Kate M. Colby's Blog, page 14
July 14, 2016
100 Crime Fiction Writing Prompts is FREE on Amazon!
I’m well over halfway through my creative writing prompts booklets now — only three more genres to go!
This month’s volume is 100 Crime Fiction Writing Prompts and it’s ready to help you write a thrilling crime novel or story.
Read the description below for more, then grab your FREE copy on Amazon (now through Saturday)!
And after you’ve soaked up some inspiration, don’t forget to leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads.
Do you want to write a gripping crime novel? This booklet contains 100 writing prompts to help you get started.
Do you have a thrilling tale burning inside you but feel trapped by writer’s block?
Are you an established author looking for fresh, new ideas?
If you’re ready to stop staring at the blank page and start writing NOW, 100 Crime Fiction Writing Prompts is the booklet for you. There’s no fluff and no wasted words – just 100 fiction prompts to get you back to what you do best: writing.
100 Crime Fiction Writing Prompts is packed with character- and story-focused prompts to jumpstart your fiction. The prompts have been carefully designed to address the various motifs of crime stories – from twisting mysteries to clever sleuths to diabolical murderers.
Inside, you’ll find prompts related to the following subgenres:
1. (Hardboiled) Detective
2. Heist & Theft
3. Kidnapping
4. Murder
5. Noir
6. Occult
7. Organized Crime
8. Police Procedural
9. Serial Killer
10. Vigilante Justice
Each section contains 10 thought-provoking prompts. Practice them in order, or dive right into to what inspires you most. You’ve already wasted enough energy on writer’s block. It’s time to craft your next great crime story.
Get on the wrong side of the law. Get your FREE copy of 100 Crime Fiction Writing Prompts today.
Filed under: Kate's Nonfiction for Writers, Writing Updates Tagged: creative writing, crime fiction, detective, ideas, noir, police procedural, serial killers, writing, writing prompts
July 11, 2016
How to Handle Writer Jealousy
We’ve all been there.
Your classmate’s story is praised in workshop, while yours is torn apart.
“Poorly written” romances dominate best-seller lists, while your science fiction novel languishes in Amazon’s 2,000,000 ranking spot.
The author you follow on Instagram posts their third cover reveal this year, while you struggle to finish your manuscript.
There’s a thousand ways that we writers experience jealousy of other authors. We constantly compare ourselves to our peers in writing groups, our Internet friends, or the hallowed greats like Stephen King. We long for the secret to their success. How do they write a first draft so quickly? How do they have so many Pinterest followers? Where do they find time to publish and write a daily blog?
We take other writers’ successes as inherent failures in ourselves as creatives. Newsflash: art isn’t a zero-sum game.
Let me get personal for a minute. Throughout high school and university, I longed to be a writer, but I hardly ever wrote. I seethed with self-loathing and jealousy in equal amounts. As I became more entwined in the literary community, I saw myself in competition with other aspiring writers. With each person’s success, I thought one more seat on the bus to authordom had been snatched from me. Around senior year of college, I finally wised up.
But others I know didn’t. I’ve lost friends over jealousy and unnecessary feelings of competition. I’ve had close friends flat-out ignore my writing career. I’ve had acquaintances insult or downplay my abilities in order to praise their own. It sucks. It hurts. And I don’t want it to happen to anyone else.
Why do we feel jealousy?
Easy: because other writers have what we want. Be it a publishing contract, a movie deal, or even just a finished manuscript, if you want it, some writer has already accomplished it. When I used to see a more successful writer, I would instantly translate that into: “Well, shit. I’m so far behind. I’m never going to amount to anything.” OR “They don’t deserve X. They just got lucky. Why can’t anyone see what a talentless hack they are?”
The good news? I don’t ride either of those thought trains anymore. In fact, the moment I feel a twinge of jealousy, I actually get really excited. Why?
Because when channeled properly, jealousy can be a force for good.
The positive side of jealousy
Jealousy and competition are natural human feelings. If you acknowledge them and channel their energy into something positive, it can be motivating for you. The next time you feel jealous, take a moment to deconstruct your emotions and get down to what’s really bothering you. But don’t stop there: make a plan to fix the real issue so that this doesn’t happen again.
