you with the lush scenery, prompt you to curse or cheer the townsfolk of 1800s Boonville.”- J. Helen Elza, Amazon
“A touching story about the good and evil that is part of the human experience. The characters inspire one to think about forgiveness and redemption. Very engaging and beautifully written. Loved reading it. So good I wanted the story to continue!”-Garden Girl, Amazon
Guest Review of the Book
Guest Review by Laura
Well this book certainly went in a different direction than I was expecting. After I finished, when I went back and read the opening lines I almost couldn’t believe it was the same book. It had been such a roller coaster of a journey. When I started out this novel I assumed it would be a basic post-apocalyptic tale of a man trying to survive on his own.
‘Deadly Ground’ is not basic. This book has everything. It has dystopian, it has science fiction, it has romance and action. And it has great writing to top it all off. The basic premise is that AB, a scientist at the top of his field, gets called in during a national emergency. There is a virus spreading across the world that is not only killing people but literally turning them to ash. Before AB can stop the virus, humanity is destroyed. AB is the last man left on earth. Or is he?
He decides to seek out others like him to hopefully find people to share the silence at the end of the world. But before AB can find anyone, he gets found himself. An alien spaceship touches down and the inhabitants of the craft want to speak to him, especially their beautiful leader, a woman called Venestra. As I said, this book really kept my interest.
There were a lot of unexpected twists and turns that kept me from being able to put it down and left the story in a completely different place at the end then it was in when it started. I’m giving ‘Deadly Ground’ five stars because of the excellent writing, the shocking twists and the engaging, funny and heart breaking characters. I’d love to read more by Thomas W. Starbuck, I can imagine that they’ll will be just as compelling!
Interview with an Author
Interview with Infinite House of Books
with Author Thomas W. Starbuck
What initially got you interested in writing?
I originally developed the storyline for Deadly Ground as an idea for a pilot as a full-length feature film and hoped to morph it into a series. I began working with Judy Belshe-Toernblom to turn the storyline into the screenplay. Finding out just how difficult it is to attract financing, we decided to convert the screenplay into a novel with the hope of attracting production financing. It was at this juncture I began writing the final manuscript of Deadly Ground, along with the aid of Judy.
How did you decide to make the move into being a published author?
As I mentioned above, converting the screenplay into a novel required finding a publisher interested in publishing Deadly Ground, the novel. I was successful in attracting Christian Faith Publishing and they enthusiastically published Deadly Ground.
What do you want readers to take away from reading your works?
My hope would be that individuals who read Deadly Ground would take away an appreciation of just how vulnerable humankind is when faced with the possibility of an uncontrollable, untreatable pandemic virus. In addition, I would hope individuals who read Deadly Ground would realize that by remaining committed to a worthy goal, any difficulty or challenge faced can be overcome.
What do you find most rewarding about writing?
I have found it most rewarding to encounter individuals who indicate they were drawn into the story and captivated by the plausibility of the story presented to them.
What do you find most challenging about writing?
What I have found the biggest challenge about writing is staying fresh and creative when developing new material.
What advice would you give to people wanting to enter the field?
The advice I would offer to individuals wanting to enter the field of writing is to remain committed to one’s dream of being a writer. Stay strong in the face of disappointments and challenges. Persistence will pay off!
What ways can readers connect with you?
Readers can connect with me through my website: www.TWStarbuck.com; on Facebook: TWStarbuck; and Twitter: TStarbuckAuthor. I hope to hear from you all soon. Best wishes!
About Thomas W. Starbuck
Thomas W. Starbuck, an eternal optimist, finds joy in everything around him – from quality time with his active family to quiet meditation and contemplation about the world around him. Never living life in the status quo, Tom had an idea for a story.
This spark of an idea for a screenplay turned into Tom’s first novel, ‘Deadly Ground’, published in April 2018. To give Deadly Ground the soul it needed, Tom worked with gifted writer, Judy Belshe-Toernblom, on both the screenplay and novel, and they were recognized by the 2018 Capital Fund Screenplay Competition Top 100.
Tom is the father of two daughters and a beloved granddaughter, who one of the Deadly Ground characters was named after. He lives with his wife of 45 years in Des Moines, Iowa, where he graduated from Drake University and worked in financial services for 32 years prior to retirement in 2009.
Website: http://www.twstarbuck.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TWStarbuck-523048831464185/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TStarbuckAuthor
About Judy Belshe-Toernblom
Multi-talented Judy Belshe-Toernblom has spent her career as an award-winning writer/producer/casting director in Hollywood. Having published 5 books, Judy received the Dove Foundation Award for her book, Boonville Redemption: The End of the Beginning, as well as its film, Boonville Redemption, starring Pat Boone, Edward Asner and Diane Ladd. Working with Thomas W. Starbuck on both the screenplay and published novel, Deadly Ground, they were recognized by the 2018 Capital Fund Screenplay Competition Top 100. She also received the Irwin Award for her book, It’s A Freeway Out There! Everyone’s Guide to the Film and Commercial Industry.
She’s had the privilege of working with award-winning directors over the years, casting for movies, educational films, industrials and infomercials, such as: McGruff the Crime Dog series, How the West Was Lost (Cable Ace Award), Knotts Berry Farm, Oroweat, Disney educational projects, Boys and Girls Town PSAs, Will Rogers Institute PSAs, and 100s more.
Website: http://boonvilleredemption.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Boonville-Redemption-617980531559265/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BoonvilleFilm
Buy Deadly Ground by Thomas W. Starbuck and Judy Belshe-Toernblom
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Giveaway Deadly Ground by Thomas W. Starbuck and Judy Belshe-Toernblom
This giveaway is for the winner’s choice of one print or ebook copy of the book. Print is open to the U.S. only and ebook is available worldwide. This giveaway ends November 30, 2018, midnight pacific time. Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.
Follow Deadly Ground by Thomas W. Starbuck and Judy Belshe-Toernblom Tour
Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Oct 8 Kick off
Lu Ann Rockin’ Book Reviews Oct 9 Review
Indie Review Behind the Scenes Oct 9 Video Interview 1 pm est (will be posted later in the week)
Bridgette Bookworm Bridgette’s World Oct 11 Review & Excerpt
Stephan Amazon Oct 12 Review
Lora ettria Oct 15 Review & Excerpt
Sarika The Readdicts Book Blog Oct 16 Excerpt
Monica Writers N Authors Oct 18 Review & Interview
Beverly’s Book Blog Oct 22 Review & Excerpt
Yari Yaris-book-world Oct 25 Review
Shannon The Pulp and Mystery Shelf Nov 2 Guest Review & Interview
Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Nov 12 Review
This schedule is subject to change.