The Storm's Whisper Cover Reveal

 

The path to peace is never easy.

As the first Caller in living memory, Eva struggles to find her footing as the bridge between her chosen people and the mythological race known as the Kyren.

When unexpected arrivals threaten to test the newly formed alliance, Eva and her protector, Caden, fight to hold together the fast-fraying bonds before peace unravels and war once again returns. Should she fail, bloodshed the likes the Broken Lands haven’t seen since the cataclysm will stain the ground red.

The mysterious abilities that lie at the heart of Eva’s power will be her salvation or lead to her becoming an evil far worse than anything seen before. Will this land fall or be reborn into a new age?

I hope everyone will enjoy Eva's new adventures. 

Because I know it will be asked, I will say the preorder has not been set yet. There are still a few moving parts that need to be finalized before I announce the date. This means the book will likely come out in the second week of January.

Post Book Blahs

Eva 2 went out to beta readers on Saturday. If you volunteered, check your email and spam folders because it may be there. A beta reader in the past didn't discover they'd been chosen until two days before it was due because of the book going to the spam folder.

I should have announced that on Saturday but my brain died. My husband said I looked like a zombie trying to clean on Sunday. One who kept losing motivation and getting distracted.

Today, I've been taking care of little admin tasks that have fallen to the wayside over the past few months. Things like figuring out what system I want to use to backup and save files. It was a big enough issue that I had a nightmare Friday night about the cats knocking a glass of water into the computer and killing it the day before I was totally done. Months of work down the drain. 

The crazy thing is we do have a backup. It runs at the same time everyday but I've tried to find documents in that thing and it isn't easy--which means I don't trust it. Also a lot can happen in 24 hours. Just ask my husband about the time I accidentally deleted a chapter and almost had a panic attack before we found it again.

Dropbox was what I was using before I blew past my limit and everything stopped syncing. Instead of switching to the paying model, my husband convinced me to give Google Drive a try. We'll see how that goes.

Most of this morning was spent with him trying to figure out then teach me how to use it. Evidently, what I was saying I wanted wasn't actually what I wanted. The time passed with him asking me why I was getting so mad and me moaning I just want to hit the save button and it be saved in two places. Which I guess meant I wanted the files mirrored vs backed up. 

It was all very technical and I wasn't understanding the differences in methods beyond one was way more complicated than the other. I can't do complicated. I will forget. At some point I will leave out a step and then have multiple files of the same name in different places and then be unable to tell which is the most up to date with all the typos corrected. 

 

We did get it sorted and I think it will work the way I need it to work, but we'll see. 

Now, I'm off to the rest of my tasks -- answering fan emails, reaching out to a cover designer, maybe writing the synopsis I don't want to write. Oh, and finishing the rest of the website I started way back in March. 

Ding Dong the Book is Done

 The book is done. This draft anyway. It ended up taking a week (really a month) longer than I expected and about fifteen thousand words more than I predicted but it tells a full story now.  At 134749 words, it's only likely to grow once beta readers and the editor get ahold of it.

Beta readers tend to ask me to add a lot more words when it comes to this series as opposed to other series. For instance, I ended up adding about 10,000 words if not more to The Wind's Call. If that were to happen, this would end up being in the top three longest books I've written. I think Pathfinder's Way and Wayfarer's Keep would beat this book but not by much.

As an indie writer, I have the flexibility to write books as long as I want. That is a good thing because I can't write a short book to save my life. What many don't understand is that even as an indie writer I still have limitations I have to take into account.

A big part of that is cost. Simply put, a super long book is more costly to produce all around. From editing--my editor charges by the word so a book that is 15,000-20,000 more words is going to cost a couple hundred dollars more to edit. That doesn't even factor in the time. It takes longer for beta readers, editors, and me to read through the book to catch all those little errors which can extend publishing time by quite a bit.

To be honest, neither of those things bother me much. I'd much prefer to tell a full and complete story with all the little details I find fascinating than try to squeeze it all into a shorter length. The biggest issue with a long book--in my mind at least--lies in the print production. The print version is going to be much more costly for the reader. You are the ones who will be paying the higher price if you decide on a print version.  In my opinion, my print books are a little higher in cost to begin so every time a book runs significantly over I feel a little worried.

All this to say, the book is written. It is coming. I plan to go through it one more time before releasing it to beta readers and sending on to the editors. A big part of that read through is figuring out the names for all of the characters--I maybe didn't take the time to do that on the last round..... 

Snippet

 As I work toward the ending that refuses to end, here is a small snippet for your Sunday.

