Michelle Erickson's Blog, page 4
July 16, 2014
Sequels to COS?
Fans asked (less than 24 hours after I released the final prequel to COS) if there will be more.
The short answer: Stay Tuned.
For a quick sum of what I'm doing go to the FB page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chest-of-Souls-Fantasy-Epic/270787772957868 If you want to follow, by all means, 'like' the page. Go ahead and leave a comment.
For fans of the COS series, I plan to write the sequels in this sequence (Naturally, things could change):
1) Sundara - Queen of the AmmonitesThis is Wyn and Japh's story with all your favorite characters (who survived) from COS 1-9 AND the prequels. Writing this book was a no-brainer. I wanted to tie up the burning question: What happened to the flaming blister known as Vael? If you didn't know he was still alive, please re-read the series.
2) Sons of ThunderContinuing where Sundara left off and setting up the rest of the books. Two major characters are slated to die.
3) Return to SharaThe title is self-explanatory - the Ancients (minus Vael) will return to Shara to confront their past and take care of unfinished business.
4) With Wings and TalonThis had to be written to fully explain harpies and how Revaya and Pax do among them.
5) Ties that BindThe big wrap-up scene - probably.
6) Someone suggested I write the pre-prequel about Utahna - sigh...I don't know if this should be done or not.
Yes, I have some of them planned and bits written down (about 67 pages of notes for the FIRST book), but try to be patient. You never know what bits and pieces of other books may pop up and out, so as I mentioned above, Stay Tuned.
I am currently working on an urban fantasy with my oldest daughter called House of Cards. To get a look at some of the characters and get a 'feel' for the series, go here:http://stravenlite.deviantart.com/art/Taps-and-Friends-at-Beach-468363132
The first book of HOC will be released (hopefully) next year (2015). It is geared for YA and has been a real learning experience. My family has always been involved in my books (since I eat/drink/sleep the worlds I create) but this has been the most fun I can have without being twins...and the hardest thing I've had to do.
There are four books planned, but the amount of information two of us can output is staggering, so it is likely to expand the way COS did. Which means I will take at least a year off from writing COS.
The short answer: Stay Tuned.
For a quick sum of what I'm doing go to the FB page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chest-of-Souls-Fantasy-Epic/270787772957868 If you want to follow, by all means, 'like' the page. Go ahead and leave a comment.
For fans of the COS series, I plan to write the sequels in this sequence (Naturally, things could change):
1) Sundara - Queen of the AmmonitesThis is Wyn and Japh's story with all your favorite characters (who survived) from COS 1-9 AND the prequels. Writing this book was a no-brainer. I wanted to tie up the burning question: What happened to the flaming blister known as Vael? If you didn't know he was still alive, please re-read the series.
2) Sons of ThunderContinuing where Sundara left off and setting up the rest of the books. Two major characters are slated to die.
3) Return to SharaThe title is self-explanatory - the Ancients (minus Vael) will return to Shara to confront their past and take care of unfinished business.
4) With Wings and TalonThis had to be written to fully explain harpies and how Revaya and Pax do among them.
5) Ties that BindThe big wrap-up scene - probably.
6) Someone suggested I write the pre-prequel about Utahna - sigh...I don't know if this should be done or not.
Yes, I have some of them planned and bits written down (about 67 pages of notes for the FIRST book), but try to be patient. You never know what bits and pieces of other books may pop up and out, so as I mentioned above, Stay Tuned.
I am currently working on an urban fantasy with my oldest daughter called House of Cards. To get a look at some of the characters and get a 'feel' for the series, go here:http://stravenlite.deviantart.com/art/Taps-and-Friends-at-Beach-468363132
The first book of HOC will be released (hopefully) next year (2015). It is geared for YA and has been a real learning experience. My family has always been involved in my books (since I eat/drink/sleep the worlds I create) but this has been the most fun I can have without being twins...and the hardest thing I've had to do.
There are four books planned, but the amount of information two of us can output is staggering, so it is likely to expand the way COS did. Which means I will take at least a year off from writing COS.
July 13, 2014
Up in Flames - Final COS prequel (5)
My 18th book and the final prequel to COS Fantasy.
