Anne Elisabeth Stengl's Blog, page 6
June 9, 2015
Thoughts on Deadlines as Offered by My Father
So my father was made aware this morning that I am struggling. Struggling like nobody's business to meet this deadline for Poison Crown: The Smallman's Heir. A deadline which I have to meet in order to meet the subsequent deadline for Poison Crown: The House of Lights, another deadline which I have to meet in order to meet the deadline for the next project, and the project after that, and the project after that, and so forth.
I love deadlines. I mean, I hate them too, but boy do I love them. They motivate me, and I usually meet them. It's a rare, rare day that I don't. So the fact that I have kept missing deadlines for Poison Crown--which was supposed to be finished before Christmas, and then before the end of March, and then before the end of May--has been very hard to take. Hard on my pride. Hard on my inspiration. Hard on my motivation, even.
So, as I said above, my father--a former military fighter pilot, who knows a thing or two about pressure--heard about this struggle, and he offered three separate interesting thoughts. Not advice, per se. My father doesn't like to give advice. He has phobia against it. Just thoughts. They are as follows:
"Flexibility is the key to air power."
"The Normandy Invasion was scheduled for 1943."
"Remember the Challenger."
The first one is an United States Air Force mantra. Bearing in mind that the United States boasts the proudest and most powerful air force in the world, it's interesting to note their emphasis on flexibility. Not one of my own personal strong suits in my constant bid to meet the next deadline.
The second one refers, of course, to the Normandy Invasion of 1944. The most famous invasion of WWII and one of the most important. Interesting to note the difference between the scheduled date and the actual date. The point being--don't launch until you're prepared.
Which leads us to that third statement of my father's: "Remember the Challenger."
In 1986 (only a few months before I was born), NASA pushed to meet a deadline--the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger. A deadline they felt they could not afford to miss, considering all the people involved in the project, all the money already spent, all the livelihoods invested, all the resources expended, etc. etc. So they did everything in their power to meet that deadline, no matter what, no matter the setbacks. And meet it they did.
And they destroyed the shuttle and lost the lives of all seven crew members.
Will my pushing to meet a deadline result in death and destruction? No. Will my putting off my deadline until I can reasonably meet it result in the end of a World War? Not so much.
Still, I found this rather useful food for thought. So if you should hear me going about my day whispering, "Flexibility is the key to air power," don't worry!
I'm just thinking . . .
The release date of Poison Crown: The Smallman's Heir remains forthcoming.
I love deadlines. I mean, I hate them too, but boy do I love them. They motivate me, and I usually meet them. It's a rare, rare day that I don't. So the fact that I have kept missing deadlines for Poison Crown--which was supposed to be finished before Christmas, and then before the end of March, and then before the end of May--has been very hard to take. Hard on my pride. Hard on my inspiration. Hard on my motivation, even.
So, as I said above, my father--a former military fighter pilot, who knows a thing or two about pressure--heard about this struggle, and he offered three separate interesting thoughts. Not advice, per se. My father doesn't like to give advice. He has phobia against it. Just thoughts. They are as follows:
"Flexibility is the key to air power."
"The Normandy Invasion was scheduled for 1943."
"Remember the Challenger."
The first one is an United States Air Force mantra. Bearing in mind that the United States boasts the proudest and most powerful air force in the world, it's interesting to note their emphasis on flexibility. Not one of my own personal strong suits in my constant bid to meet the next deadline.
The second one refers, of course, to the Normandy Invasion of 1944. The most famous invasion of WWII and one of the most important. Interesting to note the difference between the scheduled date and the actual date. The point being--don't launch until you're prepared.
Which leads us to that third statement of my father's: "Remember the Challenger."
In 1986 (only a few months before I was born), NASA pushed to meet a deadline--the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger. A deadline they felt they could not afford to miss, considering all the people involved in the project, all the money already spent, all the livelihoods invested, all the resources expended, etc. etc. So they did everything in their power to meet that deadline, no matter what, no matter the setbacks. And meet it they did.
And they destroyed the shuttle and lost the lives of all seven crew members.
Will my pushing to meet a deadline result in death and destruction? No. Will my putting off my deadline until I can reasonably meet it result in the end of a World War? Not so much.
Still, I found this rather useful food for thought. So if you should hear me going about my day whispering, "Flexibility is the key to air power," don't worry!
I'm just thinking . . .
The release date of Poison Crown: The Smallman's Heir remains forthcoming.
June 5, 2015
Cover Reveal - AFTER by Savannah Jezowski
I am delighted to participate in the cover reveal for Savannah Jezowski's upcoming winter release! Savannah used to be one of my writing students, and I was always so impressed with her incredible imagination, elegant way with words, raw and emotional characters, and her amazing mastery of first-person narrative. Truly a uniquely gifted writer!
