Rachel M. Humphrey-D'aigle's Blog: DigitalSPF Book Blog, page 9

January 23, 2012

The Deamon Isle Witches, book covers, synopsis, coming soon!

I am excited to announce that The Deamon Isle Witches series is nearly ready for publication. Here's a sneak peak at the covers and a synopsis of the series. As mentioned previously, this is a supernatural novella series, it is rated in the style of TV 14, and will be available through the kindle lending library program.

Synopsis: A vampire mentors three siblings, descendents from a long line of witches, as they struggle to balance a normal life, with their duty as protectors of a magical power source in The Deamon Isle. 
While helping the sheriff of The Deamon Isle track down a murderous Sea Hag in Bloodsucker Bay, which may also prove helpful in the ongoing investigation into their parents deaths, brothers, Charlie and Michael Howard find themselves saviors of a damsel in distress that turns out to be more than she appears.
Meanwhile, their sister, Melinda, living under self-inflicted house arrest, seeks the assistance of their guardian and vampire, William Wakefield, to stop a ill-fated prophetic dream from coming true and claiming the life of a close family friend. William hopes that somehow, by Melinda stopping this dream from coming true, that she will finally forgive herself for the two deaths she could not stop four years previously. 
In the process, the siblings learn an unsettling secret about their mother, and an unexpected visitor gives them shocking news about their father.



When a body is discovered and the cause of death is confirmed as wolf bite, Charlie Howard must come to terms with the fact that the werewolf that bit him is back on the Deamon Isle. He is forced to divulge a terrible truth that threatens his very existence; if he transforms into a werewolf, the one that bit him will become his alpha, and Charlie will become a slave to its will; an outcome that would be disastrous enough if Charlie were simply a man, but including his supernatural heritage, he would be turned into an unstoppable force for the side of evil.  
Melinda, after finally showing signs of recovery from years of guilt ridden fear, is unable to deal with the possibility of losing her brother and has a breakdown which sends her into the arms of a dark-haired stranger.
Meanwhile, Michael and the vampire, William, take it upon themselves to do whatever is necessary to keep their brother from a full transformation during the upcoming full moon.But when the sudden murder of a secret lover triggers Charlie Howard's inner wolf, will the struggle to avenge her death trigger a full transformation, or will he overcome the temptation and in the process find salvation?  
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Published on January 23, 2012 11:33

January 8, 2012

New Book Cover for Deamon Isle Witches Series!

I just wanted to share the new book cover for my new series, The Deamon Isle Witches. It's very exciting! The books themselves will be a part of the Kindle Lending Library Program, but not until Feb 2012.

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Published on January 08, 2012 14:22

December 19, 2011

Readers of Bound by Blood,The Garner Witch Series on Kindle also Read the Fated Saga

Its been a few weeks since I've looked to see what other books are popping up when people purchase my books on the Amazon Kindle. Here's a new one that has garnered some great reviews:
Bound by Blood, The Garner Witch Series, By P. A. Lupton
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Published on December 19, 2011 15:55

Rachel Humphrey - D'aigle, Fantasy Author Fast Facts: Vol 2

For the first time today, I tried Ethiopian food. Totally loved it!

Also this week, I tried a pickled egg. Never been a fan in years past, but these were homemade by my hubby using eggs from our own chickens, so how could I say no. I was pleasantly surprised to love them! Alas, instant heartburn!

My favorite lotion is Neutrogena Sesame Oil lotion. It is getting harder and harder to find and last year I had to order it online. But it the only one I have ever tried and just absolutely loved. I do not care for smelly lotions and perfumes. And I do not want to feel like I just put a layer of something slimy and slick on my skin! EWE!

In high school, I was a soprano soloist for a concert of Handel's Messiah. 

I was the concert mistress of the Maine Youth Symphony.

Today, I rarely sing or play the violin. It was fun, but now I prefer writing!

