Jack Lewis Baillot's Blog, page 48

"The face of Boe they used to call me."

 Wherein Jack takes you through her writing and editing process. In pictures.
 Disclaimer. I am not Tom Hiddleston - sorry to burst your bubble. I am also not a boy, just because every now and then this needs to be said as there are some out there who refuse to believe me. I am a girl, and I don't think I look anything like Hiddleston, but I keep using Loki pictures, so why not Hiddleston's? (P.S. WHY DID NO ONE EVER TELL ME HIS NAME HAD AN I INSTEAD OF A U?!)
 Realizing I have a new, working, plot idea

Opening a new document and titling it

Writing the first draft

Realizing I love the characters


Realizing some of the characters are going to die


Begging the characters to live

Realizing they are going to ignore me and do what they want


Realizing they are plotting to overthrow me
Pretending I am still in control
Giving up control 

Getting to the part where I love the book so much I begin to dress like the characters



Realizing the plot is now so much cooler than when I first started

Preparing for the final battle scene

Writing the final battle

Trying to decide what to do with the bad guy

Writing the last word




Enjoying a break

Remembering I now have to edit

Beginning the editing

Realizing it isn't as bad as I feared

Getting to the parts I feared

Getting to the parts which make me hate the book and getting the what has been termed my "grumpy look" as I try and figure them out
Considering killing the book in slow, painful ways

Deciding it can't get away that easily and I will finish it or die trying

Reaching the final draft and hitting publish

All of the work to get it ready to publish

Feeling like a real Author

Plotting the day I am world famous and someone is contacting me, asking to make my book into a movie.

 The end.

 And all of that was so accurate it should scare you.

 Friday I have another character reveal!

 Right now, I have a book calling.

 If you don't know where the quote is from, you need help, my friend.

 Allons-y!

"Another thing, don't let me eat a pear. I hate pears! John Smith is a character I made up and he won't know that and he might do something stupid like eat a pear. I don't want to wake up three months from now and taste pears."

 Wherein Jack talks about books

 With the restart of school I was certain I'd not get as much writing done, as happened the first semester. I've surprised myself. Somehow I've been able to keep up on my homework as well as write a chapter a day. I am almost halfway done with book two in the Legend of the Blade series. I've also been able to keep up with editing, somewhat. I ran into some trouble with the second Loyalty book but I think I've fixed it and should be done this week, which means I need to start planning its release. Also, I've begun the re-write of the third Haphazard book. 
 Because of all the progress I've been making with the Blade and Loyalty books, I've started working on the rest of the world in which the stories are set - I was even doodling the other day and sketched up a rough map. I just meant to position each of the kingdoms and figure out where they would go, but it turned out much better than I was expecting and I might end up posting it. (I say might, because I wasn't being serious with it and put in some of my random comments and used words like foresty and jungly, and I want everyone to believe I'm a serious Author and no longer use those words.)

 My plan now is to start working on all the books and different kingdoms. I am still working out details for some of them, and two of the book series don't have complete plots, but it is moving along faster than I thought it would. I have the series all titled and the kingdoms named. The only problem one I am having to deal with is Trystan's home kingdom. I know nothing about it and haven't found out where it fits into the world and the stories. Trystan has always been a stubborn character -  it took a lot of work to get his back story out of him. It turns out, it is not just his character, its his race. His whole kingdom is like that, and they are refusing to help me out.

 I did some work to my book page, moving things around and adding in the new world. (Don't worry, I finally named it. So it no longer sounds like I am talking about America.) I don't have a lot up yet, but you can see most of it HERE!!!!!!! I've dubbed the world Oleander, which is a poisonous plant. There, a little tid bit for you. It all started when I named Hemlock and later discovered it was a poisonous plant. When I went to name Nightshade I figured why not use another deadly plant, since I wouldn't have to do much thinking then. So it only seemed fitting to name most of the kingdoms after poisonous plants, as well as their world. (I think only one or two kingdoms ended up with different sorts of names, but I explained it a way.)