Here is how my jealous moments play out now:
Address the feeling: Okay, Kate. You’re feeling jealous.
Forgive yourself: That’s okay! You’re human. It happens.
Find the “what:” Let’s see. I’m jealous that this author started writing a book after me, but is publishing it before I publish mine.
Find the “why:” I wish my book were ready to publish.
Take responsibility and make a plan: Well, what can you do to make that happen? How about we turn off Netflix and do some revising? Let’s eat out one less night a week so we can afford an editor. Let’s stop being nervous and contact the cover designer.
Ride the high: Awesome, I know exactly what to do! I just have to be patient and work hard. I’m going to write right now.
Ways to handle jealousy
Notice this section is not titled “ways to quit being jealous.” That’s probably never going to happen. There will always be someone more successful than you. There will always be something you want that someone else has already achieved. But, there are ways to handle your jealousy in a healthy manner.
Act in opposition to your feelings. A writer friend on Facebook posts that they’ve signed with an agent? Like the post or write a supportive comment. At first, you can console yourself with the smug satisfaction that you were “the bigger person” in the competition your mind constructed. Eventually, your gut reaction will change to genuine excitement for them. I promise.
Figure out how they did it. I want to be Joanna Penn so bad it hurts. She writes kick-ass fiction books, super-helpful nonfiction books, and is a beloved authority figure in the self-publishing community. But instead of hating her and avoiding her, I follow her progress. I read her books. I read the articles she posts. And you know what? I’m learning how to create a career like hers, one step at a time.
Do something about it. If you have a moment of jealousy, then you know what you want. It frustrates you that your writer friend has a finished book and you don’t? Go write your damn book. That Twitter author has better sales than you? Read up on book marketing and business strategy, arrange advertising or book reviews, or publish more books. Outside circumstances may prevent you from achieving 100% of your goals, but if you’re not putting 100% of possible effort in, then you have no one to blame but yourself.
Remember that someone out there is jealous of you. If there is someone ahead of you, then there must be someone behind you. Maybe you don’t make enough money to write full-time yet, but there is a writer out there who has only one book published who envies your five-book series. Moreover, the person of whom you are jealous was once in your position. Keep it all in perspective.
Be kind to yourself. Often, jealousy goes hand-in-hand with feelings of inadequacy. If you are nicer to yourself throughout the entire creative process (keeping your inner critic quiet during drafting, forgiving yourself for missing your word count goal on a busy day, etc.), your self-respect will grow. When it is healthy and happy, you are less likely to be dragged down by bitterness.
And if all else fails? Step away from the situation and eat some ice cream. It really does make everything better.
How do you deal with feelings of writer jealousy? What do your moments of jealousy reveal about your goals? Share your experiences in the comments.
Filed under: Writing Craft & Tips Tagged: author, creativity, publishing, writer, writer jealousy, writer problems, writing 
July 6, 2016
A Time to Read… — Jonas Lee
Check out this interview with my friend and fellow Sci-Fi author Jonas Lee. A little bookworm told me that there is even a chance to win FREE paperback copies of his debut novel, A Time to Reap. (I gave it 5 stars.)
The pun in the title is on purpose. I’m not slacking at proofreading just yet. I was able to sit down with L.R.W. Lee and participate in her YouTube channel, Book Nerd Paradise. She has new and experienced authors alike give a brief synopsis of our book, tell one of our favorite quotes and pose a […]
via A Time to Read… — Jonas Lee
Filed under: Author Interviews Tagged: author interview, book nerd paradise, bookworm, indie books, reading, sci-fi, science fiction, time travel, young adult
July 4, 2016
Author Interview: Kate M Colby – comes with free gift attached.
Check out my interview with Kate Evans, where I talk about the themes of the Desertera series and share my best tips for aspiring writers and indie authors.
