R.J. Metcalf's Blog, page 4

Deadlines

I love deadlines. (No, seriously.)

I love having a set goal for me to reach to, to struggle, to fight, to achieve. It keeps a fire lit under me and keeps me honed in and focused. No deadline? No productivity. No productivity? No books.

What’s difficult about being an indie author with self-set deadlines? No one else wants to take them seriously.

“Oh, you have to get that manuscript finished by March 10? Push it back. No one will know.”

“The edits have to be done by March 30? You hired the editor. Change the date.”

No, my friend, no! To quote James L. Rupart of the Rupart Writing Academy, “Keep them [your deadlines]. Fight to make them happen no matter what. That discipline, that determination to meet your publisher’s deadline, or your own deadline, will serve as a critical part of the foundation of getting your stories published.”

There are some folks who freeze at the idea of deadlines. It stifles their freedom and puts a wet blanket over the fires of creativity. For me, I take it as a personal challenge. I need to have that done by April 1? I’ll get it done two days early. Of course, oftentimes things don’t work out that way. Kids get sick. Life gets busy. Your family wants to see you for more than ten minutes at the dinner table. But to have that point on the calendar is absolutely invaluable to me.

And, if all goes according to plan, because of deadlines and following them, this is gonna be an awesome year! Why? Because May 18 will be when the book cover for Renegade Skyfarer is revealed! June 1 will be a Facebook party with myself, and two other author/creatives, and July 1 will be the official released!

So much excitement, in such a short time–and that doesn’t even cover Void Born and the later half of this year.

Believe me, whether you love deadlines in your own life or not, deadlines are a very necessary thing in mine. So next time someone turns down an event because of their deadlines, don’t discourage them. Tell them that’s awesome that they’re sticking to it, and offer to deliver some fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and a glass of milk sometime. I know I wouldn’t turn that down!

Book covers, line edits, and sketches, oh my!

To my great excitement and glee, we had a photo shoot in New York a week ago. We now have a slew of awesome pictures that we’re going to use for the book covers of our series, and I cannot wait until I get to share everything with y’all! Our model did for Ben did a great job, and there’s several pictures that I know we don’t plan to use for covers, but, oh, do I love how they turned out. Once we have everything planned out for the book covers, I’ll share a picture or two. Promise.

The running joke of this year so far…

Renegade Skyfarer is in the capable hands of my lovely editor, and once the line edits are complete, it’ll be back on my side of the court for a bit, then out for formatting, proofreading, and publishing! (It’s getting real, guys.)

And, as if all that isn’t exciting enough, I’ve hired a friend to start working on character concept sketches that I can share here. I’ll have art, and then a bit of bio for each character. So you’ll get to know Ben a bit more, as well as Jade, Zak, Slate, Raine, and the rest of the characters. So much awesome, and in so short a time!

Speaking of time, it’s past time for me to jump back in and keep working on Void Born. I had a great idea in church today that I simply had to stop and write out, and of course it requires me to rewrite half of the chapter I just wrote, and of course it requires me to add in yet another chapter. But it’s worth it. So, so, worth it. I can’t wait to share it with y’all!

May your ink never run dry,

~RJ

Amber Eyes book review

So I took a two day break from pre-writing Void Born and used that time to read Amber Eyes by S.D. Grimm.

Oh my goodness, y’all, it took so much self-control to put it down last night so I could sleep. It was so. good. When there’s solid characters with their own secrets and motives and goals, and they get thrown into a blender of trauma and difficulty, it’s bound to be a riveting story. Amber Eyes is exactly that. And look at that cover! So gorgeous!

It picks up really soon after Scarlet Moon, and just takes off from there. The threads of romance weave with battle and loss in a masterful tapestry of tension. Just thinking about it gives me chills. I can only hope that someday I’ll write with prose as gorgeous as hers. If you haven’t read Scarlet Moon yet, you need to. And if you have read Scarlet Moon, but haven’t read Amber Eyes, you need to grab your copy of it. (and plan to order pizza for dinner, because who has time to make dinner when Ethan is in the book? Really, now.)

