To Be Continued... (as it turns out)

After reading The Shadow Guard, a beta reader told me one of her biggest regrets for the story was that she didn't get to see how a certain (unnamed to avoid spoilers) couple got together.

Of course, if you've read TSG, you know who I mean. They're shown together in the last scene, but their full romance story rightfully didn't fit in this book. 

Still, my beta's comment has pestered me on my regular runs since the book's release in March. I waved it off for a while. Then it began to bring friends, reinforcements really, as I'm fairly certain this has been a coordinated attack... Who are the other Zeiihbuan tribal leaders? What happened to Caide between the pivotal scene in the book and the end? Where does Cal play in this redemption journey? How is Faillen settling into his new leadership role (especially with the disorder hinted at in the beginning of TSG)? 

Honestly, when I finished TSG, I didn't think there was much of a story in the in-between months mentioned but never shown.

My characters disagreed. And as any author knows, sometimes there's no point in arguing with characters.

Especially when they use sleep deprivation as a manipulation tool. 

So let this serve as my official announcement. As of now, I am writing a short story set in Zeiihbu. If all goes well, you should see it sometime in the next six months.

One catch though: It will go out to my mailing list subscribers first (and maybe only). So if you want it, get on the list. It's on the left-hand side of my website (and if you're reading this, you're on my website).

Now, off to writing! And coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

SALE!

The first four books in the Ærenden series are on SALE! There's never been a better time to join the adventure.

The Child Returns (Book 1) is FREE today (July 10) through July 14. Find TCR here.

The Gildonae Alliance (Book 2) and The Zeiihbu Master (Book 3) are each 99c starting at 11am PST today through July 17. Find TGA here and TZM here.

The Reaper Rises (Book 4) will be 1.99 starting at 11am PST today through July 17. Find TRR here.

The Shadow Guard (Book 5) will not be on sale, but with this special, you can pick up the entire set of 5 books for $7.96. That's roughly $1.60 per book! Find TSG here.

These specials are on Amazon Kindle books only.

And please remember to leave reviews on Amazon when you've finished reading. The more reviews a book has, the more Amazon's algorithm recommends it.

Thanks and Happy Reading!

Launch Party Co-Hosts Introduced!

If you missed the announcement for The Shadow Guard's Release and Launch Party, you can find it here.

Release day for the much-anticipated final book in the Aerenden series is TOMORROW, March 27, but this day isn't all about me, or Nick, Caide, and Meaghan. It's about having a good time with fellow readers, enjoying each other's company, and making new friends.

Some of the new friends I'd like to introduce you to are fellow authors. Each one will be co-hosting the party for an hour, introducing you to their writing, and giving away (yet even more) prizes. Be sure to check them out at the times below. All times are Eastern.

3:00 PM - Alexandra Penn

A fellow DC-Author, now transplanted to Iowa, Alexandra Penn writes fantasies that are influenced by her childhood adventures in the Smithsonian museums. Her current sci-fi/fantasy, about a 14-year-old who chooses to enroll in a Lunar University exchange program despite the risks, can be found as a serial on Patreon, in print on Barnes & Noble's website, and through her own website. Alex also serves as Director at The Writers' Rooms (www.thewritersrooms.org), an organization that aims to foster community-based knowledge and support for writers by creating virtual rooms related to their genres for congretation.

You can learn more about her at www.alexandrapenn.com.


4:00 PM - Michael Koogler

Michael Koogler, a prolific author with 7 novels (plus 1 coming soon) and 2 anthologies available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, lives in Iowa with his wife and children. His highly regarded novels dip into science-fiction and cyber thrillers, as well as epic fantasy and apocalyptic adult genres.

You can find full descriptions and links for his books at https://www.michaelkoogler.net/books.


5:00 PM - Jenny Burke

Jenny Burke has earned numerous accolades and awards for her Dragon Dreamer Series, which she writes under the name J S Burke. These Amazon 5-star average YA sci-fi/fantasy adventures feature dragons and an undersea world, and they are rated for ages 9 and up. She also hand draws and publishes mandala coloring books and educational activity books for children, and she is a marine biologist in her spare time (as if she weren't impressive enough).

Read more about Jenny at http://www.jennysburke.com/.

