K.L. Hallam's Blog, page 16
February 21, 2016
An Illustration in Steps.
Pencil sketch by me!
... and the steps leading to the finish. Also, here's an interview on Jessica Bayliss' blog on how I find inspiration. That was fun. Thanks, Jessica. She has a pretty awesome blog, you should check it out.
... the end.
Check out more of my illustration on Instagram!
... and the steps leading to the finish. Also, here's an interview on Jessica Bayliss' blog on how I find inspiration. That was fun. Thanks, Jessica. She has a pretty awesome blog, you should check it out.




... the end.
Check out more of my illustration on Instagram!
Published on February 21, 2016 06:11
February 19, 2016
YA Book Review: CROWN OF ICE by Vicki L. Weavil

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I grew up frightened of the Snow Queen; the blight of winter she cast in an instant suffocating the world in ice and snow. In the Crown of Ice, I delighted in getting to know the Snow Queen, and she has a name, Thyra Winther. This retelling twisted familiar threads into compelling and new understanding of Hans Christen Anderson’s Snow Queen.
Losing her parents in a tragic blizzard, at very young age, stolen and imprisoned by the wizard Mael Voss, who gave her supernatural gifts and tethered her to a mirror broken into a puzzle, with missing pieces she’s not meant to ever find. A mirror, Voss wields no power over unless it’s complete.
If she cannot complete the task before her eightieth birthday, only months away, Thyra will turn into a wraith, one of the hundreds Voss has stolen over the years for the same task. Those who’ve failed haunt the dark corridors of the ice palace, crying out “with faces frozen into masks of grief” whispering she will be with them soon. Soon. If Thyra can free herself in time she can also free them.
But she can’t do it alone, even with her advanced math skills. The looking glass shards must be replaced exactly how they fell, placed incorrectly the mirror will reject them. Thyra remembers a boy from the village, almost as good with numbers as she. Thyra reaches out to him, now, years later, and not waiting for his consent she carries him away on her sleigh to the ice palace. He has no choice, but neither has she.
Crown of Ice, is a wonderful retelling of one of my favorite fairytales. The writing is vivid, yet economical and often surprising me with new descriptions. The pacing made me ravenous to speed through, and the world building is vivid, frigid, and enchanting.
Thyra, is smart in her calculations, and while she struggles to overcome her prison, she soon finds help in unexpected ways, and may have found the best kind of love. The ending is exactly what I’d hoped for her.
Book two, SCEPTER OF FIRE, (The Snow Queen Saga #2) releases in the fall, 2016. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling” and “The Steadfast Tin Soldier”, SCEPTER OF FIRE is a companion book to CROWN OF ICE
View all my reviews
Published on February 19, 2016 11:59
February 11, 2016
February 5, 2016
Last Week's Blog Interviews for The Unmoving Sky
Last week over on Resch Reads, I answered a few questions about my Thriller,
THE UNMOVING SKY. If you'd like to read the rest of the interview click on over.
Did you edit anything out of The Unmoving Sky that you wished would have made it to print?
It wasn’t edited out, but I would have liked to bring Jackson’s girlfriend, Brianna’s thoughts and history into The Unmoving Sky, and really dig into her experience. Maybe one day? I wrote out some of her POV in drafts, to really see where she was coming from.
And over on Girls *heart* Books, you can have a peek at my writing studio. A corner of a dark basement that transforms into a Swing Era Jazz Club. If you're wondering, yes, I've written a YA, Swing Era whodunnit. I cannot wait to dive back into that ms.
You can add The Unmoving Sky on Goodreads or Smashwords.
Watch the book trailer.
Jackson Bower has a lot on his mind lately. His younger brother hasn’t been the same since his mother’s death. His father’s drinking is out of control. Then there’s Jackson’s girlfriend and the grief that ties them together even as it threatens to drive them apart.
He distances himself, hoping for a little perspective at the family lodge. But when their father gets drunk and dangerous, he and his brother escape into the woods.
Night creeps in, and the rains come fast. Artie slips down a ravine. He’s wounded and the brothers seek shelter in a cave, only to find someone else already taking refuge there.
A desperate man with plans to destroy their town.
Jackson must get him and his wounded brother out of the cave and over the mountain to warn everyone in time. Without getting them both killed first.