 

 

And you wanna know something else that’s exciting? S.D. is doing a giveaway! **happy dance**

Do you love giveaways as much as I do? I hope so! Enter to win a signed copy of both Amber Eyes and Scarlet Moon, a grimmlie dragon of the dragon on the cover (made by the author), a charm bracelet (made by her Captain America), and a $10 amazon gift card. (US only. Sorry!)

 

 

 

Want to know a bit more about Amber Eyes? Read this awesome description:

Destiny can be cruel

Darkness retreated from the light of the scarlet moon, but has since grown even stronger. The Mistress of Shadows has found a new pawn—one that may be the key to unlocking the door to her underground prison. Now evil threatens to escape its shackles and destroy the land.

In the aftermath of loss and betrayal, Jayden’s fight with the enemy still isn’t over. But while she isn’t sure she can stop the Mistress alone, leaving her friends might be the only way to keep them from being consumed by the darkness.  

With lives hanging in the balance—and no time for error—can Jayden make the right choice?

~*~

Ahhh! I am so excited for book three, y’all. Black Blood is going to come out early next year, and I am pumped for January!

And if you haven’t read Scarlet Moon at all, and have no idea what I’m talking about, but you’re still somewhat curious, here’s a blurb for the first book of the Children of the Blood Moon series, and follow this to go to Amazon and buy it now.

~*~

Destiny can pick someone else.

Evil is slipping through the cracks of its prison, and all Soleden trembles in its wake. Yet some would harness that evil to their own ends, and first among them is Idla, the sorceress queen bent on distorting the world. 

Only one can stand in her way: Jayden. Upon realizing her mark as the prophesied Deliverer, Jayden conceals herself from her enemies and her Feravolk countrymen. But after the harm the Feravolk caused to her family, she s loath to rescue the not-so-innocent. 

Hiding her mark was never easy, but now that Jayden knows both Queen Idla and the Feravolk are after her, hiding her gift of the Blood Moon will be impossible.

~*~

 

The lovely S.D. Grimm

 

I am blessed to call S.D. a friend, and I hope you get to know her sweet heart through the pages of her books. But don’t be deceived–though I call her sweet, she is also a fiesty, small ninja who will take down anyone who even breathes a threat to her family or friends. (which, by my book, makes her a sweetheart) But I’ll let her represent herself, lest I embarrass her any further. ^_^

About the Author

S.D. Grimm’s first love in writing is young adult fantasy and science fiction, which is to be expected from someone who looks up to heroes like Captain America and Wonder Woman, has been sorted into Gryffindor, and identifies as rebel scum. Her patronus is a red Voltron lion, her spirit animal is Toothless, and her favorite meal is second breakfast. She is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency, her office is anywhere she can curl up with her laptop and at least one large-sized dog, and you can learn more about her upcoming novels at www.sdgrimm.com

A chapter closes

How is it possible that 2017 is almost over? It feels like yesterday was October, and before that it was Realm Makers. Time is flying by, and somehow I need to keep up!

Confession time.

Seriously now. With lines like that, who can’t love Hook? And really now, that line is applicable to writers too.

I’ve been a bit …delayed on edits. Mike and I started watching Once Upon A Time for the first time ever. And we’ve binged. Completely and utterly. Finished season five last night, and hoping to start season six tonight. It’s so addictive. (and yes, we’re both hooked on Hook. #CaptainSwanForever)

But I recently sat down with my writing coach and worked out my schedule for what I need to have done and when, and I gotta say, I’m glad I’m enjoying my show while I can. Because once 2018 hits, I’m going to be working like a crazy woman, and not be going to be doing much in the way of breaks until I finish this series.

It’s gonna be insane. And awesome. And I may be twitching by the time it’s over. But it’s so worth it. ^_^

Hold on tight, cause it’s going to be a crazy year!

And the cogs keep turning…

It’s been far too long since I’ve updated my progress on Renegade Skyfarer! Humblest apologies. **bows low**

This may or may not have been my actual expression when I checked my email. Thankfully, no cameras were present to document my actual reaction.

Yesterday evening started up the creative machine again.

I got my manuscript back from my editor.

