Monday, February 23, 2015

Strytes

Strytes are one of the races I created for the world of Calhortea. My primary villain Toarna is a stryte. Strytes have been interesting to develop, though I'm sure I don't know nearly everything there is to know about them.

Strytes are taller than humans, and always very thin. Their skin is extremely pale and they have ebony black hair, which creates quite a visual contrast. But the most striking aspect of their physical appearance is their eyes. They are yellow. I envision it as the shot from Revenge of the Sith where Anakin (now Vader) turns to glower at the camera from underneath his dark hood out of his strangely yellow eyes (strange because it's like one of two shots in the entire Star Wars saga where his eyes are that color, the other being when he's burning in the lava). Either that or Darth Maul's eyes. Creepy. Not that strytes are really much like Sith Lords. Though the evilness of certain of them does come close. Strytes have an average lifespan of about five hundred years, making them the longest living of all of Calhortea's races. Strytes are, unfortunately, generally atheistic and hold strong disdain for anything supernatural. At first I was going to make strytes telepathic, but I decided that was weirder than I was comfortable writing, so instead they just have a gift of communicating with their eyes. (Which I suppose would include the eyebrows so those aliens the Third Doctor mentioned would fit right in. But I decided that long before seeing Spearhead from Space.
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Stryte culture depends somewhat on location. Strytes are from the land of Chalton, which lies north of the Headstone Mountains. It is a mountainous country, but sort of Mordor-ish rock. Nothing really grows there, so they depend on coal mining and fishing. However, strytes are not ones to do manual labor themselves. Well, other than "soldiering and war." In Chalton, they enslaved merfolk and chained them to the mines. (More on merfolk in another week or two or three or so.) Strytes have an extreme disdain for other races, and think themselves superior. In the year relevant to our 1800 (there's no sort of time warpish thing like between our world and Narnia), they conquered the land of Calhortz and enslaved its people.

Strytes in Calhortz are slightly different. Calhortz is a beautiful fertile land with a climate similar to Georgia and Florida. Down in the south, where the palace, Crannig Castle is, is basically like Florida. The culture is a sort of blend of classic medieval, stereotypical ante-bellum South, and ancient Rome. They have a monarchy, and they have a medieval castle, but the general populace is made up of plantation owners. The slaves are the humans who lived in Calhortz and the merfolk slaves they brought along with them. I credit Jaye L. Knight's Facebook posts for the ancient Rome aspect. All her posts about gladiators made me want to put some into my story, which added to the strytes' horrid blood lust and made way for a plot twist my dad really enjoyed.

Originally, strytes didn't exist. Toarna was going to be a White Witch-esque witch, but I decided I wasn't really comfortable writing that, so I decided to create a race for her to be that was generally evil instead. And I didn't even really know much about them besides physical appearance until I wrote an interview with Toarna. I've learned a lot about them as I've written Time Captives and, while I can't exactly say I like them, strytes add a very interesting dimension to the world of Calhortea.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Interview With Marcus Altair

The blog tour celebrating the release of The King's Scrolls is here! The King's Scrolls is the second book in the to be six book series Ilyon Chronicles by Jaye L. Knight. It's an amazing series that I am now pretty sure has passed up my long time top favorite Narnia. Ilyon Chronicles is a fantastic story of faith and standing up for what you believe in, even in the face of persecution, of friends and family, of daring adventures and dangerous faith-filled missions, and every book is better than the last. For book one, Resistance, I had the pleasure of interviewing Prince Daniel. For book two, The King's Scrolls, I was able to interview Marcus Altair, the oldest brother of twins Kyrin and Kaden.
Hello, Marcus. Welcome to my blog. Could you introduce yourself to my readers?

*nods politely* Thank you for having me. I’m Captain Marcus Altair. I’ve been a soldier in Arcacia’s army for about eight years now. It’s in my blood. My father is also an army captain, and my grandfather is a renowned general.

What do you do for fun?