Published on February 05, 2016 07:10
February 2, 2016
The Office . . . my 1k Short Story from "Rooms with a Chill"
The Office
Guinevere fastened the top button of her dress shirt. Straightened out her skirt, rising a little too high after sitting, and preceded to Mr. Wilson’s office. “Yes, Mr. Wilson?”“Did you stack these manila envelopes on my desk?”“No, and I haven’t seen anyone come into your office,” she said, before passing the large skyscraper window. One hundred and five flights up, it made her nervous. Guinevere leaned over Mr. Wilson’s desk and searched the envelopes for an address or a clue.“They’re unmarked,” he said.“Oh? Have you opened one?”“Are you kidding, unmarked envelopes sent to a newswire? I better call in Homeland Security. Can you get these out of here?” She paused. “Sure.”“Maybe you should use gloves?” he said. Guinevere lifted the empty waste basket and scraped the envelops off the desk using her clipboard. “There, I’ll get these looked at. Maybe the mailroom knows something.”Mr. Wilson took a phone call and nodded. She slipped away holding the wastebasket, filled with the twenty or so unmarked manila envelopes and proceeded to the elevator. Her curiosity grew while waiting for the elevator. She pulled one out and sniffed it. Traced her fingers along the seal, about to rip it open. “Going Down?” Gregory, the elevator operator asked.“Ah, yes,” She stepped inside. “Mailroom?” She nodded. Strange, the wastebasket felt heavier. There was an unpleasant odor. It wouldn’t have come from Gregory, dressed top-notch, a very proud and dapper man. The elevator doors opened. “Thanks, Gregory.”The waste bin slipped from her hands. What? The mailroom wasn’t much farther down the corridor but she couldn’t pick up the bin. Taking another look inside, she saw that the envelopes had grown and each now the size of a shoebox. Were they even envelopes to start with? What if she held some type of expanding bomb? She better hurry. Bending over, she pushed, but it still wouldn’t budge.“Tommy, “ she called, spotting a mail clerk. “Can you help me get this to the mailroom?”“Sure.” He ran over. “What’s that smell?”The odor grew stronger, a humid odor, somewhat like goats on a grassy pasture, earthy.“Just help push, will you?” she ordered. “This came in the mail? Shouldn’t we call security?”Guinevere stood up and adjusted her skirt. “Guess we should.”“I see you’re struggling.” It was Mr. Hampton, mail-hall security. “Whatcha have there in that waste bin?” “These came in the mail today. But not like this. They’re expanding,” she said.Mr. Hampton’s hands fell from his hips. “You need to get back—both of you.” He radioed security for back up. “Way–back, Ms. Martin.” She did as she was told. Tommy stood in front of her. “That smell? Is it coming from those?” Mr. Hampton asked. They both nodded. And right then, one by one, envelopes began jumping out of the waste bin. “WHAT-The!” called Mr. Hampton. He pulled his gun. Two security guards flew from the stairwell and were next to Mr. Hampton, guns drawn. Pop. Pop. Pop. Envelope landed on the shiny tiles. Pop. Pop. Pop. They moved through the corridor, lining up like ants, and preceded up the stairwell.Mr. Hampton, Tommy, Guinevere, and two security guards, watched without moving.“Shouldn’t we stop the envelopes?” Guinevere asked. Mr. Hampton shook his head out of a stupor. “Yeah, we should.” But he didn’t move.The twenty envelopes were fast. They hopped up the steps. “Are those some type of drone robots?” one guard asked.“Whose office were they delivered to?”“Mr. Wilson’s.” “That’s probably where they’re going. Make haste!” They all gathered in an elevator and pushed the 105th floor. Mr. Hampton picked up his radio. “We believe there may be a threat to Mr. Wilson of TechStation. Can Brewster get over there?”The envelopes had a head start and were ahead of their convoy. But when the group came out of the elevator, they saw them traipsing down the hallway, legs sprouting from the manila envelopes, white and black and brown furry legs like cats?