It's almost been a month since my last post!   I cannot believe that it's been so long.  Honestly, August into September tends to be a time warps as it is.  Vacations (camped for 10 days, did the Mackinaw Bridge walk), school (finding the routine that works), sports (coaching for my kids, watching meets, attending games, running practices), work... yea pretty much every aspect of my life.  Now add that to my obsessions with writing and here I sit a month later going where did the last 30days go.  I'm am not complaining, by no means.  Although it would be nice to have more time to write, but there are only 24hours in a day and I do use as many of them to write as I can when I'm not doing the other stuff.

I am pleased to say that I do see the light for The Shadow Dragon series!!  Not that I want it to be over, but I do want it to be published!  It's not going to happen this year, because slowly,  and surely (through the hard way) I am learning the significance of patience. (HA Ha ha...) I did hand off Story 13 to my "editors", got it back, and finished fixing it - which of course allowed me to make it longer.  Partly because of the points that were made and partly because I could see some things that I missed - well you would have missed because I didn't write it in.    I also re-read Not Human (which was solely for fun).  I had been in my car when the song Far Away by Nickelback came on the radio.  Which is the song that helped me breathe life into the images in my head for the ending of that book.  So of course feeling those emotions again I had to read the story.

So there's my last thirty days.  It's not that I haven't been writing, it's because I am writing.  If I can be writing that is what I'm doing, or something that will hopefully make my writing better.  

Came across this quote the other day and it made me smile (I thought "Yep!").  So I went and found this on the web:

What keeps you writing?

On a blog I follow (Linda S. Glaz), the question was posted "What keeps you writing?"

My answer:  "I keep writing because I can't stop the flow of ideas that enter my mind. Inspiration is everywhere, and I love it. I didn't believe in myself as a writer for far too long, and now I live with the regret of listening to someone else's dream crushing mouth. I know that not everyone will like my writing, which is only fair since I don't like every author's writing either. I know being an indie writer makes it hard to be found, but I also know that I'm doing something I love and it makes me happy. Every moment I can spend time writing an adventure that I created is one more moment that I am smiling. God blessed me with this talent and I will not give up on my dream ever again. :) What keeps you writing?"

Reviews like the following are what help me to not lose faith in my ability:  

"I really loved this book and had a hard time putting it down. As in her other books this writer kept me captivated, every time I thought I figured out where the story was going another twist or turn took me in a new direction. I especially enjoyed the ending."  (Not Human review found at Smashwords)

"I sooooo enjoyed this series and I would love it if there was a third book. I have two young kids and it took alot of willpower to put this down when they needed attention."  (Taken review found at Barnes&Nobles)

"The action and adventure that Karissa has is refreshing.  I love that she is strong and capable.  I highly recommend this book."  (Solace:Uncharted Territory review found at iBooks)


One person sharing that they really enjoyed the adventure that I wrote brightens my whole day.   Maybe it's the hopeless romantic in me - and the fact that I write with my heart and soul - but those few words grip tight to my heart and energize me.   It isn't the reason I write, but it sure keeps me believing that I am doing something amazing, something more than I ever thought I could!

I love writing.  Honestly, I'm not sure I could ever stop.  There always seems to be something to be told.  In the last 24 hours I have added 10,000words to a story that I was seriously worried wasn't going to make it into a novel.  It's still not long enough, but the way it is all coming together, the excitement that is building within me, the clarity that I am seeing the story with leaves no doubts that it will be long enough.  And on top of that I have two other books that have awakened from their simmering, and the book I received back from my "editors" is awaiting it's sequel.  

So now I pass the question on to you.  Whether it be journal entries, novels, short stories, poetry, published works, writings you will never let anyone else read...   What keeps you writing? 

1st review for "Heart of the Emperor"

My first review (on Apple) for Heart of the Emperor:

"A friend of mine convinced me to read this book. I was a little leery since I sometimes have a hard time reading sci fy books. This book, I read in 2 settings! From Page 1 I couldn't put it down! It kept me guessing and I had to finish it to find out what happened. Great read! I will definitely look for more books from this author!"

This is why I write!  I love being able to share a story that draws a person in and keeps them trying to figure out where the adventure is going to go.  I am so happy to see this!  

"Heart of the Emperor" is now in paperback!

Heart of the Emperor is now selling for $13.99 at CreateSpace.com(click here for the page) and Amazon (Click here for page).  It took me little longer than I had anticipated, and I apologize.

I did get a little sidetracked by Story 13, Story 16, and The Shadow Dragon series.   I am proud to say that Story 13 is in the hands of my "Editors" and I am happy with "The Shadow Dragon" series so far.

With that being said, I've also been very much enjoying the summer: writing, hanging out with the kids, picking strawberries and raspberries, hiking, practicing Tai Chi, reading...   Haven't been to the beach yet, but we'll get there.  I am so looking forward to camping in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan!  I love camping (and yes the kids and I use a tent), but there is just something so amazing about going north to the UP.  Everything feels better.  I like to joke and say it's in my genetics (my grandpa is from the Copper Harbor area), or that it's because of all the forests and the air is just fresher there.    Whatever the reason, my whole being fills with the most wonderful feeling of peace and harmony and the energy that surges is awe inspiring.  As you probably already guessed, I do not take a break from writing.  Honestly I think that is impossible.  (I read this quote a while back)

  So true, and when I'm camping my imagination just opens (a great feeling) and well, yea.  Alright enough babbling.  I hope you enjoy the day!  :)

World Cup

You know me, I love posting about people doing amazing things - creating their dreams.   World Cup 2014 is no different.  (Granted I might be a little biased because I love soccer [best game ever played], played it for 10 years). Although I am a little disappointed in the coverage of post World Cup.  The goal alone should be plastered everywhere if you ask me.  I am very happy for the German's, but more so for Gotze who scored that goal.  (And what do I see the next day?  Pictures of his girlfriend model.  Really?!)  I mean that goal was phenomenal.  He's 22years old, playing in the World Cup!!  Scoring the only goal in that game.  And it wasn't a cheap shot, it wasn't a penalty shot, it was a well earned goal!  There are a lot of haters out there as far as Germany being the winner, but they played outstandingly in all their games.  Sure Argentina should have won because the Cup was in South America, and everyone else loves Messi (I do love the way his first name is pronounced).  I haven't decided if he wasn't happy about winning that award because he didn't win the Cup (sore loser) or if he thought someone else should have won it because he didn't play his best?  I hope it's the latter, because with all the hype I was not impressed.  I know it's hard to watch soccer for some people (mostly because of all the grown men acting like babies so they can get a free kick - not a fan of that), and honestly since I've been coaching recreational soccer I was so much more sucked into the games than ever before.  Germany came out strong in overtime, I thought they dominated Argentina, but how can anyone argue against that goal.  It alone deserved the World Cup.   Yes I am babbling my way through all this just so I can connect you to one of the most amazing game winning goals I have ever seen!  So here it is:



http://www.espnfc.us/video/highlights/114/video/1948865/gotzes-game-winning-goal-lifts-germany

Just an update

I hope you have enjoyed the summer this far.  It's been a crazy summer.  Some of which has helped with my writing world and some that has hindered it.  I finished reading The Shadow Dragon manuscripts and I am very pleased with all the red ink.  (Normally not a good thing.)  The story continues to grow and I am liking it.  I've also started yet another story.  Right now labeled Story 16.  Over a four day period I wrote 25,000 words, but I had to stop.  I need to go back and revise like crazy.  A couple of people decided they were going to change their part in the story so I have to fix the beginning so they can be who they want to be.   I picked up Story 13 just to take a glimpse at it and well...  I can't put it down.  I'm reading it and find myself in complete awe that I wrote it.  It's not like I don't know what's going to happen but I still can't wait to get there.   So, I think it's safe to say that I will be handing it to my "editors" very soon!  So expect another countdown in a couple of months.  Woo Hoo!  Although I do still have to come up with a cover idea and Title.  HA HA HA....  ugh.  Always more work to be done.  As long as I keep writing, I'll keep smiling!