From the first time he saw her, Vael wanted Revaya.For twenty thousand years, she’s refused him.To add insult to injury, she married a human, though that can’t last forever.He knows their elements, his fire and her air combined, would be unbeatable. Everyone knows it, except Veya.He’s tired of waiting and is implementing a new plan.He will eliminate her distractions.He murdered her friend and Teris is in ruins.According to Mayhem, the next step is to remove her will and enslave her.The plan is going to work, unless…
Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Up-Flames-Chest-Fantasy-Prequel-ebook/dp/B00LR4PK8K
*Amazon eBook price: $2.99 *
Artist: Mates Laurentiu. http://mateslaurentiu.deviantart.com/
*Note from the author*
Originally, Up in Flames was the ending of Book 4. When Winds of Change started to edge closer to 400 pages, I knew I had to make a decision. It was a hard one to make because I didn’t want to write this as a separate book.Why, you ask?Simple answer: I don’t like Vael. Never have, never will (Go Ammon!) Climbing into his head wasn't fun.With that said, I do feel sorry for him (yeah, yeah, I know…doing a Veya here). Also, I was informed the story wasn't finished or fair (drat Jaydren and his 'fair' ideology!) At least, the story wasn't finished until the obsessed flicker was doused (Thanks for trying, Soline).
So, you will have to Stay Tuned to hear the rest of the story.
In case you missed it, this is a big hint.
ABOUT THE COVER:
Note the constellation, 3 Sisters, in the background.Though it's very subtle, there are also faces in the flames with a larger one off to the left.To find out why, you can read the book.
**Here are two comic strips about the 5** The first you should probably wait to read until you finish Up in Flames or it might spoil some things for you. The second can be understood if you've at least read the first two books**Links:
http://stravenlite.deviantart.com/art/Vael-s-Surprise-pt1-469211295
http://stravenlite.deviantart.com/art/Ammon-s-Tree-House-Sketch-415917178
June 9, 2014
Let's Discuss: Rube Jynn
Actor I would choose: Chris Evans - though I'm tempted to use him for Talon.
Chris has strong masculine features and proved he can do more than play an arrogant punk (human torch) when he took the Captain America role.
In my Chest of Souls Epic Fantasy, Rube Jynn is a hard-working young man whose life ambition is to learn. Raised among farmers with high standards and astounding work ethic, he is loyal and fiercely protective of friends and family.
With that said, he has deep emotional conflict. His father, a Ryke (birds) Master, remarried and his stepmother can't stand him. He leaves to work the farms in Lander. Leaving home is okay with Rube because if there is one thing he never wants to do, it's inherit and take care of the family Ryke business.
Rube's strengths are knowledge and loyalty. Of all the men that become Talon's "Elite" Rube is taken the farthest out of his comfort zone (he's never had to fight) and once he is taken prisoner he has to adapt to a brutal environment that life hasn't prepared him for.
June 3, 2014
Winds of Change - Prequel 4 to Chest of Souls and my 17th book
Artist: Mates Laurentiu
http://www.amazon.com/Winds-Change-Fantasy-Series-Prequel-ebook/dp/B00KQ71X08
Price: $3.99
The lace of legend is becoming frayed and Revaya doesn't see it.
For more than twenty thousand years, she has been the Lady of Ogdones. But a storm is brewing.
Her best friend is being hunted by an assassin so fast even Veya has a hard time seeing her. Strange notes of warning are being left for her and the others, but who is writing them? Vael’s unwanted interest continues to be a thorn in her side.
The Winds of Change are howling and no one is listening.
The distractions keep piling up. Even among the Five, love is the most powerful distraction of all.
May 30, 2014
Let's Discuss: Mal Kayman
Mal Kayman is Valenese.
From the time he was orphaned outside the Lost City, he has been trained to be a leader of men. He gained personal training under General Monus and General Han, both legendary Generals of their day.
He has a personal vendetta against the monster that ate (yes, I said ate) his parents. He hates slavers and would easily go out of his way to kill one. He plans on ridding the world of slavery - if he survives. This is not an easy thing to do when so many want you dead.
Let's Discuss Brenna Tybar
Brenna Tybar is the only child of Lyon Tybar and Marianna Ryn. She is the One - the person prophesied about for many millennia - back when the Five were ruling the free land.
Brenna is three when the main story opens. This is how I imagine her to look...except with blue eyes.
