Category: Books

Three Different Kinds of Maps

While maps are often necessary to get from point A to B (especially for someone directionally dyslexic like myself), I also love to find them in books. It helps me understand the journey and the landscape of the characters I’m reading about. When I have a map of my own world, it also helps me write better. As I’m writing descriptions, I can check my map. What does the character see? Will the mountains or the towering trees hinder her view? What scents will carry on the wind?

Even if you think you’re not artistic, you can create a map. There are different kinds and one of them will definitely work for you.

  1. Notebook/grid map: I started with this method when writing Spark. It was originally unlabeled land masses sketched on notebook paper. That worked for a while, but I eventually started erasing, adding, and revising the map. I then redrew it on grid paper (don’t know why I went with that, especially since I wasn’t really trying for scale). I finally scanned the thing into Paint but was dissatisfied with the “flatness” of it. After watching tons of YouTube videos, I drew my own version of it on nice blank paper. I was so pleased with how it turned out, I added a map in each book of the Firebrand Chronicles.
  2. Pinterest map: This is great for those who only need pictures of landscapes. If a drawn version is beyond your skills, pick some pictures on Pinterest and put them on a board. I’ve even seen authors print them out and put the pictures on poster board as a kind of vision board. Do whatever works for you.
  3. Professionally drawn map: Some authors will hire someone to draw a map for them. Ask on Facebook for artists who take commissions; there are also artists on Fiverr who offer these services.

If you still feel you could never do any of these, just try one. As someone who really can’t draw, I never thought a drawn map would be possible. In your attempts, you might discover something new about your world or about your abilities. Most of all, have fun!

Three Great Books for Worldbuilding

Worldbuilding is hard. Right? I can hear you moaning and pulling out your hair as you try to build up your world. I’ve been there. In fact, I find it one of the more mentally taxing parts of creating. What’s unique and profound that’s never been done before? (Uh, nothing. Even Solomon said so, but we keep trying anyway. That, my friends, is called insanity.)

If you’re struggling, there are some really great resources to help you create a realistic world. While I could never list all of them, I’ll list the ones I’ve found to be most helpful. Below, I’ve listed three books (and as a bonus, one website) I’ve found invaluable while creating.

  1. Storyworld First by Jill Williamson

Aside from being a great person with a cool name, Jill is one of the hosts of the Go Teen Writers website (GoTeenWriters.com). Her book is fantastic, covering all aspects of a world, such as geography, creatures, magic, languages, etc. In the back of the book are worksheets, charts, and word lists–extra bonuses to help you through the worldbuilding maze.

  1. The Writer’s Digest Guide to Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card

This thing is massive at 408 pages, but it includes more than just worldbuilding information. There’s a “how to write” section at the front while the second half is the nuts and bolts of creating a world (races, cultures, religion, clothes, weapons, etc.) The last chapter was the anatomy of a castle (which isn’t much help if you’re looking to stay away from the typical European epic fantasy). The rest of it is wonderful and well worth the purchase.

  1. The New Age Baby Name Book by Sue Browder

This is not your typical baby name book. From Abebi to Zersiro, I’ve found these unusual New Age names to work for towns, races, religions, really anything that needs a name. Even better, meaning and pronunciation for each one are included.

  1. And lastly as a bonus and related to number three, this is the website I find myself going to over and over: https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/

It generates names of diseases, political parties, superpowers, and theme park rides, among numerous other things. It’s really worth a look, not only to inspire you, but also to flesh out your world more, by seeing what you’ve missed. 🙂  Because trust me, you’ve missed something.

A last piece of advice before you go: make sure you have a notebook to write down names and places, ideas, meanings, and pronunciation. You’ll want all your choices in front of you when you start naming and labeling. Having the perfect idea there in black and white sure beats having to look it up while you’re writing.

So go. Create. And don’t forget to have fun, too.

Thank You

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I’ve been waffling on what to say here–it feels momentous! The blog tour is over, and Burn is in the wild.  I have All. The. Feels.  *blows nose inelegantly into a tissue*

Today is a day for celebrating!!!! Aside from the fact it’s the weekend, online schooling is almost over. Can I hear a heartfelt amen? *Cue marching band and confetti* (And yes, I can use as many exclamation marks as I want because I’m celebrating!!!)

