Win 5 YA books!!

Here's your chance to win a digital copy of Onyx Moon, along with 4 other interesting YA titles. (One of these has a review coming soon!)

This giveaway is brought to you by the Sword and Shield facebook group. To enter follow the link below:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/079488f21/

And don't forget to join our group on Facebook

Good Luck! 

Quick Update

I've gotten a lot of the same questions lately, mostly about Bloodstones and Sigil in Shadow . I decided to write up a bunch of answers so I can direct everyone here. If you're reading this, I hope you find this update interesting and informative!

"I can't take the suspense any longer! When is Bloodstones coming out?"

 

If you've followed Onyx Moon since it's Kickstarter campaign, you'll probably remember that I estimated that the sequel, Bloodstones would be out this month. *awkward silence* First off, I greatly apologize for this failure. When I started writing Bloodstones, I never expected to get distracted and possessed by an idea I just had to get on paper. I never dreamed that idea would actually become complete and that a publisher would actually take it on. (Okay, maybe I did dream of it a little. That's the first step in making things happen.) But I still stand by the fact that the delay in Bloodstones is not my fault...not entirely...maybe about half.

Anyway, to answer the question, according to my writing plan for this year, a plan that I've added a lot of flexibility to, Bloodstones will be in your hands around the New Year. I hope you'll forgive me and be patient as I write and perfect the story that Ora and Doeryan deserve. Remember, The Onyx Moon Trilogy is a one woman show. I am in charge of writing, editing, layout, cover design, distribution, and marketing. I'm thrilled that so many people are waiting for the sequel, but I want to do it all the right way. And that may take some time. In the future, I promise not to leave you in suspense for so long.

"What are you working on right now?" 

I have a few things in the works right now. None of them is official, except Bloodstones, obviously. At the moment, most of my brain power is going to promoting the release of my next book, Sigil in Shadow, which will hit shelves July 12th. The paperback is now available for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. I am currently setting up book signings and a blog tour. If you are a blogger and would like to participate in the tour (probably July/August) please email me at diffjonespress (at) gmail (dot) com. Or contact my publisher, Cedar Fort, Inc.  They should have electronic and print copies available for reviewers.     

Between spurts of living my happy little life, I am alternating between writing Bloodstones and the sequel to Sigil in Shadow. In addition, shortly before the release of Bloodstones, I plan on re-releasing the ebook for Onyx Moon. This special edition will have a beautiful new cover, deleted scenes, character Q&A, as well as original artwork and the first chapter of Bloodstones. But best of all, this new version will be absolutely free! What? Yes! Free! More details on that to come.

"Are you going to have giveaways for Sigil in Shadow?"

 

Yes! One of the ways I will do this is through Goodreads. Entering a giveaway on Goodreads is very simple. You just click the giveaway and you're entered! To make sure you're notified of the giveaway, go ahead and add Sigil in Shadow to your Goodreads "Want to Read" list now.

Click Link 

"How do you balance writing and real life?"

I think "balance" is a very generous word. I actually plan on doing a blog post about this but, judging from the way I've "balanced" things lately, it could be awhile. Truthfully, this post you're reading now is one I started TWO WEEKS ago and had to keep putting aside because other things came up.

And it's not just writing that I have to work into my schedule. If you're an author, you're probably also a marketer, networker, reader, and book reviewer - in addition to your day job. Somehow, I make it work. Eventually, when I find the time, I'll sit down and type out a few tips in a post probably not called "How to Balance Writing and Real Life" but more appropriately named "How to Eventually Get Stuff Done."

"What are you going to review next?"

In no particular order, these are books I plan to get done and reviewed on the blog by summer.

   As well as other books and ARCs

1 Year Later

It was about this time last year that I started this blog, released Onyx Moon, and started establishing myself as a legit author. Since starting this journey, the connections I've made and lessons I've learned have proven to be priceless. I was blown away by the overwhelming support of my family and friends. I couldn't have kept up the lifestyle of a writer without the understanding friends I blew off to spend my free nights hunched over my computer, the readers badgering me to know when the next book is coming out, all the people who showed up to my events, and the pep talks from my fellow authors.


