Kayleigh Nicol's Blog: The Broken Wing, page 2
September 4, 2020
Mage Prince Available for Pre-Orders!
I am so excited to finally announce the release date for Mage Prince, the third book of the Mage-Born Chronicles. The ebook will be available for purchase on September 30th, with the paperback a day or two behind. The ebook is available for pre-orders now!
To celebrate this release, I've posted a free short story available on my website that precedes the events in Mage Prince. Come check it out for a teaser of what lies ahead in Mage Prince!
To celebrate this release, I've posted a free short story available on my website that precedes the events in Mage Prince. Come check it out for a teaser of what lies ahead in Mage Prince!
August 21, 2020
Mage Prince Cover Reveal
Come check out the beautiful and amazing new cover for my latest book Mage Prince!
July 17, 2020
An Aside with my Cat
So, confession time: I spend large portions of my day writing on a laptop in my recliner. It's very comfortable and pretty much my favorite thing ever. Except lately, my cat has taken to sleeping on the footrest of said recliner, which I don't mind until I have to move, get up, or simply stretch my legs. And then he makes me feel like I'm the worst person in the whole world for disturbing his slumber. He is pretty quick to forgive--or at least, pretty quick to jump right back up onto the footrest as soon as I get comfy again.
I have tried redirecting him to sleep other places in the house, places where he will be disturbed far less (because as we all know, writers need caffeine and snacks in order to be creative, haha!), but so far, I have found nothing he wants so much as to curl up on my feet. I started carrying him to his cat tower, or to squares of sunshine through windows, or to the other cat, but nothing tempted him as much as the recliner's footrest. I even started setting up a little space for him on my bed with a heating pad, in case it was the warmth he was looking for, but no. He only wants to sleep by my feet.
Until now! I found a new favorite spot for him that he loves even more than me (which is only mildly insulting) and I found it completely by accident.
A brief explanation: A video game I have been waiting for finally released this week (Yay, Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town!!!) but the recliner is too far from the television for me to read the screen, so I'm using a camp chair to sit closer to the TV. As it turns out, camp chairs make the best cat-hammocks ever! Now my cat gets to sit near my while I type all day and I get to get up and stretch my legs (or gets snacks) anytime I want without disturbing him. It's a win-win!
At least...it is until I want to play my video game and have to evict him from the camp chair...
I have tried redirecting him to sleep other places in the house, places where he will be disturbed far less (because as we all know, writers need caffeine and snacks in order to be creative, haha!), but so far, I have found nothing he wants so much as to curl up on my feet. I started carrying him to his cat tower, or to squares of sunshine through windows, or to the other cat, but nothing tempted him as much as the recliner's footrest. I even started setting up a little space for him on my bed with a heating pad, in case it was the warmth he was looking for, but no. He only wants to sleep by my feet.
Until now! I found a new favorite spot for him that he loves even more than me (which is only mildly insulting) and I found it completely by accident.
A brief explanation: A video game I have been waiting for finally released this week (Yay, Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town!!!) but the recliner is too far from the television for me to read the screen, so I'm using a camp chair to sit closer to the TV. As it turns out, camp chairs make the best cat-hammocks ever! Now my cat gets to sit near my while I type all day and I get to get up and stretch my legs (or gets snacks) anytime I want without disturbing him. It's a win-win!
At least...it is until I want to play my video game and have to evict him from the camp chair...
June 19, 2020
Book Blurb for Mage Prince, Book 3 of the Mage-Born Chronicles
Just a little news about the upcoming book three of the Mage-Born Chronicles: Mage Prince. I've gotten notes back from my wonderful and lovely beta readers and have a list of suggestions, corrections and changes to make before the book goes off to the editor. I expect these alterations to take up the rest of June and then it will be off to the editor. I'm hoping to begin looking at cover art as soon as July, so hopefully I will have both a cover reveal and a free short story available by August. As always with self-publishing, the release date is a little fluid, but for now I am targeting a late summer or early fall release for book three. I hope you'll enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it!
Back of the book blurb for Mage Prince:
Following the fall of the mistress mage and the untimely death of the old king, King Vanikolanestra and Mage Prince Jereshin work tirelessly to end the slavery of the mages of Zarapheth and restore magic to the realm. Old noble families are restored, the mage guild is revived and reparations are made against the old king's crimes. All seems peaceful as Reshi seeks to set aside his crown in favor of Niko's child and the upcoming heir ceremony.
