Looking for Romance?

I celebrated my novel's first birthday last month. It was a fun year, full of events and celebrations -- much more fanfare than I'd given either of my non-fiction books, which lived a quiet life tucked in the pages of catalogs geared to educators.

Typical of the youngest of the progeny, Casting the First Stone had gotten the most attention, and while it probably didn't know the difference, I'd gotten used to it. So what to do in year two?

Keep celebrating, of course! This Saturday, February 14, I'll be celebrating with 20 other writers (including fellow Susquehanna Writers bloggers Cate Masters and Susan Gourley/Kelley) at "Love is in the Air" at Aschcombe Farm and Greenhouse in Mechanicsburg. If there's anything better than a book celebration, it's a multi-author book celebration!

So if you're in the mood for a dose of romance or a dose of spring (or both), stop in between noon and three on Saturday. We'll have  prizes and book swag and while we'll certainly have books on hand, we're also happy when you just stop by and talk to us.

What's Your Nightmare?

I don't write horror and I usually only read it when my friends write it.  But in my epic fantasy series, The Futhark Chronicles, there are some horrific creatures the people of Futhark must battle.  In The Keepers of Sulbreth, the magically gifted Keepers are women dedicating their lives to protecting ordinary people from demons.  The Marshals are the swordsmen who help the Keepers in their duties.

I enjoy creating the monsters plaguing Futhark.  I often doodle and design them during boring inservices and faculty meetings at work.  Not that I'm an artist, but putting a picture with my ideas inspires more ideas. 

Childhood fears and those instinctual fears humans are born with also inspire my demonic creations.  One of the horrible demons introduced in Keepers is a giant snake.  Another is a poisonous rat-like creature that hunts in packs.  Who isn't creeped out by rats and snakes?  I also gave one of my demons wings with jaws and claws, kind of like a velociraptor that can fly and of course travels in flocks.  Then there in one of my favorite, a huge, heavy beast with the personality, body armor and horns of a rhinoceros.  Then I get to name them. 

Some new demon beasts are discovered in the second book in my series, Beyond the Gate, and the Keepers and Marshals have their hands full saving the people from these powerful, fantastical fell beasts. 

What kind of creature might your nightmares create? What animal in real life gives you shivers up the spine? Spiders? Snakes? Rats?

Visit Me and Win

The wonderful Cate Masters has started a new blog where writers can share news about their newest releases and their expertise on writing.  I'm honored to be today's guest. I'll be talking about the dangers of trying to follow trends in the industry.  I'll also be promoting my epic fantasy series, The Futhark Chronicles.

Just by visiting and commenting over at the new blog, TBR, you have a chance to win a print copy of the first book in my series, The Keepers of Sulbreth.  If you prefer a digital format, The Keepers of Sulbreth is now available at the reduced price of only $1.99.

The book I'll be promoting is the second book in my series, Beyond the Gate.  Beyond the Gate begins the moment after Keepers ends with Marshal Cage Stone and Keeper Sabelline Shelton entering the mysterious cavern leading the magical seals that must be renewed. The dark pathways lead them into more danger and surprises than their training has prepared them for.  Read more on my blog and over at TBR.

Are you reading more epic fantasy with the resurgence of the genre thanks to HBO's Game of Thrones? Do you find some of your reading material from reviews and blogs you read online?

Beyond the Gate Available Now



Only $1.99

Exactly one year after my former publisher was supposed to release Book #2 of my epic fantasy series, Beyond the Gate, I have made it happen.  Without going into the gruesome details of the severing of my relationship with said publisher, I reclaimed my rights to the series after they lapsed in their responsibilities to seeing my book was released on time.

As of today, I've reduced the price of the first book in The Futhark Chronicles, The Keepers of Sulbreth, to the bargain price of $1.99.  Of course, I'm hoping you'll love the first book so much, you'll have to hurry back to your favorite online digital retailer and buy the second book.

