H.B. Reneau's Blog, page 5
January 11, 2021
Killer Writing Goals for 2021
Hello, hello! Continuing on from last week’s reflections on 2020, this week I’ll be sharing my writing goals for 2020! While I have any number of the usuals (eat better, exercise more, pass my classes, etc.) in this post I’ll be talking specifically about my writing and fiction goals for the year. While I know that New Year’s goals can seem trite and tired, I truly do enjoy the practice and find that it puts me in a good headspace moving into the new year. So without further ado, here they are: my writing goals for 2021!
WriteMy big writing goal for the year is to finish, edit, and publish the second book to my Legion of Pneumos series. I had such a wonderful time this year writing Chaos Looming and the accompanying novellas that I can’t wait to jump back into that world and see what’s become of our friends Keira and Danny! This project has already had a few ups and downs with at least one major plot overhaul over the holidays (more on that later) but I’m so excited about the new directions its taken, and I think you all will be as well! With a tentative release date in Summer 2021, that leaves the second half of the year wide open. And you all know what that means . . . more companion novellas! I love writing novellas because it lets me explore the backstory of a character who maybe didn’t get much spotlight in the main series. So what do you think? Who would you like to read about in a novella all their own? Leave a comment below!
GrowThe road to hell is paved with works in progress.
Philip Roth Tweet
With having a little more free time over the winter break, I’ve had the time to really explore all of the amazing resources for writers online! As someone who prides myself on being a lifelong learner, one of my goals for the year is to not just keep putting out stories (although no worries, I’ll be doing that too ;)) but to really take the time to study and work on my writing craft. One of my favorite recent discoveries has been E.A. Deverell’s Lady Writers League, who’s produced so many fabulous articles, worksheets, and even courses! This article on growing as a writer was particularly inspiring for me and I’m hoping to implement a number of its suggestions over the coming year. This includes 1) Creating unique writing spaces in each hotel room I stay in; 2) Develop a solid morning writing routine; 3) Try out daily (or weekly) writing exercises to increase creativity; 4) Read more widely across many genres; 5) Play around with literary analyses of my own work (maybe even sharing a few!) and more consciously work to incorporate aspects of theme, symbolism, and metaphor; 6) Join a writing group and receive practical feedback on how my writing can improve.
This last one is probably the most guilt-inducing. With the panic and general state of chaos in the world, I’ve given myself a pass on reaching out to other authors and writing groups. But no more! With all the technology we have, physical distance is no longer an excuse for neglecting improvement!
ConnectNo one is born a writer. You must become a writer. In fact, you never cease becoming, because you never stop learning how to write. Even now, I am becoming a writer. And so are you.
Joe Bunting Tweet
On the theme of reaching out and growing my writer community, I’m also excited to focus more on connecting with readers this year. While I’ve been growing my reading list slowly over the past year, I’m excited to really pick it up going forward! That means creating new maps and fun extras from the world of Pneumos. It means expanding my novella collection to give some love to all the side characters I hold so dear. I’m also playing around the idea of turning a novella into an exclusive online serial for my newsletter subscribers! I’ve never done something like that before, so it will definitely be a point of growth over the coming year! I’m also hoping to engage more with our reading community through social media, especially Facebook and Instagram to keep fans updated on my writing progress, host Q&As, and even some giveaways!
Overall, it’s shaping up to be an exciting year, so if those are things you might be interested in, head over to my subscribe page to sign up for free books, fun extras, and updates on all my latest projects! Just click here!
Though the act of writing itself is solitary becoming a writer requires community.
J.A. Hennrikus Tweet
Well, that’s all for today everybody! Now I’d love to hear from you! Comment below or message me on social media to let me know what writing goals YOU have for the coming year!
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January 4, 2021
A Year in Review: 2020 Reflections
Happy New Year everybody! It’s hard to believe that 2020 is officially a wrap! After a year that will surely be one for the books (not that we expected any less), I thought it’s probably about time I offered up some 2020 reflections, the highs, the lows, and everything in between! Then tune in next week for a fun forward-looking post where I lay out my writing and publishing goals for 2021!
High Point
First up in my 2020 reflections: the high point! The best part of this year definitely has to be publishing my very first novel! This was truly a bucket-list item for me and after years of putting it off, it only took the whole world collapsing to finally get my butt in gear! In all seriousness, in the midst of a year that saw so much pain and suffering, it can be really tempting to want to downplay our accomplishments and milestones out of fear that celebrating them will seem coarse or unfeeling. As someone who works in the healthcare field, I can very much relate to that feeling this year! But in times like these, it’s more important than ever to celebrate the small victories if only to better cheer each other on over the hurdles! So if you’d like to learn more about my proudest moment this year, take a look at Chaos Looming HERE, or go ahead and place your order for wherever books are sold HERE!
