Shelby K. Morrison's Blog, page 4
April 13, 2015
Among the Flames has gone to Betas!!
Ahhh! I can’t believe that time is already here! From the Ashes hasn’t even been published yet and I’ve just sent off Among the Flames (Book Two) to my beta readers! I’m so excited to get feedback on this one. I think it’s so much better than From the Ashes…which is should be, right?
But it’s also longer, coming in at 122k for this draft. I know once it goes through my final editing stages, I’ll end up cutting a few thousand, and even more when my editor gets her hands on it. But for my poor betas, they must read the sloppy, bulky copy. I’m sorry guys. 
Among the Flames has gone to Betas!!
Ahhh! I can't believe that time is already here! From the Ashes hasn't even been published yet and I've just sent off Among the Flames (Book Two) to my beta readers! I'm so excited to get feedback on this one. I think it's so much better than From the Ashes...which is should be, right? But it's also longer, coming in at 122k for this draft. I know once it goes through my final editing stages, I'll end up cutting a few thousand, and even more when my editor gets her hands on it. But for my poor betas, they must read the sloppy, bulky copy. I'm sorry guys. :(
So in 4 weeks, I'll have my feedback and the final stages will begin! In the meantime, From the Ashes will be published May 3rd! Oh and also sometime in all this craziness, I'll be moving. What a horrible, amazing, fantastic month!
March 25, 2015
From the Ashes COVER CONTEST!
Vote #6!!
http://www.ultimatefantasybooks.com/competitions.php
From the Ashes is in a Fantasy Book Cover Contest! If you love the cover, please consider voting for me, #6! (Feels like high school all over again...) Spread the word if you are a fan of the cover or the book or indie authors in general. :) The winner has a chance at some great publicity! Thank you everyone!
http://www.ultimatefantasybooks.com/competitions.php
From the Ashes is in a Fantasy Book Cover Contest! If you love the cover, please consider voting for me, #6! (Feels like high school all over again...) Spread the word if you are a fan of the cover or the book or indie authors in general. :) The winner has a chance at some great publicity! Thank you everyone!
February 27, 2015
From the Ashes *COVER REVEAL & PREVIEW*
I am proud to finally reveal the cover for From the Ashes. Cover is illustrated by Lori Follett of Wicked Book Covers. I couldn't be more thrilled with the final piece. It was a little iffy, I was to be Lori's first. But had I known this would be the end result, I wouldn't have ever doubted. I'm so glad I took a chance and had faith in Lori. She did a spectacular job! So here it is! Legend of the Liberator, Book One: From the Ashes:
Now! Since I know that cover just pulls you in....how about a preview of the book? Below you can read the first two chapters of From the Ashes. It will introduce both of our main characters and give you a taste at the challenges our heroes must face. If you like it, add it to your Goodreads list or like me on Facebook to keep up with updates on the book. Or just enter the giveaway! The giveaway is on the post prior to this one or on my facebook page giveaway tab. Good luck!
PREVIEW
CHAPTER ONE
Aia’s heart slammed against her ribs, her chest heaving. She sprinted down the narrow cobblestone streets, tugging at her silk dress when it tangled with her legs.
She replayed the final five minutes of her former life. The log hitting Damon. The blood. His smile. What had she done? She'd ruined everything.
The evening air nipped at her cheeks, and the coins her mother had slipped into her coin purse clinked loudly in the still city. The blood-red sunset dared her to continue. Shouting echoed in the distance. Someone had alerted the Breakers. They’d come for her. They’d be merciless.
She took the stone steps two at a time, her dress nearly tripping her again. Her steps pattered in the silence as she crossed the bridge connecting the base of Mt. Shadow to the rest of the kingdom. Farther and farther her legs carried her—from her home, the Church, the palace. But it didn’t matter how far she ran. They’d pursue her.
She threw a glance over her shoulder. The palace built into the mountain loomed above her, just as menacing, despite the distance. She couldn’t outrun it. Couldn’t outrun them.
The end of the bridge signaled her entry into Midtown, even worse than Hightown for someone evading capture. Houses towered over her, and dozens of windows like little black eyes dotted the sides. She pressed on.
She had to get off the street, away from the city. But where to run? Where would they not search for her?
The Ashen Wood. No one went into the Ashen Wood.
Her wretched dress bunched between her legs and she stumbled to the cobblestones. After a hasty peek at the road behind her, she scrambled to her feet and continued.
Hooves hammered against the cobblestones in the distance. They were coming. She dashed between houses like an alley cat, the Red Plains at the edge of the city in sight. Almost there.
She increased her speed, thrashing through the thick weeds, despising her dress and its clinging folds. The endless field stretched before her, but she didn’t let up. She yearned for her beloved longbow and the security it offered. But she'd had no time to grab it before her parents shoved her from her home.
On and on she ran, her legs jelly. The stars had emerged in the indigo ceiling by the time she reached the edge of the legendary forest.
She struggled to slow her breathing, swallowing with difficulty, as she peered between flaky, ash-covered trees, searching for a path, a place to conceal herself. It was hopeless. She could only see a few trees in. She looked over her shoulder at the city. Her home. Her life of security. Candles appeared in windows, lit one by one, and the orange glow of torch-bearing Breakers illuminated the sides of buildings. Word was spreading.
Hands shaking, heart thumping, she took a step into the forest. As if an invisible wall closed behind her, the outside world disappeared. No crickets singing. No city noises and shouts of pursuit. No whispering wind. Nothing but the forest.
Her lifelong secret had been revealed. Maia Wynnald was a Bender.
CHAPTER TWO
Cole Balain sat crammed among his peers on a skinny wooden bench. Sweat trickled down his neck while the Church filled with more observers.
Alabaster stone sculptures marked each corner of the vast hall, harmonizing with the white stone walls. A vaulted, ribbed ceiling stretched deceitfully into the heavens, stained-glass windows spanning both sides. In the daylight, colors spilled through to offer undeserved comfort to people who thronged with bright faces to enjoy watching the will of Mighty be carried out.
Cole alone was sick about it. Sick in body. Sick to his soul.
But tonight the bloated room glowed with a different, misplaced comfort. One central flame illuminated the otherwise dim hall. A massive porcelain crucible held stark white, crackling flames, which stretched higher and burned brighter than normal fire. A fire that had one purpose. To Cleanse a Bender.
In front of the flames stood the woman he’d handed over not an hour ago; her hands bound behind her. She was trembling, and tears streamed down her pink cheeks. Her tattered brown dress indicated her rank as lowborn, and she was perhaps in her thirtieth year. Cole had witnessed it all dozens of times, and his stomach churned the same way every time.