“Someone sent cats to Mr. Wilson’s office?” she whispered. The group chased the envelopes and turned the corner to Mr. Wilson’s. The legs had grown larger. Heads had sprouted up, but they weren’t cat’s heads. Guinevere screamed. A sight she’d never seen before. Reptilian? Mr. Wilson hearing the noise, stood outside his office, taking notice of the tidal wave approaching him, he slammed the door shut. Twenty hybrid cat-reptiles crashed into the door. Guinevere held the crew back. They ducked behind furniture while personnel screamed and hid behind each other, some took to their offices and locked the doors. “Now what?” Guinevere asked the Mr. Hampton. The cat-reptilian hybrids turned to Guinevere after they finished sniffing and licking Mr. Wilson’s office door. The security guards held their guns. The menacing hybrids came toward them. Tongues dripping, hungry eyes growing larger, they too, grew larger, moving forward, step-by-step, until Mr. Wilson’s door flew open. Standing in place of Mr. Wilson was a large cat creature with yellow reptilian eyes, and as Guinevere focused wings sprouted from his back. “It ate Mr. Wilson!” she shrieked. The cat hybrids shifted back toward the winged creature. Lifting his wings, they raced toward him and jumped into his arms. Where they quickly disappeared under an apparent cloak. “Ms. Martin, please take all calls for the week.” The winged creature said, and turned, walking toward the large glass window; the wind blowing papers into tempests throughout the room. He arched over the ledge and jumped.Mr. Hampton, the guards, and Guinevere ran to the window. He was gone. Each looked at the other without words, unbelieving what they’d witnessed. Shredded envelopes were strewn throughout the office. Guinevere picked one up and peered over Mr. Wilson’s desk. Crumbs, maybe seeds, her eyes followed the trail that led to an open drawer, the locked drawer. Open, she pulled it out fully. A reflection of light beamed up at her. She reached in for the photo.“Whatcha got there?” Mr. Hampton asked, behind her, mumbling about what had happened. Inside the picture frame, a large photo of a radiant cat-lizard, the most beautiful creature Guinevere had ever seen. Hidden away in a locked drawer. Staring at the photo she whispered, “Suppose he went to see her?”
... a collection of ten supernatural stories in the vein of Twilight Zone. "Rooms with a Chill" by K.L. Hallam

Guinevere fastened the top button of her dress shirt. Straightened out her skirt, rising a little too high after sitting, and preceded to Mr. Wilson’s office. “Yes, Mr. Wilson?”“Did you stack these manila envelopes on my desk?”“No, and I haven’t seen anyone come into your office,” she said, before passing the large skyscraper window. One hundred and five flights up, it made her nervous. Guinevere leaned over Mr. Wilson’s desk and searched the envelopes for an address or a clue.“They’re unmarked,” he said.“Oh? Have you opened one?”“Are you kidding, unmarked envelopes sent to a newswire? I better call in Homeland Security. Can you get these out of here?” She paused. “Sure.”“Maybe you should use gloves?” he said. Guinevere lifted the empty waste basket and scraped the envelops off the desk using her clipboard. “There, I’ll get these looked at. Maybe the mailroom knows something.”Mr. Wilson took a phone call and nodded. She slipped away holding the wastebasket, filled with the twenty or so unmarked manila envelopes and proceeded to the elevator. Her curiosity grew while waiting for the elevator. She pulled one out and sniffed it. Traced her fingers along the seal, about to rip it open. “Going Down?” Gregory, the elevator operator asked.“Ah, yes,” She stepped inside. “Mailroom?” She nodded. Strange, the wastebasket felt heavier. There was an unpleasant odor. It wouldn’t have come from Gregory, dressed top-notch, a very proud and dapper man. The elevator doors opened. “Thanks, Gregory.”The waste bin slipped from her hands. What? The mailroom wasn’t much farther down the corridor but she couldn’t pick up the bin. Taking another look inside, she saw that the envelopes had grown and each now the size of a shoebox. Were they even envelopes to start with? What if she held some type of expanding bomb? She better hurry. Bending over, she pushed, but it still wouldn’t budge.“Tommy, “ she called, spotting a mail clerk. “Can you help me get this to the mailroom?”“Sure.” He ran over. “What’s that smell?”The odor grew stronger, a humid odor, somewhat like goats on a grassy pasture, earthy.“Just help push, will you?” she ordered. “This came in the mail? Shouldn’t we call security?”Guinevere stood up and adjusted her skirt. “Guess we should.”