She is also one of the authors featured in Five Enchanted Roses , her story, "Wither," the second offering in the collection. The world of "Wither" is one of the most fascinating I have ever read in speculative fiction, and I cannot tell you how delighted I am that Savannah is continuing to write a whole series of loosely-connected stories set in that same world--THE NEVERWAY CHRONICLES.
I will race you to be the first to order my copy of this prequel adventure as soon as it is available!
"Some people might say that there are worse fates than death. In some worlds, perhaps that may well be the case. But in mine, it would be a lie. There is no greater horror than that which comes after death."
On the streets of an ancient city, with creepers wandering at will and a mysterious assassin leaving corpses all over Pandorum, a young Spook with a dark secret will do anything to keep his brothers safe, even from forces that threaten to tear them apart from within. While others are searching for impossible cures from outlawed Spinners, Conrad Ellis III does not believe in fairy tales and miracles. But when he discovers a strange girl with shrouded ties to the Assassin, Eli is forced to leave the streets he loves and travel into the very heart of Pandorum in order to save a member of his family. With his health failing and corpses escalating, he will have no choice but to confront the darkest corners of his soul Because if he fails, if his secret is discovered, his life will not be the only one forfeited.
SAVANNAH JEZOWSKI lives in a drafty farmhouse in Amish country with her Knight in Shining Armor, who is no less shiny after eight years of matrimony, and a loyal brigade of kitties, who may or may not sleep on the job. She loves to write Christian fantasy and science fiction for her husband and brothers. Her work has been published in Ray Gun Revival, Mindflights and in the student publication of Fountains at Pensacola Christian College. She is also a featured author in Five Enchanted Roses from RooglewoodPress, coming July 27, 2015. She likes books, faeries, writing hats, and having tea with her imaginary friends.
She is also one of the authors featured in Five Enchanted Roses , her story, "Wither," the second offering in the collection. The world of "Wither" is one of the most fascinating I have ever read in speculative fiction, and I cannot tell you how delighted I am that Savannah is continuing to write a whole series of loosely-connected stories set in that same world--THE NEVERWAY CHRONICLES.
I will race you to be the first to order my copy of this prequel adventure as soon as it is available!
"Some people might say that there are worse fates than death. In some worlds, perhaps that may well be the case. But in mine, it would be a lie. There is no greater horror than that which comes after death."
On the streets of an ancient city, with creepers wandering at will and a mysterious assassin leaving corpses all over Pandorum, a young Spook with a dark secret will do anything to keep his brothers safe, even from forces that threaten to tear them apart from within. While others are searching for impossible cures from outlawed Spinners, Conrad Ellis III does not believe in fairy tales and miracles. But when he discovers a strange girl with shrouded ties to the Assassin, Eli is forced to leave the streets he loves and travel into the very heart of Pandorum in order to save a member of his family. With his health failing and corpses escalating, he will have no choice but to confront the darkest corners of his soul Because if he fails, if his secret is discovered, his life will not be the only one forfeited.
SAVANNAH JEZOWSKI lives in a drafty farmhouse in Amish country with her Knight in Shining Armor, who is no less shiny after eight years of matrimony, and a loyal brigade of kitties, who may or may not sleep on the job. She loves to write Christian fantasy and science fiction for her husband and brothers. Her work has been published in Ray Gun Revival, Mindflights and in the student publication of Fountains at Pensacola Christian College. She is also a featured author in Five Enchanted Roses from RooglewoodPress, coming July 27, 2015. She likes books, faeries, writing hats, and having tea with her imaginary friends.
June 4, 2015
Newsletter and Mini-Magazine
I want to take a moment--in the midst of all the rest of the crazies--to talk up the TWO new exciting, marketing-related projects I have been working on lately: namely, the revamping of both my own and the Rooglewood Press newsletter.
I have been considering this step for quite some time, never feeling fully satisfied with the newsletters I've been sending out. I know I mentioned it in my previous "Doings at Drakenheath" post, but it bears repeating. I want these newsletters to be more about the FANS and not so much about peddling product. Will I still be using the newsletters to alert subscribers to new releases and specials? Absolutely. But now I am going to offer so much more.
Oh, and did I mention up there that the revamping includes the Rooglewood Press newsletter too? Because, oh my! Does it ever . . .