Thankfully, my family lives close to the fort where I’m stationed, so I like to go home when I can to see my mother and younger brothers. I’d never not want to be a soldier, but it is nice to just relax at home once in a while. I like to read too, when I have the time. I’ve always been interested in history.

Reading and history are something we have in common, then. Who is your best friend?

I have quite a few friends at the fort, but I’m closest to my brother, Liam. I know he doesn’t like the army very much, but I like having him around. He’s very good at listening when you have something on your mind.

It's always nice to have someone willing to listen. What’s your favorite childhood memory?


Probably back when Kyrin and Kaden were still at home. Our father built us a fort in a swamp near our house. We had quite a few grand adventures there. And some, well, not so grand. *chuckles* I remember Kaden and I disagreeing, and when there’s that much mud around, it’s not a good mix. But looking back on it now, I wouldn’t trade away those memories for anything.

The fort sounds fun. It's always great to be able to play with your siblings as children, even when you don't always get along perfectly. Do you prefer hanging out with your mother or your father?

Both, for different reasons. I see my father more since we’re both stationed at the same fort. It’s difficult to find the opportunity to truly spend time with either one of them unless I’m at home, especially if my grandfather, the General, is around. His relationship with my father is a bit rough.

What is your biggest fear?

Failure, I suppose. I’ve worked so hard to get where I am, and I don’t want to disappoint the General. He’s done a lot to help me succeed. I don’t want him to feel any of it has been a waste or that I’m reflecting badly on him.

Failure is hard. But sometimes failure at one thing leads to success at something even better. If you weren’t in the army, what would you want to do?


Honestly, I don’t know. I’ve always wanted to be a soldier. I dreamed of it all the time as a little boy. I can’t imagine doing something different. I suppose I’d look for a job in security if I had to leave the army. It would be the next best option for my skills.

That makes a lot of sense. Have you ever disagreed with your grandfather about anything?


He can be very harsh sometimes. I don’t always agree with his methods, especially when it comes to Liam. I would like it if he could be a bit more understanding at times, but I understand his desire for discipline. He didn’t get to where he is by being lax.

That's certainly true, that he didn't get where he is by being lax. How far does your loyalty to your grandfather and the emperor go, especially in regards to your family?

Loyalty is one of the most important things to being a soldier. We all have to trust that we have each other’s backs. And the General and the emperor are our leaders. They deserve our greatest loyalty. I’m also loyal to my family. Those loyalties shouldn’t clash unless some decide to follow . . . different paths.

Which leads us to certain siblings of yours. How did you feel about Kyrin and Kaden being taken to Tarvin Hall?

It was hard to get used to. I missed them a lot. It was hard to understand for a while why they had to go. I know I asked my father more than once if he could bring them back. But now I understand what an honor it was for them to be chosen for such training.

An honor, yes, but it has led to an unlikely turn of events in their situation. Would you be willing to listen to Kyrin’s side of the story of her traitorous action?

I’d listen. I want to hear her story and try to, at least, understand the reasoning behind her actions. It just doesn’t seem like the sort of thing she would do. Kaden, maybe, but not Kyrin. Then again, we’ve barely seen each other growing up. People change, I guess.

They do change. Thanks, Marcus. It was great having you here!

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About the Book

Following the harrowing events that brought them to Landale Forest, Jace and Kyrin have settled comfortably into their new lives and the mission of protecting those under the emperor’s persecution. The fast approach of winter brings with it the anticipation of a quiet few months ahead. That is until the arrival of four mysterious, dragon-riding cretes who seek aid in a mission of great importance—not only to their own people, but to all followers of Elôm.

Hidden in the vast mining valley north of Valcré, a faithful crete has spent years sharing his knowledge with the destitute miners and their families and is known to possess what may be Arcacia’s last surviving copies of the King’s Scrolls—the Word of Elôm. Joining the cretes, those in Landale must find the crete teacher and bring him to safety, but it is a race against time. Should Daican’s men find him first, execution and the destruction of the Scrolls is certain.

