Gwen Gardner's Blog, page 13
January 19, 2015
Designing Series' Covers
Designing covers is always exciting. Periodic glimpses into the progress really feeds the cover lust. The waiting on the final product is agonizing. But when it's done, it's pure love. It's one of my favorite parts of publishing. Angela Brown gets a second go round on her Shadow Jumper series.Here's what she has to say...Check it out!
As you may recall, I mentioned I was interesed in doing some book cover changes in one of my last posts. Now, here's the deal, I LOVE my current book covers Heather McCorkle did for me for Neverlove and They All Fall Down of the Shadow Jumpers trilogy.
Yet, as lovely as they are, they do not let readers know these titles are part of a series or trilogy, so a change was in order. But in what way could I honor the symbolism and beauty in both covers? After I reviewed what the series was about as a whole, then did a deep dive into ThinkStock photos for some inspiration, I stumbled upon something that lit a fire under me. I turned to Heather McCorkle to bring these new covers to life as she was the designer of the originals. Here are the new covers to Neverlove and They All Fall Down of the Shadow Jumpers trilogy...
Duty or love...there can be only one.
A love worth fighting for...
To ensure book 3 is in aligntment, Heather and I have gathered a great photo that I hope rounds the book covers out nicely.
As I mentioned in my post about this coming change, change can be scary. As much as I am excited, I'm a tad afraid the covers may not be received well, despite my personal opinion that they honor the original covers justly through their fiery symbolism.
So here I am opening this up to you, my blog buddies, readers, friends and all :-)
As you may recall, I mentioned I was interesed in doing some book cover changes in one of my last posts. Now, here's the deal, I LOVE my current book covers Heather McCorkle did for me for Neverlove and They All Fall Down of the Shadow Jumpers trilogy.
Yet, as lovely as they are, they do not let readers know these titles are part of a series or trilogy, so a change was in order. But in what way could I honor the symbolism and beauty in both covers? After I reviewed what the series was about as a whole, then did a deep dive into ThinkStock photos for some inspiration, I stumbled upon something that lit a fire under me. I turned to Heather McCorkle to bring these new covers to life as she was the designer of the originals. Here are the new covers to Neverlove and They All Fall Down of the Shadow Jumpers trilogy...
Duty or love...there can be only one.
A love worth fighting for...
To ensure book 3 is in aligntment, Heather and I have gathered a great photo that I hope rounds the book covers out nicely.As I mentioned in my post about this coming change, change can be scary. As much as I am excited, I'm a tad afraid the covers may not be received well, despite my personal opinion that they honor the original covers justly through their fiery symbolism.
So here I am opening this up to you, my blog buddies, readers, friends and all :-)
January 12, 2015
First Chapter Secrets by C. Lee McKenzie
C. Lee McKenzie is here today to share about her new release, Sudden Secrets, and to talk about writing the all important first chapter. After all, the story only has a small amount of space to grip the reader and make them care what happens to the characters or they'll put the book down.
Since I've started writing a new series, I've been researching this subject. We always want our latest book to be better than the last. We don't ever stop honing and learning our craft. There is always something new to learn. I'm focusing strongly on first chapters and pacing right now, because it sets the tone for the remainder of the book. There is a lot of helpful advice out there and I found Lee's process very helpful.
Here's Lee! Promise and Deliver
I read a wonderful article by Peter Selgin in Writer a few years ago, and it stuck in my head. This part is what I really noted, in fact, underlined.
“Based on a book or story’s first chapter, the reader will form certain expectations, which, unless they are met, will cause consternation, disappointment or. . .amusement.”
I never want my readers to be dismayed or disappointed when reading my books. I definitely do not want them to laugh at me. I think this last would be the most humiliating. I like people to laugh at my words when I plan it that way, but never by any unintentional slip up.
So how could I make the opening of my stories promise and the rest of the story deliver? Here’s my simple-minded formula.
I write down the key elements of my story into a single sentence, sometimes two. Never more. That way I can focus on what I want my reader to expect after that first chapter.
When I’ve got a solid draft of chapter one, I find someone who’s a terrible out-loud reader—someone who doesn’t read my books or care to—and I bribe them to read the first page out loud to me. Believe me, the flaws become so apparent I want to cry.
During that excruciating experience, I listen
• for the tone and style I’d set out to capture.
• for the character’s voice and decide if the reader will know exactly what this character wants or needs.
