My oh my, it's been ages since I've done a "New Novel News" post so I thought I'd start with a bit of catch up. These LOVELY novels are out now--so no delay in gettin them (see what I did there?).
Showing posts with label speculative fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label speculative fiction. Show all posts
Monday, August 13, 2018
Novel News with Sara Ella and Amanda G. Stevens
My oh my, it's been ages since I've done a "New Novel News" post so I thought I'd start with a bit of catch up. These LOVELY novels are out now--so no delay in gettin them (see what I did there?).
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Love The Novel Worlds You Create by Edie Melson | Guest Post
I write weird stuff.
In addition to writing nonfiction, I’m a speculative fiction novelist. For those who aren’t familiar with the term, speculative fiction is the umbrella that fits over the genres of science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, etc.
I was destined for this world of weirdness. I grew up in the sixties, and one of my fondest memories is of sitting on my father’s lap, watching the original Star Trek series. For me, writing science fiction is like coming back home.
So what does this all have to do with world building? I’m giving you a little context before I take you on an extra-terrestrial ride.
Being a scifi writer means I create worlds . . . from scratch. I invent the science, determine the natural laws, populate them with strange creatures, and even stranger flora. Effective world building is foundational for the kind of books I write. It’s important in every novel, but it takes on added importance when the reader is dealing with a setting made up entirely from the author’s imagination.
For example, it’s not possible for me to mention my heroine is climbing through an abandoned spaceship hatch embedding in the talarium-coated rock face to get outdoors where the Laisa trees are in bloom and expect my readers to visualize what I’m describing.
I spend a lot of time creating the worlds in my novels. For me, this is a labor of love.
As a matter of fact, I love it so much, that I now find myself doing it without thinking. Imagining worlds that don’t yet exist are an integral part of the daydreams that come upon me unaware.
I do have a system to take these worlds from daydream to digital, and today I’ll share it with you.
My World Building Checklist:
1. Believability:
It doesn’t matter if my story takes place in small town USA or on board a spaceship. I must infuse the place with believability.
2. Terminology:
The world I build must have the flavor of the environment I’m trying to convey. That means made-up words, different plant and animal life, and even a different way of measuring time and distance.
3. Flora, Fauna and Physical Locale:
My job is to make sure the topography makes sense. A big part of the imagery comes in description. I have to provide just enough of a snap-shot to anchor my reader, without overwhelming them with pointless details. I also want to leave room for them to have fun filling out the scene themselves. Speculative audiences are an imaginative lot. Once they have a good grasp of where they are, they can fill in some of the details—and they enjoy doing that.
4. Dialect and Language:
Obviously a novel that takes place on another planet or in another dimension doesn’t have English as the foundational language. So how do we convey a touch foreignness without leaving the reader grasping a possible meanings?
- Sprinkle in some made-up words with plenty of context to make the meaning clear. For example: Even as the voice in the earpiece sounded, Josiah smiled at her. “Don’t worry, Bezek bellows like a bovine, but is gentle as a hesit.”
- Utilize a different sentence structure. For example, in a normal conversation we’d say: She turned her head slowly, afraid of the pain, but only felt a slight echo of the injury. In a spec fiction book I’d change it to: She slowly turned her head, afraid of the pain, but only felt a slight echo of the injury. It’s a small change, but that kind of misplaced modifier will give the story a hint of foreignness.
- Give them a different way to measure time and distance. As I mentioned before, using different terms for these things can add a great deal of depth—as long as we don’t overdo it. In Anne McCaffrey’s dragon novels she refers to a week as a sevenday. It’s different, but still recognizable to readers. But it’s important to strike a balance between new terms and readability.
Settings can be a great way to bring in or escalate conflict. We want to build a world we love, but we don’t want it to be a world where everything is just right. A true utopian setting—without undercurrents of nastiness—is boring. A perfect setting can suck the life out of your story faster than almost anything.
Bottom Line:
World building may be something we love, but it still takes work. (tweet this) We have to be willing to go deep and wide to make our settings believable and vibrant. It’s up to us to plant the reader in a place that allows their imagination to roam free while keeping their attention firmly focused on story that’s unfolding.
_______
Alone
After her family is killed in the cleansing, Bethany’s purpose in life has changed. No longer will she be allowed to work to save her dying planet. As a slave, endurance is her goal as she marks each day as one moment closer to an eternity spent reunited with those she loved. But when her planet is invaded, everything changes. Now she must decide either to align herself with those from her planet who condemned her faith and killed her family, or with the warriors who have conquered her world. Ultimately her choice will mean life or death for more than just her planet’s ecosystem. She alone holds the key to a powerful secret, and the fate of the entire galaxy depends on her decision.
Purchase: Alone
Edie has graciously offered a digital and paperback copy of her book, Alone! Enter below:
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Friday, July 14, 2017
You Are the Chosen One: The Future of Speculative Fiction by Mollie E. Reeder | Guest Post
Emilie here: Excited to feature this post by Mollie today! In a funny coincidence/happenstance, I had just heard this story (or part of it) from another author and am so glad she decided to write about it here. I know you'll find it as encouraging as I have!
***
In 1916, a fifteen-year-old newsboy in Kansas City sat in a darkened auditorium captured by a silent film - a fairy tale. A storyteller at heart, he enrolled in a correspondence course for cartoonists, squeezing in Saturday art classes between school and newspaper routes. During WWII, he was published in army magazine Stars & Stripes, and later went to work in illustration and animation, the early impact of that silent movie percolating in his young mind all the while.
In 1934, now a filmmaker, he gathered a group of animators on a sound stage and proceeded to act out the storyline of the fairy tale he’d seen all those years ago. He wanted to do something that had never been done before: the first fully animated feature film. In full color. With audio.