8:00 PM - Erin Casey

Erin Casey, a Communications and Student Relationships Manager at Iowa Writers' House (http://www.iowawritershouse.org) and a Director at The Writers' Room, creates urban fantasies and literary lessons on Patreon. Her current urban fantasy novella is called The Purple Door District and follows the lives, dangers, and adventures of werewolves, fae, vampires, witches, and other supernatural creatures with new characters popping up in each monthly installment.

Check her out on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/erincasey and at https://www.wattpad.com/user/erincasey09.



Find them all at the Launch Party tomorrow on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/events/1451839758257912/

The Shadow Guard is almost here!

The Shadow Guard, the final book in the Aerenden series, drops March 27. THIS MONTH! I am beyond excited and celebrating in a big way, hosting a party right up until release day and all day on the 27th.

Join the Launch Party on Facebook here to win prizes, meet new authors, and have fun with fellow readers. Prize giveaways take place all month long!

Amazon also has the kindle version of The Shadow Guard available for pre-order TODAY here. Pick up your copy now and it will be auto-delivered to your kindle on launch day.

I can't wait to share the final leg of this journey with you. Releasing this last book is bittersweet. I hate to say good-bye to my characters, but the adventure has been, well, epic :). I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I did.

Yours,
Kristen

FREE Kindle eBooks!

Today and tomorrow (Sept 13 & 14, 2017), Amazon is offering Books 1, 2, and 3 of the Aerenden series for FREE. Be sure to swing by and grab a copy! The 4th book is only $2.99, and the 5th and final book in the series is due in the spring. Don't miss out! Get your free kindle copies by following this link http://amzn.to/2h27bGD

Contest on Facebook (ends Sept 2)

Now through September 2nd, I'm running a contest on my Facebook page to win a kindle copy of an Ærenden book of your choice. It's an easy peasy entry (share your favorite literary quote), so head on over!

And don't worry if you already own all the books, you can gift the prize to a friend.

Not a fan on Facebook? Here's the link :).

Writing a Book: The Running Approach

Once, a long long time ago, I took up running. I had to lose weight, I'm antisocial(ish), and I love listening to music, so I thought "why not? It's a good fit." I printed (printed! ha! Okay, so now I'm dating myself) out a beginning runners calendar and hit the road.

And I got frustrated. It was hard. Really, super, intensely hard. I tried to do 30 seconds and couldn't. I tried to do 20 seconds. And I couldn't. I tried 15 seconds. That worked, so I stuck with it for a while. People passed me. I hated that. Grandmas passed me. Dads with strollers passed me as I tried not to die on my 15 second stretches (mixed with 2 minutes of walking).

For a time, I got so upset at my perceived failure that I almost gave up. For a time, I did give up. It wasn't for me, clearly. I wasn't any good at it. I wasn't improving fast enough.

But then something beautiful happened. I missed it when I gave it up, so I tried again. I focused on the music in my ears, and my breathing. I ignored the people passing me, and I started watching my own time, instead. 15 seconds turned into 30 seconds. 30 became 40. The next thing I realized, months had passed and I could now run 3 miles. I stopped huffing and puffing. I got faster, better. I enjoyed it. I learned to pass myself.

And then, and then...

I had kids. I was put on limited exercise throughout my pregnancies, and when I got back to running, I huffed and puffed again. I got passed. I couldn't run a mile without stopping.

I felt defeated. I got frustrated. It was hard. And I almost gave up. I hated moving backwards, losing the ground I fought so hard to cover. Nothing helped. Until I focused on one step again, one increment, one minute at a time. I'm not quite where I was pre-pregnancy, but that's not what I want anymore. I'm a different person, with different goals, and I want to run. So, I do.

Why am I mentioning this?

Because when I first started running, I wasn't just a "wanna be" runner. I was also a "wanna be" writer. I had a dozen ideas for books in my head, but I looked at a novel as one giant work that had to be accomplished in one giant leap. I didn't write, because I couldn't see the increments.

Then one day, as I started getting miles under my belt, I realized my writing journey could reflect my running journey. Instead of seeing the whole, finished book as my goal, I saw my characters. I started talking to them, having them tell me their stories. After that, I saw a single scene. I wrote that scene. Another followed it, then a chapter. A single chapter became 10, 10 became 20, and eventually I had a book.