When disaster strikes, all seems lost. Could Elôm have a plan even in the enemy’s triumph?


Available on Amazon!
Buy Now
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Resistance Kindle Sale

Haven’t begun the adventure into Ilyon? From February 17th - 23rd, get Resistance, the award-winning first book of Ilyon Chronicles for your Kindle on sale for only 99 cents! Check it out on Amazon!
Giveaway

Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed Epic Winter giveaway! Prize pack includes an autographed copy of The King’s Scrolls, a CD by Future World Music (some of Jaye’s favorite writing music), a dragon bookmark, a stone hawk pendant (much like the ones mentioned in the book), and a few packages of Twining’s Winter Spice tea to sip while you read! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)
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About the Author

Jaye L. Knight is a homeschool graduated indie author with a passion for writing Christian fantasy and clean new adult fiction. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Etsy.

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, February 17

·         Tour Introduction at Jaye L. Knight

·         Author Interview at Crafty Booksheeps

·         Review at Musings of a Middle Age Author

·         Author Interview at Seasons of Humility

·         Author Interview and Book Spotlight at A Brighter Destiny

·         Review and Author Interview at A Writer’s Heart

Wednesday, February 18

·         Review at To Be A Person

·         Author Interview at Leah’s Bookshelf

·         Review at The Destiny of One

·         Author Interview and Book Spotlight at Reflection

·         Author Interview and Character Spotlight (Liam) at Thilly Little Nothings

·         Author Interview at Dreams and Dragons

·         Book Spotlight at One Servant's Heart

·         Book Spotlight at Venturing to Other Worlds

Thursday, February 19

·         Q&A Session at Ilyon Chronicles - Behind the Scenes

·         Review and Author Interview at Crumpets 'n' Cream

·         Character Interview (Marcus) at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke

·         Review and Author Interview at Spreading the Word

·         Character Spotlight (Marcus) at Reflection

·         Author Interview at Rivershore Books

·         Review and Author Interview at Red Lettering

·         Review at Written Rest

Friday, February 20

·         Q&A Session at Ilyon Chronicles - Behind the Scenes

·         Review at Melody Jackson, Author

·         Review at Anything, Everything

·         Author Interview at Guns and Roses

·         Character Interview (Talas) at The Writer’s Window

·         Review at O. Scarlett! Reviews

·         Review and Author Interview at Zerina Blossom

·         Review at Leah’s Bookshelf

Saturday, February 21

·         Q&A Session at Ilyon Chronicles - Behind the Scenes

·         Review at The American Anglophile

·         Review and Book Spotlight at Vic's Media Room

·         Author Interview at Butterflies of the Imagination

·         Review and Author Interview at Tialla’s Tellings

·         Review and Character Interview (Liam) at Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections

·         Character Spotlight and Character Interview (Timothy) at Written Rest

Sunday, February 22
·         Review and Author Interview at Claire M. Banschbach- Thoughts and Rants

·         Character Spotlight (Aaron) at The Art of Storytelling

·         Book and Character Spotlight (General Veshiron) at Tell Tale Book Reviews