Alright, alright, that’s enough. We are on an important mission. We don’t have time to satisfy your curiosity, Sebastian said.

The kyren youths wheeled and followed, undeterred. 

The gray’s snort sounded in Eva’s mind. You’ve gotten so self important since joining the warriors, Sebby.

Sebby?

Don’t call me that, Sebastian warned. Eva, forget you heard that.

Eva’s lips curled. “Sure thing, Sebby.”

Website Down

Edit: Website is back up. Thanks for those who let me know it was down :-)

The website is currently down. I'm working to get it back up. People can still access the blog but any links via the blog that were hosted on the site will not work. 

Sorry for the inconvenience. Hope to get it up soon.

Favorite excerpt and snippet

Slowly working through the current book and ran across a scene by a pair of my favorite characters that made me smile.

Roscoe and Ghost are a pair who came out of nowhere in one of the Shea's books and have just refused to go away. Their ridiculousness is something I look forward to.

Snippet

“Shall we make a bet?” Ghost asked in a cheerful tone. “How many bites does it take to bring down a Lion?”

Roscoe and Ghost ambled closer. There were playful smiles on their faces as they watched xxxx with an avarice that said they’d found a toy they looked forward to breaking.

Eva could almost feel sorry for the man. Maybe if he hadn't been so rude and objectionable she would have. 

“Why bet when we already know the outcome?” Roscoe asked.

“Ah, but we don’t know how many bones Sebastian will break in the process.” 

Roscoe pretended to think it over. “Alright, I bet two ribs and at least one broken limb.”

Xxx’s expression got even more freaked out. “Alright! I get it. I was wrong. Are you done?”

Ghost gave Roscoe a quizzical look. “I don’t know, Roscoe. Are we done?”

“Naw. We’re having too much fun.” Roscoe propped a foot on a small bit of debris and leaned his elbow on his knee. “Besides, the kyren’s caller is sure to appreciate our defense, don’t you think?”

Ghost had a thoughtful look on his face. “I see your point. I’ve been waiting to ride a kyren again. Think this means she’ll put in a good word for us?”

Friday Treat

 Happy Friday, everyone. A few people have been asking for snippets or alternate POVS and since this is a holiday weekend for my section of the world, what better time to share. 

Unfortunately, Eva 2's draft is in a state of flux so instead of the first chapter I'd originally planned, I'm sharing a scene that is in my cut pile at the moment. If I remember right, I replaced this with an alternate version, but now reading this again, I'm wondering if there is a place for it after all. :-p The joys of being a writer.

Cut Scene -- At least for now...

A low pitched drone surrounded Eva. 

“I wouldn’t go in there if I were you,” a young girl said as Eva wavered at the edge of the mist wall.

There was a call coming from inside it. One that reverberated in her head, making her forget who she was.

A girl stood beside her, her face arranged in a serious frown as she looked out at the mist.

Her appearance was far younger than her voice would suggest. That of a girl around seven or eight.  She looked older than the first time Eva met her, but children that age always seemed to grow as fast as weeds. 

If you blinked, you’d miss it. 

“Mist in front of the mist. How appropriate.”

“Yes, I sometimes wonder whether my parents had some inkling of my future and whose daughter I’d end up being.” 

Eva couldn’t help but agree. There was a certain poetry about a pathfinder who had a talent for navigating the mysterious and sometimes deadly mist, ending up adopting a girl with the  same name. 

It almost enough to make one believe in fate.

“Why are you here?” Eva asked, leaving the questions of Mist's name behind.

This wasn’t the first time Mist had wandered into one of Eva’s dreams. 

A myien like Eva, Mist had the ability to travel in other people’s dreams. It allowed her to communicate over great distances. Eva suspected there were other purposes around her ability but had been careful not to ask.

Some secrets weren't meant to be shared.

One thing was clear, the Mist in her dreams was far different than the one in real life. Here, she was wise beyond her years. With a knowledge that eclipsed Eva's. She understood things. Saw things in a way most wouldn't understand.  

It made Mist mysterious. Something Eva was content to ignore since it didn’t seem like Mist meant her any harm. The opposite in fact.

“Things are changing,” Mist said. 

“Is that why you’re here?” 

Mist didn’t answer, staring into the haze as if she could see into the other side. 

Eva knelt at her side, reaching out and taking her hand. “Mist?”

Mist finally looked at Eva. Emotion moved behind her eyes. 

She was scared, Eva realized. Fear in every line of her face.

“War has come.”

Eva drew back slightly.

“He has made his move. You must top him.”

“Mist, who is he. What does that mean?” Eva asked as dread stole through her.

