Jennifer A. Nielsen's Blog, page 12
September 4, 2020
Friday Freebie – 1
Today’s Friday Freebie is happening on Instagram. If that’s not your thing, no worries – there are more giveaways to come!
Here’s how it works!
I’m asking my followers to get someone new to follow me.
When they do, they need to leave a comment tagging in the person who got them to follow me.
That’s it! That automatically enters both people into the contest, and yes, you get entered every time you are tagged.
If you just followed me on your own, go ahead and tag yourself – that’s a double entry!
What can you win?
The winner gets their choice:
Books two and three from THE TRAITOR’S GAME series
Books two and three from THE MARK OF THE THIEF series
Book two of the Ascendance series, THE RUNAWAY KING
Or, of course…
An ARC of THE CAPTIVE KINGDOM
The contest ends on Sunday, Sept 6! The link to the Instagram post is HERE.
September 3, 2020
Throwin’ It Out There Thursday 1
Today, I’m gonna throw out a hypothetical. It’s Sage vs….these fantasy characters. (I know there’s some crossover, but I will do sci-fi characters in a couple of weeks)
Choose from the list below – or suggest your own! Who here would be his FRIEND (He will gladly fight alongside them), ENEMY (He will fight against them no matter the odds), and FRENEMY (He will fight with them, but he won’t like them)?
AND…which enemy do you think he could defeat, and who would defeat him?
Aragorn
Hermione Granger
The White Witch
Inigo Montoya
Edward Cullen
Robin Hood
The Wicked Witch of the West
Éowyn
Tyrion Lannister
Percy Jackson
Flynn Rider
Jamie Fraser
Katniss Everdeen
Bilbo Baggins
Who else should be on this list, and what would Sage think of them?
September 2, 2020
Wonderful Wednesday 1
Answers to yesterday’s trivia game will be posted next Tuesday. In the meantime…
This is a Wonderful Wednesday – because I have some great news for Back to School events!
#1 FREE OCTOBER ZOOMS!
That’s right – I will Skype/Zoom/Hangout – FOR FREE – with your grade/class/book club throughout the month of October.
Seriously, for free? Seriously! BUT – I do have one request, that you introduce your students to my books (specifically the Ascendance series) and encourage them to purchase any of my books from the Ascendance series. As part of my thanks to the students who purchase, I will send signed and personalized bookplates and some other cool swag.
Students, tell your teachers! Teachers and librarians, to schedule, contact me here.
#2 VIRTUAL VISITS ALL YEAR!
I am scheduling now for virtual visits throughout the year. Please see my VISITS page for details. If your school is open for modified in-person visits, please contact me for more information.
#3 FIRST CHAPTER READ ALOUDS!
Last spring, I began to offer first chapter read alouds, and I will continue that this fall. But you can get started with these:
#4 WEDNESDAY WRITING
Each Wednesday, I will post a (usually) brief video with writing tips or prompts – something teachers can offer students to encourage their individual writing. The links will appear on my FOR TEACHERS page.
#5 NEED SOMETHING ELSE?
Ask me, and I’ll see what I can do!
September 1, 2020
September’s Happenings!
We are about to enter the final month before the publication of THE CAPTIVE KINGDOM, and I want to make it a fun and exciting one. Fates willing, I will publish a new blog post every day, with a theme set by the day of the week.
I have SO MUCH this month that I want to share with you, so please check back often. But in the meantime, today is Trivia Tuesday. Let’s start with some questions from THE FALSE PRINCE, in order from easiest to most difficult.
How much does Conner pay the butcher for Sage?Who does Sage first tell Mrs. Turbeldy he is when he goes to her orphanage?What does Imogen bring to Sage down in the dungeons?How does Mott cover up for the death of Veldegrath’s servant?What is inside the emerald-encrusted box?Where was the imitation of Jaron’s sword hidden after it was stolen?Why does Tobias stop trying to become the prince?What are Sage’s first words to Amarinda?How does Sage know there is a hidden passage entrance in Conner’s room?Who ran the orphanage where Roden and Latamer lived?
