Azalea Dabill's Blog, page 9

YA Treasure Hunt and FB Birthday Party

I’m so glad you’re thinking of joining the fun!

If you love YA reads, from fantasy to urban adventure, you’re in the right place. If you enjoy free books, even better. And if you crave adventure without smut, you’re on your way!

Not to mention finding new friends and fascinating characters, from authors, terrifying villains, tough heroes, and scrappy heroines to prizes galore!

This Tuesday, May 31st, 2016, join 14 YA authors, Indie and Traditionally published, from 2:00 to 10:00 pm Eastern time, or 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Pacific (my time). Click here for the party on May 31st!

In my time zone, here’s the author lineup as it stands at present:

J. Keller Ford, author of the YA Fantasy In the Shadow of the Dragon King (and the reason for our celebration) is co-hosting with Brobertson 11:00 – 12:00 noon and opening the ball for us. Take a sneak peek or get In the Shadow of the Dragon King here.

T. E. Carter 12:00 – 12:30 pm

Pintip Dunn 12:30 – 1:00 Author of Heart-stopping YA Fiction

Sam Reed 1:00 –  1:30 Author of Fair to Hope coming in August, co-hosting with Jessica Gunn from 1:00 – 2:00 pm Author of a Sci-fi Time Travel ride.

And treasure hunts with me 2:00 – 2:30   Author of medieval YA Fantasy Adventure. LOL

Lucy Briand 2:30 – 3:00 Author of YA Gearhead Romance

Kathleen Stiles 3:00 – 4:00 Author of Ya Paranormal Romance (and giving away 3 copies of Wendi Wilson’s Shadowed Strength for joining her (Kathleen’s) newsletter, co-hosting with Cassidy Taylor from 3:30 – 4:00 Author of The Runaway Queen coming soon

Katlyn Duncan has 4:00 – 5:00 Author of Paranormal Adventure

Martine Lewis 5:00 – 6:00 Author of those who Dare to Cross the Barrier, co-hosting with Melanie McFarlane from 5:30 – 6:00 Author of Otherworldly Adventure

K. T. Hannah and J. Keller Ford will wrap up the last hour from 6:00 – 7:00 pm Pacific, 9:00 – 10:00 Eastern.

 

So: if you haven’t checked out Jenny’s book, take a peek here. If you already have, begin your treasure hunt through delicious reads and hair-raising adventure Tuesday, May 31st, at the FB Birthday Party of In the Shadow of the Dragon King!

If you have friends you think would like to join the party, please share this post on FB and Twitter using the share buttons. We all thank you!

 

10 Things Indie Authors are Doing Wrong

Click on the graphic to see Derek Murphy’s thought-provoking post . . .

Thanks for reading, and have a great summer!

Azalea Dabill

 

2016 CJ Redwine’s The Shadow Queen

A riveting retelling. Snow White has grown a backbone and a half to save her kingdom. And she doesn’t do it alone.

When Lorelai’s parents are murdered, she wants to save her family and her kingdom. Ravenspire is in the throes of death, the earth of the kingdom itself drained by Queen Irina’s lust for power. When Queen Irina comes for Lorelai and her brother Leo, the princess discovers strengths greater than she knew through her struggle to tame shape-shifting dragons, defy an evil queen, and do the right thing.

Love in many forms directs Lorelai’s adventures in the mountains, other kingdoms, and the wilds of the heart. She loves her brother and her people, both entrusted to her by her father. And Lorelai is unexpectedly attracted to young King Kolvanismir, a shape-shifter with two hearts, human and dragon, who accepts a deadly blood-oath to Queen Irina in a desperate bid to save his own people of Eldr, besieged by Ogres. Queen Irina twists Prince Kol’s oath to meet her evil need, steals his human heart, leaving his inhuman dragon heart, and he becomes the queen’s huntsman, driven to kill Lorelai.

She punished you. There was pain in [Lorelai’s] voice. Sorrow. But there was also anger, sharp as a blade and twice as strong. She figured out that we tried to trick her, and she punished you by taking your human heart. My magic can feel the space where your heart used to be. We have to get it back, Kol. …

There was no healing for him. He was fire, blood, and death …

To save Ravenspire, Eldr, and her huntsman (before he gives in to his inner dragon and rips her heart out of her chest), Lorelai must learn the meanings of true love as she pursues justice, life, and peace for those around her.