And let me tell you, I have come to the conclusion that there are few things in life right now that will get such a mixed reaction out of me. Hands shaking in excitement, heart clenched in fear, breath trembling in the lungs… But, to my deep relief and great joy, all the edits suggested were things that I could jump behind and say, “Yes! Let’s do it!” Nothing had to be chopped or drastically changed. (which is pretty amazing, let me tell you!)

I was so excited last night after reading the letter from my editor that sleep evaded me for quite awhile. I kept thinking of my characters and mining their depths, studying them and what their reactions would be if I did this to them, or that, or what would be the best method to draw this out of them? Few things are more enjoyable than thinking of ways to torment one’s own characters in the name of good storytelling.

Now that I have quite a few solid ideas that I’ve hashed out with Mike, I’m on the next step: editing round four. And, for once in my life, I’m not dreading it! My editor is amazing, and she did a fantastic job of showing me what areas were weak, and what I could consider to strengthen them–while still be positive and encouraging.

To use a sewing analogy, I’m going to pull a few threads out, embroider some vivid colors in, and tie up a loose end here and there. This tapestry of words will (Lord willing) be fantastic in the end.

And if it means I can make my MC, Ben, shine all the more? Sure. I’d love to melt more fangirl hearts. ^_^

Dmitri, of Nuclear Snail Studios.
Used with permission

Which reminds me. Did I ever share my muse picture of Ben? Mike and I found this picture online several years ago, and we immediately agreed that he was Ben. I’m really hoping to actually hire Dmitri to be Ben for our cover of Renegade Skyfarer, if I can.

But before I can dream too far ahead in regards of utterly amazing book covers, I need to finish editing the book. And consider if I want to pitch it to a few publishers, or if I want to go straight into self-publishing. I confess I’m rather smitten with the idea of self-publishing if it means I get to choose my own covers and who’s on them. I mean, if I happen to find *the* perfect model, I should go with him, right?…

My goal is to complete editing Renegade before the end of November. Which will be a tad bit challenging, as I’ll be out of town for World Fantasy Convention, and then there’s Thanksgiving and a mini family vacation at the end of the month.

I gotta get it done by then. Because I want to get this novel in your hands, ASAP! So, with that thought in mind, I’m diving back into editing for the night. No rest for the author!

Summoner blog tour

Blog Tour Schedule

I need to preface this post with a warning: I stayed up until 2 am to finish reading the “one chapter” of Summoner that I started at 10 pm, and if my post is slightly incoherent, that is why.

This was such an amazing read. Truly, I started it with the honest thought of, “just one chapter tonight, and I’ll read more tomorrow, after I finish editing.” Ha! The first chapter had me intrigued. The second chapter had me hooked. The third chapter had me wondering how well I could function the next day with no sleep.

Even now, I have no regrets.

It was well worth it.

S.D. has such fascinating characters with well-rounded backstories that reach into the chest and squeeze the heart. Then there’s the story itself. The pacing is amazing, constant, riveting, and had just enough breathing room that I wasn’t a complete bundle of nerves. (now, once I got the last third of the book, that changed, but it’s to be expected when so close to the climax.)

Honest confession: I only skimmed the premise of the story before I picked it up. So I didn’t know what to expect beyond Allie had gone witching with friends, something happened that made her regret it, and a guy was involved somehow. *laughing* Oh, is it so much more than that! Which made reading it even better, as I had no idea what to expect.

Yes, Allie had gone witching with friends, and yes, she regretted it when she accidentally summoned a not-so-friendly ghost. And yes, a guy was involved–as her guardian and romantic interest. But these simple descriptions pale in face of the depth of these characters, the depth of how every details is so intricately placed, the depth of the hurt and healing woven in the plot.

I shall be perfectly honest: This is going to be one of my go-to reads when I want a single book to read that will keep me emotionally invested and enthralled the whole way through.

In celebration of this amazing book being recently released, Sarah is throwing a facebook party on September 19! Complete with prizes, giveaways, guest authors, and all sorts of fun shenanigans. Join us at the party!

Want to know more about this book that has me so excited? Here’s the official synopsis, that will share more than me. (I don’t want to give away spoilers by accident!)