“The caller will either unite us or watch us fall. She will be our salvation or our doom. Trust wisely, Speaker. Not all who call you have your best interests at hand.” Mist’s expression was distant, her eyes unseeing.

Eva shook her head. “I don’t understand.”

Mist suddenly focused on her, the full weight of her gaze bearing down on Eva. “You don’t have time to be lost. We need you.”

The Weirdness of a Writer's Life

Beginning weeks of Covid 19 after my husband first started working from home

Husband freezing in place: W-why are you crying? Did something happen? Who's dead? Is someone hurt?

Me, pointing at screen: This scene is so sad. 

A year later

Husband walks into office and stops: Did your imaginary friends make you cry again?

Me nodding: Yes...

Husband: Sigh. You should stop being friends with them.

Needless to say, my husband no longer has any illusions about me, my writing process or the level of my weirdness. :-)

Where Dragons Collide Excerpt

 I meant to get this up last week but the vacation and edits made that impossible. So instead, I'll post it as a welcome back to the work week.

Available July 12

Tate is about to face her biggest challenge yet—navigating high society.

After the events in the Harridan’s city, Tate is settling back into life in her chosen home of Aurelia. Peace doesn’t last long when a simple misjudgment leads to an event Tate would do anything to avoid—making her formal debut to court.

When an attack on the palace leads to the discovery of a dead body at the nexus between Tate’s world and the dragon’s, Tate will find that her enemies are no longer content to exist in the shadows. They have a plan and not all her allies will be standing on her side in the final battle for the fate of this world.

Tate must become who she was always meant to be if she has any hope of saving her city. For the ancients who once ruled this world wish for a new age of domination. Who will live? Who will die? Only the dragons know.

Click here for an excerpt.

Procrastination

Last night I went to bed with the intention of writing so many words in Eva 2 today. Over the weekend, the characters in that world filled my brain with countless ideas. Little snippets of scenes just begging to be written down.

Several hours into the day, I've addressed all of the outstanding fan emails and Facebook messages. Perused iStock for images. Made myself several mugs of tea. Spent an hour working out and taking a walk because exercise often helps unlock my creativity. 

There are no other tasks that can be used to delay writing. No further ways to procrastinate. It is time for that thing I dread most with every new project--actually starting. Sigh.

Beta Readers Wanted!

It's finally that time again! Dragon 5 is finishing up so I will once again need beta readers. 

There is some confusion about what a beta reader is. So before we continue, I want to make sure you are clear about what I am asking of you.

A Beta Reader is someone who reads an early draft of a novel and provides the author with written feedback that could affect the final draft of the novel. Basically, you're taking the temperature of the book and letting me know what does or doesn't work for you.

The idea here is to look for big-picture issues and give honest opinions on the book. I do ask that you've read all the previous books in the series, enjoyed them, will be trustworthy and constructively honest.

Lastly if you are picked to beta read please remember this is not an ARC copy, so this this is not for you to rate & review, only for you to comment about and only to me. If you decide to not comment to me, then please wait until you’ve read the ARC which you will be eligible to read.

There is a week turnaround on this so if you don't think you can provide feedback in that time frame, please do not volunteer and take the slot from someone else.

If you're still interested, click on the link before to sign up.

Sign Up Form

Monday Treat

 Rereading this snippet made me giggle. Hope it brightens your Monday in the same way.

Snippet

“Alright, let’s not waste any more time here.” Dewdrop started for the tunnel.

Ryu settled a hand on his shoulder before he could get more than a few steps and steered him toward Tate. “XXXX will go first and then me. She’ll kill me if you get a scratch on your baby face.”

Dewdrop’s mouth popped open in outrage. “Hey! My face is much more mature now. I’ve even started growing a beard.”

Tate and Ryu paused to give him identical expressions of disbelief.

“It’s true.” Dewdrop said defensively.

Tate grabbed his chin, turning his face this way and that as she studied his jaw. “I’d like to see this so called beard. Can you point it out to me? All I see is a bunch of baby smooth skin.”

“Here. It’s right here.” Dewdrop pointed to a spot along his jawline. Tate squinted but still didn’t see anything. Making an irritated sound in the back of his throat, Dewdrop planted a hand on her face and shoved her away before hurrying several steps into the tunnel. “You don’t need to verify it. It’s there.”

Tate nodded as she started after him. “Uh huh. Sure it is.”

Tiny snippet

I thought you guys deserved a snippet on this Monday. I hope you enjoy.

P.S. This hasn't gone through the final rounds of edits

Snippet

 Ilith peered through the bars, nudging the cage. Terrified humans huddled on the ground.