Me, when I celebrate

Also me, when I celebrate during a pandemic

 

 

 

 

 

All you homeschooling mom and dads, props to you. Online schooling is hard, especially when you’re thrown into the deep end like we were.  Releasing a book, a series, is hard too and it never occurs in a vacuum. I’m so grateful to those who became a part of the “Firebrand team.” *voice wobbles and pulls out the tissue again* Sheesh.

My husband and my kids are my biggest supporters. This isn’t lip service. They read the books, give encouragement, and act as stand-ins when I have to stage fight scenes. (My kids think I’m weird, but they’re avid cosplayers so I see them walking around the house in wigs and black and white face paint. The apples haven’t fallen far from the tree. Lol!) Their support is huge because they’re the ones who suffer the most when the laundry doesn’t get done or I don’t cook because of deadlines or a scene has to be written–RIGHT NOW.

My supportive parents encouraged me to be creative and imaginative. Mom and Dad, thank you for letting me daydream and write and read stacks and stacks of library books until my eyes crossed. <3

When I pitched at Realm Makers in Villanova, PA (2016!), Michele Harper (and the entire L2L2 Publishing team) were so encouraging. At that point, I’d been out of the writing conference loop for almost ten years, had two children, and switched genres (from romance to joining the dark side of speculative fiction. Lol!). BTW, if you’ve never been to a writer’s conference, Realm Makers is one of the best out there–not just because of great classes and content, but also because the people are nice people. (You might think that’s a given. I’m speaking from experience–it’s not that way everywhere.)

Also, if you’ve beta read or critiqued the Firebrand Chronicles, blogged or posted on social media, left a book review, gushed about them to a friend, or stopped me on the street to say you liked the book or asked about the next one–THANK YOU. Knowing my stories gave you the chance to escape to Linneah with Brenna and Baldwin for a few hours is a huge honor.

It’s a bit bittersweet leaving them behind, but I hope BURN’s ending is everything you longed for.

As mentioned in L2L2 Publishing’s most recent post, the Firebrand Chronicles is being gathered into a beautiful boxset, complete with new short stories and other extras! I’ve had so much fun creating them and I’m eager to share them with you. It’s tentatively scheduled for a summer release — more information will be forthcoming!

Thanks again to everyone and enjoy your summer!

 

 

Burn’s Release Day: Looking Back

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I’d originally had another post for today– something about plotting vs. pantsing and how’d I’d used both for the Firebrand Chronicles, blah, blah, blah. 🙂

And it struck me that I didn’t want to talk about that much.  For the past two weeks, I’ve been looking back and thinking about when the Firebrand Chronicles journey started. I mean, I’ve finished a trilogy, but a part of me is still a little befuddled how that happened!

Humor me and let’s look back five years ago. At the front of it, 2015 looked a lot like other years before. After querying agents, and stalking, er, I mean, submitting to publishers, I had nothing to show for it except a nice, growing stack of rejections. So I did the only thing left–I reevaluated.

It sounded like this. “Well, I have a good life–a husband who loves me, two great kids, and we live in a rural neighborhood with a loving church nearby. I guess I don’t need to be published.”  And while all that was true, the need to write was still there. I couldn’t turn off the urge like a faucet, so I knew I’d still write if only to get the voices out of my head.

And that’s when things started to come together. I entered a contest that led to an award that led to a conference where I pitched Spark. (BTW, you should be entering contests! But that’s another post…) And here I am, five years later, with several anthologies containing my short stories and a finished trilogy. Phew!

Some might say it was my hard work paying off. While I’m certain hard work is part of it, it’s not ALL of it. Lots of writers work hard–we have to because the market is super-competitive. Part of it is about surrender, loosening a grip on a dream so Someone can shift it, manipulate it into something better. And part of it is also listening to that voice that tells you, this is what you’re put on earth to do, this is why you’re here.