Book Reviews

Through book reviews and volunteering for ARCs, I've gotten to know some very talented authors. I've been blessed to read their stories and learn from their strengths. I never thought I'd grow up and actually enjoy doing a book report but I absolutely live for it! I love sharing my opinion and helping to promote my new favorite books. I know just how important it is that books, especially independently published, get reviews on blogs and sites like Amazon and Goodreads. These days, people not only judge books by their covers, but also by how many people have read them. Regardless if a book has all 5 star reviews or all 2 star reviews, as long as it has at least 100 posted ratings, the book is going to get attention. That's why leaving a review for a book you've read, even a not so great review, is SO important to the author. It's like leaving us a tip. Except it doesn't cost you any extra money. ;)

All the reviews I've done are based on my personal preferences and opinions It's hard sometimes when a book doesn't really thrill me. Being an author myself, I hate writing bad reviews. I know how much work goes into a book whether or not one specific reader enjoyed it. But I've come to believe that all books have their reader. So I always try to find some aspect of the book I appreciated, whether it be a relate-able character, good narration, or just a fun concept. Just because I didn't like it, doesn't mean it won't be someone else's cup of cocoa.


Highlights of the Year

* Holding a lifelong dream in my hands for the first time, instead of reading it on the computer.

* My first book signing. So many emotions (mostly anxiety) and the perfect day to launch my career.

* Selling out of my first, second, and third print run!

* Getting my new computer! I don't have to plug this one into the wall and strap duct tape to it.

* Being featured in my local paper.

* Reading all of Onyx Moon's great reviews online.

* My niece talking to me about my book.

* Interviewing all of the authors that agreed to be on my little blog. :)

* Drinking "gourmet" cocoa while I work on a secret project. 

* Actually having more than one publisher interested in that new project and having to choose which publisher I wanted. That seriously did not feel like real life.

* Announcing my secret project...Sigil in Shadow!

* Doing my first radio interview.

* Seeing Sigil's finalized cover. I'll share it with you as soon as I get the green light. I promise!




 Coming in 2016

I'll definitely keep up with indie reviews as much as I can, but man, I've got a lot on my plate for this next year. One thing I'm really excited about is that this website is going to get a makeover. Yep! That's right! I really want to streamline things and find a theme that best represents my books. I'll be working with a designer soon and hopefully have an updated website by February. Also, I'll be available on Twitter soon so be sure to follow me. :)

A lot of people have been curious about the second book in the Onyx Moon Trilogy, Bloodstones. Things are definitely progressing, but I'll admit, it's slow going. If you've read Onyx Moon, you know that it's really like two books in one. While Bloodstones will be shorter, bringing the two story lines together has taken a lot of work. It took 8 years of stop and go to write the first one, but I promise, you won't have to wait nearly that long. The sequel is my main writing focus as of right now, but sometimes I have to push that manuscript to the back burner in order to work on promotions or finalizing things for Sigil in Shadow's release. For this reason, I'm not quite ready to give an official release date for the second book. But I will as soon as I finish the first draft.

Meanwhile, Sigil in Shadow will be in stores July 12th and will soon be available for pre-order wherever you buy books online. I'm setting plans in place for the release party and book signings, giveaways, as well as a book trailer. I can't wait to share everything with you!

One last thing....Remember when I said Sigil was a standalone novel?? Well, turns out I can't even follow my own advice. As I was finishing up the last pre-edited draft, I realized that there is another character or two that needs their story told as well. So, nothing is official, but don't be surprised to find a sequel in The Shadow Saga around the corner!

Happy New Year!!!!     

         

Radio Interview

A few weeks ago I was able to sit down and have a chat with author and radio host Leesia Champion on her show Take Your Seat. Even though I was really nervous, (my first radio interview! ahhh!!!) I think I did okay. We talk about everything from the airline I used to work for, writing while juggling a two year old, and my plans for a Sigil in Shadow book tour. Have a listen!

