Nila-Water, the first in a series, emerges as a blend of the parallel realities that Seth lives in. Developing a debilitating illness with an excruciating skin condition, he has lived a life of isolation. He escapes to the bedtime stories told by his father, of a beneficent race of Nila, who live on earth and in the oceans. Suffering also the loss of his father, who abruptly disappears from his life, he becomes attracted to his beautiful, tantalizing caretaker, Kate, who shares the house entrusted to him by his father. They mutually agree he should undergo four risky treatments recommended by his doctor, Eshe, to curb his ailing condition.
The questionable intentions of Seth’s powerful father for humans and for Nila are revealed during the course of treatments. Are Seth’s real-life experiences during the treatments actually his new life in the ocean, or a result of the drug being administered?
Hello book lovers! Today is a day where I will be writing another author spotlight for a well-accomplished author whose work I have loved. As you know book lovers I love learning about authors and the inspiration behind their work, it fascinates me and adds to the depth of the book because the reader will be able to better understand it. That is how the author spotlights were created because I soon discovered that you lovely readers ALSO love learning about author’s, so I am excited to tell you a little bit more about author Daniel G. Linsteadt whose book Nila: Water thrilled me from beginning to end. I personally would recommend this book to all of those that love fantasy but really the book can be read by anybody as it is flawlessly written and highly enjoyable. With today’s author spotlight, a biography of the author and an interview between me and Daniel G. Linsteadt will be shared, and I hope that you book lovers enjoy reading it! To kick this off here is an author bio about the wonderful Daniel G. Linsteadt!
Author of children’s stories Oaf in Ophir and Oaf in Bear River, and the fantasy series Nila: Water, Air and Fire, Daniel shares his enthusiasm for inspiring and uplifting stories—where entering the realm of the magical and spiritual blend with the heartbeat of all life—and creatures see answers to those deep questions that stir within us. Daniel received two BAs from the University of Santa Barbara and spent most of his career as an IT programmer, but his passion is creating stories. He can often be found sipping coffee in the foothills of Auburn, California where nature is still wild … if you know where to look.
Now, how wonderful does Daniel G. Linsteadt sound?! Daniel G. Linsteadt is a truly exceptional writer and I hope that you lovely readers have a read of the author’s work because you will not regret it! Please see below an interview between me and the author and I hope that you enjoy Daniel G. Linsteadt answers to my questions, they are incredible and provide some great advice too!
Thank you for joining us today at Red Headed Book Lover! Please tell us more about yourself
I love to share my enthusiasm for inspiring and uplifting stories—where entering the realm of the magical and spiritual blend with the heartbeat of all life—and creatures see answers to those deep questions that stir within us. I received two BAs from the University of Santa Barbara and spent most of my career as an IT programmer, but my passion is creating stories.
Could you please tell us readers about your book and what inspired you to write your book?
The Nila story was created out of my love for the ocean and my unending questions of why do I exist, and what is the purpose of life. One day after a winter storm, my wife and I walked the Coronado Island beach. The summer accumulation of sand had been stripped away by the aggressive waves and the sand dollars with it. Left behind was an exposed pile of rocks that required work to traverse. Scattered about the jagged stones were large pink and opalescent spiral shells. Surprisingly, many of them were only cracked or chipped…the seagulls had yet to discover the awaiting treasure. Life still twitched within each intact shell as I touched the exposed flesh. Positioning myself on a rock, I rubbed it’s outer shell with my thumb and gazed beyond the waves to watch the rough water pulsate shades of gray. The meaning of life once again drifted through my mind, and that thread easily shifted to how it might be to live in the ocean. In that instant, a Nila swam into my life, and grinned.
What would your advice be for aspiring writers?
After you’ve devise a great plot idea and made it smart, allow the story to take on a life of its own and follow it. Never force a characters voice as you sit in their environment and feel their heart.
In your opinion, what is the most important thing about a book?
The characters need to captivate me and the story pull me in, like how Seth’s skin felt hot with pain then transformed to the softness of salt water embracing him. The spiritual awaking of shifting from an land bound human to a creature of the ocean…
What is your writing process like?
I don’t stop writing until the message driving me that moment is written to completion and I feel spent. A good walk, which is often key for me, in between spurts of writing always renews my energy and images waiting to be captured flow into the conversation.
What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
I research as I go. I gather as much as needed to be accurate and give the story depth.
Do you have a set schedule for writing, or do you only write when you feel inspired?
I write everyday. Wanting to know where the story will take me is my inspiration, my joy.
Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?
Yes and no, I read in spurts. Once started, I devour a book. The trick is to read not as an author, like critiquing how they write, but only notice the rhythm of the words, the conjured up images, and emotions that stir.
Lastly, when can we readers expect to read more wonderful books from you?
Nila: Air (book two) and Nila: Fire (book three) are available now. On the younger side, you can read Oaf in Ophir and then Oaf in Bear River. I recently completedOaf in Kinship, but this has not been published yet. I have a folder on my computer with the beginnings of 4 stories wanting attention. Magic hits me at the oddest times, so I jot down the gist and let it incubate…
Its official book lovers, I am obsessed with Daniel G. Linsteadt! If you have liked what you have read about the author and are interested in learning more, then please do have a browse of the links below and be sure to have a read of the preview too! You will not regret it.
Goodbye for now book lovers,
Amazon U.S. – Amazon U.K. – Goodreads
Author: Website – Book Website – Instagram – Twitter – Facebook
