Weekend Reads: Pack of Dawn and Destiny Trilogy by K. M. Shea (Rachel)

The third novel in the Pack of Dawn and Destiny trilogy dropped about a month ago and I snatched it up as a treat after a very hard week of challenges. K. M. Shea did not disappoint in the least. Her urban fantasy Magiford series (Hall of Blood and Mercy, Court of Midnight and Deception, and now Pack of Dawn and Destiny) have been bright lights in the urban fantasy landscape in recent years. Taking tropes classic to the genre, she has added her own spin and plenty of humor. The combination makes them healthier and much more enjoyable for her readers.

The heroine, Pip, doesn’t feel like she fits in with the pack despite growing up with them. As a hunter, her skills are traditionally focused on hunting and bringing down werewolves. But as an adopted member of the pack, she does the exact opposite of this, except for during training sessions when she takes the role of adversary and prey. I love how Pip holds her own without being vicious or vindictive. And the way she grows gradually into the role she eventually takes is so beautifully done that I can’t help appreciating the journey.

Unlike the trend in this genre, Greyson’s role as the alpha does not involve fighting for preeminence in his pack. Instead, his role as alpha involves mostly taking care of the pack, training them, providing for them, and defending them. Which also affects how he approaches his fated mate bond with Pip. He is respectful of the fact she needs to make her own choice about whether to accept the bond not. Working hard not to pressure her, he gives her space while still seeking her out and supporting her needs.

I love Shea’s books because they are frequently about finding belonging. Working through our roles in life is a vital process that we can all relate to. The journey to find a sense of belonging that almost all of us traverse is integral to many of her books. The Pack of Dawn and Destiny trilogy beautifully presents that theme. It also focuses on Pip’s found family, how finding one’s place and role can lead to personal growth. And all of that is in addition to a sweet romance as Greyson finds his fated mate and she learns to accept his trust and care. Throw in action, plots against the pack, and plenty of humor, and this series becomes one of K. M. Shea’s best works. I can’t wait for the next one.

Do you know of any other healthy fated mate books?

Hunted by K. M. Shea (Rachel)

 A werewolf hunter living among werewolves makes for an interesting premise,
and K. M. Shea doesn’t disappoint.

Phillipa (Pip) Sabre was born a hunter, which is a supernatural species of human that has special magical attributes. Pip’s magic manifests in speed, quick healing, invulnerability to most contagions, and the ability to detect the position and approach of any werewolf (to name a few). Through an accident that killed both of her parents while she was still young, Pip needed a home. Her adoption by two werewolves brought her into the pack, but despite their acceptance, she didn’t feel like one of them.

Her lack of fur is only the beginning of the differences. In spite of them, though, she loves her pack and takes part in pack life to the best of her ability. It is a good life despite the aggressive cuddling sessions and the fact none of the males see her as anything other than a puppy thanks to her special Hunter pheromones.

However, when her pack is attacked and framed when wolves in surrounding packs go feral, she is ready to work on the problem with the pack although the process puts her in frequent interaction with the pack alpha, Greyson. He is the one pack member she wishes most to avoid. First, he is annoying, and second, she objects to how he came into power, resulting in the leaving of the previous alpha and his family.

If you like werewolves that break the mold with healthy pack dynamics, respectful relationships, fun interactions, and no bullying, this series is perfect for you. Shea delivers with humor, warm relationships, gentle romance, and the perfect mix of fun and intrigue. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, United!

Story Snippets: The Elven Spymaster's Thief snippet (Rachel)

This coming February, I am releasing my first novella under my new pen name, Elisa Rae. Set in a world full of fantasy species, the series will be full of healthy romantic relationships, noblebright characters, flirting, humor, and just enough drama to keep things interesting. My goal is fun and quick, quality reads.

The first novella is already up for preorder. This week’s snippet is from the middle of the first chapter and written from my heroine’s POV. The setting is Spymaster Whispier’s study, and Avril’s goal is to steal a specific dagger for her master, Grimore.

Avril

The moment my eyes fell on the dagger, I knew something was very wrong. The thing was ugly, roughly made, and hardly even functional. Why did my master send me into the den of the greatest mastermind in Eldarlan to steal a child’s toy? I squinted at it. It was not even an enchanted toy.

Still, I had my orders. My life and livelihood depended on fulfilling this mission. Grimore wouldn’t tolerate anything less than absolute success. Letting out the smallest of silent sighs, I approached the table. I ascertained that it hadn’t been boobytrapped either magically or otherwise using all of my observation skills.