Have a wonderful day!

Heart of the Emperor!!

Woo Hoo!!!  Everything went perfectly.  My 8th book, Heart of the Emperor, is now on sale at Smashwords, Barnes&Nobles, Apple, and Kobo!  If you have a Kindle, no worries.   You can download the Mobi file from Smashwords to your computer and then transfer it to your Kindle (it's that easy).  Thank you all, for your support and believing in my dream too!  I really do hope you enjoy this story.



FYI: The paperback book isn't ready just yet.  Hopefully next week.  I will let you know as soon as it is selling at Amazon and CreateSpace.

Less than a day to go!

Wow!  Can you believe I have another book being released?  Tomorrow!  Me either!  I never imagined when I wrote Taken that I would continue writing.  I did start another book while I was working on Taken, but never did I think I would keep writing.  And never in my wildest dreams did I foresee publishing 8 books (with more on the way)!  Proud and impressed can't even begin to describe it!  Sorry, I'm a little excited.  Let's get back to Heart of the Emperor coming out tomorrow...well tonight really!  Ok, so, supposedly ( I say supposedly because I've never done Smashwords' pre-order before) my book will officially be on sale for 2.99 at 12:01am tonight.  Woo Hoo!  It should be at Barnes&Nobles, Apple, Smashwords, and Kobo (I am confident it will be since they are taking pre-orders).  I am excited to see how this works.


Oh, one more thing.  Since I've only posted the long description on my blog, here is the short description for this book:

On a planet where the sun does not shine, a place where no other race is tolerated, in a patriarchal society where women are not soldiers, Commander Emma Matix finds herself forced to live. There is deceit and treachery, and she knows she must figure out what’s at the heart of the Emperor’s motives in order to save the Kamtra people’s lives - along with her own.

Hope you enjoy the adventure!!

"Love Runs Out" by One Republic

Just thought I'd share "Love Runs Out" by One Republic.  It hasn't inspired any writing, but I absolutely love this song.  I think it's safe to say that One Republic has been added to my favorite bands list.  I haven't heard anything I didn't like, and I love that they play more than just drums and guitars.  As you already know One Republic is the band who did "Secrets", which has brought inspiration to a few of my books, especially Solace: Lost.  This song "Love Runs Out" is very up beat, and it reaches into my soul and reminds me of how glad I am that I discovered my passion for writing.   I'm happy to say that I was not disappointed in the video, which is a rarity.  I think it is very artistically done.    Anyways, I hope you enjoy this song:

2 weeks!

Two more weeks until the release of "Heart of the Emperor"!

His ebony hair slid away from his face, revealing his eyes.  His eyes were the metallic orange that I had expected, but I had not been ready for their intensity or the chill that they brought.  

“Fear is good,” he stated in a deadly tone.

Maya Angelou

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me. 

 ~ Maya Angelou

When I was in college, a young woman read this poem in class.  I am so glad that she did.  She opened me to a writer whose words were written so simply, but I could not escape the power within them.  After hearing this poem I went out and found more of Maya Angelou's works.  I was not disappointed, she was a phenomenal writer.  I am sad to hear that she has passed away.  I am so thankful to have read her wisdom, her gift.  I hope you too have enjoyed what she has written.

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you."  ~ Maya Angelou

One month until the release of "Heart of the Emperor"

Very exciting stuff!  I have posted the first chapter of Heart of the Emperor!   You can find it in the tabs above or click here.   Smashwords has also began pre-order.  That is kind of cool.  I didn't think much about it, but now that I am right on the threshold of releasing my book, I decided to take advantage of it.  So if you click on Smashwords or Apple right now you can pre-order the book, plus - as always- you can read the first 20%.    It will eventually be at Kobo and Barnes&Nobles to pre-order too.   I'm also hoping to have the paperback ready by it's release date too, transitioning Apple's pages format to word had messed with the formatting so i have to go back to the library to re-format (ugh).  It's not hard, just tedious and time consuming.  I guess that's the price to being independent, and I'll pay that.  Anyways, I hope you check out "Heart of the Emperor".


Two other things.

One: As I was going through the "chapter" tabs I found that I had put chapter one of Blades of the Ytinu Srebas instead of chapter one for Marks of the Satrii.  Oops.  It's fixed now.   I apologize for that err.

Two:  What would be a blog from me if I didn't give you an update of everything else too!  I started reading through a hard copy of book three for The Shadow Dragon and I did not hate chapter one!  YEAH!!!  Also, looking at the word counts for Book 3 and 4, I just might end up making it all book three.  I don't want to have to add information just to hit a word count because I think that the readers will notice and that will not make me or my readers happy.  However, I'm not anywhere near ready to hand them off to my editors so, we'll have to wait and see.  I've also been writing more on Story 15 - my attempt at a third person book (cringing).  I'm going to have to print off a copy to see if I can make sense of it and get my brain to see it properly.  I do like the story though, so I won't scrap it.   I've also been writing more on the Story 14 too.  I've also been trying to stay on top of my Facebook page (Click here) giving it more than just an update to my blog.

Less than six weeks!

In less than 6weeks Heart of the Emperor will be released.   I thought I'd share the blurb that will be used in the long description.  Hope it intrigues you:

The betrayal of Commander Emma Matix cost her everything. Now she’s in a predicament where she must trust a Kamtra man that is rumored to rip people apart with his bare hands. She has stared into his metallic orange eyes and knows that he is quite capable of killing anyone that stands in his way. She knows he loathes the human race. So why did he save her in the first place? Was it to strip her of her identity, torture her, use her against the human race? Or did he keep her alive simply to prove to all what he is actually capable of? There is always an ulterior motive to kindness. Perhaps if she can figure out what his is, she will be able to survive.