In honour of American Independence Day, I am thrilled to welcome writer Kate M. Colby to my blog. I have made some of my journey to being an ‘indie’ publisher alongside Kate and I have found her knowledgeable and inspiring, as well as a skilled writer. Her advice and encouragement has always been spot on. It’s great then, that, as an added bonus, her 100 Fantasy Writing Prompts (Fiction Ideas Vol. 4) is FREE today, download it here: http://hyperurl.co/adq1ul
Kate M. Colby is an author of science fiction, fantasy, and nonfiction. Her first series, Desertera, consists of steampunk fantasy novels with themes of socio-economic disparity, self-empowerment, romance, and revenge. Kate’s writing contains everything she loves about fiction – imaginative new worlds (the more apocalyptic the better), plots that get your heart racing, and themes that make you think. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Creative Writing…
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Filed under: Author Interviews Tagged: author interview, fantasy, indie author, indiebooksbeseen, science fiction, self-publishing, SFF, steampunk, writing advice, writing prompts, writing tips
July 1, 2016
SPECIAL Month-End Update: June 2016
To mark the halfway point of 2016, I’ve got a special month-end update today. In the first part, I’ll do the usual June recap. Some highlights? Desertera #2 is finally with the line editor, and 100 Action & Adventure Writing Prompts (Fiction Ideas Vol. 6) is published AND FREE through tomorrow.
In the second part, I’ll be catching you (and myself!) up with my New Year’s Resolutions. My biggest accomplishment? *knock on wood* I’ve only had ONE major migraine attack this year! I never thought I’d hit that goal, and I’m incredibly thankful they’ve mostly subsided.
Before you dive into all the bullet points, I want to highlight three exciting July activities.
First, today is Indie Pride Day! Check out this Book Blast hosted by Angela B. Chrysler to find some awesome independent authors and books (myself, included!).
Second, tomorrow I’ll be hosting the Fire & Lies Goodreads takeover. Head over at 3 P.M. Eastern U.S. time to chat science fiction and fantasy and enter to win a FREE ebook copy of The Cogsmith’s Daughter (Desertera #1) – OR Desertera #2, if you’ve already read TCD.
Last, this month I’ll be unveiling the title of Desertera #2. Since I’ve put it off so long, I’ve decided to make an even bigger deal out of it and run a contest! Stay tuned for details (and chances to win advance review or signed copies of Desertera #2)!
June Update
Writing
Blog Posts Written — 7 (and one reblog)
Fiction Words Written — 0
# of Days I Wrote Fiction — 0
Nonfiction Prompts Written — 100 prompts (plus front/back matter material)
# of Days I Wrote Nonfiction — 7
Outlines Written — 0
Days Without Writing and/or Editing — 13
Editing/Revising
Drafts Revised — Content Edit of Desertera #2 (plus a quick second pass)
# of Days I Revised — 10
Reading
Books Finished
Hammer of the Gods by Christina Ochs
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 8, Volume 4 by Joss Whedon
Hills and Valleys by Helen Jones
Fray by Joss Whedon
Books Begun/In-Progress
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler
Cat and Mouse by A.M. Offenwanger
Books Reviewed
Hammer of the Gods by Christina Ochs – read review
Hills and Valleys by Helen Jones – read review
*Remember, I review every book I read on my Goodreads page.
Author Business Activities
Published 100 Action & Adventure Writing Prompts (Fiction Ideas Vol. 6)
Sent Desertera #2 to the line editor!
Participated in Sterling & Stone’s Story Seller’s Bootcamp
Gave an author interview
Watched a live Q&A with Joanna Penn
Goals for July
I’ve got a few exciting things planned for July — I’d stay close if I were you!
Announce Desertera #2‘s title with a contest!
Complete all line editing for Desertera #2 (pending editor’s schedule)
Cover design for Desertera #2
Write and publish my next creative writing prompts booklet
An author interview on Kate Evans’s website
Participate in Camp NaNoWriMo
Participate in the Indie Pride Day Book Blast (today!)
Participate in the Fire & Lies Goodreads takeover (tomorrow!)
New Year’s Resolutions
So far, I’m on track to hit my goal of 50% of my resolutions. As a quick refresher — our family tradition is to make one resolution for each year of your age. Therefore, I try to shoot for the stars and at least hit the moon!
My difficult code: E (easy), C (challenging), DD (damn difficult), LOL (…yeah…)
WRITING
1. Write five days a week (C, but based on past experience, LOL) – If by “write,” I mean draft OR edit, then I think I’m on track.