Well, here I go, I thought. I reached across the table and lifted the small dagger from its display.

“Are you sure you want that one?”

I jumped. My heart threatened to leap from my chest. For one frantic moment, I feared I would die from fright. I whirled toward the voice. Anger replaced panic in an instant. “Are you trying to kill me?”

“No.” He was lean, but there was a substance to his frame, unlike most elves I had seen from afar. Muscle across the chest and shoulders gave his long lines a dangerous power that had nothing to do with magic. His piercing green eyes assessed me with a sharpness that made me want to flinch away. Unlike most of his kind, he had cropped his brown hair instead of letting it flow down his back. The tapered curls did nothing to hide the pointed tips of his ears. His clothing also had a simpler cut, but the fabric was no less fine. It hung in elegant lines, accentuating his feline-like movements as he stalked across the hardwood floor. “I was merely curious.”

“Whether or not you could shock my heart into stopping?” I backed up until my hips hit the edge of the table behind me. I still clutched the sheathed dagger to my chest. After all this, I had no intention of leaving without it.

“Human hearts are fragile, but I have never known one as young as yours to stop due to shock. Blade, curse, poison, draining, or ripping it from the chest, yes. Those can kill, but fright, no.” He held out his elegant hand. “Give me the blade.”

“No.” Unnerved by how unfailingly he stared into my eyes despite my bespelled cloak and the mask obscuring my features.

“I could take it by force.”

“You will lose more than you gain in the process.”

His impassive features moved. An eyebrow rose slightly as though intrigued. “I am stronger than I look.”

I snorted. “So am I.” I slid my favorite blade from its hiding place without letting go of the useless one I was trying to steal. There was no way this thug of Whispier’s was going to relieve me of my prize, elf or not.

In an instant, before I could react, a long thin stiletto flicked into his fingers, and the cool edge of the blade rested against my throat. “I am faster.”

“That may be,” I admitted.

A twitch near his eye broke through his stoic mask. “But?”

I leaned slightly back from his blade, giving me the ability to swallow. His eyes narrowed as he watched the movement of my throat. I used the distraction wisely.

“Speed isn’t everything.” I pressed the edge of my deadly iron-laced blade to his gut, perfectly positioned to drive it straight up into his stomach at the slightest provocation.

To my surprise, the corner of his mouth twitched, and he stepped closer. “I doubt you will have time to follow through on that threat. A quick flick of my wrist, and you will be dead in seconds.”

I stared into the mysterious depths of his enigmatic spring green eyes. He was close enough that I could see the blue flecks near his pupil and the ring of silver around the iris’ outer edge. I could also feel him. His deep, even breaths fluttered against the mask, bringing the scents of trees, fresh air, and the promise of something inexplicable. A tingle of wild magic different from the comfortable brownie charms on my cloak invaded my head. A sleep spell! It whispered sweetly of warmth and comfort, tempting me to relax.

I closed my eyes. Abruptly the sensation ceased. I jabbed my knife into his gut, not hard enough to break the skin, but enough to get him to back up ever so slightly.

“Your death will be more painful,” I growled as I opened my eyes to glare at him. The spell was still there, trying to invade my head again. However, now that I was aware of it, I could resist it.

“I will heal.” Something changed in his eyes.

“But you will suffer while you heal.” I frowned. What had changed in his eyes? Laughter? “You are laughing at me!” I shoved at his chest hard. He complied, but the way he did it—moving long enough after I pushed—made it clear he was doing it because he wished, not because I forced him to.

He tossed the blade in his hand. It disappeared into the air. The magic was so neat and tidy that the blade blinked out without a sound, flash of light, or puff of air. It was hard not to gape in wonder at the trick. And he knew it. His mouth quirked briefly. “You will stay.”

“I beg your pardon?” I glared at him. “I am going to take this and leave.”

“You will find that impossible.” He turned his back on me, clearly not caring in the least that I was still armed. Prowling over to the large desk before the great windows opposite the door I had entered, he started flipping through papers. “What is your name?”

“I don’t see how that has anything to do with the matter.” I knew about the tricks the elves and other fae played once they knew a person’s name. There was no way he was getting mine.

“Family name then, paranoid one.”

“Soleil,” I reluctantly offered.

“Ah, I thought so.” He straightened, a strange pen glowing in his hand. “You have a brother.”

“Yes.”

“He is in my service.”

“He contracted himself into Whispier’s service.” I emphasized the name. Why would I deal with an underling when it was Whispier I wished to hurt for taking Solon from me? “I don’t know who you are.”

