R.J. Larson's Blog, page 3
April 9, 2018
The Blessing!
The BlessingNow available exclusively through Amazon!I'm delighted to announce that my latest book-baby, The Blessing, is now available on Amazon!!! Here! Yes, it's earlier than I'd anticipated, but this baby's been in my heart for years. The Blessing is a fictional study inspired by my family's history, nineteenth century news-clippings, and by my studies of the Bible's book of Job. (Yes, Job, so be ready. My poor characters don't have an easy time of things for much of the book.) Here's a blurb:
May Somerville has suffered a year worthy of the Bible's Job, and the man who unknowingly prompted all her troubles has fallen in love with her.
Isolated in Colorado's rugged mountains, her beloved family shattered by tragedy and loss, May Somerville questions her Creator amid her struggles to survive. Beset by unexpected storms, both physical and spiritual, May seeks blessings--reasons for hope as she works to restore her family.
Separated from May by unforeseen circumstances and the expectations of others, Alex Whittier is determined to reverse injustices suffered by the Somervilles. But is it too late to redeem himself for the sake of the courageous young woman he's been unable to forget?
Published in connection with Hartline Literary Agency, serving the Christian book community.
Visit us at www.hartlineliterary.com
Thank you, dear everyone! Celebrate my new book baby's arrival with me!
May Somerville has suffered a year worthy of the Bible's Job, and the man who unknowingly prompted all her troubles has fallen in love with her. Isolated in Colorado's rugged mountains, her beloved family shattered by tragedy and loss, May Somerville questions her Creator amid her struggles to survive. Beset by unexpected storms, both physical and spiritual, May seeks blessings--reasons for hope as she works to restore her family.
Separated from May by unforeseen circumstances and the expectations of others, Alex Whittier is determined to reverse injustices suffered by the Somervilles. But is it too late to redeem himself for the sake of the courageous young woman he's been unable to forget?
Published in connection with Hartline Literary Agency, serving the Christian book community.
Visit us at www.hartlineliterary.com
Thank you, dear everyone! Celebrate my new book baby's arrival with me!
April 7, 2018
Realm of Thorns, First Draft DONE!
Celebrating!
A Novella is born--thus far ;)This week, I finished Realm of Thorns, the novella-backstory to my next series--Legends of the Forsaken Empire. For once, my attempt at a novella remained novella-size, coming in just under 33,000 words. Not bad! However, I'm approaching the second draft full of ideas for add-ins as I polish and refine the story, so I shouldn't congratulate myself yet.
Wish me blessings, guys!
Meanwhile, here's a tiny hint of this mini-novel:
Reckoning has come. Darzeq, the crown of the Syvlande Empire has been destroyed. The royal house of Darzeq lies drowned beneath a prophesied destruction of its vast river valley, leaving an ocean of dead waters. Darzeq's ancient royal lineage now rests with two siblings, who have lost their family, their fortunes, and the realm that defines their existence.
March 7, 2018
Coming in Spring 2018!
Hi, everyone! I've deliberately delayed writing this post while waiting on details for my next project. At last--news! My latest book as Kacy Barnett-Gramckow, The Blessing, will be available this spring!!!
The Blessing is a departure from my Biblical fiction--it's set in 1890's New York and Colorado. However, it was inspired by a few snippets of my own family's lore, and ... might serve as a quiet meditation on the Book of Job. Quiet? Well, not entirely quiet. It is inspired by my own family's lore, after all. (More on that part later.) Rifles, gamblers, runaways, food, and quite a few wrenching scenes are involved.
Here's the back cover copy:
May Somerville has suffered a year worthy of the Bible’s Job, and the man who unknowingly prompted all her troubles has fallen in love with her.
Isolated in Colorado’s rugged mountains, her beloved family shattered by tragedy and loss, May Somerville questions her Creator amid her struggles to survive. Beset by unexpected storms, both physical and spiritual, May seeks blessings—reasons for hope as she works to restore her family.
Separated from May by unforeseen circumstances and the expectations of others, Alex Whittier is determined to reverse injustices suffered by the Somervilles. But is it too late to redeem himself for the sake of the courageous young woman he’s been unable to forget?