• to find out if I was clear and precise in my choice of words and phrases, so anyone reading this chapter is ready for what’s to come.
Once that first chapter’s the way I want it, I go through the book, keeping an eye open for everything I’ve led the reader to expect. I’m still not editing for details, I’m looking for those main themes I promised, those character foibles I’ve hinted at, the consistency of tone and style that I established in that opening.
When I’m satisfied, I know it because I’m enjoying the story and that’s huge because at many stages of writing a story, I haven’t enjoyed it.
As Sol Stein says, “The pleasures of writer and reader are interwoven. The seasoned writer. . .derives increasing pleasure from his work. The reader in the hands of a writer who has mastered his craft enjoys a richer experience.” [Stein on Writing] Sudden Secrets by C. Lee McKenzie 
Teaser:one Secret Cleo has struggled to heal after her baby sister’s death, but the flashbacks to the accident won’t go away. With the move, she vows to keep her tragedy a secret and avoid pitying looks. one MysterySomething’s strange about the abandoned house across the street—flashes of light late at night and small flickers of movement that only someone looking for them would see. Everyone says the house is deserted, but Cleo is sure it isn’t, and she’s sure whoever is inside is watching her. another SecretIn one night, Belleza’s life changes forever. So famous, her only choice is to hide her secret from the world so she can silence small town bigotry. Then Cleo happens.
Sudden Secrets does indeed sound intriguing. Lee's writing process obviously works and I'm going to study it very closely.
Thanks for sharing, Lee!
BUYLinks:
KINDLE: PRINT:
EVERNIGHT TEEN:
All Lee's Book titles: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0042M1KYW
Since I've started writing a new series, I've been researching this subject. We always want our latest book to be better than the last. We don't ever stop honing and learning our craft. There is always something new to learn. I'm focusing strongly on first chapters and pacing right now, because it sets the tone for the remainder of the book. There is a lot of helpful advice out there and I found Lee's process very helpful.
Here's Lee! Promise and Deliver
I read a wonderful article by Peter Selgin in Writer a few years ago, and it stuck in my head. This part is what I really noted, in fact, underlined.
“Based on a book or story’s first chapter, the reader will form certain expectations, which, unless they are met, will cause consternation, disappointment or. . .amusement.”
I never want my readers to be dismayed or disappointed when reading my books. I definitely do not want them to laugh at me. I think this last would be the most humiliating. I like people to laugh at my words when I plan it that way, but never by any unintentional slip up.
So how could I make the opening of my stories promise and the rest of the story deliver? Here’s my simple-minded formula.
I write down the key elements of my story into a single sentence, sometimes two. Never more. That way I can focus on what I want my reader to expect after that first chapter.
When I’ve got a solid draft of chapter one, I find someone who’s a terrible out-loud reader—someone who doesn’t read my books or care to—and I bribe them to read the first page out loud to me. Believe me, the flaws become so apparent I want to cry.
During that excruciating experience, I listen
• for the tone and style I’d set out to capture.
• for the character’s voice and decide if the reader will know exactly what this character wants or needs.
• to find out if I was clear and precise in my choice of words and phrases, so anyone reading this chapter is ready for what’s to come.
Once that first chapter’s the way I want it, I go through the book, keeping an eye open for everything I’ve led the reader to expect. I’m still not editing for details, I’m looking for those main themes I promised, those character foibles I’ve hinted at, the consistency of tone and style that I established in that opening.
When I’m satisfied, I know it because I’m enjoying the story and that’s huge because at many stages of writing a story, I haven’t enjoyed it.
As Sol Stein says, “The pleasures of writer and reader are interwoven. The seasoned writer. . .derives increasing pleasure from his work. The reader in the hands of a writer who has mastered his craft enjoys a richer experience.” [Stein on Writing] Sudden Secrets by C. Lee McKenzie
Teaser:one Secret Cleo has struggled to heal after her baby sister’s death, but the flashbacks to the accident won’t go away. With the move, she vows to keep her tragedy a secret and avoid pitying looks. one MysterySomething’s strange about the abandoned house across the street—flashes of light late at night and small flickers of movement that only someone looking for them would see. Everyone says the house is deserted, but Cleo is sure it isn’t, and she’s sure whoever is inside is watching her. another SecretIn one night, Belleza’s life changes forever. So famous, her only choice is to hide her secret from the world so she can silence small town bigotry. Then Cleo happens.
