E.B. Roshan's Blog: This, That and the Other, page 10

Shards of Sevia

The Shards of Sevia series is drawing to a close. Yes, with the fifth book out of a planned six released last month, the end of this journey is in sight.

Seriously—how did that happen so fast?

It seems a good time to slow down and look back, so for the next little while, I’m going to celebrate this milestone by sharing series trivia and character profiles here on the blog. Hopefully, they’ll help refresh the memories of fans, give new readers an idea of what to expect, and maybe even generate some discussion.

Obsolete?

I love words–always have. It’s relatively rare these days to stumble upon one I’m not familiar with, but HERE’s a whole bunch I’d never heard before. You could consider this list a retirement village for vocabulary.

One Star…

Lately, I’ve been reading one-star reviews of popular books on Goodreads. It makes me hope that someday, somebody out there will find a book of mine worthy of a thorough, scathing one-star review. How satisfying to find that theoretical reader and think, “Wow, this person HATED my book. I must be doing something right.” A one-star review signals a good book just as clearly as a five star review does. Hopefully, I’ll pass quickly through the murky waters of polite two and three star reviews to the place where readers have opinions they itch to share.

Granted, from a practical perspective, a sprinkling of one-star reviews wouldn’t be great for ratings, but the day I start receiving them will be the day I’ll know I’ve succeeded as an author. I’ll have achieved that elusive emotional connection with my readers (a few of them, at any rate.) It doesn’t matter if the story made them cry, or laugh, or throw the book across the room—if a reader is going to slam a single star on a story, that story touched a nerve. And in the end, isn’t that exactly what we authors want to do?

Interlude

I was supposed to be writing the final Shards of Sevia novella by now. At least, that was the plan. I outlined Book Six. I came up with a title. I even started writing a few versions of the first chapter.

And then my brain decided it needed a break. I just didn’t feel ready to jump into that final book (which is going to be intense) right after finishing Judgment Call (which was also pretty intense.)

So I started writing Something Else instead–something fun, lighthearted, flowery, comical, “low stakes” (if anything is really that)–pretty much the polar opposite of Shards of Sevia.

Contrary to the Original Plan, this kooky little novel may actually end up being published before Shards of Sevia #6.

Who’d have thunk?

It’s going to be fun. I might even illustrate it. Stay tuned!

Book Review: Zinovy’s Journey by Ginny Jaques

Zinovy’s Journey is a brilliant, yet deeply flawed science/speculative fiction novel. A paradox. So much potential unrealized—far too much attempted. I’m not quite sure how to write a review of this book, except to say that I loved it, and at the same time, I almost didn’t finish it.

First, the good—Zinovy—the son of Orthodox parents imprisoned for their faith, he endures an abusive childhood in the home of relatives and grows up to be an FSB agent. The foundations of everything he thought he knew are swept away when he accepts a post on the International Space Station. The author did such an excellent job of creating a compelling character who felt so real I believe I’ve met him somewhere. (Bonus points for the non-European Russian ethnic representation.) The story is called Zinovy’s Journey for good reason—it’s when the author chooses to leave his viewpoint for various other characters that the tightness of the plot and power of the themes begin to disintegrate.

In addition to creating a great character in Zinovy, the author’s descriptions of the mysterious new world he finds himself in are vivid and so creative…I could practically feel the radiation even before they left the spaceship. That sense of wonder and newness is exactly what makes Sci Fi one of my favorite genres.

Approximately the first third of the book is marvelous. I’d read it again just for that first 30%. After that, there are still good parts, even brilliant parts, like Zinovy’s vision of the bleeding Savior. But unfortunately at about that point the author decides to start adding too many disparate elements, some of which really had me scratching my head—romance involving a teenage girl, a completely unexpected and offensive portrayal of Bedouin Arabs attempting human sacrifice (think H. Rider Haggard at his worst) fragmentation into multiple viewpoints, most of which added nothing to the story, and a loss of the driving theme of Zinovy’s journey from revenge to redemption.

All in all, this is the kind of book I wish I had the ability to write, both because it was so good, and because it could have been so much better.

Interview with Michaela Bush

Today I’m delighted to introduce Michaela Bush, who is releasing her first novel, BACK TO ME, this month.