Inspiration from Imagine Dragons

I was working on The Shadow Dragon series and couldn't stop crying during this scene I was writing, which of course makes it harder to write. This particular scene came to life while I was listening "Demons" by Imagine Dragons. Sure hope I can convey the emotion that my characters feel in that scene. Right now I think you all would have laughed at my tears if you read it. In my defense, there is something about selfless sacrifice that gets me every time.  The forth book is currently just over 32,000 words (it isn't finished and I haven't re-read it yet).  The third book is 48,000 words and is waiting for me to go over the revision I made to the printed manuscript.  Both books are moving along.  Just thought I'd give you an update.  Oh and here's the song in case you wanted to listen to it:

A birthday surprise!

I love birthdays.  To me it his not about getting older, it's about, well, everything else.  Birthdays always energize me.  Today is my birthday and I am extra excited because I've finally done something I've wanted to do since I started writing.  I have made Taken (book 1 and 2) into one book.  I remember how hard the decision was to make the story two books.  Most of this decision was inexperience (obviously).  I was impatient - I couldn't wait to publish it.  So since I had the first half of the story finished, and was still working on the second half, I decided to go ahead and publish.  Although, I must say people have loved it as two books (it is still my biggest seller), plus I wouldn't have two amazing covers, and I think I would have had a harder time with subtitling it.  Oh the nightmare of coming up with a new title if I didn't subtitle it ("Taken" is a popular title).  I cringe at the thought.

I wanted to do this a long time ago.  My biggest setback was I didn't know what to do with the cover.  Did I use the first one, the second one, the back from the paperback...?  I tried putting both covers on the one cover, you know one cover on one half, the other cover on the other half with a sold or blurred line running between the two.  I didn't like that at all - not vertically, not horizontally, not slanted.  This was so frustrating.  A few days ago as I was attempting to make myself like the half&half cover (because I wanted to have this out on my birthday) when another idea occurred to me.  I merged them.  Yea, yea, I know, it's still half&half.  (I'm sticking my tongue out in a child-like manner.) But now it flows together.  Two books as one!  If you're familiar with the story then you understand the importance.

I don't know if it will be at Barnes&Nobles, Apple, or Kobo today, but it is at Smashwords (selling for $4.99)!  I know you're probably sick of seeing me write how much I love Smashwords.   But I am not going to stop.  I just love what Mark Coker has done.   He had a dream and now he's helping other people achieve theirs.  If I don't support that, then why am I writing at all?   Life is about dreams: yours and mine.  It's passion that makes us love our lives - no matter what else is going on.

What better present for me than to do this!  So today I give you the story, that allowed me to realize my passion, in one book!

National SuperHeroes Day!

This is a fun day!  I love superheroes for the ideals that they stand for.  Sure, it would be impossible for us to ever become like most of them.  However, to strive to do what's good, to stick up for - even protect - others, and help those around us are very tangible.  In honor of this day that brings a smile to my face, here are my top ten.   Keeping in mind that there are a lot of Superheroes to choose from and even more everyday heroes, here's my list.  Feel free to add more in the comment section!

1) WonderWoman when she had pre-superman abilities.  I don't particularly like what they have turned her into.
2) It's a tie with Batman and Superman.
3) NightWing
4) BlackWidow
5) BatGirl (I only read the Cassandra Cain series when my son said "Mom read this, I think you'll really like it" and he was right - she was awesome)
6) Flash
7) Captain America (He's a gentleman and a hero - what's not to love)
8) Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)
9) Robin (Teen Titans/Young Justice)
10) Wolverine

My list could go on, and I'm sure if I was reminded of a few others I would have to rethink my list, but these have been my favorite since I was a child - minus BlackWidow and Captain America.  I didn't grow up Marvel, but now that they have been formally introduced into my realm they definitely have found their way to my top list.   Have a great day!  :)

2 months until "Heart of the Emperor"

There are 2 months left until the Heart of the Emperor is released!  So what better way to get you guessing about this book than posting the cover.  So here it is:

Yes, I did the cover art, and yes, everything on the cover has something to do with the story!

This week has not been a good week for the writer in me.  It was my kids' Spring Break, I worked, and Robert had a birthday.  I didn't do hardly any writing.  I don't know about other writers, but me personally, I get irritable when I don't get to write.  I have so much going on in my head that everything else is hard to focus on.  It should be the other way around, I know.  We did have a lot of fun though!  Saw Captain America.  Great Movie! The movie was action packed, it didn't lull at all.   I love that honor has so much meaning to Captain America.  He's always looking to do what's right, no matter what it might cost him.   

Since my last post, I have done quite a bit though.  I'm jumping around in my newest book, trying really hard not to get upset.  I can see the story so clearly, but getting it down on paper is proving difficult.  I don't have the option to give up, because I wake up in the morning thinking about this story.   I'm about half way through Story 13 and quite happy with it, and I can see the next book in that story pulling itself together.  The cover for Heart of the Emperor is almost finished!   I started reading through the hardcopy for The Shadow Dragon book 3 and I hate the beginning of Chapter 1 so much that I haven't looked at it since (I almost through it across the room).  I'm also trying to read a couple of books that are by other indie writers.  So far I like them.   

Despite all that I can't stop feeling as though more writing needs to done.  I need to print this picture a friend of mine sent me and put it everywhere: 

After all if the Avengers think I should, who am I (or my kids) to argue?  (I know I'm more of a DC girl, but a great job has been done making these hero's awesome, even in my eyes!)

My Covers

When I read a book, I love discovering how the cover ties into the book - where does the cover fit during the story.  When I design my covers it has everything to do with the story.  Each of my covers has a lot of thought behind it, it is never just thrown on there.  The cover is pulled from the story itself.   I decided that I would use this blog to talk through my covers.  My choices.  

Taken's covers were done by Tammy Boneburg, a very talented graphic artist.  We worked together on that cover.  It was a long process, because I partially knew what I wanted but didn't know how to translate, I didn't know what could be done.  She obviously worked with me (with lots of patience) until we found something that I loved.  I only really knew that the marks of the Satrii had to be on the cover.  She did her best to give it to me.  When she showed me the picture of the eye with the lines layered over it, I knew we had something to work with.  She had given me four other pictures, but the eye was perfect.  Especially since I knew that book 2 was going to be following right behind.  I knew I wanted to keep the eye on both so that the reader would know they were together.  I think she did a magnificent job understanding where I wanted the focus.  Not only did she keep focus on the eye for both books, but she also allowed for the focus to be on the blue lines for the first book and on the second book were the blades that contained a power of their own.

Solace was a bit more difficult because I knew exactly what I wanted, which wasn't the cover it has now.  I probably could go back and try again (and be more successful), but I love the new cover because it allows me to keep book 2 (and hopefully future books for this story) similar to the original book.  The swirling shades of grey, black, and white is actually a scene in the first book.  It also defines the title of Uncharted Territory.  A story where what has always been as clear as black and white to Karissa now becomes blurred into dizzying shades of grey.   Book 2's cover also has significance.  The purple swirl is a scene where Karissa is looking into swirling mist where large flashes of bright red bubble up just like Omatha's rage.  She is reminded of the times she saw the red enter Omatha's eyes and she knows that she does not want that for Jack.  The swirl once again symbolizing Karissa's confusion, how lost she has become.

