Sarah Scheele's Blog, page 12
September 12, 2019
So Here's The Thing About Sherbans
Millhaven Castle has always been a unique story. It wasn’t actually much like the original story with these characters that I’d worked on for years before, but it sprang up on its own with a little village of idyllic-but-look-more-carefully people living on the edge of an old secret in the kingdom. These people are the Sherbans and over time their culture has declined. But they’re still very dedicated to it and believe it or not, they think there’s something in all this opposition to a royal dynasty so long after said dynasty has become established. Nobody cares for their opinion, clearly, and constantly making dissent to the government your brand name is obviously not a great idea.
But Sherbans are very stubborn people and not as friendly as they look. Oh, they have down-home-values, sensible style of dress, rural farming and gardening ways, and all of that. But they know where the real value is even if they don’t see all the details and even if the situation looks risky. Long before it becomes apparent a Sherban named Alyce holds the secret to the Falknor’s succession, all the Sherbans remain confident there is some value in their culture after all.
They also aren’t as easily oppressed as they look. The reason a messenger from the king is such news in Alyce’s little corner of the world is because Capsells RARELY—and I mean RARELY-visit them. When Capsells come, they get chased off with rocks thrown by Sherban boys (Who have really good accuracy, by the way.) So they get left alone in the lovely vales of Milland. Sherban lands are the sort of peaceful, sweet place where you’d like to go on honeymoon. Except for the Sherbans being there, of course. Like I said, they’re not always the most welcoming.
And there will be more updates.
But Sherbans are very stubborn people and not as friendly as they look. Oh, they have down-home-values, sensible style of dress, rural farming and gardening ways, and all of that. But they know where the real value is even if they don’t see all the details and even if the situation looks risky. Long before it becomes apparent a Sherban named Alyce holds the secret to the Falknor’s succession, all the Sherbans remain confident there is some value in their culture after all.
They also aren’t as easily oppressed as they look. The reason a messenger from the king is such news in Alyce’s little corner of the world is because Capsells RARELY—and I mean RARELY-visit them. When Capsells come, they get chased off with rocks thrown by Sherban boys (Who have really good accuracy, by the way.) So they get left alone in the lovely vales of Milland. Sherban lands are the sort of peaceful, sweet place where you’d like to go on honeymoon. Except for the Sherbans being there, of course. Like I said, they’re not always the most welcoming.
And there will be more updates.
September 5, 2019
The Harrisons of Harrison Lane
This little detail didn’t appear in the book’s manuscript, but the dusty gravel road bending among green trees that the Harrison family lives beside is called “Harrison Lane” after them. It was actually named by the county because they’re almost the only house on that road and when every road had to be named something (to keep things in order) they asked Mr. Harrison “What’s your last name?” He said “Harrison” so they named the little gravel byway after him.
A small point like this can give you an idea of how long the Harrisons have been around, in a fixed way, in one place. A very long time. And they are well-respected within the community—in a way—although people do think they’re kind of odd. People in small towns can be very narrow-minded, you know. There is something quietly lovely about their home and the girls, who’ve always lived this way, don’t know how nice and cozy their lives might look to other people.
Anybody in their right minds would view the Harrisons as people you’d want to know. They have a great home life, a great home, a great religious faith, and a great loyalty to each other. Anyone who tries to bother them (like the polygamists who appeared in an intermediate draft of the book) are sent packing without a second thought and our protagonists return to being the Harrisons of Harrison Lane.
You don't run into people like the Harrisons very often. They truly are unusual, but that’s not always a bad thing.
And there will be more updates.
A small point like this can give you an idea of how long the Harrisons have been around, in a fixed way, in one place. A very long time. And they are well-respected within the community—in a way—although people do think they’re kind of odd. People in small towns can be very narrow-minded, you know. There is something quietly lovely about their home and the girls, who’ve always lived this way, don’t know how nice and cozy their lives might look to other people.
Anybody in their right minds would view the Harrisons as people you’d want to know. They have a great home life, a great home, a great religious faith, and a great loyalty to each other. Anyone who tries to bother them (like the polygamists who appeared in an intermediate draft of the book) are sent packing without a second thought and our protagonists return to being the Harrisons of Harrison Lane.