After much brainstorming with my team, we have decided to relaunch the Rooglewood newsletter as what we are referring to as our "mini-magazine." Once every quarter (on the 12th of March, June, September, and December), we will be sending out new editions of the "Rooglewood Quarterly," which will include interesting and entertaining articles written by at least three different contributors (sometimes four, depending on the month). Each issue will prominently feature one of our Five Fairy Tales authors in a special guest post. You'll also find fun articles on the currently-running writing contest, and a delightful regular feature on research called, "So You Want to Write Historical Novels." (The first article in this series is on researching clothing. It's both a hoot and very informative.)
Let me also mention that we will be offering "flash giveaways" each issue, giving one randomly-selected subscriber a chance to claim a fun Rooglewood Press prize. (For our inaugural edition, we're doing a special two-part giveaway!)
Anyway, all of this to say YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY SIGN UP! It's completely free, highly entertaining (if I do say it myself), thoughtful, and unique. Oh, and did I mention it's pretty? I'm serious, now. We've got the first edition almost ready to launch, and it is quite lovely to look at.
And let's not forget "The Haven Chronicler," which has gone through a similar massive revamping. Indeed, this newsletter will look very little like the sporadic email of advertisements you used to find randomly in your inboxes. Starting on July 1, subscribers will receive a fun periodical offering a variety of articles, including a Q&A (answering questions YOU have asked), a People and Places article (highlighting different characters or places found in Goldstone Wood), a Featured Fan article (showcasing awesome new fan art contributions), Flash Giveaways (oh yes, I'm doing those too!), and a Tricks and Tips article (on creative writing for the writerly folks among my reading audience).
And . . . this first issue will feature the cover reveal for Poison Crown: The Smallman's Heir.
That's right: Subscribers to my newsletter will be the FIRST to glimpse this beautiful new cover design (I just got the final image yesterday, and I'm very excited to share it), not to mention the reveal of the premise, time period in relation to the other books, and some of the major characters.
Subscribers will also be given a special pass code to gain access to the full prologue of The Smallman's Heir. Which means you'll get to read the first 4,500 words of this story before everyone else. (But you'll have to be quick! The pass code will only work between July 1-14.)
So again, if you have not signed up for my newsletter already, NOW IS THE TIME. The first edition is going out on July 1 (as stated above), and subsequent issues will find their way to your inboxes on October 1, January 1, and April 1.
Are you excited? I know I am!
I have been considering this step for quite some time, never feeling fully satisfied with the newsletters I've been sending out. I know I mentioned it in my previous "Doings at Drakenheath" post, but it bears repeating. I want these newsletters to be more about the FANS and not so much about peddling product. Will I still be using the newsletters to alert subscribers to new releases and specials? Absolutely. But now I am going to offer so much more.
Oh, and did I mention up there that the revamping includes the Rooglewood Press newsletter too? Because, oh my! Does it ever . . .
After much brainstorming with my team, we have decided to relaunch the Rooglewood newsletter as what we are referring to as our "mini-magazine." Once every quarter (on the 12th of March, June, September, and December), we will be sending out new editions of the "Rooglewood Quarterly," which will include interesting and entertaining articles written by at least three different contributors (sometimes four, depending on the month). Each issue will prominently feature one of our Five Fairy Tales authors in a special guest post. You'll also find fun articles on the currently-running writing contest, and a delightful regular feature on research called, "So You Want to Write Historical Novels." (The first article in this series is on researching clothing. It's both a hoot and very informative.)
Let me also mention that we will be offering "flash giveaways" each issue, giving one randomly-selected subscriber a chance to claim a fun Rooglewood Press prize. (For our inaugural edition, we're doing a special two-part giveaway!)
Anyway, all of this to say YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY SIGN UP! It's completely free, highly entertaining (if I do say it myself), thoughtful, and unique. Oh, and did I mention it's pretty? I'm serious, now. We've got the first edition almost ready to launch, and it is quite lovely to look at.
And let's not forget "The Haven Chronicler," which has gone through a similar massive revamping. Indeed, this newsletter will look very little like the sporadic email of advertisements you used to find randomly in your inboxes. Starting on July 1, subscribers will receive a fun periodical offering a variety of articles, including a Q&A (answering questions YOU have asked), a People and Places article (highlighting different characters or places found in Goldstone Wood), a Featured Fan article (showcasing awesome new fan art contributions), Flash Giveaways (oh yes, I'm doing those too!), and a Tricks and Tips article (on creative writing for the writerly folks among my reading audience).
And . . . this first issue will feature the cover reveal for Poison Crown: The Smallman's Heir.
That's right: Subscribers to my newsletter will be the FIRST to glimpse this beautiful new cover design (I just got the final image yesterday, and I'm very excited to share it), not to mention the reveal of the premise, time period in relation to the other books, and some of the major characters.