It wasn't done, of course. The first draft is called a "draft" for a reason, but each edit chiseled more detail out of my lump of clay until I had a finished novel. The next book became easier, and the third was easier than the second.

And then, and then...

I had kids. You can probably see where I'm going with this by now. It took me two years to start writing again. For the longest time, I stared at a blinking cursor on a white page and felt certain I could no longer do it. The same longest time I couldn't run.

One foot in front of the other. One word after another. I pushed forward, with new goals, a different mentality, and a new appreciation for getting back into what makes me "me."

Of course, you know I finished my eighth full-length novel this month (the last in the Ærenden series). It's better than I had hoped. And this was my run today.

For reference, this was my run in April, when I decided not to let my setbacks stop me.

My point? I've had several people say to me recently that they have a great idea for a novel, but they could never write one. It's too long. It's too daunting. They don't know what they're doing. For those people, I want you to remember this: None of us knows what we're doing, not really. We learn every day, and we accomplish what we need by looking at the increments. Write 30 seconds. Write one character. Write one sentence. Break it down and build yourself up.

Before you know it, you'll have met your goal. After all, it's only you that you have to pass today.

An Essay on Cal

Every character has a background. Preferences, habits, good and bad stories, idiosyncrasies, and history make them who they are--much like our intricate details knit together to make each one of us a unique person.

Some of those tidbits find their way into a book. Others you may see solely in the character's reactions or behaviors. And some things remain in the dark corners of an author's mind, an intimate detail kept in secret forever. 

I find that with good books, I often finish reading the last page wondering about those backstories, and wishing my favorite authors would share them. Sometimes they do. Most of the time they don't. I'm always willing to share my characters' stories, so if you ever have a burning question, please email and I'll answer if I'm able (no spoilers!). 

One backstory has been on my mind a lot lately. As I finish this series, and I take time to say good-bye to each character, I've been lingering more on Cal. He's always been one of my favorites. He's fun to write, a bit complex, a bit eye roll inducing. And he was never supposed to be more than a strange creature leading Meaghan and Nick through the wilderness. He hijacked my story, tucked it in his back pocket and ran away with it. He became integral. Kind of like how we meet strangers in real life sometimes, and they somehow become our best friends.

I've been learning bits and pieces about Cal as I write. Some of my other characters have been hashed out for a decade. I created everything about them. I knew their likes and dislikes before I ever asked them to speak a word.

Cal has never let me do that. Every time I plan something for him, he laughs and tells me "tough luck." He likes surprises. So do I, which is probably why I like him so much.

One story he shared with me didn't make the books. I wanted to fit it in, but it never quite worked, so I thought I might leave it for discovery here, on my oft-forgotten blog. Funny how multiple jobs and a couple of toddlers will force some things to gather dust... but I digress.

Cal loves the term "lad," which I've always found it a little strange. There's a significant language overlap between Ærenden and the part of Earth where Meaghan grew up (which does have an explanation, but not for here). "Lad" is not one of those overlaps. No one else uses it. Yet, he's quite fond of it. I never could figure out why, but he insisted, so I let him do what he wanted.

Turns out, we can blame his brother James for it. Vivian traveled between Earth and Ærenden a number of times while she still lived. Cal mentions that in the books, but he doesn't mention that she delivered letters back and forth between the brothers. James became fond of the term and teasingly used it to refer to Cal. He, of course, also explained the term "lass" to Cal, but it never quite stuck in Cal's mind in the same way "lad" did. If I recall, he only used it a handful of times, and only to refer to Meaghan. But lad became a term of endearment, a way for him to feel connected to his brother. 

Losing James was one of Cal's greatest heartbreaks. His brother and he were close, best friends, and he cherished the letters he received, however few. He told me once that he wrote back, weekly at first, then monthly. He piled the letters up and waited until his brother's wife came to claim them. She never got them all. He had to burn some for warmth, or abandon some during an attack. But he wrote them, and since the moment James shared the term with him, they always started with "Dear Lad..."

When his brother died, the word became a living memorial in his conversations. 

Cal is a man who has lost so much, yet he still managed to stand tall, to joke, to laugh, and to love, despite everything. He inspires me, and I'm glad he decided to become my friend. 

The Reaper Rises Launch Party!

We're counting down! Four days left until The Reaper Rises is officially released.