To be fair, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it won't really matter who I choose to represent the 'most beautiful' woman in the world, someone will say - NOT!
So, I please myself by choosing someone that I think is very beautiful and still has softness to her eyes.
Brenna would have more highlights in her hair from being in the sun, but this is the young Brenna who at 13 decided she would die if Talon didn't notice her - so she made a few changes her parents didn't approve of, but Talon did.
Talon and Brenna are childhood chums. He sees her that way for a loooong time, according to Brenna.
When she looks like this, he finds that childhood chum has morphed.
It makes her father and her other family members upset.
She, on the other hand, is thrilled.
Fast-forward a few years (after book 6, Stone Dreams) and after Brenna has powered the Chest of Souls.She no longer has the luxury of the better/softer emotions and logic rules her world. She feels anger and negative feelings stronger than anything and she is cold. Hence, the look below. Still beautiful, yes, but cold.
April 26, 2014
New Cover for Hallows Gate
In the mood for something I've written but you've read every book in the Chest of Souls series - twice?
Here's the new cover for my thirteenth book, Hallows Gate. Mates Laurentiu is the very talented (and diverse) artist for this cover.
Blurb: New Years Eve changed Angelina's lifeShe got lost and fell in love a ghost.Now she needs to save him by becoming his wifeProblem?If she succeeds, she frees him, but loses him forever.Love is more complicated than she thought...And that doesn't include the elves.
Price: 99 cents
To purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Hallows-Gate-Michelle-Erickson-ebook/dp/B0078TEC8W
January 27, 2014
Tales from the Chest: Spinning the Wheel
Stera and Lety, Rube's stepsisters, are secondary characters and I didn't waste time explaining who trained them. They played bit parts and though what they did was important, at the end, this scene didn't need to see the light of day - until today! Enjoy:)
"They're still in bed." Chal gave an evil grin.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Shanika asked, looking up at the ceiling where, above them, two unsuspecting girl's were still wrapped in sweet dreams. That was about to change.
"Spin the wheel time!" Chal reached inside the silverware drawer.
The cook of the Ha-mah smiled indulgently. "Don't forget to bring back my knifes!"
"Can I keep the cleaver?" Shanika asked, running her finger along the edge. "My cook needs one."
"As long as you place an order with the blacksmith for another."
"Done!" Shanika put the cleaver in her apron pocket and followed Chal up the stairs.
The two lumps beneath the thin blankets weren't stirring, other than soft snores.
Shanika opened the window, gathered up the Stera, blanket and all, and dumped it outside, aiming (mostly) for the pile of laundry the girls were already supposed to be working on.
Chal followed her example.
The screaming got everyone's attention, but, as usual, one look at who had done it and they all went back to work.
"Do you think they broke something?" Shanika asked, looking a bit worried.
"Nah, it isn't that far. The most that could happen is a sprain or two."
"Just so you know, Stera might have a concussion before the end of the day," Shanika said in a hard voice. "And it won't be because I threw her out the window."
They made it outside just as the sisters scrambled out from under the pile of dirty laundry looking cross as two spoiled little brats could possibly be.
Chal walked up and shoved two fingers up Lety's nostrils and led her to a contraption known to the trainees as "the wheel." She released Lety's nostrils and pointed at the wheel, which was lying on the ground. "Lay down!"
Lety, with eyes streaming screamed, "NO! You can't make me! Mari said..."
Chal kicked the girl's feet out from under her and stepped on her neck. "Shanika, they don't know how to fight!"
Her co-conspirator had Stera's arm up behind her back and was applying pressure, making the girl tiptoe over the ground at a fast pace until she stood in front of large planks. "Get on."
The girl, after seeing that her sister was being strapped down, climbed onto the planks which had a series of pulleys, ropes, and chains that somehow were connected to the wheel.
"Listen to me, you Vael-brained wonders!" Shanika barked. "You two were late getting out of bed, didn't help with morning dishes much less finished the wash. So, you get no breakfast or lunch and you will finish the wash as soon as you finish volunteering for eye-hand-coordination."
The girls looked at each other in question.
Chal clapped her hands together - four measured beats - and looked at Stera. "Start walking to this rhythm. If you stop your sister dies."