But as ambassadors from foreign nations flock to the capital to witness the ceremony, latent foes begin to emerge. A band of rebel mages vow to wage war unless a monarch of magical blood sits on the Zaraphethan throne. A foreign delegation from a mysterious kingdom arrive with a hidden agenda of murder and magic. And ancient beings stir beneath the very stones, gaining strength from Laurana's final bargain. Enemies within and without seek to set Niko and Reshi against each other as the rhythm of war threatens the kingdom once more.
Look forward to Book Three of the Mage-Born Chronicles: Mage Prince!
Back of the book blurb for Mage Prince:
Following the fall of the mistress mage and the untimely death of the old king, King Vanikolanestra and Mage Prince Jereshin work tirelessly to end the slavery of the mages of Zarapheth and restore magic to the realm. Old noble families are restored, the mage guild is revived and reparations are made against the old king's crimes. All seems peaceful as Reshi seeks to set aside his crown in favor of Niko's child and the upcoming heir ceremony.
But as ambassadors from foreign nations flock to the capital to witness the ceremony, latent foes begin to emerge. A band of rebel mages vow to wage war unless a monarch of magical blood sits on the Zaraphethan throne. A foreign delegation from a mysterious kingdom arrive with a hidden agenda of murder and magic. And ancient beings stir beneath the very stones, gaining strength from Laurana's final bargain. Enemies within and without seek to set Niko and Reshi against each other as the rhythm of war threatens the kingdom once more.
Look forward to Book Three of the Mage-Born Chronicles: Mage Prince!
May 1, 2020
Video Games: The Best Part of Lockdown
While there's really no bright side to the pandemic, at least we have video games to keep us entertained through isolation. I've been intrigued by Animal Crossing, a franchise I've never gotten into before, despite the fact that it appears similar to games I absolutely adore--Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons, to be specific. I've seen some amazing screenshots of Animal Crossing lately, of people holding graduation ceremonies, weddings and even business meetings inside the adorable world of humanoid animals. It looks super cute and I admit that I'm tempted to try it out, but I fear that if I sold my soul to Tom Nook, I'd never free myself from the Animal Crossing world again.
That's not to say I'm not feeding my video game addiction during quarantine. In fact, I'm using two to help retain my sanity without giving up too much of my writing time and one might surprise you. The one that probably comes as no surprise is the Final Fantasy VII Remake. I played the original through multiple times and I've been looking forward to the promised remake for near on a decade and, you guys--I am NOT disappointed. It's not the same game it was 23 years ago and I'll admit, that threw me at first. But the characters are as charming as ever with more depth, motivation and fun. The graphics are gorgeous and don't even get me started on the music. For me, FFVIIR-2 can't come fast enough.
The other game I've been playing is one I haven't heard much about, but I certainly enjoy it. I used to be a big fan of the Wii Fit Plus game back on Nintendo WiiU, and before that Wii Fit on the Nintendo Wii. So when I heard the Switch was getting a fitness game, I was pretty excited. I guess I was expecting a rehash of the minigames of the Fit games, but Nintendo's Ring Fit Adventure game is so much better! It's an actual RPG that you run, jump and fight your way through. It's WAY over the top on the goofy side--I mean, the main antagonist is a buffed-out dragon wearing spandex--but it's still a lot of fun and yes, the workouts WILL make you sore. This game is perfect for staying active during quarantine. You can even set it to give you workout reminders at specific times. You can customize your workouts or just play along with the story, it's all good fun and it can be challenging or mildly active, depending on how you like to play it. If you were looking for a fun, active game to play during shelter-in-place, this might be just what you're looking for.
What is everyone else playing out there? Any recommendations for me after I beat FFVIIR on hard mode?
That's not to say I'm not feeding my video game addiction during quarantine. In fact, I'm using two to help retain my sanity without giving up too much of my writing time and one might surprise you. The one that probably comes as no surprise is the Final Fantasy VII Remake. I played the original through multiple times and I've been looking forward to the promised remake for near on a decade and, you guys--I am NOT disappointed. It's not the same game it was 23 years ago and I'll admit, that threw me at first. But the characters are as charming as ever with more depth, motivation and fun. The graphics are gorgeous and don't even get me started on the music. For me, FFVIIR-2 can't come fast enough.