Sudden Secrets does indeed sound intriguing. Lee's writing process obviously works and I'm going to study it very closely.
Thanks for sharing, Lee!
BUYLinks:
KINDLE: PRINT:
EVERNIGHT TEEN:
All Lee's Book titles: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0042M1KYW
January 7, 2015
IWSG: Word to Screen Phobia
It's the Insecure Writer's Support Group day! If you want to sign up for this once monthly support group, go HERE. Thank you to Alex Cavanaugh and his minions for the endless and ongoing support. Speaking of which, I'll be a minion next month! I'm looking forward to blog-hopping around and meeting new people.
Here I go with my new/old insecurity. When I wrote my first book, I had this problem where I couldn't put the words down to tell my story. I knew the story in my head, but nothing I wrote sounded quite right. Not like in the books I've read, where the words flow seamlessly and the story comes out and you don't even remember you're reading. Nothing sounded good enough. It certainly wasn't perfect, and probably not even close to good. Tapping out words onto the screen became a bit of a phobia. I basically wasted the first year I tried to write for the fear of it not being good enough.
And so now, with two novels and three novellas featuring the same characters under my belt, I'm finding the same phobia occurring with writing my new series. I'm afraid to put words down in case they're not good enough. I want my new series to be good. Makes it really hard to write a novel if I can't put the words down!
I know the adages, that perfection comes with editing, and I should give myself permission to be less than perfect. It's just believing it that's the problem! I know it's totally kooky. *sigh*
How's your writing life? Current insecurities?
January 5, 2015
2014 Results Are In!
I'll admit, 2014 was a rough year for a lot of people. I know the world seemed to be falling apart at times. My year had ups and downs. I count myself lucky because whatever my problems may be, it's always compared to what. I have a home, a job, loving friends and family. A craft that I love. And I'm still thrilled with what the future might hold!
So with the future in mind, it's time to post my 2015 goals!
But first, let's see how I did with 2014.
Here are my 2014 goals with the result in red: Blog less. Alas, it's true. I can't keep up with the posts, comments and return visits and still write. Something's gotta give. So, I'm on blog hiatus until April, then I'll be back blogging one day per week. And, I'll be doing the A-Z through Untethered Realms. It helps to share the load :) I'll still be on Facebook and Twitter if you want or need help promoting in that way. I'd love to help. DONE! I definitely blogged less and did the A-Z through Untethered Realms. Implement a writing schedule. Since I've been working full time, I have seriously neglected my writing, and I miss it terribly. My new schedule will be 2-3 hours Monday and Thursday nights, and whatever I can fit in on weekends. DONE! Only I had to approach it from a different angle. I'm not, and never have been, a high energy person. No way can I spend 8 - 10 hours at the office and then write for another 2 - 3 hours at home. So, I set a word count of 2500 words per week instead, and did it on the weekends. I have a very understanding hubby. Publish my three-novella series by May or June. The first one is done, the second is outlined and the third is just a glimmer. DONE. Again, not exactly as planned. But all three novellas from the Afterlife series were released in October and November, with the print version in December. Publish my short story in the first anthology (of a 4-part series) with my Untethered Realms group in October. Then work on the second/third story. DONE. We published in October. I started the second short story in December. Work on my idea for a new series. They might be novellas, I haven't decided. My goal is to outline and write the first novella. NOT DONE. I worked on the idea, outlined and even wrote the first chapter, but that's as far as I got. Explore screenwriting. TECHNICALLY DONE. I did explore a screenwriting class and almost started it in September, but decided I was too busy with revisions on the novella series and getting it published to take a class. And yes, the perpetual goal of losing weight, exercising and getting healthy; physically, mentally and spiritually. BLEH! Enough said.
Now on to my 2015 goals:
Blog once per week, with intermittent blog posts over at Untethered Realms. Make a point to visit at least five blogs per week that I don't visit routinely. Write and publish a short story in the anthology with my Untethered Realms group. Write and publish three novellas in my new series. OR, think about submitting the novellas for traditional publishing. I'm still pondering this one. Start on a new Indigo Eady novel because I can't stand the thought of not writing her anymore.Think about taking a screenwriting class once again. Be more proactive about posting on my Facebook author page. Perhaps give snippets of my WIPs combined with graphic designs. Update my website and blog. How was your year? What are your 2015 goals?
So with the future in mind, it's time to post my 2015 goals!