You don't run into people like the Harrisons very often. They truly are unusual, but that’s not always a bad thing.
And there will be more updates.
August 29, 2019
Substituted Princess on the Loose
Years ago I worked on a little story that was part Cinderella retelling (yes, one of the many) and then it had this other comedy part in which Cinderella found the Prince was pretending to be crazy—at least, he said he was pretending—while he tried to uncover a plot at court. After all, nobody would suspect him of being an amateur sleuth while he was acting like such an idiot, would they? There was also a princess that Cinderella was substituted for—with the consent of this princess, who had a plot of her own—and that was how Cinderella ended up spending so much time in the palace.
I forgot about this little story for years while I worked on my other books, and in the rush of the last 18 months, touching up everything I’d published, I didn’t remember this story had been ALMOST published. It really almost made it to print round about 2016, but life got in the way. But a couple weeks ago I found a lovely DVD set of Cinderella at a resale shop. It had the disc of extras and the case of the old animated movie, but the actual movie disc inside was of the new 2015 movie. So it was kind of a hybrid and while it wasn’t what I expected when I bought it, I’ve grown to like it.
Watching Cinderella popped that story out of the woodwork again. And while Cinderella retellings never really go out of style, it’s true they might feel a little done-to-death, so I’m considering placing the story in the dystopian Palladia world. The books I have need a third one to round out a trilogy and the teen-girl audience of the first two (Invaders and Consuela) makes a natural fit. Only thing is the title—I might have to work on that.
And there will be more updates.
I forgot about this little story for years while I worked on my other books, and in the rush of the last 18 months, touching up everything I’d published, I didn’t remember this story had been ALMOST published. It really almost made it to print round about 2016, but life got in the way. But a couple weeks ago I found a lovely DVD set of Cinderella at a resale shop. It had the disc of extras and the case of the old animated movie, but the actual movie disc inside was of the new 2015 movie. So it was kind of a hybrid and while it wasn’t what I expected when I bought it, I’ve grown to like it.
Watching Cinderella popped that story out of the woodwork again. And while Cinderella retellings never really go out of style, it’s true they might feel a little done-to-death, so I’m considering placing the story in the dystopian Palladia world. The books I have need a third one to round out a trilogy and the teen-girl audience of the first two (Invaders and Consuela) makes a natural fit. Only thing is the title—I might have to work on that.
And there will be more updates.
August 22, 2019
Just In A Flash: Jane Austen
One of the highlights of each Vintage Jane Austen book, of course, is the moment when the cameo character “Jane Watson” walks into the pages. She’s based on Jane Austen and is a journalist in the 1930s. It was a pleasure to bring her to life in Bellevere and what was more amazing was that each author showed her so differently in their books. I guess Jane Austen fascinates people because each person sees something different in her. The only thing they agree on is that she is seriously cool. Even though some of the hype and the endless rehashes of her work and biography can get a little spun out, in the end everyone loves them some JANE.
Jane offers something unique to world literature and her personal life is interesting too. Especially her close friendship with her sister Cassandra has always intrigued many people because they want to think there was someone in Jane’s life who really understood her, although I personally just never feel that spark in Cassandra that Jane has. But what is specific to Mansfield Park among Austen’s works is her relationship to Maria Bertram. No movie ever shows Maria the same way and people don’t seem to agree on what she’s like. I think Jane Austen knew a lot about this character but didn’t quite let on what she saw. Maybe Maria isn’t as simplistic, just greedy and filled with a wish for gratification with Henry, as people think. It’s just that Jane Austen didn’t tell us enough about her.
And in my book, “Jane Watson” spends all her time talking to Faye instead, while Myrtle (Maria) is in New York and Jane could have talked to her. This is true to the book, which is all about Fanny, while Maria lurks in the background. Many people find it hard to understand why she included Maria at all. But maybe that’s because we don’t know something about her that Jane did.
And there will be more updates.