To celebrate, I'm hosting a Launch Party on Facebook (http://bit.ly/2cKEw9L). There will be PRIZES, Q&As, games and fun conversation. Come whenever you can, and remember to spread the word about the Ærenden books.

It's a public event, so please share the link far and wide, join along, and invite anyone you think will love the books.

As a reminder, you can also pre-order the Kindle copy of The Reaper Rises (Ærenden #4) on Amazon (http://amzn.to/2cKDdaA). And for those who prefer a physical book, you are seeing that correctly. Amazon has released the paperback ahead of schedule, so grab your copy in advance of the big event :).

See you on Facebook!

The Reaper Rises COVER REVEAL!

Finishing the fourth book in the Ærenden series has been a complete labor of love over the past year and a half. As many of you know, life has thrown a lot of roadblocks in my path, but I'm proud to say I'm almost done. The Reaper Rises is in its last editing round. I'm all set to do ebook conversion and formatting. And the cover...well..the cover...

It's time to reveal it. 

What do you think? 

As part of the Cover Reveal, I'm working with Candace of CBB Book Promotions to get the word out on the Ærenden series. She's lined up a lot of great blogs to join in on the celebration and we have giveaways, so please be sure to stop by the following links (additional ones added as the celebration continues) and sign up for the raffle. One lucky winner will receive Audible copies of the first 3 books in the Ærenden series. Another will win 3 Kindle copies of the books, and an additional 3 winners will receive kindle copies of the first book in the series. Hope to see you there! 

https://girlof1000wonders.wordpress.com/2016/05/31/cover-reveal-giveaway-the-reaper-rises/

http://wsmommareadersnook.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-reaper-rises-by-kristen-taber-cover.html

http://bookloverslife.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-reaper-rises-by-kristen-taber-cover.html

https://writerbeesbookreviews.wordpress.com/2016/05/31/the-reaper-rises-cover-reveal/

http://www.bookhoundsya.net/2016/05/giveaway-cover-reveal-the-reaper-rises-by-kristen-taber-kristentaber-6-22.html

http://www.brookeblogs.com/?p=22403

http://www.chocomeiske.com/2016/05/31/cover-reveal-reaper-rises/

http://www.ramblingreviews.com/aerenden-cover-reveal-and-giveaway/

http://ogitchidabookblog.blogspot.com/2016/05/aerenden-reaper-series-cover-reveal.html

http://www.bookreferees.org/2016/06/01/cover-reveal-the-reaper-rises-kristen-taber/

https://www.facebook.com/naturalbripage/posts/1087435124628951

http://fuonlyknew.com/2016/05/31/cover-reveal-giveaway-the-reaper-rises-an-aerenden-novel-by-kristen-taber/

http://www.candacesbookblog.com/2016/06/cover-reveal-of-the-reaper-rises-by-kristentaber-giveaway-int-fantasy.html

http://www.bookbitereviews.com/2016/06/cover-reveal-reaper-rises-by-kristen.html

http://twimom101bookblog.blogspot.com/2016/06/cover-reveal-reaper-rises-by-kristen.html

http://www.apagetoturn.net/#!Cover-Reveal-The-Reaper-Rises-Kristen-Taber/cmbz/5751776a0cf2b2ec517c10dd

http://3partnersinshopping.blogspot.com/2016/06/aerenden-reaper-rises-by-kristen-taber.html

http://cbybookclub.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/cover-reveal-giveaway-reaper-rises-by.html

http://bargnhtress.com/2016/06/reaper-rises-book-giveaway/

http://bookcrazyscrapbookmama.blogspot.com/2016/06/cover-reveal-and-giveaway-reaper-rises.html

https://dehaggerty.wordpress.com/2016/06/05/cover-reveal-the-reaper-rises-by-kristen-taber-fantasy-giveaway/

Operation Finish Book 4 (aka Word Count) Week 3

As noted last week, I'll be doing a weekly post with daily progress reports.


Week of September 13-19

Sunday 9/13
Well...this tweet just about sums it up. I had managed to clear a full day, too. :(

Monday 9/14
Still sick :(

Tuesday 9/15

Kids are sick.

Wednesday 9/16

Now my husband is sick and I'm flying solo for parenting. Really, at this point I'm calling the week a loss. 