And he was going to produce it right in the middle of the Great Depression.
The movie he wanted to make was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and that fifteen-year-old midwestern newsboy turned Hollywood aspirant was Walt Disney. But Walt’s contemporaries didn’t exactly jump on board with his big idea. It seemed like a bad investment, and the industry jokingly titled the Snow White project “Disney’s Folly”.
Imagine if they could have seen the future.
Storytellers are innovators and inventors of though - we not only write to reflect culture but to shape it. I love Walt’s backstory because it illustrates the generational nature of creativity. In 1916, filmmaking was in its infancy. Pioneers of silent film blazed a trail for young people like Walt - and Walt’s legacy continues to impact my creative endeavors (and probably yours) to this day.
Speculative fiction is exciting because there are so few rules. We can create new worlds, new languages and new ideas. We can travel back to alter the past, fling ourselves forward into the future, or step sideways into alternate realms. Speculative fiction has been optimistic and cautionary, whimsical and technical, sometimes all at once.
When I think about the future of science fiction and fantasy - or should I just say the future? I think about you.
Somewhere, today, is tomorrow’s Walt Disney.
I started writing novels because nobody was writing books exactly like the ones I wished for. I hope that’s why you’re writing, too - because you have a story that’s meaningful and exciting to you. Something that gets your blood going. I hope you’re taking risks instead of fearing trends. I hope you’re writing the future you want to live.
Of course, with this power to shape the future comes responsibility (thanks, Uncle Ben). Not just to take big creative risks, to pursue new ideas and creative excellence, but to tell stories we actually believe in. As a Christian, everything I do is driven by a purpose, not just to entertain, but to transform. Walt produced Snow White because he believed it was a great story. He got it done, despite great odds, through sheer determination and creative passion. How much more will you accomplish if you are pursuing the story that God has set on your heart, not through your own might, but through the power and determination of Christ? When you are prayerfully aligned with the Heart of Jesus, walking intimately with him, you truly have not just an ability, but a destiny to impact the world! (tweet this)
Or, to borrow the language of the genre: you are the chosen one!
We owe a lot to Walt for taking that risk back in 1934. What seemed stupid then - an animated feature film? - now has its own category at the Academy Awards. “Disney’s Folly” turned out to be one of the most profitable films of all time, and inevitably gave rise to the modern giant the Walt Disney company is today.
I recently got to visit Magic Kingdom for the first time, traveling with fellow movie makers Nathan and D’Lytha Myers to represent our film at a festival in Orlando. One of my favorite photos is the three of us - freshman filmmakers ourselves, just like Walt once was - screaming our heads off on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which opened in 2014… seventy years after Walt first set out to make his movie!
Long after Walt, Walt’s stories live on. With any luck (grace!), so will ours. Write on, awesome people - and I’ll see you in the future!
____
Growing up in the suburbs of Texas, I memorized musicals, devoured paperback novels, and dreamed of someday working in Hollywood. In 2016 I co-wrote, produced and edited Aria Appleton Shines like the Sun, a musical family comedy featuring kids, dogs, singing, pyrotechnics and everything else they told us not to do in a microbudget movie. With its humor, drama, and great soundtrack, Aria Appleton is just the kind of movie I always wanted to make. 1990’s Mollie would approve!
I’m currently writing a series of science-fantasy novels about dinosaurs, and I blog about writing and filmmaking at www.writeratops.com.
Follow me on Twitter @writeratops
Mollie has graciously offered a giveaway of this AWESOME "Tea Rex" mug! Enter below via the Rafflecopter (please note this is for U.S. addresses only).
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Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Realm Makers 2016 Reacp
That is the Realm Makers Conference for me!
This year's conference was hosted on the Villanova University campus which is stunning with all of its stone buildings and lush greenery (you can see that in the pictures to the side). The keynote speaker was none other than Thomas Locke (also known as Davis Bunn) and he was fantastic! If you've been following my blog for any length of time you'll know that I've read the first two books in his fantasy series: Emmisary and Merchant Of Alyss, so getting to hear him speak at a speculative fiction conference was amazing. He had deep points that I will take to heart as I continue on in my writing journey.
In addition to all of the wonderful and amazing classes and speakers present at Realm Makers, it was just a whole lot of fun. I've got a post coming about this later in the week, but being around a bunch of people who are nerdy like you are is pretty amazing.Attending a conference like this is the perfect chance to catch up with friends you've connected with online for the last year and to bring that friendship into the "real world". It's also a great time for talking about the characters that usually exist only in our heads, discussing wild ideas, and sharing our successes, failures, joys, and fears. I always come back from a conference like this enthusiastic to to continue on in my own writing projects after hearing of the struggles my fellow writers have had. I realize: "I'm not alone" and if they can do it, so can I!
Three things to put into practice:
This was a point that Thomas Locke made and it really hit home for me. As a writer who hopes and prays to become a published author one day, I am quick to realize that I get very attached to my books. They are, after all, like children to me. Thomas pointed out that the reality is, if you've got a publisher looking to publish your manuscript there will be changes made, but that is only because they will be made to make your book better and in the interest of selling it. It becomes a product at that point.
It could sound like a very stringent way to look at a book, but the more hands that hold the book mean the more people you are able to reach with the message of your book. Though my writing is an extension of reaching others as well as entertaining them, my writing is also a business and I think it will help me to have more of a detached attitude at certain points.