Subscribers will also be given a special pass code to gain access to the full prologue of The Smallman's Heir. Which means you'll get to read the first 4,500 words of this story before everyone else. (But you'll have to be quick! The pass code will only work between July 1-14.)
So again, if you have not signed up for my newsletter already, NOW IS THE TIME. The first edition is going out on July 1 (as stated above), and subsequent issues will find their way to your inboxes on October 1, January 1, and April 1.
Are you excited? I know I am!
June 1, 2015
3rd Rooglewood Press Creative Writing Contest
Dear Imps and Authors and Aspiring Novelists . . . the time has come! The time to reveal the cover and story for our 3rd creative writing contest. Get ready for the writing event of the year! I give to you:
FIVE MAGIC SPINDLESA Collection of "Sleeping Beauty" Stories
The challenge is to write a retelling of this ancient fairy tale in any genre or setting you like. Make certain your story is recognizably “Sleeping Beauty,” but have fun with it as well. Make it yours!
Rooglewood Press will be selecting five winners to be published in the Five Magic Spindles collection, which will be packaged up with the phenomenal cover you see here. Maybe your name will be one of the five listed?
All the contest rules and information (how to enter, story details, deadline etc.) may be found on the Rooglewood Press website. Just click HERE and you will go right to the page. Rooglewood Press’s first collection, Five Glass Slippers is available for purchase, and our second collection, Five Enchanted Roses is scheduled to launch on July 27 and is available for pre-order. Be certain to get a copy of each and see what previous winners did with their wonderful retellings.
You can tell others about this writing opportunity by sharing the blog button on your blog or even posting it on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Just be sure to include the link to the rules page!
Cover artist Julia Popova has once again outdone herself in creating the cover image for this project. I could spend hours gazing at the golden scene she has depicted. And don't you love seeing Sleeping Beauty with red hair? Be certain to look up Julia on her website and like her on Facebook!
So what do you think? Are you ready for this new challenge? I personally feel that the tale of Sleeping Beauty is full of wonderful concepts ready to be turned into all sorts of original spins! This old fairy tale is possibly less well-known than Cinderella or Beauty and the Beast . . . but if anything this might make it easier to retell. I am so eager and interested to see what all of you come up with.
If you have any questions not covered in the clarifications section of the rules page, feel free to write to info@rooglewoodpress.com. The Rooglewood Press team will be happy to further clarify things for you.
You will notice that this year we have specifically asked that you not retell this fairy tale based on the Disney version. This is because last year we saw so many stories based on Disney and not enough indication that writers were referencing the older tales. Keep in mind that the Disney versions of these tales are themselves retellings, and relatively recent retellings at that. But the older versions have so many interesting concepts, and we really want to see you writers familiarizing yourselves with those stories as you come up with your own ideas.
Other than that, our rules are pretty much the same! I will be watching for your submission forms. And be certain to subscribe to the Rooglewood Press Newsletter to get more fun articles and information about Five Magic Spindles, not to mention features of previous contest winners.
Big thank you to all of these lovely bloggers who have helped me spread the word about this contest:
Esther at The Pen of a Ready Writer Emily at Entirely Bonkers Ana at Butterflies of the Imagination Savannah at Savannah Jay’s Workshop Jaye at Jaye L. Knight Allison at The Heart of StorytellingHannah at The Writer’s WindowMiss Melody Muffin at The Splendor Falls on Castle Walls Meagan at Blooming with Books Rebekah at Backing Books Beka at The Other World Joy at Fullness of Joy Amanda at Cozy Writer’s Den Joy at Scribbles and SnapshotsShantelle at A Writer’s HeartGhost Ryter at Anything and EverythingMerenwen at Shattered Fractals Christine at Musings of an Elf Kendra at Knitted By God’s Plan Athelas at Red Lettering Jenelle at Jenelle SchmidtAshlee at Finding the True Fairy Tale FaithSong at Story of Fire Rebecca at A Curious Thrill Amber at The Wonderings of One Person Heather at Tethered TogetherLaura at Crafty Booksheeps Emma Peppermint and Prose Jennette and J.L.Mebewe.comKaycee at The Pink Cave Hayden at The Story Girl Rachel at Rachel Rossano’s Words Morgan at MorganBusse.com Stephanie at Quoth the Girl Dorian at Dorian Writes Dominique at Genuine Withdrawal Annie at Letters from Annie (Douglas) Lima Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance Emily Rachelle at Emily Rachelle Writes Olivia at A Sapphire Chamber Sandra at Simple Harvest ReadsRachel at Adventures in the KingdomRina at Rina’s Reading Clara at To Find a CastleAmber at Seasons of Humility Melanie at Mel’s ShelvesRachel at Bookworm Emily Ann at Taking Dictation Tracey at Adventure Awaits
FIVE MAGIC SPINDLESA Collection of "Sleeping Beauty" StoriesThe challenge is to write a retelling of this ancient fairy tale in any genre or setting you like. Make certain your story is recognizably “Sleeping Beauty,” but have fun with it as well. Make it yours!