Two Purifiers, a couple, clad in their sanctimonious ivory robes, stood before the woman. The man had the Book of Salvation in his open hands. He’d finished reading the famous passage, granting her soul safe transition to heaven. It was supposedly an honorable duty, passed down through family lines. But they weren’t the only ones responsible. This Bender would die because of him.
An adult Bender. Rare. She offered a glimmer of hope for their kind. It meant she'd managed to survive, have a life, possibly children. Benders were still far from extinct. Finding an adult meant more were out there. Most families turned their children in for Cleansing at the first sign of the gift, following the law. A few hid them. Then some managed to reach adulthood without being discovered. This poor soul had remained hidden, hadn’t hurt anyone, had blended in with her neighbors.
But when a suspicious neighbor jealous of another woman’s apple pie recipe claims she knows a Bender, the Breakers must investigate. As they did for every absurd reason. Still, no test existed to identify a Bender. Actual Bending or running from Breakers typically sealed their fate, and this woman had run. Cole had no choice but to pursue. She hadn’t struggled, hadn’t pleaded for her life or tried to Bend her way to freedom. She’d accepted her fate.
Cole hunched over his linked fingers, elbows resting on his knees, his gaze burning into the woman’s, refusing to permit himself to look away. He forced himself to observe every moment of the consequences of his actions.
She didn’t need to die. She could have chosen a Draining, which would have relieved her of her gift but also would have left her a fraction of who she had been. He wasn’t sure which was more horrifying to watch.
Beside the oversized basin of fire towered a wooden contraption of pulleys and rope. Surely there were easier ways to go about this, without the use of such ridiculous gear. But, like the white walls and tall ceilings, it was more symbolic than actually useful. This was a show for the Church, a grand performance, and every prop enhanced the theatrics.
The Bender finished repeating the scripture through trembling lips. The male Purifier secured a strip of fabric across her eyes, which made the victim whimper more, the sound shredding Cole’s insides. How kind of them to blindfold her before they tortured her. Who was the blindfold for? The Bender, to prevent her from seeing the fire and panicking? Or the audience and the Purifiers, so they might sleep soundly that night, having avoided seeing the woman’s terrified eyes?
The Church expected Benders to choose what they deemed the reprieve of Cleansing. To relieve them of their burden. In the ten years he’d been a Breaker, only twice had a Bender been eager to be Cleansed. Despicable. Yet he understood their choice since the alternative was living a life of anxiety.
The torment of sitting through this ritual never eased. Not that there were many since the war two thousand years ago. Benders had to be out there somewhere, more than the few they’d captured. The Emperor prided himself on hounding them to extinction, as each Emperor before him had, but it wasn’t possible. It wasn’t a trait that could be weeded out, and even the people knew that. Still, the deep-seated fear plaguing the kingdom had roots so deep daily accusations flew like pigeons. The terrified expressions of every Bender he'd watched die would haunt him forever.
He massaged the crystals in the pouch on his hip. Their rough, uneven shapes and edges had been made smooth over time from his constant rubbing to calm himself. He blinked, the fire stinging his steadfast eyes.
Something kicked the back of his bench. Lenz smirked his approval through his sandy beard; his blond, dingy hair hung in his malicious eyes and down his neck, curling behind his ears. Not everyone felt the same about the proceedings as Cole did.
“What a glorious capture, Lieutenant.” Quinn, sitting beside Lenz, offered his usual artificial smile, his shaved head giving him the appearance of a plucked chicken. A brawny, angry plucked chicken.
Cole offered a simple nod and turned back to face the consequences of his actions. Yes, good job. Another one he couldn’t save. Their praise jabbed him like insults.
The contraption’s mechanisms moved, the cogs turned, the pulleys squeaked. It lifted the woman up and over the bowl of ghastly flames. Its squeaking echoed in the hollow cathedral as it lowered the woman into the fire. Her screams echoed around the gargantuan room.
“Cries of fear, not pain,” the male Purifier bellowed. “Children, don’t look away.”
Parents encouraged their children to watch, and some children wiggled eagerly in their seats.
The flames licked at her peasant dress. Her screams turned back into whimpers and sobs, confirming the Purifier’s explanation. Her pleas filled Cole's ears, blocking out any other sounds as if he were underwater.
Cole continued to rub the stones, his eyes never leaving the woman, despite his profound desire to escape her anguish. This stood as his penance. His heart sank as the blindfold slipped down the woman’s face. Her eyes darted about in terror, desperation. She stared into the flames lapping at her feet. The fire accepted her, its fingers pulling her inside as the contraption lowered her to be fully consumed.
The Kaz fire transformed from traditional flames to smoke-like tendrils, churning around her like a snake, her terrified face becoming obscured by a white veil until it enveloped her in the cyclone.
Cole broke his stare briefly to observe his peers. Some leaned forward in their seats, eager to witness the evil leach out of her. Others sat back with pursed lips; satisfied. A couple of new recruits appeared to be struggling between enthusiasm and nausea. He turned his focus again to the terror before him, rolling the two stones in his pouch.
A whistling sound reverberated through the obnoxious room while the smoke thrust into her nostrils and mouth until it disappeared. Gasps echoed from first-time audience members. The smoke remained inside the woman until her eyes rolled back and her head dropped and hung limp. A sigh-like whisper swept the room. The once-white smoke oozed black as coal from her lips, nose, and ears. It flowed and bubbled out of her, evaporating before it hit the floor. It was over.
“Another soul has been Cleansed and accepted by our glorious Mighty.” The female Purifier wiped a tear and hugged her spouse.
A few people cheered. Cole clenched his rocks, digging them into his palms to suppress the urge to turn around and deck Lenz, who whooped and hollered while encouraging a few newbies to do the same. Quinn would always remain silent but with a contented smile. Cole wasn’t sure which annoyed him more.
He remained seated while the torches along the walls were re-lit. They restored the usual orange glow but didn’t eliminate any of the horror embedded in the walls, columns, and vaulted ceilings from years of publicly-celebrated torment. Just as abhorrent.
The audience stood, making their way from the Church and back home or back to whatever duties had been set aside. Breakers wearing the same black leather tunics and gold belt Cole wore headed for the palace and the Breakers’ Corridors.
Cole made his way from the pews, the clenching of his gut refusing to let up. Commander Endrin stopped him with a hand on his shoulder, as he did after every Cleansing or Draining.