I’m sure some people will read this and scrunch up their face, thinking, “Well, of course, she’d say that. She wrote and published a trilogy. What about me? What am I supposed to do?” I don’t know what your future holds. But I can give you three action items to improve your craft. I can’t promise these things will get you a contract or on the bestseller list, but I can promise they will help you be a better writer.

1) Finish the manuscript. Did you know 97% of people who write NEVER finish their manuscript? (That percentage stuns me every time.) You have to finish it to get it published, whether you go indie or traditional. Finish it so you can revise it, so it can be sent to an editor, or so you can move on to the next story. But keep working until you type “The End.”

2) Read. Read in your genre, outside your genre, anything and everything. You’ll learn what’s already been written, who did it well, and what’s trending. Knowing the published “landscape” is part of being a good writer.

3) Don’t give up. If you’re writing because you think it’s quick money, or because it’s easy, you can stop right now and take up underwater basket-weaving. It’s likely to make you more money and be easier than writing. But if you can’t give up writing, then keep going.  Don’t listen to the toxic naysayers. Instead, surround yourself with supporters, encouragers, those who love you, and want you to do well. Find a critique group, and learn as much as you can about writing.

I hope these tips help. I’ve grown and learned so much in these last five years, and I’m moving forward, still as much in love with writing as ever before. My next project (a Snow White retelling) is already “finished” although the plot holes need to be plugged. 🙂 For right now, I’ll let it simmer and enjoy Burn‘s release-day celebration!!!

Come join us Thursday night (8-10 PM) on Facebook for even more partying at the Burn Launch Party!

Burn’s Cover Reveal!

I’ve had so many people ask when Burn would be coming out. (Probably due to all the cliffhangers in Flare. Lol! #sorrynotsorry)

But the wait is over! I’m so excited to finally share this epic cover designed by the uber-talented Sara Helwe!  But before I do, here’s the back cover blurb to give you a little more information.

 

Life: 1. Brenna James: 0.

An AWOL talent, an enemy-occupied hometown, and a Life Shade boyfriend—Brenna James just wants something to go right. Although her family has been given sanctuary in Syeira, Brenna will never be safe as long as Rune is hunting down and killing Firebrands.

Can someone please wake her up already?

When a prophecy sends Brenna and Baldwin on a confusing quest, they aren’t sure where to begin. They must find the Caelestis Staff, a powerful object that both cuts and mends space itself. Rune wants it too, and he’ll use any lethal tactics necessary to obtain it.

Yeah, nightmare material right there.

A traveling oasis, plenty of man-eating mermaids, and one Skeleton King later, Brenna seriously doubts she has the edge she needs to confront Rune.

When Brenna’s faced with the biggest test of her life, will she burn like the Firebrand she is? Or will she burn out?

 

 

So I suppose you’d like to see the cover… right?

…

…

Here you go!

 

 

 

 

 

Look for this beauty to release May 26th!

If you want more information on all things Burn, join my FB page The Pyromaniacs! We’ll be glad to get to know you and you’ll be the first to know what’s going on with the Firebrand Chronicles!

It’s Day Seven!

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Welcome to day seven of the SFF 12 Days of Christmas Blog Tour!! I hope you’ve been checking out each author’s site and signing up for some great giveaways.  I love giving Christmas presents. Hopefully, my gifts are better than “My True Love’s” listed in the song…  On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… seven ladies dancing?

                     

Why would I want that? How am I supposed to write with seven women prancing around my living room? Can they do my laundry or clean my house, too?

How about some bookish presents instead?

Spark, (Book one of The Firebrand Chronicles) is about Brenna James, who’s just a normal ADHD teen. You know, going to school, hanging out with friends, shooting fire from her bare hands…um, what? When her mother disappears, Brenna will do anything to find her. Even travel through a portal. But life on the other side involves intimidating griffins, cryptic prophecies, and elusive enemies. With the help of her new friend Baldwin, she must choose wisely whom to trust or lose everything.