Published in connection with Hartline Literary Agency, serving the Christian book community. Visit us at www.hartlineliterary.com.
The Blessing is a departure from my Biblical fiction--it's set in 1890's New York and Colorado. However, it was inspired by a few snippets of my own family's lore, and ... might serve as a quiet meditation on the Book of Job. Quiet? Well, not entirely quiet. It is inspired by my own family's lore, after all. (More on that part later.) Rifles, gamblers, runaways, food, and quite a few wrenching scenes are involved.
Here's the back cover copy:
May Somerville has suffered a year worthy of the Bible’s Job, and the man who unknowingly prompted all her troubles has fallen in love with her.
Isolated in Colorado’s rugged mountains, her beloved family shattered by tragedy and loss, May Somerville questions her Creator amid her struggles to survive. Beset by unexpected storms, both physical and spiritual, May seeks blessings—reasons for hope as she works to restore her family.
Separated from May by unforeseen circumstances and the expectations of others, Alex Whittier is determined to reverse injustices suffered by the Somervilles. But is it too late to redeem himself for the sake of the courageous young woman he’s been unable to forget?
Published in connection with Hartline Literary Agency, serving the Christian book community. Visit us at www.hartlineliterary.com.
January 8, 2018
Realm of Thorns: Work in Progress
Happy New Year!
I spent most of my 2017 writing and re-writing book one of the Legends of the Forsaken Empire series. While I wrote it, I realized there was another story to tell: A novella-sized overview of the era when the last alliances in the ancient Syvlande Empire were broken, and the Empire was abandoned amid the rise of a new faith.
Realm of Thorns will be a standalone story, complete, yet a bridge between its ancient history and its new era. Think of it as a lead-in to the New Testament age of our own world.
For fans of the Infinite series, this series won't be part of the Infinite series. However, the Infinite series *might* be understood as the ancient history of the Forsaken Empire series.
Just sayin'!
Stay warm and well throughout the winter's chill, dear everyone.
Hope your 2018 is blessed thus far!
What do you think of this mock-up cover?
I spent most of my 2017 writing and re-writing book one of the Legends of the Forsaken Empire series. While I wrote it, I realized there was another story to tell: A novella-sized overview of the era when the last alliances in the ancient Syvlande Empire were broken, and the Empire was abandoned amid the rise of a new faith.
Realm of Thorns will be a standalone story, complete, yet a bridge between its ancient history and its new era. Think of it as a lead-in to the New Testament age of our own world.
For fans of the Infinite series, this series won't be part of the Infinite series. However, the Infinite series *might* be understood as the ancient history of the Forsaken Empire series.
Just sayin'!
Stay warm and well throughout the winter's chill, dear everyone.
Hope your 2018 is blessed thus far!
What do you think of this mock-up cover?
November 28, 2017
Map-making Quandaries
It's easier to dream about creating maps than it is to actually build them--so many options!
I've recently learned that I can create maps using GIMP shareware, so I've been dabbling with possibilities here:
Love the clear colors and outlines!
A basic parchment-hued landmass surrounded by aquamarine seas. I love this color mix and the way the program defined the continent's edges. But I'd have to draw my own mountains, roads, boundaries, rivers, and landmarks.
I also reloaded my old CC3 software and upgraded it for a modest fee. and by the end of the day, had only this to show.
NotSoMuch!
I'm returning to the drawing boards tomorrow--watch for revisions!
I've recently learned that I can create maps using GIMP shareware, so I've been dabbling with possibilities here:
Love the clear colors and outlines!A basic parchment-hued landmass surrounded by aquamarine seas. I love this color mix and the way the program defined the continent's edges. But I'd have to draw my own mountains, roads, boundaries, rivers, and landmarks.
I also reloaded my old CC3 software and upgraded it for a modest fee. and by the end of the day, had only this to show.
NotSoMuch!I'm returning to the drawing boards tomorrow--watch for revisions!
October 18, 2017
Unexpected Inspiration
Recently, my dear husband and I finally took a belated anniversary trip--only two years late--up into Colorado's mountains.