 I've still been trying to figure out my sword problems for The Broken Blade. I found a sword for sell that would work - amazing detail on the hilt and the blade. The right length, everything. But it was so pretty I would hate breaking it. I do own a sword I wouldn't mind breaking as much, but still - I've this thing with swords. I'm very fond of them, and breaking one seems like such a crime I don't think I can bring myself to do it. So, I'm going to play around with lighting and angles this week and see if I can find a way around it. I have an idea for the covers now, it is just getting the sword to work, and finding enough young men who would be willing to pose for them. I'm hoping to start work on costumes really soon, I found a lot of nice cloak patterns and thanks to Treskie, I don't have to make costumes from scratch, I will have something to go off now.
 Speaking of which! I will have another character post this week! I am VERY excited about this one. (I'm a naughty Author and I have favourites in my books and the character I'm doing this week is my favourite from the Blade books.)

 I had more to talk about but I can't think right now. I'm still playing around with the comments, to try and get the annoying spam to leave me alone. I really don't want to put the word block up, but they've been bombarding me lately, so I will have to see. Right now, though, I have a book calling. It sounds like a good book too, but I've not heard much about it before so I am a little wary starting it. Have any of you ever read the Blinding the Blade series or the DragonSpell series?

 Quote is from the Doctor, a deleted scene from Human Nature and Family of Blood. Watched those two with my mum the other day and was delighted to find she actually loved them as much as I do. I was reminded how long I've been wanting someone to like them so they wouldn't get upset when I said things like, "Friend of mine." "Mum of mine." My mum even joined in and now she is Mother of Mine and I am Daughter of Mine.

 Allons-y! 

That thing is a killing machine!

 Wherein Jack has good news.

 First, before I forget, I am taking part in a Valentine celebration! I should have all kinds of information on this, but I've been sick all week and right now I can't think of any kind of information. But the button is on my sidebar, and if you keep your eyes open there will be information cropping up all over the internet and blogging world and I will have more for you soon. But it is going to be fun and amazing and there will be lots of books and 99 cent ebooks. (Some of mine should be 99 cents too, if I can figure out how to make it happen.) But, grab the button and spread the good news!!!!! (That was an order from your evil over lord. Hopefully I did the button correctly.)
 Okay, there, I remembered to tell you about the celebration. Now I have other things to tell you about.
 Off and on in my posts I mention my kindred spirit, and I've pointed you all to her blog a lot, but I never get tired of doing it. So here it is again. Jenelle Schmidt. Jenelle is the author of the book, King's Warrior which I reviewed a year ago, or maybe longer. It was one of those books I started but didn't think I'd like - I can't remember why. I'm sure you've all had that happen. You pick up a book and don't think you'll like it but try it anyways. Well, by the time I finished it I loved it. (In fact, I got a lot of inspiration for The Broken Blade from it.) It has everything a fantasy book should have, a dashing hero - a couple of them actually - swords, Dragons, battles, quests. For those of you who like The Lord of the Rings and Howl's Moving Castle I really think  you'd enjoy King's Warrior. Jenelle kind of writes like Dianna Wynne Jones - there were times when there was a lot going on, and it seemed like nothing would add up in the end, but by the last page everything had come together and it had a well done ending with just enough left open for the promise of a sequel, (hopefully 8-D) Normally I try not to compare books to each other. I think it takes away from each book, lumping them all together or making it sound like a newer book is a replacement to a classic. King's Warrior is brilliant just by being itself, but it does have a lot of the same qualities as the classics. And the characters are very well done. They grow so much in the book, that by the end they don't really seem like the same characters - though in a good way. I've seen character development like this before, but usually it is in a series. I think the only time I've seen it happen in a single book was House of Many Ways and even in that one the characters didn't grow as much. Okay, but there, I've probably said enough for a post that isn't even supposed to be about King's Warrior. The point of this post is that, at long last, book two in this series is out!!!!!! And, as much as I loved the first one, I've wanted this one even more when I read the summary, because book two is about my all time favourite character from book one. It is his book!!!!!!!!!!!! And I wants it!!!!! (Okay, so maybe it isn't completely his book, but to me it is. I have a feeling a certain someone will be trying to steal the spotlight from him...)
 And now.....I am pleased to announce I am taking part in the cover reveal for book two, Second Son.


SECOND SON BLURB:In an attempt to manipulate the future, a family and a nation are forced to decide between two brothers. Guided by a prophecy spoken hundreds of years before, the King and Queen of Llycaelon have set their course. Their goal: to fulfill the prophecy and save their nation from a dire fate.
Rhoyan has always understood and accepted his own role as second born and perpetual prince. He looks forward to the day when he will be a warrior in his older brother’s guard. When Rhoyan is sent on a quest filled with unimaginable danger, nobody anticipates the greater repercussions.
As Rhoyan journeys far across the seas on his appointed trial, he will battle creatures of legend, suffer shipwreck, endure captivity, and lay claim to a fallen star. When tragedy strikes, Rhoyan must struggle to return home believing his quest has failed. However,  the home he left no longer awaits him and the true test of his strength and character has only just begun.
Long before Aom-igh needed a champion, Llycaelon had a Second Son.


