Amber Polo's Blog, page 22

Why I Write Fantasy -Christine E. Schulze

Welcome Christine E. Schulze, author of Christian Fantasy and cover model for her own books!
Amber: Why do you write fantasy? 
Christine: I cannot imagine writing anything but fantasy--that is, I have tried, but failed miserably. In college, I took a fiction writing class which actually proved quite a challenge since we were required to write in the real world. I felt very restricted; the possibility of anything and everything happening had been stripped from me. I suppose that is one thing i love so much about the genre: freedom. An author can be quirky, random, and fresh like Diana Wynne Jones or tell a very classic, epic legend like J.R.R. Tolkien. Or, like myself, an author can incorporate both these methods. I truly love creating new worlds, peoples, and magics, as well as the intricate plots and deep characters so fitting in such worlds. [image error] Amber: Is there any considerations in writing Christian fantasy compared to other subgenres of fantasy?

Christine: Yes, I suppose there are, though writing Christian fantasy has always come so naturally to me, I suppose I haven't thought terribly much on it until now. As a kid, around twelve or so, I decided that if I was going to keep enjoy writing books and spreading them across the world, I better give back to God by including Him too.

That being said, I've always aimed to NOT make my books sound preachy. If God is included, it needs to be natural, a part of the characters' lives or the world they live in, the same as eating or breathing. For most of my books, I use Amiel, my allegorical version of God/Christ, much like Aslan in The Chronicles of Narnia, though I occasionally have books referring to God directly, like The Pirates of Meleeon.

For most of my books, I just incorporate Christian traits like friendship, forgiveness, love, etc., which can be seen in many non-Christian books as well, such as Harry Potter's self-sacrifice in Deathly Hallows. In the words of Briana, a reviewer from The Book Pixie on reading Bloodmaiden: "Another thing I loved was the incorporation of religious elements. They were subtly done so that a Christian like me would pick up on them; however, they weren't blatantly obvious enough to detract from the story for those non-religious readers out there."

This is what I aim for in most of my books; however, I have had a few which touch upon deeper Christian issues like salvation. In The Pirates of Meleeon, this ends up being an important aspect. So, for both adamant Christians and just the regular fantasy readers, I have something for everyone.

There are also certain things I WON'T include, namely cursing and sexual immorality. This doesn't mean I never have intimate scenes; however, you'll never seeing me pairing up a threesome...okay, except in Tears of a Vampire Prince, but that wasn't a good situation for Aaryn anyways, and you'll just have to read the book to understand his plight. ^_^

So, to sum it all up: allegorical God, morals like friendship and forgiveness woven into the story, and occasional deep theme but mostly subtle symbolism that adds that Christian touch but won't turn off other readers. A final example is a reader on Goodreads who just DEVOURED my entire Hero Chronicles series. It mentions issues like jealousy, friendship, and forgiveness the characters deal with, but not in an unbelievable, preachy way. She granted five stars to the whole series, enamored with the world, edge-of-your-seat plot, and intriguing characters; needless to say, I don't think she was turned off in the least.

I honestly hope that writers and readers alike will cease shying from the Christian fantasy genre. There doesn't seem to be a lot of it out there, which is a true shame.   On a final note, I have penned and plan to publish--in the farther future--a book which shall give an end to all my books. It incorporates a lot of fantasy elements and is an epic allegory of Revelation, the last chapter in the Bible. Drawing on many characters and worlds from previous of my books, it is one Christian fantasy work I am especially excited about sharing with the world.
Amber: What are some current fantasy projects you are working on?

Christine: Well, I just completed my first fanfiction novel entitled Silent Hero, which is based upon my favorite video game series, The Legend of Zelda. Zelda actually has inspired many a book from the time I was twelve. From the unique, quirky characters to the interesting plots to the rich fantasy worlds, Zelda has always been an important part of my fantasy life. I've been contemplating doing a fanfic for a very long time now, and the mood finally hit me. It was finally time. I've published the book as a free ebook on Smashwords; obviously, I can't really "sell" it or Nintendo would sue me, but at least I can give readers a good read which hopefully does the games justice.

As you can also tell, I also enjoy graphic art and a bit of modeling. I've appeared in multiple covers and other artwork for my books, including Bloodmaiden, Bloodmaiden: a fantasy anthology, and the upcoming Tears of a Vampire Prince: the First Krystine. Hence the mask and cape; no, I don't really dress like that on a daily basis.

Since I've written so many classic fantasy books now with the normal strong elements of intricate plot, vast world-building, and deep, complex characters, I'm sort of branching out more, experimenting with different projects. Silent Hero was one. I'm also trying a bit of horror; I just published a story with Victory Tales Press in A Halloween Collection Anthology: Sweet and intend to publish a horror/romance anthology of my own in the near future, entitled Broken. Also, I'm working on a book which I like to think reinvents both the novel and video game at once. It will be an extensive adventure set in an extensive fantasy world, much like Zelda or Final Fantasy. As readers follow the main character, they embody her, making decisions along the way which will majorly affect the outcome of the story and characters' lives. That book is called You, Fairie, I. I am penning it with a good friend of mine, Salvain, my first truly co-authored work.

