Cheree Alsop's Blog, page 3
April 10, 2012
Writing Inside Out
I think the hardest thing about writing is connecting the thoughts with what actually ends up on the page. I have the stories straight in my head. I know the characters like they are my best friends (don't judge), I see their homes, their pasts, I feel their pain and happiness, joy, and sorrow, and I know exactly how I want to write it down. The most challenging part is making sure that it actually gets on paper (or the screen). I greatly value the time my husband takes to read through the books and point out the things that don't make sense. He is my biggest critic, but also my biggest fan. He cheers me on if I get frustrated, and he doesn't let me release a book until it's at the highest quality it can be for the readers. For that, I owe him everything in the world because I owe it to my readers to make sure that what they read is the best that I can turn out.
That's not to say that my work doesn't have room for improvement. I go back and read Silver or some of the books I wrote that will never see the light of a publishing day (or at least not without a ton of revising), and I do see things that I would change. I wouldn't take back Silver- it's still one of my favorite books for its own reasons, but I'm happy to say that I feel my writing has improved since its release.
That should be the goal of any writer. You can't wait until you never make a mistake or you're at the very highest of your writing ability, because we are all still learning and the world will have to wait for your masterpiece until you are 100 years old and on your deathbed (trust me- at that time, writing a book won't be your first goal). Writing is a learning process, and if you don't start, you'll never learn.
I love writing and the challenge it presents. My biggest war with myself is making sure the thoughts in my head that make up the stories come out in a way that the readers see the same worlds and know the same characters I do. If I miss the boat, then I go back and work on it until I feel the book is the best it can possibly be. I give my readers the promise that I will never publish anything that isn't ready to be read, and I love the opportunity to share my worlds and my friends with people who take a chance on an indie author. Thank you very much.
That's not to say that my work doesn't have room for improvement. I go back and read Silver or some of the books I wrote that will never see the light of a publishing day (or at least not without a ton of revising), and I do see things that I would change. I wouldn't take back Silver- it's still one of my favorite books for its own reasons, but I'm happy to say that I feel my writing has improved since its release.
That should be the goal of any writer. You can't wait until you never make a mistake or you're at the very highest of your writing ability, because we are all still learning and the world will have to wait for your masterpiece until you are 100 years old and on your deathbed (trust me- at that time, writing a book won't be your first goal). Writing is a learning process, and if you don't start, you'll never learn.
I love writing and the challenge it presents. My biggest war with myself is making sure the thoughts in my head that make up the stories come out in a way that the readers see the same worlds and know the same characters I do. If I miss the boat, then I go back and work on it until I feel the book is the best it can possibly be. I give my readers the promise that I will never publish anything that isn't ready to be read, and I love the opportunity to share my worlds and my friends with people who take a chance on an indie author. Thank you very much.
March 26, 2012
Mist!
Mist, the second book of Shadows, is officially done! When I say done, it's ready for a read-through by my husband who is my content editor, then I go through it one last time for a final edit, and it's ready to publish. I'm very excited to release Mist. The Shadows Series is one that I'm very happy with. I love the world of Shadows, the Luminos, Nathos, and Duskies, and the way they have to depend upon each other for safety and survival. Shadows lets us into the life of Nexa, her beginning as a slave, and her fight to save those she cares about as she battles the cannibalistic Sathen, the creatures of the desert and ocean, and the prejudices against her race.
Mist goes beyond that to the source of the Sathen and the true beginning of the races. It follows the journey of a handmaiden named Rya as she confronts her past and has to face her fears in order to save all of Lumini. More than she seems, Rya finds her courage and strength in the face of danger, but she risks losing everything, including her life, to end the threat to the kingdom.
The story of Mist has been a fun adventure to write. I look forward to more editing, finding the perfect cover, and getting the book ready to hopefully be published at the beginning of May!
Mist goes beyond that to the source of the Sathen and the true beginning of the races. It follows the journey of a handmaiden named Rya as she confronts her past and has to face her fears in order to save all of Lumini. More than she seems, Rya finds her courage and strength in the face of danger, but she risks losing everything, including her life, to end the threat to the kingdom.
The story of Mist has been a fun adventure to write. I look forward to more editing, finding the perfect cover, and getting the book ready to hopefully be published at the beginning of May!
March 21, 2012
The Joy of Writing
I love to write. Writing opens up something inside of me and lets all of the pent-up ideas that jumble around in my head out in a story that usually ends up far surpassing what I hoped it could be. When asked why I write, my answer is usually short- it's a hobby, I enjoy the escape, it's fun to see where the stories end up. The truth (which I generally don't have time to explain because long-winded answers aren't usually what the asker is looking for) is that writing fulfills that part inside of me that calls for something more.