The Shadow Dragon covers are also significant.  Even if I had the ability to manipulate the cover better than I can, I would still only put the orbs of fire on the black background.   The cover is pretty much self explanatory and at the same time mysterious.  I had asked Mike Kirsten to make the cover for book 2 because he is an extraordinary artist and I was in awe of what he could do.  I knew he could draw the dragon I wanted.  I wish the wings were bigger, but other than that it is perfect.  It shows the strength, the destructive ability, and that he is a dragon of death.  We kept the orbs of fire in the dragon, tying the two covers together.

Not Human came to me in my sleep.  My hope was that when the reader read the book they would comprehend the cover.  They would think, "Oh!  I get it."  They'd understand why the lines are not smooth, why she has silver circles on her skin, how she ended up with two gashes, why her hair was short.  They would also know that Rose's journey was not an easy road.

I have a working computer again!  YEAH!!!  This makes my writing life so much better!   So, I've been working on a few things over the last week.  Go figure, right?  I've spent time trying to understand photo editing so that I can improve upon the cover for Heart of the Emperor.  I'm a slow learner, but I am determined to figure it out.   I have a cover, but I'm not totally happy with it.  It will work, but I think it would look better with a couple of changes.  I'm hoping to get that out to you later this month.

Speaking of Heart of the Emperor.   I wanted to share why I really enjoyed writing this book.    For those of you familiar with my books, you know that my stories tend to keep you guessing.  Whether it's a character, how an event plays out, or how I get the story as a whole from beginning to end, I try to make it as intriguing as I can.  This book is no different.  In fact with this book, the bad guy was a surprise to me too.  As the end began to draw near, I couldn't wait to finish it.  Not because I was bored with writing it, but because I couldn't wait to see how it ended.  There were so many possibilities to who the bad guy was - it really could have been anyone.

 I'm still plucking away at my attempt at a story in 3rd person.  Who knew this could be such a challenging task.  The story is developing, but I know I've left so much out.  Up until this point I've been hand writing this book.  However my mom typed it up for me so I could  work on my other stories.  She told me that i really need to take another look at it.  Apparently I slipped into and out of 1st person.  I just shook my head.   I'm not giving up yet though - I always did like a good challenge.  Yesterday I began fixing the revisions for story13, which I am hoping will be ready to go to my editors when I'm done.   I've also added more to story 14.   Tomorrow I'm printing off The Shadow Dragon book 3.   I really want to get it done so I can  move on to book 4 and get those two books out to you.

Another book! (and update)

I apologize for the lack of blogs.  I was stuck in an blah/not happy-type rut, that seemed impossible to get out of.  It's times like those that I can't find anything to say.  However, after several days of forcing myself to not let my mood control me, I am re-energized!   Now onto wonderful news. 

I am excited to announce that my next book Heart of the Emperor will be out June 21st!  It's about time, right? 

I have also finished The Shadow Dragon book 3.  I still need to add a few more details because of the new information that unfolded as I finished fixing the revisions.  I am happy that I was handed story 13 and told to read through it again to fix the large amount of stupid errors because more things came to light both in this book and for its sequel.   I have also started to play with a book that I am trying to write in third person.  I have started typing it, I'm still trying to see it through different eyes - as opposed to only the female protagonist.  This is turning out to be a bigger challenge than I had expected.  I read books written in third person and try to take notes, but I get sucked into the story and see it as first person.  So don't hold your breath yet, since I may not be able to do this.  Plus, I have started to work on Story 14 (the one that I hand wrote),  I am impatiently waiting to work on book 4 for The Shadow Dragon (my son laughed at me when I told him I was still working on book three, but really wanted to be working on book four), Story 3 is sitting on my desk patiently waiting for me to have time for it (but with story 14 and 15 demanding attention I probably won't get to that anytime soon). 

So this song is not what I normally listen to, but I heard it on the radio and I couldn't change the station. First I was like this is a strange song. However, as I continued to listen to it, images that I see while I'm writing moved through my mind - sort of like a trailer to my books. There is definitely something about this song that reaches into me and evokes the desire that my writing comes from. I'm kinda addicted to the song now.  ( I posted this among my friends on FB.  However the more I listen to this song the more mind has dwelled in the story Solace.  (Could be the words made their way into my brain.)

As usual the video doesn't move me at all, but I wanted to share this song with you.  It actually could be the overlay song to Solace.  While I'm listening to the song, I can visualize (in book 1) when Jack and Karissa first meet and they know that the other is dangerous, and cannot be left to live - but they do not get to make that decision.  I see them as they battle against one another.  Which then moves into the moment Jack realizes that Karissa is not the awful woman he had thought.  He sees her in the Kasstah and is taken aback by the brief moments of her kindness - even as she continues to call him Creature and act as though that is all he is (a creature).  As the clues begin to piece together (seeing her scars, sees her reaction to touch), he looks beyond himself and strives to be kind to her.  I see the brief moment whenhe realizes that maybe, just maybe, she could be a brighter light than the darkness that she has brought to so may others and he knows that he "needs to love..."   Throughout the song the second book makes itself shown as Karissa struggles with what to do with this man that she thinks is crazy for wanting to stay with her, when she knows she must keep him safe which means that he needs to be far away from her.   A glimpse of her tears as she understands that he is someone that she can trust, but knows that he will die if he continues to stay with her. Which is shown  when she injures him, but he still will not allow her to be what Omatha has forced her to be.  She watches Jack fall as the deadly woman in the lake assesses the situation.   Tears fill her eyes and she closes them, but when she opens them she is no longer afraid.  She looks upon Jack's face as she entwines her fingers with his, forcing their palms together.  It is "madness" but she understands that here in the end she needs it to not be too late. 

 The music pulls the emotion of the characters: their frustration, their anger, and yes, their love.  While at the same time (the music) strews together the different images of how the characters change throughout their journey, leaving no doubt in the mind that the characters feel very strongly for each other.  

That summary doesn't do justice to what I see, but it gives you a glimpse I hope.   Sometimes I think how cool would it be if there was a device that would allow me to show exactly what it is that I see and feel during these moments.

 

 

Story nine

Woo Hoo!  I finally have Story 9 back from my editors!  I've already begun to fix the revisions.  I am enjoying the story immensely.  I haven't read it since July so it's easy from me to forget that I wrote it.  I keep finding myself having to leave the library for one reason or another (kids, work, library closing) and not wanting to quit reading it.  I was up all night (literally, I slept an hour if I'm lucky) last night and now when I should be sleeping I'm here at the library because I couldn't wait to read more.   However, I can't start reading until I do everything else that I needed to do first.   Plus, knowing that this should be the last read through for Story 9 before it goes to copyright also adds to my excitement. 

When I'm not at the library, or being a mom, or teaching Tai Chi, I've been working on my newest book (story 14).  I wish I  could work on the computer with it, but first comes story 13 and The Shadow Dragon book 3.  Yesterday afternoon I started hand writing another story.  I know, finish what you've started, but the characters get impatient with me and it's hard to work on anything else.  The funny thing is, I've been going back and forth on buying a new laptop (or more to the point: how much money to spend on it), and part of me was concerned with what if I've written all my stories and then I have this awesome computer, but did I need to spend that much.  So when this new story began to consume my thoughts, I had to smile.  Of course, I'm not done yet.  This is what I love.   It's the insanity that keeps me sane.   I know, I know.   I am using the word sane very loosely. 