Amber: What are your favorite fantasy novels?
Christine: What a terrible question! No, really, I actually don't read a TON, I'm so busy writing, creating coverart, composing music for my books, etc. But, here's a few favorites: The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit; Tolkien classics; Twilight saga; for all you haters, I discovered and loved the series before I even knew it was popular--or had ever even heard of it; Chains of Gold; actually ended up inspiring Bloodmaiden; Darkangel; Brilliant! Fresh, unique, both in world-building and characters. A must-read!; Chronicles of Narnia! Resonates especially with a Christian/fantasy author like myself. Harry Potter; need I say more?; Howl's Moving Castle; too classic! Quirky, beautiful, a unique work of art!; Stardust; also a quirky but beloved, unique fantasy read.

Amber: Why do you think readers love fantasy?
Christine: I think readers love fantasy for much the same reason as I enjoy writing it--it's that escape and freedom which makes it all worth while. Of course, one can find escape in reading almost any genre, I suppose. But in fantasy, it seems more so. A reader feels, in a sense, more removed from their world, in a far-off place where truly anything can happen. As for my part, I revel in delving into the unique worlds, interesting characters, and often twisting, suspenseful plots fantasy has to offer as well.

 
Amber: Would you write fantasy even if no one read it?
Christine: That is a question I have thought upon before, and am of two minds. On the one hand, I would say definitely yes. For the way I write, I don't often sit down and try to think of something to write. It just comes to me; as a Christian, I often say that God inspires me, and I must write. I assure you I am a very cranky author when I don't have time to jot down new ideas which are literally about to explode from me.

On the other hand, I do desire for readers to enjoy my work around the world. Always have, even as a small kid. So, while I would probably still write, it would be a shame if no one else could ever read my stories or enjoy them; I would feel partly as though I squandered the gifts God has given me. But if just one person can be positively affected by a story, then maybe, just maybe, it's all been worthwhile.

Christine E. Schulze has been creating books since she was too young to even write them in words. The stories from Bloodmaiden: A Fantasy Anthology are only a small part of her vast collection spanning over thirty books, The Amielian Legacy. She hopes to inspire readers throughout the world with these books by publishing in both traditional and electronic formats to make them available to all readers.

Christine has published several stories with Calliope and Kalkion magazines and is an active member of the WEbook online writing community. She has also published several Christian/fantasy books and ebooks which are available at various online retailers, as well as publishing several eBooks via Writers-Exchange. Her latest and most exciting ventures include publishing her novel Bloodmaiden with Old Line Publishing; being a part of Victory Tales Press' Sweet Halloween Anthology; and completing her first fan-fiction, Silent Hero, based on Nintendo's Legend of Zelda and available as a free download on Smashwords. Christine currently lives in Shiloh, Illinois with her Mom, three dogs and a rabbit.

All her books can be found on either Smashwords, Amazon, or both, most as both print and ebooks
For more about Christine E. Schulze and her books visit her Website
Please consider joining and leaving a comment; guests are welcomed and much-sought-after!
and her Goodreads Page Read reviews of many of my works, and keep on the look-out for give-aways! Please feel free to send me a message and chat as well.
Schulze's Blog  also includes artwork of characters from her books.

Christine's Contest Leave a comment for a chance to winA print copy of  Bloodmaiden: A Fantasy Anthology
(U.S. Residents only, please)

Why I Write Fantasy -Caroline Clemmons

Welcome Caroline Clemmons, Texas time travel author!
Amber: First, tell me why you write fantasy? 
Caroline: I love the challenge of introducing a time traveler to a new time. I bring my characters forward. They have to be introduced to changes. A person traveling back in time would have some historical knowledge of the past, but for my character (always the heroine) it's all new and a challenge to navigate through her new location. (I have to say I also write traditional contemporary and historical romance.) In addition to traveling from 1845 Ireland to 2010 Texas, the heroine in OUT OF THE BLUE is also clairvoyant.
Amber: What are your favorite fantasy novels?
Caroline: In spite of my own preference to bring my heroines forward, I loved the writing of Kathleen Kane (Maureen Childs). He books were my introduction to time travel and I've read each of her novels. I wish I'd kept them because I'd love to reread them. Then I read Theresa Medieros. I don't remember the first book of hers I read, but it was contemporary in which a lovely and lively witch dropped into a fountain in front of the hero's business building.  Such a precious book! Then I read Diana Gabaldon after I met her at a conference. Honestly, Diana must have a Mensa+ I.Q.
Amber: Why do you think readers love fantasy?
Caroline: We want to be transported, to have our imagination stimulated until we believe every word we read. Remember when you were a child and played "Let's pretend" this or that? We're just big kids who still want to pretend.
Amber: Would you write fantasy even if no one read it? 
Caroline: Of course! I would continue to write if I were the only one who saw the result. Oh, but it's so much nicer to have readers and good reviews, isn't it?  Although I also write contemporary and historical romances, my current WIP is the first of a time travel trilogy. (Say that quickly three times.)There's a great deal of pleasure dumping a heroine in a new time and letting her fight to adjust as she discovers a new life--and teaches the hero a few things.
Amber: Tell me more about yourself.  Caroline: As long as I can remember, I've made up adventures. Okay, I admit the early creative stories featured me riding the range with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans and saving the West. What a disappointment to learn that Roy was exclusively committed to Dale! Eventually, my best friend from across the street and I decided to become better detectives than Nancy Drew. We drove our parents and neighbors crazy sticking our pert little noses where they didn't belong. About that time I started writing down my adventures, but mostly I was a reader. Not until I read Nora Roberts' early novels did I decide to create my own romance manuscripts. My road to publishing was a lot slower than Nora's was. No surprise there! I still read Nora's books—as well as those of countless other authors—but now I write full time. Unless life interferes, that is. 
My Hero and I live one a small acreage in the ranching and horse country of North Central Texas. Our two daughters are grown, and supportive of my writing. Living with Hero and me now are Webster, our sweet black Shih Tzu, and our two shorthaired cats: Sebastian, a large black and white tuxedo who thinks he's our watchcat; and Bailey Erin, a shy apricot tabby. When I'm not writing, I love spending time with family, reading, traveling with Hero, browsing antique malls, and digging into family history and genealogy. Writing about strong heroes and heroines who overcome amazing obstacles to forge a meaningful life together is my passion. 