This time his eyes lightened. “Do you want to free him?”

I pressed my lips together to suppress the urge to scream at him. I glared at him instead. “Why do you ask?”

“That is a yes then.” He plucked a document from the air. The glowing edges gleamed despite the dimness of the room. “What if I offer you a bargain? Your brother’s freedom for your companionship.”

“What?”

“Friendship, conversation, company—nothing untoward or physical beyond being in the same room frequently.”

“Only Whispier has that power,” I pointed out.

He tilted his head slightly to the side. “I am Whispier. The fact you haven’t figured that out yet doesn’t speak well of your intelligence.”

“In that case, I might kill you.”

His mouth did the funny little quirk again. “You might find me hard to kill.”

I eyed him from beneath raised eyebrows. “Is that a challenge?”

“You won’t be able to kill me. The bond will prevent you from attacking my person.”

“What about maiming? Poisoning? Papercuts?”

His eyes turned silvery. “Papercuts aren’t lethal.”

I just grinned at him.

“Besides, I heal quickly.”

“How about cuts from iron-edged paper?”

“That is a myth, you know.” He turned his attention to the glowing edged document. “Iron only gives us a stomachache.”

I snorted. “Maybe I will just make it so you wish to die.”

A soft sigh of air whispered through the room, and suddenly there was a third presence. The shadow elf from earlier materialized next to Whispier. What had Whispier called him—Casimir? He no longer appeared to be a solid black shadow. Like Whispier, he was tall, lean, and dangerous. Unlike the mastermind, his skin was a dusky brown. His pale green eyes, almost precisely the same shade as Whispier’s, flicked from side to side, assessing the two of us.

“Are you quite finished?” he asked the mastermind.

“Almost.” With a flick of his slender fingers, he flipped the document to face me. “Our agreement. Your friendship in exchange for your brother’s freedom from my service. Your every need will be provided for—food, clothing, housing—in exchange, you will attend me here in my study or other public rooms in the palace.”

“And do what?” I demanded. It sounded too good to be true.

He shrugged. “Talk, eat, ignore me, whatever you wish.”

“Annoy you?”

He waved the paper impatiently. “Should you wish. Do we have a deal?”

“And Solon is free?”

“The moment you sign this.” He offered the glowing pen.

“What about my current master? It isn’t as though I am a free woman.”

“What is your master’s name?”

“Grimore.”

His eyes flared silver and he tilted his head to the side. “Interesting. And the nature of your contract is?”

“Thievery in exchange for room, board, and protection.”

“Protection from what?” His impassive features tightened. “Do you have a price on your head?”

“Not that I know of. He keeps me safe from those who would prey on a lone woman.”

“I can provide that.”

I snorted softly. “And who will protect me from you?”

“The agreement will. I bound it into the clauses that I cannot touch you with the intent to hurt or take advantage. The spell will hold me to it.”

I had heard of spells reading the intents of a person’s actions so that made sense. Food, shelter, protection, and all I had to do in exchange was keep a man company. It sounded almost too good to be true. But then—

I took the paper and read the terms. Solon would be free. I signed the document in glimmering silver ink that appeared to absorb into the paper as I wrote. With the last stroke of my name, I felt the bond take hold with a tingling jolt of magic. The paper disappeared as abruptly as it appeared. Whispier muttered something in Elvish. The shadow elf rolled his eyes and disappeared in a soundless rush of displaced air.

* * *

Does it sound like a good deal to you?

Weekend Reads: Lost and Found by Orson Scott Card (Rachel)

Ezekiel Blast (his choice for a last name) has a micropower. He can sense when things have been lost. While walking to school, he is acutely aware of every toy dropped by a toddler, scrunchie that has fallen from a girl’s hair, and bike stolen from its owner that he passes. Further, this skill extends to being able to return the item to the owner by instinctively knowing in what direction the owner is and even being able to identify them when he gets closer.

This skill has been a part of him since birth. Because of it, he has had multiple run-ins with authorities who didn’t believe his story of finding the items. After being accused repeatedly of stealing, Ezekiel has grown a thick skin and sometimes unhealthy aversion to authority figures. Well, all except his dad.

Labeled as a thief, Ezekiel (don’t call him Zeke) is a lonely kid until one day a girl purposefully starts walking to school with him. She doesn’t let him brush her off or drive her away. She gives him flack for his attitude. But despite her apparent interest in him, she remains a mystery.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Orson Scott Card has been a favorite author of mine for years, ever since I discovered his Ender’s Game series. His characters and storytelling skills impress me every time.