Stera's face bled of color and she began to walk in place while the planks moved up and down and she held onto two long poles that glided back and forth.
"You better go faster than that or your sister will never make a whole revolution and she'll suffocate," said Shanika with a disinterested tone.
"Got the knives ready!" Chal said with an eager grin.
The wheel which had been on the ground, was slowly rising as Stera tried to keep the beat that Chal had given her. Her face was red with the effort and she was already sweating.
Shanika faced the wheel and Chal stood with her back to it. "On four?"
"Yeah, and let's descend this time and then go on odds."
The women began to count... "Four...three...two..." a knife was thrown by the backwards-facing Chal. It slammed into the wood near Lety's head. The girl howled.
"Hey, Stera, you better keep the pace or your sister won't make another round."
Even as the women spoke, they were throwing knives back and forth, catching them by the handle, and changing places. Other girls were now gathering around, no one saying a word, but all watching with keen interest.
"What are you looking at you freaks!" Stera yelled angrily, puffing as her sister, strapped to the wheel, screamed again as a knife missed her outstretched hand by inches.
A cleaver sprouted next to Stera's foot. "Go FASTER!" Shanika warned. She turned to Chal, "I don't think weak-knees has the strength to make the wheel do one revolution. Lety may suffocate."
"Let's see how much Stera loves her sister."
Both women, still throwing knives, watched as Stera strained, the blood vessels on the girl's forehead bulged and threatened to burst.
"I...I...CAN'T do it!" screamed Stera, falling to the ground and stretching one hand out toward the wheel as it sank toward the ground. "NOOOOOOOO!"
Chal calmly looked at the group of girls. "Volunteers? No, not you Pidey, you broke your wrist yesterday. Mari wants you to wait a day...anyone else?'
The wheel had come to halt - upside down. Lety's screams were faint, but definitely audible.
"LETY!" screamed Stera, jumping off the non-moving planks and rushing to the wheel, trying to lift it.
"It's too heavy, silly," said the injured Pidey with a sniff.
"No one wants to help?" Chal asked.
"Will we get into trouble?"
"Who said that?" asked Shanika, looking disappointed.
All heads turned to a small brunette with a club foot. All the girls backed away, leaving space around the girl.
Chal smiled. "Not if you can take this knife away." She displayed the weapon.
Before she could blink, the girl disappeared and reappeared - with the knife.
"Well done sister mine!" Shanika crowed and she gave Chal a wink.
Shanika's sister worked the planks and Lety, covered with sweat reappeared - unconscious, but still breathing. Stera, sobbing, pulled away the straps and then pulled her sister off the wheel.
Chal turned to Shanika with a smile. "Mari is absolutely right."
"She always is," Chal agreed. "But about what this time?"
Shanika retrieved her cleaver from the plank. "This is no such thing as a permanently unmotivated person!"
"They're still in bed." Chal gave an evil grin.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Shanika asked, looking up at the ceiling where, above them, two unsuspecting girl's were still wrapped in sweet dreams. That was about to change.
"Spin the wheel time!" Chal reached inside the silverware drawer.
The cook of the Ha-mah smiled indulgently. "Don't forget to bring back my knifes!"
"Can I keep the cleaver?" Shanika asked, running her finger along the edge. "My cook needs one."
"As long as you place an order with the blacksmith for another."
"Done!" Shanika put the cleaver in her apron pocket and followed Chal up the stairs.
The two lumps beneath the thin blankets weren't stirring, other than soft snores.
Shanika opened the window, gathered up the Stera, blanket and all, and dumped it outside, aiming (mostly) for the pile of laundry the girls were already supposed to be working on.
Chal followed her example.
The screaming got everyone's attention, but, as usual, one look at who had done it and they all went back to work.
"Do you think they broke something?" Shanika asked, looking a bit worried.
"Nah, it isn't that far. The most that could happen is a sprain or two."
"Just so you know, Stera might have a concussion before the end of the day," Shanika said in a hard voice. "And it won't be because I threw her out the window."
They made it outside just as the sisters scrambled out from under the pile of dirty laundry looking cross as two spoiled little brats could possibly be.
Chal walked up and shoved two fingers up Lety's nostrils and led her to a contraption known to the trainees as "the wheel." She released Lety's nostrils and pointed at the wheel, which was lying on the ground. "Lay down!"
