A blog for authors, about authors, written by an author
February 13, 2023 the Winners of the Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer’s Choice Awards were announced. And yes, I’m very thrilled and excited to inform you all that ‘The Council of Twelve’ series has made the winner in the ‘Novellas & Shorts Series’ category!
2022 Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer’s Choice Award WINNERS! – Paranormal Romance Guild
The Paranormal Romance Guild nominated book 5, Dream Walker, and the entire ‘The Council of Twelve’ series for their ‘Reviewer’s Choice Award.’
Read here, when the voting is going to start:
https://paranormalromanceguild.com/2022-paranormal-romance-guild-reviewers-choice-award-nominees/
I will need your vote at the end of this month! Thank you very much!
April 14, 2022 I published the first part of this blog post series, about the best part of telling a story. There are so many good parts, to me, each holds its own appeal. Let’s have a look at them again:
1. Drafting the plot
2. Finding a motive
3. Creating the protagonist and antagonist
4. Finding the perfect location
5. Thinking of plot twists
6. Create side characters
[7. Depending on the story, maybe even create a world]
Last time I ‘drafted the plot’, today I’m trying to find a motive.
I’m not sure, should I tell you, to me that’s more difficult or easier, than drafting the plot, since technically you can’t have one without the other.
Let’s find an example: you’re reading a crime story; the killer strangles a woman, when the police identifies and confronts him, he jumps off a bridge and you’ll never know why he did it. Wouldn’t you be disappointed? I know I would be.
In the case of a crime story, the motive of the killer is basically what drives the book. Why does the murderer what he does?
When we look at the ‘The Council of Twelve’ series, I have to find the motive for the actions of ‘both sides’, Good and Evil. Clearly expressed: Why does the Evil side what they do, how does the Good side react, and what is the outcome? We got the ‘why’, and that results in the ‘how’ – hence, the motive and the plot, which belong together.
The motive is the ‘why’ and with that in mind, we want to ask ‘how’, which leads us to the plot. One leads to the other, and we’re already in ‘the middle’ of story-telling.
What would you say to a criminal story without a motive, or a story without recognizable reason? Wouldn’t it just be empty? What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Helen Krummenacker’s 3rd book of the Forever Detective Series is now available!
Rafael Jones is always a little out of his depth in rural settings, but he’s not just a detective, he’s also undead. He can’t ignore the call from the Saratoga County coroner when she mentions the bite marks found on several drowning victims during the spring and summer of 1947.
However, he knows his weaknesses (sunlight, running water, and a woeful lack of country manners), so he isn’t working alone. His slowly developing powers and quick wits may not be a match for something old, strong in magic, and completely cursed.
Smashwords extended the running ‘Stay-At-Home’ sale for readers and I decided to keep up with them.
To make sure, my Ebooks can be purchased at the same price everywhere for the duration of the sale – until May 31, I set the price on Amazon down too.
Charles Yallowitz, over at ‘Legends of Windemere’ published a blog post about cliffhangers in a series. Thank you very much for your great post, Charles.
This came up in conversation and I thought about while coming to the end of War of Nytefall: Eradication. When writing a series, you tend to have 3 types of books.
After I had published ‘Soul Taker,’ I was told there were a few questions left open in my book, for example – what would happen to that angel Katie met with Raphael, Sundance?
The second book, ‘Sundance,’ answered those questions, but then I was asked if there was more to be read about the warriors in that book… it can’t be that they… and so on.
I admit I was a bit surprised at first. I know tons of books where we have, as usually, protagonists, antagonists, sub-characters, and tons of ‘small’ characters that don’t have too much of a purpose, except being there for one or two scenes and then disappear. We all know ‘the maid’ or ‘the butler’ or ‘the mailman’ in many movies. The person enters a scene, does or even says something and leaves… but in my case, I got questioned about the future of some of the supporting characters. I first was confused but then finally decided to take it as a compliment. It seems, even my supporting characters are important enough to my readers that they’re interested in what happens to them!
But let’s get back to the additions to a book series.
See, ‘The Council Of Twelve’ series is quite well planned. A book ‘in-between’ is basically impossible. But what I could do is write some ‘extra stories.’ The first word that came to my mind was: Sequel. From what I learned in the meantime, that is not exactly what these additions to an existing series would be.