“Another quick apprehension, Cole.” His golden mustache hid his mouth, but his warm eyes revealed pride. “Your kingdom thanks you.”
Cole offered a brisk nod to his hulking superior and continued toward the door while the Emperor approached the commander. Emperor Stephan, King of Tharien and Emperor of Dyel. As feared as he was respected. At times, Cole couldn’t be sure who ran Dyel, the Church or the Emperor. Before Cole was too far away to hear, the Emperor’s words reached him.
“Let it circulate that this woman was poisoning food on open carts.”
A fire spread through Cole’s veins, and he tightened his grip on his stones. This was nothing new. If a Bender hadn’t caused a stir themselves, Emperor Stephan was sure to order it done. The Emperor could always be counted on to assure tax monies continued to pour into his coffers, whatever it took.
“Yes, sir.” Commander Endrin bowed.
“And see to it a few citizens become ill. I can’t have anyone doubting. Those vile Symps are everywhere, intent on my undoing.”
“Yes, sir.”
Cole once again headed for the exit, eager to escape this temple of death. Before he’d slipped through the doors, a young man, around his fifteenth year, burst through.
“Bender!” The highborn boy panted and caught his breath. “There’s a Bender loose, and she’s attacked someone!”
Cole felt gutted. Another one had been identified. So soon. Would she be worth saving?
Now! Since I know that cover just pulls you in....how about a preview of the book? Below you can read the first two chapters of From the Ashes. It will introduce both of our main characters and give you a taste at the challenges our heroes must face. If you like it, add it to your Goodreads list or like me on Facebook to keep up with updates on the book. Or just enter the giveaway! The giveaway is on the post prior to this one or on my facebook page giveaway tab. Good luck! PREVIEW
CHAPTER ONE
Aia’s heart slammed against her ribs, her chest heaving. She sprinted down the narrow cobblestone streets, tugging at her silk dress when it tangled with her legs.
She replayed the final five minutes of her former life. The log hitting Damon. The blood. His smile. What had she done? She'd ruined everything.
The evening air nipped at her cheeks, and the coins her mother had slipped into her coin purse clinked loudly in the still city. The blood-red sunset dared her to continue. Shouting echoed in the distance. Someone had alerted the Breakers. They’d come for her. They’d be merciless.
She took the stone steps two at a time, her dress nearly tripping her again. Her steps pattered in the silence as she crossed the bridge connecting the base of Mt. Shadow to the rest of the kingdom. Farther and farther her legs carried her—from her home, the Church, the palace. But it didn’t matter how far she ran. They’d pursue her.
She threw a glance over her shoulder. The palace built into the mountain loomed above her, just as menacing, despite the distance. She couldn’t outrun it. Couldn’t outrun them.
The end of the bridge signaled her entry into Midtown, even worse than Hightown for someone evading capture. Houses towered over her, and dozens of windows like little black eyes dotted the sides. She pressed on.
She had to get off the street, away from the city. But where to run? Where would they not search for her?
The Ashen Wood. No one went into the Ashen Wood.
Her wretched dress bunched between her legs and she stumbled to the cobblestones. After a hasty peek at the road behind her, she scrambled to her feet and continued.
Hooves hammered against the cobblestones in the distance. They were coming. She dashed between houses like an alley cat, the Red Plains at the edge of the city in sight. Almost there.
She increased her speed, thrashing through the thick weeds, despising her dress and its clinging folds. The endless field stretched before her, but she didn’t let up. She yearned for her beloved longbow and the security it offered. But she'd had no time to grab it before her parents shoved her from her home.
On and on she ran, her legs jelly. The stars had emerged in the indigo ceiling by the time she reached the edge of the legendary forest.
She struggled to slow her breathing, swallowing with difficulty, as she peered between flaky, ash-covered trees, searching for a path, a place to conceal herself. It was hopeless. She could only see a few trees in. She looked over her shoulder at the city. Her home. Her life of security. Candles appeared in windows, lit one by one, and the orange glow of torch-bearing Breakers illuminated the sides of buildings. Word was spreading.
Hands shaking, heart thumping, she took a step into the forest. As if an invisible wall closed behind her, the outside world disappeared. No crickets singing. No city noises and shouts of pursuit. No whispering wind. Nothing but the forest.
Her lifelong secret had been revealed. Maia Wynnald was a Bender.
CHAPTER TWO
Cole Balain sat crammed among his peers on a skinny wooden bench. Sweat trickled down his neck while the Church filled with more observers.
Alabaster stone sculptures marked each corner of the vast hall, harmonizing with the white stone walls. A vaulted, ribbed ceiling stretched deceitfully into the heavens, stained-glass windows spanning both sides. In the daylight, colors spilled through to offer undeserved comfort to people who thronged with bright faces to enjoy watching the will of Mighty be carried out.
Cole alone was sick about it. Sick in body. Sick to his soul.
But tonight the bloated room glowed with a different, misplaced comfort. One central flame illuminated the otherwise dim hall. A massive porcelain crucible held stark white, crackling flames, which stretched higher and burned brighter than normal fire. A fire that had one purpose. To Cleanse a Bender.
In front of the flames stood the woman he’d handed over not an hour ago; her hands bound behind her. She was trembling, and tears streamed down her pink cheeks. Her tattered brown dress indicated her rank as lowborn, and she was perhaps in her thirtieth year. Cole had witnessed it all dozens of times, and his stomach churned the same way every time.
Two Purifiers, a couple, clad in their sanctimonious ivory robes, stood before the woman. The man had the Book of Salvation in his open hands. He’d finished reading the famous passage, granting her soul safe transition to heaven. It was supposedly an honorable duty, passed down through family lines. But they weren’t the only ones responsible. This Bender would die because of him.
An adult Bender. Rare. She offered a glimmer of hope for their kind. It meant she'd managed to survive, have a life, possibly children. Benders were still far from extinct. Finding an adult meant more were out there. Most families turned their children in for Cleansing at the first sign of the gift, following the law. A few hid them. Then some managed to reach adulthood without being discovered. This poor soul had remained hidden, hadn’t hurt anyone, had blended in with her neighbors.
But when a suspicious neighbor jealous of another woman’s apple pie recipe claims she knows a Bender, the Breakers must investigate. As they did for every absurd reason. Still, no test existed to identify a Bender. Actual Bending or running from Breakers typically sealed their fate, and this woman had run. Cole had no choice but to pursue. She hadn’t struggled, hadn’t pleaded for her life or tried to Bend her way to freedom. She’d accepted her fate.