Low Point
Next up in my 2020 reflections: the low point! Boy was this a tough one. As I’m sure it was for a lot of you, 2020 posed some truly unprecedented challenges for me personally. From beginning my first year of clinical medicine, travelling to military hospitals around the country in the midst of a pandemic in the hopes of learning patient care, to traversing the ups and downs of self-publishing, there were many low points. But I have to say the hardest for me (as I’m sure it was for a lot of you) was the separation from friends and family. Whether through imposed quarantines, or required travel, 2020 was definitely a lonely year at times. But I truly feel so blessed to have always felt the loving support of my family, even when we couldn’t be together, and I will always feel grateful for the friends who became like family along the road on this crazy journey.
Biggest Hurdle
Ooh, biggest hurdle. Ok, so for this 2020 reflection, I have to cheat a bit and include a broader more encompassing category, and that was most undoubtedly climbing the steep learning curve that is the self-publishing process. From writing to editing, marketing, to promotion, there was so much to learn this year and I’m so grateful to the many seasoned authors who have come before, lending their wisdom through books, podcasts, youtube videos, and facebook groups (a list of my favorites coming soon in a future post!). But despite the struggle, I have to say that I’m so excited to be on this journey and to have you all following along at home! Here’s to a new year filled with just as many mountains to climb!
Top Learning Points
A 2020 reflections post wouldn’t be complete without a discussion of some of the lessons that I took away from this year. Again, so many to choose from, but we’ll just start with a few!
The “waiting game” is a losing battle. It’s easy to postpone our goals, pushing them down the ride with the determined air that “now’s just not the right time.” And while I’d be the first to agree that for everything there is a season, I learned all to clearly this year how it’s a mistake to assume that life will ever become easy or that there will one day magically be enough hours in a day to accomplish all we hope to. We have to make the most of the time we have, because our dreams are worth it.Every challenge can be turned to our benefit. If you’d told me at the beginning of the year, that I would be essentially taking a two-month hiatus from medical school in the middle of my clerkship year, I would have been shocked, appalled, and more than a little hysterical. In truth, that time was definitely incredibly difficult for me personally. But looking back, I am seriously so grateful to have had that experience. I grew closer than I’d ever expected with two dear friends as we crashed in an AirBnB together. I was abe to take a much needed break from the chaos of the hospital. And even more than that, I was able to finally write the book I’d been dreaming about for literal years. So while I’m definitely not trying to diminish the real pain and suffering that people experienced this year, I’m just saying that there’s always something to be gained and more to learn. It’s ok to be multiple things. I can’t tell you how many mini-cises I had this year, agonizing over my dual interests in medicine and writing. Whether it was guilt for working on one passion when I felt I was neglecting the other, or just the very real time limitations that accompany life in medical school, there were certainly many a tearful midnight journaling sessions. But at the end of the day, I realized I needed to give myself permission to be a complex, multi-faceted human. I am not just one thing (a doctor, a student, a writer, etc.). I am a whole host of things, and that’s ok. Sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to not have everything figured out, to live a complicated life, and be ok with a little messiness. That’s a lesson I’ll definitely be taking into 2021 with me.
Well, that’s about it for my 2020 reflections. Check back next week when I’ll be turning to the year ahead and developing some writing and publishing goals for 2021!
In the mean time, what are some of your high points, low points, hurdles, or lessons learned from the crazy year that was 2020? Comment below!
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December 28, 2020
10 Best Fantasy Book Covers of 2020
It’s hard to believe that 2020 is (finally) coming to an end. In a year that brought us wildfires, pandemics, racial violence, earthquakes, tornados, explosions, and untold number of other catastrophes, it’s sometimes easy to forget the all-too hidden goodness that continues to surround us. And what better example of goodness and beauty than in the amazing works of creative ingenuity that graced our online bookshelves. In a year where e-reading was king, let’s give a shout out to the dust jackets of yesteryear in the hopes that 2021 may find us roaming the aisles of dusty old bookshops once more, fingers lighting over grainy pages and embossed spines. So as a parting gift to the year which shall-not-be-named, I give you: the top 10 best fantasy book covers of 2020!
Fable (Adrienne Young)
In the world of the narrows, nothing is free, no one can be trusted, and you’re always safest on your own. One of my absolute favorite reads this year, Fable takes you on a journey of gorgeous lyricism the likes of a long-forgotten sea chanty. That combined with this gorgeous closeup cover where the deep blue of the sea’s secrets is matched only by the sapphire of Fable’s eyes makes this an easy addition to this year’s list of best fantasy book covers as we eagerly await the sequel’s release next March!