My earlier books from Kensington included one contemporary, two historicals, and one anthology--all of which I hope soon to have available as e-downloads. The Wild Rose Press has published one fantasy titled OUT OF THE BLUE, one historical titled THE TEXAN'S IRISH BRIDE, and the Civil War anthology NORTHERN ROSES AND SOUTHERN BELLES. Coming out in 2011 will be something new for me, a sweet contemporary, HOME SWEET TEXAS HOME. I'll also have released soon a sensual western historical novella, SAVE YOUR HEART FOR ME. I'm an eclectic reader, so I'm an eclectic writer.
Caroline's Contest!Comment for a chance to win your choice choice a PDF from her current list. Find out more about Caroline at her website
 and  Her blog

Why I Write Fantasy -Teel James Glenn

Welcome Teel James Glenn, adventure fantasy author and actor, stuntman, swordsman and fight choreographer. Amber: Why do you write fantasy?Teel: Sometimes I think I don't so much write fantasy as allow it to come out of me; that is - whenever I try to write a non-fantasy story - even my mystery fiction always seems to have an element of fantasy or at least the bizarre in it. So I generally "give in" to my muse and let loose. The thing about fantasy, whether it is high or dark or whimsical, is that it allows dreams to be fully realized to serve the story and characters, where in other forms the characters might have to be bent to fit the world.
Amber: Tell me about what genres within fantasy you write.Teel: I have written in several sub-genres of fantasy from adventure to the darker fantasy that borders on horror though I love the swashbuckling stuff the most. From the sword and sorcery stuff of R.E. Howard to the sword and ray gun adventures like Edgar Rice Burroughs is my most comfortable zone. I have also written a number of urban fantasy that have a comical touch. That seems to come easily to me. (My friends will tell you I have a warped sense of humor that fits that stuff).
Amber: What are your favorite fantasy novels?Teel: The original Conan, Solomon Kane and Dark Agnes stories of Robert E. Howard are my first pick for fantasy reads, followed by the Martian Novels of E.R. Burroughs. I also read Lord Dunsany's and Poe's short fiction for the language. I loved the Lord Darcy stories by Randall Garret (I only wish he'd written more) and his Gandalara books. And the classics: Dracula, Frankenstein (both of which I've played on stage) and Lord of the Rings.
Amber: Why do readers love fantasy?Teel: Because it is the ultimate escape fiction; it is stepping into a dream that a writer presents to you and yet allows you to make it your own.
Amber: Would you write fantasy even if no one read it?Teel: I have. For a long time I wrote for myself - always with the idea that someday I would write for money, but the urge to write was always there. I have been so blessed to be able to make a living from what I love to do.  It allows me to let some of those characters that are crowding my mind out and make room for more.  Teel James Glenn was born in Brooklyn and traveled the world for thirty years as a stuntman, fight choreographer, swordmaster, jouster, book illustrator, storyteller, bodyguard, and actor. He studied under the head of the Seoul Military Academy and Errol Flynn's last stunt double. He choreographed realistic violence for every Shakespeare play at least once, many several times, as well at the Three Musketeers at West Point, Native Son for the Classical Theatre of Harlem, Nine Ball for Cape Cod Rep and literally hundreds of different productions.
And as a performer he's done 52 Renaissance Faires, been in many genre films and TV series including Citizen Toxie (as fight choreographer and Toxie's double), Spenser for Hire, the Equalizer, Lord of the Strings, Spiderbabe, Dr. Horror's House of Erotic Idiots, The Bog Creatures and most famously as Vega in the manga/gaming web series "Street Fighter: The Later Years."
All his life experience enhances his writing. He has 25 books in print from five different publishers (all of them well reviewed). In addition, his short works have appeared in magazines including Mad, Blazing Adventures, Black Belt, Classic Pulp Fiction, Fantasy Tales, AfterburnSF, and Fantasy World Geographic. 