From my seat in the trainWe planned to ride in a wonderfully restored 1890s coal-burning, narrow-gauge locomotive and check out the beautiful southern-Colorado landscapes, while I did some fact-checking on my 1890s manuscript, The Blessing. But plans often go astray, so why should our mini-vacation plans go smoothly?We arrived at our hotel and checked in, only to realize that our train reservations weren't for the next morning, but two mornings away. We're on a budget, so we debated. Should we return home and drive up again tomorrow? Or should we toss aside our budget for once and spend an extra night in the mountains?
Of course, we were sensible. We booked an extra night in the mountains at an eclectic, creaky old hotel (an adventure all by itself) then took a deep breath of mountain air and made uncharacteristically light-headed plans.
Fresh deer tracksWe headed for the nearest scenic destination: Colorado's famous Sand Dunes. Real dunes, with altitude. And my idea, because there are no beaches in land-locked Colorado, and I NEED occasional doses of water running over sand. This day's therapeutic dose of water-and-sand goodness came with a few Colorado touches.(Ignore my previously broken toes and check out those fresh deer tracks--woo-hoo!)
As well as inspiration for new writing adventures.
Below flood level. For now.Within yards of the deer's hoof-prints, I found a rushing mountain-dune stream that carried my imagination straight into future books! A hunting blind ... for hungry travelers. A river escape for fugitives in a wilderness.
So many possibilities ....
Time to write!
September 6, 2017
Brewing Up New Ideas
Calming? Not exactly.NOTE: Don't be deceived by the tranquil pink tea in my cup. It's Angel Falls Mist tea, which inspired the revered tisane Serena brewed just before her epic clash with *unnamed villain* in Queen.
[Post Begins]
This evening, I completed the first draft of book one in The Forsaken Empire series. Finally! Celebrate with me!
It's been an unexpectedly tough write--one of my longest ever--and I'm counting on considerable trimming and polishing during my second draft. The manuscript currently measures a hefty 133,358 words. Yes, it's a new personal record that deserves to be shaved down to a manageable size.But I'm pausing for tea and a day off.
To allow ideas to brew.
Not only do I need to think through the cuts and revisions I've been pondering, but I need to consider a possible prequel novella that sneaked into my dreams just before I woke up two days ago.
Do I seriously want to take on a novella in the midst of a new series? Would you?
Hence the tea and a day off.
August 9, 2017
Forsaken Empire Origins
Recently, I was searching for copies of my original files for The Genesis Trilogy (see previous posts) when I came across copies of my first book, my apprenticeship book, laboriously stored on 3.5-inch "floppy" disks. Who remembers those compact floppies and the original floppies? Ancient history, right?
Deservedly so.
Forsaken Empire Origins
Four 3.5 compact disks held my single precious manuscript in backup, just in case our PC crashed and offered only the heart-stopping blue screen of writing death. Actually, I might be guilty of using as many as 12 disks to back up my massive tome. Excessive? Perhaps. However, because my research involved reading more than 300 books I'd either purchased or borrowed from the regional library when the fledgling worldwideweb couldn't provide answers to my authorly questions concerning all things medieval, the prospect of losing my work induced nightmares.
Nowadays, my nightmares involve storing info in The Cloud (aren't thunderstorms possible?) as well as emails and random thumb drives--all more convenient than my vintage 3.5 compact disks. Even so, these 3.5 inch babies make me smile. After all, they hold the framework for my current Forsaken Empire series. Thankfully, I've managed to protect my PC's files for more than two decades, because .... I no longer have a computer capable of reading these shiny little disks.
Does anyone still use these?
Deservedly so.
Forsaken Empire OriginsFour 3.5 compact disks held my single precious manuscript in backup, just in case our PC crashed and offered only the heart-stopping blue screen of writing death. Actually, I might be guilty of using as many as 12 disks to back up my massive tome. Excessive? Perhaps. However, because my research involved reading more than 300 books I'd either purchased or borrowed from the regional library when the fledgling worldwideweb couldn't provide answers to my authorly questions concerning all things medieval, the prospect of losing my work induced nightmares.