AUTHOR BIO:
Jenelle grew up the oldest of four. Every night before bedtime her father read to her and her siblings, and it was during these times that her love for adventure and fantasy were forged. While she adored the stories of the Lord of the Rings, the Chronicles of Prydain, the Wheel of Time, and the Chronicles of Narnia; it wasn’t long before her imagination led her to the creation of a world and story all her own.
In 2001, Jenelle completed King’s Warrior, originally titled The Dragon’s Eye, as a project for her father who wanted something new and fun to read to the family at night. This first endeavor gave way to the completion of a four book series that is full of the same adventure that Jenelle grew to love in literature as a little girl. Jenelle graduated from Taylor University in Indiana in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in English Education.
Jenelle has written numerous short stories and many poems, as well as some full length work within the realm of science fiction. King’s Warrior is her first published work and she is currently working on bringing the rest of the series to public availability. Jenelle lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband Derek and two little girls Leiana Arwen and Nathalie Eowyn.
And now....



 Pretty fantastic, isn't it?

 I was going to add more, but I am now falling asleep so I should probably not attempt it.

 Quote is from Monsters Inc. (Sorry about lack of quotations. I am trying to find ways to make the sudden rush of spam to leave me alone.) It is when Mike is trying to convince Sully that Boo is going to kill them.

 Allons-y!!

(Shall we stab him while he sleeps?) (No, he shall call us a coward when he wakes.)

 I don't have a clever way to begin this, so I will just begin it.
 I am going to be going another character post today, again for The Broken Blade. 
 Today's is Trystan. Trystan is the only non-human in the group. He is an Elf who isn't originally from Nightshade.
 Trystan is a hundred - and maybe a few extra years in there but he doesn't like to talk about it. Elf age is a bit like Human, even though they live longer. If he was a Human he'd be twenty, so even though he's a hundred he isn't technically old for an Elf. All the Elves in Nightshade have light hair and fair skin, but the Elves where Trystan comes from have black hair and darker skin, he is therefore called a Dark Elf by many in Nightshade. Trystan was sold as a slave and bought by BenArgon's father who freed him soon after he bought him. Feeling he had nowhere else to go - he is running from his past - Trystan stays with the family and when Argon's father dies he takes it upon himself to become Argon's mentor. This isn't easy, especially since Trystan has NO sense of humor and BenArgon annoys him a lot because he never takes anything seriously.
 Because of his temper, Trystan clashes with a lot of people he meets. He fights non stop with Fagan - another of the boys - and sometimes gets into fights with Striker. He hardly ever smiles and never acts like he cares about anyone, though deep down he is always concerned for the other boys' safety and does everything he can to protect them.
 Like all Elves, Trystan is skilled with the bow. He makes himself a long bow in the second book and he also carries a sword. He knows how to use the crossbow though, since it takes longer to load, he is not as fast with it as he is with his bow. Trystan is light on his feet and graceful, which amuses the other boys. He is very quiet and prefers to be left alone, but when traveling with six other boys this is next to impossible. He is determined to mold BenArgon into a warrior, though he begins to think this will never happen.
 I even have a snippet to share! Aren't you proud of me? Warning, it is a very rough snippet, but so far it is my favourite with Trystan.
 (These thoughts were cut short when BenArgon said, “Trystan is walking on snow banks again, isn't he?”
The solemn mood was shattered so fast Striker could have been convinced it had never been there to begin with.“Again?” Jaspart and Jespert demanded.“He does this a lot?” Ryder-Adair asked, throwing his head back to stare up at the now scowling Elf.“Yes,” BenArgon grumbled. “He does it to show off.”“I'm not showing off,” Trystan snapped. “I'm walking. It's not my fault you don't know how to keep light on your feet.”“It's a snow bank!” BenArgon exclaimed. “The snow is packed hard, anyone could walk up there.”Striker almost told him that wasn't true, he'd already tried it. But before he could Trystan scoffed and BenArgon darted up the bank. His feet sank into the snow near the bottom, but once he was past that he reached the solid part of the snow and stayed on top just like Trystan.“I told you so,” he taunted his friend. Then, he ran forward, somehow managing not to slip even though he couldn't see where he was going. “Look, I am an Elf!” he exclaimed as he ran.The moment the words left his mouth, the part of the snow bank he was on opened up, and with a yelp he threw up his arms and vanished from sight.)
 And now.............The best part of character introductions!!