Good luck! I’ll provide the answers in tomorrow’s blog, along with something wonderful to offer!
August 29, 2020
Get Your Book Signed / Launch Party
Sadly, I will not be able to hold an in-person launch party for THE CAPTIVE KINGDOM as planned. For any local types who had planned to come, I’m disappointed not to be able to meet you.
But…
There is some good news in all this. I will be holding a LIVE ONLINE EVENT, which means the party just got bigger! Wherever you are in the world, please join in.
OCTOBER 1, 7 pm MST/9 pm EST.
I will share links as the event gets closer, and ask anyone who is interested to submit questions. It is free to log in and participate and should be a lot of fun.
There is a “However…” to follow this announcement.
My local indie, The King’s English Bookshop, has been hit hard by the pandemic. In an effort to help them keep their doors open, if you order THE CAPTIVE KINGDOM through them between now and one week following the launch party, I will:
Sign and personalize your book.Send along some cool swag.Enter you to win an ARC of book 5.Like you a lot.
You ask, what if you already pre-ordered the book elsewhere. Well first, thank you! And second, if you order any of my other books from King’s English over the next month, I will sign that book, plus all the rest above.
There is one important detail: If you order another of my books, when checking out, in the NOTES section, be sure to ask them to hold the book until my launch so that I can sign it. If you forget to do this, being the prompt, efficient people they are, they’ll just send it right away.
And, if you are on their site, please consider buying other books too. The holiday season is coming, students are back to school, and there are some amazing new books coming out every week. Surely there are other books you might want!
ORDER LINKS!
August 19, 2020
Semi-Finalists 7
Alas, all great things much come to an end, and this is the final group of semi-finalists. But, as you will see, last is not least. There is some amazing work below!
Rachel
Rachel’s story is a deep dive into Imogen’s heart and mind at a critical time in her life. It is beautifully written and a compelling read. You can read it HERE.
Stephanie
The desperation of this photo is gripping, and a fantastic capture of a moment in time. A second earlier or later, and it might not have been so powerful, but I loved this picture!
Cassia
I think my favorite thing about this piece is Jaron’s expression as he looks at Imogen. His affection for her is so clear. There is great talent here.
Sanvi
Sanvi delves into a missing scene from Sage’s life – his routine existence at Mrs. Turbeldy’s Orphanage for Disadvantaged Boys. She does a fantastic job of letting us watch some of the honest emotions he must have felt during that time. You can read it HERE!
Lilah
Lilah is our youngest semi-finalist, but there is so much joy in her painting. I loved her work!
Stella
Stella wants it noted that she got help from Eli, her Dad and family, and friends. It’s a beautiful, heartfelt backstory inspired from the first book when Sage plays the song with the Fippler based on a favorite tune of his mother’s and why she always cries when she hears it. Read the story HERE then listen to the amazing original song HERE!
Ashley
Ashley created art within art, something I always love. Her piece was inspired by the moment when Jaron finds the picture his mother painted of him. She was the only one ever to see him as he believed he was. Ashley’s painting is awesome, but the way she combined it with other elements put this one on an even higher level.
Sophie, Charlotte, and Isabella
Seriously, check out this cake! I especially loved the detail of the clock image on top, but every element of this is just so well done. Also, it looks delicious!
Kim
I think it’s impossible to watch this movie and not adore it. Kim did a fabulous job with all of the art, the filming, and the way it is edited together.
Sarah
I thought the way that Sarah brought together all of the books worked very well, but I admit that Jaron is my favorite of the picture. I love his longer hair and the expression on his face! (BTW, the purple rectangle is me covering her last name – not the art.)
Miles
Miles created an original rap song that walks us through the books in a really fun way. I enjoyed watching this and especially loved his confidence and bright smile as he performed.
Cali
Cali is a longtime fan of the series, and has been creating nail art for these books for some time. Because of her years of loyalty, and the immense talent she’s shown in her work, she absolutely deserved a place in the semi-finals.
Noa
Noa showed her great enthusiasm for the series by creating a WEBSITE dedicated to the books. A lot of work goes into creating something like this, and Noa did a spectacular job of it! I am honored by her efforts.
