Warning - ARC Ahead

Edit: Looks like we've just about hit our number. Thanks to everyone who signed up. For those who didn't make it this time, I will probably be doing an ARC for the next time and you are welcome to try then.

All right, I've finally got all my ducks in a row, my edges squared away, and a method to corral the madness. Hopefully.

As those of you who read the blog or visit Facebook know, Destruction's Ascent, book 3 of the Dragon Ridden Chronicles, finally has a preorder date of May 1. That means I am ready to do an ARC for the first time ever.

Disclaimer 1- I'm kind of winging it here so please be patient if this process is a wee bit unorganized. I've done my best to make it as easy as possible, but there may be some hiccups since this is my first attempt.

I thought of a lot of ways to distribute the ARCS-running a contest, going through everyone who has reached out to me in the past year expressing interest, just posting a link and then running and hiding. I don't think I'll do any of those. To be as fair as possible, I'm making it a first come, first serve.

Below is a link. Click on it and fill out the form. Once you've finished you'll receive an email from me containing the link to download. Right now I have it set at twenty five so the first twenty five people to respond will receive a copy.

Ready. Set. Go.

Click Here To Begin

A Grand Reveal

Yes, I know I promised an ARC would be released. It is still coming. But first, a cover reveal and preorder link.

A little background:

Tate's story is very near and dear to my heart. Her journey began while I was deployed to Afghanistan. Most people who have never been deployed can't imagine the amount of boredom that sets in after a few months. Things become very routine, very quickly. Day in, day out, you go to work, do your job, work out, eat dinner, then go to bed. Yes, there were missions and danger and even moments of sheer terror, but there is also a monotony that can pray on the mind.

I knew I needed something to keep my mind occupied and away from everything going on around me. Thus, Tate and her world was born.

I had no idea what I was doing in the beginning. I gave her a dragon tattoo, but I had no idea that sucker moved or talked until Ilith started speaking to me. Nor did I realize that Dewdrop would become as integral to her story as he did. He is the little brother she never had, the sarcastic backup that makes me laugh. This story is as much about them and their relationship as it is about the overarching situation they find themselves in.

I hope you enjoy this trip into their world.

When the past rises, the world burns.

Newly conscripted into the Emperor’s dragon corps, Tate Fisher is still trying to figure out all that her new position entails. Along with an elevation in status comes dangerous enemies. Enemies who would rather see the dragons fall into ruin than remain in their current place of power.   

When a dragon goes missing, followed by a child close to her, Tate is forced to confront the hidden agendas of those in the highest seats of authority. Her search for the truth takes her deeper into the maze of tunnels that lie beneath the city. It’s a place where secrets lurk and dangers abound.

There, she’ll uncover a plot whose origins stretch all the way back to the beginning of this world—one that can only end in the destruction of everything she knows and loves. The key to saving her city lies in her uncertain past. If only she could remember what that was. 

The preorder is live so get your copy now.

Shifting Seas Chapter Three

Next chapter is up on the blog. Click on the link below for a look.

Shifting Seas - Chapter Three

First Stage Complete

Whew. I did it. I've managed to finish outlining the plot for the next book. It only took running out of ink for my sharpy, using up the last of my note cards and covering my entire magnetic wall with those cards to do it.

I've got a map now. All that's left is to start writing. I'm starting to get excited for the new story. The ideas are buzzing around my head like busy little bees, and the characters are starting to come to life again. I love this part of the process. There are so many possibilities.

I'll let the plot simmer for a few days  to see if I want to change anything, but I've got a good feeling about the direction it's heading. This next book will feature Tate and her friends and will be released after the sequel to Shadow's Messenger. I'm hoping also to create a short story in her world featuring Jost to reintroduce readers to the gang as it's been awhile since I released the first book in the series. That's only if I have time though. So many books to write; so little time.

The plot thickens

So much of writing is living in your head. It can mean that your mind never rests. Every moment can be used to think about your story. Driving to work, standing in line, staring out the window when you're supposed to be working.

Any time I'm not actively engaged in a task, I'm usually plotting out my next book, conducting conversations between characters, or planning the heroic demise of my hero (which I never write into any story). I've actually been known to drive myself to tears. It can be awkward especially when people notice and then ask what's wrong. It's not like I can tell people that my imaginary character just went out in a blaze of glory. They'd stare at me like I'm crazy.

When it comes to the planning stage of my process, I usually get worse about living entirely in my head. There are just so many possibilities in the beginning of the book, so many paths I can take the story. It's enough to drive a person a little bonkers. That being said, there's a certain magic at the beginning when anything is possible. Ideas come so fast and there are amazing adventures attached to every choice made.

Right now, Tate's world is living in my head and every thing I see or hear becomes fodder for her story. It's a rush, but man, it's also exhausting.