 Isn't he fantastic?! I personally love his clothes - again, designed by Treskie. They're so Elven, in a manly kind of way. 
 Quote is from the Shakespeare play, Richard III

 Allons-y!!!!

Beds and bed stands!

 Wherein Jack Complains.

 When someone tells me they want to be an Author my first reaction is to shout, "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!" in my best Luke Skywalker imitation. Why? Do I think being an Author is that terrible? Sometimes...yes. (All you who wish to be Authors, don't run off because I said that. Keep reading.)
 When someone finds a book they like they know there is a risk in reading it. We've had enough books in the world that this is just kind of expected. Not everything ends happy, and even when it does, not all the characters are happy in the end. (Frodo). So, reading a book and really liking it can hurt. But it is always worth it, right? Millions still read The Lord of the Rings even with the bitter sweet ending. We know characters die sometimes, we know endings can be sad. We might not like them, but we know it is a possibility. We don't need a warning.
 Not so with writing.
 As a reader, we are under the assumption Authors enjoy being mean. They sit down at their desk and go, "What can I do today to make the readers sob over this character they love?" That is how Authors are viewed. (Don't deny it. I'm a reader too, I've been there.)
 But this is not the case.
 Not all Authors are evil just to be evil. (Some are. We know it. You need a list? Okay. Moffat - he's admitted to it. Rick Rodrian - another who admitted. Lemony Snicket - don't try and defend him.) Then you have those who don't admit it but you're pretty sure they get some kind of evil joy out of it. Then you have those who love happy endings but never get them. And these are the Authors who should be given a warning manual before they begin. But, since there hasn't been one put together, I am going to do it for you. I have had lots of experience, I've seen all of those chimerical on TV about pills that might help you if they don't kill you first.
 Is your life boring? Do you dream of adventure? Have you ever wished to fight dragons, fly in an airship, battle pirates, or go on a quest? Then the life of an Author is for you!
 "I never knew what I was missing in life until I became an Author. Every day things have become exciting adventures. A trip to the store for bananas is now a quest to find the missing crown of King Arthur. Becoming an Author has changed my life!" *Show beaming, glasses wearing geek who is sitting in a sunny living room typing on a computer.*
 *In a deep, manly, whispery voice while smiling writers flash across the screen, all sitting in the sun, some outside, some in coffee shoppes.* Being an Author is not for everyone. If you have a wide emotion range or are easily over come by emotions this job might not be meant for you. Please consult your friends or family if you experience days of crying, find yourself laughing in the corner alone, and loose all desire to go outside. Other side effects may include depression, insanity, desiring to stab people with your pencil, incriminating searches showing up on your computer, the urge to dress in Middle Ages garb and walk around with a sword, being arrested for asking your friends the best way to torture someone, forgetting what the sun looks like, mumbling to yourself and coughing, "Gollum, Gollum," and in extreme cases death by sorrow when your characters die on you.
 *Flash back to the happy Author in the living room.* Being an Author is the best thing that has ever happened to me! *Goes back to happy typing.*
 *Flash out to an image of a book.* Become an Author today!
 I had one of these happen to me today, one of these moments when I wish I had rethought becoming an Author before I was in this deep. I won't talk about him yet because he gets an introduction like the others, but he's from The Broken Blade series. And he has this whole set up planned that I didn't plan and he's attempting to have me in tears by the end of the series.
  Quote is from Narnia, Prince Caspian.
 Allons-y!

Mrs. Peel, you're remarkable! Oh...I've broken my umbrella...