Zaina
This awesome story brings us ahead in time to the exact daughter that Jaron deserves. They named her Erin, and she is the kind of character that begs for more story to be told. Read it HERE.
Francesca
Did I mention that I love cake? Francesca made a video to show us her amazing creation. While you watch it HERE, I’m going to go make a cake. It won’t be nearly as delicious, but still….
S
This poem is pretty much the full summary of why I write, of why it matters so much to me to have the honor of being an author. To have it written out so beautifully could only have come from someone else who is just as much a writer at heart.
Maggie
I mentioned that I love art within art, right? Maggie did this so well, pulling together some of her original art into a montage photograph that absolutely made me smile. This is so clever and such a happy way to end the semi-finalist postings!
Thank you all for all of your hard work, dedication, and loyalty. Please recommend these books to other readers. I’ll have a lot of announcements over the next month as we get closer to the launch of THE CAPTIVE KINGDOM!
August 14, 2020
Semi-Finalists 6
Sorry for the delay since the last post – it’s been a busy week, but for all good reasons.
The theme for this group of semi-finalists is
Jaron: Pirate, Warrior, and all-around Good Guy.
Jaiden
I loved the attitude Jaiden gives Jaron – this is definitely a cutaway moment from THE RUNAWAY KING! (Which you really need to read, if you haven’t yet, by the way)
Fariha
I’ve mentioned before that I love mood boards, and Fariha’s is absolutely beautiful. I could stare at each block alone, but it’s so much better when put together as she has done.
Gabryelle, Brooks, and Lizzy
This sibling trio entered as a group, each contributing to different facets of Jaron. The photo represents the gold from book 1, the whipping boy is from the second book, and the cannon is from the third book. They’re all so different artistically, yet taken together, they create a fantastic profile of the boy king.
Leticia
Check out this sword! This is exactly the way Jaron’s sword would be, and it is artistically so beautiful. Amazing job, Leticia!
Gabrielle
Creating any rendition of Pirate’s Cove would be incredibly difficult, but Gabrielle did a fantastic job of it. I love the perspective, and the view of Jaron having to scale the cliff as he did.
Mary
This is one of my favorite scenes from THE SHADOW THRONE (Have you read this one?), and is a moment Mary created so well. There is a determination on Jaron’s face that Roden must have seen coming from a mile away.
Jacqui and Grayce
Jacqui and Grayce created the Carthyan anthem, and performed it beautifully well. This was a joy to listen to, and I’ve replayed it many, many times.
Jackie
I’ve shown Jackie’s art once already, but these other two were so awesome, I had to post them as well. There is so much great personality that comes out in Jackie’s work!
Hanna
I want to print this out and post it on my office wall. I absolutely adore this piece for all its drama and intensity.
Melora
The symbolism of Melora’s drawing is wonderful, and the fracture of the links is drawn so very well. This is definitely a keeper!
Bridgette
This is a drawing Jaron would choose for himself. I especially love the fists, defiant to the end.
One more semi-finalist post still to come!
August 8, 2020
Semi-Finalists 5
It’s time for our next group of semi-finalists – aren’t these all so amazing? Today’s post honors the Ascendant King.
If you have not read THE FALSE PRINCE, please do before viewing these images. The next post will cover the pirate, and the warrior, and you will love them even more if you have already read the other two books of the series, THE RUNAWAY KING, and THE SHADOW THRONE.
Sophia
I adored this song, and it’s still stuck in my head, but in every wonderful way. The lyrics with it are perfect, and they are a fantastic tribute to Jaron. He would be deeply honored (and slightly embarrassed at the compliments).
Eve
This is one of my favorite scenes in all of the books, and Eve did a wonderful job bringing the moment to life. I love the choice of colors and the perspective she chose.
Rumaisa
What I loved about Rumaisa’s beautiful piece is that it feels somewhat incomplete, just as Jaron is certainly incomplete, and yet I wouldn’t change a thing about it. This drawing feels exactly as it should.
Palwasha
For me, this is the moment when everything that has happened until now in book one finally comes together, and this photo grabbed my attention in every wonderful way. Palwasha is also a talented author. You can check out her debut novel HERE.