Cole hunched over his linked fingers, elbows resting on his knees, his gaze burning into the woman’s, refusing to permit himself to look away. He forced himself to observe every moment of the consequences of his actions.
She didn’t need to die. She could have chosen a Draining, which would have relieved her of her gift but also would have left her a fraction of who she had been. He wasn’t sure which was more horrifying to watch.
Beside the oversized basin of fire towered a wooden contraption of pulleys and rope. Surely there were easier ways to go about this, without the use of such ridiculous gear. But, like the white walls and tall ceilings, it was more symbolic than actually useful. This was a show for the Church, a grand performance, and every prop enhanced the theatrics.
The Bender finished repeating the scripture through trembling lips. The male Purifier secured a strip of fabric across her eyes, which made the victim whimper more, the sound shredding Cole’s insides. How kind of them to blindfold her before they tortured her. Who was the blindfold for? The Bender, to prevent her from seeing the fire and panicking? Or the audience and the Purifiers, so they might sleep soundly that night, having avoided seeing the woman’s terrified eyes?
The Church expected Benders to choose what they deemed the reprieve of Cleansing. To relieve them of their burden. In the ten years he’d been a Breaker, only twice had a Bender been eager to be Cleansed. Despicable. Yet he understood their choice since the alternative was living a life of anxiety.
The torment of sitting through this ritual never eased. Not that there were many since the war two thousand years ago. Benders had to be out there somewhere, more than the few they’d captured. The Emperor prided himself on hounding them to extinction, as each Emperor before him had, but it wasn’t possible. It wasn’t a trait that could be weeded out, and even the people knew that. Still, the deep-seated fear plaguing the kingdom had roots so deep daily accusations flew like pigeons. The terrified expressions of every Bender he'd watched die would haunt him forever.
He massaged the crystals in the pouch on his hip. Their rough, uneven shapes and edges had been made smooth over time from his constant rubbing to calm himself. He blinked, the fire stinging his steadfast eyes.
Something kicked the back of his bench. Lenz smirked his approval through his sandy beard; his blond, dingy hair hung in his malicious eyes and down his neck, curling behind his ears. Not everyone felt the same about the proceedings as Cole did.
“What a glorious capture, Lieutenant.” Quinn, sitting beside Lenz, offered his usual artificial smile, his shaved head giving him the appearance of a plucked chicken. A brawny, angry plucked chicken.
Cole offered a simple nod and turned back to face the consequences of his actions. Yes, good job. Another one he couldn’t save. Their praise jabbed him like insults.
The contraption’s mechanisms moved, the cogs turned, the pulleys squeaked. It lifted the woman up and over the bowl of ghastly flames. Its squeaking echoed in the hollow cathedral as it lowered the woman into the fire. Her screams echoed around the gargantuan room.
“Cries of fear, not pain,” the male Purifier bellowed. “Children, don’t look away.”
Parents encouraged their children to watch, and some children wiggled eagerly in their seats.
The flames licked at her peasant dress. Her screams turned back into whimpers and sobs, confirming the Purifier’s explanation. Her pleas filled Cole's ears, blocking out any other sounds as if he were underwater.
Cole continued to rub the stones, his eyes never leaving the woman, despite his profound desire to escape her anguish. This stood as his penance. His heart sank as the blindfold slipped down the woman’s face. Her eyes darted about in terror, desperation. She stared into the flames lapping at her feet. The fire accepted her, its fingers pulling her inside as the contraption lowered her to be fully consumed.
The Kaz fire transformed from traditional flames to smoke-like tendrils, churning around her like a snake, her terrified face becoming obscured by a white veil until it enveloped her in the cyclone.
Cole broke his stare briefly to observe his peers. Some leaned forward in their seats, eager to witness the evil leach out of her. Others sat back with pursed lips; satisfied. A couple of new recruits appeared to be struggling between enthusiasm and nausea. He turned his focus again to the terror before him, rolling the two stones in his pouch.
A whistling sound reverberated through the obnoxious room while the smoke thrust into her nostrils and mouth until it disappeared. Gasps echoed from first-time audience members. The smoke remained inside the woman until her eyes rolled back and her head dropped and hung limp. A sigh-like whisper swept the room. The once-white smoke oozed black as coal from her lips, nose, and ears. It flowed and bubbled out of her, evaporating before it hit the floor. It was over.
“Another soul has been Cleansed and accepted by our glorious Mighty.” The female Purifier wiped a tear and hugged her spouse.
A few people cheered. Cole clenched his rocks, digging them into his palms to suppress the urge to turn around and deck Lenz, who whooped and hollered while encouraging a few newbies to do the same. Quinn would always remain silent but with a contented smile. Cole wasn’t sure which annoyed him more.
He remained seated while the torches along the walls were re-lit. They restored the usual orange glow but didn’t eliminate any of the horror embedded in the walls, columns, and vaulted ceilings from years of publicly-celebrated torment. Just as abhorrent.
The audience stood, making their way from the Church and back home or back to whatever duties had been set aside. Breakers wearing the same black leather tunics and gold belt Cole wore headed for the palace and the Breakers’ Corridors.
Cole made his way from the pews, the clenching of his gut refusing to let up. Commander Endrin stopped him with a hand on his shoulder, as he did after every Cleansing or Draining.
“Another quick apprehension, Cole.” His golden mustache hid his mouth, but his warm eyes revealed pride. “Your kingdom thanks you.”
Cole offered a brisk nod to his hulking superior and continued toward the door while the Emperor approached the commander. Emperor Stephan, King of Tharien and Emperor of Dyel. As feared as he was respected. At times, Cole couldn’t be sure who ran Dyel, the Church or the Emperor. Before Cole was too far away to hear, the Emperor’s words reached him.
“Let it circulate that this woman was poisoning food on open carts.”
A fire spread through Cole’s veins, and he tightened his grip on his stones. This was nothing new. If a Bender hadn’t caused a stir themselves, Emperor Stephan was sure to order it done. The Emperor could always be counted on to assure tax monies continued to pour into his coffers, whatever it took.
“Yes, sir.” Commander Endrin bowed.
“And see to it a few citizens become ill. I can’t have anyone doubting. Those vile Symps are everywhere, intent on my undoing.”
“Yes, sir.”
Cole once again headed for the exit, eager to escape this temple of death. Before he’d slipped through the doors, a young man, around his fifteenth year, burst through.
“Bender!” The highborn boy panted and caught his breath. “There’s a Bender loose, and she’s attacked someone!”
Cole felt gutted. Another one had been identified. So soon. Would she be worth saving?
From the Ashes Giveaway!!