*~*~*~*Click Here*~*~*~*

to listen to 
the full Broadcast!

Onyx Moon now available on Wattpad

Onyx Moon now available to read for FREE on Wattpad!

A new installment every 10 days! 

Haven't heard of Wattpad yet? It's great! Wattpad is an online community where authors, both aspiring and published can get together with readers and share their works of fiction, short stories, and fan fiction. It's absolutely free to sign up sign up for both writers and readers! Wattpad's free app is also available in the Android and Apple stores. Most authors post chapters a week at a time and you can follow your favorites. I'll be posting every ten days, but if you can't wait to read the rest, you can always download the full ebook here.

 Check it out. If I get enough response from readers on Wattpad, I'll also be posting sneak peeks of Bloodstones before it's release! Let me know what you think. ;)

Why I'm Not Participating In NaNoWriMo...but maybe you should.

 

That time of year is fast approaching when ambitious writers padlock themselves in dark, soundproof rooms and slave over an unforgiving keyboard. If you're the least bit interested in becoming an author you've probably heard about National Novel Writing Month, a contest held every November. The idea is that you devote the entire 30 days in the month to writing a new novel of at least 50,000 - start to finish.

As their website states, NaNoWriMo is for anyone who has ever wanted to write a novel. It's a great push for those of us who have made every excuse in the book to finally start that work of a lifetime. Anyone who completes the 50,000 word count is considered a NaNo winner. Very few participants come out of this writing boot camp unscathed, but I've never heard someone regret the experience.

So why don't I participate in National Novel Writing Month?

It's simple. Because I'm always writing. In years past I could have joined the revolution and probably should have, but I didn't. Until the entirety of Onyx Moon was on paper, there was no way my mind could wrap around a fresh concept. And I won't lie. Back then I didn't have the drive and devotion that it takes to hide away from society and focus completely on writing for 30 days - even as amazing as that sounds now. Sigh.

Nowadays, I've always got a project or two going. Right now, I'm focusing on the second book in the Onyx Moon Trilogy while I'm waiting to get my the manuscript for my upcoming novel back from my editor. Then, it will be corrections and revisions non-stop until the deadline.

I don't want anyone to think I "disapprove" of NaNo just because I'm a writer and I've never done it. Yes, shame on me, but, I've never really needed it. The contest is a great motivation for people who need that kick in the pants to get started. Even if you don't win  --- look! You've actually gone through on your New Year's resolution and have a first draft of a novel! Or at least more than what you started with 30 days ago.

I'm just not one of those people who need it right now. Since I made the decision to devote my spare time to my stories, I haven't stopped. But if the time ever comes when November rolls around and I have an idea I'd like to start, you bet I'd jump on that wagon.

If you're thinking of signing up for NaNoWriMo, just know that it isn't easy completing an entire first draft in 30 days. Writer and blogger, Nicole Lautore, wrote a very informative post about the obstacles you're bound to face - and how to trudge through them - once you hit the "sign me up" button.

The Dirty Truth About NaNoWriMo

(found this on Pinterest) 

Hurry! Time is running out!

Win a

**Signed Copy**

of 

Onyx Moon!

Go to Goodreads to enter.

Hurry! Contest closes September 23rd. One winner will be chosen. 

Good Luck!

Writing Hangover

 

 

You other authors know what I'm talking about. Finishing the draft of a manuscript, sending it off, and then having that haze over you while you play the waiting game.

For like two days my I wandered around not knowing what to do with my strictly scheduled free time. It almost feels like the first day of summer vacation when you still feel like you have homework to do. One night the hubs lost his shift for his work from home job and was excited to make plans with me. I was like, "That would be nice, but if you're not hogging the computer I should really work on my...Oh wait..."

We had a pleasantly rare evening. We went out to eat at one of our favorite local places and played a card game while watching a movie after we put the kid to bed. The whole time I felt like there is something I should have been doing, writing wise.