Thursday 9/17 & Friday 9/18
Sigh...can I just type zero 5,250 times and have that count?

Saturday 9/19
A far cry from my goal this week, but at least I was able to finish a chapter today. The germs better stay away from my family next week :p.

Annnnnd since I missed my goal this week, you get a prize. Autographed, limited edition Ærenden bookmarks are now up for grabs. Comment below and email me your address and I'll mail them out this week. Offer ends 9/25/15 or while supplies last.

Total word count for the week: 1,787 of the 5,250 word goal

1-2-3 Write!

I need an accountability partner. It's been too long since I've posted on my blog, too long since I've been able to write with any serious pride. I've managed to scratch out a chapter or two in the last few months, but it's not enough to get the next book done.

I've had a good excuse, of course. New baby + toddler does not = writing time. It doesn't help that my newbie's medical needs meant setting up doctors and game plans, which are time-consuming on their own. But all that is set; nap times are lining up and I'm craving some quality conversations with my Ærenden family.

The problem is that I've been on permanent mombie mode for too long. I'm suffering from internet overdose and jonesing for a Netflix binge-watching fix when I should be worshiping my keyboard. Writing is kind of like running, really. If you stop doing it for too long, your drive turns into a Sunday meander, your stamina sputters, and your muscles resemble a Jell-O pudding snack.

I'm out of shape in more ways than I care to admit. But with writing, much like running, getting back into the routine, one stiff step after another, turns pudding into a gorgeous, lofty chocolate souffle (hey, I'm not giving up my chocolate here; I'm just turning it into something more worthy).

I've struggled with rebuilding that routine under constant sleep deprivation, but a recent post by another author (Eri Nelson, for those of you who like paranormal fiction) gave me an idea. That's where the accountability partner comes in. It's you. Eri posted a screenshot from a writing app that I'll be using going forward (Writeometer, for the curious). I'll be doing the same on my blog, so count with me...1 word at a time, 750 words a day...until the first draft is done. And if you see me miss any days, email me, ping me on Facebook or better yet, call me out publicly on Twitter. I need the kick in the pants.

What do you say? Are you in?

Word count today (so far)

Scary Times...An Update

I've been debating whether to write this blog post for a while now. It's highly personal and not the most positive news, but I feel as if I owe my readers too much to leave everyone wondering why I've disappeared from my usual social spaces.

As those of you who follow me on Facebook probably know, I'm expecting my second child at the beginning of February, a beautiful little Valentine's sister for my Christmas daughter. My husband and I are ecstatic about our new arrival, especially after all the hardships we've been through over the past five years. But, of course, that also means I have a lot to finish before her arrival, not the least of which is the fourth book in the Ærenden series.  I've been working hard on it and though the deadline was tight, I'd been on track until recently.

In November, my husband received a phone call that changed our lives forever. Our baby had an anomaly on her scan. We were told it was probably nothing, but after a flurry of emergency appointments and a visit to Children's Hospital, we learned the heartbreaking truth. Our daughter will be born with an extremely rare disorder. I won't go into details about it; they're hers to share with whomever she pleases as she gets older, but it means she will not live the easiest of lives. From the start, she'll become well-acquainted with doctors, specialists and therapists. She'll learn the value of patience and she'll have to grit her teeth through the "wait and see" non-committal medical responses that accompany understudied diagnoses. Above all, she'll have to learn to be strong, despite some of life's most cruel adversities. And so will we.

Of course, this means we've been inundated with research as we try to get our daughter's doctors lined up, and we try to absorb and understand her rare condition before she has to face it. It also means I've had to set aside my writer duties for a while so that I can focus on my family ones.

I promise you, I haven't forgotten about my obligation to my readers and to the stories that mean so much to me. I'll still finish the book in 2015, as promised, just not before February.

In the meantime, please keep spreading the word if you enjoy the series. While I'll finish writing book four, despite this trial, finding time to market will be nearly impossible. Your continued word-of-mouth support will make a huge difference in bridging that gap.

Thanks again for reading and for understanding. I may not be online as much as I used to be, but I am around as often as possible, so please keep in touch.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and a joyous New Year.

Kristen

The Child Returns is an Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree!

After a rough morning Friday, I came home to find an email announcing that my YA Epic Fantasy novel The Child Returns has been selected as an Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion winner. What an awesome way to turn a day around!