Made it to the Library! Yeah!

I've finally spent some serious time at the library! I cannot describe how happy I am right now! Thursday I finally made it to the point in The Shadow Dragon Book 3 where I get to start writing again (the part I am most excited about).  Friday morning my mom tells me I need to take another look at Story 13, because "the writing was too raw for it to have been one of my finals.  Ugh.  When she showed me all the oopses (typos, places where I changed things and forgot to delete what I changed, strange sentences, and several other things), I was very embarrassed.  So I decided since that story is so much closer to done, I would fix that up first.  I was very annoyed with myself, but I figured it was a good punishment to have to put The Shadow Dragon aside. (Hopefully I won't do that ever again -  I know over-confidence is not a good thing)  However, re-reading Story 13 has given me an awesome feeling.  I'm re-reading the book, fixing the oopses, and saying: "I wrote this?!" (in a good way)  I read 56 pages of my manuscript on Friday alone! I was so into the story that I had to keep backing up because I forgot to fix my mistakes, and I did not want to leave the library.    I know I've said this before, but it's a wonderful feeling to read something I've written and just be in disbelief that I created it.  The other awesome thing that makes this all so exciting is it means I'll get back to The Shadow Dragon in a few more days (as long as I can get to the library).  I've also been brainstorming cover ideas for Story 14, all this snow is just so beautiful and inspiring!  Best Michigan winter in a long time!   Well that's everything for now!  I am loving the time and opportunity I've had this past week to work on my books!  Yeah!!! 

Wanting to get to the library

Wow, this month is really cutting into my writing time.  I have been unable to get to the library.  There have been snow days (which I love because I get to hang out with my kids), cold days (sub-zero), and busy days.  This week though  I was stuck in bed for an entire day and not because I wanted to be there.  My joints hurt, I wasn't hungry, I hadn't the energy to do anything.  In fact it was so bad that the "voices in my head" had become silent.   Silent for two complete days.  It's kind of crazy, but I didn't like not having my brain thinking about a book I was working on.  We joke at home about me hearing voices.  I always have three or four stories that my brain is thinking about.  When I was asked about how I keep the stories separated I replied they're all very different.  It's like how I don't get my friends, kids, or peers' lives confused.   So they all have a different "voice"?  I again replied of course they do, and their own worlds with their own pasts and realities.  In good humor, I was told it isn't normal to hear voices in your head.  I laughed, of course.  Normal is boring.    However I must admit that I had not realized how normal it had become to constantly be thinking about the next character, the next twist, the next adventure until they weren't there.  The second day, I was still achy and not hungry, but not being able to brainstorm ideas was a horrible experience.  I was actually trying to jump start the thoughts, but to no avail.  A very unsettling moment for me.   The third day, I woke up both hungry and brainstorming!  I thought ahh, now this feels good.  My body wasn't up to going to the library, but at least my spirits were good.  And that is half the battle to feeling better.   With all this being said I still haven't done much of anything productive, but I'm not upset about that because the ideas are flowing.

You'll be happy to hear that the loudest ones are those surrounding the The Shadow Dragon book 3!  I really can't wait to pull all the details together so that I can share them with you.   I have five manuscripts in my backpack waiting to go to the library so that I can fix the revisions (so missing my computer right now) and keep moving on.  I have also handed Story13 off two of my editors.  My mom finished typing up my handwritten manuscript for story 14 (20,500 words), and I have read through it.  It needs a lot of work but for it being my first draft and having been handwritten (which as I think I've said already, is not fast enough for my creative mind) I am impressed with what is there.  I also had a thought for my Story 3 that may make it possible to e-publish, but I have to get to the library to see if it will work.  I have one section of that story almost finished (I read through it and made very few revisions/edits - yeah!)  Although I can't make that section a book one.  I mean I could - I was actually going to - but as a reader I wouldn't like it.  And if I wouldn't like it, then I'm definitely not going to try and sell anyone on it. 

Well that's what's been going on.  I hope to get back to the library soon and put in some serious hours on my stories and get things moving again.

What to do...

Okay so I  thought I had it all figured out.   Then I sat down and I don't know where I want to start.  What am I talking about?  My mother wanted to refresh her typing skills and offered to type up Story 14 for me.  I was a little reluctant because I need to learn to read and type.  However it was a really slow process that was not leaving me with a feeling of accomplishment.  Plus, I realized that with her typing it up for me, I would have time to work on another book.  I was very excited at the prospect.   Then I didn't know where to start.  I sat down and listed my books and was sad to see that out of 14 stories I had only published 4 of them.  (Reminder: When I say stories I mean story lines.  I have a total of 7 books published, but three of them belong to an already existing story line.)  I starred the published titles with a pout, feeling that I hadn't accomplished much.  4 of 14 seems rather dismal, which also made me feel that I finish nothing that I start.  That would not do.  I then put a line by the stories that are finished and ready to be edited.  That gave me three more stories.  Okay so now I'm half way.  7 of 14  Now those numbers are a little more reasonable.  Most of the incomplete stories are (by word count) almost novels, a couple are over 100,000 words already.  I also had to remind myself that it's not that the stories are a result of writers block, but it has been the lack of time to finish.  As you already know, once an idea grows in my mind I can only ignore it for so long before I have to write it.  I suppose this is when people who write outlines have an advantage over me.  Plus, I design and do my covers, minus three so far.  So before I came down to the library, I sat down and listed the Story #'s that I have written.  I included the Title(main characters when the story didn't have a title), how many books per title have been written (or are in the process of being written), and word count.  I must say that - in the almost 4years I've been writing - I am extremely impressed with myself.   Each story line is a completely different adventure.  A different place, a different time.  So far I think the only similarity is that each story is it is a sci-fi/fantasy adventure with a love story entwined into it.  Again, leaving me to marvel at just how amazing the mind really is.   Now, I'm going to get started on finishing one of those stories before I have to work on something else! 

"The Shadow Dragon" update (1/13/14)

Finished the first draft of The Shadow Dragon(book 3): Darkness.  I was so ecstatic when I finished, that I know I'm making the right decision with turning book three into book three and four.  Granted I have a lot of writing to get book 4 done now.  However the way the storyline keeps growing I don't foresee that to be a problem - especially since writing is my favorite part!  Plus by splitting what started as book three into two books I'll be able to get the book out sooner.  Woo Hoo!  I'm going to print off book three once I finish reading the book I'm currently reading.  For me, it's a good idea to hold off on reading the hard copy so that I can let the additions to the story simmer in my mind and grow.   I was going to dive into book four but I think that I'm going to hold off until I re-read book three.  Plus, story 14 is whispering to me again.  The problem with that is I have to type it up now.  I'm hoping that isn't going to be as big of a chore as I think it is.   Being self-taught with typing, I do not type what I'm reading (or anything else) nearly as quickly as I do when I just type a story from my mind.  It is truly fascinating how amazing the brain is. 