This book didn’t fail. Ezekiel is a sarcastic, witty, and amusing 14-year-old boy. As a mother of a snarky 14-year-old boy, I found myself constantly reminded in good ways about my son, his observations of the world and his unique view of life. Despite the complicated themes and complex emotions, the book is generally hopeful and optimistic with a generous smattering of humor. I laughed my way through most of it. The mixture resulted in an enjoyable coming-of-age fantasy about learning to accept yourself no matter how others view you and becoming the best you can be despite outside pressures.

I look forward to reading the next book in the micropower series.

Trigger warnings: the mystery part of the plot involves a nasty and violent pedophile porn ring that is handled tactfully by the author. It is far less descriptive than an episode of NCIS or Sherlock.

Writer's Life: Haunted by a Story (Rachel)

For most of September, I was feverishly writing the first of two novellas for my new series (clean romantic fantasy novellas featuring elves, gargoyles, and other fantastical creatures). My goal was to finish the first novella before headed out with my family on a road trip for vacation. But, as I typed my last few pages, concluding the story, the characters of the second novella began invading my headspace. So, despite my desire to go on vacation without any work hanging over me, I wrote on my vacation.

One of the joys and trials of a writer’s life is that one must follow the inspiration. True, one needs to be professional, write on a schedule, in season and out, and put the time in while one is inspired or not. However, occasionally a story idea comes along that blows all of your I-am-a-plotter-now plans out of the water. A shadow elf beckoned with an atmospheric flare, and I was off and writing like a pantser again.

So, how does one write while on a family vacation? For me, it was in dribbles and bits. Using my OneNote on my phone, I wrote in the long hours on the road when it wasn’t my turn to drive. I typed in the downtime between activities with the family. Also, I tapped away as I waited for my turn while we played Catan or other games with my siblings. Once, I opened my laptop and sat next to my hubby as he slept because I couldn’t rest because of the scenes parading through my head.

This comes with a caveat, though. Should you do this, don’t be rude. I worked hard to be present when my family was available. My phone disappeared when we played faster games or during conversations. The point of the trip was to be home, spend time with extended family, and enjoy each other. I sat and watched movies with my mom, sisters, brother, and kids. We played board games, video games, and card games. What can I say? We love games. But those down moments when everyone was busy with other conversations or activities, I was typing away on my phone or laptop.

So, did it work? According to my alpha reader, it did. She loves the story. I am less than five thousand words from the second rough draft in two months. All in less than a month despite vacation, homeschooling, and flaring from the trip. Not bad at all. I am very thankful that inspiration struck, though its timing left much to be desired.

How about you? Have you ever been haunted by a story or characters?

Weekend Reads: The Beast and the Enchantress by Camille Peters and Rumpled Rhett by Rachel Rossano (Kimberly)

 Happy Labor Day Weekend! It's the unofficial start of fall season and the perfect time to curl up with these two new fairytale retellings!

Today I bring you two different fairytale reimaginings by two different authors that both play with the idea of what if the traditional villain was actually the hero.

First up is The Beast and the Enchantress by Camille Peters!

My Rating: 4.5 stars

This lovely novella takes the idea of the enchantress, the inciting incident antagonist, and asks what happens when she falls in love with the prince she cursed into a beast. This is a very sweet read where the enchantress starts out unimpressed with the prince then is motivated to curse him in an impulsive pique after he hurts her younger sister. I loved the motivation wasn't truly arbitrary or just for laughs evil on Astrid's part. It was misguided and influenced by her own shortcomings in a pursuit of a type of justice. Only the spell also rebounds on Astrid a bit.

While the beastly side of the curse isn't "he's a monster", I appreciated the development of both characters. Redeeming both of your protagonists and making their growth fit takes definite skill. Astrid isn't a "morally grey" villain. Nevertheless, she had some great growth from the brash impulsiveness driving her decisions in the beginning to the change of hearts required for breaking the curse. Overall, a sweet read in a new world that I wouldn't mind reading more of in the future. 

Next we have my review of Rumpled Rhett, the latest retelling from our very own Rachel Rossano!

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Oh my goodness, I cannot explain how much I love this book without spoilers. Nevertheless, I shall do my best. ;)

Rumpled Rhett is a reimagining of Rumplestiltskin and the Huntsman character who appears in various fairytales. Only instead of being the villain, he is most definitely the hero. I adore this story and Rhett and Cat's relationship. The arranged marriage/marriage of convenience between them is one of the most touching and sweetly romantic I've read. Rhett has a lot of groundwork to build in earning Cat's trust due to the fact she comes out of an abusive household. This background and how it shapes Cat as well as her reactions throughout the book have been handled with grace and respect without turning the book itself too dark to handle emotionally. It brings hope and reminds everyone that kindness, respect, and love can fan the embers of waning strength back to a roaring fire spurred on by hope. I applaud Rossano for being able to strike the balance of acknowledging the weightiness of Cat's background and family dynamics without making it uncomfortable or too dark and depressing. 