2. Finish Desertera #2 (E)
3. Publish Desertera #2 (C) – On track!
4. Write Desertera #3 (DD) – On track!
5. Publish Desertera #3 (DD) – Not happening
6. Write a book for fun (LOL) – I repeat: LOL.
7. Write all nonfiction booklets (E) – On track!
8. Publish all nonfiction booklets (E) – On track!
9. Publish nonfiction compilation (C) – On track!
BUSINESS
10. Publish two blog posts per week (C) – On track!
11. Read 50 books (C) – Way ahead!!!
12. Make $1,000 from my author business (C, maybe DD) – Still possible with the upcoming book launch
13. Adhere to my marketing plan (C) – More or less, need to re-evaluate
14. Send two email newsletters per month (C) – Doing it!
15. Update my author website/platform (revise each quarter) (E) – Check!
PERSONAL
16. Keep Daniel and myself student loan free (DD) – WOOT!
17. Keep migraines to one per month (or less!) (DD) – DOUBLE WOOT!
18. Exercise for 30 minutes, 3 days a week (LOL) – Hahahaha.
19. Record my three daily gratitudes (C) – Yup!
20. Visit a new state (E) Rhode Island & Massachusetts
21. Go to the 9/11 Memorial in NYC (E) – Hopefully this fall
22. Visit home (summer) (C) – Tickets booked!
23. Visit home (Christmas) (E) – Tickets booked!
Who else has accomplishments to share from June? How are your New Year’s Resolutions coming along? What are your plans for the rest of 2016?
Filed under: Writing Updates Tagged: Author Business, blogging, book review, books, campnanowrimo, creative writing prompts, dystopian, fantasy, goals, independent publishing, indie author, manuscript, new years resolutions, nonfiction, revising, science fiction, self-publishing, steampunk, writing
June 29, 2016
Your Monthly Dose of Inspiration is Here!
With just a few days to spare in June, I’ve finally published 100 Action & Adventure Writing Prompts!
You can grab your copy for FREE on Amazon, now through Saturday, July 2nd. Check out the full description below, download your FREE copy, and don’t forget to add it to your Goodreads shelves.
As a side note, if you’ve been enjoying my creative writing prompts booklets, I would really appreciate your review on Amazon or Goodreads. Even a quick star rating goes a long way in helping other aspiring writers and authors find my work.
Thanks so much, and happy reading writing!
Do you want to write a heart-racing action novel? This booklet contains 100 writing prompts to help you get started.
Do you have an adventure burning inside you but feel trapped by writer’s block?
Are you an established author looking for fresh, new ideas?
If you’re ready to stop staring at the blank page and start writing NOW, 100 Action & Adventure Writing Prompts is the booklet for you. There’s no fluff and no wasted words – just 100 fiction prompts to get you back to what you do best: writing.
100 Action & Adventure Writing Prompts is packed with character- and story-focused prompts to jumpstart your fiction. The prompts have been carefully designed to address the various motifs of action stories – from heists to battles to globe-trotting chases.
Inside, you’ll find prompts related to the following subgenres:
1. Archaeology
2. Fantasy
3. Historical
4. International/Travel
5. Political Thriller
6. Romance
7. Sea Adventures
8. Science Fiction
9. War & Military
10. Western
Each section contains 10 thought-provoking prompts. Practice them in order, or dive right into to what inspires you most. You’ve already wasted enough energy on writer’s block. It’s time to craft your next great action story.
Take an adventure. Buy 100 Action & Adventure Writing Prompts today.
Filed under: Kate's Nonfiction for Writers, Writing Updates Tagged: action and adventure, booklet, creative writing, fiction ideas, free books, writing prompts
June 27, 2016
Science Fiction & Fantasy: More Than Just a World?
As I wrote in “Why I Write Science Fiction & Fantasy,” one of my favorite aspects of the science fiction and fantasy genres is their imaginative world building. Whether reading or writing, I love being transported to an entirely new realm, or thrown into a version of Earth I barely recognize. Often, I’m “sold” on a book or movie simply on its world. For example, before I read Wool by Hugh Howey, all I knew was that it takes place in an underground silo in a dystopian-type world. That was enough to hook me — and Howey delivered on his gripping world, and so much more.