The action and adventures continue in Flare, and the last book Burn should be coming soon. (I’m so excited to share it with you!) For the giveaway, I have a signed print copy of either Spark or Flare, as well as an angel pin (looks a lot like the Sahale in Spark 🙂 ), and lots of bookish swag. (Unfortunately, if you’re international, I can only send you the swag and a signed bookplate. Sorry!)

 

Sign up for the Rafflecopter giveaway here…but don’t wait. Because it’s only good for 24 hours. After that, it disappears like Santa Claus after he delivers your presents!

And if you want still more presents, here are the other participating authors for the remaining days. Have fun and have a blessed Christmas!

12/08/19
Janeen Ippolito – https://www.janeenippolito.com/

12/09/19
H. L. Burke – www.hlburkeauthor.com/blog

12/10/19
Laura VanArendonk Baugh – www.LauraVanArendonkBaugh.com

12/11/19
Hans Erdman – www.gewellynchronicles.com

12/12/19
​M. J. Padgett – www.mjpadgettbooks.com
​

12 Days of Christmas Blog Tour

Do you like free books? Book swag? How about discounts? Then join me and eleven other talented fantasy and science fiction authors for the Twelve Days of Christmas blog tour!

Just check out the graphic above and then stop at that author’s website to grab a chance at some fantastic freebies. But each author will only be offering these goodies for that day only, so don’t delay! To make sure you don’t miss any offers, sign up for the authors’ email lists to get a reminder (the links are below to help you out).

THE NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the authors’ email lists to never miss a day!

YAASHA MORIAH

VERITY BUCHANAN – Scroll down to “Join Legealings”

M.L. LITTLE – click “Subscribe” on the top navigation bar

​CLAIRE M. BANSCHBACH – “Follow Blog via Email” in the sidebar

J.M. HACKMAN – Subscribe box in the right sidebar

JANEEN IPPOLITO

H.L. BURKE

LAURA VAN ARENDONK BAUGH

HANS ERDMAN – “Subscribe to our newsletter” in the right sidebar

M.J. PADGETT

 

KEEN Blog Tour: Behind the Scenes

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Hi, lovelies! Today, I’m thrilled to host author Laura Zimmerman on my blog to talk about her debut novel KEEN!

I had the privilege of reading the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy), and I was so eager to endorse it — it’s amazing! But I’ll allow Laura to share more about her story (and don’t forget to read on–special dates,  KEEN’s blurb, and blog tour information  are below!) Enjoy!

 

Do you ever wonder what inspired an author to include specific details ina book? There’s a good chance that many of them aren’t random! Much of my own personal life is echoed throughout the pages of KEEN. Let’s talk about it!

Our hero, Oliver, has a secret obsession with being a musician. This is no coincidence as I was a music major in college. My father has always played guitar, so when I was young it was normal to find one lying around the house. I liked the idea of pulling this small detail into the story and having Oliver find her dad’s guitar. When I was little, I’d sometimes hear my dad playing and singing while I fell asleep at night. Again, this was a special detail to Caoine’s story that I wanted to highlight.

Next we’ll visit with sidekick, Aubree. Her bubbly personality was inspired by a good friend of mine. They look nothing alike, but I just couldn’t help but picture my friend as I wrote! *giggles* I could hear the words of Aubree in my friend’s voice, and it helped me portray her character. There’s also a reference to Aubree being a Star Wars geek. That would be my fault. #StarWarsLoversUnite

The big scene with the drama teacher actually didn’t make it into the final cut of the book. I modeled her after my own drama teacher at our public school who directed the ninth grade production of “Good Luck, Charlie Brown.” For the production we borrowed large building blocks from another school that presented the show the year before for our cast to sit on while we performed our scenes. During one rehearsal, my teacher commented that she wondered what word the previous teacher had tried to spell with the oversized building blocks. I asked if it was possible that they were just random letters. Her reply? Nothing is ever a coincidence when it comes to the drama department! Although that scene with her was changed, I wanted to use that idea in regards to the theater production at Caoine’s school, and use the play at West Lincoln High to contribute to the story of KEEN.

That’s all I’ve got for this installment of Behind the Scenes! Be sure to check out the other stops on the blog tour to learn more about the characters that make up the world of KEEN!