2) Forging a discipline around my creative process
Thomas Locke spoke a lot about disciplines a writer should have and they all resonated with me, but this part was especially impactful. He explained how the first draft of your work is very much a "free" creative process but the moment you move to the second draft things change. You must approach it with discipline and realize the editing process will be critical and is not about you it's about making the book better.
This last point also hit me deeply. Thomas spoke of the change in the market and where our books can (and will in some cases) go. He encouraged us to adapt to the outside world. He wasn't saying for us to become like the world, but to find our place in it as spec writers. I loved what his guidance was. He said, "You must find your way though prayer". It's so true! A lot of the writers I know and those that I met aspire to reach the world through their writing. Some will do that in the CBA and others will do this in the general market, but either way they must be guided by the Lord. His perspective was very encouraging to me!
Final takeaways:
*Realm Makers is the only place a Tardis would be caught taking headshot photos of a Jedi...
*The Lord has created us Speculative Fiction writers with a unique way to look at the world. We may tell stories differently than others - using magic, time travel, spaceships, or zombies - but these differences are beautiful. I personally love the fact that I enjoy writing Romantic Suspense and YA Science Fiction!
*The friendships I've forged through Realm Makers are cherished, full of quirkiness, and so vital to who I am as a writer and as a Christian!
*I seriously need to figure out my world structure for this new SciFi I'm working on...Thanks Kathy Tyers!*The Doctor, River Song, and a Weeping Angel can co-exist as roommates!
*When all else fails, the answer is 42 ;-)
>>>If you went to Realm Makers - what were some of your favorite memories?
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Wednesday, August 5, 2015
J. S. Bailey {Writer Wednesday}
A little bit about J.S. ...
As a child J. S. Bailey escaped to fantastic worlds through the magic of books and began to write as soon as she could pick up a pen. She dabbled in writing science fiction until she discovered supernatural suspense novels and decided to write her own. Today her stories focus on unassuming characters who are thrown into terrifying situations which may or may not involve ghosts, demons, and evil old men. She believes that good should always triumph in the end.
Bailey's novel SERVANT released in 2014. She is also the author of Rage's Echo, The Land Beyond the Portal, Weary Traveler, and Vapors. She lives with her husband in Cincinnati, Ohio.
How to connect with J.S. ...
--> Website: www.jsbaileywrites.com
Blog: http://jsbaileywrites.blogspot.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/JSBailey
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jsbaileywrites
Contributor: www.readwritemuse.com
Purchase: Servant
Author Interview | J. S. Bailey
--> You & Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I began writing when I was in kindergarten. I have no memory of what first possessed me to pick up a pen, but I suspect it has something to do with the fact that my mother often read me stories. I also began reading before I started kindergarten. Something about those stories must have sparked my imagination and inspired me to begin writing my own.
Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...My favorite novel so far is Rage’s Echo because it’s so close to my heart. It’s a story about the spirit of a murder victim who follows a paranormal investigator home one night. (He longs to be able to move on to heaven but also wishes to get revenge on the people who killed him.) It’s the first time I ever “bled on the page” while writing, and I think the story shows it.
If published, what was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...The hardest part of having a story published is that it goes out into the world, where it’s beyond my control. People will read it. Some will love it. Some won’t. There’s always going to be that uncertainty no matter how many stories I write, and that’s normal. I just have to let it go and keep on writing!
...Wait, is there supposed to be an easy part? ;)
-->
Your Writing
Tell us a little bit about your book. Why did you write it?
...My most recent novel, Servant, is the first novel in a new series I’m working on: The Chronicles of Servitude. Bobby Roland, Servant’s twenty-year-old protagonist, is plagued with premonitions of disaster whenever someone he knows is going to be killed, and it’s up to Bobby to jump in and save them. What he doesn’t foresee is that saving one man’s life places him in the line of fire in a madman’s plot to kill the Servant, a man chosen by God to drive out demons from the possessed. Bobby must choose between using his gift to save others or to save himself.
Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...I have to say that Bobby is my favorite character. He’s shy and socially awkward but still fights for what he believes in even though it makes him so uncomfortable. (Come to think of it, he’s kind of like me.) ;)
What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...One theme of Servant is people using their God-given abilities in order to help others. It’s my hope that readers will be able to identify their own gifts and use them as Bobby uses his.
Writing
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Inspiration comes from everywhere: movies, books, the news, and the people around me. Rage’s Echo, for example, was inspired by a ghost story a friend told me, the movie Field of Dreams, the Kansas song “Carry On Wayward Son,” the soundtrack from Sweeney Todd, and my personal entourage of inner demons.
When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...I hope to inspire people and make them think, but hopefully my stories entertain them, too!
What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Keep writing, but keep learning, too. Don’t just put words on the page. Put words on the page that mean something.
You
What is your favorite activity during the summer?
...Hiking! Some of my favorite spots are the Smoky Mountains and Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio.
What are you currently reading?
...As of this writing, I’m reading The Queen by Steven James, who writes some pretty darn awesome thrillers. I swear the man is a criminal genius.
Apparently August 15th is National Lemon Meringue Pie Day (who knew). What is your favorite dessert?
...Chocolate cake. Now I want some…
Thanks so much for being my guest! Okay, so readers--this is the power of the internet! I met J.S. via Goodreads! How cool is that? She reached out to me and I'll be reviewing Servant soon (my TBR pile is quite ridiculous at this point). I'm so happy to share new authors with you and trust me, I'm always on the look out ;)
Anyway, thank you so much J.S. for being a guest here. I think your stories sound fantastic and I love how you say to writers to not just put words on a page but to use words "that mean something". Yes! I also love Steven James and chocolate cake - so I think we were destinied to be friends!
I had the lovely Cathy Elliott on the blog last week and she offered a copy of A Vase of Mistaken Identity as a giveaway. Our lucky winner is...