Rooglewood Press will be selecting five winners to be published in the Five Magic Spindles collection, which will be packaged up with the phenomenal cover you see here. Maybe your name will be one of the five listed?
All the contest rules and information (how to enter, story details, deadline etc.) may be found on the Rooglewood Press website. Just click HERE and you will go right to the page. Rooglewood Press’s first collection, Five Glass Slippers is available for purchase, and our second collection, Five Enchanted Roses is scheduled to launch on July 27 and is available for pre-order. Be certain to get a copy of each and see what previous winners did with their wonderful retellings.
You can tell others about this writing opportunity by sharing the blog button on your blog or even posting it on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Just be sure to include the link to the rules page!
Cover artist Julia Popova has once again outdone herself in creating the cover image for this project. I could spend hours gazing at the golden scene she has depicted. And don't you love seeing Sleeping Beauty with red hair? Be certain to look up Julia on her website and like her on Facebook!
So what do you think? Are you ready for this new challenge? I personally feel that the tale of Sleeping Beauty is full of wonderful concepts ready to be turned into all sorts of original spins! This old fairy tale is possibly less well-known than Cinderella or Beauty and the Beast . . . but if anything this might make it easier to retell. I am so eager and interested to see what all of you come up with.
If you have any questions not covered in the clarifications section of the rules page, feel free to write to info@rooglewoodpress.com. The Rooglewood Press team will be happy to further clarify things for you.
You will notice that this year we have specifically asked that you not retell this fairy tale based on the Disney version. This is because last year we saw so many stories based on Disney and not enough indication that writers were referencing the older tales. Keep in mind that the Disney versions of these tales are themselves retellings, and relatively recent retellings at that. But the older versions have so many interesting concepts, and we really want to see you writers familiarizing yourselves with those stories as you come up with your own ideas.
Other than that, our rules are pretty much the same! I will be watching for your submission forms. And be certain to subscribe to the Rooglewood Press Newsletter to get more fun articles and information about Five Magic Spindles, not to mention features of previous contest winners.
Big thank you to all of these lovely bloggers who have helped me spread the word about this contest:
Esther at The Pen of a Ready Writer Emily at Entirely Bonkers Ana at Butterflies of the Imagination Savannah at Savannah Jay’s Workshop Jaye at Jaye L. Knight Allison at The Heart of StorytellingHannah at The Writer’s WindowMiss Melody Muffin at The Splendor Falls on Castle Walls Meagan at Blooming with Books Rebekah at Backing Books Beka at The Other World Joy at Fullness of Joy Amanda at Cozy Writer’s Den Joy at Scribbles and SnapshotsShantelle at A Writer’s HeartGhost Ryter at Anything and EverythingMerenwen at Shattered Fractals Christine at Musings of an Elf Kendra at Knitted By God’s Plan Athelas at Red Lettering Jenelle at Jenelle SchmidtAshlee at Finding the True Fairy Tale FaithSong at Story of Fire Rebecca at A Curious Thrill Amber at The Wonderings of One Person Heather at Tethered TogetherLaura at Crafty Booksheeps Emma Peppermint and Prose Jennette and J.L.Mebewe.comKaycee at The Pink Cave Hayden at The Story Girl Rachel at Rachel Rossano’s Words Morgan at MorganBusse.com Stephanie at Quoth the Girl Dorian at Dorian Writes Dominique at Genuine Withdrawal Annie at Letters from Annie (Douglas) Lima Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance Emily Rachelle at Emily Rachelle Writes Olivia at A Sapphire Chamber Sandra at Simple Harvest ReadsRachel at Adventures in the KingdomRina at Rina’s Reading Clara at To Find a CastleAmber at Seasons of Humility Melanie at Mel’s ShelvesRachel at Bookworm Emily Ann at Taking Dictation Tracey at Adventure Awaits
May 27, 2015
Giveaway Winners - Draven's Light Chat Party
Dear Imps, what a wonderful launch party that was for Draven's Light! I very much enjoyed "seeing" all of you who came and really appreciate how all of you took the time to spread the word about this new story of mine. There were great questions and discussions, not to mention LOTS of really fun Fan Art shared at the party itself. If you weren't able to make it the night of, be certain to look back through the event page and read the comments! It was great fun.But we are here today to announce the four WINNERS of the giveaway! These folks will each receive an autographed print copy of Draven's Light for their bookshelves! The winners are . . .