 

Thanks, Laura! KEEN releases Tuesday, July 9th — and don’t forget to stop by the Facebook party on Thursday, July 11th!

You must walk the darkness to find the light.

Half-faerie Caoine has no control over the banshee lament she sings each night, predicting the death of others. A senior in a brand new high school, she expects the same response she’s received at every other school: judgment from fellow students over her unusual eyes and unnaturally white skin and hair. However, when Caoine arrives at West Lincoln High, for the first time in her life she finds friends. Real friends.

But being a teenager is never easy, especially when the star soccer player, Oliver, sets his sights on her. Allowing him to get close means revealing her curse to the human world.

She can’t let that happen.

Life spins further out of control when her lament comes out during the day, those whose death she predicts die right in front of her, and a dark faerie known only as the Unseelie prince blames Caoine by leaving her the creepiest notes ever.

Her curse is not supposed to work like that.

In a race against time, Caoine must uncover the Unseelie prince’s identity and stop a spell before it unleashes hell on earth, all while trying to control her banshee song and finding a place among her peers.

Senior year just got real.

 

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE:

  • Monday, July 1st, Guest Post, Katherine Vinson, www.sparksofember.wordpress.com
  • Monday, July 1st, Guest Post, Rebecca Bruner, www.rebeccabrunerauthor.com
  • Tuesday, July 2nd, Visual Post, Kellie Parker, www.kelliemichelleparker.com
  • Wednesday, July 3rd, Review, Tammera Ayers, www.beliedoutcastlegends.com
  • Thursday, July 4th, Review/Interview, Pam Halter, www.pamhalter.com/fairiesfantasyfaith
  • Friday, July 5th, Interview, Jebraun Clifford, www.jebraunclifford.com
  • Friday, July 5th, Interview, Medomfo Owusu, www.writingsfromagodgirl.wordpress.com
  • Saturday, July 6th, BookTube Review, Gretchen Engel, www.gretchenekengel.com
  • Sunday, July 7th, Behind-the-Scenes Feature, Laurie Lucking, www.landsuncharted.com
  • Monday, July 8th, Behind-the-Scenes Feature, J.M. Hackman, www.jmhackman.com
  • Tuesday, July 9th, Release-Day Feature, Laura L. Zimmerman, www.lauralzimmerman.wordpress.com
  • Wednesday, July 10th, Interview, Kelly Barr, www.kellyfbarr.com
  • Wednesday, July 10th, Review, Vincent Vezza, www.hiddentreasurenovels.com
  • Thursday, July 11th, FB Party Feature, Michele Israel Harper, www.MicheleIsraelHarper.com
  • Friday, July 12th, Review, Abigail McKenna, www.novelsdragonsandwardrobedoors.blogspot.com

 

Release day for Encircled!

A year ago, a few of my writer friends and I were thinking of submitting fairy tale retellings to an anthology. Before we knew it, there were half a dozen of us, all with a cool idea. One of us said, “Hey, why don’t we put our own anthology together?” (Good question!) After much hard work, I’m thrilled to share Encircled with you! It’s our anthology of fairy tale retellings, each with its own special twist. And while the ebook has been available for a couple of weeks, today the paperback releases! (*cartwheel and confetti*)

Included is my story, “The Songbird’s Citadel,” a retelling of “The Nightingale” by Hans Christian Andersen.  Here’s a link to Wikipedia that shares some interesting facts about the story. I mean, Jenny Lind! Who knew, right?

We hope you pick up this book and fall in love. 🙂

Fractured Ever After + Encircled Giveaway!