One last thing, I wanted to share this photo I took on one of my walks last week when Michigan was blessed with all that beautiful snow!

The winter's in Michigan can be so inspiring and absolutely breathtaking! 

"I had a dream so big and loud..."

I love the song I've posted below.  No, it didn't inspire a new book, but I've decided to make this my song for everyday (cause it's going to be a great year)!  I loved this song the moment I heard it.  I posted the lyrics beneath the song and the lines I've highlighted are the reasons that I love this song, then when I saw the group was called American Authors, I became more excited.  I know, it's coincidence.  However the words and the music sum up my writing experience and I knew I had to share it with you.

I had a dream so big and loud
I jumped so high I touched the clouds 

I stretched my hands out to the sky
We danced with monsters through the night

I'm never gonna look back
Woah, never gonna give it up
No, please don't wake me now

This is gonna be the best day of my life 

 

I howled at the moon with friends
And then the sun came crashing in
But all the possibilities
No limits just epiphanies

I'm never gonna look back
Woah, never gonna give it up
No, just don't wake me now

This is gonna be the best day of my life
My life

I hear it calling outside my window
I feel it in my soul
The stars were burning so bright
The sun was out 'til midnight
I say we lose control

This is gonna be the best day of my life
My life

This is gonna be, this is gonna be, this is gonna be
The best day of my life
Everything is looking up, everybody up now
This is gonna be the best day of my life
My life

Happy New Year (2014)

I am so excited for this year!   My writing goals are to publish at least three books and complete at least two more (I'm hoping to complete more than that, but I'll be happy with completing two).  I've already written the guts to another story (Story 14)  It still needs a lot of work, but I hand-wrote it since my computer is not going to be working again anytime soon - if ever again.  After I finish up The Shadow Dragon series, I'm going to type up Story 14 and begin the modifications.  There is so much going on in this book, I'm curious to to see how it turns out.  I have to admit that handwriting a story kinda of sucks.  It's slow and when I change my mind, the paper becomes very messy.  I will miss my computer, but I will not dwell on that.  I will do what needs to be done and keep on writing.   I've enjoyed the time hanging out with my kids over the last week and a half.  I have only made it to the library twice over the last two weeks, which, although it drove part of me absolutely insane (not being able to work on The Shadow Dragon series), the other part of me has loved every minute of being with my kids.  Although taking up the pen and writing Story 14 when they were not with me did help settle my mind a huge amount.  With lots to do and a cheery disposition I am looking forward to the new year.  Happy New Year!

Now in paperback!!

You can now get the following books in paperback at CreateSpace and Amazon (which is totally awesome because it usually takes a week or two)!  And of course as always they are available in ebook at Barnes&Nobles, Apple, Smashwords (in most formats), Kobo, Diesel, and Sony.

What people are saying about Not Human:

"I will start by saying, this is not my usual type of book. I'm not much for action or science fiction. But there were good relationships that developed, and especially the middle part of the book was very good. The action scenes were pretty intense too, it's just not the kind of thing I get into. If you like a story with heart AND action, give it a try."

"Great book and story! Read all of this up and coming authors books, and she never lets me down! Very creative story. Sci-fi at its best! Real page turner, I highly recommend."

"This book may not be for everybody, but it's great entertainment for the price. The author does a great job of "painting" the picture in your mind, you can't help but root for Rose and Zatak - be ready for twists and turns, the ending will surprise you!"

"I enjoyed the book as a whole, the writer adds plenty of energy. The beginning of the book was so filled with excitement. The middle dragged a bit for me and then the ending came back with a punch. As with all the books from this writer I was not disappointed."

What people are saying about The Shadow Dragon: Orbs of Fire:

"I couldn't put it down. Loaded with adventure, the character's so unique a story so worth reading. I look forward to the next book, which I watch for.The writer has a wonderful imagination."

 What people are saying about The Shadow Dragon: Aleksertac:

"I READ BOTH BOOKS AND LOVED THEM. I WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE..Great story this has been my favourite from this writer so far. I have read all her books and enjoyed them all."

"This book kept me wanting for more. I could not put it down. This author really has a talent for capturing the readers attention and taking them on a mind gripping ride of suspense, danger, fantasy, and love. I highly recommend."

Story 13 update

Just a quick note:

Yeah!!  Finished my revisions on Story 13!!  It is just over 85,000 words.  Now I have to print it and get it to my "editors"!  Another new story almost ready for copyright.  Next year should be a good year for me as far as publishing goes.  I already have three in the waiting "to get through the Editors" stage, and tomorrow - hopefully - I'm going to start on The Shadow Dragon series, and I still have several stories to finish up and the ideas for othe books are brewing again too.  Plus I have The Shadow Dragon (books one and two) and Not Human almost ready to be in Paperback.  

Still working

Sorry it's been so long since I've written a blog.  This time of year always seems crazy.  The emotions, the chaos, the things that inevitably won't go right.   Despite all of that, I have been devoting as much of my spare time as I can to getting to the library so I can work on my books.  I have about ten more pages to revise on Story 13 and I'll be handing that off.   I'm also working hard to keep my goal of getting The Shadow Dragon (books one and two) and Not Human in paperback by the New Year.  I am really looking forward to working on The Shadow Dragon book 3 (and hopefully four). 

I know, not a lot to report on.  It seems life sometimes slips the rug out from underneath me and I have to work hard to get back up.  One of my favorite lines is from Batman Begins: "Do you know why we fall?  So we can learn to get back up."  My daughter asked me this morning about life (in general).  Is life great or does it suck.  I smiled to myself and replied, life is as great as you want it to be.  It all comes down to how you're going to perceive it.  Your attitude will decide if life sucks or if life is great.   She replies (with her big toothless smile and her sparkling eyes), "Well I want life to be great."   While I was out for a hike today my mind reflected on that conversation.  I have to agree with her, I want life to be great.  I'm not where I would like to be (physically, emotionally, financially, nor locationally) and lately there seems to be a lot that wants to pull me down.  I've always seen my daughter as my wake up call in my life and once again she has caused me to re-evaluate.  Not my goals and dreams, quite the contrary.  What is it about aging that causes us to lose our optimistic perspective?  Sure we're more aware of the bad in the world, but why do we, ourselves, falter?  I, obviously, don't have the answer.  However, I am going to hold onto my dreams and strive to continue to be a positive influence for all those around me, especially my children.  

Things have a funny way of working out.  :)

Uhg.