Jane offers something unique to world literature and her personal life is interesting too. Especially her close friendship with her sister Cassandra has always intrigued many people because they want to think there was someone in Jane’s life who really understood her, although I personally just never feel that spark in Cassandra that Jane has. But what is specific to Mansfield Park among Austen’s works is her relationship to Maria Bertram. No movie ever shows Maria the same way and people don’t seem to agree on what she’s like. I think Jane Austen knew a lot about this character but didn’t quite let on what she saw. Maybe Maria isn’t as simplistic, just greedy and filled with a wish for gratification with Henry, as people think. It’s just that Jane Austen didn’t tell us enough about her.
And in my book, “Jane Watson” spends all her time talking to Faye instead, while Myrtle (Maria) is in New York and Jane could have talked to her. This is true to the book, which is all about Fanny, while Maria lurks in the background. Many people find it hard to understand why she included Maria at all. But maybe that’s because we don’t know something about her that Jane did.
And there will be more updates.
August 15, 2019
A Fantastic Trio
Fantastic is a (pun intended!) reference to the title of Facets of Fantasy and the nature of this work’s space opera and mythological settings. I’ve picked three characters to highlight from the book today, one from each of the novellas in the collection. They’re not heroes or heroines—or villains. But they are all exciting pieces of the story.Mr. Parchem is a middle-aged diplomat who befriends brooding, weird cousins Karl and Cassie in Halogen Crossing. He comes from a land called Raocas and speaks with a strongly colloquial, regional style. But make no mistake! Mr. Parchem, as he said himself, “did not rise to be President of my great land by cutting in front of people in line.” A savvy politician, he immediately singles Karl out and pays him a lot of attention. He’s a good friend too, in his way, and points out things Karl should be noticing—like the Queen of Metallgia, who knew Karl’s father.
Charis d’Jinla is a female student at the Jurant military academy under the control of Don Tachimant’s grandfather in the story Jurant. She’s roughly high-school age and very pretty, with a jaunty, aggressive manner and thick tails of curly blonde hair. Charis easily comes across as a bad girl and she pretty much is one. She doesn’t play nice, she’s rough around the edges, mixes that with being flirtatious, and wouldn’t hesitate to get in a fight with you. Or shoot you, except getting in a fight with surprisingly violent Don Tachimant probably won’t end up that way. But without Charis, there wouldn’t even BE a story in Jurant.
Prince Juranai comes from a strange long-lived people who dominate the plot of The Amulet of Renari. He is partly wolf and might seem simple and aggressive, but Juranai, like the rest of his people, is very intelligent and should command a lot of respect. When Juranai decides to befriend Violet, the daughter of someone his family has a long-standing grudge against, it changes a world that has been locked in a feud for thousands of years. Although Violet can be hard to work with, he’s a good protector to her and his friendship is crucial.
And there will be more updates.
August 13, 2019
Review Copies for Ryan and Essie
Ryan and Essie has review copies available on BookSprout. I chose this site because it is the only one that offers a free way to provide ARCS to you while also controlling piracy and lazy non-reviewers. While I understand the need to sample my work instead of jumping into it, I should get something back in exchange for a non-sale. So I have provided 20 review copies to interested readers and if that's you, feel free to jump over and claim one! All the information you need is in the ARC link and download process for the book. The site will also remind you when you've had the book a while and when it is time to review. Current deadline is October 8, which gives you 2 months to complete the review. I think that's a very generous window of time for most people, but late-coming reviewers might need it. Here’s the link to Ryan and Essie Review Copy
Be aware that you will be required to review on Amazon and to complete this review you’ll need to have purchased $50 worth from them in the last year. Purchases bought using mostly gift cards do not apply. So check to see if you’re eligible before requesting the book.
And there will be more updates.
August 8, 2019
Breaths of Southwestern Air
Writing The Test of Devotion has been a one-of-a-kind experience for me. The book gestated as a western romance but failed when marketed in that direction. Something about the character relationships wasn’t working and the main flaw was the dynamic between Jenny and Viajero. Of course, for a western romance the missionary’s daughter should end up with the much-better-than-he-looks outlaw. And this wasn’t working at all.
