Category Archives: YouTube

A dystopian – post-apocalyptic thriller you HAVE to read.

End of Days by Sam J Fires

If you love dystopian fiction, and you’ve yet to read any books by Sam J Fires, then keep reading.

Not only do Sam’s books hit the Amazon New Release title on EVERY new release. Yes, you can get one of these elusive orange tags before the book is officially out. On release day the orange tag changed to Best Seller on every one of her newly released books.

In fact, the first book of the series, which is priced at just 99c has been a bestseller since its release in April 2022. And to sweeten the deal, you can read the prologue of this fantastic adventure for free.

Let’s take a closer look at End of Days

So, let’s start at the beginning, the prequel End Of Days.

You can download the prequel for free HERE

When ordinary life transforms into a fight for survival, can a young woman keep the chaos from pulling her under?

Go-getting twenty-six-year-old investigative journalist Cassandra Drews just wants her miserable day to end. And desperate to put her breakup behind her, she agrees to one last face-to-face to return belongings to her ex. But when they’re nearly killed by an out-of-control car, she’s horrified when the nightmare of her relationship takes a backseat to an eruption of violence.
In the blink of an eye, an EMP attack wipes out the nation’s power and the world grinds to a stop. Surrounded by chaos, Cass is torn between tending to the injured or escaping her seething ex.
It doesn’t take long before panic and violence erupt on the streets of Portland. Out of options, Cass has no choice but to race home, hoping to outrun a looming ice storm. Can she make it to safety before experiencing the wrath of the bitter winter storm? Or will she find herself the victim of far more than the elements in a town thrust into bedlam?
From Sam J Fires comes the brand-new End of Days series, a post-apocalyptic EMP survival thriller featuring flawed, complex characters and adrenaline-fueled action adventure. Perfect for fans of Ryan Schow, Grace Hamilton, Kyla Stone, and Jack Hunt.

Review Quotes

“Surviving Chaos: End of Days Prequel” by Sam J. Fires
This is a short fast-moving glimpse of how quickly society can disintegrate. Under stress the thin veneer of civility disappears very quickly.
As soon as I completed it, I began “End of Days Book 1” and look forward to reading the whole series.

Picked this prequel as a free book and really enjoyed it. I became invested in the main character, and will definitely be ordering the next book in this series.


Book one

You can download #1 Amazon bestseller for just 99c. Right HERE

No lights. No power. No help.

During the coldest winter on record, an EMP attack wipes out the nation’s power and cripples the country.

As the city spirals into lawless chaos, investigative journalist, twenty-six-year-old Cassandra Drews is forced onto the dangerous streets of Portland to begin the long walk to her parents’ home in Oregon.

But hypothermia and starvation aren’t the only dangers Cass and her rescue dog, Daisy, face on their perilous trek. Danger is stalking them, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Help comes in the form of troubled ex-marine Isaac Winters, who slips back into soldier mode with the city’s collapse.

Now, the trio must work together in a fight for survival as they race to escape the city before violence, or the bitter wintry storm can claim them. Do they have what it takes to make it out alive? Or will they be crushed by the brutality of the unforgiving cold?

Grip of Fear is book 1 in this enthralling post-apocalyptic EMP survival thriller. If you enjoy tales of ordinary folk thrown into harrowing situations, you’ll love the End of Days series!

Review Quotes

“Grip of Fear: End of Days Book 1” by Sam J. Fires
I enjoyed the author’s style of writing. The scenarios are credible, and everything just makes sense.
I have already begun Book 2 in this series. Good reading!’

‘Great reading!!! Lots of action and emotion! A great read. Can’t wait to read the follow-up books!!! Outstanding author!!! Superb!!!!!!!’

‘I was so absorbed in this book I lost track of time. I love the underdog hero and the post apocalyptic genre. It’s always great when I run across an author I haven’t read before. It’s a real treat.’

All of Sam’s books can be found on Amazon and they are all on Kindle Unlimited.
The first book is free
2nd book is only 99c.
No excuse to not read this fabulous dystopian series that is taking over the Amazon charts.

Download the books today!

Find Sam J Fires on Facebook. Come and join the tribe.