Her splendid, fierce love for Kol contrasts with Viktor’s mixed and misplaced love for Irina. The princess’s willingness to sacrifice herself opposes Irina’s monstrous self-love; and Lorelai’s love for her friends and Kol’s (though sometimes they are dangerous and annoying) allows them room to grow into true friends.

A quick-moving tale of self-less love versus self-love, played out on a vibrant background, The Shadow Queen holds your attention to the last page.

Kings, queens, princesses, and common people mindlessly obey the queen, fear her to their last breath, or hate her. For love cannot be bought or commanded by the power of a be-spelled apple or a heart rotten at the core. Love that is true loves another more than itself. The Shadow Queen reminds me how our imperfect hearts were shown perfect love by Another.

The story elements in The Shadow Queen astonished me. I did not expect such a well-woven tale. With shape-shifting dragons that remind me of Seraphina, and life-draining spells that call to mind Snow White and the Huntsman (Extended Edition)

movie, The Shadow Queen weaves a fresh tale worth reading.

There are a few mentions of pants-less shape-changers, but the book is morally clean, no one betraying anyone else in that matter, which gives it high points. The Shadow Queen is more magic heavy than I usually read; I don’t think the elemental-type portrayal of magic is the best way to show other-worldly power, though the story makes clear that that power, in that world, is simply a tool one is born with that can be used for evil or good. (As opposed to elemental powers in our world that one only gains from evil beings.) I am glad that kind of power and responsibility is not mine. LOL. I have enough power of destruction in my heart to deal with, and a gift of Love to enjoy and pass on, some aspects of which CJ shows so well in The Shadow Queen.)

So read it yourself, tell us what you think, and share this post with friends.

Azalea Dabill

Some links are affiliate

And we have a winner!

We have a winner for the Epic YA Fantasy 21 – book Giveaway! Sharon of the UK, with her entry 1498. Congratulations! We hope you enjoy your 21 summer reads.

The winner of my earlier YA Fantasy Books Giveaway with The Beauty of Darkness will be announced soon.

The Amazon Giveaway for an ebook of Falcon Flight ends June 4th or when the 3 ebooks have been won. 

The Goodreads Giveaway of Falcon Flight, for a print book, ends May 22, 2016.

I’d also like to share this with you:

I’ve been reading Anna Thayer’s The Knight of Eldaran trilogy for the second time, and thought this excerpt from book 3 The Broken Blade, might perk your interest in this great series. It is high epic fantasy at its best.

Eamon approached the terrified, blood-stained man. He remembered – how he remembered! – the day when he had offered his sword to Giles …

He met the lieutenant’s fearful gaze. “They are granted,” Eamon answered, taking the sword from him, “and I accept your surrender.”

The man stared at him speechlessly. Then he drew himself up. “Who takes Edesfield’s surrender?” the lieutenant stammered. …

“One who knows it, and loves it well. My name is Eamon Goodman, and I am First Knight to the King.”

“Goodman,” the lieutenant whispered. Recognition hit the man’s face with a blow keener than that of any blade. Then the man turned the standard in his hands and held it out. “We surrender to you, First Knight, and hope for your King’s mercy.”

The lieutenant laid the banner in his hands; it was heavy and blood-smeared. Eamon took it. Tears filled his eyes, and joy shook his heart. In Edesfield had Ede been betrayed; in Edesfield had he and Hughan found refuge for a time. Now the town’s standard – and it’s Gauntlet – had been won back to the King. “You shall have the King’s mercy . . .”

Here’s the links if you want to check the trilogy out, just click on the cover. I have the print version. It’s a great and delightful tale, worth every word.

Thank you all, and have a wonderful day!

Keep an eye on upcoming posts for a blog party gathering near the end of the month. New books, prizes, authors, games . . . It’s in the works.

Azalea Dabill

 

Some links are affiliate.

Good and bad news

I made a mistake, but there’s still good news. The Falcon Flight $0.99 special was supposed to end today – at the end of today. But KDP already ended it. I tried to fix it, but no go unless I sign up for another enrollment period and that would be three months later. I’m very sorry. 

The good news is that Falcon Heart is still free, but I don’t know how long that will last – according to the way I set it up, it should be midnight tonight. But I couldn’t see those specifics in my dashboard. Apparently you can see it before your deal is running, but not during. So if you haven’t got your free download of Falcon Heart and you want one, grab it now. 