And that’s what I want to talk about today. The more. If you’re my friend on Goodreads or notice the widgets on my blog, you might see that at the time of this writing, I’m about 200 pages into Neil Gaiman’s American Gods. And I have been. For weeks.
I was sold on the concept of American Gods immediately. The various deities of world religions are real? They walk among us? The main character essentially road trips with them around the U.S.? Yes, yes, and hell yes.
But as I started reading the novel, I found myself struggling to get from one page to the next. As a protagonist, Shadow feels emotionally detached from his own life. And sure, I’ll grant that prison and tragedy can do that to a person — but I find him dull. Likewise, while Gaiman is a talented writer, the plot seems to move at a glacial pace. As for the mythology — yes, it’s fantastic. Though as someone who is interested in mythology but does not actively study it, I know there are dozens of references I’m missing. And that’s frustrating.
I’ve discussed American Gods with a few of my friends. When I express the above issues, they say “Oh, yeah, I agree. But isn’t the world awesome?” Which, yes, it is. Great concept. We’ve all said it a thousand times.
So, fellow science fiction and fantasy readers and writers, my question is: Is having a fascinating world enough for a sci-fi/fantasy novel?
Now, if you disagree with my feelings on American Gods, don’t let that cloud your answer to the question. I’m sure you can come up with your own example of a killer world with dry characters and an unengaging plot. Another one of mine? The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick. The Axis Powers won World War II? Fascinating. The plot and characters? Not so much. (I know, I know. What kind of SFF writer am I?) Feel free to share your example in the comments.
Personally, I don’t think a great world is enough. Should a sci-fi/fantasy story have an original world or inventive driving concept? Yes. I think it’s, arguably, the entire point of the genre. That being said, I don’t think a story can rely on a world alone. As a reader, I need characters that I can love or love to hate. I need a plot that feels purposeful from almost the beginning of the book, if not the first 100 pages. I prefer a dash of action, a tangible subplot, and on a purely structural basis, chapters that aren’t 50 pages long.
In my own writing, I try to hit all of these points. I like to think that a steampunk world without steam is a strong enough concept to enthrall sci-fi and fantasy fans. And I tried to make Aya and the supporting characters engaging, complex, and flawed. I hope the plot is clear and stimulating, even though the action is more covert than sword-wielding. To some people, I will succeed. To others, I’ll probably be their American Gods (and not in the good way). But hey, art is subjective.
I’d like to close with a caveat. Obviously, I have not finished American Gods yet. Maybe, when I get to the 250 or 300 page mark, the story will pick up, Shadow will take some initiative, and the plot will chug along more quickly. I fully recognize that I could love this book and bow down to its genius with my other sci-fi/fantasy fans. I’ll finish it — but I have feeling it’s going to be a slog.
So give me your two cents on this.
Can a science fiction or fantasy book rest purely on its world? What makes a truly great sci-fi/fantasy story for you? Are there any “classics” that you find dull? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Filed under: Musings & Bookish Things, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Geeky Things Tagged: american gods, amreading, books, bookworm, bookworm problems, fantasy, neil gaiman, science fiction, storytelling
Science Fiction: More Than Just a World?
As I wrote in “Why I Write Science Fiction & Fantasy,” one of my favorite aspects of the sci-fi genre is its imaginative world building. Whether reading or writing, I love being transported to an entirely new realm, or thrown into a version of Earth I barely recognize. Often, I’m “sold” on a book or movie simply on its world. For example, before I read Wool by Hugh Howey, all I knew was that it takes place in an underground silo in a dystopian-type world. That was enough to hook me — and Howey delivered on his gripping world, and so much more.
And that’s what I want to talk about today. The more. If you’re my friend on Goodreads or notice the widgets on my blog, you might see that at the time of this writing, I’m about 200 pages into Neil Gaiman’s American Gods. And I have been. For weeks.
I was sold on the concept of American Gods immediately. The various deities of world religions are real? They walk among us? The main character essentially road trips with them around the U.S.? Yes, yes, and hell yes.
