Nicole Zoltack's Blog, page 42
November 3, 2011
Question of the Week – Mythical Creatures and Winners!
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This week's question concerns mythical creatures. A lot of the creatures within medieval bestuaries are combinations of other creatures – like the centaur (part man, part horse), the mermaid (part woman, part fish), and the hippocampus (part horse, part dolphin).
If you could create a mythical creature, what would it be? What would you call it? What would be special about it?
For my non-nano WIP, I created a new creature called the Bloody Black Hound. It's a huge black dog with fiery eyes (if you look into its eyes, you'll see the souls burning in Hell) that eats humans to capture their souls. Not a nice creature, by any means.
And now for the winners of my Spooktucular giveaway! The grand prize winner of the first four ebooks in my What You See is What You Get series (Seeing for the First Time, To See, Or Not To See, and A Sight for Sore Fangs) is...
Roxy Kade!
The second place winner who wins an ebook of Seeing For the First Time and To See is...
Lora1967!
And three runner up winners of an ebook of Seeing For the First Time are...
Ashlyn_Jai
Krysykat
and
~April~!
Congrats to all the winners! I'll be emailing you shortly.
November 2, 2011
Stupid Snow
I live in Pennsylvania. Normally we have four distinct seasons but for the past couple of years, fall has been really short. This year, it was nonexistent.
You may have heard about the major snow storm that wiped out the power for a lot of homes. Our power went out at 12:30pm on October 29th. We didn't get it back until late on Halloween night. Which of course meant that we weren't able to take the boys trick or treating even though we had found a place to take them when hubby could have gone with. :( We'll have to go next year.
It wasn't bad enough that the power went out and we lost all of our refrigerator contents and some of our freezer's. Saturday night, the boys and I stayed over at hubby's mom's house. She has a dog. Son #2 is very allergic to dogs and broke out with eczema and vomited. Not fun.
Hubby had left for an overnight trip with some friends to see a Lehigh game. He left extremely early on the 28th and came back around 2pm on the 30th, so I had to deal with Son #2 and trying to get him better by myself. Needless to say, he and I didn't sleep well, but at least Son #1 did.
Sunday we (hubby included) stayed at hubby's dad's house. Son #2 got a little better since he was away from the dog. Hubby's dad watched the boys so we could go to Philly for the Eagles-Cowboys game (Awesomest birthday present ever!). All four of us spent that night and Monday during the day at hubby's dad's. Hubby had taken off on Monday because of the game which was just as well because he probably would have called out if he hadn't already.
Since hubby had to work on Tuesday, he drove the boys and I out to my parent's house, where we would stay until the power came back on because PP&L's website was saying that we might not get power back until Friday morning. After hubby dropped us off, he went to the house to see if the power was back on since a lot of our street how power. Our house still didn't but it must have come back on about an hour after he checked, from the time on the stove.
After hubby's work day on Tuesday, he came and picked us up. Let me say that there's nothing like sleeping on your own bed! Both of the boys have been sleep deprived since they hardly ever nap away from home, and Son #2 had been dehydrated at one point. Both have bounced back and are happy to be home.
So that's why I haven't blogged this week. I was working on my blog posts for this week when the power went out. I had a spookier creature picked out for Halloween and everything. Oh well, maybe I'll post it on the 7th.
Tomorrow, I'll post the Question of the Week and announce the winner of my Spooktacular contest!
I hope your Halloween was a lot better than mine!
[image error]
You may have heard about the major snow storm that wiped out the power for a lot of homes. Our power went out at 12:30pm on October 29th. We didn't get it back until late on Halloween night. Which of course meant that we weren't able to take the boys trick or treating even though we had found a place to take them when hubby could have gone with. :( We'll have to go next year.
It wasn't bad enough that the power went out and we lost all of our refrigerator contents and some of our freezer's. Saturday night, the boys and I stayed over at hubby's mom's house. She has a dog. Son #2 is very allergic to dogs and broke out with eczema and vomited. Not fun.
Hubby had left for an overnight trip with some friends to see a Lehigh game. He left extremely early on the 28th and came back around 2pm on the 30th, so I had to deal with Son #2 and trying to get him better by myself. Needless to say, he and I didn't sleep well, but at least Son #1 did.
Sunday we (hubby included) stayed at hubby's dad's house. Son #2 got a little better since he was away from the dog. Hubby's dad watched the boys so we could go to Philly for the Eagles-Cowboys game (Awesomest birthday present ever!). All four of us spent that night and Monday during the day at hubby's dad's. Hubby had taken off on Monday because of the game which was just as well because he probably would have called out if he hadn't already.