Sierra FaithGeorgina CCortney ManningRebeka B
Congrats, ladies! Email me (aestengl@gmail.com) with your mailing address, and I will be putting your prizes in the mail shortly! (Just as soon as my author copies arrive . . . )
In the meanwhile, I hope the rest of you will find time to read Draven's Light this summer. And don't forget to write a review! You may not realize it, but EVERY review helps me out.
Also, be certain to check out my BRAND NEW AUTHOR WEBSITE! I just announced it at the chat party, and I'm really excited to share it with everyone. Have a glance through the various book pages, for I have added new material for several of them, including deleted scenes from Dragonwitch, some of which are pretty hilarious . . .
And it's just a few more days until the launch of the third Rooglewood Press Writing Contest!!!! Are you excited? Ready to brainstorm for a new fairy tale retelling????
May 25, 2015
Chat Party Giveaway Rules!!!
Dear Imps, for those of you who do not have Facebook but would still like a chance to enter the Draven's Light giveaway, here are the rules:
FIRST STEP: Down below you will see a series of images. These include the book cover of Draven's Light and various quotes and write-ups about the story.
YOU are invited to SHARE these images around your social networks. This can mean your blog, your Twitter, your Pinterest, etc.
You may share just one or several images on just one or several locations. The more you share, the more opportunities you'll have to win.
Be certain to share THIS purchase link at the same time!
SECOND STEP: Gather the links to ALL the locations where you have shared the various images. In a SINGLE email, send these links to David Cross at david.cross@rooglewoodpress.com. He will count up the number of links and enter your name the same number of times in to the giveaway.
Please only send David Cross a SINGLE email containing all of your links! Do NOT send him one email per link.
You will have 24 hours from now to share and send your links to David Cross. The four winners will be drawn tomorrow night and posted here and on the chat party event page the morning after.
Thanks so much for helping me to spread the word about this new story! I am excited to share this adventure with all of you and appreciate your efforts more than I can say.
Here are the images:
FIRST STEP: Down below you will see a series of images. These include the book cover of Draven's Light and various quotes and write-ups about the story.
YOU are invited to SHARE these images around your social networks. This can mean your blog, your Twitter, your Pinterest, etc.
You may share just one or several images on just one or several locations. The more you share, the more opportunities you'll have to win.
Be certain to share THIS purchase link at the same time!
SECOND STEP: Gather the links to ALL the locations where you have shared the various images. In a SINGLE email, send these links to David Cross at david.cross@rooglewoodpress.com. He will count up the number of links and enter your name the same number of times in to the giveaway.
Please only send David Cross a SINGLE email containing all of your links! Do NOT send him one email per link.
You will have 24 hours from now to share and send your links to David Cross. The four winners will be drawn tomorrow night and posted here and on the chat party event page the morning after.
Thanks so much for helping me to spread the word about this new story! I am excited to share this adventure with all of you and appreciate your efforts more than I can say.
Here are the images:
Chat Party Reminder!
Don't forget, dear Imps! The Draven's Light chat party is TONIGHT, celebrating the launch of this story! You can join me on Facebook (8pm Eastern) to talk about this new books, get some exciting sneak peeks, and view a couple of special reveals. Plus, there will be opportunities to win autographed print copies of the book! So come visit the chat party page and join in the fun!
If you don't have Facebook, you SHOULD still be able to get on the page and read along. And I definitely want all of you to be able to participate in the giveaway, so . . .
Come back to this blog at 8pm Eastern tonight! I will have the simple giveaway rules posted with instructions on how YOU can participate. Super easy, super fun, and you might just win yourself a book.
If you are unable to make the chat party tonight, the whole thing will still be up over the next several days/weeks, so you can click here to read through everyone's comments, see the images, and learn answers to questions! I will probably be scrolling through myself the day after to answer any questions that I miss during the event itself . . .
See all of you there!
May 18, 2015
Cover Reveal--A WISH MADE OF GLASS
It is my pleasure to participate in the cover reveal for Ashlee Willis's newest release: her fairytale novella, A Wish Made of Glass.
I am particularly excited to share this cover with all of you since I had the honor of creating it for Ashlee. I read and enjoyed her story years ago, and it was such fun to bring it to life visually for all of her readers!
What do you think?
Deep in a forest glade, the fey folk dance with Isidore, a young human child. Their kinship is the very fabric of her childhood. When her mother dies and her world darkens with sorrow, Isidore finds her belief in the fey folk wavering.