The other game I've been playing is one I haven't heard much about, but I certainly enjoy it. I used to be a big fan of the Wii Fit Plus game back on Nintendo WiiU, and before that Wii Fit on the Nintendo Wii. So when I heard the Switch was getting a fitness game, I was pretty excited. I guess I was expecting a rehash of the minigames of the Fit games, but Nintendo's Ring Fit Adventure game is so much better! It's an actual RPG that you run, jump and fight your way through. It's WAY over the top on the goofy side--I mean, the main antagonist is a buffed-out dragon wearing spandex--but it's still a lot of fun and yes, the workouts WILL make you sore. This game is perfect for staying active during quarantine. You can even set it to give you workout reminders at specific times. You can customize your workouts or just play along with the story, it's all good fun and it can be challenging or mildly active, depending on how you like to play it. If you were looking for a fun, active game to play during shelter-in-place, this might be just what you're looking for.
What is everyone else playing out there? Any recommendations for me after I beat FFVIIR on hard mode?
April 3, 2020
Take Care of Yourself
There's a lot of uncertainty the world over right now and I know everyone is trying to give out their own advice, so if you don't need mine, feel free to skip this blog post. If you choose to read on, all I really have to say is this: Take care of yourself.
Self-care is now more important than ever (though it should always be important!). If you're feeling stressed about the recent changes, find things to do that make you feel in control, relaxed or engaged in something completely unrelated to current events. I know it can be really tough to do that in the current climate, but here are just a few suggestions if you find yourself stuck in a stress-rut during the pandemic.
While you might find yourself looking to books for an escape, I have an alternate solution: if you're one of those people who has ever thought "I'd like to write a book" now might be the time to start putting your ideas down on paper. You don't have to actually start writing a novel, but usually research and outlining are just as engaging and can pull you out of your own mind and put you inside one of your character's minds. Once you begin working on your book, you'll find yourself drawn into your own story throughout your day, often when you are working on something completely different. You might hear a song and it will help you choreograph a fight sequence, or you might be cooking and think about what your characters might eat. Writing books is, for me, an escape, and if you've ever considered writing one of your own, now might be a good time to begin.
Another self-care practice might be taking the time to learn something new. If you appreciate art, you can watch lessons on drawing and digital art on the internet and practice basic or new techniques. If you have an instrument gathering dust, you can finally learn how to play it. Many language sites, such as Rosetta Stone are offering free or discounted lessons right now, so you can learn a foreign language. Or if there's a recipe you've been longing to try, now is the time to practice and experiment. I know bingeing on Netflix and potato chips is tempting (and soothing!) but good self-care should engage the mind and body, so consider trying something that engages both.
And lastly, one of my favorite self-care rituals: Try taking a soothing bath. When was the last time you had a long, luxurious bath? I like to use bath salts for color and calming scents, while listening to music and reading a good book. And if you add a glass of wine (or another beverage) it engages all your senses at once in a way that is deeply relaxing. Or, if a bath isn't your thing, you can replicate this experience by sunbathing in your backyard, or even lying in bed after lighting a scented candle. In all this chaos, it's important to find a moment of zen for yourself.
Whatever your preferred self-care, please make sure to practice it. Stay well, everyone.
Self-care is now more important than ever (though it should always be important!). If you're feeling stressed about the recent changes, find things to do that make you feel in control, relaxed or engaged in something completely unrelated to current events. I know it can be really tough to do that in the current climate, but here are just a few suggestions if you find yourself stuck in a stress-rut during the pandemic.
While you might find yourself looking to books for an escape, I have an alternate solution: if you're one of those people who has ever thought "I'd like to write a book" now might be the time to start putting your ideas down on paper. You don't have to actually start writing a novel, but usually research and outlining are just as engaging and can pull you out of your own mind and put you inside one of your character's minds. Once you begin working on your book, you'll find yourself drawn into your own story throughout your day, often when you are working on something completely different. You might hear a song and it will help you choreograph a fight sequence, or you might be cooking and think about what your characters might eat. Writing books is, for me, an escape, and if you've ever considered writing one of your own, now might be a good time to begin.
Another self-care practice might be taking the time to learn something new. If you appreciate art, you can watch lessons on drawing and digital art on the internet and practice basic or new techniques. If you have an instrument gathering dust, you can finally learn how to play it. Many language sites, such as Rosetta Stone are offering free or discounted lessons right now, so you can learn a foreign language. Or if there's a recipe you've been longing to try, now is the time to practice and experiment. I know bingeing on Netflix and potato chips is tempting (and soothing!) but good self-care should engage the mind and body, so consider trying something that engages both.