Available Now-$2.99

Beyond the Gate takes up just one moment after The Keepers of Sulbreth ends.  Marshal Cage Stone and Keeper Sabelline Shelton enter the mysterious cavern they must navigate to reset the magical seals preventing a demon invasion of the kingdom of Futhark.  King Jonared and the remaining Keepers and Marshals have more problems than demons to deal with as an ambitious lord decides he wants the throne of Futhark for his own.  Cage and Sabelline will find everything they thought they knew under question and only a great sacrifice by Cage and an act of courage by Sabelline might turn the battle in their favor.

So I hope you're looking for a new epic fantasy series to read or if you've already read The Keepers of Sulbreth, you're waiting for Beyond the Gate.

Epic Fantasy for Kindle

After weeks of editing and preparation, I finally have my book, The Keepers of Sulbreth, available on Kindle.  I want to thank Cate Masters for all her help and advice on this great venture.

A few months ago my publisher broke my contract for my epic fantasy series, The Futhark Chronicles.  They had already released the first book, The Keepers of Sulbreth, and made a half effort at releasing the second book, Beyond the Gate.  They had the third book under contract.  This publisher had no clue about promotion and was taking leaps in different directions each month as they tried to guess where the media business was going next.  I asked for all my rights back and fortunately they surrendered them without fuss.  I'm sure I'll never see any royalties I've earned from them but at least my books have a chance of reaching the reading public now.

The Keepers of Sulbreth begins the tale of Cage Stone as he accepts his heritage as a half-elf and uses his extraordinary skills to lead the battle against the centuries old evil that had been awakened on Futhark.  Aiding his quest is Sabelline Shelton, a gifted sorceress, and the young king of Futhark, Jonared Shelton.  Cage discovers his destiny is tied to the survival of not only the kingdom but the entire human race and his sword alone won't defeat the dread being behind the war for man's survival.

The Keepers of Sulbreth received excellent reviews when first released.  If you've all ready enjoyed this book, I hope you'll pass the word along as promotion is the biggest obstacle facing self-pubbed authors.

Have you purchased and read any self-pubbed books? Would you consider doing the same yourself or have you already?

Great Contest by Elizabeth Mueller

Please take a moment and receive a chance for some great prizes.  Read my interview of author Elizabeth Mueller and leave a comment.  She will enter your name in a contest for some great prizes. 

Elizabeth is one of those great jugglers of parenting and building her career as a writer.  Her first book, Darkspell, will be released in the fall.  I expect a hit. 

Visit Susan Says and find out for yourself. 

Do you like reading author interviews?  Has an interview ever inspired you to read the author's book?

Get It Now

After many delays and lots of pushing and complaining, Amazon finally made Beyond the Gate, Book #2 of The Futhark Chronicles, available for Kindle. 

I learned some things during the last few weeks debacle.  Sometimes books from independent publishers get pushed to the back of the line by Amazon so they can get the books from the big publishers ready first.  It's been quite frustrating.

Enough whining.  Beyond the Gate picks continues the fantasy adventure that began in The Keepers of Sulbreth.  Cage Stone and Sabelline Shelton step into the dark of the cave system they must negotiate to reset the magical seals keeping underworld demons from invading their homeland of Futhark.  From the first step nothing goes as planned. 

You can read the first review for Beyond the Gate at my blog here.  I hear 2011 is the year speculative fiction takes over the bookshelves and the visual medias like TV and movies.  Get a head start with The Futhark Chronicles.

Finding Your Voice

Today with much anticipation and pleasure, Alex Cavanaugh is discussing finding your voice on my blog.  Alex is the successful author of CassaStar, a newly released Sci-Fi novel garnering outstanding reviews one after the other.

For many beginning authors, finding their voice can be a challenge.  Sometimes even understanding it can be difficult.  Alex will help clear up your doubts and he'll answer any questions you have.  You may also want to check out his blog.  He always has something going on.

Quite a Character

Nothing makes me put down a book faster than card-board characters.  If they're so normal or so cliche, how can I care what happens to them.  Characters makes a story memorable.  So how does a writer give their hero or heroine depth?