For those of you who aren't aware, this is a big deal in the Indie author arena. The B.R.A.G. (Book Readers Appreciation Guild) Medallion is awarded by indieBRAG, LLC, a privately held organization that has compiled a large group of readers (individuals and members of book clubs) from eleven countries around the world, including the USA. Their mission is to "discover new and talented self-published authors and help them give their work the attention and recognition it deserves." You can learn more about them here.  

The Medallion award is subjected to a rigorous selection process and all books are judged on the following criteria:

·        Plot

·        Writing Style

·        Characters

·        Copy Editing

·        Dialogue

·        Cover/Interior Layout

50% of books do not make this first cut. If they do, they're sent to readers who must answer one important question: Would they recommend the book to their best friend? 

Ultimately, only 10% of submissions are selected for the honor once readers are done.

I can't even begin to express how happy I am to have earned this award. After receiving a Best Kindle Book Award Finalist nod last month, you can bet I'm jumping up and down right now. Hope you're joining me :).

Updates: A little good, a little bad

Sadly, The Child Returns didn't win the Kindle Best Book Award for Fantasy, though it was a complete honor to be chosen as one of the five Finalists out of so many entries. I plan to enter the second and third books in the series next year, so wish me luck!

In the meantime, be sure to check out this year's fantasy winner, Nefertiti's Heart by A. W. Exley, here. It looks like a great read, so I'll be picking up my own copy soon (as soon as Book 4 is complete). Don't you LOVE that cover? You can also check out all seven winners (one for each major category) by following this link.

Speaking of Book 4 (working title: The Reaper Rises), I've been making great progress so far. Current stats: 249 pages, 63,443 words. Unfortunately, my husband will be out of town for much of October, so my progress will slow soon, but hopefully I can complete the first draft and a few editing rounds by the end of November.

Betas, are you ready to get your hands on it in December?

For those of you who haven't started reading the series yet, I'm running a Read for Review over on Goodreads right now with my Never Too Old for YA & NA group. If you're a member of Goodreads, please head on over and sign up. It's a great group, so you should check it out even if you don't sign up for the R4R. Link here.

And finally, the series has hit a few milestones recently that I wanted to share. On Amazon, The Child Returns received it's 50th review, bringing the book's average to 4.8 out of 5. On Goodreads TCR also received it's 90th rating. My average there is 4.41, which is awesome for a notoriously hard site. Overall, I have 137 ratings for all 3 books on Goodreads with a 4.55 average.

Huge thank yous to everyone who has read and loved the Ærenden books, to those who have rated them, and most importantly to those who keep spreading the word. I really appreciate your support.

Now back to writing!

Kristen

My Goodreads Not-Reviews

Although reviewing/rating my books is an option for me on sites like Goodreads, and many authors do it, I've never been comfortable reviewing or rating my own books. I figure you already know I love them or I never would have released them. But every time I log into Goodreads, the review box stares back at me, one big unblinking eye that begs for color. So I came up with an idea. Why not share a little bit about each book with you, my lovely readers who have been so kind to me? 

My commentary on each of the books is linked below, along with the topics I addressed. Enjoy! And remember, I also answer questions from readers through the "Ask the Author" section of Goodreads. If you have an account and a burning question, please leave it for me here. 

Now, back to work on Book 4!

The Child Returns - A little background on how the series came about:

http://bit.ly/1lD6mmU

*****

The Gildonae Alliance - On why Meaghan didn't start out on page 1 as a superhero:

http://bit.ly/1lD6rqO

*****

The Zeiihbu Master - Why TZM is so special to me: 

http://bit.ly/1lD6EKm

Novel Fashion Week 2014

Do you love both fashion and books? If so, then don't miss out on Novel Fashion Week at Kindred Dreamheart, where authors dish on fashion that matters.

My post "Kingdom Couture: Fashion for Villains and Monsters" premiers today. (click on the title to go directly there)

You could WIN a signed paperback of The Child Returns and a set of Limited Edition Bookmarks (same number in all four colors). So cruise on by, and if you plan on dressing the part of your favorite evil being this Halloween (or becoming one; hey, I don't judge), take note of what to wear to stay fashionable. 

New Tour, New Chance to Win!

The Ærenden series has hit the road again, this time with a review tour set up by
CBB Book Promotions.