The Amazon Giveaway for Falcon Flight is still live, and so is the GoodReads Giveaway. At least I got those right!

Again, I’m sorry, and I’ll do better next time.

Thank you for your patience while I’m learning!

Azalea Dabill

Falcon Flight is launching – only $0.99

Today’s our day!

It’s launch day for Falcon Flight (a medieval fantasy adventure),  $0.99 today 5/13, through Monday 5/16, click here. And be sure to grab your ebook copy of the first Chronicle, Falcon Heart, free the 13th – 16th. Click here.

Then my friends Mariella and Ashley’s books (I’ve read them, they’re very good) are a steal. Click here for Under the Trees (a medieval romance) only $0.99, and here for Dissonance $2.99 (a medieval paranormal).

Also, Candace B. (you know who you are), you left the first review for Falcon Flight! I’d like to send you the print book – newly revised – for your wonderful review. Just email your shipping address to azaleadabill@gmail.com. Thank you again!

FYI We’re aiming for a hundred reviews for Falcon Heart and Falcon Flight. For your review on either of my books I’ll send you the companion book Lance and Quill (an Arabian sands medieval fantasy romance) for free in MOBI, PDF, or EPUB. Just let me know at azaleadabill@gmail.com, and be sure to include the link to your review on Amazon. That’s it!

Then – this is a little scary for me – unknown territory. I’ve had a couple people mention that Falcon Heart and Falcon Flight would make good movie material as an episodic or full-length movie. (Though my books are small potatoes at present: relatively unknown, though we hope to change that with our launch.)

After you’ve read the book or books, would you let me know what you think about a movie option? What my readers think is the most important. Would you love to see Kyrin’s adventures on the screen? 

Kingdom’s Fall update: work has been on hold for Falcon Flight’s launch, but will pick up again soon.

I’m also experimenting with an Amazon Giveaway here (Falcon Flight in Kindle), and a Goodreads Giveaway here (Falcon Flight – in print – starts the 15th). May yours be the chosen draw!

And if you like medieval poetry, see Falcon’s Ode in 10 lyrics on my Reader’s Swag page.

It’s not too late! Our 21 – book fantasy giveaway ends in three days. Share to enter now! 

Have a great day, thank you for sharing our launch, and enjoy your summer reads! 

Azalea Dabill

That last book report is easier than you think

A fascinating study of literary adventure by email:

I had the privilege of mentoring a teen student recently. Victoria’s questions about her book report were so well laid out, I thought our talk might be helpful and entertaining to you. At the bottom of our post is a link to a free medieval poem, Falcon’s Ode. Plus a link to Falcon Flight, a young adult medieval fantasy, free 5/13 – 5/16. Family friendly of course. But definitely adventurous!

And here’s our adventure by email:

Victoria (email and last name omitted for privacy)

Apr 28 (7 days ago)

to me

 

Hello Azalea,

I’m Victoria, Jorge’s cousin, I hope you recognize who I am. The reason I wanted to send you an email is because of the book report I’m doing on your novel “Falcon Heart.” I was wondering if I could ask for your help on some parts, since I’ve been struggling to complete it. I would really appreciate any help I receive.

               Sincerely, Victoria 

Me: Hi Victoria,

It’s good to hear from you. Sure, I’d be glad to help. What are you having trouble with?

Victoria: I was wondering if you could clarify a couple of themes within the novel. As well as what point of view it’s from. Like if it’s limited or omniscient, since I don’t entirely know what that means.

There other things as well, like a character study of a minor and major character. We must then identify a theme that is developed with the plot, so we have to describe the entire plot of the book. The last thing would be a symbol we deemed important. I know it’s a lot to ask for but if you could help me with some bits of it, I would gladly appreciate all of your help.

Me: It’s good to hear your questions, Victoria. I’m glad you asked. I’ll make a list [of questions and answers] here.

Q 1: Could you clarify a couple of themes in the novel?

A 1: Themes. When most people talk about themes they seem to mean what the main character learned or didn’t learn over the course of the book [and what that teaches you]. What the main point or points of the book are. Often themes have two sides. Like courage and fear. [Or more.] What do you feel Kyrin wanted the most, that would help her learn the sword so she could get back to her father?

Q 2: What point of view is it from? Like is it limited or omniscient? 