“I see you’re struggling.” It was Mr. Hampton, mail-hall security. “Whatcha have there in that waste bin?” “These came in the mail today. But not like this. They’re expanding,” she said.Mr. Hampton’s hands fell from his hips. “You need to get back—both of you.” He radioed security for back up. “Way–back, Ms. Martin.” She did as she was told. Tommy stood in front of her. “That smell? Is it coming from those?” Mr. Hampton asked. They both nodded. And right then, one by one, envelopes began jumping out of the waste bin. “WHAT-The!” called Mr. Hampton. He pulled his gun. Two security guards flew from the stairwell and were next to Mr. Hampton, guns drawn. Pop. Pop. Pop. Envelope landed on the shiny tiles. Pop. Pop. Pop. They moved through the corridor, lining up like ants, and preceded up the stairwell.Mr. Hampton, Tommy, Guinevere, and two security guards, watched without moving.“Shouldn’t we stop the envelopes?” Guinevere asked. Mr. Hampton shook his head out of a stupor. “Yeah, we should.” But he didn’t move.The twenty envelopes were fast. They hopped up the steps. “Are those some type of drone robots?” one guard asked.“Whose office were they delivered to?”“Mr. Wilson’s.” “That’s probably where they’re going. Make haste!” They all gathered in an elevator and pushed the 105th floor. Mr. Hampton picked up his radio. “We believe there may be a threat to Mr. Wilson of TechStation. Can Brewster get over there?”The envelopes had a head start and were ahead of their convoy. But when the group came out of the elevator, they saw them traipsing down the hallway, legs sprouting from the manila envelopes, white and black and brown furry legs like cats?“Someone sent cats to Mr. Wilson’s office?” she whispered. The group chased the envelopes and turned the corner to Mr. Wilson’s. The legs had grown larger. Heads had sprouted up, but they weren’t cat’s heads. Guinevere screamed. A sight she’d never seen before. Reptilian? Mr. Wilson hearing the noise, stood outside his office, taking notice of the tidal wave approaching him, he slammed the door shut. Twenty hybrid cat-reptiles crashed into the door. Guinevere held the crew back. They ducked behind furniture while personnel screamed and hid behind each other, some took to their offices and locked the doors. “Now what?” Guinevere asked the Mr. Hampton. The cat-reptilian hybrids turned to Guinevere after they finished sniffing and licking Mr. Wilson’s office door. The security guards held their guns. The menacing hybrids came toward them. Tongues dripping, hungry eyes growing larger, they too, grew larger, moving forward, step-by-step, until Mr. Wilson’s door flew open. Standing in place of Mr. Wilson was a large cat creature with yellow reptilian eyes, and as Guinevere focused wings sprouted from his back. “It ate Mr. Wilson!” she shrieked. The cat hybrids shifted back toward the winged creature. Lifting his wings, they raced toward him and jumped into his arms. Where they quickly disappeared under an apparent cloak. “Ms. Martin, please take all calls for the week.” The winged creature said, and turned, walking toward the large glass window; the wind blowing papers into tempests throughout the room. He arched over the ledge and jumped.Mr. Hampton, the guards, and Guinevere ran to the window. He was gone. Each looked at the other without words, unbelieving what they’d witnessed. Shredded envelopes were strewn throughout the office. Guinevere picked one up and peered over Mr. Wilson’s desk. Crumbs, maybe seeds, her eyes followed the trail that led to an open drawer, the locked drawer. Open, she pulled it out fully. A reflection of light beamed up at her. She reached in for the photo.“Whatcha got there?” Mr. Hampton asked, behind her, mumbling about what had happened. Inside the picture frame, a large photo of a radiant cat-lizard, the most beautiful creature Guinevere had ever seen. Hidden away in a locked drawer. Staring at the photo she whispered, “Suppose he went to see her?”
... a collection of ten supernatural stories in the vein of Twilight Zone. "Rooms with a Chill" by K.L. Hallam
Published on February 02, 2016 08:40
January 25, 2016
The Unmoving Sky ~ Cover Reveal!!
By K.L. Hallam
... Yours truly. Don't forget to sign up for the Rafflecopter giveaway!
There is nothing darker than the woods ... until you meet your worst fear.