A hero can't be all-knowing or all powerful.  They must have vulnerabilities and often that weakness is their secret.  Perhaps only one other character, perhaps the antagonist, knows this secret allowing for all kinds of difficulties.  That secret could be a past sin or shame, something that makes the hero sad, frightened or embarrassed.   This secret can drive the character toward some goal or provide the motivation for his actions.  

As the character takes action towards his goal, the more specific the goal the better, his secret will color his choices, his relationships and slowly reveal his weakness.  And what better way to hone the character but to put his tight spots.  He'll reveal himself through how he acts when he's desperate.  Frustration will show his character so keep the pressure turned on high.

Some characters earn a reader's interest by their quirkiness or contradictions.  Can they be cruel and funny? Can they be shy but also rude?  

In my new release, Beyond the Gate, Book #2 in The Futhark Chronicles, Cage's secret is revealed to all though he doesn't realize those who love him understand his vulnerability.  Cage's birth mother abandoned him when he was a child.  He believed he's unlovable and constantly risks his life in an attempt to be earn that which he secretly thinks is unattainable. 

Reviews for the first book in this series, The Keepers of Sulbreth, have the highest praise for my characters.  I hope you'll try them out.

What character have you read that you find unforgettable? What made that person do memorable?

Happy New Release

Today marks not only the start of a hopeful new year, but also the release of Book #2 of The Futhark Chronicles.  Beyond the Gate is now available from ebook retailers and by the end of the month will hopefully also be released in print.

This novel picks up only a few moments from the cliff hanger ending of The Keepers of Sulbreth.  Futhark is the fantasy world where this epic series takes place.  Marshal Cage Stone the sorceress he protects, Keeper Sabelline Shelton, have taken the first steps inside the cavern where the magical seals keeping the demon hordes from their kingdom have weakened.  Their plan is simple though dangerous.  But nothing is as it should be.  They find mysteries linking their present difficulties with a long ago war and evil they thought long buried.  Cage must let go of his human inhibitions and connect with his heritage if they are to survive and help their beleaguered friends save Futhark.

Please join me one week from now when I start a mini blog tour including a top here on The Susquehanna Writers after it begins on my blog. 

So Happy New Year and here's wishing you lots of new books to read.  What new book is first on your list and are you trying any new to you author?

Meet and Greet

This week I'm hosting four of my friends and fellow authors on my blog.  Each will share some insights into their success as published authors and their writing process.  I think many hopeful writers believe there is a secret formula to success and becoming a published author.  Those of us in the field know persistence and hard work are the only two things all published authors have in common.  After that the process of completing a novel and finding a home for it in the publishing world varies for everyone.  Still, there is no harm in learning how others do it.  One little hint could make the difference in your own writing.
As a reader, I love learning how my favorite writers get the words on to the paper.  It fascinates me endlessly, especially their little quirks.  I also like seeing the person behind the writer. 
The four authors I will be interviewing also have another thing in common.  Their books are available for purchase on your new eReaders.  I hope you received one for Christmas like I did.  Please visit everyday and I promise you'll find something for you.
On Monday, December 27th, welcome Cate Masters.  She's a member of The Susquehanna Writers and has her own busy blog.  I'm so happy she could find time to join me.
On Tuesday, December 28th, welcome Natalie Damschroder.  She has a new release and a big book coming out in April.
On Wednesday, December 29th, meet Megan Hart and hear about her upcoming release, Precious and Fragile Things, a chilling suspense novel you'll be still thinking about long after you're finished reading it.
Thursday, December 30th, welcome fantasy novelist, Jon Sprunk, also a member of The Susquehanna Writers.  Jon will tell us about the first book in his fantasy series, already released, the upcoming second book. 
Please stop by and read their interviews where you'll find them as clever in person as their characters are in their novels. 
Do you like meeting authors personally?  Did you get or give an eReader for Christmas?  What books have you bought?