 Wherein Jack introduces a lord

 I've been getting behind in everything again. I think I mentioned, but I've begun editing on book two in the Loyalty Trilogy. When I started I was determined to let nothing get in my way. I wasn't going to put it off until the last minute like I am known to do. I was going to have the first bit of editing done in two weeks and have it sent to my first beta reader. Then something happened - I'm still not sure what - and I'm behind again. But at least I tried this time. I'm not to the stage where I hate the book. I'm not sure, but I think - or hope - all authors go through this. The moments where they can't stand their books and wonder why they ever wrote it or thought it was worthy to face the world. It'll pass, it always does, and I will love it again. But right now I would like to stuff all of the characters under my bed with the monsters.
  And with that said..... I don't think I've mentioned this, but Treskie - who did Abolished - is going to illustrate The Broken Blade. The two of us have conspired together and decided to do character reveals for the book. She will draw one of the boys and I will tell you all about him.
 The first character I will be doing is BenArgon.
 BenArgon is the youngest of the boys. At the start of the series he is fifteen, a month or two younger than Ryder, who is fifteen as well. BenArgon is a lord - as I mentioned in another post, Nightshade is divided and lords oversee the states. BenArgon's father was a lord, but when he died the title was passed on to his son. Since he is only fifteen he hasn't been given a lot of responsibilities - other than learning his lessons. His mother, Lady Lorna, is in charge until he comes of age (eighteen). As a lord, there is a lot BenArgon is expected to know, but there is a bit of a draw back for him. He is blind. His tutor - who also happens to be something of an adopted cousin to him - is convinced this will diminish his respect in the eyes of the villagers and farmers. Trystan, his tutor, works on teaching him not only history, but also how to fight, how to do the same things a sighted person can do. Therefore, BenArgon can walk without any kind of assistance, for the most part.
 While his cousin is certain everyone in the world is going to use BenArgon's blindness against him, BenArgon just uses it to try and embarrass people. One of his favourite pastimes is to continually remind people he cannot see. (For an example....Swallowing, Lukeas again shifted in his seat before beginning. “He is just an acquaintance of mine who disappeared awhile ago. He's not very old, in his late teens, has dark brown hair and blue eyes. I don't suppose you've seen him?”BenArgon's lips twitched and he had to bite the insides of his cheeks to hold back the evil grin which threatened to make an appearance. Beside him, he could feel his mother stiffen and suck in a breath, moaning to herself. Her moan almost made him reconsider his next words, but the set up was too perfect.Keeping a straight face, he fixed his blind eyes on Lukeas and said, “No, I'm afraid I haven't seen him.”
 Since he was trained how to fight, BenArgon does know how to use a sword and he is dangerous with one - though it is yet decided if he is more dangerous to his enemies or his friends. The weapon he is really skilled with is daggers. He is always well armed with daggers.
 Even though he's a lord, he doesn't often act like it. He's more concerned with dinner than learning how to settle disputes between farmers - though he does care about the villagers.
 He is a loyal friend, even when others aren't as loyal.
 And now, since I am running out of things to say - and he is telling me to stop anyways since I'm embarrassing him - I will now let you see him.

 *Grin* Because I don't know what else to say. I've been that way ever since Treskie sent me the picture. (She designed the clothes. I'm really glad I'm leaving that bit in her hands, she is brilliant at it.)
 Now I need to go. If I can get a chapter edited before bed I will be back on track. I added Treskie and Clair's blogs to my sidebar - my too illustrators - so you can find them easier. You should check out both, they both write wonderful posts and are really fun girls. 
 Quote is from The Avengers TV show. One from Steed which kind of sums up his character. Really proud of his friend...and easily distracted.
 Allons-y! 

"If a girl can't tell a man to go and boil his head without him rushing into the arms of another then what kind of world are we living in?"