The love of her new step-sister, Blessing, proves an unexpected gift in her time of need. Yet even as their friendship blooms, Isidore begins to see that Blessing is everything she herself has always wanted to be, but is not. Jealousy grips Isidore as she watches this beautiful new sister steal away all she holds dear.
Driven to desperation, Isidore turns to the fey folk once more. She has only one wish to claim from them, one chance to make things right. But she must tread carefully. For wishes, like hearts, are easily broken. And obtaining the one thing she desires could mean destroying the one thing she truly needs.
COMING SUMMER 2015
ASHLEE WILLIS is the author of fantasy for young adults. She lives in the heart of Missouri with her husband and young son. While most of her days are balanced between writing, reading, and being a stay-at-home mom, she also finds time to enjoy tea with friends, forest rambles, photography, and piano playing. Connect with Ashlee: Blog Facebook Twitter Goodreads Amazon
Are you ready to gobble up A Wish Made of Glass this summer? Because this is one all lovers of fairytales shouldn't miss!
I am particularly excited to share this cover with all of you since I had the honor of creating it for Ashlee. I read and enjoyed her story years ago, and it was such fun to bring it to life visually for all of her readers!
What do you think?
Deep in a forest glade, the fey folk dance with Isidore, a young human child. Their kinship is the very fabric of her childhood. When her mother dies and her world darkens with sorrow, Isidore finds her belief in the fey folk wavering.The love of her new step-sister, Blessing, proves an unexpected gift in her time of need. Yet even as their friendship blooms, Isidore begins to see that Blessing is everything she herself has always wanted to be, but is not. Jealousy grips Isidore as she watches this beautiful new sister steal away all she holds dear.
Driven to desperation, Isidore turns to the fey folk once more. She has only one wish to claim from them, one chance to make things right. But she must tread carefully. For wishes, like hearts, are easily broken. And obtaining the one thing she desires could mean destroying the one thing she truly needs.
COMING SUMMER 2015
ASHLEE WILLIS is the author of fantasy for young adults. She lives in the heart of Missouri with her husband and young son. While most of her days are balanced between writing, reading, and being a stay-at-home mom, she also finds time to enjoy tea with friends, forest rambles, photography, and piano playing. Connect with Ashlee: Blog Facebook Twitter Goodreads Amazon Are you ready to gobble up A Wish Made of Glass this summer? Because this is one all lovers of fairytales shouldn't miss!
May 15, 2015
Cover Reveal - Second Edition
Dear Imps, I am so excited about what I have to show you today! As many of you know, my mother published a book with Rooglewood Press last year, a wonderful historical novel called Until That Distant Day. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, and I am so proud to be part of its publication journey.
However, we never felt entirely satisfied with the cover for that novel. It was very pretty, but very soft, very romantic . . . and not very specific to the time period of the story, which is set during the early days of the French Revolution. So, after much discussion off and on, we finally decided to give the book an update.
And I had the pleasure of creating the new look! Allow me to present to you the relaunch edition of Until That Distant Day:
When revolution reigns, can love survive?
A vibrant, activist widow living in Paris during the early days of France’s new Republic can find limitless opportunities for success. So says Pascoe, Colette’s favorite brother and lifelong advisor, who urges her to quit her menial employment as housekeeper to prominent legislator Doctor Hilliard. However, haunted by an abusive marriage, her baby’s tragic death, and a recent disastrous romance, Colette dreads making more poor choices. She clings to her current position, where at least she finds purpose and respect.
Suddenly, Colette finds herself at odds with Pascoe and struggling to unite her fractured family against the lure of revolution. Charged with protecting Doctor Hilliard’s headstrong daughter and desperately afraid of losing one of her beloved brothers, Colette doesn’t know where to turn or whom to trust as the bloodshed creeps ever closer to home.
Until that distant day when peace returns to France, can she find the strength to defend her loved ones . . . even from one another?
This new edition is available as a Kindle download now, so be certain to grab a copy if you haven't already! The print version will be following in another few weeks.
I must say, I had a wonderful time creating this all new image for my mother's book. I love the story she has written and wanted to give it a face that suited the amazing work she has done. This new cover lifts the book out of the realm of fluffy romance genre into the regions of more elegant historical work. The new write-up emphasizes as well that this book is about Colette and her personal growth and struggle through this tumultuous period of history.
If you feel moved to do so, please take a moment to share this cover, the purchase link, and the write-up on your blogs, Facebooks pages, Twitter accounts, and Pinterest boards. And don't forget to add it to your Goodreads shelves! My mother and I would both appreciate any effort made to bring attention to this wonderful story, which I believe will prove a great blessing to many readers for years to come.