Since hubby had to work on Tuesday, he drove the boys and I out to my parent's house, where we would stay until the power came back on because PP&L's website was saying that we might not get power back until Friday morning. After hubby dropped us off, he went to the house to see if the power was back on since a lot of our street how power. Our house still didn't but it must have come back on about an hour after he checked, from the time on the stove.
After hubby's work day on Tuesday, he came and picked us up. Let me say that there's nothing like sleeping on your own bed! Both of the boys have been sleep deprived since they hardly ever nap away from home, and Son #2 had been dehydrated at one point. Both have bounced back and are happy to be home.
So that's why I haven't blogged this week. I was working on my blog posts for this week when the power went out. I had a spookier creature picked out for Halloween and everything. Oh well, maybe I'll post it on the 7th.
Tomorrow, I'll post the Question of the Week and announce the winner of my Spooktacular contest!
I hope your Halloween was a lot better than mine!
[image error]
November 1, 2011
Guest blog with Susan Kaye Quinn - Inventing the Future: Mindreading
Inventing the Future: Mindreading
by Susan Kaye Quinn, author of Open Minds (Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy)
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picture credit
One of my favorite things about writing is research. Coming from the ex-NASA engineer/scientist, I suppose that's not much of a shock. But I really like exploring all the features of the worlds I dream up in my novels.
My paranormal/SF novel Open Minds (Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy) takes place in a future world where everything is the same … except that now everyone reads minds. In the story world, it started out as a few kids who reached puberty and then suddenly could read minds. But it quickly spread until literally the entire world had changed into mindreaders.
One of the first things I constructed for this future world, was its past. I believe that the best worldbuilding is dynamic: it has a past, a present, and a future. The story may take place in the present, but it's just a snapshot of the evolution of this world—one story of many that could take place in it. In fact, that DO take place in it, although off camera and in ways that only tangentially affect the novel.
Having those details is what makes the story come alive.
As any society evolves, they bring some of the traditions of the past with them, while creating new traditions to fit the changes. For a mindreading world, I imagined there would be a significant ceremony that marks the change (which usually happens around age 12, and denotes the entrée of a non-mindreading child into the adult world of mindreaders). Societies have long had a tradition of marking adolescence with some kind of ceremony, although that's faded somewhat in recent times (at least in the U.S.). Perhaps getting your driver's license is the "coming of age" ritual in America today, but in the future world of Open Minds, a child's "Change Party" is the big milestone (one that Kira, the non-mindreading zero, will never have). Change Parties only get a passing mention in the final book, but in an earlier draft, the description went something like this:
Trina changed with that first wave in eighth grade. When her new mindreading ability stopped flipping on and off, I went to her change party and watched her run off with the other changelings for some secret rite that only mindreaders knew. I waited patiently for my turn to change, while one by one my friends moved on. But when Raf changed, I got desperate. An online site claimed guzzling gallons of water would trigger the change, but I only made myself sick trying. Nearly everyone changed by the end of freshman year.
In the final version, almost all of that was cut. But I had already created it in my head, and it still informed much of the storytelling, especially Kira's sense of desperation, and how all the characters had lived through this shift in their relationships.
There were many other aspects of this future world that I explored (with my mind!), some in the early drafts, some later. Some tidbits didn't get added until the last draft or two. Here are some of my very early notes on building a mindreading world:
Religions spring up that concentrate on only thinking good thoughts.Would people take drugs to block the sending out of thoughts?Jury of your peers would be unnecessary - a judge can tell if a person is guilty or innocent.Are there no stories? No fictions? Fictions are just lies, yes?What does the school do to help changelings mold their skills?
Everything from architecture to politics to entertainment was touched in some way by mindreading. Other things remained the same, or evolved in a way that had nothing to do with mindreading, but simply because the story takes place nearly 100 years in the future. Things like transportation and financial systems.
Like I said, research is one of my favorite parts of writing, but the story is what really matters. By creating a dynamic, detailed background, Kira's world became a colorful character in her story of isolation and struggling to fit in. The world pushes and pulls Kira, and she pushes and pulls back. One of my favorite lines in the book (which was there almost from the first draft) is this:
The world and I were at a standoff, waiting for me to change, but the world didn't care. If I never changed, it would move on and leave me trying to catch up in a race I would never win.
The worldbuilding isn't the story. But I am glad I get to play around in Kira's world some more in Book Two, Closed Hearts . *********************See more guest posts about Open Minds at the Virtual Launch Party !
When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep.
Sixteen-year-old Kira Moore is a zero, someone who can't read thoughts or be read by others. Zeros are outcasts who can't be trusted, leaving her no chance with Raf, a regular mindreader and the best friend she secretly loves. When she accidentally controls Raf's mind and nearly kills him, Kira tries to hide her frightening new ability from her family and an increasingly suspicious Raf. But lies tangle around her, and she's dragged deep into a hidden world of mindjackers, where having to mind control everyone she loves is just the beginning of the deadly choices before her.