According to Jim Henry, on his homepage jimhenry.conlang.org, the definition of a sequel would be:
“Sequel” (from Latin “sequela”) originally seems to have meant “what happens next”; later it took on the additional meaning of “a story whose events take place later in the same imagined history as a certain other story” — usually with reference to novels, but also short stories, epic poems, and films.
He did mention different definitions of additional stories as well. According to Jim Henry, Wikipedia defines “interquel” as a story taking place between two previously published ones. Jeffrey Henning has a different definition of “interquel,” basically the same as Jim Henry’s coinage “paraquel” (see below).
paraquel
a story that takes place simultaneously with a certain other story
circumquel
a story that takes place partly before, partly after a certain other story
inquel
a story that takes place during a gap in some other story’s narrative
Now, armed with all that information about the different ‘extra-stories,’ will I be writing anything then? And if yes, why? I’ll tell you:
I was asked about these character’s stories – and I think, if these ‘supporting characters’ are so very important to my readers, I will tell their story too.
However, I decided to ‘collect’ the additional stories in an extra book. To tell you the truth, I’m not that much into finding out whether they are inquels, interquels or ‘whatever’-quels, as long as my readers love the characters and stories, but I promise, they will be extraordinary and they will make my supporting characters the center of their own story’s universe. They might not be novels or novellas, they might be novelettes – but they will introduce you to a wonderful personality which tells you how the character is linked to ‘The Council Of Twelve,’ and I’m convinced you will love them.
Thank you to those who asked me to tell their tale as well. I’m very honored!
When did you start writing?Believe it or not, I started writing my first book on a typewriter a long time ago. Talk about a slow process! That manuscript is still on the shelf in typewritten form. Sometimes, I think about going through it and finally getting it in digital format, but I have so many other books in the queue to write, it stays on the back burner. In the early-to-mid-90s, I wrote three more books on my new computer. I sold my first book, a novella, to Harlequin/Worldwide in 1993 and it was published in 1994. During all those years, I had a family at home and worked fulltime, so I didn’t have consistent writing time until 2012, when I no longer had a day job. At that time, I had several books in various stages of completion, so I tackled them one-by-one, beginning with Chloe’s Spirit.
2. What motivates you to write?
Back in the days when you could have a screensaver on your monitor, mine said, “Writing is an uncontrollable obsession.” For me, it really is. My mind never shuts down, so I suppose you could say that contributes to my need to write. I love writing and I feel compelled to put down the words that will make the books. I have dozens of ideas for books that I still haven’t gotten to. At the moment, I have 29 books in print, 1 novella, and 1 short-story collection, and those only scratch the surface of what I hope to write before I no longer can!
3. What genre do you write in and what made you chose this particular genre?
With the exception of my Christmas Valley Romances, I write cross-genre books: mystery-thriller-suspense with a love story and usually paranormal or supernatural elements. Like most authors, I write what I love to read. I also love doing research, so I look for intriguing and interesting elements to introduce into my stories. With every book I write, I learn something new, and that new knowledge is something I’m able to pass along as part of my story. I want to ensure that my readers keep turning those pages, intrigued and excited about what will happen next.
4. What is your goal in writing? Do you have dreams where your writing should take you?
I have one goal when I write, to entertain readers. Along with that, I want to keep them guessing, and to ensure that they’ll be anxious to move on to one of my other books. I’ve always dreamed of being a published author and I’ve achieved that. As far as where my dreams take me in writing? My imagination has no limits. I can go anywhere and write anything. As long as readers are enjoying my words, being enthralled by them, I’m happy.
5. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block, and if yes, how do you deal with it?
I have to say that I’ve never suffered from writer’s block. That’s not to say that I’m not stumped sometimes about which direction I should take a story, but generally, that works itself out in a day or so. Honestly, I don’t understand writer’s block. I know some writers lament that they have it, but when I’m temporarily stumped, I just keep writing, either on the book I’m working on, or one of the other books I have started. My mom always use to say, “If you don’t get something you want, it’s because something better is coming along.” I feel that applies to writing, too. I no longer plot out an entire book before I start writing. Instead, I know where the book will start and how it will end up, but I’m flexible on all points in between. That said, I’m also flexible on an entirely different ending than I had envisioned in the beginning. For me, this method works, and always for the better.