Book One in a new fantasy series, Legend of the Liberator. For eighteen years Aia Wynnald has lived a lie. Raised as a highborn in the Kingdom of Tharien, she’s filled her days with tutors and archery lessons. But simmering beneath her polite surface is a dangerous gift, one which she must keep a secret. Aia is a Bender. And in Tharien, Benders are feared and hunted.
When her unruly power breaks free with dire repercussions, Aia’s lifelong goal of independence shatters. As she scrambles to piece her life back together while evading capture, she disturbs a vengeful force intent on destroying the kingdom.
Now, with the help of an unlikely ally, Aia will decide the fate of Tharien. To rescue those she cares about will require accepting what she is. But can she risk becoming the monster she’s dreaded to save the very citizens baying for her blood?
Interested? Read the first 2 chapters now!
Enter to win From the Ashes! The contest will run from the March 1st till the night before the book goes live (May 3rd).
a Rafflecopter giveaway
February 26, 2015
From the Ashes Cover & 1st Chapter Reveal Event
You're Invited!
When: March 1st-May 2nd, 2015.
Where: Here, Facebook, Various Blogs
What: Cover reveal, 1st (possibly 2nd) Chapter, & Giveaway!
Join the Facebook Event to enter the giveaway!
I am very excited to announce the reveal coming up for From the Ashes, the first book in my new fantasy series, Legend of the Liberator. I'll be unveiling the illustrated cover by Wicked Book Covers. That's right! Illustrated! I'll also be offering a special sneak peek into From the Ashes with the first chapter. Who knows? If enough people come, I may post the first two chapters! If you love fantasy and the blurb below sounds intriguing, you won't want to miss this! Spread the word to any fantasy fans!
For eighteen years Aia Wynnald has lived a lie. Raised as a highborn in the Kingdom of Tharien, she’s filled her days with tutors and archery lessons. But simmering beneath her polite surface is a dangerous gift, one which she must keep a secret. Aia is a Bender. And in Tharien, Benders are feared and hunted.
When her unruly power breaks free with dire repercussions, Aia’s lifelong goal of independence shatters. As she scrambles to piece her life back together while evading capture, she disturbs a vengeful force intent on destroying the kingdom.
Now, with the help of an unlikely ally, Aia will decide the fate of Tharien. To rescue those she cares about will require accepting what she is. But can she risk becoming the monster she’s dreaded to save the very citizens baying for her blood?
When: March 1st-May 2nd, 2015.
Where: Here, Facebook, Various Blogs
What: Cover reveal, 1st (possibly 2nd) Chapter, & Giveaway!
Join the Facebook Event to enter the giveaway!
I am very excited to announce the reveal coming up for From the Ashes, the first book in my new fantasy series, Legend of the Liberator. I'll be unveiling the illustrated cover by Wicked Book Covers. That's right! Illustrated! I'll also be offering a special sneak peek into From the Ashes with the first chapter. Who knows? If enough people come, I may post the first two chapters! If you love fantasy and the blurb below sounds intriguing, you won't want to miss this! Spread the word to any fantasy fans!
For eighteen years Aia Wynnald has lived a lie. Raised as a highborn in the Kingdom of Tharien, she’s filled her days with tutors and archery lessons. But simmering beneath her polite surface is a dangerous gift, one which she must keep a secret. Aia is a Bender. And in Tharien, Benders are feared and hunted.
When her unruly power breaks free with dire repercussions, Aia’s lifelong goal of independence shatters. As she scrambles to piece her life back together while evading capture, she disturbs a vengeful force intent on destroying the kingdom.
Now, with the help of an unlikely ally, Aia will decide the fate of Tharien. To rescue those she cares about will require accepting what she is. But can she risk becoming the monster she’s dreaded to save the very citizens baying for her blood?
January 22, 2015
Character Interview: Cole Balain
I've decided to change how I do my character interviews. I want to show you the character you won't read in the book, the character outside of doing...heroic stuff. Let's get deep, let's get dirty, let's get real. I'm going to ask Cole a variety of questions and he'll answer. And away we go!
Favorite Color: Hmm...does it have to be a color? How about steel? That's sort of a color. So simple, so real. Favorite Food: Well that is easy. I love meat. Particularly meat with potatoes. Ooo with some gravy. Does this all count as one food?If you were an animal, what animal do you think you'd be? An animal...an animal...I don't know. Maybe something like a wolf? Ugh, this is a stupid question, next!A man just stole something from a stall. What do you do? A guy just stole something? Well that depends. Did anyone else see him? Was he a beggar? Do we know why he stole something? Do we know what he stole? Without all the details, I can't say. If you want to assume it's a common thug, then I'd chase him, obviously. But turning him in...that depends on those details.
Views on religion: Oh boy, now we're getting deep. No one wants to know this about me. *Sigh* Okay, I think religion is great for those who need it. I think if it makes you feel better that someone is watching you, that someone has a plan, that things happen for a reason, then you should think that. But as far as what I believe? I believe there is a lot of suffering and a lot of pain in this world. I believe if there is something to believe in, we haven't found it yet or things wouldn't be so screwed up. I believe if there was truly something greater, there wouldn't be so many mixed opinions on it. We'd all be in the same school of thought. Until then, we're just grasping at anything and naturally everyone has a different opinion.
Your most embarrassing moment: Embarrassing moment? You realize I'm the masculine hunk, right? Mighty's sake, let's see. Embarrassing moment...embarrassing moment...Oh, okay. Once while I was training, I must have been about nine or so, this girl came to watch us train. She was cute and dainty and I liked that once. But I wasn't trained long and hardly had any experience with a sword. I sliced at the dummy but then I couldn't get it out. I finally pulled so hard, the sword released and smacked me right in the forehead. Knocked me out cold. I woke up a day later in the infirmary. There, you happy? You've opened up old wounds. Favorite thing about the opposite sex: Ladies, eh? Hmm...what won't make me look like a prick? You're setting me up, Shelby, I swear it. Favorite thing...I like the way they look at the world. Laugh all you want but it's truly fascinating. They see things so differently. They are gentle, they want to understand, they want to love every little thing. They think things through, over think them till they're blue in the cheeks. It's amazing to me and I can't help but love that about them. Also, their hips.
Thank you, Cole! I hope everyone enjoyed seeing a side of Cole. Get to know more about him in my book, From the Ashes, to be published May 3rd. If you are interested in an advance copy in exchange for an honest review, contact me!
More questions for Cole? Leave me a comment!