Of course there is. There is always book stuff that needs to be done. I've come to accept that I will die without writing all the books that I need to write. Next on the to do list while I'm waiting to get my manuscript back is finishing Bloodstones, the second book in the Onyx Moon trilogy. I paused in the middle of the first draft to get Sigil in Shadow out before my head exploded. And of course, once you publish a book, you can never stop promoting.

And I will. I'll get back to all of that. But for now I think I just need a short sabbatical to rewire my brain. I'm still so rooted in the kingdom from Sigil in Shadow that it's hard to think of anything else; In the real world and in my head. The world of Alethia seems so out of reach. I see it, but it's just far away at the moment.

I just need a week or two in reality. I need to play outside with my daughter more now that the weather is becoming tolerable. And read more "gooks" to her, if that's even possible. My husband also deserves a little more attention. He's so patient and supportive of my need to write on a daily basis. He's given up a lot of game nights and set back watching "our" shows so that I can get things done on time.

I also need to reconnect with my friends. I am a terrible friend and I know it. A lot of times, instead of going out I'll think, "well, I really need to get X and Y done..." before you know it, my friends forget what my voice sounds like.

Don't worry, I'll still be reading and reviewing. I don't think I could ever quit that. I should have the next review up in less than a week. But for now, I'm going to take a few guilt-free naps and socialize a bit before I retreat back into my chaotic head for several months. 

Busy Busy Busy!

 

You haven't heard from me in awhile, but it's not because I've fallen off the face of the earth. I've been working hard, promoting Onyx Moon and getting new ideas out as fast as they pop in my head. I've also been working with other newbie indie authors, helping them construct their upcoming books. One of the best things that's happened over this past year, is that I've been able to connect with so many other authors I look up to. I'd be lying if I said doing book reviews didn't distract me a bit from my writing, but it's been so worth it! And I hope you've found at least one good book through my advice. 

There hasn't been a review for about a month, but I just finished the ARC of Vera's Song, by Natalie Erin, the second book in the Creatures of the Lands series. The book is set to be released by Gryfyn Publishing on July 10th. I won't say too much before writing the review, but it is a fantastic sequel.

My main focus right now is on my new standalone book I plan to publish in the near future. In fact, I will be announcing it very shortly. This book was kind of a "woopsie baby" for me. I didn't plan on it happening, but it did, and I'm very excited to add this story to my collection of work. More details coming soon!

Yes - I am still working on Bloodstones. I promise, that is happening. Ora and the gang are always with me. Always have been. I couldn't ignore them if I tried. I am really looking forward to share the rest of their story. 

In the meantime, keep reading, and I'll keep writing. ;)   

  

   

June Giveaway

 

Giveaway Time!

Who's excited for Bloodstones!? I need your help. I'm not much of a sports fan, but that doesn't mean one of my characters isn't! I need a fictional team mascot to be featured on jerseys and such. Make it creative. The best idea will be used in Bloodstones and that person will win one of the first autographed copies! Leave your answers below in the comments or on my Facebook page.

Thanks guys!  

Upcoming Giveaways

April

The latest shipment of Onyx Moon copies came with minor printing defects on the cover and in the interior. Because of this, the publisher cannot sell them. Good news for you though, because I get to give some away!

To Enter:

Watch for the post about the giveaway on my Facebook page. Post a pic either in the post's comments or private message with a pic of Onyx Moon on your Kindle carousel. I will randomly choose 5 people to win a signed copy from this shipment. Double your chances by sharing the post!

May  

People who have finished Onyx Moon have been pestering me for the second installment in the trilogy, Bloodstones.  As a reward for backing Onyx Moon on Kickstarter at a certain level, people were sent the first chapter of Bloodstones. I would like to extend that to everyone who wants a taste of what happens next. 

To Enter:

Post a review of Onyx Moon on Amazon. It's that simple. Doesn't have to be long. Certainly doesn't have to be 5 stars. Just tell me and other readers what you think. If you have already reviewed the book, just get in touch with me and let me know you would like a sneak peak of Bloodstones. 