Can you begin by telling us three random facts about yourself? (They don’t need to be writing-related.)

Hmm…I’ve been around horses and riding since I was a kid, and still enjoy my little herd of crazies! I’m currently learning to play the violin, and finally, I’m a sweet-iced-tea fiend. (Drinking some as I type this!)

What’s your favorite kind of scene to write? What do you struggle with?

My favorite kind of scene is one that’s emotionally unforgettable – something that punches you in the chest while you’re writing it, whether it’s a joyful scene or that of destruction. Those scenes are why I get up in the morning, haha! On the other hand, I tend to struggle with action scenes; I get caught up in the basic movements of each character and the ultimate outcome, then forget to bring in things like prose and clearer definitions – it’s like trying to cook some great soup then forgetting to put the herbs and spices in.

 Can you tell us a bit about your upcoming book?

Thanks for asking! Back To Me is a contemporary Christian novel that delves into issues of abuse (pastoral and parental), and how God helps us forgive and overcome. It features a tight-knit group of friends, a little bit of romance, and hopefully some memorable themes.

What are some of the most important themes in the story?

Forgiveness is a BIG one, right alongside the importance of healing instead of letting negative circumstances control you or embitter you. Another important theme is the importance of recognizing that God is sovereign and will turn intended evil to good for His glory. 

Do you have a favorite character in your upcoming novel? 

The main male character, Nick! He knew the main character, Bridget, as a child, so when they’re reintroduced, he opens up a lot of opportunities for discussions on how he still sees her despite her prickly exterior, and in turn those reminders urge Bridget to look past her fears and seek help.

What’s the main thing you’d like readers to take away from your story?

My heart for this story is that readers will be brave enough to pursue the path of healing, which usually involves forgiving others or ourselves, and that others might open their eyes to someone who is hurting and needs some support right now. I also want to encourage readers that God is continually working and always close to us even if it feels like our prayers only reach the ceiling.
Thanks so much for the opportunity to chat about Back to Me!

You can check out Michaela’s blog HERE.

Release Day

Today’s the day. I’m pleased to announce the release of JUDGMENT CALL. (Today also happens to be an anniversary, though I will not invite speculation about my age by saying which anniversary.)

To celebrate, I’m offering the first four books in the Shards of Sevia series for a mere, measly .99 cents each from now until the end of the month–so if you’re not caught up, this would be a great time to do so.

WRONG PLACE, RIGHT TIME (Boris and Anna, Pt. One)

2. FINAL CHANCE (Kiva and Preen, Pt. One)

3. LOVE COSTS (Radoslav and Dunya, Pt. One)

4. FOR BETTER AND WORSE (Boris and Anna, Pt. Two)

5. JUDGMENT CALL (Kiva and Preen, Pt. Two)

Real-Life Inspiration for Writing

Today my fellow Christian author and blogger, Vanessa Hall, shares a guest post (by me) about some of the ways my years of living overseas and work with refugees in this country have provided inspiration for the Shards of Sevia series.

You can read the post HERE. Don’t forget to have a look at the rest of her lovely blog, too!

Book Giveaway

I’m giving away up to three copies of Judgment Call, the latest Shards of Sevia novel, between now and the end of the month. Interested in winning one?

The first three people to answer the questions below will receive a free copy in the digital format of their choice. You can post your answers here or email me at: btznvnt@gmail.com

1. If you had to choose either to never read another book or watch another movie, which would you choose?

2. What fictional character/s do you see yourself in?

3. Is there a book that you loved when you were younger that seems boring or silly now?

4. What’s the last book you stayed up too late reading?

Coming Soon…

Judgment Call releases a week from tomorrow! So far, people have good things to say about the the fifth book in the Shards of Sevia series.

“Growing threats and Preen and Kiva’s conflicted relationship kept me flipping electronic pages.” Kristina (Goodreads)

“Roshan does a great job of exploring the different facets of forgiveness and how that plays out in practical, difficult situations.” MC (Goodreads)

“I…ended up finishing it within a couple hours because I couldn’t put it down.” Michaela (Goodreads)

“E.B. Roshan weaves a fantastic tale of intrigue and second chances in Judgment Call.” Chris (Goodreads)

You can pre-order a copy of Judgment Call HERE. There are also giveaways coming up. Stay tuned.