Leslie Swartz's Blog, page 3
August 17, 2019
Seraphim book trailer
Has everyone seen the book trailer for Seraphim? Huge thanks to Abdur R. Mohammed for producing the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_i-Gr...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_i-Gr...
August 12, 2019
Productive Week
Hey, guys! So, I've been having writer's-guilt for the last week because while I've been fighting this cold, I haven't written a word in book two of The Seventh Day Series, which is scheduled for release on Oct. 26th. However, after thinking about it logically, I've decided it's actually been a very productive week. Work related accomplishments over the last seven days:
*Finished reading and reviewing The Ballad of Persephone by Abdur R. Mohammed, available on Amazon August 27th.
*Did two blogger interviews to promote Seraphim and the upcoming sequel.
*Received and shared the bejesus out of the Seraphim book trailer, produced by Abdur R. Mohammed.
*Realized I need to add a scene to the end of book two to better set up book 3.
*Had several new ideas for books 3 and 4.
*Completely changed the order of which villains go in which books (3 and 4).
*Most importantly, I slept. Not a lot, but for the last 3 nights, I've gotten a solid 6 or so hours of uninterrupted benedryl-induced rest, which is more sleep than I've gotten in probably the last ten years. While I won't be with it enough to get any new words written for the next few days, when I get back to work, I'll be rested and ready to finish this book and start editing. I tend to work myself past the point of exhaustion and sometimes it takes a virus to knock me on my ass and remind me that self care isn't selfish. We all need a break sometimes. There's no shame in loving yourself as much as any other part of your life, including your work. As creatives, if we're tired, physically or otherwise, our work suffers. Remember, your most important tool is your mind. Treat it properly. Have a great week, everyone!
*Finished reading and reviewing The Ballad of Persephone by Abdur R. Mohammed, available on Amazon August 27th.
*Did two blogger interviews to promote Seraphim and the upcoming sequel.
*Received and shared the bejesus out of the Seraphim book trailer, produced by Abdur R. Mohammed.
*Realized I need to add a scene to the end of book two to better set up book 3.
*Had several new ideas for books 3 and 4.
*Completely changed the order of which villains go in which books (3 and 4).
*Most importantly, I slept. Not a lot, but for the last 3 nights, I've gotten a solid 6 or so hours of uninterrupted benedryl-induced rest, which is more sleep than I've gotten in probably the last ten years. While I won't be with it enough to get any new words written for the next few days, when I get back to work, I'll be rested and ready to finish this book and start editing. I tend to work myself past the point of exhaustion and sometimes it takes a virus to knock me on my ass and remind me that self care isn't selfish. We all need a break sometimes. There's no shame in loving yourself as much as any other part of your life, including your work. As creatives, if we're tired, physically or otherwise, our work suffers. Remember, your most important tool is your mind. Treat it properly. Have a great week, everyone!
August 10, 2019
Review, The Ballad of Persephone
I just finished reading The Ballad of Persephone by Abdur R. Mohammed, the third book in The Anuk Chronicles, and let me just say, wow. If you like high fantasy or dystopian sci fi, this book is for you. The world building is intense. It's the kind of story where, when you're done reading, you forget where you are for a second. The twist on ancient mythologies is incredibly interesting. I can see The Anuk Chronicles one day becoming a television series on SyFy called simply, 'Anuk'. It's been described as 'Dune' meets 'Chariots of the Gods' and that is spot on.
The Balled of Persephone
by Abdur R. Mohammed
Available on Amazon August 27th, 2019.
The Balled of Persephone
by Abdur R. Mohammed
Available on Amazon August 27th, 2019.
July 12, 2019
Book 2 Sneak Peek
Wyatt stared at the ax hanging on the wall of the old barn. It seemed to stare back, as if the wood and metal knew its purpose, it too not looking forward to the task at hand. Melancholy set in as he lifted it from it's hook and walked back outside. He knew what he had to do, but the closer he got to the house, the more he dreaded it. As he reached his destination, he took a deep breath, raised the ax and brought it down hard, making sure he'd only have to strike once.
June 27, 2019
"Editor"
As some of you know, either by my tweets or by reading Seraphim, the "editor" I hired was basically a scam artist. Not basically. Definitely a scam artist. His phone number is no longer in service and my emails to him are "unable to be delivered". After searching for him on social media, I found several men with his name. The bank won't refund my money because he "Technically did provide the service he advertised, no matter how unhappy [I] may be with the results". The credit card company associated with the debit card said pretty much the same thing with one interesting addition: The name he gave me was most likely FAKE. The $1,200 I sent was received by a man with a different name in a state other than the one he said he was in. Different name guy told the credit card company that that the "editor" works for his company and that the charge to me was legitimate and the standard amount charged for their services. Long story short, I won't be getting my money back and there are 216 copies of Seraphim out in the world, torturing me with their cringeiness. Moral of the story, kids: Always vet your editors/proofreaders with other writers before hiring. Anyone can send out a professional looking email and swindle you.
Welcome!
Hey, everyone! Welcome to my new blog where I'll be talking about books, Mom's Meet, and all manner of random nonsense.