Check out all Sam’s other books

Come and meet Cancer man, aka William B Davis

I got the honour to chat with this actor, director and author about his 70 years in the entertainment business. And of course, his iconic role as Cigarette Smoking Man in the X Files.

William has just released his second autobiography titled, On Acting… And Life.

https://www.onactingandlife.com/

When William talks you listen and can’t help but smile at his positivity.

THE FIRST – Podcast with Dr Sandi Webster

picture of guest, Karina Kantas a d host Sandi Webster. In a gold frame.
Promo graphic

I was a guest on Dr Sandi Webster’s, podcast. Available on video MP4 and MP3.

I talk about my writing, my books and then about Author Assist. What I do for my clients.
I answer the questions, why it works, and why authors are anxious about hiring someone who can help with marketing or promoting, such as VA or PA?
And I talk about my own experience when hiring a ‘professional.’

Sandi then asks my honest opinion about her book cover and I give it to her straight. As I normally would.
I’m very open and honest when I talk about my work, experience and how I can help authors out there.

Watch or listen to this very engaging interview with tips and advice throughout.

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/…/karina…/id1572493336…

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/3zTjtdwveTXnQug6pzGRG5

Audible https://music.amazon.com/…/the-first-with-dr-sandi…

Are You Ready For The Mayhem?

Indie Mayhem

What do you get when the hosts and contestants are all indie creators, the questions don’t always make sense and the answers are usually wrong? Lots of laughs for everyone and total mayhem!

Indie Mayhem is the new quiz show on YouTube as part of the content on the media platform Go Indie Now, owned and run by author, screenwriter, and director Joe Compton.

The brains behind Indie Mayhem are humorous sci-fi author Ron Lahr and his partner in crime, RJ Burchett.

The first-ever episode aired on the 30th of March 2022.

All the contestants are independent artists, such as authors, musicians, and filmmakers. And it’s an international show, so the guests and viewers are from all over the world. In fact, in the premiere episode, the contestant came from the US, Greece and Ireland.

All the shows are listed on this playlist

Please watch the show, it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Like and subscribe to the channel and make sure you don’t miss any of the great content on the Go Indie Now.

A Rant & A Cry

If you’re a regular listener to my live radio show, Author Assist on the Artist First Radio network, you know how the show works. Okay, sometimes I throw in a few surprises for my guest like making them sing, live on air and getting them to take part in a quiz, they knew nothing about.

Well, on the last show, Friday 8th April, I did two things I’ve never done before in the five years I’ve been on the air. I had a rant, and I cried. I’m not going to tell you what the rant was about or why I cried, you need to listen to the show and find out.
As well as those two monumental occurrences, we have awesome music from Lola Black and her hit single Hot Enough. Live readings from two of my flash fictions from my Collection, Heads & Tales, and my wonderful guest, Teri M Brown, who also does a reading for you.


So plenty of entertainment. You can listen to the archived show here.

Download a copy of Heads & Tales

Meet Teri M Brown. On the podcast Behind The Pen

Ans find out more about Lola Black and her music

Check out Teri M Brown’s debut novel, Sunflowers Beneath The Snow

Win A Set of 3 x prints of original illustrations by artist Stephen Barr

How good is your imagination?

Here are three monsters from The Quest, book 2 of the YA fantasy, duology, Illusional Reality.

These evil creatures have names, but I want you to dig deep and come up with three names for these monsters. Everyone who plays will have their name put in a hat and one winner will be shipped this original set of prints.

Now, if you go and buy the book and learn what their real names are, please contact me at kkantasauthorassist@gmail.com and I will need POP so only new purchases are allowed to enter.

If you know the real names, and you are the winner, I will throw in something very special with the prints.



This contest is open to everyone. Get your imagination going and name these three monsters from the epic fantasy novel, The Quest, book 2 of Illusional Reality duology.

Just leave a comment or email me your three names to kkantasauthorassist@gmail.com

Author Assist

I took part in Go Indie Now Teachables. Basically, I showed how anyone can use Canva, the free graphic design program. So extensive, you can do almost everything on it and it’s so easy to use and navigate, a child can do it.
However, after you’ve watched the lesson, if you have any questions please ask.
Enjoy.