 Wherein Jack shares an interview.
 Last Wednesday I took part in a cover reveal, for the book Fly Away Home. This week, I have had the chance to interview the author, Rachel Heffington! (You can find her blog HERE!!!!!!!)
 And now, I welcome Rachel!
All authors are usually asked this question, and I cannot resist it because on your blog you mention a lot of different books. So, how long have you been writing?Since I was twelve which makes a grand total of nine years. Nine and a half. Gee Whiz. This summer will be my 10th writing anniversary. O.oWhat is your favourite genre to write and have you ever considered writing a book in one you've never tried before?I am like the Anne Shirley of literature: “I never make the same mistake twice”. ;) Which is as much as to say: Yes, I try new genres all the time. I like hopping back and forth between my favorite genres and trying new things which is one of the reasons I went the independent route with my publishing: freedom. “Patriotism and...all that.”
What part of publishing did you like the least?Formatting was its own kind of Hell when you are as technologically impaired as I am.
And, of course, which did you like the best?Seeing it all come together. Getting my beautiful cover-design and finally having a face for the project.
Do you have plans to publish again soon? (This is me hoping it is a yes 8-D)I do I do I do! I am currently writing a 1930’s-era mystery which I hope to finish this spring. I have one children’s fantasy that needs an overhaul and completely massive rewrite. I also have several half-novels that need looking at and plenty of new ideas. So yes: I do plan to publish again before an eternity has passed.
What first made you decide to become an author? And have there been days when you regretted this choice?I am one of those lucky cases where there was a defining moment. I have always been a voracious reader with...refined taste, you might say. Mama taught me from the earliest age to sort “twoddle” from worthwhile books. By the age of twelve I’d read through all our books, all my cousins’ books, and what I deemed the only “good books” at our little public library. The next logical step (to me) was to write my own because I’d finally run out of books to read. A funny little cock-sure decision but no, I have never once regretted that choice though I understand it differently now. :)
While editing did you find you over used a description? (For example, this seems to be a habit with all authors. We over use things like, He Smile. She Laughed. And for each author it is different. Mine is, He nodded.)“(he/she/they) smiled” without a doubt. I’m stubborn about this one. I smile all the time, myself. A big, wide, cracking smile. So naturally, my characters smile too. Many of them are good-natured blokes and quite frankly, I think the words “grin” and “smirk” sound mean. Plus, if you fish around for too many synonyms to “smile”, it has about as smooth an effect as always supplanting “he said” with some elaborate phrasing. I do have to edit out lots of smiles but most of them are intentionally placed as a sign of Goodwilltowardmen.
If you could travel back in time which era would you go to and why?Oooh! Gosh. I’d want to make a stop in the 1950’s first, just to see the setting of Fly Away Home and so many of my favorite movies and see if it is anything like I thought. Then I’d spend quite a long time in WWII because that time period fascinates me. I’d like to be in Buckingham Palace during Queen Victoria’s reign, America during the Revolution, Scotland at any point in time, and...you know...why not swing back to Ancient Rome just for a peep?
When you get writer's block what do you do to cure it?I try to push through and if that doesn’t work, I go do something entirely un-word-related. I spend some time in doing creative things to replenish my creativity. I go for a long walk. I people-watch. I sing Broadway show-tunes with my sisters at the piano. It usually works.
Would you rather go for a walk in the rain or sit in front of the fire with a good book?Walk in the rain. And thensit in front of the fire. :)
And lastly, where did you get your inspiration for Fly Away Home?The inspiration came from a short story called “How About Coffee” that I wrote on a whim. I couldn’t stop thinking about the story so I started working with it and about the same time I saw Roman Holiday (1943) starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. Peck’s character was a charming journalist so I sort of combined the original Mr. Barnett with the appearance and boyish good humor of  Joe Bradley and had the foundation for the events. My characters always come before plot which can be a vexation and a delight at once.
Thanks so much for the chat, Jack! I loved popping over here for a bit. Cheers. :)
Thank you for coming by, Rachel! It was lovely to have you!
 Fly Away Home will be released on Valentine's Day. The perfect present for all you fellow, single book worms out there. 
 Quote is from Jeeves and Wooster. I've probably used it not that long ago, but I like it, so I am using it again.
 Allons-y!

"I detest wars, and fighting...and stamp collectors."

 Today I am taking part in an other cover reveal!! This is for the book Reborn written by Cherie Reich. This is her debut novel.
 Book information. 
Title: Reborn Series: The Fate Challenges #1Author: Cherie ReichGenre: YA Epic FantasyApproximate Word Count: 95,000 words Release Date: May 23, 2014
To save a kingdom, a prophetess must challenge Fate.
Reborn, book one of The Fate Challenges, by Cherie Reich will be released on May 23, 2014. For more information about Cherie Reich and her work, please visit her website or blog . The cover art is created by Laura Sava . To add on Goodreads, click here . If you’d like to be notified when Reborn releases, please sign up for her newsletter here




 This post is short. I have a lot of editing to do today and haven't even started yet, so I am just running through. I leave you with a quote from.....the Avengers TV show I think. It was one of those quotes I saved and didn't mark, but it sounds like Something John Steed would say.
 Allons-y!

"You're mad." "You're right, I look ridiculous with one shoe."

 Wherein Jack talks with Adrian.