For more information about  Teel James Glenn visit his website.
To learn more about  his fantasy books:Death at Dragonthroat, Tales of a Warrior Priest, The Daemonhold Curse,           Sister Warrior, & Of Swords and Sorcery
check out Gypsy Shadow PublishingAnd ePress-Online
And for his Romance Fantasy:The Horsed Thief  &  The Travelers' Tale
Eternal Press
For a FREE copy of   One of Teel's books send him an email 

Why I Write Fantasy -Joanne Hall

Welcome Joanne Hall, fantasy author and founder of speculative fiction convention Bristolcon!

Amber: Why do you write fantasy?
Joanne: I grew up reading fantasy.  My mother used to read to me when I was very little, and she was a Tolkien fan, so even before I could read I had heard The Hobbit a few times.  She was also a very keen library-goer, and going with her I discovered Diana Wynne Jones, Susan Cooper, Louise Lawrence...  It grew from there.  I always wanted to write, and I wanted to write what I enjoyed reading.  You have to feel passionate about a genre to write in that genre – if I'm enthusiastic about what I'm writing, hopefully my readers will be too!  When I['m lost in the world of the New Kingdom, I really feel I'm there, running through the echoing Halls of Hierath or riding to war across the plains of Atrath.  I want my readers to feel that too.
Amber: I see that you're very involved (Founder and Chair!) of Bristolcon,  the Bristol (UK) Fantasy & SF Society for fans and writers of speculative fiction. Tell me about your involvement in Bristolcon. Does it help your writing and promotion efforts?
Joanne: I don't see BristolCon as a place to promote myself, as such, but a place to promote my chosen genre.  There's a strong core of SF in Bristol, people both creating it, such as Colin Harvey and Gareth L Powell (and me!), and blogging, twittering and podcasting about it.  I'm heavily involved in the Bristol Fantasy and SF Society, and also in Bristol Fiction Writers, which leans towards speculative fiction.  Bristolcon sprang from those groups, but we never thought of it as a promotional tool.  It was born from us gathered down the pub moaning that a city the size of Bristol, with such a hub of SF fans, should have its own convention.  And next thing I knew, I was running it! (The lesson is never agree to anything after you've had more than two pints, I think....)
Having said that, I think getting out there, being seen at conventions and meeting people, is a good thing for any writer to do.  It gets your name known, and while it might not result in sales on the day, I believe it's good for your career in the long term.  Although running BristolCon does sometimes steal my writing time!
Amber: What are your favourite fantasy novels?
Joanne: It changes from day to day.  Right now I'm enjoying Juliet McKenna's "Tales of Einarrin", and impatiently waiting for the next volume in George Martin's "Song of Ice and Fire" sequence.  I suppose my favourites are the ones I always go back to, David Gemmell's Jon Shannow novels, "Magician" by Raymond Fiest, Anne McCaffrey's Pern novels, particularly the earlier ones.  And anything by Diana Wynne Jones is like a hug, they're still a good read even though I've been reading her work since I was ten.  They work on an adult level as well, and I think that's a mark of great children's writing.
Amber: Why do think readers love fantasy?
Joanne: I think it's an escape from the large and small aggravations of normal life.  For a few hours, you can immerse yourself in a world utterly removed from the mundane and let your imagination soar.  And I don't know anyone who'd choose to take the No 47 bus to work when they could fly a spaceship or ride a dragon!
For myself, I had a hard time at school, and I chose to lose myself in stories.  I've never wanted to read about people living the same life as mine; I can experience that by walking out of my front door!
Amber: Would you write fantasy even if no one read it? 
Joanne: Yes.  It's what I'm passionate about.  I think you have to write what you love.  Some writers are just compelled to write, and publication is just a nice bonus if you can get it.  I have to write, I have to get the things in my head down on paper, and fantasy is the thing I love to write.  I wrote for years before I was published, and I wouldn't stop writing even if I was never to be published again.  It's just something I have to do.
Having said all that, it's the best feeling to hear that someone has enjoyed your book.  That's better than any cash reward!


Amber: Thanks so much for being my guest this week. So many Americans are baking pies and roasting turkeys they need a fantasy break.
 
Joanne Hall lives in Bristol, England, with her partner.  She has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pen, and gave up a sensible job in insurance to be a full time writer, to the despair of her mother.  She dabbled in music journalism, and enjoys going to gigs and the cinema, and reading.  Her first three novels were published by Epress Online, and she has had short stories published in several anthologies and many magazines.  A collection of short stories, "The Feline Queen" will be published by Wolfsinger in March 2011.  She is also the founder of Bristolcon, Avon's leading Science Fiction convention.  

The New Kingdom Trilogy:  Hierath In ExileEagle of the KingdomA collection of short stories, "The Feline Queen" will be published by Wolfsinger in March 2011 

 Visit Joanne on her website  She loves to hear from readers, so feel free to contact her!
Joanne's Contest!Joanne will give away a signed copy of Hierath
(and probably a few other goodies from her Giant Box of Goodies) !
To anyone in the world!
Leave a comment and and include the name of your favorite character
from her books.
Find answers on her website!
She'll pick the lucky winner on November 27th!

Website Design Tips from Connie Lee Marie!