The Glamourist (Luanne G Smith)
The Summer of 2020 saw the release of The Glamourist, book 2 in the Vine Witch Trilogy, the gorgeous historical fantasy series set in turn-of-the-century Paris. I just love the rich hues of this cover, combined with the unique typography, giving the cover a truly multidimensional look. Stay tuned for book 3 (The Conjurer) coming January 2021!
The Starless Sea (Erin Morgenstern)
Another gorgeous historical fantasy from Erin Morgenstern, The Starless Sea is an enchanting story filled with pirates, mysteries, and ships that sail the starless sea. Plus I’m a sucker for such gorgeous perspective artwork like we see on this cover, where looking through the window may just transport us into another world entirely.
Mexican Gothic (Silvia Moreno-Garcia)
Something about this cover just gives me shivers, but but in the best possible way! From the faceless gaze, to the nearly forgotten droop of the half-dead flowers, you just know you’re in for an eery ride. It’s historical fantasy meets gothic horror and it’s absolutely irresistable! Plus it definitely has one of the best fantasy book covers of 2020!
From Blood and Ash (Jennifer L. Armentrout)
Book 1 of JLA’s latest series was released way back in March, quickly followed by the sequel (Kingdom of Flesh and Fire) in September. Still waiting for the third installment to arrive next April, but in the mean time, I’d just like to admire this gorgeous cover design. Object focuses have really been trending in fantasy novels this year and I really feel like the dagger and arrow convey a unique contrast!
The Water Dancer (Ta-Nehisi Coates)
Another cover with a super interesting perspective. It took me multiple takes to decide if we were looking from above the water or beneath it, and part of me thinks that this is precisely the intent. In this gorgeous work of historical fantasy meets magical realism, Coates takes us on a journey to the deep south, where power and mystery meet cruelty and fear.
Kingdom of the Wicked (Kerri Maniscalco)
Kingdom of the Wicked is a new historical fantasy released in October. I haven’t had a chance to make it through but it’s definitely on my TBR list! I just love the mood painted by this gorgeously atmospheric cover. It’s gotten pretty good reviews so far. What do you all think? Anyone had a chance to take a look so far?
A Girl from Nowhere (James Maxwell)
Book 1 in Maxwell’s new firewall trilogy was released back in May and quickly followed by book 2 later that summer and with book 3 coming this February. I’d classify this trilogy somewhere between fantasy and science fantasy, given that there’s a definite space-related twist (no spoilers here!). But besides all of that, just look at this gorgeous cover! I’m a sucker for cool visual effects and the snaking fire cutting through the rock is pretty beautiful.
A Curse of Roses (Diana Pinguicha)
Anyone familiar with my own books knows I’m a sucker for a gorgeous silhouette overlay and boy does this cover deliver that! Definitely one of the best fantasy book covers of 2020! Hot of the presses with a December 1st release date, this historical fantasy is based on Portuguese legend and filled with famine, flower magic, and a touching queer romance. This is definitely another one that will be joining my TBR list!
Chaos Looming (H.B. Reneau)
Ok, so it feels a bit self-serving to include my own work here. But I just wanted to take a moment and recognize the gorgeous work of my cover designer, Natalia Junqueira. I was just so impressed by her ability to work with color, shadow, and silhouettes to create this gorgeous composition. Within the tree silhouette (its roots and leaves symbolizing the grounding and canting forces of pneumonancy), you can even get a sneak peek of Crîd Eálas, the capital city of Loren with the great fortress of the Vindolum rising in the background. Again, so impressed by Natalia’s work on this and definitely recommend her for any design projects you may have planned! Check out more of my work here!
Your turn! Comment below and let me know your vote for the best fantasy book covers of 2020!
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December 21, 2020
Chaos Looming: Reading Soundtrack
I hope everyone has been enjoying the holiday season, filled with sweets, warm liquids, and family. I for one, have spent some of my much needed free time going through my various spotify playlists and reading soundtrack. I don’t know about you, but I’m the type of person that loves to do work to music, which includes reading and writing my stories. There’s just something about it that keeps me focused and it can really help capture the mood!
Anyhow, I stumbled across the old reading soundtrack from my time spent writing Chaos Looming. As far as I can remember, I pretty much put the whole playlist on repeat for most of the writing process, but I thought it would be fun to split it out by chapter, listing songs with the particular parts of the story they best embody. That way you can listen along as you read if you so choose. So here’s my holiday gift to you: a Chaos Looming Reading Soundtrack!