Don't Want to Be Lonely Tomorrow

Saturday is a landmark day for my writing career. I'm having my first solo book signing at one of the 'big' chain stores. Barnes and Noble in Camp Hill, PA will host me for the signing of my first fantasy novel, The Keepers of Sulbreth. This epic tale of sword and sorcery is the first in The Futhark Chronicles. I'm hoping for a great turnout on Saturday so the store will ask me back for the next three books in the series and any following those.

I've supported fellow authors at signings in various venues but never one in this particular store. The store has been wonderful. They've had a poster near the front door for nearly three weeks and have the event on their website. I have my pens ready, my bottle of water and a pack of mints. I'm going to avoid the morning coffee so I don't have to run to the restroom and I doubt my nerves will let me eat.

I've spoken with enough authors to know book signings can range from beyond the dream to a complete bust. I'll be thrilled with something in between those two. If half the people show up who have promised to do so, I'll be a very happy writer on Saturday night.

If you're in the area, I'll be pacing around the signing table from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Saturday, February 13th. Follow the link for directions and more information.

Hope to see some of you tomorrow.

It's Here!

Happy New Year! I hope this year brings peace and prosperity to us all. I have a special reason to celebrate this year as today is the official release date of my first fantasy novel, The Keepers of Sulbreth, Book#1 of The Futhark Chronicles.

I've anticipated this day for so long I can't believe it finally arrived. I know many who ordered my book from an online store like Amazon have already received their copies. A few emailed me and one friend and two relatives called on the phone to express their delight in my book. Of course, they would so it's with quite some nervousness I wait to see how this novel actually sells.

I've been warned not to watch those numbers on Amazon but it's so tempting to do so. One I have to be thrilled about is for the second time, Amazon posted the little warning they only had a few left in stock and were ordering more. I hope it doesn't mean they only had five in stock to begin with! LOL

The excellent reviews thrilled me but I can't wait to hear from a reader other than friend or family. I've kept the ones I received from my romance novels in a special folder and hope I can add a few more.

So happy New Year and may we all enjoy moments of peace to read and keep our jobs so we have the money to purchase books, lots of books.

Series Fatigue

I write fantasy and as most fantasy readers and writers know, it's all about the series. Some famous series includes Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. Mr. Jordan passed away and left his fans hanging until his widow found another author, Brandon Sanderson, to finish the sprawling complicated tale. Terry Goodkind, one of my favorite, finished his eleven book Sword of Truth series. I love fantasy series but when do they get too long? When a reader gets to book ten and it's been over a year since reading book nine and perhaps ten years since reading book one, has the intensity and interest wilted? Does the reader get to the point where they think, 'just save the world already and be done with it?' What is the ideal length for a series?
Some series aren't always a continuing tale. Many mystery and suspense novels feature the same protagonists and a host of recurring characters but each novel has a new crisis or new villain. Lee Child's Jack Reacher novels are a good example or any of Robert Parker's detective series books. But even these novels are more enjoyable if you've read them all in order.
Romance novels often call it a series if a group of novels take place in the same location or perhaps the same fantastical or futuristic world. Each book may have a guest appearance by the protagonists of a previous novel and often the secondary characters in one novel have their own tale somewhere down the publishing road.
As a reader there have been a few series I gave up on. After all, if the good guys can't win in 10,000 pages, I'm not sure I can pull for them anymore. Or in the case of a series romance, how many hot guys and heroic women can live in one town? How many serial killers can one cop run into in a lifetime? When does the reader start to say enough? Why can't some writers end the series and let us believe they all live happily ever after or not? They either save the world or go quietly into the night?
My own fantasy series, The Futhark Chronicles, is four books long. Book One will be released in January. My romance series, The Chronicles of Solonia, is four books long. The Tigers of Salubria will be three books long when complete.
As a writer, do you decide how long a series will be before you start to write it? As a reader, do you know series that have gone on too long? Do you have some you want to never end?