But first, let's see how I did with 2014.
Here are my 2014 goals with the result in red: Blog less. Alas, it's true. I can't keep up with the posts, comments and return visits and still write. Something's gotta give. So, I'm on blog hiatus until April, then I'll be back blogging one day per week. And, I'll be doing the A-Z through Untethered Realms. It helps to share the load :) I'll still be on Facebook and Twitter if you want or need help promoting in that way. I'd love to help. DONE! I definitely blogged less and did the A-Z through Untethered Realms. Implement a writing schedule. Since I've been working full time, I have seriously neglected my writing, and I miss it terribly. My new schedule will be 2-3 hours Monday and Thursday nights, and whatever I can fit in on weekends. DONE! Only I had to approach it from a different angle. I'm not, and never have been, a high energy person. No way can I spend 8 - 10 hours at the office and then write for another 2 - 3 hours at home. So, I set a word count of 2500 words per week instead, and did it on the weekends. I have a very understanding hubby. Publish my three-novella series by May or June. The first one is done, the second is outlined and the third is just a glimmer. DONE. Again, not exactly as planned. But all three novellas from the Afterlife series were released in October and November, with the print version in December. Publish my short story in the first anthology (of a 4-part series) with my Untethered Realms group in October. Then work on the second/third story. DONE. We published in October. I started the second short story in December. Work on my idea for a new series. They might be novellas, I haven't decided. My goal is to outline and write the first novella. NOT DONE. I worked on the idea, outlined and even wrote the first chapter, but that's as far as I got. Explore screenwriting. TECHNICALLY DONE. I did explore a screenwriting class and almost started it in September, but decided I was too busy with revisions on the novella series and getting it published to take a class. And yes, the perpetual goal of losing weight, exercising and getting healthy; physically, mentally and spiritually. BLEH! Enough said.
Now on to my 2015 goals:
Blog once per week, with intermittent blog posts over at Untethered Realms. Make a point to visit at least five blogs per week that I don't visit routinely. Write and publish a short story in the anthology with my Untethered Realms group. Write and publish three novellas in my new series. OR, think about submitting the novellas for traditional publishing. I'm still pondering this one. Start on a new Indigo Eady novel because I can't stand the thought of not writing her anymore.Think about taking a screenwriting class once again. Be more proactive about posting on my Facebook author page. Perhaps give snippets of my WIPs combined with graphic designs. Update my website and blog. How was your year? What are your 2015 goals?
December 15, 2014
December Secrets and Holiday Puppies
Happy Holidays!
I hope everyone has a very happy December, spent with loved ones sharing holiday cheer.
Koko and Tuffy hope you get lots of cookies!
Untethered Realms
Tomorrow (Tuesday 12/16/14) I'm over at Untethered Realms with a little Secret Christmas Carol pictograph. I hope you can stop by to see it and find out the secret *winks*
Secret Project
Secrets abound right now! I'm working on a secret project that I'm not quite ready to share. But I really want to, so I made up a little teaser:
Envision this: my character finds himself butt naked, outside, laying on the wet cobblestones, when who should see him but a Victorian bobby...
Photo by Gwen Gardner
...and of course the chase is on. And here's my theme song by Jewel to go with it: Who will save your soul when it comes to the flower?
Who will save your soul after all the lies that you told, boy?
Who will save your soul if you won't save your own?
What are your holiday plans? Do you have a secret project? Care to share?
I hope everyone has a very happy December, spent with loved ones sharing holiday cheer.
Koko and Tuffy hope you get lots of cookies!
Untethered Realms
Tomorrow (Tuesday 12/16/14) I'm over at Untethered Realms with a little Secret Christmas Carol pictograph. I hope you can stop by to see it and find out the secret *winks*
Secret Project
Secrets abound right now! I'm working on a secret project that I'm not quite ready to share. But I really want to, so I made up a little teaser:
Envision this: my character finds himself butt naked, outside, laying on the wet cobblestones, when who should see him but a Victorian bobby...
Photo by Gwen Gardner...and of course the chase is on. And here's my theme song by Jewel to go with it: Who will save your soul when it comes to the flower?
Who will save your soul after all the lies that you told, boy?
Who will save your soul if you won't save your own?
What are your holiday plans? Do you have a secret project? Care to share?