I tried to avoid any major spoilers, but if you want to go in completely blind, feel free to just listen through the song list of this reading soundtrack. Otherwise, check out my chapter/song list and descriptions below and let me know your thoughts! I’ll warn you, it’s quite the mix of genre, and I think you’ll gain some insight into some of the movies/tv shows I happened to be obsessed with at the time, but either way, here you go!
Happy Reading and Happy Holidays!
Chapter 1 - Only the Beginning of the Adventure: by Harry Gregson-Williams
I’m a huge fan of epic movie scores. More than anything, they capture the excitement and expectation inherent to the process of starting a new book. This song in particular is from the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe soundtrack and is one of my favorite tracks from the score.
Chapter 2 - Good Luck, Son: Jan Valta and Adam Sporka
Yes this song is from a video game, and yes I listened to it throughout writing this book. I’m putting it with this chapter because of the sense of hope and optimism Keira feels as she hopes to take her place among the Legion. Sure she’s made mistakes, but
Chapter 3 - Cosmic Love: by Florence + The Machine
This chapter is pretty much entirely from Danny’s perspective, and I really thought this song embodied his view of the world and his relationship with Keira. While she wants nothing more than to pull away from what they share, he’s desperate to find a way to reach her.
Chapter 4 - Setting Sun: by This, The Silent War
I love this song and the joyfulness of the chorus, which I really feel like embodies the spirit of these first few chapters. We see Danny and Keira’s relationship at its best: carefree and burdenless.
Chapter 5 - Loyal Brave True, by Christina Aguilera
Yes this song is from the newest Mulan movie. Now regardless of your feelings on that movie in particular, this song is killer and I just really heard Keira speaking through these lyrics, trying to figure out who she is and what she’s willing to stand for, who she’ll allow in. Even in a chapter like this, where Keira is in opposition to pretty much everyone around her, we can feel her good intentions and her
Chapter 6 - Main Title (Braveheart): by James Horner
Another epic movie score. Adventure is truly calling in this chapter as we’re introduced to the Bellatorio and told a bit more about the chaos that’s descending on Loren. But will they answer the call?
Chapter 7 - Lorenzo the Magnificent: by Paolo Buonvino
This one’s actually from a tv series, called “Medici” which has an awesome soundtrack. But I just love this song for this chapter: epic, fearful, and with a real sense that the adventure is just getting started . . .
Chapter 8 - Bare: by WILDES
At the beginning of this chapter, loss has left Keira and Danny battered and broken, buried under feelings of loss and grief. But as they lean on each other to take the action needed, we’re left with the sense that they can handle anything as long as they’re together.
Chapter 9 - Smokestacks: by Layla
There’s a pressured feeling to this chapter with so many emotions swirling throughout. Fear, anger, pain, heartbreak, it’s all there. I think this song really captures that millieu.
Chapter 10 - E Lucevan Le Stelle (Instrumental): by Mělník Philharmonic Orchestra
The adventure continues, but absent one key person. Keira experiences a torrent of emotion throughout this entire chapter, and I found the melodic nature of this track incredibly helpful in guiding my writing.
Chapter 11 - March, Hills to Climb: by Tim Myers
There’s a joyful determination in this song that I really felt as I wrote this chapter. By coming back, Danny’s shown that he’ll always be there for Keira, but they’ve hurt each other and there’s a real question if their relationship will ever be what it was.
Chapter 12 - Woman King: by Iron & Wine
I love both this chapter and this song. We finally meet Landry and find that he is not quite what Keira expected . . . The battle of wills between them was so much fun to write and I thought this song really captures the atmosphere I was going for.
Chapter 13 - Deception: by Paolo Buonvino
Without giving too many spoilers, this chapter’s all about betrayal and this song really captures the mood of that. Dark and gritty, I basically had this one on repeat throughout this chapter.
Chapter 14 - Flaws: by Vancouver Sleep Clinic
There’s so much pain in this chapter and saying goodbye to one of my favorite characters was just devastating. I think this song really captures the sadness but also the essence of who that character was: far from perfect but strong to the core and with an absolute devotion to duty and honor.
Chapter 15 - The Fire: by Kina Grannis
More fun scenes between Keira and Landry in this chapter, all culminating in an epic fight (no more spoilers than that!). I love this song for the playfulness merging into intensity throughout the track.
Chapter 16 - Lost It All: by Jill Andrews
When the worst occurs, Keira refuses to lose anyone else that she cares about.