6. What advice would you like to give new, hopeful authors?
Best-selling author Cynthia Freeman, who began writing late in her life, once said (and I paraphrase), “Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from the thrill of trying.” If you want to write, write. It’s as simple as that.
7. Please, tell us about your work.
I write three series, Grace Gabbiano Mysteries, Andi Comstock Supernatural Mysteries, and Christmas Valley Romances. My Grace books now number 5, with another to be released in July 2020. The Andi books stand at 4, with a new release scheduled for release in October 2020. The Christmas romances number 8, with two new titles coming out on November 15.
In addition, I have two short series, Chloe’s Spirit and Chloe’s Spirit Afterstories and First Star and First Star Afterstories. Chloe’s Spirit and First Star were both Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Finalists. I currently have five stand-alone books in print, as well, with another due out in May 2020. One of my stand-alones, Blessed Are the Eagles, was also an RWA Golden Heart Finalist. All my books are available worldwide from Amazon in both ebook and paperback format, and all are enrolled in Kindle Unlimited.
Thank you for having you as my guest.
Connect with Ann:
Email: ann@annsimas.com
Website: https://annsimas.com
Social Media Links
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Ann-Simas-Author-410011319127684/
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ann-simas
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7039844.Ann_Simas
Amazon https://amazon.com/author/annsimas
Twitter https://twitter.com/AnnSimasAuthor
Ann’s books:
Stand-Alones
Blessed Are the Eagles https://amzn.to/1P5cGhh
Loose Ends https://amzn.to/1OFEdoD
Heaven Sent https://amzn.to/1NMbGhw
Black Moon Rising https://amzn.to/2gC316l
Here and Gone https://amzn.to/2Iyylkq
Grace Gabbiano Mysteries
Dressed to Die https://amzn.to/1eRzlAw
Sliced to Die https://amzn.to/1M47iyb
Buried to Die https://amzn.to/2uTsX4I
Quilted to Die https://amzn.to/2JONRgZ
Taken to Die https://amzn.to/2JBDPy0
Andi Comstock Supernatural Mysteries
Holy Smoke https://amzn.to/1IL8y5a
Penitence https://amzn.to/1sZGNkx
Angel Babies https://amzn.to/2hFxB53
Hellfire https://amzn.to/2V6zZV6
Christmas Valley Romances
Santa’s Helper https://amzn.to/1N3ZLPV
Candy Cane Lane https://amzn.to/2gMkw3Z
Let It Snow https://amzn.to/2fFLONw
FruityCakes https://amzn.to/2yTlB7d
Sleigh Bride https://amzn.to/2zkCy6x
Angels on the Rooftop https://amzn.to/2C6Gazk
Deck the Gnomes https://amzn.to/2LMPMPz
Back-Door Santa https://amzn.to/2NEmgNx
Jingle Bell Clock https://amzn.to/2MF84EO
Reindeer Blitz https://amzn.to/2MFBNNR
Afterstories
Chloe’s Spirit https://amzn.to/1MMjHEB
Chloe’s Spirit Afterstories https://amzn.to/1XoigPS
Second Chance, Foolish Heart
First Star https://amzn.to/1gIPydi
First Star Afterstories https://amzn.to/2kUHuc0
All That Glitters/Starry Night
Short Story Collection
All’s Well https://amzn.to/1JSMgj8
Welcome!
1. When did you start writing?
I started around 2011 during my freshman year in college.
2. What motivates you to write?
One part is simply catharsis and is to inspire others with my novelty.
3. What genre do you write in and what made you chose this particular genre?
I write fantasy and coming of age fiction. I chose these two particular genres because I was always captivated by otherworldly elements like spirits and alternate dimensions. I enjoyed psychological development of characters and how they choose their lives in any given social system.
4. What is your goal in writing? Do you have dreams where your writing should take you?
I would like it to eventually become a movie or a series.
5. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block and if yes, how do you deal with it?
