Author Guest Post with Lou Kemp: Music Shall Untune the Sky

A magician, a widower from the Sudan, and an automat travel the world.

Welcome to the February 14th stop on the blog tour for Music Shall Untune the Sky by Lou Kemp with Goddess Fish Promotions. Be sure to follow the rest of the tour for spotlights, reviews, author guest posts, and a giveaway! More on that at the end of this post.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means there is no additional cost to you if you shop using my links, but I will earn a small percentage in commission. A program-specific disclaimer is at the bottom of this post.

Author Guest Post

Do you also remember a novel that made a lasting impression – one that you reread several times? Perhaps ones that made you want to become a writer? Do tell!

I was probably about 8-10 years old when I read the Swiss Family Robinson the first time. I saw the movie several times, and reread it again at about 15 years old. The story was like a gigantic sponge where I could leave all of my sea adventures, survival experiences, and imagine what else would happen.

At the time, I’d written several stories that many kids write, about animals, but as I got older, the stories changed along with my point of view. The tales were more horror than about dogs, including my first sales to small presses. Gradually, I switched to mystery and fantasy, and about 10 years ago decided I’d found a home in magical realism and the sea once more.

About the Book

Music Shall Untune the Sky
The Celwyn Series Book Two
by Lou Kemp

Published 23 January 2023
4 Horsemen Publications

Genre: Magical Realism
Page Count: 409
Add it to your Goodreads TBR!

It’s 1865 and three close friends; the immortal magician Celwyn, the automat Professor Xiau Kang, and Bartholomew, a scientist and widower from Sudan, set out on another adventure as they travel to Singapore to fetch the professor’s wife. Prepare to explore a world reminiscent of our own yet filled with magic and steampunk!

Their private, magically enhanced train, the Elizabeth, is carrying them through the countryside when they witness the purposeful crash of a hot air balloon next to them. Jules Verne emerges from it and joins their party. As they continue east, the danger following the author shadows their train, and the murders begin. When they arrive in Singapore, Captain Nemo uses a unique method to trick Professor Kang into climbing aboard the Nautilus.

Music Shall Untune the Sky is a steampunk fantasy filled with murder, magic, and adventure.

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Excerpt

With a sigh, Elizabeth put down her tea.  “If I may?  I suggest we stay together.”  She gestured at the corner of the room.  “There is a water closet there.  We could all stay in this room.”

“That would be very helpful.” Bartholomew gazed around them.  “Jonas could provide food and drink as needed.”

“And blankets.” Kang regarded the sofas they sat on. “These would do as beds. And two of us awake and on guard at all times.”

It appeared they’d formed a plan.

“I need rest now.” The magician felt even more tired because the tension of the moment had eased.

“You look like it,” the automat told him.

A knock sounded, and Captain Nemo preceded Verne into the room.

Kang and the others exchanged a swift look that said, we were listened to.

Celwyn inserted himself in front of the others and faced Captain Nemo.

“Professor Kang would be honored to view your ‘project.’ We prefer to remain here until that occurs.”

Captain Nemo smiled without humor. “For your safety, as you perceive it.”

“Yes,” Kang told him.

 Nemo pivoted on his heel with military precision.

“Enjoy my study, as my guests.” He started for the door. “We will arrive at the Nicobar Islands soon.”

“Jules, feel free to remain,” Celwyn purred. “We have questions for you.”

About the Author

Early work was horror and suspense, later work morphed into a combination of magical realism, mystery and adventure painted with a horrific element as needed.

I’m one of those writers who doesn’t plan ahead, no outlines, no clue, and I sometimes write myself into a corner. Atmospheric music in the background helps. Black by Pearl Jam especially.

More information is available at LouKemp.com. I’d love to hear from you and what you think of Celwyn, Bartholomew, and Professor Xiau Kang.

Milestones:

2009 The anthology story Sherlock’s Opera appeared in Seattle Noir, edited by Curt Colbert, Akashic Books. Available through Amazon or Barnes and Noble online. Booklist published a favorable review of my contribution to the anthology.

2010 My story, In Memory of the Sibylline, was accepted into the best-selling MWA anthology Crimes by Moonlight, edited by Charlaine Harris. The immortal magician Celwyn makes his first appearance in print.

2018 The story, The Violins Played before Junstan is published in the MWA anthology Odd Partners, edited by Anne Perry. The Celwyn series begins.

Present day   My new publisher, 4 Horsemen has reissued book 1 of the Celwyn series: The Violins Played before Junstan. The remaining books in the series; Music Shall Untune the Sky, The Raven and the Pig, The Pirate Danced and the Automat Died, The Wyvern, the Pirate and the Madman will debut, beginning in 2023 -2024. The companion book, Farm Hall, will be reissued in 2023 where readers will see more of Pelaez, another immortal magician and Celwyn’s brother. Another companion book, The Sea of the Vanities is due out in 2023.

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Giveaway Alert!

Lou Kemp will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B&N gift card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.