Welcome Connie Lee Marie, graphic designer, musician, and Website Goddess!
Amber: Can you share some tips with authors struggling to make their own websites?Connie: Design your site to be as intuitive and easy to use as possible and your visitor's experience will be smooth and pleasant. Save photos and graphics for the web at the smallest file size possible (looking good with details) for fast loading, using Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, etc. with the "Optimize for the Web" option.
Amber: You made a great banner for my website. Once I had the banner I used the color and feel to redo the entire site. How important is the header for a site?Connie: The header is the most important element of website design. It tells the visitor who you are and what the site is about. It's your first chance to make a good impression.


Amber: What about type size and fonts?Connie: Here are a few things to remember -
Never make your type too wide across the page. Wide columns are hard to read and look unattractive. I like a maximum width of approximately 600 pixels (6 inches) for an easy-to-read column and of course, smaller columns of approx. 250+ pixels are great for ease of reading. Newspapers traditionally used skinny columns for a reason!Use short paragraphs; line breaks help readability. Very long pages (with lots of photos) may take a long time to load and readers will have to do a lot of waiting and scrolling, or worse yet, leave before the page finishes loading!Remember to set your links to "Open in new window" (in Dreamweaver set the target to _blank) to encourage visitors to return to your website after they're done looking at an off-site linked page. Your site will be waiting for them after they close the linked page.Typefaces - Very small type is hard to read, especially serif styles. Too large type is also annoying to the eye. Experiment with Verdana or Ariel. I like to keep everything readable. I tend to lean towards san-serif for the web and serif for print. Maybe I'll change my mind on that someday! Also think about how readable the color of the text is on your background color. Think: Contrast.LINES OF ALL CAPS SCREAM AT YOUR VISITOR! REMEMBER NIGERIAN SCAM EMAILS WRITTEN COMPLETELY IN ALL CAPS? - HARD to read and always a NO-NO. Use sparingly.Underlining. Also use sparingly.Use only a few words in special situations. Make words Bold if you want them to stand out. Too much underlining can make the type hard to read and also can be confused with links.Add italics, bold, underling or ALL CAPS like spice to a dish, to taste. Never use too much!I feel the same way about animated gifs or flash. Too much movement becomes tedious and distracting. A little here or there is good; too much can be annoying. (Do I really want to wait to watch some type or graphic dance around on my screen? Most likely I'm out of there before it loads.)Amber: Can you share some websites you designed and tell us what you especially like about them?Connie: Here's my latest website incarnation I like the Old Town Center site because it matches the style of the building perfectly! I also created an email blast template that matches their site for email marketing with Constant Contact. I don't usually like dark backgrounds on websites because the type is hard to read, but I do like this one. I also made a matching email blast template for this site.
Connie Lee Marie is an artist, graphic designer, illustrator, singer/songwriter, musician, dancer and enjoys a little plumbing and home repair once in a awhile, but not too often.

 Amber: Connie, please can you give us just one more tip?
Connie:  "Shuffle the Chi!"  Translation: Make your website interesting!

Learn more about Connie Lee Marie's designsat her website!

Why I Write Fantasy -Vijaya Schartz

Amber: Welcome Vijaya Schartz, romantic sci-fi author!
Amber: Why do you write fantasy?
Viyaya: I was a sci-fi/fantasy junkie as a child (books and TV shows), so naturally when I started writing I wrote sci-fi/fantasy, then I realized that something was missing from the stories for them to completely satisfy me as an adult, so I added the romantic element. Now what I write is called sci-fi/fantasy romance, which is a new subgenre growing in popularity.

Amber: Why do  you think readers love what you write?
Viyaya: Probably for the same reason I love writing it. Who can resist a fully plotted action adventure story in an imaginary world where incredible things are possible, with a fully developed love story, a yummy hero, a kick-butt heroine (or not), and a happy, satisfying and emotional ending? It's Indiana Jones meets Battlestar Galactica (or an episode of Stargate as a reviewer put it), with a sizzling romance to boot. What's not to like?

Amber: Would you write fantasy even if no one read it?
Viyaya: I probably would, although I would also write something else to pay the bills, hoping the fantasy would sell eventually. I cannot be the only person on the planet who loves the stuff.


    With over a dozen novels published, Award-winning author Vijaya Schartz writes action romance in Sci-Fi, contemporary, paranormal, and historical settings. Born in France, and having traveled around the world, she brings an exotic quality to her stories. Her books gathered three Golden Quill awards, one Independent Publishers Book Award, and numerous Reviewer's Choice nominations and five-star reviews.  BLACK JAGUAR  Book Three of The Chronicles of Kassouk series came out November 1st. 
Black Jaguar volunteered to sail away on his brother's Galleon to get away from his roguish past, and prove his worth as a blood prince. The last thing he expects on this virgin land is tragedy, mind-reading natives, scheming Mutants, or hostile Star People...
The Chronicles of Kassouk series is available in eBook in all formats everywhere (including Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Apple etc.) and from the publisher, Desert Breeze. http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com
Find her paperbacks, audiobooks, and Kindle editions at Amazon.
Learn more about Vijaya and her other books at her website!

Flying Free Won the Heart of Excellence!