Open Minds (Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy) by Susan Kaye Quinn is available in e-book (Amazon US (also UK, France and Germany), Barnes & Noble, Smashwords) and print (Amazon, Createspace, also autographed copies available from the author).*********************
PRIZES!
Susan Kaye Quinn is giving away an Open Books/Open Minds t-shirt, mug, and some fun wristbands to celebrate the Virtual Launch Party of Open Minds (Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy)! (Check out the prizes here.)
Three ways to enter (you can have multiple entries):1) Leave a comment here or at the Virtual Launch Party post
2) Tweet (with tag #keepingOPENMINDS)
Example: When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep. #keepingOPENMINDS @susankayequinn #SF #YA avail NOW http://bit.ly/SKQOpenMinds
Example: Celebrate the launch of OPEN MINDS by @susankayequinn #keepingOPENMINDS #SciFi #paranormal #YA avail NOW http://bit.ly/SKQOpenMinds
3) Facebook (tag @AuthorSusanKayeQuinn)
Example: Celebrate the launch of paranormal/SF novel OPEN MINDS by @AuthorSusanKayeQuinn for a chance to win Open Books/Open Minds prizes! http://bit.ly/SKQOpenMinds
[image error]
by Susan Kaye Quinn, author of Open Minds (Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy)
[image error]
picture credit
One of my favorite things about writing is research. Coming from the ex-NASA engineer/scientist, I suppose that's not much of a shock. But I really like exploring all the features of the worlds I dream up in my novels.
My paranormal/SF novel Open Minds (Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy) takes place in a future world where everything is the same … except that now everyone reads minds. In the story world, it started out as a few kids who reached puberty and then suddenly could read minds. But it quickly spread until literally the entire world had changed into mindreaders.
One of the first things I constructed for this future world, was its past. I believe that the best worldbuilding is dynamic: it has a past, a present, and a future. The story may take place in the present, but it's just a snapshot of the evolution of this world—one story of many that could take place in it. In fact, that DO take place in it, although off camera and in ways that only tangentially affect the novel.
Having those details is what makes the story come alive.
As any society evolves, they bring some of the traditions of the past with them, while creating new traditions to fit the changes. For a mindreading world, I imagined there would be a significant ceremony that marks the change (which usually happens around age 12, and denotes the entrée of a non-mindreading child into the adult world of mindreaders). Societies have long had a tradition of marking adolescence with some kind of ceremony, although that's faded somewhat in recent times (at least in the U.S.). Perhaps getting your driver's license is the "coming of age" ritual in America today, but in the future world of Open Minds, a child's "Change Party" is the big milestone (one that Kira, the non-mindreading zero, will never have). Change Parties only get a passing mention in the final book, but in an earlier draft, the description went something like this:
Trina changed with that first wave in eighth grade. When her new mindreading ability stopped flipping on and off, I went to her change party and watched her run off with the other changelings for some secret rite that only mindreaders knew. I waited patiently for my turn to change, while one by one my friends moved on. But when Raf changed, I got desperate. An online site claimed guzzling gallons of water would trigger the change, but I only made myself sick trying. Nearly everyone changed by the end of freshman year.
In the final version, almost all of that was cut. But I had already created it in my head, and it still informed much of the storytelling, especially Kira's sense of desperation, and how all the characters had lived through this shift in their relationships.
There were many other aspects of this future world that I explored (with my mind!), some in the early drafts, some later. Some tidbits didn't get added until the last draft or two. Here are some of my very early notes on building a mindreading world:
Religions spring up that concentrate on only thinking good thoughts.Would people take drugs to block the sending out of thoughts?Jury of your peers would be unnecessary - a judge can tell if a person is guilty or innocent.Are there no stories? No fictions? Fictions are just lies, yes?What does the school do to help changelings mold their skills?
Everything from architecture to politics to entertainment was touched in some way by mindreading. Other things remained the same, or evolved in a way that had nothing to do with mindreading, but simply because the story takes place nearly 100 years in the future. Things like transportation and financial systems.
Like I said, research is one of my favorite parts of writing, but the story is what really matters. By creating a dynamic, detailed background, Kira's world became a colorful character in her story of isolation and struggling to fit in. The world pushes and pulls Kira, and she pushes and pulls back. One of my favorite lines in the book (which was there almost from the first draft) is this:
The world and I were at a standoff, waiting for me to change, but the world didn't care. If I never changed, it would move on and leave me trying to catch up in a race I would never win.