Nowadays, my nightmares involve storing info in The Cloud (aren't thunderstorms possible?) as well as emails and random thumb drives--all more convenient than my vintage 3.5 compact disks. Even so, these 3.5 inch babies make me smile. After all, they hold the framework for my current Forsaken Empire series. Thankfully, I've managed to protect my PC's files for more than two decades, because .... I no longer have a computer capable of reading these shiny little disks.
Does anyone still use these?
June 29, 2017
Genesis Trilogy Ebooks now available!
At last! The Genesis Trilogy is updated, re-edited, and officially re-released under new covers! I feel as if I've welcomed kids home after they've taken a long journey--and what a journey it's been.
The Genesis FloodThe Heavens Before, He Who Lifts the Skies, and A Crown in the Stars have been translated and published in Dutch, Thai, Ukrainian and Romanian, as well as large-print, far exceeding my hope and prayers.
Nimrod (Nimr-Rada)Currently, the new covers are available only in ebook format, but I'm working on paperback versions and hope to release audio versions within a year--as time/tech issues/budget allows. The ebooks are available through Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Amazon, Scribd, and other sellers.
The Tower of BabelIt was a joy and a privilege to have Moody Publishers sign on for these books fifteen years ago, and it's a delight to re-introduce the second editions now. Thank you, dear readers for loving and recommending the trilogy to others.
I'm blessed to share this amazing publishing journey with you.
Kacy (and R. J.)
May 1, 2017
Genesis Trilogy Publishing News
As many of you know, I write fiction under my own name, Kacy Barnett-Gramckow, and my (most likely) better-known pen name, R. J. Larson.
Bear with me, R. J. Larson readers--I'm stepping into Kacy-mode to share some news.Moody Publishers has returned rights to me for The Genesis Trilogy, which includes The Heavens Before, He Who Lifts the Skies, and a Crown in the Stars.
What does this mean? Well, it's the publishing world's version of having your kids return home after a LONG and fascinating journey. They show up at the door with a ton of laundry, expecting to relax. Being a mom, however, I'm encouraging them to keep their work ethics in shape, and to tackle that laundry!.
The Heavens Before, 1st editionBecause reversion of rights from publishers rarely includes the right to use the books' original cover designs, I'm currently designing my own. In other words, over the next few months, I'll be sending my bookbabies out again, repackaged and re-proofread. They'll look a bit different, but still pay homage to their first editions in style and storyline:
For example, here is the original version of The Heavens Before, a novel inspired by The Genesis Flood:
Below, is the new cover for the revised/repackaged edition:
I'm encouraged--the Blogger program evidently realizes this is the same book; it just attempted to merge the covers' captions together.
The Heavens Before, 2nd edition
Are they similar enough to avoid confusion?
Dear Readers, what do you think?
Blessings, Kacy/R. J.
Bear with me, R. J. Larson readers--I'm stepping into Kacy-mode to share some news.Moody Publishers has returned rights to me for The Genesis Trilogy, which includes The Heavens Before, He Who Lifts the Skies, and a Crown in the Stars.
What does this mean? Well, it's the publishing world's version of having your kids return home after a LONG and fascinating journey. They show up at the door with a ton of laundry, expecting to relax. Being a mom, however, I'm encouraging them to keep their work ethics in shape, and to tackle that laundry!.
The Heavens Before, 1st editionBecause reversion of rights from publishers rarely includes the right to use the books' original cover designs, I'm currently designing my own. In other words, over the next few months, I'll be sending my bookbabies out again, repackaged and re-proofread. They'll look a bit different, but still pay homage to their first editions in style and storyline:For example, here is the original version of The Heavens Before, a novel inspired by The Genesis Flood:
Below, is the new cover for the revised/repackaged edition:
I'm encouraged--the Blogger program evidently realizes this is the same book; it just attempted to merge the covers' captions together.
The Heavens Before, 2nd editionAre they similar enough to avoid confusion?
Dear Readers, what do you think?
Blessings, Kacy/R. J.
