Blue Screen of Death (Hashtag Magic) - Softcover

Young, J. Steven

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1943924260 ISBN 13: 9781943924264

Publisher: Tasicas-Young Fantasy Press, 2016

Synopsis

Techno-Magic evolves from spells and hashtags.

Colby regains a magical gift he never knew he lost in the first place. His reawakened power draws more enemies than the bullies he faces daily in school. There's no time to learn the complicated rules of his magic. Colby creates a technological solution that merges magic with his mobile devices.

With the help of his quirky family and friends, Colby faces down new challenges. The magical world collides with modern times and technology. Ancient creatures are drawn to the boy with a new magic. A boy who has to learn to accept himself if he hopes to control the forces battling within and without.
Caught in the middle of a war that began at the beginning of time, Colby and his friends must learn to fight back, and learn fast. Not everything is how it appears and the battle to survive won't be an easy one, but Colby has no choice if he wants to withstand what's coming. His muse, an odd little blue man who turns into a cat, has followed Colby to keep him safe. This new generation needs a new way of being taught an ancient magic. This proves difficult when Colby's powers get the attention of the rest of the supernatural world. They have plans to take it all away, and will do anything to get it.
"If you like new ways of doing magic, witty dialogue, and a modern feel, then you'll love Hashtag Magic!"
Blue Screen of Death is a young adult urban/contemporary fantasy and is the first installment in the Hashtag Magic series. The second book, Control ALT Delete, is now available. Look for the upcoming third installment Web of Trolls November 3, 2016.

Start with the first book in the series inspiring the Hollywood screenplay "Hashtag Magic."

About this title

From the Author

Question:Tell us your latest news?
Book three of Hashtag Magic is being released Summer 2016. Web of Trolls.
Question:When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing in my twenties, but never did anything with it. I began seriously writing and publishing my work in mid 2013. I wanted to finally get my stories out and share them with people who might like them. It's a creative outlet that makes me feel good.
Question:When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I sold my first book to someone I did not know personally.
Question:What inspired you to write your first book?
Actually it was an episode of Ancient Aliens about the Annunaki and ancient Sumeria. It reminded me of a story I had been playing with for years and I finally began collecting my notes and structuring it.
Question:Do you have a specific writing style?
I am a plotter and pantster I guess. I outline and plot on a high level but leave myself plenty of room for the characters to take control.
Question:How did you come up with the title?
I was looking for something technology related and with the popularity of hashtags, it thought it apropos. 
Question:Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
There are several, but most of all it is about acceptance and being good to everyone no matter their background, sexuality, income, race, etc.
Question:How much of the book is realistic?
Much of it is realistic in the interpersonal relationships and places. Remove the magic, and everything else is very contemporary.
Question:Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Many things I felt or happened to me are lightly intertwined in my writing. I won't divulge exactly what, but I'm always in my stories to some degree. Even some characters are loosely modeled after members of my family.
Question:What books have most influenced your life most?Any stories of coming of age and fantasy really, but I loved the Harry Potter books. I think they allow me to dream and escape and that helps get me away from daily troubles and concerns for a bit. It doesn't seem like an influence, but escaping reality through reading is better than the alternatives.
Question:If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?For humor, Janet Evanovich. For fantasy/Sci-Fi, I would say all of them. I pick pieces of style from a wide array of authors.
Question:What are your current projects?Hashtag Magic book 4 is in outlining stage. I'm actively writing the first in a new series called Salem Tower. It's about a retirement home for witches. It is a mix of fantasy, mystery and humor. I'm also compiling a cookbook.
Question:Do you see writing as a career?Not yet. I see it as a possible career if I can build a large enough platform, but I got bills to pay right now!
Question:If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?No. I stick by my stories and allow them to reflect my growth as a writer as I progress through experience.
Question:Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?In highschool, I had a writing class that required we keep a journal. In writing my thoughts and assignments, I discovered the therapeutic effect of putting thoughts to ink.
Question:Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?Not trying to edit while I write. It slows me down and isn't my job. Sure I polish up glaring stuff in the first draft, but a good editor takes over from there.
Question:What was the hardest part of writing your book?Holding back some of the secrets. I know them, but it isn't time for them to be revealed...
Question:Do you have any advice for other writers? Edit then get someone else to edit, preferably not a friend or relative. Someone with unbiased opinions. And don't take criticism personally.
Question:Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? If you like my stories, please take a moment to review them. If you want to see more from a series, then let me know too. Just because a series ends, doesn't me the story does.

From the Back Cover

Magic and Social Media Merge.

Colby had magic, lost his magic, and regained his magic without knowing how to use it. But for a teenager in modern times, shortcuts are a way of life, and magic is difficult. As the story unfolds, Colby has taken a quick path to mastering his shortcomings with magic by combining it with his technological smarts.

Life for Colby Stevens has not been going his way. He's just turned sixteen, summer has begun, and the bullies in school won't leave him alone. His only solace at home is a quirky Nana who can't cook, a resentful and distant older sister and an alcoholic mother who doesn't even remember his birthday. His dad disappeared when Colby was six years old and the details from that night are a little fuzzy.

Things take a wild turn when Colby's emotions get the better of him and his bully ends up on the receiving end of humiliation. And Colby never even laid a hand on him. He discovers he possesses an ancient magic his father had bound to keep him safe. When his magic reappears, it's powerful, hard to control, but at least his strange childhood memories are beginning to make sense. 

Colby and his friends end up in an all-day detention overseen by a visiting archeology professor who makes Colby the president of the school's new club. Something strange occursto the students, but Colby didn't conjure it. Seems he's not the only supernatural in school.

Now, Colby must learn to gain control of his abilities and he creates an app he hopes will help. His muse, an odd little blue man, is assigned to help Colby and to keep him safe. This proves difficult when Colby's powers get the attention of the rest of the supernatural world. They have plans to take it all away, and will do anything to get it.

Caught in the middle of a war that began at the beginning of time, Colby and his friends must learn to fight back, and learn fast. Not everything is how it appears and the battle to survive won't be an easy one, but Colby has no choice if he wants to withstand what's coming.

"If you like new ways of doing magic, witty dialogue, and a modern feel, then you'll love Hashtag Magic!"

Blue Screen of Death is a young adult urban/contemporary fantasy and is the first installment in the Hashtag Magic series. The second book, Control ALT Delete, is now available. Look for the third installment Web of Trolls.

Edition details

• Publisher: Tasicas-Young Fantasy Press
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1943924260
• ISBN 13: 9781943924264
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 296