Day 15 #MarchoftheWriter

 How do you social?

On Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Linkedin… actually that’s not what this is about.

How do you connect with other writers, with your tribe and with potential new readers?

I have two answers for you.

The first; Go Indie Now.
Yep, you’ve seen me mention the media platform Go Indie Now and the workaholic, Mr Joe Compton.
Joe has created a platform where the indie community can meet, chat have heated debates, get drunk at Joe’s bar (Just kidding) – no I’m not!

Find out about new indie films, books and what’s hot in the gaming community. These shows, panels, interviews, and reports are entertaining for the public and the indie community.
Authors, there is so much you can learn from those that have done it all. We’ve all made mistakes so learn from those that have tried and failed but don’t give up. Get tips and get the inside scoop on what’s going down in the indie world.

Have you always wondered what’s inside a writer’s mind? How do they build these magical, dangerous and extraordinary worlds? How do they come up with the characters you love, with the plot twists and write stories that will keep you turning the page and gasping for more?

You will find these answers and more on the media platform Go Indie Now. So please support Joe and all the hard work he does for the Indie community. Seriously, this man just never stops.

The reason I mention this in my article about being social, is I have made some wonderful connections and long-lasting friendships with indies I’ve met while being a guest on the shows. This then takes me to their safe place. Their group, where I’m welcomed and treated as one of the family. Thus creating more connections and friendships, thus learning more from my peers.

Please subscribe to The Go Indie Now YouTube channel and take a look at the shows he hosts. Watch and be entertained, leave a comment and like the videos.
Thanks, and remember, it’s always time to Go Indie Now

And my other way to socialize is not knowing who is Behind The Pen. (Did you see what I did just then. lol)



Podcasts, Zoom interviews, Radio shows, they are so hot right now. If you want to find new readers, you have to step up, show your face, and let us hear your voice. There are thousands out there waiting to hear about exciting new books and authors they have never heard of. The world is yours to conquer!
Okay – maybe I went a little too far with that last line. But I’m sure you understand what I’m trying to say. People don’t know you. They don’t know your name, they don’t know your books, and now you have a chance to be seen, heard and noticed.
If you’re camera-shy, contact podcasts and radio stations. If the camera loves you, get on some pannels, shows and interviews. Your readers are out there waiting.

Behind the Pen is a YouTube show and audio podcast where I chat with all artists; musicians, authors, illustrators, writers, editors, anyone who uses a pen for work.


Day 8 #MarchoftheWriters

Writer’s DNA

Well, right now with my dark romances, it’s sex and violence. Sex sells, so does violence. Now imagine a book with them both!

I always throw my readers through a loop. Twists just come naturally to me, I don’t even know I’ve thrown one in there until after. I don’t want my novels to be predictable. I like to keep my readers on their toes. Just when you think you know what’s going on… you really don’t. Trust me.

Conflict. Every novel or flash fiction has to have a type of conflict. Conflict gets the juices going, the adrenaline rush and keeps those pages turning.

There is always a piece of me in my books, some more than others and I would never tell you which parts are fictional and which are reality.

I like my female characters to have heart, compassion, but still be strong and able to kick arse, either literally or with magic.

A satisfying ending. That doesn’t mean there will be a HEA. I write about real life, and real-life is dark and gritty. And in my fantasy, you still have the darkness – the good vs evil and the darkness the protagonist is fighting.

I had to put this in. DNA by BTS

Day three of #MarchoftheWriters

Writing Muzak

You all know that I dabble in lots of different fiction genres, one would think every genre would come with a different genre of music. Well, you couldn’t be more wrong!

No matter, if I was writing my YA fantasy duology, Illusional Reality, or one of the OUTLAW dark romances series, or even some poetry ( rarely ) I would always have music on in the background, or coming through headphones, as it helps me get lost in the world I’ve created.

And the genre of music? Those that know me well. \m/

I’ve never done a playlist in my books. I probably never will. I doubt my readers would care what I listen to when I write. But here’s a few, so you get the idea. Each song tells its own story, Epic shit!

This last one is very special to me. It’s the song that I used to sing when I sang lead in a rock band… back in the day. Yep, I could hit those F-ing notes!