A 2: Here’s a quick run down on the basic points of view. Or POV, as we say in author language.

Omniscient POV is when the author writes the story as if they were God, able to look inside everyone’s head and see things that happen through their thoughts and eyes – basically narrate or tell the story from any point of view at any time.

First person is when the character tells the story from her POV. Like, “I kicked my horse and we galloped over the sand.”

Second person is rarely used. It’s when the author talks to the reader. “You smelled the dirty street and wrinkled your nose, but you kept your gun up. You never forget you’re a cop.”

Third person POV is when someone besides the main character tells someone else’s adventures. “Cicero sniffed at the air, his nose quivering, ears alert.”

Third person limited is when the author tells the story through one character’s POV. Falcon Heart is primarily from Kyrin’s POV, but whose other thoughts do you hear, especially in Chapter 29? That always gives it away. So it’s not limited.

Q 3: How about a character study of a minor and major character? 

A 3: You can probably figure out who the main/major character is. “Character study” probably means that you give a brief picture of who Kyrin is and what she is like at the beginning of the book, and what she learns, or how she’s changed, by the end. By the way, this will overlap with theme and plot. Just give your teachers a general idea of how the character grows. That’s what they want, I think. In author language, the “character arc.”

b. Tae, Alaina, Ali, Faisal, all these are minor characters. Pick one and tell what they’re about. What are their goals? What drives them?

Q 4: How do I identify a theme that is developed with the plot? We have to describe the entire plot of the book.

A 4: As for a theme developed with the plot, I think that’s a little of a trick question, because any good author will never make a theme separate from the plot, that I know of. In a good story they’re woven together. LOL [Think of the themes of Kyrin’s fear of the sword, and courage to face the blade for her friends, and how the plot (things that happen) drive these forward.]

Whenever you hear the word “plot,” think action. This person did this, which made this happen, so this person did this . . . This happened, then this happened, etc. That’s the plot. Mostly the big, earth-shaking happenings that drove the character, and so created the story. The first plot points would be Kyrin’s father, Lord Cieri, sending her to her godfather’s, where she’s kidnapped. The Arab slaver’s men murder her mother, so Kyrin is set on vengeance. [Then the best warrior she’s ever seen tells her that’s not a good way.] That’s [five] plot points. I hope this helps enough so you can figure out the rest.

Q 5: The last thing would be a symbol we deemed important . . .

A 5: Symbols are tricky. I’m glad your teachers gave you the distinction “a symbol you deem important.” Different readers will see different meanings in a book. A symbol is just something that carries more meaning than it holds in itself. Like the falcon dagger is a symbol of courage to Kyrin. What do you think the tiger [in her dreams] means or represents to her? How about the falcon chained to his neck? Which of these symbols mean the most to you, and why? Is there something else in Falcon Heart that is a symbol of something to you? What does it mean or represent to you?

I sure had fun with your questions, Victoria. I hope this helps. Be sure and let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks for choosing my book for your report!

God bless your night,

Azalea

(Short Bio) Azalea Dabill grew up building forts in the oaks of the California hills. She remembers the fuzzy sweetness of moss and acorns, the perfume of lupines and poppies, the night-song of crickets, and day-time hunts for lizards and squirrels. Homeschooled, she read fantasy and adventure of all sorts to her siblings. Now she enjoys growing things, bookstores old and new, and hiking the wild.

Never finding enough tales of adventure, romance, and mystery, Azalea writes young adult fantasy. YA mythic fantasy that spans worlds near and far. Reading level twelve years old and up. You will find great adventures for your body, heart, and soul.

Crossover: Find the Eternal, the Adventure.

And as promised, here’s the link to Falcon’s Ode, and here’s the one to Falcon Heart (Chronicle I) free May 13th – 16th. And if you’re interested in a family friendly 21-book Epic Fantasy giveaway click here . . .

And if you have any questions you’d like to ask me about your homeschool book project you’re working on before summer vacation, just contact me at my email below.  

Thanks for reading!

Azalea Dabill

Website: www.azaleadabill.com

Email: azaleadabill@gmail.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/AzaleaDabill

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/azaleadabill

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Falcon’s Ode: a gift for visitors, reviewers, and readers

Falcon’s Ode, 1st of 9 lyrics, a poem which Kyrin created for her falcon, Samson, in Falcon Flight, sequel to Falcon Heart. 