Flying Free  won the  2110 Heart of Excellence 
Readers Choice Award in the Strong Romantic Elements Category!
And the Ancient City Romance Authors (RWA Chapter in St. Augustine, Florida)sent me this gorgeous trophy. The only thing better would have been there to pick it up in person.
I think ACRA must have known that when I lived in the KeysI loved to stay in St. Augustine and walk the old city and the beach on my way to the North. 

Flying Free by Amber Polo  (Treble Heart Books)
Can a meat eating Texas advertising woman find love with a vegetarian Buddhist and get her pilot's license despite interference from her wacky Arizona airpark neighbors?

Reviews 
"...profound and high recommendation for general fiction readers searching for a quirky romance." Midwest Book Review
"[Polo] puts puts two complete opposites together and stirs the plot with a healthy dollop of conflict…Her amazing gift of creating vivid images with only a few words such as "When the cake was crumbs ..." is awesome. …a powerful, and sensually written, very heart-warming story that I'm certain will keep you turning the pages to find out the ending." Long and Short Reviews 
"Have you ever read a book that entertained and opened your eyes to new and interesting facts? If not then I suggest you take a look at this one. A nifty, sweet story filled with planes, airpark life and a super sexy vegan Buddhist that anyone would find hard to resist. A heart warming tale about discovering what is really important in life.....sometimes a little later than you had hoped, but finding it just the same. Creative, quirky characters really set this story alive and give it a spark. Good work Ms. Polo a true enjoyment :)" Seriously Reviewed 
"Flying Free is a light and pleasant read. Spiritually pure Seth meets and falls for "let's get this job over with and get outta here" Lia. There are villains. There is mystery. And there is love that overcomes all. What I enjoyed about the book is the caring group of folks in the second half of life who live on Airpark Mesa near Sedona. It is there that Lia must learn to fly in order to inherit her late father's estate. The Airpark folks, whose passion is flying, building and maintaining small planes, seem very real. I was surprised to find myself learning interesting bits about the camaraderie of those who eat and sleep flying. There are villains. There is mystery. And there is love that overcomes all." Story Circle Book Reviews, reviewing books by, for, and about women 
Read an except Purchase in Print 
and e-formats.

For more information visit my website!







Logo by Connie Lee Marie

Why I Write Fantasy – Marsha A. Moore

Amber: Welcome Marsha A. Moore, writer of classic romanticism and soft erotica.
Marsha: Thanks lots for your invitation to be here this week, Amber.
Amber: Why do you write fantasy?
Marsha: I've always loved to escape into imaginary worlds. I'm always world-building, even apart from my writing process. It's who I am.
I enjoy reading/researching fantasy writing through the ages in folktales, myth, legend, and lore. My library of those is constantly growing. I often blend ideas of folklore from around the world into my works. I've used a foundation of Chinese lore in my recently completed manuscript, The Enchanted Bookstore: Seeking a Scribe, the first of a five-part series. The forces upholding good in my novel are the four auspicious Chinese animals: phoenix, unicorn, tortoise, and dragon. These represent the four elements, fire, earth, water, air, respectively, which are believed to balance our world.
In my book, Tears on a Tranquil Lake, releasing in February, 2011, I was intrigued by the legends of the pirate José Gaspar, known by his nickname Gasparilla. In the winter of 2008, I moved to Tampa, home of the yearly Gasparilla Festival. That inspired me to create a fantasy with a love triangle between a lovely mermaid, a handsome merman, and a smooth-talking pirate captain.
Amber: What is the difference between classic romanticism and soft erotica in the fantasy genre?Marsha: Great question! Classic romanticism refers to attention paid to subtleties, of human personalities and of nature. Its passion lies in revealing and exalting simple beauty. I earned a minor in English in college, and spent much time studying classics. The romantic period of literature captivated me.  I've read the entire Thomas Hardy catalog. I spent years engrossed in reading George Elliot, Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, James Fenimore Cooper, and Washington Irving. I love how they elevated setting to the level of importance of a main character. Their richly textured settings inspire me enormously. The influences of those works infuse my own writing. In contrast, erotica is a contemporary genre, placing importance on sexual interactions. I tend toward soft erotica. Utilizing the magic of fantasy, I like to explore nuances of sexuality in ways we wouldn't normally be able to appreciate. A magical touch may elicit heightened sensations, typically overlooked. Concentrating on subtle sensuality, it becomes an extension of classic romanticism.Amber: Has moving to Florida changed your writing? (It's where I started writing fiction, so it's a magical place.)Marsha: Certainly, moving here has changed my writing. Even after two years, it still looks to my mid-western mind like a Dr. Seuss world, which is terrific because I still adore his books – easily, my favorite childhood author. Daily, I step outside to see crazy-looking trees which remind me of truffula trees and water birds that look like swami-swans. I smile and love living within my childhood fantasies. I cycle several times each week and inevitably my mind is lured by the unusual nature here to create fantasy settings for my books.Amber: Why do readers love fantasy?
Marsha: Readers love fantasy as an escape, to see how a new situation with new problems and happinesses could change their lives. It's a release from the everyday.
Amber: Would you write fantasy even if no one read it?
Marsha: Absolutely. I enjoy the process of immersing in an incredible world, letting my imagination take me on adventures.
Marsha A. Moore is a romantic and a writer of fantasy romance/soft erotica. She loves being creative and enjoying the creativity of others in all art forms. Her other creative pursuits include watercolor painting and drawing. She moved from Toledo to Tampa in 2008 and is happily transforming into a Floridian. Crazy about cycling, she usually passes the 1,000 mile mark yearly. She is also a yoga enthusiast and never has enough days spent at the beach, usually scribbling away at new stories with toes wiggling in the sand.Her upcoming release, Tears on a Tranquil Lake, will be available from MuseItHot Publishing on February 1st, 2011. 
Marsha A. Moore . . . the magic of romance To learn more about Marsha visit her website
( Don't miss the graphic on the first page.) and her blog!