The worldbuilding isn't the story. But I am glad I get to play around in Kira's world some more in Book Two, Closed Hearts . *********************See more guest posts about Open Minds at the Virtual Launch Party !
When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep.Sixteen-year-old Kira Moore is a zero, someone who can't read thoughts or be read by others. Zeros are outcasts who can't be trusted, leaving her no chance with Raf, a regular mindreader and the best friend she secretly loves. When she accidentally controls Raf's mind and nearly kills him, Kira tries to hide her frightening new ability from her family and an increasingly suspicious Raf. But lies tangle around her, and she's dragged deep into a hidden world of mindjackers, where having to mind control everyone she loves is just the beginning of the deadly choices before her.
Open Minds (Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy) by Susan Kaye Quinn is available in e-book (Amazon US (also UK, France and Germany), Barnes & Noble, Smashwords) and print (Amazon, Createspace, also autographed copies available from the author).*********************
PRIZES! Susan Kaye Quinn is giving away an Open Books/Open Minds t-shirt, mug, and some fun wristbands to celebrate the Virtual Launch Party of Open Minds (Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy)! (Check out the prizes here.)
Three ways to enter (you can have multiple entries):1) Leave a comment here or at the Virtual Launch Party post
2) Tweet (with tag #keepingOPENMINDS)
Example: When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep. #keepingOPENMINDS @susankayequinn #SF #YA avail NOW http://bit.ly/SKQOpenMinds
Example: Celebrate the launch of OPEN MINDS by @susankayequinn #keepingOPENMINDS #SciFi #paranormal #YA avail NOW http://bit.ly/SKQOpenMinds
3) Facebook (tag @AuthorSusanKayeQuinn)
Example: Celebrate the launch of paranormal/SF novel OPEN MINDS by @AuthorSusanKayeQuinn for a chance to win Open Books/Open Minds prizes! http://bit.ly/SKQOpenMinds
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October 28, 2011
Killer Blogfest - Favorite Antagonist
If you're looking for my Spooktacular Giveaway, click here.
--- I wanted to pick Darth Vadar but he's a cinema villain, not a literary one.
Instead I picked the Grinch. (Some might argue that he's not an antagonist, that he's a villain protagonist, but I like to think that little Cindy Lou Who is the protagonist.)
Credit for picture
I'm a sucker for villains that can carry the weight of the story on their shoulders, that are fully formed and multi-dimensional, and that change over the course of the story.
The Grinch tries to ruin Christmas. Seriously, who does that? Who doesn't like Christmas?
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Credit for picture
"It could be because his head wasn't screwed on just right, or his shoes were too tight, or perhaps, the best reason of all was that because his heart was two sizes too small."
So he steals from the good people of Whoville, taking their presents and decorations and feast.
How the do the Whos react on Christmas morning? "They're just waking up! I know just what they'll do! Their mouths will hang open a minute or two then the Whos down in Who-ville will all cry Boo-Hoo!"
Nope. They sing. Their hearts are still full with Christmas joy.
Their love dramatically transforms the Grinch. His heart grows three times larger, and he grows to love the Whos. He even carves the roast beast.
Credit for picture
The best villains are the ones that touch us and change us. The Grinch is one of the first villains we are introduced to and has a lasting effect on us through the years.
[image error]
--- I wanted to pick Darth Vadar but he's a cinema villain, not a literary one.
Instead I picked the Grinch. (Some might argue that he's not an antagonist, that he's a villain protagonist, but I like to think that little Cindy Lou Who is the protagonist.)
Credit for picture
I'm a sucker for villains that can carry the weight of the story on their shoulders, that are fully formed and multi-dimensional, and that change over the course of the story.
The Grinch tries to ruin Christmas. Seriously, who does that? Who doesn't like Christmas?
[image error]
Credit for picture
"It could be because his head wasn't screwed on just right, or his shoes were too tight, or perhaps, the best reason of all was that because his heart was two sizes too small."
So he steals from the good people of Whoville, taking their presents and decorations and feast.
How the do the Whos react on Christmas morning? "They're just waking up! I know just what they'll do! Their mouths will hang open a minute or two then the Whos down in Who-ville will all cry Boo-Hoo!"
Nope. They sing. Their hearts are still full with Christmas joy.
Their love dramatically transforms the Grinch. His heart grows three times larger, and he grows to love the Whos. He even carves the roast beast.
Credit for picture
The best villains are the ones that touch us and change us. The Grinch is one of the first villains we are introduced to and has a lasting effect on us through the years.
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October 27, 2011
Creature (Feng Huang) and Question of the Week
If you're looking for my Spooktacular Giveaway, click here.
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This week's creature is Feng Huang, the Chinese version of the Phoenix.