Chapter 17 - War of Hearts: by Ruelle
Caught in the viper den of Ulgáris, Keira and Danny must rely on each other in order to escape, or risk losing everything they hoped to gain.
Chapter 18 - Don't You Give Up On Me: by Milo Greene
Keira and Danny are once again separated, and the two of them have to come to terms with what they really mean to each other. Can they still rely on the bond they once shared?
Chapter 19 - Light a Fire: by Rachel Taylor
The harsh realities of their world can no longer be kept at bay. The trio must rely on each other if they hope to survive the chaos that comes more quickly than they ever realized.
Chapter 20 - Kings and Queens and Vagabonds: by Ellem
In this chapter we finally make it to Crîd Eálas and meet the Regio and the Lady Junia. There’s an air of expectancy but Keira quickly becomes suspicious that all may not be as it seems.
Chapter 21 - Steady: by Act As If
Things with Danny have spun wildly out of Keira’s control. Will she ever be able to put them to right?
Chapter 22 - Castle: by Halsey
The pace is starting to pick up in this chapter and the stakes continue to be raised. There’s no way Keira’s about to let Landry regress into the pouting princeling he once was. So she’s determined to take the lead once more . . .
Chapter 23 - A Narnia Lullaby: by Harry Gregson-Williams
Keira and Danny once again find themselves in a whole heap of trouble, and they’ll need each other to get out of it. Another song from a movie score, but I just love the slow build of the pulse in this song!
Chapter 24 - All the King's Horses: by Karmina
As the world around her begins to crumble, Keira is still determined to find a way out and save those she cares about most.
Chapter 25 - Never Let You Down: by Woodkid, Lykke Li
Some may recognize this song from the soundtrack of “Insurgent,” but I listened to this song on repeat as I wrote chapter 25. Without too many spoilers, I really heard both Landry and Keira’s desperation in the lyrics and tone of this song, their sense of defeat, and feelings of failure after all they’ve gone through. It painted the exact atmosphere I was going for in my writing of arguably the lowest point of the book.
Chapter 26 - Can't Pretend: by Tom Odell
Keira is once again betrayed by someone she once trusted more than anything.
Chapter 27 - Renaissance: by Paolo Buonvino, Skin
Rush to the rescue as revolution brews around them . . .
Chapter 28 - Wolves Without Teeth: by Of Monsters and Men
What comes next? Retreat? Surrender? Never.
Chapter 29 - Jungle: by Emma Louise
The epic climax where all will be decided, for better or worse.
Chapter 30 - Hurts Like Hell: by Furie
This is a beautiful song and I thought it was the perfect companion to the bittersweet and yet ultimately hopeful ending of Chaos Looming.
So those are my reading soundtrack selections for Chaos Looming. What do you think? Anything you’d add or change? What’s your favorite reading soundtrack? Comment below with your thoughts!
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December 15, 2020
Fantasy Reader Gift Guide
If you’re anything like me, you are as we speak frantically finishing (or starting – no judgement) your holiday shopping for the year, placing all your orders in time to be delivered (contact-free) before the holidays. And if you’re even more like me, you are quickly running out of creative steam as the days tick by and the overall level of holly jolliness begins to run a little thin. So this, dear readers is my gift to you: a gift guide filled with inconceivably, mischief-managing, there and back again, other-worldly ideas for the fantasy book lovers in your life! This is the fantasy reader gift guide you’ve been looking for!
Looking for something a little more literary? Check out my full list of fantasy novels and novellas here!
20) "Bookmarks are for Quitters" T-shirt
For the most hardcore of your book lover friends, you know, the ones who show up 20 minutes late to . . . everything, because “I just can’t believe they wanted to end the chapter like that!”
19) Harry Potter Face Masks
You may still be waiting for your Hogwarts letter, to arrive but until it does, science is the best magic we have. 2020 may be almost over, but we still have a lot of fight left, so wear a mask everybody!
18) The Princess Bride Quote Wall Hangings
Continuing the Spirit of 2020 theme, there’s nothing like the Princess Bride to give us oddly prescient quotes that speak to our current existence.
17) Middle Earth Throw Blanket
Perfect for curling up to read the Nature of Middle-Earth when it’s released next year . . . or planning military campaigns with your tiny elven action figures – your choice.
16) Outlander Bookends
I’m always on the lookout for cute new bookends to spruce up my ever-expanding bookends. Love the silhouette look on these!
15) Delectable Turkish Delight
“It is dull, Son of Adam, to drink without eating,” said the Queen presently. “What would you like best to eat?”
“Turkish Delight, please, your Majesty,” said Edmund.
Or check out one of my favorite literary blogs for the recipe to make your own!