I have traveled to Hawaii, Canada, Belgium, England and Wales. And to various states here in the US, like Louisiana, Washington, Portland (Maine and Oregon), California, Colorado, Indiana, Idaho, Arizona, Texas, Minnesota, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Florida... and there are others... my fav's: Maine and Louisiana. Totally fell in love with New Orleans!

I have blue eyes, and I am told they change to various shades of blue depending on my mood.

I was once mistaken as a Vampire! I do tend to wear a lot of black clothing, and I have very pale skin. On one particular occasion I was standing in a line at the store, dressed in black, ready to go out for dinner with friends. This little boy in front of me pulled on his mothers pant leg and pointed at me, whispering... "Mom, there's a vampire in the line behind us." We had a good laugh...
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Published on December 19, 2011 15:51

December 15, 2011

Listen to the wattpad podcast :)

Listen to the wattpad podcast of my interview... learn a bit about me, plus, some upcoming plots in the Fated Saga series :) Enjoy!



Writer Interview with Rachel Humphrey - D'aigle by Wattpad
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Published on December 15, 2011 00:25

December 14, 2011

Wattpad Podcast Interview with our creator!

Our esteemed creator, Rachel Humphrey - D'aigle recently answered some questions for another media outlet! Scandalous? How could it not be! Can you imagine finding out possible outcomes to your very future via another interviewer?


WATTPAD PODCAST
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Published on December 14, 2011 14:43

Wattpad Podcast Interview!

Hey everyone, a few weeks back I did an interview with Wattpad, and today, they posted the Podcast. Take a listen...  I do discuss some future plots, things that will be revealed and when :)

WATTPAD PODCAST
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Published on December 14, 2011 14:43

December 10, 2011

Behind the Books: Fated Saga, Writing Space, Routine and Story Ideas, Vol 2

Another question I often get asked is where do I write, how do I write, as well as what kind of writing routine do I follow and where do the ideas for my books come from. So here's a little bit about that subject.


The picture above is my desk is all its cluttered glory! Its actually not always so cluttered, and there is just enough space for me to work. I do normally prefer to keep a work space that's a bit less cluttered, but this picture was taken just this morning. Prior to any quick cleans ups, etc.

I like the light the big window provides right behind the desk. And you might notice on the back wall part of a movie poster for Beverly Hills Ninja, starring Chris Farley.. both my hubby and myself are huge fans. We even named one of doggies Farley, because he made us laugh so much (the dog and the comedian).

More or less, this is where I do a lot of my writing. But I also often work in my kitchen, at my small, portable kitchen island. Mostly, for when I just need a change of scene, plus again, I really like the lighting in my kitchen. 

On occasion you will also find me at local coffee houses and cafe's, or just sitting in a park with a notebook while my current dog, Louie, plays.

As for my writing routine... well, to be honest I don't really have one.

Between my day job's and everyday life, I find it hard to get on a normal writing schedule. If I could I would get up and write each morning, that is when my head feels the most clear, eager and brimming with ideas. But unfortunately I work most mornings. But, my jobs do allow me some flexibility in the shifts that I work, so sometimes I can at least write when creativity hits me. But not always and that is very frustrating.

When I am able to take some additional time to write, I have no problem sitting for 10-13 hours straight, or often longer, as time really just flies by...

My day jobs: Continental/United Airlines (going through a merger) and Music Booking Agent for bands here in Salt Lake City. Both keep me busier than I'd like at times, but a gal's gotta pay the bills! Although I am finally able to offset some of that income now, with my writing, and that is very exciting.

As per the subject of how I write the Fated Saga Books:

It began with over a year of writing backgrounds and back stories for each of my characters that had any main roll to play in my story. Once finished I had a few binders worth of information. I then took some time to write a basic outline of what would happen and what ages my main characters would be when certain events would happen. From the very beginning, before I even wrote a single word of the story, I did know where each of my characters lives were headed and what would happen to each of them.

Whether they live, or die, or what they become, discover, etc.