Lety, with eyes streaming screamed, "NO! You can't make me! Mari said..."
Chal kicked the girl's feet out from under her and stepped on her neck. "Shanika, they don't know how to fight!"
Her co-conspirator had Stera's arm up behind her back and was applying pressure, making the girl tiptoe over the ground at a fast pace until she stood in front of large planks. "Get on."
The girl, after seeing that her sister was being strapped down, climbed onto the planks which had a series of pulleys, ropes, and chains that somehow were connected to the wheel.
"Listen to me, you Vael-brained wonders!" Shanika barked. "You two were late getting out of bed, didn't help with morning dishes much less finished the wash. So, you get no breakfast or lunch and you will finish the wash as soon as you finish volunteering for eye-hand-coordination."
The girls looked at each other in question.
Chal clapped her hands together - four measured beats - and looked at Stera. "Start walking to this rhythm. If you stop your sister dies."
Stera's face bled of color and she began to walk in place while the planks moved up and down and she held onto two long poles that glided back and forth.
"You better go faster than that or your sister will never make a whole revolution and she'll suffocate," said Shanika with a disinterested tone.
"Got the knives ready!" Chal said with an eager grin.
The wheel which had been on the ground, was slowly rising as Stera tried to keep the beat that Chal had given her. Her face was red with the effort and she was already sweating.
Shanika faced the wheel and Chal stood with her back to it. "On four?"
"Yeah, and let's descend this time and then go on odds."
The women began to count... "Four...three...two..." a knife was thrown by the backwards-facing Chal. It slammed into the wood near Lety's head. The girl howled.
"Hey, Stera, you better keep the pace or your sister won't make another round."
Even as the women spoke, they were throwing knives back and forth, catching them by the handle, and changing places. Other girls were now gathering around, no one saying a word, but all watching with keen interest.
"What are you looking at you freaks!" Stera yelled angrily, puffing as her sister, strapped to the wheel, screamed again as a knife missed her outstretched hand by inches.
A cleaver sprouted next to Stera's foot. "Go FASTER!" Shanika warned. She turned to Chal, "I don't think weak-knees has the strength to make the wheel do one revolution. Lety may suffocate."
"Let's see how much Stera loves her sister."
Both women, still throwing knives, watched as Stera strained, the blood vessels on the girl's forehead bulged and threatened to burst.
"I...I...CAN'T do it!" screamed Stera, falling to the ground and stretching one hand out toward the wheel as it sank toward the ground. "NOOOOOOOO!"
Chal calmly looked at the group of girls. "Volunteers? No, not you Pidey, you broke your wrist yesterday. Mari wants you to wait a day...anyone else?'
The wheel had come to halt - upside down. Lety's screams were faint, but definitely audible.
"LETY!" screamed Stera, jumping off the non-moving planks and rushing to the wheel, trying to lift it.
"It's too heavy, silly," said the injured Pidey with a sniff.
"No one wants to help?" Chal asked.
"Will we get into trouble?"
"Who said that?" asked Shanika, looking disappointed.
All heads turned to a small brunette with a club foot. All the girls backed away, leaving space around the girl.
Chal smiled. "Not if you can take this knife away." She displayed the weapon.
Before she could blink, the girl disappeared and reappeared - with the knife.
"Well done sister mine!" Shanika crowed and she gave Chal a wink.
Shanika's sister worked the planks and Lety, covered with sweat reappeared - unconscious, but still breathing. Stera, sobbing, pulled away the straps and then pulled her sister off the wheel.
Chal turned to Shanika with a smile. "Mari is absolutely right."
"She always is," Chal agreed. "But about what this time?"
Shanika retrieved her cleaver from the plank. "This is no such thing as a permanently unmotivated person!"
December 24, 2013
Tales from the Chest: Training Mari
I didn't have time to do a flash-back of Mari being personally trained by the Forest Wife. In keeping with my idea to have Brenna and Talon in the center of the story, I needed to move on. In any case, there was no need to really show where Brenna got a healthy helping of her stubbornness from. *********************************************************************************
The seventy-five pound book landed on the large table, creating a small puff of dust as it did so.
In surprise, Mari waved away the dust which threatened to choke her and looked up at the blonde woman who was not quite her mentor and not quite a friend, yet.