On the other hand . . .
14) The World is Full of Magical Things Card
Such a gorgeous design, and I just love the sentiment! Perfect for a heart-felt note to the people who make your life magical. 
November 2, 2020
The Centus: Sneak Peek!
Hello everybody! I’m so excited to share with you all the cover for the latest installment of The Legion of Pneumos: The Centus! Similarly to The Cantor, this story follows the early life of Gaius Flavius, the Millus leading the cohort in Chaos Looming, only now he’s, ya know . . . a Centus. [image error]
October 26, 2020
The Exchange
Happy Monday everybody! I’ve got something extra special in store for you all today: a FLASH Fiction piece called “The Exchange,” based in The Legion of Pneumos world! Ever wonder exactly how Elliott came to find himself in Loren? What if the Legion wasn’t quite so secret as they’d have everyone believe? Read on for Part I of a recurring FLASH Fiction series and let me know what you think in the comments below!
Tommy Walker was a pitiful bloke. Everybody knew it, save his own dear mother, and quite frankly there were days he worried she’d begun to catch on. And hadn’t his brothers said the same? After all, no amount of stretching and strengthening had been enough to rehabilitate his contemptible foot arches. As they packed up their rucksacks and headed to the front, they were perfectly pleased to leave him and his flat feet behind. And now, he was about to lose the best job he could hope to get in all of Oxfordshire.
As he hurried up the stairs of the Bodleian Library, he could feel sweat dripping down between his shoulder blades, his heart hammering in his ears. Reaching the door to the Keeper’s study, he hastily wiped his hands on his trousers, before rapping on the door.
“You’re late, boy!”
Tommy avoided his gaze as he slipped into the room.
“I know, I’m sorry, Mr. Poole. It won’t happen again, I promise.”
Mr. Reginald Lane Poole made a harrumphing sound in the back of his throat, speaking volumes as to the supposed likelihood of that statement. As Keeper of the Archives, he took a rather inflated view of his own importance, and a rather dismal view of all those who failed to hold him in proper deference.
Tommy hurriedly set to work on the waiting stack of archival papers, stashing them in his knapsack under the shrewd eye of the Keeper. The old man shook his head, lips puckered in that abject look of disapproval, before turning back to the work at hand.
“Letters, can you imagine? Absurd. Among founding charters and papal legates, we have ordinary letters from every minor academic. I do say, my predecessors had a fatal inability to destroy things when they’re done with. No longer, I assure you.”
Tommy didn’t bother to respond, knowing the cantankerous old man required no such reassurances as to his own rectitude.
But as he set about unloading his knapsack by the fireplace, one particular sachet of letters caught his eye. Perhaps it was the royal purple seal that adorned the outside, or something about the angle of the lettering, but he couldn’t resist taking a closer look. His eyes quickly scanned through the sachet of letters, brow furrowing as he went. Glancing toward Poole, Tommy quickly stuffed the packet of letters in his trouser pocket before continuing with the menial task. Yet all the while, his mind buzzed with possibilities.
Pneuma? What in the bloomin’ hell is pneuma? Well, apparently somethin’ worth dyin’ for…
So what do you think? Any theories of how Elliott ended up in Loren? What does this mean for the future of the Legion? Do you enjoy this type of FLASH Fiction? What questions do you want answers for? Let me know in the comments below!
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October 19, 2020
The Subtle Art of Writing on the Road
“Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.”
Jack Kerouac
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Here I am, miles of highway stretching before me and even more miles behind. Just me and Rory, on our way to our next adventure. So what do I do? Explore the subtle art of writing on the road.
I love driving. I always have, especially the last few years. By both choice and necessity, cross-country road trips have become a staple in my life. From the epic scenery of the South Dakota Badlands, to the seemingly endless expanse of the Midwest, and now on to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, the tendrils of cloud interweaving among flattened tops of this ancient mountain range. I’ve always marveled at the beauty of this country. The act of driving is meditative for me, a ritualized experience, that I definitely needed before jumping into my next clinical rotation. As I stare at the road stretching before us, my mind flits between medicine, books and writing, art, and thoughts of friends and family left behind.
Every trip is a new adventure, but some things remain constant. Which brings us to the subject of today’s post: my list of cross-country road tripping essentials for the creative in all of us.
1) A Good Dictation App
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Dictation has been a game changer for me when it comes to harnessing hidden moments to articulate creative thoughts. There’s nothing like telling a story out loud to get you excited about a plot, nothing like jumping between accents to make you really hear your characters’ voices. They don’t have to be good accents mind you. Listening back to recordings of your terrible accents is half the fun after all.