December 3, 2014
IWSG: Fuzzy Blanket and Capabilities
It's been a month since my last Insecure Writer's Support Group post (haha, this feels like a confession). Thank you to Alex Cavanaugh and his co-hosts for making this group event happen every month. My insecurity is a rollover from last month. It's about writing something other than my Indigo Eady Paranormal Mystery series, which is basically like a warm, fuzzy blanket to me. It's switching from characters I know and love so well, to characters I don't quite know yet. It's about switching from pre-teen/teen to adult novels.
I feel like I'm ready to step up my game, but not at all sure that I'm actually capable of doing it.
This is my confession!
On a higher note, this is a good time for new beginnings. I'm already setting goals to release the new book by next December. Yikes!
What is your current insecurity?
December 1, 2014
Ever Met A Gargoyle?
Ever Met A Gargoyle? Check out the awesome cover for my Afterlife series. I combined my three novellas into a collection for both ebook and print. I absolutely love the whole cover. Corona Zschusschen spent many hours on the silver scroll work. Notice the intricate weaving, the lighting and shading. I'm always amazed at what illustrators can do. It's also kind of Christmassy and perfect for a December release.
I have to admit, though, that I'm enthralled by the gargoyle on the back cover. Gargoyles are interesting, intriguing, mysterious. They're hundreds of years old. They have a serious past. In modern history, gargoyles are used as spouts to direct rainwater away from buildings. But originally, they were used to frighten evil away and protect the inhabitants of a structure, such as a church. In the Afterlife series I created creatures that I call "gardengoyles." The name combines the traditional "gargoyle" and the garden variety "gardengoyle". The garden variety is sort of a play on words as my gardengoyles, Gertrude and Glomp, are keepers of Gertrude's Garden, the paranormal social nightclub-type meeting place where some pretty interesting creatures gather. And then there's the adjoining cemetery where bodies are "planted," sort of a paranormal inside joke. See the gardening link? Soooo, moving on then... Gardengoyles are the descendants of the larger gargoyles and much more colorful, in both appearance and language. My gardengoyles are highly intelligent of course. It's not to say that the traditional gargoyles weren't smart, but perhaps they were just less vocal. Their faces spoke volumes. Check it out. I was in England and France recently and met tons of gargoyles! Here are a few...
Amazon ebook / Amazon print Have you ever met a gargoyle?How about a descendant, the gardengoyle? (Now if you've met a gardengoyle, I want to hear all about it, LOL!)
I have to admit, though, that I'm enthralled by the gargoyle on the back cover. Gargoyles are interesting, intriguing, mysterious. They're hundreds of years old. They have a serious past. In modern history, gargoyles are used as spouts to direct rainwater away from buildings. But originally, they were used to frighten evil away and protect the inhabitants of a structure, such as a church. In the Afterlife series I created creatures that I call "gardengoyles." The name combines the traditional "gargoyle" and the garden variety "gardengoyle". The garden variety is sort of a play on words as my gardengoyles, Gertrude and Glomp, are keepers of Gertrude's Garden, the paranormal social nightclub-type meeting place where some pretty interesting creatures gather. And then there's the adjoining cemetery where bodies are "planted," sort of a paranormal inside joke. See the gardening link? Soooo, moving on then... Gardengoyles are the descendants of the larger gargoyles and much more colorful, in both appearance and language. My gardengoyles are highly intelligent of course. It's not to say that the traditional gargoyles weren't smart, but perhaps they were just less vocal. Their faces spoke volumes. Check it out. I was in England and France recently and met tons of gargoyles! Here are a few...
Amazon ebook / Amazon print Have you ever met a gargoyle?How about a descendant, the gardengoyle? (Now if you've met a gardengoyle, I want to hear all about it, LOL!) November 5, 2014
IWSG: Maturity in Writing
It's the first Wednesday of the month, AKA Insecure Writer's Support Group day! The title of the group is self explanatory. If you want to sign up, go HERE. Thanks so much to Alex Cavanaugh and his minions who put this on every month.My current insecurity:
I'm writing a new series. Or rather, I've written a synopsis and a first chapter to a new series. My insecurity is that this is for adults, rather than MG/YA like my other series.
It can't sound immature. (Yikes!)I can't be nice. I'm working on the outline and whenever I write notes I'm constantly reminding myself to "don't be nice, don't be nice, don't be nice." In truth, I had to do the same thing in my teen/pre-teen series. But now, I really can't be nice. Bad stuff has to happen. And they might even have sex. Or die. LOL. *nervous laughter, not real laughter*Those are my insecurities. I have to write like an adult and have adult situations. It's still fantasy, though ;)
***************** AND.....I'M GOING ON VACATION. My next post will be 11/24 (unless I've had too much fun, then my next post will be 12/1.)