"Read."
Mari was not accustomed to taking orders and there was no mistaking that this was an order. "Do you want me to read or practice? I can't do both at the same time." Mari couldn't quite keep the frustration out of her voice.
"I believe, in the end, you'll be surprised what you can do."
Mari, feeling fractious over this newest chore, sniped, "Oh, good, a new cryptic way of saying you know more than I do. That might change if you'd just let me keep practicing!"
The pair of blue eyes fixed on Mari did not waver in their silent reprimand.
"Just let me practice!"
The Forest Wife shook her head. "Do you really think that this time and place were made just for you, Mari?"
The truth was yes. She'd been under the impression that the place was there to give her a place to practice.
"Did you ever read the Book of Benamii as I asked?"
"Yeeees..." she answered, but didn't meet her teacher's eyes.
"So you read about yourself. What did you think?"
At the moment, she couldn't. She was too busy wrapping her mind around the idea she was mentioned. As her mind raced, she shook her head. "The book didn't say anything about me." She was absolutely sure she would have noticed her own name.
"Then you didn't study it."
"It's boring..."
"So boring you want your ignorance to kill your husband and daughter?"
Mari blinked and then snapped her mouth closed.
"Study doesn't mean to skim over the parts you find uninteresting. The Prophet Benamii wasn't trying to be cryptic, Mari. he gave his life so we could have the truth."
"He's dead?!" She hadn't heard...or she hadn't paid attention if she had.
"Nez gifted the bloodthirsty Sogoians with a public execution." This was said in such a tone she knew it was the truth.
Mari willed away her sorrow. Last time she'd seen the old man, he was standing at the gates of Ryn House, announcing her time had come for training. In part, that memory had served to press her onward. "I still need the practice."
The Forest Wife took a seat; something she never did unless the subject was serious. "Look at me, Mari."
She did.
"You are stunningly beautiful and impressively powerful, but your ignorance has reached near-epic proportions."
She scowled, failing to appreciate being called stupid. It also tweaked her curiosity, as, no doubt, the Forest Wife intended.
"The mistakes you make here and now, on this side of time, will have severe repercussions."
"I thought you said what I did here wouldn't affect there."
"I sometimes wonder if you listen at all."
That cowed her.
"I'm not talking about whether the waterfall you forced to fall up makes a dent in the world you return to. I'm speaking of something so much more. Something that is coming so fast, no human can hope to stop it."
"What is it?"
"The battle for the souls of men, Mari. What do you think all this," the Forest Wife spun in a circle with her arms outstretched, "this is about?"
She hadn't considered the souls of men.
"You have specific responsibility looming over you and you need to hurry, for all our sakes."
Mari did not like the idea of a deadline when she didn't know what was at stake. "You know everything, so why not tell me?" She did not want to read a foot-thick book.
The Forest Wife didn't answer, but opened the cover of the dusty tome. "This record was written by your grandmother."
She had no memory of the woman who had passed away before she was born.
"Not that grandmother, but Marisena, wife of Jaydren; and before you can ask, yes THE Jaydren, ruler of Utak and, coincidentally, your direct-line grandfather. If I were you, I'd memorize it."
"Why don't you just tell me what I have to know?"
"There are no shortcuts to what you need to know."
She fingered the first page, looking at the small writing, noting Jaydren's wife had pretty penmanship, but also sighing. Then a new thought burst onto the stage of her mind, looking like a frightened doe. "If I have something really important and you're my teacher, it figure you have something important to do as well."
The woman looked as if debating the wisest course of action. "I am mother of the Chosen."
Mari's quick mind ran over what she remembered of the person called "the Chosen" in the Book of Benamii. She put a commiserating hand on the Forest Wife's embroidered sleeve. Her child was destined for heartache - a life of great danger and challenges. "If anyone can do it, you can."
"That's exactly how I feel about your role."
Mari's heart sank. If her role was as serious as her teacher's she was in big trouble. With resignation, she began to read.
The seventy-five pound book landed on the large table, creating a small puff of dust as it did so.
In surprise, Mari waved away the dust which threatened to choke her and looked up at the blonde woman who was not quite her mentor and not quite a friend, yet.
"Read."