I don't know if you have ever had the feeling that you are meant for something greater, something far different than where you are, something above going to work, to school, or taking care of the home and family. I love my life. Life is amazing and I wouldn't change anything about where I am right now. I love being home with my children and watching them go on their own adventures. I love the time with my family and the fact that we get to experience this incredible journey through life together. I am exactly where I want to be, and I know there are those who can't say that and so I am very grateful for where I am.
What I want to point out by this is that I don't need to escape. I don't have anything to escape from and I am happy, but there is that little seed inside that calls for the beyond, for pushing myself above my limits and helping others, saving the world, ending wars, the far-reaching things that are above the simple acts of one person. I can help in my own way, but I want to do more.
This is why I write characters who sword-fight, who change into mythological creatures, who fight to save more than just themselves. My characters’ lives reach beyond the simple boundaries; they save damsels in distress who aren’t just simpering, helpless girls, but real women with their own ideas and dreams and who usually end up doing a lot of the saving themselves. I write men who are brave, defiant, and foolhardy in the face of danger because those they are saving are worth more to them than their own lives. I love stories of gladiators, werewolves, knights, Duskies, dragons, shifters, princes and princesses because they truly have the power to affect the lives around them for good or bad.
I hope that through my writing, I am able to give that to others as well, to help them live beyond their boundaries and realize that through stories they have no limits. When you feel that inkling that you were meant for greater things, that you are a hero in your heart, or that you are meant to change the world, do what you can to create the change in your own world, and if you are at a loss how to do so, delve into books where others’ actions match how you feel. I am inspired by characters in books, and I hope that someday my stories can inspire others. It is an awesome task to consider, and one whose challenge brings a smile to my face. In the words of the great Barney, Challenge accepted!
I don't know if you have ever had the feeling that you are meant for something greater, something far different than where you are, something above going to work, to school, or taking care of the home and family. I love my life. Life is amazing and I wouldn't change anything about where I am right now. I love being home with my children and watching them go on their own adventures. I love the time with my family and the fact that we get to experience this incredible journey through life together. I am exactly where I want to be, and I know there are those who can't say that and so I am very grateful for where I am.
What I want to point out by this is that I don't need to escape. I don't have anything to escape from and I am happy, but there is that little seed inside that calls for the beyond, for pushing myself above my limits and helping others, saving the world, ending wars, the far-reaching things that are above the simple acts of one person. I can help in my own way, but I want to do more.
This is why I write characters who sword-fight, who change into mythological creatures, who fight to save more than just themselves. My characters’ lives reach beyond the simple boundaries; they save damsels in distress who aren’t just simpering, helpless girls, but real women with their own ideas and dreams and who usually end up doing a lot of the saving themselves. I write men who are brave, defiant, and foolhardy in the face of danger because those they are saving are worth more to them than their own lives. I love stories of gladiators, werewolves, knights, Duskies, dragons, shifters, princes and princesses because they truly have the power to affect the lives around them for good or bad.
I hope that through my writing, I am able to give that to others as well, to help them live beyond their boundaries and realize that through stories they have no limits. When you feel that inkling that you were meant for greater things, that you are a hero in your heart, or that you are meant to change the world, do what you can to create the change in your own world, and if you are at a loss how to do so, delve into books where others’ actions match how you feel. I am inspired by characters in books, and I hope that someday my stories can inspire others. It is an awesome task to consider, and one whose challenge brings a smile to my face. In the words of the great Barney, Challenge accepted!
March 15, 2012
Shadows Review
Susan Mahoney at Great Minds Think Aloud posted the following awesome review:
Shadows by Cheree Alsop (REVIEW BY SUE MAHONEY)
Is a powerful supernatural story that tugged at this reader’s heart strings. It is an inspiring story about seeing beyond the surface and look beneath a creature/person’s real essence. Treat one with respect, kindness and honor and it will be pay back with rewards. This tale is about creatures all that are separated and suspicion of each other. This is a folk-lore about discrimination and judging others because they are different from one another and need to learn to live in harmony because of dangerous foes and how heroes achieve that mission. It is full of excitement, adventure as the lovely Nexa is held prisoner because she is of the race that was born from two separate cultures and doom to a life of being a slave to the higher pure class of creatures.
She is feisty and rebellious and is whipped for every infraction she breaks. She has a strong will and challenges the guards every opportunity she can. Then one day she is exploring hidden caverns sneaking around breaking out of her cell hoping not to get caught and punished severely and a charming mysterious man hears her make a noise and looks behind the wall denies seeing her; she is relieved and sneaks back to her cell. Only to be punished over and over again, it does not break her spirit.