Credit for picture
Next to the dragon, Feng Huang is the most respected mythical creature in China. It is the king of the birds.Feng Huang has fiery and colorful tail feathers, like a peacock, with the head and body like a pheasant.
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Credit for picture
Feng Huang is immortal and embodies the virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and sincerity.
Credit for picture
Originally, Feng Huang was two birds: Feng was male / yang and the symbol of the solar cycle while Huang was female / ying and the cycle of the lunar cycle. Pictures of the two birds together symbolized undying love.
Credit for picture
There's a Chinese saying: "When the Dragon soars and the Phoenix dances, the people will enjoy happiness for years, bringing peace and tranquility to all under heaven." The Dragon is the symbol of the Chinese emperor and the Phoenix of the Chinese empress.
Next week, I'll feature the Vetala, a nasty vampire-like creature just perfect to feature on Halloween.
Credit for picture
This week's question:What's your favorite part about Halloween? Your favorite candy? Are you dressing up this year? What are your Halloween plans for this year?
Me? I love watching kids as they get all excited about Halloween. I love Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, especially the pumpkin shaped ones. I don't know if I'm gonna dress up this year or what my plans are. Unfortunately, hubby has to work during our town's trick or treat, and we haven't taken the kiddies trick or treating yet so I don't know if I want to take them myself and have hubby miss out. :/
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This week's creature is Feng Huang, the Chinese version of the Phoenix.
Credit for picture
Next to the dragon, Feng Huang is the most respected mythical creature in China. It is the king of the birds.Feng Huang has fiery and colorful tail feathers, like a peacock, with the head and body like a pheasant.
[image error]
Credit for picture
Feng Huang is immortal and embodies the virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and sincerity.
Credit for picture
Originally, Feng Huang was two birds: Feng was male / yang and the symbol of the solar cycle while Huang was female / ying and the cycle of the lunar cycle. Pictures of the two birds together symbolized undying love.
Credit for picture
There's a Chinese saying: "When the Dragon soars and the Phoenix dances, the people will enjoy happiness for years, bringing peace and tranquility to all under heaven." The Dragon is the symbol of the Chinese emperor and the Phoenix of the Chinese empress.
Next week, I'll feature the Vetala, a nasty vampire-like creature just perfect to feature on Halloween.
Credit for picture
This week's question:What's your favorite part about Halloween? Your favorite candy? Are you dressing up this year? What are your Halloween plans for this year?
Me? I love watching kids as they get all excited about Halloween. I love Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, especially the pumpkin shaped ones. I don't know if I'm gonna dress up this year or what my plans are. Unfortunately, hubby has to work during our town's trick or treat, and we haven't taken the kiddies trick or treating yet so I don't know if I want to take them myself and have hubby miss out. :/
October 26, 2011
Killer Blogfest - Favorite Protagonist
If you're looking for my Spooktacular Giveaway, click here.
And in case you missed my Killer Blogfest Supporting Character post about Artax, click here.
---
I had a hard time picking my favorite protagonist. I thought about Anne from Green Gables since that book was the first one I reread and reread and reread countless times.
Instead, I picked the MC from one of my favorite stories of all times.
Jean Valjean from Les Miserables.
Why is Valjean a hero in my eyes?
[image error] For starters, he stole bread to feed his sister's children. Family is hugely important to me.
Prison for his theft makes Valjean bitter and cynical, and he resorts to stealing again from a kind bishop. When he is caught by the police, the bishop tells them that the silver had been a gift, that Valjean hadn't stolen them.
And just like that, Valjean is given a second chance at life and he spares no time turning it around.
When he unknowingly wrongs a woman, he goes about setting things right and adopts her child when she dies. Valjean loves Cosette as if she were his own flesh and blood. He is the best father he can be to her.
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And when Cosette fell in love, Valjean did not stand in the way despite not liking Marius. He just wanted her to be happy. Happiness wishes everyone happy.
Although Valjean is a convict, he becomes a virtuous man of great moral character. His honor and loyalty had no limit. He possesses the best traits of humanity.
The world would be a much better place if there were more Jean Valjean's living in it.
[image error]
And in case you missed my Killer Blogfest Supporting Character post about Artax, click here.
---
I had a hard time picking my favorite protagonist. I thought about Anne from Green Gables since that book was the first one I reread and reread and reread countless times.
Instead, I picked the MC from one of my favorite stories of all times.
Jean Valjean from Les Miserables.
Why is Valjean a hero in my eyes?
[image error] For starters, he stole bread to feed his sister's children. Family is hugely important to me.
Prison for his theft makes Valjean bitter and cynical, and he resorts to stealing again from a kind bishop. When he is caught by the police, the bishop tells them that the silver had been a gift, that Valjean hadn't stolen them.