For a long time, I abandoned the book, assuming it was a miss. (You can’t hit them all, you know.) But then, as I was carefully examining all of my work, I decided to look at Devotion again. Suddenly, the ages of the characters shot down, Arabella became a touch more likable, and Jenny was much more sympathetic towards her. And I realized why Jenny and Viajero’s romance wasn’t working. They are opposed to each other fundamentally, so a romance would be stupid. I even wrote the story in a switching POV style, one half for her and one for him, which I never do. But here it was a woven fabric of the story and not for the reason I thought at first.
Making it a YA adventure story emphasized Jenny and Viajero’s hostility to each other as a strength that adds to the story, an undercurrent barely expressed but always running through it. Will they be able to work together? It’s a great question. As a romance they were no good, but as a rescue team for irritating, but hapless Arabella. . . they just might be the reason I wrote this novel.
And there will be more updates.
For a long time, I abandoned the book, assuming it was a miss. (You can’t hit them all, you know.) But then, as I was carefully examining all of my work, I decided to look at Devotion again. Suddenly, the ages of the characters shot down, Arabella became a touch more likable, and Jenny was much more sympathetic towards her. And I realized why Jenny and Viajero’s romance wasn’t working. They are opposed to each other fundamentally, so a romance would be stupid. I even wrote the story in a switching POV style, one half for her and one for him, which I never do. But here it was a woven fabric of the story and not for the reason I thought at first.
Making it a YA adventure story emphasized Jenny and Viajero’s hostility to each other as a strength that adds to the story, an undercurrent barely expressed but always running through it. Will they be able to work together? It’s a great question. As a romance they were no good, but as a rescue team for irritating, but hapless Arabella. . . they just might be the reason I wrote this novel.
And there will be more updates.
August 6, 2019
Review Copies for The Birthday Present/MC
The Birthday Present (incl. Millhaven Castle) has review copies available on BookSprout. I chose this site because it is the only one that offers a free way to provide ARCS to you while also controlling piracy and lazy non-reviewers. While I understand the need to sample my work instead of jumping into it, I should get something back in exchange for a non-sale. So I have provided 20 review copies to interested readers and if that's you, feel free to jump over and claim one! All the information you need is in the ARC link and download process for the book. The site will also remind you when you've had the book a while and when it is time to review. Current deadline is October 1, which gives you 1 month to complete the review.
Here’s the link to The Birthday Present/MC Review Copy
Be aware that you will be required to review on Amazon and to complete this review you’ll need to have purchased $50 worth from them in the last year. Purchases bought using mostly gift cards do not apply. So check to see if you’re eligible before requesting the book.
And there will be more updates.
Here’s the link to The Birthday Present/MC Review Copy
Be aware that you will be required to review on Amazon and to complete this review you’ll need to have purchased $50 worth from them in the last year. Purchases bought using mostly gift cards do not apply. So check to see if you’re eligible before requesting the book.
And there will be more updates.
August 1, 2019
Review Copies for Bellevere House
Bellevere House (VJA Series) has review copies available on BookSprout. I chose this site because it is the only one that offers a free way to provide ARCS to you while also controlling piracy and lazy non-reviewers. While I understand the need to sample my work instead of jumping into it, I should get something back in exchange for a non-sale. So I have provided 20 review copies to interested readers and if that's you, feel free to jump over and claim one! All the information you need is in the ARC link and download process for the book. The site will also remind you when you've had the book a while and when it is time to review. Current deadline is September 24, which gives you 2 months to complete the review. I think that's a very generous window of time for most people, but late-coming reviewers might need it. Here’s the link to Bellevere House Review Copy
Be aware that you will be required to review on Amazon and to complete this review you’ll need to have purchased $50 worth from them in the last year. Purchases bought using mostly gift cards do not apply. So check to see if you’re eligible before requesting the book.
And there will be more updates.
July 29, 2019
Bellevere on Ezvid
Bellevere House was chosen to appear with 9 other books in an Ezvid Wiki video called "10 Wonderfully Inventive Retellings That Interpret Classic Stories in a New Way." Ezvid Wiki has over 425k YouTube subscribers. Including my book was a voluntary decision on their part, which makes their opinion 100% authentic. I have linked to the video in the sidebar of my website so you can find it again.
To see the video, click here.
To see the video, click here.