Roxie and Lilly
Roxie and Lilly created the perfect music score to fit the conflict Jaron must have felt as he anticipated the sudden change in his future. It is titled, “I Am Your King.”
Ronza
Yes, this! Ronza’s piece is so beautifully done, and brings Jaron to life in such an awesome way! Yes, there is trouble in his eyes!
Karalynn
The dance with Amarinda at the end of book one has to be one of the most awkward and uncomfortable moments of her life, and Karalynn does a fantastic job of presenting this scene to us from her perspective. Read it HERE!
Alisha
Every king needs a horse, and Mystic will always be a favorite of mine, even more so now with this fabulous drawing.
Laura
This is the expression I’d guess that most people would recognize as unique to the king, like a constant dare to his enemies that if they are foolish enough to challenge him, there will be consequences. Laura did excellent work bringing this part of her personality to life.
Rachel
Jaron can be sullen and moody, but I think most of the time he is happy and hopeful for the future, and Rachel captured his joy in a wonderful way that makes me smile.
Abigail and Hazel
Abigail and Hazel art is exceptional, combined with this beautiful music, is a perfect tribute to the Ascendant King. Long may he reign!
August 4, 2020
Semi-Finalists 4
For the fourth round of semi-finalists, we’re celebrating the amazing ladies of Carthya today, specifically, Imogen and Amarinda. You showed your love for these two in such great ways!
(More is coming about Jaron and Imogen, and about Jaron and his mother.)
Madalyn
I love the happiness in Madalyn’s version of Imogen, and the reminder that she is, after all, the flower girl from THE RUNAWAY KING. No wonder she caught Jaron’s eye!
Jerzey
One of the things I immediately noticed about Jerzey’s work is the difference in class between Amarinda’s and Imogen’s dress. It is obvious who was born a princess, and who was not. Details like that really made this one stand out to me.
Caroline
Caroline took something familiar to readers but switched the perspective to show us the way Imogen might have viewed the arrival of Conner’s orphans. She does a wonderful job with the complexity and confusion of Imogen’s emotions. You can read it HERE.
Nika
Simply put, Nika’s artwork for Imogen and Amarinda are stunning. How I wish I could walk into these drawings and live there for a while.
Desirée
We know that Imogen and Amarinda will eventually become good friends, but the way that friendship began is a missing scene of the story. Desirée fills that scene in so beautifully – this is a wonderful story! Read it HERE!
Kaylie
I don’t think it’s possible for this drawing of Imogen to be any more beautiful. I stare at it and wonder what she is looking at, the thoughts that must be running through her mind, and how she is coping with the sudden complexity of her life.
August 2, 2020
Book 5 Dedication Winners!
Original Song
AVA and ABIGAIL
The narration was enchanting and set us up for a song that I just wanted to go on and on. The writing of both parts was superb and the video pulled everything together in such a beautiful way that I truly thought I was listening to something prepared in a professional studio. I want this entire piece on my personal playlist now!
Art
NIDA
I am always amazed when a single piece of art manages to convey so many complex emotions, and Nida does this incredibly well, showing Jaron’s worries, his loneliness, and yet his hope for a better future. His hand on the sword suggests he knows trouble is coming, but the stars looking down on him suggest he will have help in his times of need. It is obvious that Nida thought out every detail of this beautiful piece of artwork.
Fan Fiction
BROOKLYN
Brooklyn has done so much for the Ascendance series over the years. I believe on those merits alone, she qualified herself as a superfan, and she will always have my gratitude for all her hard work. However, the greatest thrill is to see her emerge as a talented and dedicated writer. I firmly believe the time is not far off when Brooklyn will be holding a book with her own name on the cover, and I will become a superfan of her! You can read her winning piece HERE!
Video
KATIE
From the first image of Katie’s video, I knew this belonged in the top three of her category. The artwork is jaw-dropping, the flow of the video is flawless, and then the fact that she combined it with the song that first inspired the series brought everything together so perfectly. I have no doubt that Katie’s name will be seen in other successful artistic ventures in the future.