And just like that, Valjean is given a second chance at life and he spares no time turning it around.
When he unknowingly wrongs a woman, he goes about setting things right and adopts her child when she dies. Valjean loves Cosette as if she were his own flesh and blood. He is the best father he can be to her.
[image error]
And when Cosette fell in love, Valjean did not stand in the way despite not liking Marius. He just wanted her to be happy. Happiness wishes everyone happy.
Although Valjean is a convict, he becomes a virtuous man of great moral character. His honor and loyalty had no limit. He possesses the best traits of humanity.
The world would be a much better place if there were more Jean Valjean's living in it.
[image error]
October 25, 2011
Internet Book Fair Blogfest and Weekly Progress Report
If you're looking for my Spooktacular Giveaway, click here.
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M.A. Leslie is hosting an Internet Book Fair today! So today I'm highlighting WOMAN OF HONOR, the first book in my Kingdom of Arnhem fantasy romance series.
WOMAN OF HONOR is the story of Aislinn, a young girl who wants to become a knight.
Currently it is only available in ebook format, but sometime next year, WOMAN OF HONOR will be available in print!
Some reviews:
"Woman of Honor has all the best elements of an epic adventure – danger, self-discovery, unrequited love, true romance, and noble expectations....Woman of Honor provides a refreshing escape from the standard, making it a novel worth enjoying more than once." Becca Dale - Got Romance! Reviews
"Nicole Zoltack provides a well crafted story that focuses on emotion and anticipation. Not only a book that a young adult would enjoy, but a woman of any age who wants to enjoy romance and a strong heroine and how she gained her strength." Em Epe - Dark Diva Reviews
"This was such a interesting read to watch the characters mature from children to young adults. This book kept be interested from the very beginning ... I kept urging Aislinn on to make her dream come true." Lynn - Books Books and More Books
"...I found Woman of Honor an enjoyable, fast-paced read and look forward to more in the series..." Classic Romance Revival
"This is a very wonderful story about a girl's dream and her chance to achieve it" CoffeeTime Romance
With sword fights, passionate love, mythical creatures, and courtly games, Woman of Honor is my kind of book...In conclusion, I thoroughly recommend this book for everyone that enjoys fantasy, romance and adventure! I will be eagerly awaiting the sequel, Knight of Glory. Book Reviews by Aubrie
"This novel was so emotionally moving my heart literally ached... Bottom line...Woman of Honor is a well-told, emotionally gripping story. I was literally swept away into the battle scenes, the romance, the fierce loyalty and honor even if it went against matters of the heart. I nearly cried several times while reading this story and was so engrossed a bomb could have gone off outside and I would've kept reading...And talk about an ending that leaves you begging for more. Sheesh! But it was more than satisfying." Michelle Sutton - Author of Danger at the Door and First Impressions (Posted at Goodreads)
"Nicole Zoltack's Woman of Honor weaves the tale of the first lady knight of Arnhem. Sprinkled with historical facts, bullies, and a good dose of love and honor, Woman of Honor is a coming of age novel set in the fantastical medieval world of Arnhem Kingdom...By the end, I craved more from this fantastical world, and I'm glad Ms. Zoltack supplied it in her next book." Raven and the Writing Desk Blog
"Full of action and adventure, Ms Zoltak has created a wonderful tale which keeps the pages turning right up until the heart stopping conclusion and leaves the reader wanting more." Happily Ever After Reviews
"In this captivating medieval fantasy romance, Aislinn dreams of becoming a lady knight to honor the death of her fallen brother, and King Patrick grants her wish. Despite the mockery of the other pages, Aislinn commits herself to her dreams and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, and falls in love with Prince Caelan. Aislinn is willing to give up her childhood, her life, and even her heart for her kingdom." Renaissance Magazine - November 2009
Purchase links:
From Amazon (4.99)
From Desert Breeze Publishing (5.99)
From Barnes and Noble (5.99)
From Sony (5.69)
From All Romance eBooks (5.99)
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Weekly Progress Report:
Well, we're back home from Erie and I manged to finish the editing job that I had started last week. I now have another one that I'm hoping to turn in by the end of the month.
I'm planning on working hard to finish my MG fantasy story before November. I'm hoping to have this story and my Nano story done (well, rough drafts anyways) before the new year. Am I crazy? Yes I am. Especially since I'm also taking part in PiBo (30 PB ideas in 30 days also in November)
I'm also reading DEAD OF NIGHT by Jonathan Maberry. I'll be posting a review as soon as I finish it.
Since Halloween is coming, there are a couple of chances to win my short paranormal YA story, Seeing for the First Time. One is here, the other is here.