Why (and How) I Write Fantasy: Skhye Moncrief Revisted

Hi, Amber. Thanks for inviting me back to ramble. :) Since I've previously answered your basic questions about why I write fantasy, I'll just leave the link for the interested to hop over to your older post and check out my answers. Today, I'm dealing with the biggie...

Amber: One reviewer says of Feral Fascinations "Ms. Moncrief seamlessly blended earth religion, new-age mysticism, paranormal events, shapeshifing rogue spies, and a who-done-it twist." How do you put all that in one story and keep the fantasy within our "suspend belief zone"?

Skhye: First of all, I'm going to admit I ramble. And this is just a simple question to answer. So, bear with me!

I discussed Amber's question with my critique partner the other night. It's difficult to just start with one of the components of FERAL FASCINATIONS' story world the reviewer thought I blended well together. When writing, I always begin my attack from a Deep POV angle. Then they say write what you know. I guess I've been interested in most of these subjects at some point in my life. What you basically do is deal with the blending inside the characters' heads... Once you understand why they make the choices they make, you're about a third to half of the way through your rough draft. If anyone tells you they know everything about their story world when they begin, they're either working on book two or lying. *snort* Trust me. You can never know every hurdle your characters will face based on your initial story synopsis. Yes, it's true. I don't pants much these days. I usually have most of the pivotal scenes/turning points planned in a story before typing my opening (extremely boring) first line. I'll explain with my latest wip...

I revised every scene in the heroine's POV in chronological order to ensure I get the right perspective in her thoughts. It doesn't take but an hour or two. So, that's how I operate. If I'm working in an ideology or paranormal events, I revise for that layer. Writing is all about reflecting culture. Anthropology is the study of culture--past or present, extant or extinct. I write each character from a different culture specifically in that cultural mindset. Their shoes, their hairstyle, their metaphors, their spirituality, how they feed themselves, what they eat is all part of their cultural details... You have to weave that information into each character and pit them against characters with different ideas about life, i.e. from different cultures. So, I took what I knew about alien abductions, werewolves, vampires, New Agers, Goths, and 2012 winter solstice legend, wove it together, and wrote FERAL FASCINATIONS. If you don't feel comfortable with weaving so many "great" subjects together, find a good introductory cultural anthropology textbook to begin understanding how to weave various worldviews into one story by beginning with what a culture is. People who ride motorcycles are a culture. That culture has its own subcultures. Think gangs. People who treat their pets like children are a subculture of a bigger culture. Religions break people in the USA into subcultures. With FERAL FASCINATIONS, I had a Native American hero from Earth and a New-Agish heroine extraterrestrial. Both were easy for me to write given I'd always been nuts about Native American cultures and I had to heavily immerse myself in New Age everything to write my Time Guardians series.

The New Age information wasn't so simple to understand. It took me about three years to deal with the Tarot, numerology, color/scent/crystals in magic, astrology, Pagan, and Wiccan info while researching alchemy, Celtic mythology, time travel, Druids, and medieval literature. I even took classes in Medieval Lit and Reformation Eng. Lit to get into the minds of my Druids. So, don't just jump off a cliff and try to weave so many things together. Tell yourself you have to do research. Me, I just did the research. I'm a big research junkie. And use Deep POV to make the info you deliver real.

Deep POV helps you delve into the innerworkings of your POV characters' minds. Trust me. You will love writing with my little formula that loads of authors use to reveal why each character exists. in other words, this means you'll fill up every line in your book with GMC {goals, motivation, and conflict}. Fantasy readers can wait a little for valuable GMC in a fantasy novel. But you can't expect them to wait very long. Remember, reveal it line by line as your characters are forced to move forward. Line-by-line revelations are merely the micro-GMC of your story. Debra Dixon's Goals, Motivation, and Conflict is the book you will need to explain GMC thoroughly. The other book is Jack Bickham's SCENE & STRUCTURE. He pushes the little formula I mentioned. {stimulus->internalization->reaction} What in the heck does this mean?

Each line of your book should follow the model {stimulus->internalization->reaction}. Sometimes an internalized thought can function as stimulus or reaction. I've found my books are mostly internalization. That means, I get to reveal backstory by making it GMC for my POV characters in their thoughts. This is where you make everything personal. And don't have sentences like:
 
He thought the door looked solid, impenetrable.

That's telling. If you're in his head, he won't "he thought" about his thoughts. He'll just think. Put it in 3rd or 1st person in the exact words your character uses, i.e. Deep POV. Use a showing version.