They’re alive, Tate said in relief.

Ilith nodded once. Of course they were. She was the one to save them.

Her head tilted. How were they supposed to get out? She didn’t see a way for them to fit through the narrow opening.

Don’t—

Tate was too late as Ilith unsheathed a claw, bending the metal to create an opening large enough for a puny human to pass through.

That is rather terrifying on so many levels, Tate said around a sigh.

Nonsense. The humans were grateful for her help. Look at the way they quivered.

That’s called fear.

Ilith ignored her negative savior, humming to herself as she looked from the opening to the humans, waiting. 

Hmm. Why weren't they moving? Perhaps they were stupider than the ones she was used to since they couldn’t even figure out such a simple thing as this.

Ilith decided to help by showing them, reaching into the opening with a sharp claw. They wiggled in delight. Ilith appreciated their awe but it was making her job difficult. Finally she managed to snag her claw on one of their shirts, dragging her prey out of the opening. 

She set him down on his feet and then looked expectantly at the rest. They fought each other for the honor of scrambling through the exit she’d made first. 

Good. They were learning. 

Looks like you’re not the only one who can be a savior, Ilith told Tate.

Dragon 5 update

I'm halfway through page two of three pages of notes I made for editing. At this point, I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact the vast majority of this book will be entirely rewritten by the time I'm done.

Already, the minor addition that was supposed to be the beginning has ballooned into eight mostly new chapters. Even those scenes I kept were pretty much rewritten from scratch. I've thrown out multiple entire chapters, salvaging only bits and pieces.

Also--fun fact-- I never really wrote the ending because I knew I'd gone very far off course in the first draft. Good thing too, because I'd probably have to toss that too.

I keep telling myself--today we'll reach the old stuff. Then another day drags on where I write entirely new stuff.

Writing isn't always a linear process. I know that. Just because you put words on paper, doesn't mean those words will stay. Most of the time I embrace that method. The pressure of being perfect tends to immobilize me until I get nothing done. I prefer operating under the "let's just try it and see if it works" method. It can lead to a lot of dead end rabbit holes, but you also find some diamonds in the process. Usually, it's not this extreme.

I don't know if the pressure of this being the last book of Tate's story got to me or if it's the fact I haven't really had a vacation in a year and a half. Or maybe the disruption from Covid. Whatever the case, I'm back on track now.

As dour as this post seems, there is a silver lining. The rewrite has made me fall in love with these characters all over again. There've been moments where I've giggled to myself over their antics . Moments like these remind me of why I love writing. It makes all the rest of it worthwhile.

Twilight's Herald Audiobook

Quick update: The audiobook for Twilight's Herald is up for preorder at the link below. It will go live on March 23.

Preorder on Audible

Checking in

I wrote a blog post, but ended up deleting it because I thought it sounded a little too whiney. Unfortunately, that still left me with a blog post to write. Welcome to the world of a writer--write a scene, dislike it, delete it, rinse and repeat until you stumble on something that halfway makes sense. 

Lately, all I've had the energy for is to make word count--sometimes not even that. It turns out writing the end of  a series is taxing business. There's all these open loops you have to be aware of and close. Finding a character arc that brings the reader satisfaction without driving them crazy is a balancing act. There's also the fact I want Tate to go out on a strong note. She and Ilith have been with me for so long. They deserve a good ending.

The good news is that I expect to be done with this draft by the end of next week. Honestly, even if I haven't reached the end end, I'm going to call it the end so I can go back and rewrite and fix everything that is bothering me. 

This story went off the rails relatively early in the process--pretty much from chapter one. For once, I stuck with my promise and did no rewriting, no editing or anything like that. It's a good thing too. My original plan was to toss chapters one and two and start the book at chapter three. 

It would have been such a waste of time and energy had I really done that. 

Two a.m. brainstorms are the best--well, maybe not for sleep. But for figuring out the problems areas and reassembling the storyline into something that actually makes sense, nothing can beat them. I finally know how and why things happen. The pacing of the new outline is so much better than the current version. I have room and space to develop the characters who had fallen by the wayside. The best part is my original beginning can stay! Actually, a lot of what I thought I'd have to toss will be able to stay. Just in a new way.

Yes, I'll have to rewrite a significant portion of this book. Yes, I'll have to add soooo many scenes to round out what I have. 

But! The vision in my mind is going to be so much better than what I currently have. All those fun parts that make working in Tate's universe so interesting will get their chance to shine. 

This is a roundabout way of saying--Dragon 5 is progressing along--maybe not nicely or easily but it's heading in the general direction I want.