Jackson Bower has a lot on his mind lately. His younger brother hasn’t been the same since his mother’s death. His father’s drinking is out of control. Then there’s Jackson’s girlfriend and the grief that ties them together even as it threatens to drive them apart.
He distances himself, hoping for a little perspective at the family lodge. But when their father gets drunk and dangerous, he and his brother escape into the woods.
Night creeps in, and the rains come fast. Artie slips down a ravine. He’s wounded and the brothers seek shelter in a cave, only to find someone else already taking refuge there.
A desperate man with plans to destroy their town.
Jackson must get him and his wounded brother out of the cave and over the mountain to warn everyone in time. Without getting them both killed first.

Thank you, Ashley Poston, for creating such a cool cover!
Book Links:
Goodreads ~ Smashwords
Title: The Unmoving Sky
Author: K.L. Hallam
Genre: Young Adult, Thriller
Publisher: Leap Books, ShineRelease Date: May 16, 2016
I love my book trailer. The first, and second time I watched I cried. My editor, Judith Graves helped in creating the trailer. Actually, she did most of the creating, and my dear friend, guitarist, Bruce Edwards of Dark Tone Music infused it with his musical magic. He's amazing if you ever need commercial tunes!
Html code: a Rafflecopter giveaway
Published on January 25, 2016 00:00
The Unmoving Sky Cover Reveal!!

By K.L. Hallam
... Yours truly. Don't forget to sign up for the Rafflecopter giveaway!
There is nothing darker than the woods ... until you meet your worst fear.
Jackson Bower has a lot on his mind lately. His younger brother hasn’t been the same since his mother’s death. His father’s drinking is out of control. Then there’s Jackson’s girlfriend and the grief that ties them together even as it threatens to drive them apart.
He distances himself, hoping for a little perspective at the family lodge. But when their father gets drunk and dangerous, he and his brother escape into the woods.
Night creeps in, and the rains come fast. Artie slips down a ravine. He’s wounded and the brothers seek shelter in a cave, only to find someone else already taking refuge there.
A desperate man with plans to destroy their town.
Jackson must get him and his wounded brother out of the cave and over the mountain to warn everyone in time. Without getting them both killed first.

Thank you, Ashley Poston, for creating such a cool cover!
Book Links:
Goodreads ~ Smashwords
Title: The Unmoving Sky
Author: K.L. Hallam
Genre: Young Adult, Thriller
Publisher: Leap Books, ShineRelease Date: May 16, 2016
I love my book trailer. The first, and second time I watched I cried. My editor, Judith Graves helped in creating the trailer. Actually, she did most of the creating, and my dear friend, guitarist, Bruce Edwards of Dark Tone Music infused it with his musical magic. He's amazing if you ever need commercial tunes!
Html code: a Rafflecopter giveaway
Published on January 25, 2016 00:00
January 20, 2016
Plantain for Bee Stings. Bower Boys Survival Tips!
The Bowers are brothers from The Unmoving Sky. Jackson is seventeen and his younger brother Artie is fifteen. Jackson knows much about survival in the elements. Here I'll share some of that under "Bower Boys Survival Tips."
This will be a regular feature in preparation for my book release on May 16, 2016.
Some of these tips could save your life ...
"White Man's Foot"
You've no doubt have seen this "weed" growing everywhere, especially in disturbed soil, heavily trampled on, or in cracks of the city sidewalks. Plantain or Plantago major has many health benefits and potential to save a life in an emergency situation.
This common weed can be chewed and swallowed after a bee sting if you're suffering a severe allergic reaction to prevent anaphylaxis shock. If you find yourself alone in the woods, or with a friend, who this happens to it may buy you time on your rush to the nearest hospital. Chew about a mouthful and swallow it.
Anaphylactic Shock: "Tissues in different parts of the body release histamine and other substances. This causes the airways to tighten and leads to other symptoms." PubMed Health
Most severely, throat swelling and inability to breathe.
Alternatively, if you're stung and not allergic, make a paste by chewing a pinch (of course, never where pesticide spraying is suspected) and lay it over the sting. It will soothe and reduce swelling.
Handy right? And people want to get rid of them.