 

 June

I've mentioned before that I'm am not what you would call a sports fan. That doesn't mean one of my characters isn't. ;) I need your help coming up with a mascot symbol thingy for a fictional sports team. The person whose mascot is chosen wins one of the first autographed copies of Bloodstones!

To Enter:

Keep an eye out for the post announcing the giveaway on Facebook. Post your suggestion for a fictional team mascot (like "Narwhals" or "Gypsies") in the comments. Have fun.

July

Win a Kindle copy of Onyx Moon!

To Enter: 

This is an easy one. Watch for the post on Facebook. "Like" the post. Comment and share to double your chances. 

 

August  

You don't want to miss this one. In August, I will be revealing two possible covers for an upcoming book. You guys get to help me pick the cover and one person will win an autographed copy! 

To Enter: 

I will reveal the two tentative covers on Facebook and the blog. Vote by "Liking" and commenting on either website. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF YOU PICK THE WINNING SIDE. Winner will be chosen randomly. Double your chances by sharing the post.

 

 

September

For this giveaway I will be enlisting the help of another author. Details of this are TBA, but the bottom line is you can win a book from an author that has or will be featured on the blog. 

To Enter:

Check back to the blog and Facebook for details of this giveaway. "Like" and Comment on either website. Double your chances by sharing the post. 

Bonus!

When we reach 500 Facebook likes, I will giveaway another signed copy of Onyx Moon. (I don't think it's that far off.)

To Enter:

Watch for the giveaway on Facebook. Like, Comment, and Share the giveaway. For a bonus entry, invite a friend to like the page. 

Good Luck!

Giveaways are so much fun! I'm happy to be able to do what I do, and I wouldn't be anywhere without all of you. Thank you for everything!

 

 

  

 

Psst....

Most of the people who have finished Onyx Moon have pestered me for the next installment in the trilogy, Bloodstones. All I can say right now is: It is coming. The book has been in the works for years, but any book, let alone an "epic" fantasy, takes time. And unfortunately, that is something I don't have a lot to spare these days. I promise you, every fraction of a second I have that is not obligated somewhere else, I am writing. Whether it's promoting Onyx Moon, working on content for the blog, or writing actual book content, I am hard at work.

I will say the writing process for Bloodstones is going a lot smoother than I expected. Now that the world of Alethia is set up in the reader's mind and the characters are established, it's like the darn book writes itself. Every time I sit down at the computer I feel like I am hanging out with old friends. All things considered, I take that as a good sign. So the sequel is definitely coming along. Spring 2016 if not sooner. I am currently recruiting beta readers, reviewers, and have signed with a cover designer. I am so excited to add it to my shelf!

Buuuuuut........

In the meantime, I have a confession to make: I am also currently writing a new book!! There's not much I can say about it at this point except that it is a "one shot adventure". A YA non-magical fantasy set in a medieval kingdom. Sometimes I get ideas that just won't leave me alone until I put it on paper. And since this is a stand alone novel, (not part of a series) I figured, why not? This new book is going out to the first set of beta readers next week and I currently have a designer working on the cover.  

I promise, Bloodstones is still happening and more details on the new book will be coming soon!

Big News for Kindle Unlimited Subscribers!!!

ONYX MOON

now available for FREE

through

Kindle Unlimited

Kindle Unlimited is a subscription service through Amazon which gives you access to over 700,000 titles to read and download for free, including popular titles like The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, and The Lord of the Rings. Some audio books are also included. The service costs $9.99 a month and is basically Netflix for books. :) Right now they are offering a 30 day free trial and Onyx Moon is now included in their selection!

Remember

You don't even need a Kindle device to download the ebook of Onyx Moon. The Kindle App is free for any smart phone or tablet! I greatly prefer physical books, but it's so great to be able to access a book anywhere, in case you are on the go and just can't put it down! I love modern technology! Yay!