The initial two main characters, Meghan and Colin Jacoby, I can say are loosely based on myself. I have gone through many challenges and changes in my life, but there was a certain point when I changed, a lot, sort of splintered off and became a much different version of myself. A much better version I think :)

So these siblings are, in part, based on these different sides of myself.

The books themselves are also loosely based on my younger life. I lived a very gypsyesque lifestyle growing up. Due in part to a fire that destroyed my families home and business when I was just three months old, and also partially due to my parents joining a religious cult and being migrant workers.

The caravan setting in the stories is just the perfect way for me to tell the story I want to tell.

You'll also take note, when reading these books, that there are two other themes that really stand out, or at least, I hope they do. I think they are much more present by the end of the 4th book, Broken. Fire is one main theme that always comes around. This theme comes to play because of the fire that changed the course of my life when just three months old, and it often makes me wonder about how fire changes people's lives. Especially when its one like the 1973 Great Chelsea Fire or Conflagration, that nearly burned down the entire city. What happened to all those people's lives? I would have to write an entire book to talk more on this subject and how it affected my own life.... maybe someday :)

The second theme is truth. And the endless search for it. And what happens once you actually discover the truth? How does it change your life? Does it change anything? And how do you know once you've actually discovered the truth? Who can you trust? What version of a story is true? Is there any way to actually discover the truth? And if you are not able to ever discover the truth, what affect does this have on your life and the decisions you make?


I guess I have digressed a bit, but this kind of gives you a little background into where these stories came from and how I go about writing them. Some of it is based on personal experiences. Some of it, obviously, is just my own imagination hard a play :)

As always, if you have any specific questions on this topic, or another topic you'd like to know about, just leave a comment, thanks!
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Published on December 10, 2011 10:37

December 7, 2011

Behind the Books: Fated Saga Fantasy Series, Vol. 1, Book Cover Creation

This is another topic that will now be popping up on the blog periodically. I wanted to give readers a little insight into the behind the scenes action of the Fated Saga books. Topics like, book covers, book trailers, writing style, meanings of things in the books and numerous other topics, all surrounding the books themselves. Or my experiences as a self-published author.


Vol. 1: Fated Saga Book Covers.

I am grateful to be working with a phenomenal photographer, Danielle Page. Am I biased? Maybe. She is my niece and she just had an adorable baby boy. But regardless of relationship, I stand by my claim. She is an excellent photographer! Check out her work and decide for yourself: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Danielle-Page-Photography/326364910204

And with any cover, you need to start with a great photo or art work. if you don't have a good base to start with, you've got nothing to build on!

Coming up with a cover scheme is not easy! Especially for a series. And I am NOT an artist, however, I'm also not rich and have little in the way of budget. So what does this mean? A ton of work! Hours of searching for book cover designs that you not only like, but can actually put together. Hours upon hours learning how to use tools like photoshop. More hours upon hours learning how to create an actual book cover... front matter, back matter, the spine! Fonts for titles, subtitles... getting an ISBN... etc etc etc

And then even more hours of added frustration as you slowly and painstakingly piece together your puzzle!

You'll hear me say this more than once. Being a self-published author has its gratifying moments. When something you have personally worked and worked and worked on finally gets finished, and comes out like you wanted, and you get that tingle that tells you its finally done... there's nothing better then that feeling.

However, it is just as equally frustrating, as the time it consumes is time you'll never get back... time you would much rather just be using for writing, or having a life... well, just forget about the having a life part. If you really want to make a go of being a self-published author, and don't have a significant budget to blow... say goodbye to your life and hello to your computer! Get acquainted and get a really comfy chair! And load up on eye drops :)

Basically, its a labor of love, especially at first. And when it comes to the cover, its the first vital part of your book. Its the first thing that attracts a readers attention and gets them to give your book a second glance.

For me, the important keys were the following:

1. Make the covers fit the theme of the books.
2. Make the covers appropriate for readers of all ages, as I have fans from ages 11 - 90! Male and female!
3. Make the covers something that would make me want to read the book.
4. Make it unique and not something that's been recently overdone to death... for example, the twilight saga covers. You see knockoffs everywhere you look! Enough already!