 I mention this a lot, but I like to repeat myself. And I'm your evil overlord so there is nothing you can do about it.
 I am co-authoring a book with my friend Kendra. It is called Worth of a King and it has princes, princesses, dragons, and winged horses in it. And all kinds of other things. And it is fun to write and should be fun to read and might even be done this year. And you all know you want to read it. (If you can't tell, I'm a bit high strung right now. I had trouble getting up this morning and I've been feeling lazy all morning, which has left me feeling I've forgotten some important school assignment. So I'm jumping all around going, "No! I did that one! And that one! What did I miss? Why do I have all this free time?!") But, that said. Kendra and I have been having a lot of fun with this book - at least I assume she's been having as much fun as I have. She's an author, and tormenting characters is fun for authors, and that's what we've been doing to them. Though right now I've been tormenting more than her. Though the time is coming when her character is going to get a horrible bout of it. Both of us have mentioned this book off and on on our blogs, and if we have it done this year we figured it was time all of you got a chance to meet some of the characters. So today we are both interrogating our main characters. (Her post will be HERE!!!) You should check it out, because she has a fun character. Now, without further ado, I introduce you to Adrian.
 Welcome, Adrian! Do you want a cookie or a slice of pie? I'd ask about tea but everyone I interrogate has to have tea. Um, okay. Thanks. I guess I will have a cookie. *Grabs the plate.* Oh, sorry, looks like John ate them all. You'll have to have pie.   Eh, I can't help it. I have a hungry pet. Just be glad Sammy hasn't eaten all the pie yet. How old is this pie? Is it the same one you had around when you interviewed your friend? Don't ask. Now. Why don't you tell us a little about yourself? Well, my name is Adrian. I'm a printer- *Cough* Fine. I was a printer until I found out I am the son of the dead king. I'm the crown prince and now I get to go the castle where my father's murderer is ruling and convince him I'll make a better king than he will. Convince....nice choice of word. How do you feel about being a prince? Hm. I hate politics. I'm not crazy about anything that has to do with government. My father was killed for his crown, so you can guess what someone would do to me to take it. Oh yes, and the twin sister I never knew I had is marrying the son of the man who killed our father. How do you think I feel about it? Happy!  I didn't mean it, put the sword up. This is a no weapons allowed interrogation! Well, except for my sword. Don't you have any nice questions you can ask me? Sure, if you want nice. I have two, then I will probably go back to mean ones. First - and this isn't a question so much as an order - tell us about your adopted parents. They're not my adopted parents. Maybe I'm not their blood son but they are as much my mother and father as any parents can be. Okay, okay, well, tell us about them. My father is a printer. I was supposed to take over when I finished school, but that kind of didn't work out when I found out I am a prince. My mother used to be a mid-wife when she was younger. She doesn't do much work like that anymore, not unless someone really needs her. She takes care of the sick a lot. And do you have any siblings?  You're enjoying this, aren't you? *In Rory's voice* Yeah, a bit. *Sigh* I have a brother - if you want to get technical, then he isn't my blood brother. He is the son of my...parents. Not the royal ones. I also - just found out a few days after my sixteenth birthday, nice surprise, right? - that I have a twin sister. She got to stay behind in the castle after our father was killed because she was no danger to the new king. Not like me. If I'd stayed, apparently, I'd be dead right now. Don't feel too bad, that happens to a lot of my characters. They find out they have twin sisters? No, that is Star Wars. They find out people want them dead, or will kill them if they find out they're alive. Or...well, you get the idea. Can I ask for a new author? Too late. Do you like ducklings? What? I like ducklings. Good for you.... YAY!! Does this mean we are done? Aw, we just got started! And I have more pictures of you I have to randomly put up. Is my sister having to put up with this kind of thing? No idea. Do you want more pie? You're running out of questions, aren't you? I've been trying to edit all day, and now my head hurts. So yes, I am. So, is my interrogation over with?  Yes. I guess so. I've picked on you enough, and I want to go and enjoy my tea and my book. ***  The pictures are from the TV show Legend of the Seeker. (I can't say much about it. I saw episode one and it was good, but don't watch it because I said that and find out it is terrible and throw things at me.) Kendra and I found the pictures and the two main characters look a - shockingly - a lot like Adrian and Obsidia - his sister. So we've been using them. There is probably some copyright thing, but that is why I am telling you right now, they are from that TV show and I don't really have this fellow locked up in my closet so I can take pictures when I need inspiration. None of these pictures are mine.
 Now I am leaving, because I really do have a book. "And a cup of coco, it's really lovely." Quote is from when the Doctor is with Martha and the Judoon Platoon upon the moon.
 Allons-y!

"Do you have a brother?" "No..not anymore."

 Wherein Jack takes part in a cover reveal and announces new books.