The solid mahogany door couldn't possibly move. Nobody had enough magic/power to move this type of door. Except a magician/wizard/barbarian/fairy/weapons expert/locksmith. But the only thing that would get me past the dragon/witch/king's guards lay through that doorway. And if I didn't, the world would explode/the aliens would invade/the evil queen would triumph/the renegade gods would take over the world. 

You get my drift. You add value at the character level, making the story real line-by-line. Each stimulus forces the POV character to reveal what's at stake even at the micro-level. This means each sentence in your story IS important. The sentences all reveal characterization, GMC, or sketch out the scene. Isn't what they say in writing courses that every sentence counts? Don't dump backstory. Slowly reveal the subcultures of your characters (GMC) by weaving it in line-by-line. Your backstory will feel realistic in this line-by-line delivery. Second by second, the stakes change. And you've done your research enough to lay those stakes out at the micro-level. So, basically I'm saying make your story real. That way you've managed to keep your reader moving forward instead of hurling your tale across the room because you drew the reader out of the story.

The shape-shifting aspect of my rogue spies is just another paranormal type of story. Shifters can have jobs we have. Nothing new there. The big trick if putting all these different layers into a story is intimidating to you is to add one layer at a time. This means you will have to go back and revise every time you need to put in something like the New Age reasons for doing everything with my heroine. I revised her thoughts/dialogue just for that (I'll call it a quick double check read through). Then I had to go back and check my commander's dialogue for Zen-like points because he talks that way. My aliens are from different planets. Their ways of speaking/thinking varied too. Each one required a different revision. Now, some of these revisions are brief. Others require you read half your book, his or her scenes. My vampires slowly evolved as I wrote book one. I kept having to go back and rework them into what we know as extraterrestrials with large almond-shaped eyes, big head, and gracile bodies. These ETs cause lost time. I had to place that in the story with the inability of their victims to move--just like vampires make you incapable of running away through some kind of hypnosis! Vamps want to suck your blood. So do my ETs who are collecting blood for the emperor. I had no idea they'd be doing that. I just dawned on me when I began writing the history of the Blood Wars into my novel's first draft. But the point is not to dump it all in there at once. Make it real. Your characters will only think of what's bothering them at that second their thinking about what they have at stake. That's when you deliver the micro-GMC.

To be honest, I can write a complex novel-length story world in a month now. This process I use to produce a novel is just second nature these days. It's a system that works for me. Anyway, I hope that's answered Amber's question. ~Skhye

Amber: You did and more (snickers). Thanks for re-visiting Wordshaping and amazing us with your world-building techniques.


Feral Fascinations (Read chapter 1 & buy)
Time Guardians books (print & Kindle)
Skhye's 1st chapters
Skhye's website
Skhye's blog 

Check out Skhye's ContestsMonday, October 18 on at http://liladipasqua.blogspot.com/   and more on her blog She's always having a good one.

Taos as Muse

This weekend my small town hosted Fort Verde Days and I helped with the Art Show. I entered a photo, Mabel's House, that I took on my latest trip to the magical town of Taos, New Mexico. The photo shows a light burning through the door in the Mabel Dodge Luhan House where I attended my 5th Yoga as Muse  Writing/Yoga Retreat Talking to people about my photo brought back the joy of Taos.
Jeff Davis facilitates five days of yoga, writing, and magical Taos spirit. Plus glorious food at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House, inspiration to spark creativity, the company of fifteen stimulating writers, and hope for a chance meeting with Georgia O'Keefe's ghost.

The mid-March weather in the high desert is always unpredictable – from warm and sunny to snow - but the fires burn hot with authentic words. I drove through snow for the first time in many years.

Jeff Davis, writing instructor, coach, and yogi from Accord, NY, has created a gentle energy in New Mexico to recharge the imagination, reconnect to heart, and move writers from their "center to the page." In groups, we learn how to integrate breath work, mediation, and yoga into a daily practice. In the Taos air, there is time to reflect, walk in nature, stare at mountains, shop, and be struck to write something new or work on an existing piece. Did I mention the wonderful food?
And, if you go, be sure to visit Moby Dickens, a fabulous bookstore. 
Jeff's book, The Journey from the Center to the Page: Yoga Philosophies and Practices as Muse for Authentic Writing offers a way for writers to connect with their bodies and bring balance to their creative lives. He addresses the common issues writers face (meaningful purpose, persistence, discipline, concentration) plus the essentials of craft with a fresh twist:
Every year is different and the challenges are different, sometimes mental, sometimes physical. Jeff teases that I've published a book for every year I've attended. Maybe not quite true, but I have published two novels (Romancing Rebecca and Flying Free) and written three more. Most important, I've integrated the two passions in my life – yoga and writing – and learned to recognize authentic writing, those words that, whatever the genre, pour the writer's soul onto the page.
I didn't meet Georgia O'Keefe's ghost but I did see the bathroom windows painted by D. H. Lawrence when he visited.
Amber Polo is the author of Romancing Rebecca set in Sedona, AZ and Flying Free set in her Arizona airpark neighborhood. Her CD Relaxation One Breath at a Time uses her voice to teach relaxation. Learn more on her website  Amber's website was reviewed by April Rickard for 1st Turning Point
& Received 4 Parrots.