Stops are below, along with links to the blogger sites (I will post specific review links within parenthesis as they go live).

8/25

Second Run Reviews (http://bit.ly/1mISHpq)

My Tangled Skeins (promo only: http://bit.ly/1tynOdq)

8/26

My Tangled Skeins (promo only: http://bit.ly/1t93Veo)

8/27

Our Wolves Den (http://bit.ly/1rAwrpr)

Nay's Pink Bookshelf (Careful! SPOILERS Ahead: http://bit.ly/1vRIRqR)

My Tangled Skeins (promo only: http://bit.ly/1tck96w)

8/28

Gin's Book Notes (http://bit.ly/1tevjHZ)

Deborah Jay (http://bit.ly/1mWRR8P)

Nay's Pink Bookshelf (Careful! SPOILERS ahead: http://bit.ly/VPGNTu)

8/29

Maureen's Books (http://bit.ly/1sNRC34)

Brooke Blogs (http://bit.ly/1os9oFu)

Nay's Pink Bookshelf (Careful! SPOILERS ahead: http://bit.ly/1qOpCOg)

Follow along for your chance to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

See you there :).

Kristen

The Writing Path Blog Tour from IC Publishing

I was invited by middle-grade fantasy author June M. Pace to participate in this wonderful author book tag tour. She received her invite from steampunk author Josh Stanton.  Please click on the hyperlinks attached to their names to read their tour question answers. Speaking of the questions, here are my answers...

How do you start your writing projects?

After I come up with a novel idea (which generally starts as a dream), I spend anywhere from a few weeks to a few months forming a loose plot in my head. Some ideas I jot down in a notebook, others I polish in my head until I either reject them or fine-tune them enough to use. Once I've fallen in love with the story and can't stop thinking about it, it's time to write. I generally do a basic outline of where I want the books to start and end, and what major points I need to hit along the way, then I just let creativity flow. I've done thorough outlines in the past, but I've found them to be a waste of time. Generally, the story goes in a completely different direction when I get into it, so I find it best to stay out of the characters' way. The Ærenden series is a great example of this. My detailed outline covered Meaghan and Nick's story in one book. Half-way through writing, I realized they had a much bigger story to tell---five books to be exact. If I'd been strict about my outline, I would have missed out on a better adventure.

How do you continue your writing process?

I just keep plugging away at it. It's not easy sometimes. I have a toddler, a job and a marriage to maintain, in addition to my writing career. Life gets in the way and so do I, sometimes. One bad review can derail my creative process, leaving me to doubt my skill and passion. In all cases, it's a matter of remembering what's best for me. Not all weeks are going to allow time for creativity. Not everyone is going to like my novels (though I work hard to write books most people will like). But I've found that I am a more balanced person when I write, so I make time for it. Ultimately, I continue writing because it makes me complete.

  

How do you finish your writing projects?

Honestly, it never feels like I "finish" a book. After the first draft is complete, I go through several rounds of editing on my own, a beta round, a few rounds with my editor, then I do a text-to-speech edit round, to hear the mistakes I've missed while reading. Artwork and formatting come last, then it's zipped up and ready to go. The whole process takes me about a year. I want it to be as perfect as possible, but it can never be 100% perfect or 100% done. I will always look at a book and think, "I really should have done that differently..." or "If I knew then what I know now..." but I believe that's just part of the process for most authors. It's kind of like raising a child. You can't keep them sheltered forever. At some point, you have to let them out into the world. Only once they've touched others and have become important to other people's lives have they truly grown up. 

Include one challenge or additional tip that our collective communities could help with or benefit from.
I think challenges are important for growth, so I'm going that route. For both authors and readers out there, I challenge you to stretch your limits, test your comfort zones. Pick up a book you think you won't like. Try a new genre. Write in a different POV. Explore dusty tomes in old city bookstores. Reach out to people who you're not sure you'll like. Live life through your experiences. When you try new things, not only do you open yourself up to pleasant surprises, but you may discover that these opportunities change you. If I'd chosen to stay where I'm comfortable, I never would have published my books. I would still be piling my manuscripts on a dark shelf instead of making new, wonderful friends with fans and other writers. My world has expanded and I'm better for it. But that's what life is truly about, isn't it? It's about painting the most glorious picture you can, not staying within the lines.

