Xlibris Author| Linda Pittillo, Beyond The Darkness

Xlibris Publishing introduces Linda Pittillo, author of Survivors of the Darkness and its sequel, her most recent book, Beyond The Darkness.

 

About the Book:

This sequel to Survivors of the Darkness, called Beyond The Darkness, is set 350 years after the first book.  Survivors of the Darkness is also published by Xlibris. VICE CONSUL EMILY WALTERS is a direct descendant of NICKOLAS and EMILY MANN from the first book. She is from the planet TerraI in the new solar system her ancestors migrated to 300 years ago. The next largest planet is Kryllia.  Her sister MARGARET married a Kryllian named NEMOS. Both are deceased leaving a son named NAMIOS. He is in grave danger from her half-brother EDWARD.  What she doesn’t know is that there is a force working with EDWARD more dangerous than even he is. So she has to contact NEMOS’ brother, Othonos. Because only in Kryllia will NAMIOS be safe from EDWARD.

 

 

 

She knows that NEMOS was a Halfling and suspects OTHONOS is too. OTHONOS’ mother CYRA welcomes her grandson with open arms but EMILY is a different matter. EMILY’S knowledge could destroy her family.  Can EMILY be trusted? CYRA doesn’t like the growing attraction between EMILY and OTHONOS either. Any relationship between them could hurt her son and she won’t let that happen again. Throughout the dangers to all of them EMILY has visions of her ancestors appearing with advice and help.

 

 

 

 

Who is the author “behind” the book?

My name is Linda Pittillo. I have traveled all over the country with my husband because of his career.  However, about 10 years ago I settled in Southeast Texas and I love it. I am a member of the American Association of University Women, the Orange County Friends, the Golden Kiwanis and the American Legion Auxiliary. I have been writing almost since I learned to read.

 

My inspiration was the many science fiction and horror books I read in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Also the Hammer Film Productions prevalent in the 1960’s became my guide as to the character of vampires.  The old black and white movies about werewolves shown on late night TV fascinated me too. Naturally, Star Trek was a big influence in my teenage years.  And just a few years ago I had the honor of meeting William Shatner. I have his autographed poster hanging in my living room. I have to confess though that I read a lot of romance books too.  All of my books have a romantic component.

 

 

I share my real life with my husband and two dogs. One is a very spoiled half Chihuahua named Hildy.  We recently rescued a 5-month old puppy I named Shadow after one of the characters in Survivors of the Darkness. As to his breed, not even the vet can guess.  Except at 5 months he weighs 27 pounds so we know he isn’t Chihuahua!

 

 

Honestly, I had not intended to write a sequel to Survivors of the Darkness but my readers were asking about a sequel and once I thought about it I realized the story hadn’t really ended but just begun, so hence Beyond The Darkness. Beyond The Darkness took about 3 months from first word to submission.  I usually work about 4 hours a day about 4 days a week.  Except when I’m getting it ready for submission then it seems to be 12 hours a day seven days a week!

 

 

 

 

Are you working on a sequel to your book?

I also have a prequel in the works centering around the present.  This one will predate both books and set the stage for both books.  I hope to have it ready in the spring.

 

 

 

Are there any events, marketing ideas or promotions planned for your book?

I have been invited to speak at several groups about the problems and rewards of being a writer.  I encourage individuals that the only way to learn to write is to do it.

 

 

I also have a regular booth at Orange Trade Days which is once a month and showcases local artisans and local products.  The venue is prominently mentioned on Facebook and I have been moderately successful in promoting my book.

 

 

Art in the Park is a once a year event usually in the spring which invites local artists and draws a large crowd.  I was quite successful this year.

 

 

 

What was your favorite part of your publishing experience, overall and with Xlibris?

I went with Xlibris as my publisher for Survivors of the Darkness and Beyond the Darkness because they really listen to what I want my final product to look like.  I had a bad experience with another publisher with another book and will never go back. I picked the first one that sounded good and it wasn’t.  I am very happy with Xlibris.

 

I have to admit though my favorite part of the whole publishing experience is when I got my author’s copy of my book and see it in print for the first time.  My heart races when I see that box with my book enclosed.

 

 

 

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?

My advice to aspiring authors is twofold.  First, finish the book or start it depending on your progress.  Secondly, is if you decide to self-publish choose the publisher that meets your needs and then do it!

 

 

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