But as I started reading the novel, I found myself struggling to get from one page to the next. As a protagonist, Shadow feels emotionally detached from his own life. And sure, I’ll grant that prison and tragedy can do that to a person — but I find him dull. Likewise, while Gaiman is a talented writer, the plot seems to move at a glacial pace. As for the mythology — yes, it’s fantastic. Though as someone who is interested in mythology but does not actively study it, I know there are dozens of references I’m missing. And that’s frustrating.
I’ve discussed American Gods with a few of my friends. When I express the above issues, they say “Oh, yeah, I agree. But isn’t the world awesome?” Which, yes, it is. Great concept. We’ve all said it a thousand times.
So, fellow science fiction readers and writers, my question is: Is having a fascinating world enough for a sci-fi novel?
Now, if you disagree with my feelings on American Gods, don’t let that cloud your answer to the question. I’m sure you can come up with your own example of a killer world with dry characters and an unengaging plot. Another one of mine? The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick. The Axis Powers won World War II? Fascinating. The plot and characters? Not so much. (I know, I know. What kind of science fiction writer am I?) Feel free to share your example in the comments.
Personally, I don’t think a great world is enough. Should a science fiction story have an original world or inventive driving concept? Yes. I think it’s, arguably, the entire point of the genre. That being said, I don’t think a story can rely on a world alone. As a reader, I need characters that I can love or love to hate. I need a plot that feels purposeful from almost the beginning of the book, if not the first 100 pages. I prefer a dash of action, a tangible subplot, and on a purely structural basis, chapters that aren’t 50 pages long.
In my own writing, I try to hit all of these points. I like to think that a steampunk world without steam is a strong enough concept to enthrall sci-fi and fantasy fans. And I tried to make Aya and the supporting characters engaging, complex, and flawed. I hope the plot is clear and stimulating, even though the action is more covert than sword-wielding. To some people, I will succeed. To others, I’ll probably be their American Gods (and not in the good way). But hey, art is subjective.
I’d like to close with a caveat. Obviously, I have not finished American Gods yet. Maybe, when I get to the 250 or 300 page mark, the story will pick up, Shadow will take some initiative, and the plot will chug along more quickly. I fully recognize that I could love this book and bow down to its genius with my other science fiction fans. I’ll finish it — but I have feeling it’s going to be a slog.
So give me your two cents on this.
Can a science fiction book rest purely on its world? What makes a truly great science fiction story for you? Are there any “classics” that you find dull? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Filed under: Musings & Bookish Things, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Geeky Things Tagged: american gods, amreading, books, bookworm, bookworm problems, fantasy, neil gaiman, science fiction, storytelling
June 21, 2016
Indie Book Review: Hills and Valleys by Helen Jones
Hills and Valleys (The Ambeth Chronicles Book 3) by Helen Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Hills and Valleys is the third novel in Helen Jones’s Ambeth Chronicles. You can read my review of the first two books, Oak and Mist and No Quarter by clicking on their titles. To avoid major spoilers for all three novels, I will focus this review more on my personal reaction to the text and the writing itself, and will refer to the content in broad terms. That being said, some mild spoilage will occur. You’ve been warned.
As with No Quarter, Hills and Valleys picks up right where the previous book left off. The reader is launched right back into England and Ambeth, as Alma and the members of the Light grieve the tragedy that befell them at the end of No Quarter. Right away, it is clear that Hills and Valleys will have a more serious tone than the previous two novels, signalling both a maturing in Alma as a character and the growing threat in the quest to return the Regalia (whether Alma chooses to continue helping or not).
For me, this grieving period lasted a little longer than I would have liked. While I understand and respect Jones’s choice to spend a decent portion of the book working through the character’s emotional distress, I would have preferred for the action to move along at the same time. Chess pieces were slowly put into place, but some of the conversations and debates between the Light and Dark in Ambeth seemed repetitive, and I wish more space would have been allowed to show the development of Alma’s powers (which, though fantastic, seemed to emerge a bit out of nowhere for me).
Speaking of Alma, I believe she really comes into her own as a character in Hills and Valleys. She shows strength and independence in situations where I feel she might have faltered in previous books (especially with her support of her mother and her interaction with Deryck), and toward the end of the book, she accepts rather dramatic revelations with admirable calmness. Likewise, the supporting characters reveal new layers to their personalities as well. Deryck and Ellery both face complex moral and emotional conundrums, Lord Denoris unveils new levels of delicious evil, and King Thorion gives us more insight into his personal struggles.