Next Wednesday, please continue the tour with historical romance author Lisa J. Yarde. Lisa is the author of two historical novels set in medieval England and Normandy, On Falcon's Wings, featuring a star-crossed romance between Norman and Saxon lovers before the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and The Burning Candle, based on the life of one of the first countesses of Leicester and Surrey, Isabel de Vermandois. Lisa has also written four novels in a six-part series set in Moorish Spain, Sultana,Sultana’s Legacy, Sultana: Two Sisters, and Sultana: The Bride Price where rivalries and ambitions threaten the fragile bonds between members of the last Muslim dynasty to rule in Europe. Her short story, The Legend Rises, chronicles the Welsh princess Gwenllian of Gwynedd's valiant fight against twelfth-century English invaders and is available now.

Born in Barbados, Lisa currently lives in New York City. She is also an avid blogger and moderates at Unusual Historicals. She is also a contributor at Historical Novel Reviews and History and Women. Her personal blog is The Brooklyn Scribbler.

Ærenden Series Inaugural Book Tour

Starting today and going through August 4, all 3 books in the Ærenden series will be part of my first ever Book Blog Tour (hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions).

Feel free to grab and share the banner!

The tour has two legs: Daily stops (Leg 1: April 14-May 2) followed by Weekly stops (Leg 2: May 5-Aug 4). New and exciting interviews, reviews, promos, and PRIZES will be shared on each leg, so be sure to check back regularly for a link to recent stops (they'll be added to the schedule below).

For each leg, I'll also be giving away a $25 Amazon gift card and 10 copies of The Gildonae Alliance Audio book through Audible.com (retail value $17.95). With a total of 22 prizes, your odds of winning are high, so definitely participate :). Karen Savage, my voice actor for the series, is brilliant. You won't want to miss your chance of listening to her for free!

Book Tour Schedule
(subject to change)

Leg One

April 14: Kit 'N Kabookle - http://bit.ly/1jnJq3w
April 14: SECOND STOP: Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews - http://bit.ly/1qwLYlI
April 15: Room With Books - http://bit.ly/1t4e0XS

April 16: Our Wolves Den - http://bit.ly/1nusFaR

April 17: Lessons from My Reading - http://bit.ly/1nuqjsK

April 18: Hope. Dreams. Life... Love - http://bit.ly/1gGG4YX
April 18: SECOND STOP: Literary Lunes Magazine - http://bit.ly/RwjTPA
April 21: Dana's YA Bookpile - http://bit.ly/1ju40kb

April 22: Margay Leah Justice - http://bit.ly/1f0q60r

April 23: Welcome to My World of Dreams - http://bit.ly/1foLaZx
April 24: Books and Other Spells - http://bit.ly/1l6j8Hw

April 28: Pressed Leaf Publishing - http://bit.ly/1j5IBzW

April 28: SECOND STOP: Straight from the Library - http://bit.ly/1flh4vm

April 29: Multi-Verses of Liza O - http://bit.ly/1hOsS3M

April 30: Books in the Hall - http://bit.ly/1fsiHrd

May 1: Long and Short Reviews - http://bit.ly/1iGGga9

May 2: Deal Sharing Aunt - http://bit.ly/1ml2Qh7

Leg Two

May 5: Booker Like a Hooker - http://bit.ly/1nY8dCe

May 12: Christine Young author - http://bit.ly/1jiSBSq

May 19: Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock - http://bit.ly/TlrIIW

May 26: Sexy Adventures Passionate Tales - http://bit.ly/RrLm43

June 2: Long and Short Reviews - http://bit.ly/1kB17BD

June 9: The Write to Read - http://bit.ly/1ifKBCA

June 16: Writers and Authors - http://bit.ly/1lKLO9F

June 23: The Book Cookies - http://bit.ly/1j78pZW
July 7: Book Bunny's Reviews -  http://bit.ly/1pUoJFO
July 14: Goddess Fish Party Pavilion - http://bit.ly/1mObPW1

July 21: MAD Hoydenish - http://bit.ly/1p7hE17

July 28: It's Raining Books - http://bit.ly/1nA34Qm

August 4: Deal Sharing Aunt - http://bit.ly/1or9Ac7

Can't wait to see you all at my stops along the way!