It can be hard to jump into, I’ll grant you. But once you get started, there’s something about the words that can’t help but just flow. So every day, I’d line up my dictation app, start the mic, and just let it go, using the scenery around me as a guide as I wove together some of the most outlandish tales you’ve ever heard. Most will likely never see the light of day, but it helps to pass the time, and keeps me in a creative mood. It also trains my ear to the audio format. And as I mentioned before, it’s a tool that I’m always hoping to get better at it. So it’s always good practice for me to spend time telling stories that no one will ever read, but recording them nonetheless.
2) My Best PawFriend
Ok, ok, this one may just be for me. But I really do do so me of my best writing on road trips. Something about the passing of scenery and the steady rhythmi sounds of the highway passing under our wheels, but it just gets me going! And who better to listen to me spin my wild tales of fantasy, magic, swordfighting, and love then my best pawfriend Rory.
She’s such a trooper this one. Endless days of being cooped up in a car, and she’s content to just curl up in her little doggie bed in the passenger seat, watching the scener flit by, eased into slumber by the car’s vibrations and my stories. From hotel room to hotel room, drive-thru to curbside diner pickup, Rory’s there for it all. Never complaining or criticizing my stories, she’s the best type of audience member, curling up in bed with me at the end of a long day as we both drift off into dreay sleep. Really though, folks, get yourself an Alpha reader like Rory. [image error]
October 5, 2020
The Cantor: Sneak Peek
Hello everybody! This has been quite the week! We started with the launch of the YA Fantasy Adventure Chaos Looming (yay!) and now we’re releasing the exciting prequel, The Cantor with a free sneak peek! This is the perfect follow-on for anyone who read Chaos Looming and wants to know more about the backstory and world. But it’s also a great starting point for anyone just starting The Legion of Pneumos series!
And the best news yet? It’s 100% FREE! Just click the download link below to sign up to enter your email and get your copy!
Still not sure? Keep scrolling to get a sneak peek of the first two chapters and see if it’s something you’d enjoy.
Happy Reading!
The post The Cantor: Sneak Peek appeared first on H.B. Reneau.
September 29, 2020
Top 10 Books for Feminist Fantasy Lovers
There are few things I love more than a butt-kicking, take-no-prisoners heroine at the helm of an epic feminist fantasy adventure. But honestly, there is so much more to feminist fantasy than warrior women and vampire slayers (though we do love them). At its heart, feminist fantasy sees its characters (male and female) as fully fleshed out human beings, with dreams and fears, skills and flaws, power and vulnerability. Rather than relying on old tropes of damsels in distress and evil step-mothers, feminist fantasy inverts these dynamics to show the depth and dynamism of all their characters. Even in worlds plagued by inequality, feminist fantasy doesn’t just brush by these facets, but actively recognizes them and gives us characters who seek to subvert the status quo.
So in honor of all the powerful women who’ve come before, here are 10 stand-out books, both new and old, that showcase feminist fantasy at its finest.
1) Tamora Pierce
Yeah, yeah, I know I said top 10 feminist fantasy books, not authors, but Tamora Pierce is the necessary exception to the rule. In my mind, the veritable queen of feminist fantasy, she’s been writing her Tortall and Circle of Magic series since the 80s. These books have inspired literal generations of women to see their gender not as a limitation but as a power in its own right. From the OG heroine Alanna, who disguises herself as her twin brother in order to train as a knight, to the unflappable Beka Cooper, a rookie member of the Provost’s Guard chasing down the hardened criminals of Corus, Tamora Pierce gave us an entire world of powerful women to look up to. She forever changed the YA Fantasy landscape, and for that we’ll all be eternally grateful.
2) Furyborn,
by Claire LeGrand
There’s absolutely no rule that says heroines must always be cuddly and kind, and yet so, so many of them are! In the dark YA Fantasy series, The Empirium Trilogy, we’re given two heroines, living 1000 years apart, whose stories intersect in the midst of a cosmic battle that will bring out the best, and worst, in them both. These are heroines who defy simple labels of good and evil, hero or villain. Rather they are people in their own right, every bit the product of their circumstances and yet still managing to rise above them. This series is an absolute must for anyone with a love for rich fantasy worlds, fast-paced plot, and of course, fierce feminist heroines.
3) The Graceling Realm,
by Kristin Cashore
Another slightly older series that remains a classic in the YA Fantasy world is Graceling. In this world, certain people, called “gracelings,” are born with natural abilities that, while aiding them in some aspects of life lead to complete alienation and at times, out-right hostility, from their non-graced neighbors. The heroine, Katsa, is fierce and independent, yet at the same time terrified of vulnerability. The plot itself is filled with twisty-turny adventure and plenty of political intrigue as Katsa slowly uncovers the deep treachery that has infiltrated her country. Definitely another mut-read!