Mari was not accustomed to taking orders and there was no mistaking that this was an order. "Do you want me to read or practice? I can't do both at the same time." Mari couldn't quite keep the frustration out of her voice.
"I believe, in the end, you'll be surprised what you can do."
Mari, feeling fractious over this newest chore, sniped, "Oh, good, a new cryptic way of saying you know more than I do. That might change if you'd just let me keep practicing!"
The pair of blue eyes fixed on Mari did not waver in their silent reprimand.
"Just let me practice!"
The Forest Wife shook her head. "Do you really think that this time and place were made just for you, Mari?"
The truth was yes. She'd been under the impression that the place was there to give her a place to practice.
"Did you ever read the Book of Benamii as I asked?"
"Yeeees..." she answered, but didn't meet her teacher's eyes.
"So you read about yourself. What did you think?"
At the moment, she couldn't. She was too busy wrapping her mind around the idea she was mentioned. As her mind raced, she shook her head. "The book didn't say anything about me." She was absolutely sure she would have noticed her own name.
"Then you didn't study it."
"It's boring..."
"So boring you want your ignorance to kill your husband and daughter?"
Mari blinked and then snapped her mouth closed.
"Study doesn't mean to skim over the parts you find uninteresting. The Prophet Benamii wasn't trying to be cryptic, Mari. he gave his life so we could have the truth."
"He's dead?!" She hadn't heard...or she hadn't paid attention if she had.
"Nez gifted the bloodthirsty Sogoians with a public execution." This was said in such a tone she knew it was the truth.
Mari willed away her sorrow. Last time she'd seen the old man, he was standing at the gates of Ryn House, announcing her time had come for training. In part, that memory had served to press her onward. "I still need the practice."
The Forest Wife took a seat; something she never did unless the subject was serious. "Look at me, Mari."
She did.
"You are stunningly beautiful and impressively powerful, but your ignorance has reached near-epic proportions."
She scowled, failing to appreciate being called stupid. It also tweaked her curiosity, as, no doubt, the Forest Wife intended.
"The mistakes you make here and now, on this side of time, will have severe repercussions."
"I thought you said what I did here wouldn't affect there."
"I sometimes wonder if you listen at all."
That cowed her.
"I'm not talking about whether the waterfall you forced to fall up makes a dent in the world you return to. I'm speaking of something so much more. Something that is coming so fast, no human can hope to stop it."
"What is it?"
"The battle for the souls of men, Mari. What do you think all this," the Forest Wife spun in a circle with her arms outstretched, "this is about?"
She hadn't considered the souls of men.
"You have specific responsibility looming over you and you need to hurry, for all our sakes."
Mari did not like the idea of a deadline when she didn't know what was at stake. "You know everything, so why not tell me?" She did not want to read a foot-thick book.
The Forest Wife didn't answer, but opened the cover of the dusty tome. "This record was written by your grandmother."
She had no memory of the woman who had passed away before she was born.
"Not that grandmother, but Marisena, wife of Jaydren; and before you can ask, yes THE Jaydren, ruler of Utak and, coincidentally, your direct-line grandfather. If I were you, I'd memorize it."
"Why don't you just tell me what I have to know?"
"There are no shortcuts to what you need to know."
She fingered the first page, looking at the small writing, noting Jaydren's wife had pretty penmanship, but also sighing. Then a new thought burst onto the stage of her mind, looking like a frightened doe. "If I have something really important and you're my teacher, it figure you have something important to do as well."
The woman looked as if debating the wisest course of action. "I am mother of the Chosen."
Mari's quick mind ran over what she remembered of the person called "the Chosen" in the Book of Benamii. She put a commiserating hand on the Forest Wife's embroidered sleeve. Her child was destined for heartache - a life of great danger and challenges. "If anyone can do it, you can."
"That's exactly how I feel about your role."
Mari's heart sank. If her role was as serious as her teacher's she was in big trouble. With resignation, she began to read.
Anatomy of a book cover - Said in Stone
Anatomy of a book cover - Said in StoneSaid in Stone - my 16th book
I thought you might like to see what it takes - beginning to end - for a cover to manifest from my mind to reality. Since this cover was done by a different artist, I thought I'd display how things transpired.
I recently hired Mates Laurentiu. If you like his work, as much as we did, you will find him here: http://mateslaurentiu.deviantart.com/ Our experience with him has been very positive, very professional. In fact, he is busy working on the next cover.