Deanne Patterson
Congratulations Deanne! I"ll be in contact with you to get you your book :)
As a child J. S. Bailey escaped to fantastic worlds through the magic of books and began to write as soon as she could pick up a pen. She dabbled in writing science fiction until she discovered supernatural suspense novels and decided to write her own. Today her stories focus on unassuming characters who are thrown into terrifying situations which may or may not involve ghosts, demons, and evil old men. She believes that good should always triumph in the end.
Bailey's novel SERVANT released in 2014. She is also the author of Rage's Echo, The Land Beyond the Portal, Weary Traveler, and Vapors. She lives with her husband in Cincinnati, Ohio.
How to connect with J.S. ...
--> Website: www.jsbaileywrites.com
Blog: http://jsbaileywrites.blogspot.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/JSBailey
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jsbaileywrites
Contributor: www.readwritemuse.com
Purchase: Servant
Author Interview | J. S. Bailey
--> You & Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I began writing when I was in kindergarten. I have no memory of what first possessed me to pick up a pen, but I suspect it has something to do with the fact that my mother often read me stories. I also began reading before I started kindergarten. Something about those stories must have sparked my imagination and inspired me to begin writing my own.
Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...My favorite novel so far is Rage’s Echo because it’s so close to my heart. It’s a story about the spirit of a murder victim who follows a paranormal investigator home one night. (He longs to be able to move on to heaven but also wishes to get revenge on the people who killed him.) It’s the first time I ever “bled on the page” while writing, and I think the story shows it.
If published, what was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...The hardest part of having a story published is that it goes out into the world, where it’s beyond my control. People will read it. Some will love it. Some won’t. There’s always going to be that uncertainty no matter how many stories I write, and that’s normal. I just have to let it go and keep on writing!
...Wait, is there supposed to be an easy part? ;)
Tell us a little bit about your book. Why did you write it?
...My most recent novel, Servant, is the first novel in a new series I’m working on: The Chronicles of Servitude. Bobby Roland, Servant’s twenty-year-old protagonist, is plagued with premonitions of disaster whenever someone he knows is going to be killed, and it’s up to Bobby to jump in and save them. What he doesn’t foresee is that saving one man’s life places him in the line of fire in a madman’s plot to kill the Servant, a man chosen by God to drive out demons from the possessed. Bobby must choose between using his gift to save others or to save himself.
Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...I have to say that Bobby is my favorite character. He’s shy and socially awkward but still fights for what he believes in even though it makes him so uncomfortable. (Come to think of it, he’s kind of like me.) ;)
What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...One theme of Servant is people using their God-given abilities in order to help others. It’s my hope that readers will be able to identify their own gifts and use them as Bobby uses his.
Writing
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Inspiration comes from everywhere: movies, books, the news, and the people around me. Rage’s Echo, for example, was inspired by a ghost story a friend told me, the movie Field of Dreams, the Kansas song “Carry On Wayward Son,” the soundtrack from Sweeney Todd, and my personal entourage of inner demons.
When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...I hope to inspire people and make them think, but hopefully my stories entertain them, too!
What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Keep writing, but keep learning, too. Don’t just put words on the page. Put words on the page that mean something.
You
What is your favorite activity during the summer?
...Hiking! Some of my favorite spots are the Smoky Mountains and Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio.
What are you currently reading?
...As of this writing, I’m reading The Queen by Steven James, who writes some pretty darn awesome thrillers. I swear the man is a criminal genius.
Apparently August 15th is National Lemon Meringue Pie Day (who knew). What is your favorite dessert?
...Chocolate cake. Now I want some…
__________________________
Thanks so much for being my guest! Okay, so readers--this is the power of the internet! I met J.S. via Goodreads! How cool is that? She reached out to me and I'll be reviewing Servant soon (my TBR pile is quite ridiculous at this point). I'm so happy to share new authors with you and trust me, I'm always on the look out ;)
Anyway, thank you so much J.S. for being a guest here. I think your stories sound fantastic and I love how you say to writers to not just put words on a page but to use words "that mean something". Yes! I also love Steven James and chocolate cake - so I think we were destinied to be friends!
__________________________
::WINNER::
I had the lovely Cathy Elliott on the blog last week and she offered a copy of A Vase of Mistaken Identity as a giveaway. Our lucky winner is...
Deanne Patterson
Congratulations Deanne! I"ll be in contact with you to get you your book :)
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Ben Wolf {Writer Wednesday} + GIVEAWAY
A little bit about Ben...
Ben has written six action/adventure novels (five of which are good) and has multiple other projects in the works. His first novel, Blood for Blood, debuted on October 31st of 2014 and has been characterized as "bold...with nonstop tension" and "hard to put down." It examines the question of whether or not God can redeem anyone—even a vampire. NYT Bestselling author Tosca Lee endorsed it as, “Action, humor, romance… Ben Wolf goes for the jugular and dares to ask: is anyone beyond the grace of God?”
How to connect with Ben...
Blog: www.splicketypubgroup.com/lighting-blog
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/book/show/23496871-blood-for-blood
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=110400056
Twitter: @1BenWolf
Splickety: www.splicketypubgroup.com
Purchase: Blood for Blood
Author Interview | Ben Wolf
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing? ...In 7th grade I saw the movie Congo. It was so bad that I decided to write a spoof of it set in Australia that featured murderous kangaroos instead of gorillas. So began my writing career.
...I had long been inspired by Frank Peretti to dream of one day writing and publishing a novel, and that finally happened when I published Blood for Blood, my debut novel, on Halloween of 2014. Now I write because the story ideas won’t leave me alone. They all constantly jockey for my attention, and as someone who is slightly ADD, that calls for action. So I write them down.
Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...Blood for Blood is definitely up there with my favorite works, and as it’s my only published work right now, it’s definitely my favorite in that category. I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite novel that I’ve written yet, though. I think one of my unpublished novels, tentatively titled “Unlucky,” takes that spot. I hope to release that one in early 2016.
{By the way, if you want some free stories from me, including one that ties into Blood for Blood, go to my website and sign up for my author newsletter. You’ll also get two free issues of Splickety’s magazines.}
What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...The hardest part for me was playing the waiting game. I felt like Blood for Blood was a great book, but no traditional publishers seemed to want it. Eventually, under the direction of my literary agent, I decided to self-publish it instead.
...The easiest part, believe it or not, was writing the book. At least Blood for Blood was easier than a lot of my other books. A lot of authors say that writing is hard, and I totally agree, but in the case of Blood for Blood, it all just came together beautifully, including a twist that no one has yet seen coming as they read. With that said, a lot of times I find myself carving my way through other books one scrape at a time, and it can be very slow-going.
Tell us a little bit about what you're working on currently.
...At the moment I’m working on book 3 of my YA fantasy series. It’s set in a fantasy world called Kanarah and it follows the traditional allegorical style of Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia. The allegory, however, takes a very, very different approach. I can’t really say more about that right now, but I can tell you that it’s action-packed and has monsters, lots of sword fighting, and really interesting characters.
...I wrote it because I saw a question that needed answering about my faith. That question was, “How does the world perceive how Christians treat everyone else?” The answer I’m seeing throughout the series is worth writing about.
Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...A lot of the people who read my first book or two in the series don’t like my character Alex. He mostly plays second fiddle to the lead, David, but if you asked Alex if he was David’s sidekick, he’d emphatically deny it and he might even shove you away (physically) for insinuating that the story wasn’t actually about him.
...He tends to rub readers (and other characters) the wrong way because he’s brusque and arrogant, but I like that about him. He adds some fantastic flavor to the story and I couldn’t see writing this story without him. He’s also part of what amounts to a love pentagon (as opposed to a triangle), and he’s a crucial part of that, so he serves to further complicate the character dynamics. I love that.
What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...Both the YA fantasy series and Blood for Blood share some common themes. One of the most important ones is this: treat people the way you’d want to be treated. It’s the Golden Rule, but we so often forget to employ it in our everyday lives. We’d all do well to do that better going forward.
Writing
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...I personally don’t know any vampires (Blood for Blood is about a vampire who gets saved), so the real life connection there is tenuous at best.
...With that said, the vampires in Blood for Blood can easily represent any type of person whom the Christian community at-large would look at and consider undesirable. Homeless people, impoverished people, LGBT people, possibly people of different races or religions—the list could go on indefinitely, but the point is that as Christians, we need to treat those people with love regardless of who they are or what they believe. God created them the same as He created us, so we should try to love them like Jesus would.
When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...I’ve been talking a lot about my themes recently, but those are just a happy side effect of my stories. In general, I write stories so people can be entertained. I often only recognize there’s a theme at all later on in the writing process, and when I do, that’s when I start writing with that theme in mind more intentionally.
...The entertainment value always comes first, though—I’m not a “message-is-paramount” writer. I hope I never am. I just want people to have fun reading my books, and if they glean something from the book’s theme in the process, then that’s something I believe God is working on in them, not something I set out to change in my reader.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Write a lot. The more books you can finish, the more books you’ll have to show to publishers, and the more likely they are to take a chance on you. I’d also encourage you to study the craft and practice mastering it. We never really do master it, but trying to master it will serve you well as you write.
...I’d also encourage you to write some flash fiction, and get good at writing flash fiction. Yes, I happen to run three flash fiction magazines, so I’m a little biased, but objectively, this art form will really help you sharpen and hone your writing skills in a variety of ways—too many to list here.
...Lastly, hire a good editor. Editing is so important. A good editor is someone you can learn from and someone who can help you take your material from okay to good, or from good to great. If you need one, check out my website (www.benwolf.com/editing-services/) and consider hiring me. I’m not cheap, but I can certainly help you develop much faster than you could on your own.
You
How did you celebrate the 4th of July?
...This past 4th of July I road-tripped up to Milwaukee to catch the Weird Al Yankovic show at Summerfest. It was hilarious, entertaining, and fantastic. If you ever have a chance to see him in concert, do it. You won’t be disappointed.
How are you making the most of your time this summer for writing and relaxing? Do you do anything different in the summer months?
...I’m usually pretty busy with freelance editing regardless of the time of year it is. June, in fact, was my busiest month of the whole year. Couple that with me teaching at three conferences within two weeks time starting July 30th, and I’m still swamped. I wouldn’t have it any other way, though—I’m blessed to take advantage of the opportunities I have, and I’m delighted to keep getting new ones.
Do you enjoy hot weather or cold better?
...Definitely hot weather. I grew up in Wisconsin, went to school in Minneapolis, and live in Iowa, so I’m ready for a change.
Thanks for having me! -Ben
_____________________________
Thanks so much for joining us here at Thinking Thoughts! I love shining the spotlight on authors writing in all genres and I personally love the fact you wrote about vampires! Yeah, that's the speculative fiction writer in me. Also love your advice to writers - so important to keep writing and to work on honing your craft, whether that's flash fiction or longer works (or both!).
And P.S. writers: If you're looking for an editor definitely check out Ben's website! He's busy for a reason ;)
_____________________________
::WINNERS::
Rebecca Bell
And for Love's Rescue by Christine Johnson the winner is...