Also, Laura had me on her blog as a Savvy Sensation! I would love for you to check it out!
So what have you been up to this past week? Anything fun or new or exciting?
Check out some other great progress report this week:
http://www.writersally.blogspot.com/
http://jc-martin.com/fighterwriter/
http://waibelworld.blogspot.com
http://susanfieldswriter.blogspot.com
http://skmayhew.blogspot.com/p/tuesday-wip-status.html
http://margoberendsen.blogspot.com
http://www.sherryauger.blogspot.com
http://www.susanoloier.blogspot.com--in/
http://carrieannebrownian.wordpress.com/
http://lynneawest.blogspot.com
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M.A. Leslie is hosting an Internet Book Fair today! So today I'm highlighting WOMAN OF HONOR, the first book in my Kingdom of Arnhem fantasy romance series.
WOMAN OF HONOR is the story of Aislinn, a young girl who wants to become a knight.Currently it is only available in ebook format, but sometime next year, WOMAN OF HONOR will be available in print!
Some reviews:
"Woman of Honor has all the best elements of an epic adventure – danger, self-discovery, unrequited love, true romance, and noble expectations....Woman of Honor provides a refreshing escape from the standard, making it a novel worth enjoying more than once." Becca Dale - Got Romance! Reviews
"Nicole Zoltack provides a well crafted story that focuses on emotion and anticipation. Not only a book that a young adult would enjoy, but a woman of any age who wants to enjoy romance and a strong heroine and how she gained her strength." Em Epe - Dark Diva Reviews
"This was such a interesting read to watch the characters mature from children to young adults. This book kept be interested from the very beginning ... I kept urging Aislinn on to make her dream come true." Lynn - Books Books and More Books
"...I found Woman of Honor an enjoyable, fast-paced read and look forward to more in the series..." Classic Romance Revival
"This is a very wonderful story about a girl's dream and her chance to achieve it" CoffeeTime Romance
With sword fights, passionate love, mythical creatures, and courtly games, Woman of Honor is my kind of book...In conclusion, I thoroughly recommend this book for everyone that enjoys fantasy, romance and adventure! I will be eagerly awaiting the sequel, Knight of Glory. Book Reviews by Aubrie
"This novel was so emotionally moving my heart literally ached... Bottom line...Woman of Honor is a well-told, emotionally gripping story. I was literally swept away into the battle scenes, the romance, the fierce loyalty and honor even if it went against matters of the heart. I nearly cried several times while reading this story and was so engrossed a bomb could have gone off outside and I would've kept reading...And talk about an ending that leaves you begging for more. Sheesh! But it was more than satisfying." Michelle Sutton - Author of Danger at the Door and First Impressions (Posted at Goodreads)
"Nicole Zoltack's Woman of Honor weaves the tale of the first lady knight of Arnhem. Sprinkled with historical facts, bullies, and a good dose of love and honor, Woman of Honor is a coming of age novel set in the fantastical medieval world of Arnhem Kingdom...By the end, I craved more from this fantastical world, and I'm glad Ms. Zoltack supplied it in her next book." Raven and the Writing Desk Blog
"Full of action and adventure, Ms Zoltak has created a wonderful tale which keeps the pages turning right up until the heart stopping conclusion and leaves the reader wanting more." Happily Ever After Reviews
"In this captivating medieval fantasy romance, Aislinn dreams of becoming a lady knight to honor the death of her fallen brother, and King Patrick grants her wish. Despite the mockery of the other pages, Aislinn commits herself to her dreams and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, and falls in love with Prince Caelan. Aislinn is willing to give up her childhood, her life, and even her heart for her kingdom." Renaissance Magazine - November 2009
Purchase links:
From Amazon (4.99)
From Desert Breeze Publishing (5.99)
From Barnes and Noble (5.99)
From Sony (5.69)
From All Romance eBooks (5.99)
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Weekly Progress Report:
Well, we're back home from Erie and I manged to finish the editing job that I had started last week. I now have another one that I'm hoping to turn in by the end of the month.
I'm planning on working hard to finish my MG fantasy story before November. I'm hoping to have this story and my Nano story done (well, rough drafts anyways) before the new year. Am I crazy? Yes I am. Especially since I'm also taking part in PiBo (30 PB ideas in 30 days also in November)
I'm also reading DEAD OF NIGHT by Jonathan Maberry. I'll be posting a review as soon as I finish it.
Since Halloween is coming, there are a couple of chances to win my short paranormal YA story, Seeing for the First Time. One is here, the other is here.
Also, Laura had me on her blog as a Savvy Sensation! I would love for you to check it out!
So what have you been up to this past week? Anything fun or new or exciting?