4) Torn,
by Rowenna Miller
In the Unravelled Kingdom series, we meet an enterprising businesswoman, a princely love interest, an idealistic brother, oh and a healthy dose of REVOLUTION. Sophie Balstrade, a dressmaker who stitches magical charms into her work, lives in Galitha City but grew up in poverty as the daughter of Pellian immigrants. She’s managed to drag herself out of poverty and into the world of the merchant class….just in time for her brother to lead a revolution threatening to topple the entire social order (#typical). The story tackled a surprising number of heavy-hitting themes, including race, class, the plight of immigrants, idealism, capitalism, and of course, revolution! But I think my favorite element was the complex character of Sophie herself, torn as she is between sharing her brother’s ideals and her own fierce desire to protect the people she cares about. Multifaceted indeed!
5) Empire of Sand,
by Tasha Suri
I absolutely love the increased diversity we’re seeing in the fantasy world, both in terms of authors and world creation! The Books of Ambha series takes place in a South Asian – inspired world filled with unique mythology, gods and goddesses, and a healthy dose of dream magic! The main character in the series, Mehr, is the illegitimate daughter of an imperial governor and an absolute powerhouse of a character. But unlike some other Fantasy heroines, Mehr exhibits a quieter ferocity. Having spent her life nearly powerless, she’s learned to survive. And over the course of the book she faces the type of moral quandaries that litter the real world as well as the fantasy ones. Mehr is flawed and certainly makes mistakes, but this is the type of story that is truly empowering.
6) Cursed,
by Thomas Wheeler (author) & Frank Miller (Illustrator)
Ok, so you might have seen this one on Netflix, but did you know that it was originally a novel? And while the central story line holds true across both, my take is that the Netflix series could use with some serious re-editing (way to many awkward scene jumps). But I digress…
Cursed turns the Arthurian legends completely on their head, making Nimue (later known as the Lady of the Lake) the heroine of the tale. And while the re-telling leans a bit too heavily on classic YA fantasy tropes for my taste, this is more than made up for by the fascinating character of Nimue. Between her personal struggles with her own dark magic, her desperate fight against religious fundamentalism, or her quest to save the refugee Fey folk, the girl’s got a lot going on. Plus the illustrations are gorgeous.
7) Children of Blood and Bone,
by Tomi Adeyemi
Another gorgeous fantasy world that breaks away from the tired tropes of the past. This West-African inspired fantasy features a gorgeous world filled with a new type of mystical magic.
Part of a larger series (Legacy of Orisha), we meet young Zélie, a fierce warrior whose strength only grows over time, but still manages to hold onto much of her innocence. Between fighting against systematic oppression and getting revenge on the ones who took so much from her, in Zélie we find a truly strong protagonist heroine. While the obligatory YA romantic angle felt a little forced at times, overall this is a book with real depth and characters you actually feel good about rooting for.
8) Circe,
by Madeline Miller
First, let me say that I will read anything written by Madeline Miller because her writing is absolutely gorgeous, reading as much like poetry as prose.
There, now that that’s done, we can talk about the fascinating protagonist that is Circe. Lacking the power of her godly relatives, Circe turns instead to the realm of mortals where she finds her own brand of witchcraft. Yet since this power is deemed threatening to those same gods she finds herself banished. Circe is time and again victimized and brutalized, but never loses sight of who she is. She may do terrible things, but we always understand why and while we may not agree, we understand. That is surely the sign of a wonderful character.
At its core, this book is about the role of women and their voice in the context of greek mythology. Circe has always been the villain, now we get to hear her speak for herself.
9) The Pellinor Series,
by Alison Croggon
Yet another example of character-driven fantasy at its best. The Naming is a Tolkien-esqe tale with a powerful female protagonist whose strength lies not in brute force or un-earned magical power, but in quiet, thoughtful determination. Maerad grew up as a war orphan and as such knows the evil that can consume innocents in its wake. She is determined to help the downtrodden and stand against the rising darkness, even at the cost of all she holds dear.
Reader be warned, this is a slowly unraveling tale, filled with gorgeous description but with slow plot progression. The real beauty here is in the characters, these wounded souls who’ve lived lives filled with far too much death and darkness and yet somehow manage to find each other and begin to heal. Strength can take many forms, and this book is a beautiful example of that.
10) Chaos Looming,
by H.B. Reneau
I know, I know, but you know I had to [image error]
