Today I am so pleased to welcome E.M. Hamill to Joyfully Jay. E.M. Hamill has come to talk to us about her latest release, Peacemaker (which we reviewed here and loved). She has also brought along a great giveaway. Please join me in giving her a big welcome!

 

E.M. has written some questions and answers to share. 

We know what you like to write, but what do you like to read in your free time, and why?

I am a lifelong fan of science fiction and fantasy, and that’s still my primary go-to when I read. There’s something about traveling to other worlds and having your mind opened to new possibilities that’s always drawn me to science fiction. I started reading Robert Heinlein and Isaac Asimov books when I was about ten, and when Star Wars hit, I saw it eleven times that summer. My sixth-grade teacher introduced me to fantasy with the Prydain Chronicles and the Earthsea books, and from that moment on, I was absolutely captivated. I love the escape both genres provide. Even as an adult, I want to do magic, meet elves, and travel the stars. I can do that as a reader, and especially as a writer.

I have several favorite series right now: The Kai Gracen books by Rhys Ford, which is wonderfully snarky alternate reality/urban fantasy, the Liminal Sky series by J. Scott Coatsworth, which is the best science fiction I’ve read in a long time, and the Soulbound series by Hailey Turner, which is paranormal, hot as fire with romance and has the best, most original magic system I’ve encountered in ages.

 

Are there underrepresented groups or ideas featured if your book? If so, discuss them.

Dalí is bisexual, technically pansexual since they don’t discriminate on the species of their lovers. They are also neutral in gender but can assume the secondary sexual characteristics of male or female. There were very few bi characters I ever came across in my favorite books growing up, and I wanted to make sure we are represented positively in my stories. There was always one character in all my books, even before I came out. I lacked the vocabulary to describe who I was as a young person—bisexual still fit back then, but now I would also say pansexual and genderqueer, like Dalí.

My main character is dealing with depression and unhealthy coping mechanisms after a personal loss which pretty much destroyed them. In this book they do get medical help in the form of an intervention for their addiction and are prescribed antidepressants. I presented it without fanfare and by the end of the story we do see them making headway and dealing with things in less self-destructive ways. Well, mostly, anyway, but I think they deserve to get drunk with a friend after what I put them through in this book.

Most of us who deal with depression know it’s an ongoing issue. Medication definitely helps even out the highs and lows, but there are times we have setbacks and need to shore up our healthy coping mechanisms. Asking for help from a friend or from a medical professional is important when you can no longer deal with the weight. Don’t let yourself sink.

 

What was the hardest part of writing this book?

Getting it finished! I started it just before I went back to school to complete a college degree required for my nursing job. It took me two years to finish Peacemaker because I could only write on weekends or on breaks from class. Happily, I will have finished school by the time of this book tour and will graduate in May. I am hopefully optimistic the next book in the Dalí Tamareia Missions, Third Front, will take less time to write.

 

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

Yes, I read them even though I know I’m not supposed to. The good ones bring sunshine and sparkles to my day, and the bad ones…it’s the worst feeling in the world, but I know my books are not everybody’s cup of tea. If it’s not just bashing and is honest, constructive criticism, it gives me something to think about the next time I write a book.

 

Star Trek or Star Wars? Why?

I love both! Star Wars, if I have to choose. That was my true space opera awakening! I’m so hooked on The Mandalorian and Picard right now. They can coexist in the same household.


Blurb

Third-gender operative Dalí Tamareia thought their life as an ambassador ended when they joined a galactic intelligence agency. When they’re yanked out of the field and tapped to negotiate the surrender of deadly bio-engineered warriors who crashed into hostile territory, Dalí is thrust headfirst back into the tumultuous world of galactic diplomacy.

Dalí has faced Shontavians before, but not like these. The stranded mercenaries are highly intelligent and have an agenda of their own. Dalí can’t afford to be distracted from the negotiations by their own demons or the presence of a charming diplomat with a mysterious past.

As a brewing civil war threatens to derail the entire mission, Dalí must use all their skills to bring this dangerous situation to a peaceful end—but the Shontavians may not be the biggest monsters at the table. Someone is determined to see Dalí and their team dead before they discover the brutal truth hiding in the wreckage.

Buy links:


Bio

Elisabeth “E.M.” Hamill is a nurse by day, unabashed geek, chocoholic, sci fi and fantasy novelist by nights, weekends, and whenever she can steal quality time with her laptop. She lives with her family, a dog, and a cat in the wilds of eastern suburban Kansas, where they fend off flying monkey attacks and prep for the zombie apocalypse.

Her other books include the acclaimed sci fi novel Dalí, the snarky urban fantasy Nectar and Ambrosia, and several short works of fiction. Visit www.elisabethhamill.com for a full list of literary work.



Giveaway

E.M. is giving away a $15 Amazon gift card with this tour. Enter via the Rafflecopter below:

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