Ugh.  It's official my computer is done with me.  I can no longer access anything.  I am having a rough end of the year.  I'm not going to complain to you though - don't worry.  I just thought I'd let you know what I am up to despite the setbacks.  I have changed the cover for "Not Human" at least for the paperback.  Apparently there was too much green in the photo and I couldn't get rid of it without making her sunburned.  (I am only an amateur in computer graphics.) So I was playing with exposure and came up with this:

I'm a big fan of black and whites, and to me this is beautiful.  So as far as my paperbacks go, I will hopefully have Not Human and The Shadow Dragon books 1 and 2 out in paperback in the new year.  Shortly I'm going to order the proofs of all three, make sure that I love them and then they'll be selling in paperback at amazon and createspace, which means I will have them on my book shelf!  (Yeah!)  Everything else is very slow going, since I am using the computer at the library it limits the time I have.  It would be great if I only had to write my books but such is not life, and of course the library isn't a 24hour facility.  I have picked up Story 3 again.  I think I'm going to cut it into a few smaller books.  With the learning and growing I've done as an author I think I can get this adventure off the ground.   I haven't actually looked at this story in over a year, but it's been whispering to me so I know I had better take a look.  Now that I have time in the evening with no computer I can read the printed manuscript.   I am still working on Story 13 and it is still growing.  The Shadow Dragon books have been simmering in my mind so as soon as I finish story 13, I will be working on that.  Unless of course I get Story 11 back from my busy friend - that will take precedence over everything. 

I am doing the best I can with what I have, and hopefully the books will keep coming so that no matter what I can put another story out there for you to enjoy! 

Book 11 update...errr...babbling

I started working on the cover for book 11!  I was pretty excited because I already knew what I wanted to do.  Unfortunately, it did not turn out the way I had pictured in my head.  In fact it looked horrible.   However, I came up with a few other ideas and after a couple of hours I created something that I liked.  It's simple, yet eye catching.  Now all I need is a Title!  Yep, darn thing.  I'm learning to laugh when I get to this point.  I can write full length novels, design my own covers (granted this isn't easy for me either, but I tend to enjoy the process), but coming up with a title is such an ordeal. 

My least favorite parts of writing a book are the title and the description.  These two things should be easy after all the work I put into the rest of it, but they're not.  I know I've complained about this in other blogs, so I'll keep it to a minimal.  I sure hope one day I laugh real hard about this.  I do laugh now, but not as heartily as I should (it's more of a "this is just ridiculous" laugh followed by "Grrr...").  I still have a little while because I'm still waiting for the third edited copy, but I seriously have no idea what to name it.  And yes, I'm stuck on the description too.
  
Me brainstorming the description:
"What's the book about?"  Sadly the first thing that comes to mind is: it's about a girl.  Ha ha, right?  A little humor: It's like in the first Spiderman movie when he says "every good story is about a girl."  Anyways, Story 11 is an adventure in space, obviously in the future, and nowhere near Earth.  The main character's name is Commander Emma Matix.   She takes on a mission, as a favor, to transport a deadly Kamtra prisoner.  She is led to believe that she is there for diplomacy, only to find that she's supposed to be a translator, but as things go awry, she's not sure that is the truth either.

See.  Ugh.  Lots of work still needed.  Well you've read my other descriptions, and they're not bad.  Granted I've had to change a couple of them because they were...not so good, and I'm certain that they're still not great.  Except maybe Taken's description since it is still my most downloaded book by a long shot.  The sales for that book have stayed consistent, and when I did the promo, it did over 3 times better in two weeks than it had done in a month a year ago May. 

Enough with the babbling.  At least now you know I have a cover and you know a little bit about the story.  It won't take me long to finish the writing process once I can sit down with my three edited copies.  It will take at least three months after that though due to the Copyright process, but at least when I finish the edits I will get to change my countdown clock!  Yeah!! 

Happy Halloween!

I hope you all get to enjoy being a kid and dressing up today (I'm dressing up like a biker chick - the rated G version), and maybe eat more candy than you should (I know I will be)!  

Scary things of the day.  1) Today is the last day to send me an email and get a free book!  Follow this link for more info.  2) I can't paint my daughter face or make it pink because of silly school rules.  (There was a lengthy list of no-no, and they only get to wear their costumes for a couple of hours.  Which I realized was very funny, because Kindergartners, middle schoolers, and high schoolers get to wear them all day.   3)  My oldest wasn't interested in dressing up.  Wake up call, again that he's getting older.  4) My computer will not allow me to work on my books so I only get another hour before I have to go and do other things to prepare for the rest of Halloween.  5) It's raining.  It's actually a beautiful rain that's wonderful for a lot of things (including hiking, running, soccer, dancing...) except for Halloween costumes.   I didn't say my list was a list of horrific things just scary... to me. 

Story updates: 
                    Story 13: started  reading it again last night. 
                   The Shadow Dragon:  Fixing the stupid errors in Aleksertac so I can put it and Orbs of Fire in paperback.  When I finish that, I will fix the revisions in the next book/s and then continue writing on that.  The thoughts are brewing and I am looking forward to having time to work on it!
                   Story 11 still waiting on my busy friend.  Hopefully though that will be ready for Copyright very soon.  Well once I get a title for it, of course.  Titles...Grr...
                  Story 9 has the same issue.   Which I guess is good, since I only have so much time at the library.  Ugh.
                 That's all I'm working on right now.  Story 10 and 12 are simmering in the back of my mind.  Story 4 frustrates me every time I try to sit with it.  Story 7 hasn't even interested me since I became sidetrack with with Story 8 (Not Human)  I also just realized that i have a book started that actually has a title and not a number it should have been 12, but umm...oops.   

I guess that's all for now.  I do want to work a little bit more on Aleksertac before I leave and take a walk in the beuatiful, warm rain.

Update on Story 13/ "The Shadow Dragon" series/reminder

I finished my first revision on Story 13!  I am going to do another read through because I added another 20,000 words to the story.  After I'm done, I am confident that after this next read through - and I fix those revisions - it will be ready for my "editors".  

I am also just over halfway through the next  The Shadow Dragon book.  It's better than I had thought it was and I'm very certain that it is going to be two books.  There is a lot of room for me to grow my newest character while still building the story's main characters.  I have to admit though, the pressure of not letting readers down sits a little heavier with each sequel.  I've read plenty of series books where I was disappointed with each book that was released.  I am trying to keep the adventure up, throwing in what I hope you won't see coming, while in other places letting you be happy that you knew what was coming.  This book/s is going to take a little longer to get out since I am not the fastest reader out there.  However reading a physical copy helps me step away from the fact that I wrote it.  This allows me to ask more questions about what is going on, notice discrepancies in the storyline, and see the overall ability of the action/adventure to keep me interested.

Just a reminder.  October 31st is the last day to take me up on my offer to buy you one of my books.  Want to know which books and how to get one follow this link!

One week left for a free book

One week left to get a free book!   You can choose from Taken:Marks of the Satrii, The Shadow Dragon: Orbs of Fire, or Not Human.  October 31st is the last day to take me up on this offer!   All you have to do is send an email to me (aschmidtbooks@gmail.com) with which title you'd like and which format you need or e-reader you have.  Really, it's that easy!   Below are the Titles and a description, above is the first chapter.

Taken:Marks of the Satrii:   Ava's day started out just like every other. She had no idea that when her best friend, Ashley, told her they were going out for a "girl's night" that her very normal life was about to take a turn that she never saw coming. She runs to the woods to escape the reality that she doesn't want to face, only to be hunted by shadows that shouldn't be there.