Check out some other great progress report this week:
http://www.writersally.blogspot.com/
http://jc-martin.com/fighterwriter/
http://waibelworld.blogspot.com
http://susanfieldswriter.blogspot.com
http://skmayhew.blogspot.com/p/tuesday-wip-status.html
http://margoberendsen.blogspot.com
http://www.sherryauger.blogspot.com
http://www.susanoloier.blogspot.com--in/
http://carrieannebrownian.wordpress.com/
http://lynneawest.blogspot.com
October 24, 2011
Killer Characters - Supporting Character
If you're looking for my Spooktacular Giveaway, click here.
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It was hard picking my favorite literary supporting character because there are so many awesome ones out there. I thought about Sam. Frodo wouldn't have gotten far without Sam. I thought about Hermonie, my favorite character from the Harry Potter series. And Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.
But I didn't pick any of those.
I didn't even pick a human character.
My favorite supporting character is Artax.
I've always loved horses so when I first saw The Neverending Story, Artax was my favorite character. His friendship with Atreyu was beautiful. They had so many adventures together that led them to the Swamp of Sadness.I was devastated the first time I watched Artax die. I could not stop crying.
It's the characters that we feel for, that we love, that leave lasting impressions on us, and Artax did for me.
When I started a story in the 6th grade, I needed a name for a boy that wasn't from Earth. I immediately thought of Artax. Unfortunately, I had loaned my copy of The Neverending Story to a friend, so I misspelled his name as Artex.
I tried to make Artex as strong of a character as Artax, as brave, as loyal, as true. We all need friends like Artax in our lives, someone who will be there for us, through thick and thin, who will be willing to die for us so we can achieve our goals.
May all of our friends be like Artax.
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It was hard picking my favorite literary supporting character because there are so many awesome ones out there. I thought about Sam. Frodo wouldn't have gotten far without Sam. I thought about Hermonie, my favorite character from the Harry Potter series. And Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.
But I didn't pick any of those.
I didn't even pick a human character.
My favorite supporting character is Artax.
I've always loved horses so when I first saw The Neverending Story, Artax was my favorite character. His friendship with Atreyu was beautiful. They had so many adventures together that led them to the Swamp of Sadness.I was devastated the first time I watched Artax die. I could not stop crying.
It's the characters that we feel for, that we love, that leave lasting impressions on us, and Artax did for me.
When I started a story in the 6th grade, I needed a name for a boy that wasn't from Earth. I immediately thought of Artax. Unfortunately, I had loaned my copy of The Neverending Story to a friend, so I misspelled his name as Artex.I tried to make Artex as strong of a character as Artax, as brave, as loyal, as true. We all need friends like Artax in our lives, someone who will be there for us, through thick and thin, who will be willing to die for us so we can achieve our goals.
May all of our friends be like Artax.
October 23, 2011
Spooktacular giveaway!
Halloween is coming so it's time for a spooky giveaway! Kathy at I Am a Reader, Not a Writer has hosting a Spooktacular Giveaway Hop.Normally I give away reader's choice from my Kingdom of Arnhem series but since they're fantasy romances, they don't quite fit the Halloween theme.
Instead, I'm going to give away a PDF copy of SEEING FOR THE FIRST TIME, the first short story in my What You See is What You Get YA paranormal series (total of 6 books - so far the first 4 are available in ebook format).
[image error] SEEING FOR THE FIRST TIME: For the last ten years, Ana has spent summers with her Gram. With nothing to do, the closest beach two hours away, and Gram, who Ana is convinced is crazy, always in her garden talking to things that aren't there, Ana is bored out of her mind.
One day, Ana sees strange colors floating around Gram as she works in her garden. Gram says they're fairies. She can "See" them, and there are others who can see things. Ana's a Seer, too.
When Gram gives Ana a book that explains about the many different creatures, like selkies, unicorns, vampires, and others, Ana gets curious. She is shocked when she comes across the entry about famous werewolf hunters - her parents.
Determined to learn where she fits in, Ana's summer gets a lot more exciting as she sets off to find out what she can "see." Only problem is, she's not sure what to do when she finally discovers the truth. And she's not sure she'll live to tell anyone.
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But that's not all! Depending on how many people enter the contest, I'll add additional winners. The grand prize winner will win books 1-4 in the series!
So how do you enter?
+1 Be a follower and leave a comment with your email
Extra entries:
+2 Be a twitter follower
+2 Tweet about the contest (leave link in comments)
+5 Like my facebook page
+5 Blog about the contest (leave link in comments)
+5 Add me to your blog roll
Good luck and be sure to check out all of the other giveaways in the Spooktacular giveaway hop!
October 19, 2011
Question of the Week
Credit for picture
This week's question: Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees? How about a vampire or a werewolf?
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