In the end, I am thrilled with the Fated Saga covers. Could they be better? I'm sure there are pro's out there who could whip together a unique cover in an instant of the time it took me to do so, and perhaps, someday, I'll experience that. But for now, I will happily continue to build them from scratch, on my own, with some starting help from a talented photographer :)

I have received numerous messages asking how to put together a book cover, and the truth of it is, I really can't tell you. I am no expert when it comes to the technical stuff. I can tell you that it takes a lot of perseverance if you're going to do it on your own. Be prepared to spend an entire day, week or even month, going in circles and at the end, often getting nowhere and starting over.

If you are lucky enough to have friends or family that are artists, photographers, computer experts, etc, don't be afraid to ask them for help or advice. Or better yet, use their work for your covers. Use the internet! It is loaded with videos and tutorials on just about any subject you need help with, if you're just willing to take the time to listen, watch and learn.

If you're creative enough to write an entire book, it might just be possible that you are also creative enough to make your own book cover... my advice: make a cover and get some opinions. Gather feedback. Make changes and refine until its right. Just like the inside of your book. Many people will tell you to never attempt to make your own cover, and if you have the means to have others do it for you, that is superb! But for those of us that don't, we just have to dig a little deeper and make it happen!

When I first started my journey to publication, I knew absolutely nothing in regards to making a cover. And my husband can attest, I am not the most tech savvy gal out there. It truly is about taking the time...

My biggest advice... don't use the pre-designed covers offered by self-publishing companies. Most self-publishing companies do now offer some form of originality, and usually at an added cost. But the general ready-to-go covers have been used before and will be used again. Just something to keep in mind...

If you have questions about my covers, or putting together your own cover, I'd be happy to respond... just remember that I'm not an expert :)
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Published on December 07, 2011 21:46

Rachel Humphrey - D'aigle, Fantasy Author Fast Facts: Vol 1

This is a new topic you'll see popping up now and again on my blog. Essentially, a get to know me, Rachel Humphrey - D'aigle, the person and the author. You might read anything from autobiographical details, to what I watched on hulu while working out today, and everything in between :)

Enjoy! And if you have a specific question you'd like answered, just comment on the blog and I'll add it to one of my next posts!

My birthday is 7/19/1973, thus I am 38 years old and my sign is Cancer.

I currently work a day job, alongside writing fantasy books, for Continental Airlines. Or I guess, to be more accurate, now United Airlines... mergers... gotta lov'em! Anyway, I have been an airline employee since 1994!

I am currently eating Monkey Bread... don't know what it is? .... probably a good idea to forget I mentioned it unless you want to add another 10 lbs to your holiday weight gain!

I love to hike with my dog, Louie.

I have a very large family! I am the eldest child of  7 siblings. I have 1 sister and 5 brothers. Then, after I went to college, my parents divorced and I now have 2 half sisters as well.

I find it very irritating that the best flavored coffees are never available in decaf! Lets just say that caffeine and I don't have the best relationship, however, I really love my coffee in the morning ... afternoon ... and evening. I don't actually drink that much ... I have one of those mini 4 cup coffee makers and that pot lasts me all day. My most favorite coffee is Cafe Dumond... non-flavored, but I fell in love with it on a trip to New Orleans! Cafe AuLait all the way!

Currently, I am watching the final season of Smallville. Disk 3 just came in the mail today via Netflix! Sweeeet! I did not watch this show until it had started season 9 on tv. I always thought I would dig it and finally took the time to watch the previous seasons!Obviously, since I am now watching the final season, I loved it!

I just this week finally upgraded my phone to an I-Phone. Guess I'm going to finally learn how to text! I am a terrible texter!

My favorite rock band is "YES"  and my favorite album is "TALK" ... if you ever get the chance, listen to it from start to finish, all at once. Its absolutely incredible! Rejuvenating, fixes broken spirits and just plain rocks!

That's all for Vol. 1!
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Published on December 07, 2011 20:13

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