Favorite Color: Hmm...does it have to be a color? How about steel? That's sort of a color. So simple, so real. Favorite Food: Well that is easy. I love meat. Particularly meat with potatoes. Ooo with some gravy. Does this all count as one food?If you were an animal, what animal do you think you'd be? An animal...an animal...I don't know. Maybe something like a wolf? Ugh, this is a stupid question, next!A man just stole something from a stall. What do you do? A guy just stole something? Well that depends. Did anyone else see him? Was he a beggar? Do we know why he stole something? Do we know what he stole? Without all the details, I can't say. If you want to assume it's a common thug, then I'd chase him, obviously. But turning him in...that depends on those details.
Views on religion: Oh boy, now we're getting deep. No one wants to know this about me. *Sigh* Okay, I think religion is great for those who need it. I think if it makes you feel better that someone is watching you, that someone has a plan, that things happen for a reason, then you should think that. But as far as what I believe? I believe there is a lot of suffering and a lot of pain in this world. I believe if there is something to believe in, we haven't found it yet or things wouldn't be so screwed up. I believe if there was truly something greater, there wouldn't be so many mixed opinions on it. We'd all be in the same school of thought. Until then, we're just grasping at anything and naturally everyone has a different opinion.
Your most embarrassing moment: Embarrassing moment? You realize I'm the masculine hunk, right? Mighty's sake, let's see. Embarrassing moment...embarrassing moment...Oh, okay. Once while I was training, I must have been about nine or so, this girl came to watch us train. She was cute and dainty and I liked that once. But I wasn't trained long and hardly had any experience with a sword. I sliced at the dummy but then I couldn't get it out. I finally pulled so hard, the sword released and smacked me right in the forehead. Knocked me out cold. I woke up a day later in the infirmary. There, you happy? You've opened up old wounds. Favorite thing about the opposite sex: Ladies, eh? Hmm...what won't make me look like a prick? You're setting me up, Shelby, I swear it. Favorite thing...I like the way they look at the world. Laugh all you want but it's truly fascinating. They see things so differently. They are gentle, they want to understand, they want to love every little thing. They think things through, over think them till they're blue in the cheeks. It's amazing to me and I can't help but love that about them. Also, their hips.
Thank you, Cole! I hope everyone enjoyed seeing a side of Cole. Get to know more about him in my book, From the Ashes, to be published May 3rd. If you are interested in an advance copy in exchange for an honest review, contact me!
More questions for Cole? Leave me a comment!
Character Interview: Cole Balain
I’ve decided to change how I do my character interviews. I want to show you the character you won’t read in the book, the character outside of doing…heroic stuff. Let’s get deep, let’s get dirty, let’s get real. I’m going to ask Cole a variety of questions and he’ll answer. And away we go!
Favorite Color: Hmm…does it have to be a color? How about steel? That’s sort of a color. So simple, so real.
Favorite Food: Well that is easy. I love meat. Particularly meat with potatoes. Ooo with some gravy. Does this all count as one food?
If you were an animal, what animal do you think you’d be? An animal…an animal…I don’t know. Maybe something like a wolf? Ugh, this is a stupid question, next!
A man just stole something from a stall. What do you do? A guy just stole something? Well that depends. Did anyone else see him? Was he a beggar? Do we know why he stole something? Do we know what he stole? Without all the details, I can’t say. If you want to assume it’s a common thug, then I’d chase him, obviously. But turning him in…that depends on those details.
Views on religion: Oh boy, now we’re getting deep. No one wants to know this about me. *Sigh* Okay, I think religion is great for those who need it. I think if it makes you feel better that someone is watching you, that someone has a plan, that things happen for a reason, then you should think that. But as far as what I believe? I believe there is a lot of suffering and a lot of pain in this world. I believe if there is something to believe in, we haven’t found it yet or things wouldn’t be so screwed up. I believe if there was truly something greater, there wouldn’t be so many mixed opinions on it. We’d all be in the same school of thought. Until then, we’re just grasping at anything and naturally everyone has a different opinion.
Your most embarrassing moment: Embarrassing moment? You realize I’m the masculine hunk, right? Mighty’s sake, let’s see. Embarrassing moment…embarrassing moment…Oh, okay. Once while I was training, I must have been about nine or so, this girl came to watch us train. She was cute and dainty and I liked that once. But I wasn’t trained long and hardly had any experience with a sword. I sliced at the dummy but then I couldn’t get it out. I finally pulled so hard, the sword released and smacked me right in the forehead. Knocked me out cold. I woke up a day later in the infirmary. There, you happy? You’ve opened up old wounds.
Favorite thing about the opposite sex: Ladies, eh? Hmm…what won’t make me look like a prick? You’re setting me up, Shelby, I swear it. Favorite thing…I like the way they look at the world. Laugh all you want but it’s truly fascinating. They see things so differently. They are gentle, they want to understand, they want to love every little thing. They think things through, over think them till they’re blue in the cheeks. It’s amazing to me and I can’t help but love that about them. Also, their hips.
Thank you, Cole! I hope everyone enjoyed seeing a side of Cole. Get to know more about him in my book, From the Ashes, to be published May 3rd. If you are interested in an advance copy in exchange for an honest review, contact me!
More questions for Cole? Leave me a comment!
January 7, 2015
How to Pick A Book Series Title
Who would have thought the name of a series would be so difficult? A title that must encompass the entire journey of your series. It wasn't as hard as the title, but it was pretty difficult. I had batted around several ideas...but Legend of the Liberator was perfect.
So how did I come to that conclusion? And how can you come up with your own perfect series title? Here are some questions to ask yourself.
1. Do you want Series/Chronicles/Saga/Epic in the title? I had to think long and hard about this. It really does change the way your book comes across. If you don't care, don't include it in your title. If you just want it "The Life of Peon Hopeless Series" then drop "series" because it is automatically added when necessary. Your book will say "The Life of Peon Hopeless, Book One: A Miserable Beginning" and it will be referenced with "series" already attached. But if you think Saga or Chronicles makes the title, then add it. Something to consider...
2.Do you want it to be simply the name of book one?
Some books don't have a series name. Either they didn't intend on it being a series, didn't remember to assign a series title, or they just wanted the series to be easy to remember. If you can remember the name of book one, you can find the rest, such as *shudder* Twilight and The Hunger Games. FYI--I did some research into what people prefer it was a resounding vote for having a separate series names. It also helps search results! So it's my conclusion to go ahead and give it an overall series name. Everything to help search results is great!