First, the Cover Concept. I come up with the idea. Said in Stone is the third book in a series of four planned prequels. The character on the front is Jaydren - an Earth-Macshara who manipulates all minerals - gem, rock, etc. I wanted the feeling of solid, dependable, reliable - more rigid - straight lines, very commanding presence. Jaydren is strong, and HANDSOME - the ultimate grandfather of Brenna (the most beautiful powerful woman in the world). Below is the reason why I write and not draw. I use simplistic lines because I'm not capable of more.
Second: My daughter interprets the drawing (as you can see this is necessary) and suggests/adds things. At one time, she would really work on it as if it would be the cover. However, in the interest of time spent for something that wouldn't be used as a cover, I ordered her (yes I used the word ordered!) to just do her "advance-stick character" minus features.
Often, by the time I'm at this point, I also add things because I've been writing more about the character. Included in the email to the artist were pictures of who we think resembles the character (with modifications necessary to the character like beard, longer/shorter hair, eye color, etc.), the clothing, the details (such as what is on the flags in the back) and the colors.
Third: The artist returns a sketch of what he thought I wanted. I've never had one come back exactly the way I envisioned it to be. With that said, this was impressive. We just needed it tweaked.
Third: Return the sketch with corrections my daughter made (in blue) on the top of his sketch. Along with this we send an apology for messing up his work - but we found this is the best way to make sure the artist understand what we want. Most artists are visual - as you can imagine. She uses PhotoShop to do this.
Fourth: Artist sends the line-art (think color-book) and will not color until I give okay.
Fifth: Artist sends flat-color and we work together to iron out the color palette/tones.
Sixth: Getting there - but a ways to go. Jaydren has black-as-midnight hair (so black it's got blue highlights)
Seventh: The final picture - with title information added.
Now, this journey took longer and had more in-between corrections, but I felt this would give you a better idea about how my covers manifest themselves - glorious in the end.
I thought you might like to see what it takes - beginning to end - for a cover to manifest from my mind to reality. Since this cover was done by a different artist, I thought I'd display how things transpired.
I recently hired Mates Laurentiu. If you like his work, as much as we did, you will find him here: http://mateslaurentiu.deviantart.com/ Our experience with him has been very positive, very professional. In fact, he is busy working on the next cover.
First, the Cover Concept. I come up with the idea. Said in Stone is the third book in a series of four planned prequels. The character on the front is Jaydren - an Earth-Macshara who manipulates all minerals - gem, rock, etc. I wanted the feeling of solid, dependable, reliable - more rigid - straight lines, very commanding presence. Jaydren is strong, and HANDSOME - the ultimate grandfather of Brenna (the most beautiful powerful woman in the world). Below is the reason why I write and not draw. I use simplistic lines because I'm not capable of more.
Second: My daughter interprets the drawing (as you can see this is necessary) and suggests/adds things. At one time, she would really work on it as if it would be the cover. However, in the interest of time spent for something that wouldn't be used as a cover, I ordered her (yes I used the word ordered!) to just do her "advance-stick character" minus features.
Often, by the time I'm at this point, I also add things because I've been writing more about the character. Included in the email to the artist were pictures of who we think resembles the character (with modifications necessary to the character like beard, longer/shorter hair, eye color, etc.), the clothing, the details (such as what is on the flags in the back) and the colors.
Third: The artist returns a sketch of what he thought I wanted. I've never had one come back exactly the way I envisioned it to be. With that said, this was impressive. We just needed it tweaked.
Third: Return the sketch with corrections my daughter made (in blue) on the top of his sketch. Along with this we send an apology for messing up his work - but we found this is the best way to make sure the artist understand what we want. Most artists are visual - as you can imagine. She uses PhotoShop to do this.
Fourth: Artist sends the line-art (think color-book) and will not color until I give okay.
Fifth: Artist sends flat-color and we work together to iron out the color palette/tones.
Sixth: Getting there - but a ways to go. Jaydren has black-as-midnight hair (so black it's got blue highlights)
Seventh: The final picture - with title information added.
Now, this journey took longer and had more in-between corrections, but I felt this would give you a better idea about how my covers manifest themselves - glorious in the end.