·         Review at Reality Calling

·         Character Spotlight (Leetra) at Zerina Blossom

Monday, February 23

·         Q&A Session at Ilyon Chronicles - Behind the Scenes

·         Character Interview (Captain Darq) at Knitted By God's Plan

·         Review at Backing Books

·         Realm Explorers post at Letters from Annie Douglass Lima

·         Character Interview (Aaron) at However Improbable

·         Character Spotlight (Daniel) at Finding the True Fairy Tale

·         Author Interview at Pencils Can Change the World

Tuesday, February 24

·         Q&A Session at Ilyon Chronicles - Behind the Scenes

·         Review at Shire Reviews

·         Review and Author Interview at Elvish Pens, Fantastical Writings

·         Review and Author Interview at The Pen of a Ready Writer

·         Character Interview (Leetra) at A Writer’s Faith

Wednesday, February 25

·         Tour Conclusion at Jaye L. Knight

Monday, February 16, 2015

Interview With Kendra E. Ardnek

My friend Kendra E. Ardnek just released the newest installment in The Bookania Quests: My Kingdom for a Quest. It's an awesome book that I really enjoyed, and highly recommend. The blog tour celebrating the release of the book is going on now. For my part of the tour, I have an interview with Kendra to share with you!
Hi, Kendra! Welcome to my blog. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Greetings! I'm a 20-year-old writer (wow, it's weird to write that, my birthday was only just the other week!), who loves fairy tales, myths, legends, and especially my God. I'm the oldest of four, homeschooled my whole life, and have been writing for most of it. I also have an invisible rocket in my back yard in which I take frequent trips to the moon.

For anyone who doesn’t know, the Bookania Quests are based on/inspired by fairy tales. What got you to start liking fairy tales in the first place? What is your favorite one?

I blame that on my mother. She used to take my sister and I on walks around the block, telling us various tales, embellished in her own personal style. (Our mother's an amazing storyteller). When I finally began reading the tales for myself, I was somewhat disappointed to find that they didn't include everything my mother's versions did, but I still loved them nonetheless.

Favorite tale. That changes almost daily (sometimes hourly). I tend to go for the obscure ones, though. Such as “Casperl and the Princess,” on which my short story “Woodcutter Quince” is based; “The Jolly King's Daughter,” which is also known as “The Little Good Mouse,” and “The White Cat,” which actually held that place for the longest time running, as it was our favorite story to get our mother to tell to us.

On a similar note, what is your favorite fairy tale retelling?

A few years ago, I would have instantly spouted off Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. However, while it still holds the place of favorite Cinderella retelling (closely followed by the as-yet unpublished Secret of the Hazel Tree by Kirsten Fitcher), I'm not certain it can hold the place of favorite over all. I also adore the retellings in her Princess Collection; Ever After High, and Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale; Cinder and Scarlet by Marissa Meyer; The Cinderella Theorem by Kristee Ravan; and The Frog who Would Be Prince by Norm DePloom.

So many options, so many great retellings that I have read. Please don't make me choose.

My Kingdom For a Quest is largely about Arthur, who first made his appearance in Do You Take This Quest? What inspired the insertion of Arthurian legends into Bookania?

That's complicated. You see, while I was working on the first two books of the series, I was involved in the YWP NaNo forums, particularly in a chatroom of sorts where a few of us authors would hang out with our characters. A few of members also stole characters from TV shows and RP'd with them, including a girl who had Arthur from Merlin. Despite the fact that I've only ever seen half an episode from the show, one of my Bookania Characters (one that I haven't officially introduced yet, but I'm really looking forward to writing with) developed a crush on him, and proceeded to insist that her love interest have something to do with King Arthur. So I obliged – Arthur was his ancestor 300 years back.

I got Sew published, and it was doing really good, but I kept running into brick walls with writing Take and wasn't even past the second chapter, so I did what I always do in this situation and took the story to my mother. I read it aloud to her, and when we got to the part where Shira is pinning Robin to the wall, mother commented on her motive. Apparently, there was a whole bunch of BACKSTORY there that I hadn't even guessed at. (Nature of said backstory is spoiler territory, however). While discussing this backstory, and its possible repercussions (including the fact that it seriously messed with a subplot I had tried to put in Sew), we realized that it created an opening for an Arthur character.

On one hand, I really liked this, but it messed up a lot of my planned plot, especially the fact that I had an Arthur already worked into the world. Well, no matter, I'd also recently discovered a Robin Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White who were living 300 years ago. I decided that Bookania had a repeating history.


I have to ask, will we see plenty of Robin, Robert, and Eric in this next book? And the book after that? I don’t really want to say goodbye to any of them.