No
6. What advice would you like to give new, hopeful authors?
Believe in yourself and never try to be like another writer
7. Please, tell us about your work.
My series is about a young boy named Narvix who undergoes a journey across dimensions to discover his origins and change the fate of his own race forever.
Thank you for being my guest. It was a pleasure to have you here!!
About the author:
Dayron Maxwell is an author who writes fantasy and coming of age books. He is currently working on a series that will span six books. His hobbies include writing, traveling, and occasionally a good movie.
To learn more follow him on his website Dayron Maxwell and on FACEBOOK
Books
World of the Chimera (The Adventure of Narvix Book 2) by Dayron Maxwell
The Battle of New York has become a catalyst for many things. The hatred for Narvix, Mia’s alienation from human life, two teenagers a nascent understanding of their father’s goal, and the life of all intertwined with the nature of the Arzos. As Narvix’s power begins to frighten him, He journeys to a city hidden in another planet to learn about his heritage. Yet, what of the lives ultimately affected by him? What of the mothers who holds the corpse of her winged child, horned children praying for a peace muffled by brooks of blood and dying men? What of an old foe who vowed to destroy Narvix and the rest of his family? In the second book, Narvix must prepare for an inevitable conflict by immersing himself in a world shaped by the lives that he has neglected.
Those Who Swallowed God (The Adventures of Narvix) by Dayron Maxwell
Life is hard when you got red skin, scimitar-shaped horns, and twitter labels you as a Section 8 archangel. Life is even harder when your psychotherapist dismisses the choir of angels fluttering outside your gate as a form of psychotic depression.
When divine judgment wears a tailored suit and leads an army of winged humans, Narvix’s mundane life of retro PC gaming and afternoon snoozes during fourth-period calculus erupts into a roller coaster of dodging lightning bolts, facing a flaming woman, and preventing genocide from reaching his street address.
Renee Scattergood lives in Australia with her husband, Nathan, and daughter, Taiya. She has always been a fan of fantasy and was inspired to become a storyteller by George Lucas but didn’t consider writing down her stories until she reached her late twenties. Now she enjoys writing dark speculative fiction.
She is currently publishing her Shadow Stalker serial, and she has published a prequel novella to the series called, Demon Hunt. She is also working on a new series of novels, A God’s Deception.
Aside from writing, she loves reading (fantasy, of course), watching movies with her family, and watching YouTube videos with her daughter. Visit her site for more information and a free copy of Shadow Stalker Part 1 (Episodes 1 – 6): http://reneescattergood.com
Contact Info
Website/Blog: http://reneescattergood.com/
Speculative Fiction Spot: https://specfictionspot.blogspot.com.au/
Promotional Team Sign Up – Renee’s Shadow Stalkers: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16rTPYCAwDq5cpyxHfphx0-x6ka9C7DWoJsdgYa2CyAw/viewform
Mailing Lists – Get a free book with each!
Monthly Newsletter: http://www.subscribepage.com/ReneeWrites
Giveaways & Goodies: https://www.subscribepage.com/reneewritesgiveaways
New Release Announcements: https://www.subscribepage.com/reneewritesnewrelease
Author Pages
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00NTJY1W2
Smashwords Author Page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/rscatts
BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/renee-scattergood
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8507658.Renee_Scattergood
Social Media Profiles
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/reneescatts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReneeScatts
Living under the tyranny of the Galvadi Empire is torture, but Auren is determined to end the nightmare, regardless of the cost to herself.
Auren is once again a prisoner of the Galvadi on Nadiria, or at least that she wants Emperor Zavix to believe. It’s the only way to get close enough to him to kill him and then take control of the people.
To succeed in her mission, she must push her new power to the limit, but the more she uses her it, the more addictive it becomes. Unfortunately, stopping is not an option, but if she can focus on her goals, maybe she won’t lose herself.
Ebook $0.99
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VFQM7HN
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadow-stalker-renee-scattergood/1132571768
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Renee_Scattergood_Shadow_Stalker_Coup_Episode_22?id=70qjDwAAQBAJ
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/shadow-stalker-coup-episode-22-1
iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1473558101
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/949591
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