~*~

When Allie’s best friend dares their group to play a game in a cemetery—something she calls “witching”—Allie never expects what it might mean for her. When she plays, she doesn’t just find bodies, she summons their souls. But one soul wants more than Allie is willing to give.

And the boy next door could be the key to saving her.

Cody Burkhart. Straight from Montana, cowboy hat wearing, and smoking hot, he’s just the thing to help Allie become “normal” again after the death of her mother. And as her newly appointed Guardian, he’s also just the thing to help Allie ward off the vengeful spirit who’s after her soul. Except Cody has his own demons to slay that keep him closed off. But as the full moon approaches, so does their only chance to break the curse, and Cody will have to make the biggest sacrifice of all.

 

Buy it today!

Amazon | Amazon Australia | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Entangled

~*~

And I would be remiss if I didn’t say this: Sarah is not only an amazing author and editor, she is also incredibly talented in acting, clay crafting, and cosplay (even if she downplays all those, ignore her, what I say is truth). I had the honor of being in a group cosplay with her this summer at Realm Makers, and it was easily one of the most fantastic cosplay events I’ve been a part of. And for those who know what Voltron: Legendary Defender is, you’ll quickly recognize that we did a Rule 63 of the Paladins.

Sarah is an avid dog lover, and it shows in all her writing, in a most beautiful way. Her affection for the animals is even starting to rub off on me, a devoted lover of only felines.

If you’re interested in reading more of her work, check out Scarlet Moon: Children of the Blood Moon, Book 1. It’s awesome–and part of a series, so there’ll be more of those lovable characters! Find it on Amazon here.

 

S.D. Grimm’s first love in writing is young adult fantasy and science fiction. She is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency and author of SCARLET MOON. She currently has four books under contract, including the remainder of her YA fantasy series Children of the Blood Moon. When she’s not writing or editing, Sarah enjoys reading (of course!), practicing kickboxing and Brazilian jiu jitsu, training dogs, and binge-watching shows with great characters. Her office is anywhere she can curl up with her laptop and at least one large-sized dog. You can learn more about her upcoming novels at www.sdgrimm.com.

 

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White Dawn Blog Tour

I have to do a little jig about this. Sara has completed the Black Tiger trilogy! And it is phenomenal.

Signed book giveaway!

Have you read Black Tiger and Ashen City yet? If you have, then you know what I’m talking about when I say phenomenal. If you haven’t yet read them, you have to move them to the top of your to-be-read list. Now.

Have you seen these books? Aren’t they gorgeous?! Fun fact: Sara made these covers herself. I love the theme and the colors and the entire aesthetic.

And here’s your grand opportunity to get your own signed copy! Already got all the books? Maybe you can win a signed copy for your friend, co-worker, or family member. One of the best ways an author gets publicity is through word of mouth, and what better way to spread Sara’s work than by handing a friend a signed book?

To add to the fun of this, I have an interview with Sara to share today. And if you haven’t met her online yet, you really should. She’s a joy to know and follow, and I’ll include links to all her social media accounts at the bottom.

 

1. Where did you get the idea for the trilogy from?

SB: I always loved the dystopian genre, and the idea of a dystopian story with a mega-city setting  was inspired by Divergent by Veronica Roth. But more specifically, I knew I wanted the story to  take place in futuristic Kentucky because I took a tour of the megacaverns below Louisville.  They had a simulation camp of where people would have stayed during the Cold War had there  been a need for shelter. It was the perfect setting for a story.

 

2. When you started writing, who was your favorite character—and when you finished  writing, were they still your favorite?

SB: My favorite character when I STARTED was Ember. I loved that she was a little rough around  the edges while also wearing her heart on her sleeve. But then Rain sort of wrote himself into the  story, which leads me to the second part of that question. My favorite character by the end was  Rain, although Aurora was close second.

 

3. What surprised you while writing?

SB: Both Rain and Aurora were surprise characters that were completely unplanned, so it surprised  me how they magically appeared and pretty much wrote themselves. I was also surprised that the  caverns in Louisville didn’t make an appearance until Ashen City, since they were the main  inspiration for the story. I was also surprised by that ending in Ashen City. Totally did not expect  that.