3. Do you want it to be the main name of very book with a subtitle for each new book?
This is an option I've seen quite a bit of. I'm not partial to it because at first glance it looks like each book has the same name and therefore, at least for me, easily skipped over as "alternate/old covers." The exception is if you have the main title smaller, with the subtitle quite large. You've seen this before too, even if it wasn't a book. Star Wars ring a bell? Each of them are Star Wars: such and such. Episode V Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, etc. It's not called the Star Wars series. It's have you seen Star Wars? Right? Right! But if you've seen the covers of these movies *gasp! VHS!* then you'll notice the subtitle was quite large. So this is an option as well.
4. Does it summarize the theme of the book and give people an idea of larger story and what they are in for?
If my book title is "Blood that Drips" and my series title is "The Naughty Little Pixie" then people will know what the whole series is about. This is good. If it's about a naughty little pixie and not a vicious monster, they need to know upfront lest you get a very angry customer. Likewise, if my series title was "The Success and Failure of a Huntsman" then they could assume this is a series about the follies, life lessons and little moments of joy of a simple huntsman. It sells the entire series, not just book one. If your book title failed at "Woodchips Flock Together" but they fell in love with the series title, you may have made a sale. This is another way to sell your work. Be honest and try to really summarize the whole story. Make sure you don't lead people on with series names that evoke one thing but deliver another.
5. Do you love it as much as the title? Is it better?
You are stuck with this series name for much longer than just a book. You better absolutely adore it. You better love repeating it a million times. You better love seeing it everywhere. You better love having that associated with your name.
6. Does it go with your individual book titles?
If the title is "Blood that Drips" (ooo, we've taken a dark turn from Alyssa our pony) perhaps a good series title is "As the World Flows" or "Blood's Passage". They should go hand in hand like peanut butter and honey. (Yes honey. Jam is gross.) So that way it reads "Bloods Passage , book one: Blood that Drips" and it works beautifully. Or my own example "Legend of the Liberator, book one: From the Ashes" works well because the legend, or journey, has to have a beginning. Therefore, the beginning is From the Ashes. It works. But this works because my series is literally the legend of my character so just because your book follows a character, doesn't mean you should call it Legend of Alyssa because that just doesn't fit.
7. Do you have the entire series mapped out?
Have the entire series mapped out. This includes all the titles as well as the whole story. If you don't know where the story ends then you don't know what the journey entails. If you don't know what the books will encompass, you can't give the entire series a name. Plan these things first!
8. Ask for feedback!
It doesn't hurt to get input. I had to ask my editor, my husband, my cover designer, my coworkers until I could make a decision. The same with my titles for the books. A fresh eye can do wonders!
But wait, Shelby! I don't know how to summarize my entire series into a title! Calm down, have a cookie. Here is a little exercise to get the ball rolling.
1. Summarize the entire series into a few pages.
2. Summarize those few pages into a paragraph.
3. Now summarize that paragraph into one line. I know this is going to be super, hard! It's not just taking the words and saying it in less. Notice I didn't say "shorten/minimize," I said summarize.
4. Now it's really hard. Summarize that one line into 5 or less words. Can you shorten it any further? Now this isn't your title, or maybe it is! Say your line is "Alyssa the pony's journey to become the best horse and win the grand race." Okay so it's not worthy of a full series, but I couldn't spoil my own series ;) That could be summarized into "Alyssa strives to win." That is not a title. Yuck. But it gives you a starting point. Change it into "Breaking the Reins." Does that still say "Alyssa the pony's journey to become the best horse and win the grand race?" I think it does. It summarizes her attitude, her struggle, her greatest goal and what she'll eventually do. That was a fake book and it came pretty darn easy. It won't always be that easy.
Do you have any tips to share? A method you use when it comes to selecting a book/series title? Need help picking one? I'd love to give my feedback, for whatever that's worth!
So how did I come to that conclusion? And how can you come up with your own perfect series title? Here are some questions to ask yourself.
1. Do you want Series/Chronicles/Saga/Epic in the title? I had to think long and hard about this. It really does change the way your book comes across. If you don't care, don't include it in your title. If you just want it "The Life of Peon Hopeless Series" then drop "series" because it is automatically added when necessary. Your book will say "The Life of Peon Hopeless, Book One: A Miserable Beginning" and it will be referenced with "series" already attached. But if you think Saga or Chronicles makes the title, then add it. Something to consider...
2.Do you want it to be simply the name of book one?
Some books don't have a series name. Either they didn't intend on it being a series, didn't remember to assign a series title, or they just wanted the series to be easy to remember. If you can remember the name of book one, you can find the rest, such as *shudder* Twilight and The Hunger Games. FYI--I did some research into what people prefer it was a resounding vote for having a separate series names. It also helps search results! So it's my conclusion to go ahead and give it an overall series name. Everything to help search results is great!
3. Do you want it to be the main name of very book with a subtitle for each new book?
This is an option I've seen quite a bit of. I'm not partial to it because at first glance it looks like each book has the same name and therefore, at least for me, easily skipped over as "alternate/old covers." The exception is if you have the main title smaller, with the subtitle quite large. You've seen this before too, even if it wasn't a book. Star Wars ring a bell? Each of them are Star Wars: such and such. Episode V Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, etc. It's not called the Star Wars series. It's have you seen Star Wars? Right? Right! But if you've seen the covers of these movies *gasp! VHS!* then you'll notice the subtitle was quite large. So this is an option as well.
4. Does it summarize the theme of the book and give people an idea of larger story and what they are in for?
If my book title is "Blood that Drips" and my series title is "The Naughty Little Pixie" then people will know what the whole series is about. This is good. If it's about a naughty little pixie and not a vicious monster, they need to know upfront lest you get a very angry customer. Likewise, if my series title was "The Success and Failure of a Huntsman" then they could assume this is a series about the follies, life lessons and little moments of joy of a simple huntsman. It sells the entire series, not just book one. If your book title failed at "Woodchips Flock Together" but they fell in love with the series title, you may have made a sale. This is another way to sell your work. Be honest and try to really summarize the whole story. Make sure you don't lead people on with series names that evoke one thing but deliver another.
5. Do you love it as much as the title? Is it better?
You are stuck with this series name for much longer than just a book. You better absolutely adore it. You better love repeating it a million times. You better love seeing it everywhere. You better love having that associated with your name.