You will see lots of Robin and Eric in Kingdom – Eric's even a main POV. However, Robert informed me that as the crown prince of Locksley, he really needed to get back home, and since this whole war thing wasn't really his style, could he please be exempt? He's in two chapters.

In book four … um … you'll see a lot of Robin. Robert will get into a few chapters, probably in the second half (haven't written them, but I do know that he's important.) Eric though. He and Robin Hood get kidnapped. The current plan is that he'll be in the interruptions!

Honestly, I sat down once to figure out what it would take to get Robert to go on a quest again, and it involved me removing pretty much every ally he had and stacking the odds against him so high, it'd be impossible for him to win. He's never going to officially leave the series, I do know that, but he's never going to be a main character, save in short stories.

Which of the Bookania characters would you most like to spend the day with?

Maryanne. I haven't introduced her yet, but I've done pre-writing with her, and she's such fun. She'll be the main character of several installments, and she can get herself in out of more trouble …

Let’s talk about writing. I get writer’s block quite a bit. What do you do when you get stuck?

I go work on something else, read a book, take a walk, play a computer game, run around like a crazy person in my backyard, fix supper, realize my room is in desperate need of cleaning, knit a scarf …

Basically, anything I can to get away from my story. Eventually I'll come up with a way to break through on my block, or else guilt will drive me back to the story and I'll just push through it.

I really like to drink tea while I write. Do you have any special drinks or snacks for writing? Any specific Bookania ones?

Um, I snack on whatever I happen to have on hand, which right now involves a lot of chocolate, because of after Christmas sales. I really like tic-tacs, and popcorn's always great. As for drinks, I usually just stick with water, though I'll occasionally heat some water and fix myself some tea or hot apple cider. I'm picky with my teas though, preferring vanilla or strong fruit flavors.

Nothing specific to Bookania, however.

What is your favorite part of writing?

Either the plotting stage or the rewriting. I love plotting because the story's still pristine and perfect in my head, and I like rewriting because I already have my blazed trail, and now I get to polish the story.

On a final note, do you have any advice for someone, like me, who would love to write a fairy tale retelling, but doesn’t know where to start?

Start with a fairy tale. Whichever you choose to retell, find as many versions you can, including other retellings. Immerse yourself in the story until you find its heart, and then make it your own.
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Arthur is the rightful king of Briton, but his Uncle Mordreth refuses to give up the regency.   Arthur and Grandfather are now returning with allies to wrestle the kingdom from his uncle's grasp.  But not all is as it seems among his allies, and everyone has secrets.  New loves, old loves, lost loves, kingdoms conquered and kingdoms stolen.   Who is the real "rightful heir" and will the nearly forgotten sword in the stone finally answer this question?
Buy on kindle

Buy a paperback

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Author Person:
Kendra E. Ardnek loves fairy tales and twisting them in new and exciting ways.  She's been practicing her skills on her dozen plus cousins and siblings for years, "Finish your story, Kendra", is frequently heard at family gatherings.  Her sole life goal has always been to grow up and be an author of fantasy and children's tales that also glorify God and his Word. You can read more about her on her blog, knittedbygodsplan.blogspot.com.

Four of Kendra E. Ardnek's other books are free on kindle today!
Sew, It's a Quest
The Woodcutter Quince and Other Short Stories
The Ankulen
Do You Take This Quest

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Valentines Day eBook Sale

Today some other homeschooled authors and I are having a one day only eBook sale. For today only, each of these books costs only 99¢ apiece on kindle. Just follow the links below for some great deals. Both my books are in it. Now's a good chance to get them for 66% off their usual price.