And lastly, one of my favorite self-care rituals: Try taking a soothing bath. When was the last time you had a long, luxurious bath? I like to use bath salts for color and calming scents, while listening to music and reading a good book. And if you add a glass of wine (or another beverage) it engages all your senses at once in a way that is deeply relaxing. Or, if a bath isn't your thing, you can replicate this experience by sunbathing in your backyard, or even lying in bed after lighting a scented candle. In all this chaos, it's important to find a moment of zen for yourself.
Whatever your preferred self-care, please make sure to practice it. Stay well, everyone.
March 14, 2020
Mage-Born Book Three Title Reveal!
I'm so excited, I just have to squee! My humble debut novel, Sorcerous Rivalry just received a starred review from Kirkus reviews! I am so honored and amazed to have gotten such an amazing review from such a prestigious organization. If you'd like to check out the review, you can find it here.
In honor of this momentous occasion, I'd like to share with you all that book three of the Mage-Born Chronicles is just about finished with its second round of edits and should be going out to beta readers in early April! And for anyone interested, the planned title for the third installment of the Mage-Born Chronicles is...
...
...
Mage Prince!
I hope you'll look forward to reading it!
In honor of this momentous occasion, I'd like to share with you all that book three of the Mage-Born Chronicles is just about finished with its second round of edits and should be going out to beta readers in early April! And for anyone interested, the planned title for the third installment of the Mage-Born Chronicles is...
...
...
Mage Prince!
I hope you'll look forward to reading it!
February 28, 2020
Exercise in Gratitude
I've recently taken part in an online writing challenge where each day, I need to write about something I am grateful for. I thought this was a really easy challenge at first--after all, there are a lot of things to be grateful for. Friends. Family. Pets. Good books. But after the first few days, I began to struggle, trying to find new things to be grateful for. After you say "thank you" for all the big things in your life, what else is there?
It turns out, there's a lot! I'm thankful for warm blankets, sunlight through windows, well-cooked meals and online video game strategy guides. I found things to be grateful for that I'd never given much thought to before. Things like productivity, introspection, and even the simplicity of silence. There is so much in everyday life to be thankful for. I just had to slow down and consider all the little things that create the backdrop of my life.
Is there anything you are feeling particularly grateful for? Express that gratitude if you can--even if it's for something little.
It turns out, there's a lot! I'm thankful for warm blankets, sunlight through windows, well-cooked meals and online video game strategy guides. I found things to be grateful for that I'd never given much thought to before. Things like productivity, introspection, and even the simplicity of silence. There is so much in everyday life to be thankful for. I just had to slow down and consider all the little things that create the backdrop of my life.
Is there anything you are feeling particularly grateful for? Express that gratitude if you can--even if it's for something little.
February 14, 2020
Romantic Stories for your Valentine's Day Weekend
It's Valentine's Day, so I guess I might as well talk about the "R" word: Romance. If you've read my books, you know I love a good romantic subplot, especially woven into a story with lots of adventure and action, but on occasion I do enjoy the occasional romance novel. In case you were looking for a good romantic read this weekend, I've listed a few of my favorites for you!
If you want romance as the central story with some fun plot mixed in, I highly recommend The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee, or Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. Gentleman's Guide is a historical fantasy (very low fantasy) with a delightful bisexual main character who has accidentally fallen in love with his best friend. Red White and Royal Blue is more contemporary, another male/male romance that takes place between the President's son and a prince of Great Britain, very entertaining, witty and romantic!
If your preference is for more action, higher stakes, and a bit of danger mixed in with a few romantic themes, then I might recommend either Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo or The Last Sun by KD Edwards. Six of Crows is a high-fantasy heist story with about six protagonists, all with their own complicated romances going on in the background. While I loved watching the relationship between Jasper and Wylan take shape, the one that really stole the show for me was between Inej and Kaz. I'd love to gush more about this one, but SPOILERS, so I'll just say read it!
As for The Last Sun, it's one of my current favorite series, urban fantasy with a magic system based on Tarot cards. The romance takes a backseat to a kidnapped young scion, summoned monsters and all kinds of magic, but for me, the real chemistry is the bromance between Rune and his companion, Brand. Their love and support for each other goes way beyond romance and into something deeper. I've probably recced these books a hundred times now, but all that means is that if you haven't already, you should be reading them!
Oh, and if you're looking for just the right words to say to your Valentine, try so tried-and-true love quotes from the masters:
"In many ways, unwise love is the truest love. Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket. But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect."