Susan Anne Mason
Contact me to so we can arrange to get you your books!
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Yvonne Anderson {Writer Wednesday} + GIVEAWAY
OK, cheating here since I was traveling back to D.C. yesterday and couldn't do my usual {Writer Wednesday} post. So, yes--it IS Thursday ;)
Yvonne Anderson writes fiction that takes you out of this world.
The Story in the Stars, the first in the Gateway to Gannah series as well as her debut novel, was a Carol Award finalist in 2012. The adventure continues with Words in the Wind and Ransom in the Rock and concludes with The Last Toqeph, released in October of 2014.
She lives in Western Maryland with her husband of almost forty years and shares the occasional wise word on her personal site, YsWords. She’s been with The Borrowed Book blog for a year or two now and coordinated Novel Rocket’s Launch Pad Contest for unpublished novelists since the beginning of time. (Or at least, since the contest’s inception.)
Oh, yeah: she also does freelance editing.
Blog/Website: http://www.YsWords.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4055861.Yvonne_Anderson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yvonne.anderson.549
Twitter: https://twitter.com/YAnderson101
Purchase: The Last Toqeph (Gateway to Gannah Book 4)
You and Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...Short version of a long, dull story: I never had any aspirations to be a writer, but, after I reached middle age, there came a time when the Holy Spirit urged me to write a novel. I have no other explanation for the urge to do something so unexpected. What kept me writing? The same thing. I begged God to let me quit, but He kept urging me forward.
Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...I’ve written eight novels altogether, the last four of which are published. I’ve grown a bit with each one, so each is a little more polished than the one that came before. I might like The Last Toqeph, the most recent one, best for that reason. But I think what I like about it the most is the way it wraps up the series—or perhaps the fact that it wraps up the series. I love Gannah, but it’s time to move on, and the finale is satisfying.
Your Writing
Tell us a little bit about your book. Why did you write it?
...The Last Toqeph is, as I mentioned, the final book in the Gateway to Gannah series. The protagonist this time is Adam, a young man who first appeared as a child in Book #2 but who is now married and has a family of his own. Being his mother’s oldest, he hopes to be heir to the throne of Gannah, but that is not a birthright. He must first meet certain qualifications, and as the book opens, he’s working toward accomplishing one of them.
...This particular quest involves being airdropped into the wilderness with nothing but the clothes on his back and the traditional Gannahan weapon called a lahab, then traveling to an appointed destination to be picked up at a specified time. Several days into his journey, he meets another man whose presence changes everything. I won’t say more because I don’t want to spoil any surprises, but it’s all rather dramatic.
...I wrote this book for two reasons: to bring the series to a satisfying conclusion, and to illustrate the truth that God always keeps His promises.
Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...I don’t know if she’s my favorite, but one minor character makes me smile. Here’s the story: My daughter in Virginia has a friend, Elmari. One time when I was visiting my daughter and Elmari’s mother, Riana, was visiting her from South Africa, I joked that I’d write Riana into the book I was writing. Problem was, she didn’t know I was joking. After she got home, she told everyone she knew that she was going to be in a book. Once I learned that, I decided I’d better make good on my promise! So Riana Groenewald is now a minor character in The Last Toqeph. I love the character, and I hope she makes the real Riana smile too.
What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...That God’s word is absolutely reliable; if He says it, we can count on it. The fulfillment doesn’t always look like what we expect, but it’s a certainty nevertheless. That’s the underlying theme, and I hope the readers will pick up on it, because it’s fairly subtle.
Writing
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...I really don’t know. Though it’s speculative fiction and takes place on a planet that doesn’t really exist, all the characters are true-to-life as far as human nature is concerned. They’re multidimensional, each displaying a combination of strengths, flaws, and quirks. But I can’t say I modeled any of them on people I’ve met.
When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...To illustrate God’s truth through a compelling story.
You
What’s one thing you are looking forward to in 2015?
...Walking with God more closely, loving Him more fruitfully, and reflecting Jesus’s character more faithfully.
Lastly, I love that your take-away is "God is absolutely reliable" because He is! Thanks again, Yvonne! And readers, don't forget to leave a comment to win a copy of a book in the series! I'll announce the winner next Wednesday (and yes, I actually mean Wednesday this time hehe).
A little bit about Yvonne...
The Story in the Stars, the first in the Gateway to Gannah series as well as her debut novel, was a Carol Award finalist in 2012. The adventure continues with Words in the Wind and Ransom in the Rock and concludes with The Last Toqeph, released in October of 2014.
She lives in Western Maryland with her husband of almost forty years and shares the occasional wise word on her personal site, YsWords. She’s been with The Borrowed Book blog for a year or two now and coordinated Novel Rocket’s Launch Pad Contest for unpublished novelists since the beginning of time. (Or at least, since the contest’s inception.)
Oh, yeah: she also does freelance editing.
How to connect with Yvonne...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4055861.Yvonne_Anderson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yvonne.anderson.549
Twitter: https://twitter.com/YAnderson101
Purchase: The Last Toqeph (Gateway to Gannah Book 4)
***
Leave a comment below to enter for a chance to win a copy of your choice from the Gateway to Gannah series!
***
Author Interview | Yvonne Anderson
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...Short version of a long, dull story: I never had any aspirations to be a writer, but, after I reached middle age, there came a time when the Holy Spirit urged me to write a novel. I have no other explanation for the urge to do something so unexpected. What kept me writing? The same thing. I begged God to let me quit, but He kept urging me forward.
Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...I’ve written eight novels altogether, the last four of which are published. I’ve grown a bit with each one, so each is a little more polished than the one that came before. I might like The Last Toqeph, the most recent one, best for that reason. But I think what I like about it the most is the way it wraps up the series—or perhaps the fact that it wraps up the series. I love Gannah, but it’s time to move on, and the finale is satisfying.
Tell us a little bit about your book. Why did you write it?
...The Last Toqeph is, as I mentioned, the final book in the Gateway to Gannah series. The protagonist this time is Adam, a young man who first appeared as a child in Book #2 but who is now married and has a family of his own. Being his mother’s oldest, he hopes to be heir to the throne of Gannah, but that is not a birthright. He must first meet certain qualifications, and as the book opens, he’s working toward accomplishing one of them.
...This particular quest involves being airdropped into the wilderness with nothing but the clothes on his back and the traditional Gannahan weapon called a lahab, then traveling to an appointed destination to be picked up at a specified time. Several days into his journey, he meets another man whose presence changes everything. I won’t say more because I don’t want to spoil any surprises, but it’s all rather dramatic.
...I wrote this book for two reasons: to bring the series to a satisfying conclusion, and to illustrate the truth that God always keeps His promises.
Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...I don’t know if she’s my favorite, but one minor character makes me smile. Here’s the story: My daughter in Virginia has a friend, Elmari. One time when I was visiting my daughter and Elmari’s mother, Riana, was visiting her from South Africa, I joked that I’d write Riana into the book I was writing. Problem was, she didn’t know I was joking. After she got home, she told everyone she knew that she was going to be in a book. Once I learned that, I decided I’d better make good on my promise! So Riana Groenewald is now a minor character in The Last Toqeph. I love the character, and I hope she makes the real Riana smile too.
What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...That God’s word is absolutely reliable; if He says it, we can count on it. The fulfillment doesn’t always look like what we expect, but it’s a certainty nevertheless. That’s the underlying theme, and I hope the readers will pick up on it, because it’s fairly subtle.
Writing
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...I really don’t know. Though it’s speculative fiction and takes place on a planet that doesn’t really exist, all the characters are true-to-life as far as human nature is concerned. They’re multidimensional, each displaying a combination of strengths, flaws, and quirks. But I can’t say I modeled any of them on people I’ve met.
When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...To illustrate God’s truth through a compelling story.
You
What’s one thing you are looking forward to in 2015?
...Walking with God more closely, loving Him more fruitfully, and reflecting Jesus’s character more faithfully.
___________________________
Thank you so much, Yvonne! I love that you honestly say, "I begged God to let me quit" because I think every writer has been (or will be) at that point. It is so difficult to be a writer at times! We don't acknowledge that enough I don't think! I also love how you incorporated a friend into one of your novels! I do that as well, but more traits from them or a mannerism that I think fits my character. Lastly, I love that your take-away is "God is absolutely reliable" because He is! Thanks again, Yvonne! And readers, don't forget to leave a comment to win a copy of a book in the series! I'll announce the winner next Wednesday (and yes, I actually mean Wednesday this time hehe).
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Ralene Burke {Writer Wednesday}
A little bit about Ralene...
Born this side of a miracle, Ralene Burke grew up with a love for the supernatural side of God. Her passion spills over into her writing as she spins fast-paced tales of angels and demons, fantasy worlds, and the broader calling of every human being. A place where the light pierces the darkness…
The Lord gave her a heart for the written word and also for helping others, and thus was born her desire to become an editor as well.
Whether she’s wielding a writer's pen, an editor's sword, or a social media wand, she always has her head in some dreamer's world!
How to connect with Ralene...
Website: http://www.raleneburke.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ralene-Burke-Editor-and-Writer/238181542870321 Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaleneB
Writer Interview | Ralene Burke
You and Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I started writing as soon as I could hold a pencil . . . Okay, okay, I won’t go back that far. My first novel idea came while working at a bank. A friend was telling me the story of how she met her estranged grandmother, who ended up being her bus driver. The story wouldn’t leave me alone, and thus I began to form my own plot about a girl and the father she believed was dead. Of course, that book is still at the back of my closet.
...Writing is my passion. I couldn’t not write. I’ve tried before and ended up in such a depression that only time with God and writing, writing, writing could cure. God gave me this gift, and it is my responsibility to use it for His glory. Thus, I spin wild tales of the gifts He gives others!
Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...Aletheia, the fantasy I’m polishing up to send out, is probably my favorite. The themes and characters resonate with me the most. I have such a heart for showing the world how God uses the most unlikely people for extraordinary things. And it was just fun to write!
Your Writing
Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently? Why are you/did you write it?
...Alethia is a fantasy telling of the Armor of God. Karina, a healer-turned-queen is given a quest to retrieve the Armor of Elohim in order to defeat a warlock and an ancient evil set on sending her world into eternal darkness. Of course, she meets several people along the way that are meant to help her achieve this goal—in fact, they each are predestined for a specific piece of the armor.
Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...The main character, Karina, is my favorite. She’s humble but strong. While she struggles with accepting that Elohim would choose her in spite of her past, she isn’t afraid to step into her leadership role when the situation calls for it.
What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...No matter who you are, not matter what you’ve done, God has always loved you. He chose you for a purpose.
Writing
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...A mix of both, I’m sure. I don’t think I’ve ever consciously based a character on real life, but a couple of my story lines have been inspired by real events. The second novel I wrote, The Impossible Choice, is based on the story I heard of the father who took his son and his son’s friend fishing on a boat. A storm came up and the boys were tossed overboard. The father had only enough time to save one—an impossible choice. He knew his son had accepted Jesus as his savior, but he was not sure if the friend had. He opted to save the friend.