Disclaimer: I have a certificate in Herbal Medicine from Peeka Trenkle. Much of what Jackson "knows" will derive from my notes. ;) But always check with your doctor first.
This will be a regular feature in preparation for my book release on May 16, 2016.
Some of these tips could save your life ...

You've no doubt have seen this "weed" growing everywhere, especially in disturbed soil, heavily trampled on, or in cracks of the city sidewalks. Plantain or Plantago major has many health benefits and potential to save a life in an emergency situation.
This common weed can be chewed and swallowed after a bee sting if you're suffering a severe allergic reaction to prevent anaphylaxis shock. If you find yourself alone in the woods, or with a friend, who this happens to it may buy you time on your rush to the nearest hospital. Chew about a mouthful and swallow it.
Anaphylactic Shock: "Tissues in different parts of the body release histamine and other substances. This causes the airways to tighten and leads to other symptoms." PubMed Health
Most severely, throat swelling and inability to breathe.
Alternatively, if you're stung and not allergic, make a paste by chewing a pinch (of course, never where pesticide spraying is suspected) and lay it over the sting. It will soothe and reduce swelling.
Handy right? And people want to get rid of them.
Disclaimer: I have a certificate in Herbal Medicine from Peeka Trenkle. Much of what Jackson "knows" will derive from my notes. ;) But always check with your doctor first.
Published on January 20, 2016 08:15
January 15, 2016
Free-day Friday Update. All That's Changed by K.L.Hallam
Hello out there!
I've been busy working on a website using WIX and so far it's been good. Can't wait to show everyone, along with The Unmoving Sky's cover reveal on Jan 25!
In my creative torture process of building a website,
I came across this song I wrote, (Oh, about five years ago) All That's Changed, about a relationship being pulled apart, with growing families, and life's distractions; trying to remember what each person meant... now that time has clouded the romance.
Phil Carroll of Recording Artists Development mixed the music.
Lyrics, melody, voice, by K.L. Hallam (me!)
I should mention it's my first attempt at iMovie. Most of the images are from my portfolio.
Now back to the Website. Apparently, I have two sets of revisions ready to land in my lap--any minute. Not to lose a moment... Enjoy the music!
I've been busy working on a website using WIX and so far it's been good. Can't wait to show everyone, along with The Unmoving Sky's cover reveal on Jan 25!
In my creative torture process of building a website,
I came across this song I wrote, (Oh, about five years ago) All That's Changed, about a relationship being pulled apart, with growing families, and life's distractions; trying to remember what each person meant... now that time has clouded the romance.
Phil Carroll of Recording Artists Development mixed the music.
Lyrics, melody, voice, by K.L. Hallam (me!)
I should mention it's my first attempt at iMovie. Most of the images are from my portfolio.
Now back to the Website. Apparently, I have two sets of revisions ready to land in my lap--any minute. Not to lose a moment... Enjoy the music!
Published on January 15, 2016 07:11
January 11, 2016
5 Stars for COUNTING THYME by Melanie Conklin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story was very special, heart-rending, realistic, and beautifully written.
Twelve-year-old Thyme has moved to New York City, leaving her friends and Grandmother behind in San Diego. She longs to return. She saves her slips of time to return and plans to get back to her best friend and grandmother no matter what. She has a plan.
Except, she’d have to leave her father, mother, teenage sister, and her five-year-old brother, who’s undergoing cancer treatment for neuroblastoma behind. She struggles with this. Thyme loves her brother, and he needs her, she’s the one he talks to.
At least, they won’t be in New York City much longer, thank goodness. The apartment is terribly small, not like her house in San Diego. There are grouchy neighbors, stinky subways, and her parents never seem to hear her anymore. Then there’s public school. It does offer a few distractions, with the new friends she’s met and the approaching talent show. She doesn’t want to tell anyone about her brother and risk having them feel sorry for her. Thyme is one tough and loveable kid. She bares much through the trials her brother goes through.
Such a tough subject, written clearly and deftly; explaining much about the type of cancer and the experience Thyme’s brother goes through. It will rip your heart out.
But there’s hope and a lot of love. I wanted to underline over half the book. There's so much to relate to, so many emotions. One of my favorite Middle-Grade reads this year, a classic in the making.
View all my reviews
Published on January 11, 2016 07:38