Other
RUBI and LETICIA
When I first saw that a board game had been created for the series, I was intrigued, but nothing prepared me for the amount of effort Rubi and Leticia put in to create something that looked like something I might buy in the stores. The game concept is fabulous, and the execution is first rate. I am eagerly waiting to see a Go Fund Me started to put this game into production.
The Younger Crowd
ANNE, ISABELLA, BEN, and SAMANTHA
Any individual entry by this group would have been worthy of a win; however, the entirety of what these four young people created is mind-blowing. In total, they wrote 15 EPISODES of scripts (that’s two seasons, if this were television), and FIVE ORIGINAL SONGS as soundtracks for the scripts. Not only did they create them, but they are all really, really good. They truly proved themselves as superfans, and as multi-talented artists and writers who no doubt, have great futures ahead. Here are two more examples of their work.
SOME NOTES ON THE FINALISTS:
All finalist work can be viewed on the original blog post HERE.
Jocelyn
I absolutely adored the song she created, drawn in by its passion and raw emotion, and I was completely pulled into the scene for which she wrote it. This song is going on my personal playlist.
Elise and Sophie
I used to play the violin, but never like either of these young women, and certainly I could not have created original music the way they did, and THEN to perform it! Their settings and costumes were beautiful, but I also loved that I understood exactly what was happening in each scene. Such amazing talent!
Mayhlee
Mayhlee’s art was one of those pieces that spoke directly to my heart. It was so raw in its emotions and brilliantly depicted the weight Jaron has to carry, and both his need for his friends, and the reality that they do not always see the things he does. I look forward to seeing more of Mayhlee’s work.
Katie
The obvious question is, “Why is Katie not already a published graphic novelist?” Because honestly, her work is just that good. So much work clearly went into her creation, each panel so well chosen and perfectly framed to depict the scene that she did. If a graphic novel is ever created for my work, my first choice would be Katie to pick up right where she left off.
Valerie
Valerie is a proven superfan, having read the series more than twenty times, and because of the books, she has taken up fencing, rock climbing, horse riding, and expanded her talents in a wide variety of arenas. It is also amazing to note that English is not her first language, so to see her writing fan fiction as well as she does in a significant accomplishment.
Minea
Minea has written multiple fan fictions for the Ascendance series, and it was nearly impossible to choose among them for which one to feature. It is my sincerest hope that Minea will one day create original work. I believe with her talent, publishers will fight over her work, and I will certainly eagerly buy it.
Kayleigh
I loved the impact and flow of Kayleigh’s video – it is just as fun to watch the thirtieth time around as it was on the first, and showed a great deal of her talent and hard work and enthusiasm. She did a truly fantastic job!
Jenna
Jenna’s video was so jaw-dropping cool. The detail she put into every scene just brought the biggest smile to my face, and I’ve watched it more times than I can count, because each time I see something new and immensely clever. I loved this one so much!
Ameerah
From Ameerah’s first words, I was drawn in by her poise and intelligence, by the enthusiasm she showed for the series, but also for her personal grace. I have no doubt that great things are ahead for a young woman of her caliber.
Sarah and Josh
Those of you who have any experience with Minecraft know how complex this creation is – not only in laying out an entire mansion, but to determine the use and needs of each room and design them as such. I cannot begin to calculate how many hours this must have taken, and so much dedication. It is truly amazing!
Bonnie, Wesley, Gideon, Solomon, and Ivy
Anytime I see an all-family effort, I know I’m going to love it. I picture the creators huddled together to bounce ideas off each other, and building a synergy that results in a creative wonderland. Something great like that must have happened here to make a final result here.
Olivia
This young woman will go to great places, and is surely off to a wonderful start. I saw her intelligence and energy and a smile to light up a room, and I knew, this is a girl to watch! To think she is a fan of my books is an amazing honor.
Kara
This is another song that I could listen to over and over, and I truly believe it captures not only the essence of Carthya and of battle, but it is also wonderful work, especially for someone of Kara’s age. I am wildly impressed and happy to have this tune stuck in my head as often as possible.