****************
Thanks for listening. What are your insecurities?
November 3, 2014
Crystal Colliers' Character Casting of Soulless
When I'm creating or writing my characters, I find it helpful (and fun!) to match their descriptions to celebrities who I consider similar. It makes for great visualization when writing scenes with dialogue or how a character might act in a certain situation. Because visualization is part of what allows a writer to put words to paper. I love when an author shows us how they think of their characters, so I'm very pleased to be hosting Crystal Collier and her cast of characters from her new release, Soulless! Crystal says... Casting is especially difficult for me because I'm a SUPER visual person, so when I create characters, I have a VERY specific image in mind. It's almost impossible to find a match. Because of that, there are no easy-fit actors or actresses for my characters, but I've done the best I can. (Contains spoilers for those who haven't read MOONLESS. Get your copy October 13, 20, 27, 31 or November 7 for FREE.)
Kiren
(Gabriel Aubry--missing a jagged white scar down his cheek.)
Kiren is constantly working for redemption from the mistakes of his past. He carries the weight of the world and keeps everyone at a distance with the hope of protecting them. While striving to hold the Passionate together, he fights his own heart. Will he cling to the love of his existence, Alexia, or let her go to fulfill a greater destiny? (Don't get caught staring into his eyes or you may just find him reading your thoughts.)
Charles
(Jeffery Dean Morgan.)
Alexia's dad, Charles Dumont, is a country baron who has a tendency toward anger, but absolutely adores his daughter. After losing both parents, his sister, Alexia mother, and his wife, he clings to his only remaining family and is terrified to let her go. A soldier at heart, he is not afraid to fight, even the Soulless.
John
(Joe Manganiello)
John was a doctor in a small community before he was tainted by the Soulless. Since then he's been searching for a way to heal the Soulless, including himself. He and Kiren share many ideals, but stand on opposite sides of the Passionate/Soulless line. A man of integrity, he doesn't mix words, nor does he paint a prettier picture than reality.
Edward
(A younger Paul Newman)
Edward can bend your memory faster than you can shake hands. He won't, unless ordered by Kiren because of his own mistaken past, but his gift for altering people's minds is a skill few of the Passionate possess. He's loyal to Kiren.
About SOULLESS:
The Soulless are coming.
Alexia manipulated time to save the man of her dreams, and lost her best friend to red-eyed wraiths. Still grieving, she struggles to reconcile her loss with what was gained: her impending marriage. But when her wedding is destroyed by the Soulless—who then steal the only protection her people have—she’s forced to unleash her true power.
And risk losing everything.
Book 2 in the Maiden of Time trilogy.
Meet the characters for yourselves by getting the books HERE,or enter to win some AWESOME prizes.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Kiren
(Gabriel Aubry--missing a jagged white scar down his cheek.)Kiren is constantly working for redemption from the mistakes of his past. He carries the weight of the world and keeps everyone at a distance with the hope of protecting them. While striving to hold the Passionate together, he fights his own heart. Will he cling to the love of his existence, Alexia, or let her go to fulfill a greater destiny? (Don't get caught staring into his eyes or you may just find him reading your thoughts.)
Charles
(Jeffery Dean Morgan.)Alexia's dad, Charles Dumont, is a country baron who has a tendency toward anger, but absolutely adores his daughter. After losing both parents, his sister, Alexia mother, and his wife, he clings to his only remaining family and is terrified to let her go. A soldier at heart, he is not afraid to fight, even the Soulless.
John
(Joe Manganiello)John was a doctor in a small community before he was tainted by the Soulless. Since then he's been searching for a way to heal the Soulless, including himself. He and Kiren share many ideals, but stand on opposite sides of the Passionate/Soulless line. A man of integrity, he doesn't mix words, nor does he paint a prettier picture than reality.
Edward
(A younger Paul Newman)Edward can bend your memory faster than you can shake hands. He won't, unless ordered by Kiren because of his own mistaken past, but his gift for altering people's minds is a skill few of the Passionate possess. He's loyal to Kiren.