I haven't read every book on the list, but I can personally vouch for the awesomeness of Sarah Holman's The Destiny of One,
and Adventures and Adversities and my sister loved Nicole Sager's Arcrean Conquest series. So get yourself some sale eBooks!
Sarah Holman
Waltz into the Waves
Adventures and Adversities
The Destiny of One

Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
Across the Stars
The Experiment

Shannon McDermott
The Valley of Decision
Cards

Rebekah A. Morris
Triple Creek Ranch -- Unbroken

Emily Ann Putzke
It Took a War

Nicole Sager
The Heart of Arcrea
The Fate of Arcrea
The Isle of Arcrea
Hebbros

Romance
T.R. Lykins
Last Heartbeat

Monday, February 9, 2015

Kalicans

When I decided to create a fantasy world (a long time ago, and trust me, it has gone through many, many very needed changes), it was only natural for there to be fantasy races. Some (like talking animals) got cut. Others (like the merfolk) came in later, like halfway through writing Time Captives. Some of them are my own version of already existing fantasy races. Elves, for instance. Others (strytes, kalicans) I made up myself. Strytes even didn't become a race of Calhortea right away. Probably the longest still existing Calhortan race, besides humans, of course, are the kalicans.

The kalicans are the first that Emily, Allan, Jill, and Joey meet on their arrival. I'm not much of a sit down and worldbuild kind of person, so I kind of made them up as I went along. And, honestly, the kalicans, like most things in Calhortea, are a mishmash of countless things from our world.

I like to describe the kalicans as leprechauns who live like American Indians and speak with Scottish accents (or as near as I can get to one, which honestly isn't very close. Amy Pond and the Twelfth Doctor have helped a little bit, but not much). So for looks, kalicans grow to be about 2-3 feet tall, slightly taller than Yoda but a teensy bit shorter than a hobbit. They have curly brown or red hair and their eyes are usually brown. They have pointed ears, and are fair creatures. They have an average lifespan of 120-150 years.

Kalicans live in wigwams. Only, their wigwams are made out of leafy green tree branches, not animal skins. Apparently no one else makes wigwams that way, since Pinterest didn't turn up a picture of one. They live largely on what they can hunt and gather, and, though I have yet to see one, I wouldn't be surprised if some of their women took to gardening. Kalicans are also good at weaving, storytelling, certain types of art, and music. Basically, if it's a skill one typically associates with American Indians, they probably have it. One big difference, though: The vast majority of kalicans are Christians. This shapes their society in so many ways. They are kind and caring, friendly and welcoming. They fought against the strytes alongside the elves and Calhortans in the stryte invasion of Calhortz, which has cost kalicans of many generations their lives. They are more than willing to fight for what is right, despite their small numbers. They reside in the small country of Kalica at the foot of the Headstone Mountains, when they aren't being all but wiped out by the strytes.

Kalican names were fun to come up with. For the most part, they are ordinary names spelled in an unusual (though hopefully fairly phonetical) way. The ones I've come up with are as follows: Naythin, Leela (I promise I didn't name her after the Fourth Doctor companion, I didn't know about her then, but I do like her now), Peetur, Meelya, Atkinson, Graiss, Mykall, Sofeeya, Sauliman, Luuke, Evalin, and Ammeelia. Naythin's name was originally Tommis, but then I realized one of the Time Captives had been named Thomas, so it was best to change it.

The kalicans are fun to write about. Their culture is intriguing, and they are such kind little people. I'm looking forward to sharing them with the world.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

A Time Captives Update!

It's a big, big, big day! Well, yesterday, but it is today, because, see, I'm writing this on Monday to post on Tuesday, since I already posted on Monday. Because this Monday is a big, big, big day! (Yes, I'm quoting Effie Trinket. She is rather stupid, but the quote is so accurate.)

I finished Time Captives! Not completely. I still probably have at a minimum three rounds of revising and editing before it becomes publishable, and probably more like twice that, if The Experiment was any indicator. But every single rough draft of the entire trilogy and its companion is done! I feel like having a party. Seriously, two years and one and two thirds months to reach the end of a rough draft is a long time. I shouldn't complain. I do believe it took Tolkien longer. Sometimes it felt like I would never reach the end. Sometimes it felt like the book stunk and I would never write anything again. I'm done with those feelings. At least for now. I feel at the moment like Time Captives is going to be amazing. There's still more work to do, but it's going to be fantastic. (Make sure your head plays that word in Christopher Eccleston's voice. :D ) After all, I reread the first chapter of Creighton Hill the other day and enjoyed it like it was written by someone else. I love it when I can enjoy reading my own book.