Someone in The Impossible Choice has to make a similar decision . . .
When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...My overall intention when writing is to encourage and inspire people. With so much in our lives trying to pull us down, to make us feel inadequate and alone, I want people to see that we don’t have to believe the lies. We were meant for more, for better.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Take the time to learn the craft. Be teachable. And write. Don’t necessarily think that you’re first novel is going to be “the one.”
...Also, since I’m a social media consultant, start using social media now. You want to build a following BEFORE you’re published—this will be key for your marketing strategy.
You
What is one thing you like to do to relax when you aren’t writing?
...Hanging with my family. I try to make a point of spending time with my husband and kids when I’m not absorbed in work.
Thinking of Fathers Day, is there a story you’d like to share with the readers about your father?
...Oh, there are so many! One thing I remember when I think of my father is not really a specific memory, but a series of them. My dad was in the Army. He worked with tanks, teaching and training other soldiers, and was gone a lot. However, when he was home—he was home. If he was around, he never missed a single softball game, school production, or 4-H project. He got involved. I know so many fathers who wanted to “relax” when they were home, and he so easily could have. But he didn’t.
What is one thing you are looking forward to for the Summer?
...I’m most looking forward to our trip to see my parents! That’s vacation this summer—10 days in Virginia with family. My sister and her family, who currently live in Japan, will be home, and there’s going to be a big family picnic with family from all over the country. Yay!
Born this side of a miracle, Ralene Burke grew up with a love for the supernatural side of God. Her passion spills over into her writing as she spins fast-paced tales of angels and demons, fantasy worlds, and the broader calling of every human being. A place where the light pierces the darkness…
The Lord gave her a heart for the written word and also for helping others, and thus was born her desire to become an editor as well.
Whether she’s wielding a writer's pen, an editor's sword, or a social media wand, she always has her head in some dreamer's world!
How to connect with Ralene...
Website: http://www.raleneburke.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ralene-Burke-Editor-and-Writer/238181542870321 Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaleneB
Writer Interview | Ralene Burke
You and Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I started writing as soon as I could hold a pencil . . . Okay, okay, I won’t go back that far. My first novel idea came while working at a bank. A friend was telling me the story of how she met her estranged grandmother, who ended up being her bus driver. The story wouldn’t leave me alone, and thus I began to form my own plot about a girl and the father she believed was dead. Of course, that book is still at the back of my closet.
...Writing is my passion. I couldn’t not write. I’ve tried before and ended up in such a depression that only time with God and writing, writing, writing could cure. God gave me this gift, and it is my responsibility to use it for His glory. Thus, I spin wild tales of the gifts He gives others!
Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...Aletheia, the fantasy I’m polishing up to send out, is probably my favorite. The themes and characters resonate with me the most. I have such a heart for showing the world how God uses the most unlikely people for extraordinary things. And it was just fun to write!
Your Writing
Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently? Why are you/did you write it?
...Alethia is a fantasy telling of the Armor of God. Karina, a healer-turned-queen is given a quest to retrieve the Armor of Elohim in order to defeat a warlock and an ancient evil set on sending her world into eternal darkness. Of course, she meets several people along the way that are meant to help her achieve this goal—in fact, they each are predestined for a specific piece of the armor.
Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...The main character, Karina, is my favorite. She’s humble but strong. While she struggles with accepting that Elohim would choose her in spite of her past, she isn’t afraid to step into her leadership role when the situation calls for it.
What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...No matter who you are, not matter what you’ve done, God has always loved you. He chose you for a purpose.
Writing
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...A mix of both, I’m sure. I don’t think I’ve ever consciously based a character on real life, but a couple of my story lines have been inspired by real events. The second novel I wrote, The Impossible Choice, is based on the story I heard of the father who took his son and his son’s friend fishing on a boat. A storm came up and the boys were tossed overboard. The father had only enough time to save one—an impossible choice. He knew his son had accepted Jesus as his savior, but he was not sure if the friend had. He opted to save the friend.
Someone in The Impossible Choice has to make a similar decision . . .
When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...My overall intention when writing is to encourage and inspire people. With so much in our lives trying to pull us down, to make us feel inadequate and alone, I want people to see that we don’t have to believe the lies. We were meant for more, for better.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Take the time to learn the craft. Be teachable. And write. Don’t necessarily think that you’re first novel is going to be “the one.”
...Also, since I’m a social media consultant, start using social media now. You want to build a following BEFORE you’re published—this will be key for your marketing strategy.
You
What is one thing you like to do to relax when you aren’t writing?
...Hanging with my family. I try to make a point of spending time with my husband and kids when I’m not absorbed in work.
Thinking of Fathers Day, is there a story you’d like to share with the readers about your father?
...Oh, there are so many! One thing I remember when I think of my father is not really a specific memory, but a series of them. My dad was in the Army. He worked with tanks, teaching and training other soldiers, and was gone a lot. However, when he was home—he was home. If he was around, he never missed a single softball game, school production, or 4-H project. He got involved. I know so many fathers who wanted to “relax” when they were home, and he so easily could have. But he didn’t.
What is one thing you are looking forward to for the Summer?
...I’m most looking forward to our trip to see my parents! That’s vacation this summer—10 days in Virginia with family. My sister and her family, who currently live in Japan, will be home, and there’s going to be a big family picnic with family from all over the country. Yay!
________________________
Thank you so much for being a guest for {Writer Wednesday} Ralene, and for taking us into your world :) Your novel sounds great and I hope to see it in print soon!!! I love your advice for building your audience now, and your story about your father is so inspiring. I think it's good advice for us all - no matter where we are, we need to be "all there" because that's where God has placed us.
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