Rituals & Runes AUTHOR FEATURE Posted on September 27, 2022 | by C.D. Gorri Rituals & Runes is the PERFECT escape to worlds filled with paranormal, romance, urban fantasy, and more! And you can get a sneak peek into one of the stories exclusive to the box set, The Rune Sorceress. Check out this author’s interview with N.D.T. Casale to find out about her contribution! Author: N.D.T. Casale Title: The Ruin Sorceress R & R: The heroine on your cover has a sword in her hand. How is she forced to use the sword and is it magical? N.D.T. Yes, the sword is magical. My heroine uses the sword during her battles and when she shape-shifts. R & R: Exciting! She looks tough on the cover and something I think the readers will adore. You’ve mentioned the term princess with regard to your story. Is this a traditional Cinderella style or more like Beauty and the Beast? N.D.T.: This story is an original tale that I have created. There are a few inspirations taken from Beauty and the Beast that I have woven throughout. R & R: Tasty and it sounds like a sizzling addition to the anthology. How did this story come to you? N.D.T.: This story was inspired by the cover and title of our Boxset Rituals and Runes. I wanted to incorporate runes into the story and I love sorcery. I did research about runes and learned about their significance with Norse Mythology. It sparked some ideas that I wove into this book. R & R: That truly sounds amazing, the aspect of adding Norse Mythology adding a special touch for readers. What books do you have coming out that are not involved in the anthology? N.D.T.: This year I am publishing my first novel. It is titled Hickory Dickory Death and it releases in October. I am also a coauthor on multiple anthologies. My story Blood of the Unicorn will be featured in Enchanted Forests coming out in July. My story The Sword, The Scepter, and The Crown will be featured in Kindred Kingdoms coming out in August. I will also be a part of a holiday-inspired anthology titled All I want for Christmas coming out in November. R & R: Your first solo release will be exciting for the readers after indulging in your story. How do you keep your stories organized? N.D.T.: I keep my stories organized by using Google Docs. I keep each of my stories and ideas in different folders. R & R: Readers might be surprised how organized authors need to be. Are you a plotter or a panzer? N.D.T.: I would say that I am a plotter. I write down ideas for my stories or I will create a rough outline of how I want my story to go. Many times I write as it comes to me. R & R: That takes a very creative mind to be able to do. What is your favorite horror movie? N.D.T.: I do not have a favorite horror movie. R & R: Understandable. Thank you for sharing a part of your world with us! Blurb: The Rune Sorceress When a vain queen is turned into a raven by a mighty wizard, her handmaiden Annalina is declared the only one who can bring the queen back to her true form. After being told that she is a powerful sorceress, Annalina must embark on a quest to find the missing runes in order to break the curse and bring the joy back to the kingdom of Algravia. With a handsome baker and a puma as her guides, Annalina begins to unravel the shadows of her past and discovers a dark secret that was meant to stay hidden. Excerpt: Fingers slamming the iron latch into the thick wood sent the battle cry that would soon change Annalina’s life forever. Clang! Clang! Echoing throughout the castle and vibrating off of every piece of furniture, the sounds shook the young handmaiden to the core. Her hand knocked over the candle on the dining table and a spark ignited. Blowing her breath outward she extinguished the flicker and righted the rushlight. “Clumsy girl!” Barked Queen Iradessa. “You cannot do anything right!” Turning her attention to the bowl of soup placed before her, the monarch scooped a spoonful of broth and rose it to her red lips. She sipped and shook her head. “It needs more pepper, take it back!” The ruler of Algravia huffed as she shoved the bowl away creating splatters on the silk table cloth. Annalina leaned forward to pick up the soup when the loud knocks sounded again. She was surprised they could hear the hammering over the violent crashes of thunder. “Who disturbs my peace during such foul weather?” Huffed Iradessa. She glared at the blonde-haired handmaiden. “Well, what are you waiting for girl? Answer it!” Placing the bowl back on the table, Annalina smiled, “Yes, Your Majesty.” She turned and headed out of the Great Hall. “I hate my life.” She muttered. A sigh escaped her tense lips, as an orphan teen, she knew she could not complain. The rain pelted the glass and the wind howled as she approached the embellished oak door. Who would venture out on such a miserable night thought Annalina. And where are the guards? Wrapping her slender fingers around the iron handle she pulled back with all her might. To her surprise, standing before her stood a hooded figure. “Hello,” a voice called. “Might I trouble you for a place to lay my head? I have been traveling for so long.” Reaching his hand upward and pulling back his hood revealed the face of a man. Wrinkles creased his cheeks and forehead. His hair and beard were like new-fallen snow. Hunching over, the intruder’s dirty hands gripped a walking stick that had suffered many miles. The clothes on his short frame were torn and tattered. As her eyes took in the mysterious stranger, Annalina could not help but feel this man was cloaked in secrecy. Author Bio: N.D.T. Casale is an Italian-American author who lives in the United States. She creates magical realms for others to escape to and enjoy. Her goal is to write stories that bring joy, happiness, and hope to the lives of many. When she is not hard at work writing, N.D.T. Casale spends her time riding horses, working out, traveling, snowboarding, and looking for her next adventure. She is fluent in multiple languages, loves animals, and is obsessed with fashion and fitness. She always ends her day with a cup of tea. N.D.T. Casale also writes under the pen name N.D. Testa. Website and social media links: Instagram: @ndtcasale Tik Tok: @ndtcasale Bookbub: @ndtcasale Goodreads: @ndtcasale Get more magical & paranormal-themed stories like this in Rituals & Runes! Universal: https://books2read.com/rituals Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oz9aGJ