The Ever Afters have teamed up with the Just-Us League to host an epic giveaway  celebrating their upcoming fairy tale anthologies! Enter for a chance to win one of FOUR sets of prizes!
Grand Prize (U.S. residents only)
– Two paperbacks (Fractured Ever After and Encircled)
– Book cozy
– Slipper ornament
– 3D-printed bookmark (pick one design)
– Set of four signed illustration prints
First Prize (U.S. residents only)
– Two paperbacks (Fractured Ever After and Encircled)
– “Fairy tales do come true” charm bracelet
– 3D-printed bookmark (pick one design)
– Set of four signed illustration prints
Second Prize (international)
– Two ebooks (Fractured Ever After and Encircled)
– 3D-printed bookmark (pick one design)
– Set of four signed illustration prints
Third Prize (international)
– Two ebooks (Fractured Ever After and Encircled)
– Choice of 3D-printed bookmark (pick one design) *or* set of four signed illustration
prints
Link to Rafflecopter: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e43732f74/

Here’s a little more about the books

Encircled: From crowns to curses to space capsules, a collection of fairy tale retellings.

Experience six of the world’s most beloved stories in a whole new light! From historical to futuristic, these retellings will take you to an enchanted forest, a cursed castle, and far beyond.

Uncover secrets of a forbidden basement, a hypnotic gift, and a mysterious doll. Fall in love with a lifelong friend or a brand-new crush.

Venture to unknown lands on a quest to save a prince, a kingdom, or maybe even a planet.

With moments of humor, suspense, romance, and adventure, Encircled has something to offer every fan of fairy tales, both classic and reimagined.

This anthology features stories from S.E. Clancy, Jebraun Clifford, J.M. Hackman, E.J. Kitchens, Laurie Lucking, and Tori V. Rainn.

Here are the links for preorder as well as a link for preorder goodies!
Pre-order at
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PV4PJCP/
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1130963276
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/encircled
Apple Books: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1456811281
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44540764-encircled
Sign up form for pre-order goodies: https://forms.gle/PRK6HSRgUbbzQAYN7

Fractured Ever After
Old classics are fractured into exciting new tales in this international collection of magic, mystery, and adventure.
Some heroes go searching for their happily ever after: a dragon cocoon hunter explores the dangerous woods for his sleeping beauty; a prince forces a perfect romance on an unsuspecting maiden; and when a girl leaves town, she must quickly decide to trust—or be wary of—a new stranger.
Destiny is thrust upon others: a disconnected emperor struggles to retain his title; a frog prince leaves his pond in search of answers; and after Rapunzel is rescued, a new quest is awarded to her savior.
Whether it is destiny or choice, all actions have consequences: sibling rivalry pushes one little piggy to extremes and a princess must choose to follow her heart or step up as future queen.
Prepare for an adventure as these eight fantastic fairy tales transport you to places beyond your imagination.
Fractured Ever After is the Just-Us League’s seventh anthology, an illustrated collection of fractured fairy tales. It can be preordered here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q5H39GH.

What’s the Story Behind Brenna’s ADHD?

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The second book of The Firebrand Chronicles, Flare, releases today! Yay! I’m so excited to share the crazy (mis?)adventures of the heroine Brenna James. She’s loyal, snarky, and has ADHD. But she wasn’t originally written that way.

When I first began writing Spark (which was initially called The Sacred Veil), my youngest daughter entered kindergarten. She was diagnosed with ADHD inattentive in second grade. I was thrilled to have answers to why she did the things she did, and our family began learning about the world of neurodiversity. (Neurodiversity includes autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, as well as other neurological conditions.) I became an expert, if not in ADHD, then at least in my child and her needs. But where were the fantasy books with an ADHD main character? (I don’t count Percy Jackson—his ADHD and dyslexia is explained away when he discovers he’s a demi-god. A missed opportunity, in my opinion!) There were too few neurodiverse characters, and the idea of a main character with ADHD was born.

As Spark and then Flare were written, Brenna and I addressed some of the markers of ADHD—impulsivity, time blindness, distractibility. Although she can hyperfocus and solve puzzles creatively, the reader sees her challenges and her struggle to be “good enough” in a world that labels her as different.

Readers have asked me, Will Brenna ever stop making impulsive choices? Will she stop and think before acting? Will she stay focused? Probably not, because that’s not who she is. ADHD governs that part of her brain. But she’ll never give up, she’ll keep trying, and she’ll believe in second chances. Because that’s something offered to absolutely everyone.