Clink the link below and explore the Forbidden Wood today!

Onyx Moon Kindle Copy

***Limited Time***

In honor of my Birthday,

the Onyx Moon ebook will be on sale this weekend for 

*****only $1.99 *****

*****Limited Time*****

Sale starts Friday, February 20th

and ends Monday February 23rd

$1.99

GET YOUR COPY HERE

BEFORE THEY ARE GONE!

Amazon Description

 "High fantasy Christian fiction immersed in a detailed world. A valiant breakout from a new author." - Megan Linski, author of Alora

What if you were forced to live a double life while you sleep, and pursued by Demons while you were awake?

City girl Ora Gondry has spent all of her nights in a dreamless sleep, until one night she finds herself awake in a foreign realm. Through the help of long forgotten heroes: a legendary swordsman and a former witch, Ora learns her soul teleports to a separate twin body while she slumbers.

In Alethia, a land plagued by demonic legions, she must awaken her true power before the world falls to dark forces. While in the city, she struggles to pass exams and keep her best friend from joining a wannabe vampire cult. Oblivious to just how connected these two worlds are, Ora must wager which new friends are true allies, and which are Demons in disguise. But after a crushing betrayal, she is left questioning everything.

Armed with only faith and unseen Angels, Ora learns to fight for beliefs and a courageous power she never knew she possessed. 

Pinspiration!

For years I've had a Pinterest board for Onyx Moon. I kept it secret, mostly because I didn't want people asking me why I was pinning such weird stuff. Now that the book is out, I've decided to share it with all the world! If you follow me on Pinterest, you can now see the whole thing on my profile. Below are some of my favorites. Don't worry! There are NO SPOILERS :)

 Ora wasn't this dressed up when she was asleep in the Blessed Tree, but I like to think Isabella and Letty adorned her with flowers once in awhile. I couldn't help but think of Ora when I saw this picture. She's sleeping so peacefully and she even has that brassy blond hair.

There is no stream outside Isabella's cottage, but it could have looked like this. Quaint and hidden in the Forbidden Wood.

A beautiful lightning storm conjured by Isabella.

The wall leading up to the castle.

Ora's favorite gymnastics pose. I studied and learned a lot to be able to include gymnastics in the book.

Lady Grey

This is actually New York but it was such a great shot of the moon looming over everything. I can imagine Angels and Demons battling on the rooftops.

Yes, I know this is Hogwarts. But can't you imagine Xader sulking in these dark corridors at night?

Reminds me of Xader's mirrored garden. Some of the only sunlight he ever gets. 

One of Avery Academy uniforms looked something like this. Silly rich city kids.

A demonic face Ora sees when she looks at someone on the street. I absolutely love this picture. It freaked me out when I first saw it. No wonder she thinks she's crazy.

When I see this I think of the tree on the cliffs by the sea. Ora and Doeryan's special place.

Ora loves the soothing tones of lavender. Her bedroom was cozy and probably looked something like this.

I only see Doeryan when I look at this face. Its funny. It was actually really hard to find a serious picture of this actor, Torrance Combs. Most of them were either ones where he was making some goofy face at the camera or selfies with his cat. I think Doeryan would have liked cats. ;)

Seven's hair. Wish I could pull this off.

The colorful night sky in Alethia. 

A spot in the Forbidden Wood. This place feels like home. 

Whenever I was feeling stuck on something, or just couldn't get my mind in the book, I would look at these pictures to get the wheels turning. I have a similar board for Bloodstones, and the other fantasy series I am working on. Those two are secret, since they contain spoilers and I'm not ready to talk about my other series yet. When Bloodstones is out, check back and I'll post my favorite pics from that board too!

Upcoming Events

 

 My street team and I have been busy lately with promotional hoohaa; getting Onyx Moon into a few solid stores and navigating the unforgiving sea that is the internet. Here are some things we have going so far. First, I have been invited to do a signing at the local library. This event special to me because I used to work there as a lowly page, restocking dusty books and dreaming of the day my own would grace their shelves. I learned a lot about writing the publishing market while working there and I wouldn't trade my countless hours in those tall stacks for anything. 