~The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
"[Senlin] believed true love was more like an education: it was deep and subtle and never quite complete."
~Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft
"As you wish."
~The Princess Bride by William Goldman
"Always."
~the Harry Potter books, by JK Rowling
If you want romance as the central story with some fun plot mixed in, I highly recommend The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee, or Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. Gentleman's Guide is a historical fantasy (very low fantasy) with a delightful bisexual main character who has accidentally fallen in love with his best friend. Red White and Royal Blue is more contemporary, another male/male romance that takes place between the President's son and a prince of Great Britain, very entertaining, witty and romantic!
If your preference is for more action, higher stakes, and a bit of danger mixed in with a few romantic themes, then I might recommend either Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo or The Last Sun by KD Edwards. Six of Crows is a high-fantasy heist story with about six protagonists, all with their own complicated romances going on in the background. While I loved watching the relationship between Jasper and Wylan take shape, the one that really stole the show for me was between Inej and Kaz. I'd love to gush more about this one, but SPOILERS, so I'll just say read it!
As for The Last Sun, it's one of my current favorite series, urban fantasy with a magic system based on Tarot cards. The romance takes a backseat to a kidnapped young scion, summoned monsters and all kinds of magic, but for me, the real chemistry is the bromance between Rune and his companion, Brand. Their love and support for each other goes way beyond romance and into something deeper. I've probably recced these books a hundred times now, but all that means is that if you haven't already, you should be reading them!
Oh, and if you're looking for just the right words to say to your Valentine, try so tried-and-true love quotes from the masters:
"In many ways, unwise love is the truest love. Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket. But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect."
~The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
"[Senlin] believed true love was more like an education: it was deep and subtle and never quite complete."
~Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft
"As you wish."
~The Princess Bride by William Goldman
"Always."
~the Harry Potter books, by JK Rowling
January 31, 2020
To Readers, Reviewers and Rec'ers Everywhere
Just a short thank you to all readers of every genre everywhere. Seeing people reading books on trains, coffee shops or on beaches always gives me a little thrill--and that's not even taking into account all the people who read on tablets, computer screens, phones or through headsets and car speakers! Reading is one of the oldest leisure activities of society and even in today's digital world, books live on. Studies show it doesn't matter what you read, but just by virtue of reading regularly, people increase their vocabulary, language comprehension and even boosts emotional intelligence.* So whether it's for fun or for work, readers, keep on doing your thing!
And while reading serves as it's own reward, reviews and recommendations allow authors to keep creating new worlds, new characters and new content. Reviews don't have to be long, or detailed like old-school book reports (although those are totally awesome to read as an author!) but a simple "I enjoyed this story, it was fun" review helps boost the book you liked so it can find new readers and a wider audience. Whether you review on Amazon, Goodreads, your own blog or shout-out on social media, every review is a gem. Thank you to all the lovely reviewers out there.
Let's not overlook recommendations of books we love! I ask you, Is there anything better than discussing a book with a friend? I always find it amazing that two people can read the same book and come away with entirely different messages, favorite plot-points and character takes. Talking about books we've read with others helps us see things we missed and, for me at least, gives the book a new level of enjoyment. I'm always on the lookout for a new favorite from someone who reads the same books I do, and I'm quick to loan a friend a book I loved--if only so we can talk about it together later!
Keep up those reviews and recommendations, friends! Thank you all for reading.
*Source
And while reading serves as it's own reward, reviews and recommendations allow authors to keep creating new worlds, new characters and new content. Reviews don't have to be long, or detailed like old-school book reports (although those are totally awesome to read as an author!) but a simple "I enjoyed this story, it was fun" review helps boost the book you liked so it can find new readers and a wider audience. Whether you review on Amazon, Goodreads, your own blog or shout-out on social media, every review is a gem. Thank you to all the lovely reviewers out there.
Let's not overlook recommendations of books we love! I ask you, Is there anything better than discussing a book with a friend? I always find it amazing that two people can read the same book and come away with entirely different messages, favorite plot-points and character takes. Talking about books we've read with others helps us see things we missed and, for me at least, gives the book a new level of enjoyment. I'm always on the lookout for a new favorite from someone who reads the same books I do, and I'm quick to loan a friend a book I loved--if only so we can talk about it together later!
Keep up those reviews and recommendations, friends! Thank you all for reading.
*Source
The Broken Wing
Come in, sit a spell, enjoy a drink or two, but beware what gifts you accept from fairies!
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