 Today I am taking part in a cover reveal, as you can see from above, and I will be sharing some new, exciting books that have come out recently but I've not had a chance to talk about till now.
 First is the cover reveal for Fly Away Home, written by Rachel Heffinton. I've been reading her blog from what should be about a year now and I am very excited to get my hands on her book, which will be out February 14th, the perfect Valentine's Day gift!
 Isn't it an amazing cover?! I usually buy books for my ereaders, but I am thinking of getting this one in paper back so I can have the fantastic cover out in the open.

 Description:

Fly Away Home, 1952 New York City:Callie Harper is a woman set to make it big in the world of journalism. Liberated from all but her buried and troubled past, Callie craves glamour and the satisfaction she knows it will bring. When one of America's most celebrated journalists, Wade Barnett, calls on Callie to help him with a revolutionary project, Callie finds herself co-pilot to a Christian man whose life and ideas of true greatness run noisily counter to hers on every point. But when the secrets of Callie's past are hung over her head as a threat, there is space for only one love, one answer: betray Wade Barnett to save her reputation, or sacrifice everything for the sake of the man she loved and the God she fled. The consequences of either decision will define the rest of her life.Self-preservation has never looked more tempting.


Bio: Rachel Heffington is a Christian, a novelist, and a people-lover. Encouraged by her mother to treasure books, Rachel's favorite pastime was (and still is) reading. When her own library and her cousin's ran out of interesting novels, twelve-year old Rachel decided she would write her own; thus began a love-affair with word-crafting that has carried her past her teen years and into adulthood. Outside of the realm of words, Rachel enjoys the Arts, traveling, mucking about in the kitchen, listening for accents, and making people laugh. She dwells in rural Virginia with her boisterous family and her black cat, Cricket. Visit Rachel online at http://inkpenauthoress.blogspot.com/
 And, to make up for this book not being out yet, I have some to share that have been released!  First is Adventures and Adversities by Sarah Holman. (I read her Destiny books over the summer and reviewed the whole series - I believe. She is a talented writer and her new book sounds just as exciting as her Destiny Trilogy was.)

SummeryOne day Alditha is content living with her family, the next she is taking her friend's place to serve at the king’s castle. Her father's final instructions, to keep smiling and to do what is right, will be harder to live out than she ever imagined. She will face a royal nephew who delights in making people miserable, an angry servant girl who will stop at nothing to get what she wants, and noblemen who plot murder. Will she be able to keep the promise she made to her father? Will she find the faith she longs for during all her Adventures and Adversities? 
You can learn more about Sarah and her writing HERE!!! 
 Those who have been around for long know I did a wild, ranting post on how much I loved the book called Annabeth's War. I'd go so far as to say I think the author, Jessica Greyson is my top favourite, if not my favourite, author. (Since I only read the one book I guess I can't say that yet, but if she keeps up I will be able to before much longer.) She just published her second book, which I've started and am having a hard time putting down whenever I have time to pick it up.

Summery:
 The troubled people of war-torn Chambria are on the brink of starvation, and a delicate princess with a recurring nightmare is their only hope. Alexandra knows that her value to her country consists mainly in her ability to marry well, but when she is kidnapped by the rebels and taken to meet the man claiming to be both Chambria's true king and her real father, her entire world falls apart. Will Princess Alexandra be able to untangle the web of lies and discern who is the true king and her father?

 Now I have to go, I have some editing to do. First, though, I've had to come to a decision about another blogging matter. I've been managing to read all of your blogs once a week, but I again got behind on comments with school starting again, trying to keep up on my writing this time, and my editing. I don't have the time to answer comments - at least not on all of your blogs. (Though, I do still plan to read all of your wonderful blogs at least once a week, because I really love them all.)
 But, to make sure I still reply to your wonderful comments, I've had to get creative. Therefore, for now, I will be replying to your comments on my blog. I know this makes it harder for my replies to be found, and I am very sorry for it. When summer comes and school ends I think I can go back to doing it how I've always done. But for now, I've had to change some of my writing endeavors, and this is the last option I have left.
 I love all of your comments though, they brighten my day, and I want to answer them all. And for now, this is the only way I can manage.

 The quote is from Doctor Who, when he first meets Martha. Because, when I watched it I caught something I missed the first time. When he destroyed his planet, he killed his brother. And when I realized that he had had a brother I knew I had to pass that sadness on to all of you. You're welcome.

 Allons-y!