One night strangers come and kidnapped her, she is frighten but is feisty fighting back and her life is about to embark on a transforming journey through dangerous events. To experience life changing miracles of occurrences which make her realized she is not trash to be discarded but an powerful and beautiful creature whose purpose is to shatter all stereotyped beliefs about the various cultures and bring peace to their world. This author has extracted a tender subject and created a supernatural fantasy about seeing beyond the surface of an individual and see what is inside them and accepts them for who they are.
It is full with suspense as the races of Luminos or Nathos and Duskies will have to compromise to fend their lands and families against the fierce flesh eating cannibals creatures, the Sathen seeking their next meal. The Luminos, the Duskies and others gather together to defeat their enemies and protect their families and loved ones. Also the romantic scenes would make a girl sworn over the handsome prince Axon and his gentle ways. The fights between allies and foes and blood lust would attract the male readers.
The conclusion was so powerful and scary this reader was sitting on the edge of her seat, gasping in surprise at how close the characters came to losing their lives, the scenes were so real thinking how that was close, or that must of hurt, as they planted their sharp teeth into her or his skin and other blood curling scenes.
It was emotionally surging at points, climatic at others and sad at some when they lose their comrades to the battles. The plot is set in the ancient days of the Vikings conquering the lands. The Kings their Queens and royalty blood fighting in battles to protect their loved ones and lands. Kings and Queens and royalty blood that must be saved at all costs and the stranger no one accepts until she shows her true courage and defends her people and lands and proves herself worthy of her heritage.
In the author’s words; I looked up sharply and he gave a small smile. “We heard about what you did at dawn to save the ship from mutiny. Who knows how many of the other boats would have followed if you hadn’t stopped this one.” He looked at his companions again, obviously embarrassed by the rush of words.
The one to his left held up a hand and the first Nathos shut his mouth gratefully. “What my friend is trying to say is that your act of bravery saving both the Nathos and Luminos aboard this ship has done much to ease the tension between our races and that of the Duskies.”
I stared at him. “Even after the attempted mutiny?”
He nodded. “You would be surprised. We come from a society where leaders are obeyed without question.”
As the Amazon book description states this reader wholly agrees with the statement; “Epic, stunning, and absolutely mesmerizing, Shadows is the unique and original story you have been waiting to read”. This is definitely a book that I would read again just to savor all the details I missed.
5 Ravens
Shadows by Cheree Alsop (REVIEW BY SUE MAHONEY)
Is a powerful supernatural story that tugged at this reader’s heart strings. It is an inspiring story about seeing beyond the surface and look beneath a creature/person’s real essence. Treat one with respect, kindness and honor and it will be pay back with rewards. This tale is about creatures all that are separated and suspicion of each other. This is a folk-lore about discrimination and judging others because they are different from one another and need to learn to live in harmony because of dangerous foes and how heroes achieve that mission. It is full of excitement, adventure as the lovely Nexa is held prisoner because she is of the race that was born from two separate cultures and doom to a life of being a slave to the higher pure class of creatures.
She is feisty and rebellious and is whipped for every infraction she breaks. She has a strong will and challenges the guards every opportunity she can. Then one day she is exploring hidden caverns sneaking around breaking out of her cell hoping not to get caught and punished severely and a charming mysterious man hears her make a noise and looks behind the wall denies seeing her; she is relieved and sneaks back to her cell. Only to be punished over and over again, it does not break her spirit.
One night strangers come and kidnapped her, she is frighten but is feisty fighting back and her life is about to embark on a transforming journey through dangerous events. To experience life changing miracles of occurrences which make her realized she is not trash to be discarded but an powerful and beautiful creature whose purpose is to shatter all stereotyped beliefs about the various cultures and bring peace to their world. This author has extracted a tender subject and created a supernatural fantasy about seeing beyond the surface of an individual and see what is inside them and accepts them for who they are.
It is full with suspense as the races of Luminos or Nathos and Duskies will have to compromise to fend their lands and families against the fierce flesh eating cannibals creatures, the Sathen seeking their next meal. The Luminos, the Duskies and others gather together to defeat their enemies and protect their families and loved ones. Also the romantic scenes would make a girl sworn over the handsome prince Axon and his gentle ways. The fights between allies and foes and blood lust would attract the male readers.
The conclusion was so powerful and scary this reader was sitting on the edge of her seat, gasping in surprise at how close the characters came to losing their lives, the scenes were so real thinking how that was close, or that must of hurt, as they planted their sharp teeth into her or his skin and other blood curling scenes.