6. Does it go with your individual book titles?
If the title is "Blood that Drips" (ooo, we've taken a dark turn from Alyssa our pony) perhaps a good series title is "As the World Flows" or "Blood's Passage". They should go hand in hand like peanut butter and honey. (Yes honey. Jam is gross.) So that way it reads "Bloods Passage , book one: Blood that Drips" and it works beautifully. Or my own example "Legend of the Liberator, book one: From the Ashes" works well because the legend, or journey, has to have a beginning. Therefore, the beginning is From the Ashes. It works. But this works because my series is literally the legend of my character so just because your book follows a character, doesn't mean you should call it Legend of Alyssa because that just doesn't fit.
7. Do you have the entire series mapped out?
Have the entire series mapped out. This includes all the titles as well as the whole story. If you don't know where the story ends then you don't know what the journey entails. If you don't know what the books will encompass, you can't give the entire series a name. Plan these things first!
8. Ask for feedback!
It doesn't hurt to get input. I had to ask my editor, my husband, my cover designer, my coworkers until I could make a decision. The same with my titles for the books. A fresh eye can do wonders!
But wait, Shelby! I don't know how to summarize my entire series into a title! Calm down, have a cookie. Here is a little exercise to get the ball rolling.
1. Summarize the entire series into a few pages.
2. Summarize those few pages into a paragraph.
3. Now summarize that paragraph into one line. I know this is going to be super, hard! It's not just taking the words and saying it in less. Notice I didn't say "shorten/minimize," I said summarize.
4. Now it's really hard. Summarize that one line into 5 or less words. Can you shorten it any further? Now this isn't your title, or maybe it is! Say your line is "Alyssa the pony's journey to become the best horse and win the grand race." Okay so it's not worthy of a full series, but I couldn't spoil my own series ;) That could be summarized into "Alyssa strives to win." That is not a title. Yuck. But it gives you a starting point. Change it into "Breaking the Reins." Does that still say "Alyssa the pony's journey to become the best horse and win the grand race?" I think it does. It summarizes her attitude, her struggle, her greatest goal and what she'll eventually do. That was a fake book and it came pretty darn easy. It won't always be that easy.
Do you have any tips to share? A method you use when it comes to selecting a book/series title? Need help picking one? I'd love to give my feedback, for whatever that's worth!
How to Pick A Book Series Title
Who would have thought the name of a series would be so difficult? A title that must encompass the entire journey of your series. It wasn’t as hard as the title, but it was pretty difficult. I had batted around several ideas…but Legend of the Liberator was perfect.
So how did I come to that conclusion? And how can you come up with your own perfect series title? Here are some questions to ask yourself.
1. Do you want Series/Chronicles/Saga/Epic in the title? I had to think long and hard about this. It really does change the way your book comes across. If you don’t care, don’t include it in your title. If you just want it “The Life of Peon Hopeless Series” then drop “series” because it is automatically added when necessary. Your book will say “The Life of Peon Hopeless, Book One: A Miserable Beginning” and it will be referenced with “series” already attached. But if you think Saga or Chronicles makes the title, then add it. Something to consider…
2.Do you want it to be simply the name of book one?
Some books don’t have a series name. Either they didn’t intend on it being a series, didn’t remember to assign a series title, or they just wanted the series to be easy to remember. If you can remember the name of book one, you can find the rest, such as *shudder* Twilight and The Hunger Games. FYI–I did some research into what people prefer it was a resounding vote for having a separate series names. It also helps search results! So it’s my conclusion to go ahead and give it an overall series name. Everything to help search results is great!
3. Do you want it to be the main name of every book with a subtitle for each new book?
This is an option I’ve seen quite a bit of. I’m not partial to it because at first glance it looks like each book has the same name and therefore, at least for me, easily skipped over as “alternate/old covers.” The exception is if you have the main title smaller, with the subtitle quite large. You’ve seen this before too, even if it wasn’t a book. Star Wars ring a bell? Each of them are Star Wars: such and such. Episode V Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, etc. It’s not called the Star Wars series. It’s have you seen Star Wars? Right? Right! But if you’ve seen the covers of these movies *gasp! VHS!* then you’ll notice the subtitle was quite large. So this is an option as well.
4. Does it summarize the theme of the book and give people an idea of larger story and what they are in for?
If my book title is “Blood that Drips” and my series title is “The Naughty Little Pixie” then people will know what the whole series is about. This is good. If it’s about a naughty little pixie and not a vicious monster, they need to know upfront lest you get a very angry customer. Likewise, if my series title was “The Success and Failure of a Huntsman” then they could assume this is a series about the follies, life lessons and little moments of joy of a simple huntsman. It sells the entire series, not just book one. If your book title failed at “Woodchips Flock Together” but they fell in love with the series title, you may have made a sale. This is another way to sell your work. Be honest and try to really summarize the whole story. Make sure you don’t lead people on with series names that evoke one thing but deliver another.
5. Do you love it as much as the title? Is it better?
You are stuck with this series name for much longer than just a book. You better absolutely adore it. You better love repeating it a million times. You better love seeing it everywhere. You better love having that associated with your name.
6. Does it go with your individual book titles?
If the title is “Blood that Drips,” perhaps a good series title is “As the World Flows” or “Blood’s Passage”. They should go hand in hand like peanut butter and honey. (Yes honey. Jam is gross.) So that way it reads “Bloods Passage , book one: Blood that Drips” and it works beautifully. Or my own example “Legend of the Liberator, book one: From the Ashes” works well because the legend, or journey, has to have a beginning. Therefore, the beginning is From the Ashes. It works. But this works because my series is literally the legend of my character so just because your book follows a character, doesn’t mean you should call it Legend of Alyssa because that just doesn’t fit.
7. Do you have the entire series mapped out?
Have the entire series mapped out. This includes all the titles as well as the whole story. If you don’t know where the story ends then you don’t know what the journey entails. If you don’t know what the books will encompass, you can’t give the entire series a name. Plan these things first!
8. Ask for feedback!
It doesn’t hurt to get input. I had to ask my editor, my husband, my cover designer, my coworkers until I could make a decision. The same with my titles for the books. A fresh eye can do wonders!
But wait, Shelby! I don’t know how to summarize my entire series into a title! Calm down, have a cookie. Here is a little exercise to get the ball rolling.
1. Summarize the entire series into a few pages.
2. Summarize those few pages into a paragraph.
3. Now summarize that paragraph into one line. I know this is going to be super hard! It’s not just taking the words and saying it in less. Notice I didn’t say “shorten/minimize,” I said summarize.
4. Now it’s really hard. Summarize that one line into 5 or less words. Can you shorten it any further? Now this isn’t your title, or maybe it is! Say your line is “Alyssa the pony’s journey to become the best horse and win the grand race.” Okay so it’s not worthy of a full series, but I couldn’t spoil my own series 