The Shadow Dragon: Orbs of Fire: When I was a child Alex took me to a Tournament, and ever since then I have been driven to become the greatest swordsman in all of Lord Vertas’ land. Alex taught me that to be a noteworthy swordsman I would have to train every day and endure the adversity of the world around me. However when orbs of fire make their presence known to me, my eyes are opened to a world that I didn’t know existed. A world where there are more than just mortals attempting to influence my future. Now, I must discover what is really important…if it’s not too late.  

Not Human:  In my fight for survival, my attempt to fit in, my desire to not become a horrific person I discovered that there are truths to my past that had been hidden from me, secrets that I was never supposed to learn. They thought they could manipulate me by preying upon my human weaknesses - my compassion, my need to belong, my desire to be loved. They expected the betrayal to cause me to kill for them.

My name is Rose Tronst and as my father once stated: A rose is delicate and beautiful, but when not handled with care will make you bleed.

Solace:Uncharted Territory:  (This book is a FREE book)   When Karissa is sent to Earth, she finds a creature named Jack. She is confident he will be the key to her freedom. In her hasty attempt to bring him before Omatha, she winds up in a tailspin of cataclysmic events that hurls her into uncharted territory. Could it be true that what she believes to be evil will be the one thing that saves her?
I hope those of you who have recieved a free book are enjoying the adventure!!

Just a reminder

Tomorrow I am putting "Taken:Marks of the Satrii" back to $2.99.  If you want to pick it up for FREE then you should go to Barnes&Nobles, Apple, Smashwords, Kobo, Diesel, or Sony and download a copy today (links are to the right).  

Unless of course, you want to shoot me an email (aschmidtbooks@gmail.com).  Then you have until the end of October to get it for FREE!  You've already read Taken, but would like a copy of The Shadow Dragon: Orbs of Fire, Not Human (which is a stand alone book), or Solace: Uncharted Territory (Actually this book is FREE everyday).  All you have to do is send an email to me before November 1st, let me know which title of the above listed, and format (or e-reader, I'll know which format).  I'll send you a copy and you will get to enjoy the next adventure!  Not sure which adventure to start.  A link to Chapter One for each book is above.  I look forward to hearing from you!

I'm about halfway through my revisions on Story 13 and am very happy with myself.  I did start writing a section that I had left blank because I didn't have that piece of the story, but I do now.   Have I mentioned that I love the revision process!   This week has not been the greatest for being able to write, but I am doing the best I can - trying hard to not get frustrated, because we all know how that only makes things worse. 

That's it for now.  Back to working on Story 13! 

More Computer Trouble

Ugh.  My computer is getting worse, making it very difficult to keep up with my goals.  At the moment, I am going to the library every morning after dropping my daughter off.  It sucks since I usually do most of my writing after the kids go to bed or before they wake up.  The day time is busy, especially now that my other job is picking up.  I really enjoy that job, but I love writing.  Why am I telling you all this.  Mostly to apologize for my lack of updates.  I once again, was going to put in a stronger effort to  blog more often.  

Now onto the updates:

I am now fixing my edits/revisions for story 13.  I have to admit I was pretty happy with the story for getting it written in two weeks.    There's quite a bit of red ink, but it's mostly just me adding more to the story.  Which is fun!  Seriously.  I really enjoy this part (wish there were more hours for me to do it, that I could type faster).  Don't get me wrong it would awesome to write the story perfectly, but I do enjoy developing the plots, changing how it is that my characters find out crucial information, creating the love story.  There is something really awesome to watch the story grow and develop with each reading until finally I read through it and go I can't believe I did that!  Then of course I hand it off and anticipate getting the comments back from my editors.  Story 13 is at 61,300 words already and I've only revised 6 chapters.

When I'm not at the Library I've started re-reading The Shadow Dragon book 3.  I think I've already commented on this, but I'm hoping that it will develop into books 3 and 4.  I'm only in the first chapter of this book, but I know my manuscript has so many ideas in it that I have a ton of expanding to do, which is why I think it will become two books - but we shall see.  

I've also read my adult book again., and decided to let my other friend read it for a second opinion, knowing that there are a few things I have already changed due to the feedback of another friend.  I told her to be mean, give me honest feedback, and any ideas or wording that would be better.  It's a really good story and if it fails again, I might just try to clean the story up and stick with that.  My friend whom I'm waiting on has a pretty busy life so this book is still kind of on the back burner.

Story 11 is still waiting on one last editor to get it back to me.  However, it looks like it will be complete after I fix the errors and address the opinions that they have on the story! 

All in all, I'm still making progress...just slower.  I am blessed that the library isn't too far away and that I have the time to get here (even if it is only for a few hours).  I am blessed that my friends and family are still supporting my dream, that my readers are still enjoying my books and passing the word along.  I am blessed that the stories and ideas continue to flow. 

Two year anniversary = Free book!

I was checking out my dashboard on Smashwords, and I realized that I published my first book 2 years ago today!  Wow!  In 2 years I've published 7 books!  I can't explain to you how excited that makes me!  Four-ish years ago I sat in front of a computer writing a book, which was supposed to be only for me - just to see if I could do it.  However my oldest son planted the bug of what if you published it (he actually said, "you're going to be famous", but my confidence didn't allow me to grasp that).  Of course not thinking that was even a possibility, the story that I worked on while my kids were sleeping grew into what is now Taken - books one and two.  As some of you might have already read, it wasn't an easy job for a couple of my friends to push me into e-publishing.  Shortly afterwards I realized: I am my own worst enemy.  (Because my books are selling)  In those two years before I published I was also working on a second book, which is still in manuscript form (because I just haven't had the time to really give it the love it needs - this is the book that will only be out in paperback when it's done.).  I remember thinking when these two books are done what will happen next.  However, since I've published I haven't been able to stop writing and I really don't want to!  I've written 12 stories - not including their sequels.  All thanks to those who believed in me more than I did!  I really am thankful to each and everyone of them!  When I wrote Taken, Ava's character empowered me and allowed me step out of what I had become.  But it is with the support of my family and friends that I have continued to tap into the strength and confidents that I found while writing my first book.  I have taken that energy and focused it into something that I think most people will enjoy! 


So, in honor of this awesome occasion I am going to do to two things:

First: I have made Taken: Marks of the Satrii FREE.  You'll be able to pick it up at any of the links to the right.  (I did this today so you may have to keep checking back at your particular store, but it should show up in the next couple of days if it hasn't already!)  This is a limited time offer.  Two weeks after it is FREE at Barnes&Nobles and Apple, I will put the price back up to $2.99

Second:  For the month of October, if you would like to read the first book in any series that I've written let me know and I will send you the ebook for the e-reader of your choice!  Just email me your email address, which book you'd like (my email is aschmidtbooks@gmail.com), and I will send it to you within a couple of days!  Yep, that easy!  The titles are:

    Taken Marks of the Satrii
    Solace: Uncharted Territory
    The Shadow Dragon: Orbs of Fire
    Not Human

Happy reading!