As with the entire series, the settings in Hills and Valleys are beautifully described. The jewel of the Ambeth Chronicles remains Ambeth itself, and seeing it from a new character’s perspective made me fall in love with it all over again. Moreover, the introduction of Wales made for a gorgeous (and symbolic!) backdrop, and I’m pleased that it will feature in the next novel, too.
If you’ve been a fan of the Ambeth Chronicles thus far, everything you love is still there: the wonder of Ambeth, the twisting turns of the quest for the Regalia, and the enchanting sparks of magic. If you’re a fantasy lover who has not explored this series yet, I highly recommend you jump on board. Between developed, emotive characters, dazzling magic, stunning scenery, and dashes of romance Ambeth has something for everyone.
As for this novel itself, Hills and Valleys is a brilliant continuation of the series that will leave readers hungry for the next step in the journey. I know I can’t wait.
If you are interested in reading Hills and Valleys and would like to help sponsor my writing and research, you can purchase it through my Amazon Associates Store. By doing this, you will not pay a cent extra, nor will the author receive a cent less, but I will receive a small commission on the sale. Simply click the book’s title or the book’s image.
Filed under: Book Reviews Tagged: amreading, book, book review, books, epic fantasy, fantasy, fiction, reading, romance, self-publishing, young adult
June 15, 2016
Why I Write Science Fiction & Fantasy
If you follow me on social media, you may have seen this month’s exciting announcement: for the second semester, The Cogsmith’s Daughter (Desertera #1) will be taught in a university classroom.
This time, TCD features in a Science Fiction & Fantasy literature class. When I saw the syllabus, I nearly cried. To have my book read alongside such legends is an incredible honor — and one I do not take lightly.
In fact, it got me thinking…what is it about Science Fiction and Fantasy novels (and TV shows, movies, video games, etc.) that I love so much?
Why, out of all the genres, have I chosen to commit my creativity to Sci-Fi and Fantasy?
Well, I think the answers are one in the same.
First, I’ve never had a good story idea that doesn’t fall under one of these two genres. Yes, I’ve got a contemporary romance bumbling about my brain. Yes, I’ve conceived of a historical fiction tale, and even a crime novel or two. However, again, I don’t think these ideas are worth pursuing, and more importantly, they don’t really excite me.
But the apocalypse? Steampunk gadgets? Fantastical lands with mythical creatures? Now they rev my motor.
So why do Sci-Fi and Fantasy appeal to me so strongly? It’s how I was raised. A few flips through the family photo album and it becomes pretty obvious: young Kate dressed as Xena the Warrior Princess for Halloween, college Kate getting the Supernatural tattoo, present-day Kate rocking out to the Buffy musical episode soundtrack…I could go on, but I’ll spare you.
Upbringing aside — the best part about Sci-Fi and Fantasy? There are no real rules. The only rules are the ones you create for yourself. This character has X-ray vision? Sure. The fuel source on this planet is a primordial sludge? Heck yes. A giant steamship is moored in the middle of a desert? Obviously.
As a writer, I can do whatever I want. My only limits are my imagination and the prescribed order of the universe I create. Beyond that, the novel is my oyster (or alien or demon or talking hedgehog).
And as a reader or viewer? Sci-Fi and Fantasy offer the ultimate escape. What can take you away from your everyday troubles more than a trip to Rivendell? What can make that exam or that work drama seem less significant than the Mad Max apocalypse? And what’s more fun than dressing up as a comic book character of your invention and attending a rock concert? But that’s another story…
So, yeah, sign me up for a lifetime of engineering new worlds, weaving complex systems of magic or religion, and creating lovable (or hateable) inhuman characters. I’m on it. And if I’m ever tempted to stray over to romance or thriller, maybe I’ll just slap some fangs on my brooding heart throb. I hear that works well.
Filed under: Author Business & Publishing, Musings & Bookish Things, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Geeky Things Tagged: author, creativity, fantasy, reading, science fiction, self-publishing, writing