It was emotionally surging at points, climatic at others and sad at some when they lose their comrades to the battles. The plot is set in the ancient days of the Vikings conquering the lands. The Kings their Queens and royalty blood fighting in battles to protect their loved ones and lands. Kings and Queens and royalty blood that must be saved at all costs and the stranger no one accepts until she shows her true courage and defends her people and lands and proves herself worthy of her heritage.
In the author’s words; I looked up sharply and he gave a small smile. “We heard about what you did at dawn to save the ship from mutiny. Who knows how many of the other boats would have followed if you hadn’t stopped this one.” He looked at his companions again, obviously embarrassed by the rush of words.
The one to his left held up a hand and the first Nathos shut his mouth gratefully. “What my friend is trying to say is that your act of bravery saving both the Nathos and Luminos aboard this ship has done much to ease the tension between our races and that of the Duskies.”
I stared at him. “Even after the attempted mutiny?”
He nodded. “You would be surprised. We come from a society where leaders are obeyed without question.”
As the Amazon book description states this reader wholly agrees with the statement; “Epic, stunning, and absolutely mesmerizing, Shadows is the unique and original story you have been waiting to read”. This is definitely a book that I would read again just to savor all the details I missed.
5 Ravens
March 9, 2012
It's official!
Violet is now officially published and can be found through links on my website www.chereealsop.com. The books are for sale in ebook format through Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, and Smashwords. The books are also available in paperback at Amazon.com
Thank you everyone for your support! My goal is to release a book a month, and I'm on track, so we'll keep on truckin'.
Thank you everyone for your support! My goal is to release a book a month, and I'm on track, so we'll keep on truckin'.
March 8, 2012
Violet's Release!
Violet, Book Four of the Silver Series, is set to be published tonight! I am so excited. I love watching these books come together. The editing process is challenging, and so is the formatting because every site (Amazon, Smashwords, Createspace, and Barnes & Noble) have their own unique set of formatting requirements. It definitely keeps me on my toes and I have learned a great deal through this journey!
I'm very excited about book four because it is the only book in the Silver Series that talks about being a werewolf from a girl's point of view. I really enjoy the different set of problems and writing more from the heart than I do when taking a male's point of view. That's not to say that guys don't think from the heart, but I feel that the actions of my male werewolves come more from the direction of protecting those they love, defending their homes, and taking care of those who look to them for guidance, much the same way as male wolves in the wild. Writing from a girl's point of view, on the other hand, gives me the chance to explore the depth of love and companionship I feel would exist between werewolves. Wolves in the wild mate for life, and I feel that the same love and devotion would translate to life as a werewolf.
Here's a preview of the blurb for Violet:
Violet, the fourth book of the Silver Series, is about a teenage girl who awakens to the harsh reality of life as a werewolf. Protected by a wild werewolf with golden eyes, Colleen finds solace in his forest and control over her rapidly changing life. But Colleen’s control is put to the ultimate test when her loved ones are in danger, forcing her to choose between freedom or returning to the source of her nightmares.
Violet is a story of love amid loss and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. It is a story of finding a kernel of hope within a life torn apart by an accident and a cruel twist of fate.
I'm very excited about the release and I hope others enjoy the female POV as much as I enjoyed writing it. I don't believe that females have to be simpering or blubbery, and Colleen has her own bite and spark that I feels adds a great deal to the depth of the other characters around her. Enjoy!
I'm very excited about book four because it is the only book in the Silver Series that talks about being a werewolf from a girl's point of view. I really enjoy the different set of problems and writing more from the heart than I do when taking a male's point of view. That's not to say that guys don't think from the heart, but I feel that the actions of my male werewolves come more from the direction of protecting those they love, defending their homes, and taking care of those who look to them for guidance, much the same way as male wolves in the wild. Writing from a girl's point of view, on the other hand, gives me the chance to explore the depth of love and companionship I feel would exist between werewolves. Wolves in the wild mate for life, and I feel that the same love and devotion would translate to life as a werewolf.
Here's a preview of the blurb for Violet:
Violet, the fourth book of the Silver Series, is about a teenage girl who awakens to the harsh reality of life as a werewolf. Protected by a wild werewolf with golden eyes, Colleen finds solace in his forest and control over her rapidly changing life. But Colleen’s control is put to the ultimate test when her loved ones are in danger, forcing her to choose between freedom or returning to the source of her nightmares.
Violet is a story of love amid loss and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. It is a story of finding a kernel of hope within a life torn apart by an accident and a cruel twist of fate.
I'm very excited about the release and I hope others enjoy the female POV as much as I enjoyed writing it. I don't believe that females have to be simpering or blubbery, and Colleen has her own bite and spark that I feels adds a great deal to the depth of the other characters around her. Enjoy!