This is my gift to my visitors, readers, and reviewers. You are the best! Especially recently, this is for my reviewers Julia, Ember, and Candace. Thank you so much for the reviews!

This will be the only lyric on my blog. But I will be adding another lyric almost daily to my Reader’s Swag page here, until 5/13/16, when Falcon Flight releases. This Ode is for everyone. Share, steal, squeal at will, pin and let all in! LOL Please just add the link back so that others can find it.

Thank you, and enjoy the adventure! 

Azalea Dabill

A Young Reader or Naked as Ducklings

In Klamath Falls library I met one of my first fans. I was looking at books in the young adult section (my current favorite) when I heard someone call “Azalea!” I turned.

Allyssa came eagerly toward me. Slight but beautiful at thirteen, with freckles, light brown hair, and sea-colored eyes, Allysa said, “Have you seen the incubator?”

I was puzzled. What incubator? What is she talking about? Then I remembered the glass aquarium I’d seen, with bedding, food, water, and a nest inside. I’d just spied the end of a head and bill in the nest, and yellowish feathers with black stripes. Ducklings.

Evidently, the over-sized sugar-bowl looking contraption next to the aquarium was an incubator. “No,” I said, “I haven’t seen the incubator. But I bet they’re cute.”

“Cute! They’re ugly.”

“Why?” I’m puzzled.

“They’re all wet and ugly.”

“Oh, you mean they look rather naked?”

“Uh-huh. And the boy there said that they’d stay to see one hatch. That can take all day!” Rather scornfully.

“I guess they haven’t grown up on a farm. I didn’t know that either, that it can take that long for them to hatch.”

Matter-of-factly, she gave a wise nod, “Yep.”

Staring at me, she said, “Are you writing any more books?”

“Yes. I’m working on a companion book to Falcon Flight right now, but there’s another one I have at home that you haven’t read yet, Lance and Quill. It’s the story of Kyrin’s sister by oath-of-hearth-and-salt; the Chronicle tale of her and Faisal.”

“Ohhh,” Allyssa smiles in anticipation. “I’ll probably stay up all night reading it.”

I smile too. What a young lady she’s become. “Well, I hope you enjoy it. I’m glad you like them.”

“The ducklings get cute in a day or two when they dry.”

“I’ll bet they do.” I shift my stack of books to my other arm. “I have to get to my writer’s group, but I’ll get Lance and Quill to you soon.”

“Ok. Thank you.”

In this way my young fan encouraged my heart, and I hope, yours.

We all begin as ugly ducklings. In our bodies, wet and wrinkled, in our hearts, and in whatever we are in the process of learning to do. As Kyrin’s Subak master says in Falcon Flight, “Never give up.”

You make a big difference – don’t give up. Walk in your adventure in life and hope. Sometimes it’s the difference of truth, or a day, or a moment in the life of another. Or one reader and fan.

Don’t forget your free copy of Falcon Heart 5/13 – 5/16 here. The biggest favor you can do for any author of a book you enjoy is leave a review, which you can do here. If you want updates and haven’t joined my blog letter, see the sidebar of my website pages. Your word of mouth is the best recommendation you can ever give, and I thank you!

Azalea Dabill

Enjoy the adventure of life!

Epic YA Fantasy Giveaway

I’m giving away some of my new favorite fantasy books to help build my author platform and help a couple friends. 

My friends Ashley Maker, Mariella Hunt, and I are making this a team effort to get you epic fantasy adventure.

All you need to do to win is follow me; you can enter down below. I’m also giving one of my books away for free, and my friends are giving theirs at bargain deals.

If you like our books, please leave a review on Amazon. Your word of mouth is still our best possible recommendation to others, and we thank you!

If you want Under the Trees, Dissonance, or Falcon Heart sooner, or just more info:

(Click on the author picture or the book cover for bio and details)

  Ashley Maker’s medieval fantasy Under the Trees will be $.99 or less May 13th – 16th.

  Mariella Hunt’s contemporary fantasy Dissonance is $2.99 

   And my historical fantasy adventure Falcon Heart is free 5/13 – 5/16, while the sequel Falcon Flight will be $0.99 on 5/13- 5/16/16. Click here for more about Falcon Heart.

 

So enter to win, then sit down with your favorite epic fantasy read. Also available in paperback.

 

Epic Fantasy Giveaway May 2016