I'm not done with these characters, but I'm already getting sorry to wind down my time with them. I'm thinking I'm going to have to write some short stories about Grant and Eleanor at sea, some things about Adriel and his siblings, most particularly about Ariela, which would mean her and Connor, and bring the Hubbards somehow into my big group of friends which includes the Watsons of Across the Stars fame.

Want some stats? The whole trilogy is currently at 105,107 words with the first and last books somewhere in the neighborhood of 33,000 and the middle one at 39,500. Altogether, it's way longer than anything I've ever written, and even on their own, two books already top The Experiment. Add companion book Espionage in there, and the total comes to 133,682. I've written an awful lot in the last two years. Four books in two years! That's something awesome. It's also by far the largest cast of characters I've ever worked with. It was extremely challenging at times, but I'm happy with the way things are going. It isn't perfect yet, but it's just like this thing I saw on Pinterest.
I've shoveled in the sand, now it's time to build the castles.

I'll give you an estimate on publishing. I'll hopefully get Creighton Hill out by the end of Spring. That's still several months away, thank goodness. Then hopefully The Crossways late this Fall, Espionage Spring of 2016 and The Crossways sometime leading up to that Christmas. It seems like a realistic plan, but sometimes life can go crazy, so I'm not putting down any firm dates or anything. And, hey, it's slightly accelerated from my last plan (which means it's missing a still yet to be written Hanna and Sam Across the Stars sequel. It's still in my plans somewhere eventually.).

And that's my update. I've still only made one teaser trailer, but I'm planning to do more. Here's the one I already made again.



Ta ta for now!

Monday, February 2, 2015

Joey Hubbard

Picture Via Pinterest Joey. His character hasn't really changed from my first idea, but he has definitely changed over the course of the book. Writing chapter 23 the other day, it hit me all of a sudden just how much he has grown up. It's sad, but a proud moment as well. ;)

At the start, Joey is a pretty ordinary ten-year-old boy. He doesn't get along with Emily (big surprise), but he does get along with Allan, Jill, and Anna. Honestly, he kind of likes picking fights with Emily. While he gets along with his other sisters, that doesn't mean he's above teasing them...which he most definitely does. And Allan is quick to tell him to treat his sisters properly.

Joey is very impulsive, and rather lacking in common sense. He rushes into things without thinking, including rushing down a pitch black secret passage at the top of the house, not knowing at which point the stairs back down start.

He's not really much of a reader. He likes stories, but unless his Grampa is reading them aloud, he prefers them to be in a visual medium. Since he did listen to Grampa read, he is familiar with children's classics like the works of E. Nesbit, Rudyard Kipling, and of course C. S. Lewis. I don't think it ever actually comes into the story, but he likes Star Wars and is generally more of the sci-fi type. He would probably think the Watsons' adventures in Across the Stars were pretty cool. They are connected by mutual friends, after all. (Eventually, anyway. This is the year Sara was born.) He also is the type to think that getting captured by pirates is cool. I have a feeling that if he was from a few years later he would rather like Pirates of the Caribbean.

Joey originally wasn't the protagonist. But I think he's a good one. I was talking briefly about it with my sister one morning, and I realized that Joey is the better protagonist because he grows. He changes throughout the story. Jill is more of a static character, someone who influences the protagonist to change. Allan is the same. I'm glad Joey is one of my protagonists. (I would say Adriel is one too, and possibly Eleanor, but Adriel doesn't come in until book 2, which is also where Eleanor's story is told.) Joey's character voice is interesting, and he is a fun character to write.