 But enough about the past. The next stop on my little book tour is a beautiful shoppe called Patti Anne's Exchange. They sell lots of decorative trinkets and elegant furniture, and is whimsical place to spend an afternoon perusing. I will be there signing copies of my book Sat-Sun February 7th and 8th 12-2. I hope I see you there!

***** Coming Soon *****

 Author Spotlight: Megan Linski

Tricks of the Trade: The importance of choosing the right title for your book

Book Review: The Bubble Prince by Christine Webber

  

Where To Begin

A dream come true...

ten years in the making. 

Since I recently came out as a writer, I've had a few people approach me, confess their own dream of writing a novel and ask, "But where do I begin?" 

For me, the answer is simple. It all starts with an idea. I probably get at least three ideas for a novel a day, although only a fraction of a percent of those are good enough to scribble on a note pad. If you are having trouble getting the gears turning, just keep playing the "what if" game in your daily life. What if gifted children were recruited by the government to train for space battles? What if my school was actually an academy for wizards? What if my classmates and I were forced to fight in order to feed our families? Obviously this method works better for fantasy and sci-fi novels, but you get the idea. What if someone's mother died suddenly and a recovering drug addict was left to take care of his brother with down syndrome? What adventures would come to pass if a small town girl moved to L.A. to pursue her acting career? 

Susanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games, says she got the idea for the popular disutopian novels one day when she was channel surfing. All of the channels were either showing coverage of the war in the middle east or reality TV shows. She said that it all started to merge together in a very distributing way. Ideas can happen anywhere around us. Anytime. You just have to keep your mind open in order to let ideas flow in.

I'll admit, I'm lucky. I've had the idea for Onyx Moon ever since I can remember. I would stay up late at night telling myself stories before I fell asleep. Sometimes they would bleed into my dreams. I began to "go" to the same place every night, and on the long bus ride to school. Over the years, characters developed and a plot eventually followed. By the time I was in high school, the story was bursting out of my brain. I didn't do to well in my classes. I was too busy day dreaming for all that nonsense. I finally got a hold of a bulky desktop and managed to get out the first few chapters. I took a semester off from college, where I only paid attention to my writing courses anyway, to focus on the rest of it. Boys and a social life ultimately got in the way for a while, but I finally finished it about a year after I was married. During those years, I had changed a lot as a person. I tried to edit the manuscript to reflect those changes to morals and spiritual beliefs. Looking back at the "Book" file on that bulky desktop, it was just a skeleton of the story I am proud to call my own.

I still have a long way to go with Onyx Moon. Two more books - at least. But I've had a long time to flesh out the story and I know if I concentrate, the plot holes will fill themselves. I specifically chose a part-time job where I would have a lot of time to let my mind wander.

It wanders too much. I have an idea for another fantasy series that has been nagging me lately. A few months ago, I was scrolling through Pinterest when I stumbled on a subject that seemed to be getting a lot of attention on my pin feed. My husband was engrossed in a fantasy video game at the time and I imagined a world where my latest Pinterest fascination could be widely explored. The idea spread as I went to work that day. I found characters and conflict and began to map out the cities on the concrete floor I was forced to spend 8 hours on. For days after that I couldn't sleep. Scenes played out in my head instead of dreams. I overheard countless conversations of people that didn't exist. But the more time went on, I couldn't deny their existence any longer. I finally sat down and mapped out the story and started the first three chapters. Since then, other projects have called my attention, but I can confirm that these new books will happen. They will just have to wait their turn.

In short, coming up with ideas are hard. Don't force it. Just do what you do in your daily routine and always question how things could be different. Keep your mind open to possibilities and don't ignore those random thoughts that might seem ridiculous at first. And it helps to have an annoying brain that never shuts up. :)

~ Coming Soon ~

* Book Review : On My Way Home by Allie Walker