However, we never felt entirely satisfied with the cover for that novel. It was very pretty, but very soft, very romantic . . . and not very specific to the time period of the story, which is set during the early days of the French Revolution. So, after much discussion off and on, we finally decided to give the book an update.
And I had the pleasure of creating the new look! Allow me to present to you the relaunch edition of Until That Distant Day:
When revolution reigns, can love survive?A vibrant, activist widow living in Paris during the early days of France’s new Republic can find limitless opportunities for success. So says Pascoe, Colette’s favorite brother and lifelong advisor, who urges her to quit her menial employment as housekeeper to prominent legislator Doctor Hilliard. However, haunted by an abusive marriage, her baby’s tragic death, and a recent disastrous romance, Colette dreads making more poor choices. She clings to her current position, where at least she finds purpose and respect.
Suddenly, Colette finds herself at odds with Pascoe and struggling to unite her fractured family against the lure of revolution. Charged with protecting Doctor Hilliard’s headstrong daughter and desperately afraid of losing one of her beloved brothers, Colette doesn’t know where to turn or whom to trust as the bloodshed creeps ever closer to home.
Until that distant day when peace returns to France, can she find the strength to defend her loved ones . . . even from one another?
This new edition is available as a Kindle download now, so be certain to grab a copy if you haven't already! The print version will be following in another few weeks.
I must say, I had a wonderful time creating this all new image for my mother's book. I love the story she has written and wanted to give it a face that suited the amazing work she has done. This new cover lifts the book out of the realm of fluffy romance genre into the regions of more elegant historical work. The new write-up emphasizes as well that this book is about Colette and her personal growth and struggle through this tumultuous period of history.
If you feel moved to do so, please take a moment to share this cover, the purchase link, and the write-up on your blogs, Facebooks pages, Twitter accounts, and Pinterest boards. And don't forget to add it to your Goodreads shelves! My mother and I would both appreciate any effort made to bring attention to this wonderful story, which I believe will prove a great blessing to many readers for years to come.
May 12, 2015
Chat Party Invite!
Dear Imps, I know it's been terribly quiet on this blog as of late. Do know that it's because I'm hard at work producing the very best stories I possibly can, and this endeavor is pretty much consuming all of my life and brainpower.
You know what I love? When a story is written, edited, polished, packaged . . . and LAUNCHED! So that's what I want to celebrate with all of you with the upcoming Draven's Light Chat Party!
You can find out the details HERE. There will be giveaways of Draven's Light, but I haven't absolutely settled on how folks can enter the giveaways. It depends on a couple of things which I need to see pan out first . . .
Still, it should be a lot of fun! "Special reveals" may or may not include a cover reveal for Poison Crown: The Smallman's Heir. Alas, I really do mean "may not," for we had another setback with the cover design process, and have had to shift gear midway and find a new cover designer. So here's hoping we have something polished and ready to show all of you by May 25.
If not, I do have one other very special reveal that I hope to share at the chat party. I won't say more for fear of giving anything away, but . . . I am excited to show you! Otherwise, it will be an evening of questions and answers, Q&A, some insider-peaks at my writing process, the development of Draven's Light, and so on and so forth.
Even those of you who do not have Facebook should be able to follow along the evening, though you won't be able to comment. If you would like to send me questions in advance, I will be happy to answer them at the chat party, and you'll get to see the answers posted there (with a nod to you, of course). And if you don't make it to the party itself, it will be up for you to read for many days afterwards.
I do hope to see you there!
You know what I love? When a story is written, edited, polished, packaged . . . and LAUNCHED! So that's what I want to celebrate with all of you with the upcoming Draven's Light Chat Party!
You can find out the details HERE. There will be giveaways of Draven's Light, but I haven't absolutely settled on how folks can enter the giveaways. It depends on a couple of things which I need to see pan out first . . .
Still, it should be a lot of fun! "Special reveals" may or may not include a cover reveal for Poison Crown: The Smallman's Heir. Alas, I really do mean "may not," for we had another setback with the cover design process, and have had to shift gear midway and find a new cover designer. So here's hoping we have something polished and ready to show all of you by May 25.
If not, I do have one other very special reveal that I hope to share at the chat party. I won't say more for fear of giving anything away, but . . . I am excited to show you! Otherwise, it will be an evening of questions and answers, Q&A, some insider-peaks at my writing process, the development of Draven's Light, and so on and so forth.
Even those of you who do not have Facebook should be able to follow along the evening, though you won't be able to comment. If you would like to send me questions in advance, I will be happy to answer them at the chat party, and you'll get to see the answers posted there (with a nod to you, of course). And if you don't make it to the party itself, it will be up for you to read for many days afterwards.
I do hope to see you there!