About SOULLESS:
The Soulless are coming.Alexia manipulated time to save the man of her dreams, and lost her best friend to red-eyed wraiths. Still grieving, she struggles to reconcile her loss with what was gained: her impending marriage. But when her wedding is destroyed by the Soulless—who then steal the only protection her people have—she’s forced to unleash her true power.
And risk losing everything.
Book 2 in the Maiden of Time trilogy.
Meet the characters for yourselves by getting the books HERE,or enter to win some AWESOME prizes.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
October 27, 2014
Mysteries of a Writer's Mind: Welcome M. Pax!
I'm so stoked to have M. Pax here today talking about what inspired her Rifters series. I'm always fascinated by how authors get their ideas. Check this out...
Mysteries of Oregon
Oregon is filled with mysterious landscapes. They make me wonder and spark my imagination.
What if the whole universe was on this tree?
What if a different world existed beyond the mist?
What if this mushroom grew teeth and sucked the life force out of my toes?
If the bubbles are breath, what lives under the lake?
Watch this video
What if the lava were alive?
That last question inspired a swarm of beasts in my imagination ten years ago. They made their way into The Initiate, Rifters Book 2 as the starring monster.
As fantastic as my stories can get, they’re based on real things and places around me. Oregon never fails to disappoint me. To me, it’s the most awesome place in the galaxy. The Initate is now out! It picks up exactly where The Rifters left off. More monsters. More time travelers. More steampunk. More adventure.
A junction erupts between the worlds in Settler, Oregon, a rift from which horrors attack our world. The Rifters defend us.
To trust unquestioningly is the first lesson Daelin Long must learn as the newest Initiate of the Rifters.
Her first day is a disaster. She stands on a deserted street in a town smaller than a city district, courting killer rocks from another world with her ancestor from the Revolutionary War. Normal no longer exists.
While she struggles, Earl Blacke grapples with atoning for his past ill deeds, running far and fast from Settler, Oregon. The Shaman of the Desert promises him redemption, and an old mine puts the possibility of a gold strike in his grasp. His luck has changed for the better, but he can’t have both.
Available from: Amazon / iTunes / B&N / Googleplay / Smashwords/ Other What Inspires You? ***
M. Pax is author of the space adventure series The Backworlds, the urban fantasy series The Rifters, plus other novels and short stories. Fantasy, science fiction, and the weird beckons to her, and she blames Oregon, a source of endless inspiration. She docents at Pine Mountain Observatory in the summers as a star guide, has a cat with a crush on Mr. Spock, and is slightly obsessed with Jane Austen. Learn more at mpaxauthor.com.
Mysteries of Oregon
Oregon is filled with mysterious landscapes. They make me wonder and spark my imagination.
What if the whole universe was on this tree?
What if a different world existed beyond the mist?
What if this mushroom grew teeth and sucked the life force out of my toes?
If the bubbles are breath, what lives under the lake?
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What if the lava were alive?
That last question inspired a swarm of beasts in my imagination ten years ago. They made their way into The Initiate, Rifters Book 2 as the starring monster.
As fantastic as my stories can get, they’re based on real things and places around me. Oregon never fails to disappoint me. To me, it’s the most awesome place in the galaxy. The Initate is now out! It picks up exactly where The Rifters left off. More monsters. More time travelers. More steampunk. More adventure.
A junction erupts between the worlds in Settler, Oregon, a rift from which horrors attack our world. The Rifters defend us.
To trust unquestioningly is the first lesson Daelin Long must learn as the newest Initiate of the Rifters.
Her first day is a disaster. She stands on a deserted street in a town smaller than a city district, courting killer rocks from another world with her ancestor from the Revolutionary War. Normal no longer exists.
While she struggles, Earl Blacke grapples with atoning for his past ill deeds, running far and fast from Settler, Oregon. The Shaman of the Desert promises him redemption, and an old mine puts the possibility of a gold strike in his grasp. His luck has changed for the better, but he can’t have both.
Available from: Amazon / iTunes / B&N / Googleplay / Smashwords/ Other What Inspires You? ***
M. Pax is author of the space adventure series The Backworlds, the urban fantasy series The Rifters, plus other novels and short stories. Fantasy, science fiction, and the weird beckons to her, and she blames Oregon, a source of endless inspiration. She docents at Pine Mountain Observatory in the summers as a star guide, has a cat with a crush on Mr. Spock, and is slightly obsessed with Jane Austen. Learn more at mpaxauthor.com.