Rhett, for all his fearsome reputation, is the perfect gentle hero for Cat and I adore them together. I wish I could say more about this gentle intriguing hero but he has so many secrets and twists in this book and I don't want to spoil anything! This reimagining of Rumplestiltskin also features cameos from some intriguing background characters whose hinted stories are sure to add to the wonderfully rich world developing in the Once Upon A Duchy series. I cannot wait for the next book!

How do you feel about villain redemption or being reimagined as the hero in fairytale retellings? Let me know in the comments.

Happy Reading!

Kimberly A. Rogers

Story Snippets: Rumpled Rhett (Rachel)

Earlier this year, I introduced you to one of my heroes in my Writer’s Life post “TheSocks Must Go.” Well, Rhett, my huntsman who hates his new wife’s hole-ridden socks, is making his literary debut on August 31^st and his book is available for pre-order on multiple ebook platforms. The paperback will be available for order on Amazon on the 31^st as well.

So, as a treat, I am going to offer an unshared excerpt from the novel below. This is before the infamous socks incident and immediately after all parties have agreed to the arranged marriage and accompanying deal. They have removed to a tavern for a meal, and all the men, except Rhett, have begun a celebratory round of drinks.

Cat has slipped into her usual place, sitting in the shadows far from the action in the center of the room.

 

Cat

The stranger (the Huntsman) was huge, tall, broad-shouldered, and very clearly at ease with his ability to physically intimidate. I had been watching Osbert (the reeve’s man of business) fidget and cough his way through their discussion. From the scribbling, the paper shuffling, and the Huntsman’s grim expressions, they were probably discussing the contract. Still, the Huntsman never relaxed into his seat. Those dark eyes routinely scanned the room, locating and noting the orientation of each of us, even me. No one ever kept track of me. I wasn’t sure I liked the fact he kept glancing my way.

Then, the tavern keeper’s wife appeared with his dinner. The smell of cooked meat, flaky pastry, and savory vegetables filled my nose as the woman passed with the two loaded platters. My stomach roiled and growled in anticipation of food, but I ignored it. The meal wasn’t for me. It was never for me. I would eat a few scraps of whatever remained from the midday meal when I returned home if my brother didn’t get to them first.

The Huntsman stood. I felt the occupants of the room tense, well, the still sober ones. Keeping my face tilted slightly down as though I studied the table, I watched him from beneath half-lowered eyelids. He spoke to the tavern keeper's wife and then Osbert. Whatever he said pleased Osbert. I hadn’t seen the man smile in ages.

A flurry of movement to my right drew my attention. Bess was on her feet. Red lips puckered, hand on her hip to emphasize her curves, and a come-hither flutter to her eyelashes, she was ready for the stranger to notice and respond to her unspoken invitation.

That must have been why he rose. I had noticed his gaze hesitating briefly in the women’s direction a few times.

Unwilling to watch Bess land another conquest, I dropped my attention to my hands. Chapped and raw, they needed more salve. Tomorrow, I would seek out Widow Louisa and ask for a refill of the jar she had given me last year.

“Mind if I sit here?”

The rough, deep tones resonated in my bones as my head snapped up in surprise. I just blinked at him for a moment. Why was he here? Bess wanted him. What Bess wanted, she took.

“Nod if you can’t find your tongue, or Osbert might attempt to murder me.”

“Osbert would never.”

He chuckled that odd rusty laugh of his and set his mug on the table between us. Strangely, the liquid inside didn’t smell of ale or cider. He placed the platter of food next to the mug before turning around to look for a chair. Moments later, he was sitting just around the side of the table to my left, his knee almost bumping mine.

I tucked my knee further under the table.

Despite the fact he made no indication that he had noticed my movement, I had the impression that he observed it all. I suspected that nothing slipped his notice. Instead of commenting on my avoidance, though, he calmly leaned back to untie a pouch from his belt before dropping it on the table. Then, inclining forward with companionableness as though we were the best of friends, he began rummaging through the interior of the bag.

“I have something for you.” His long fingers pulled out an even smaller pouch. This he spilled onto the tabletop beneath the protective curve of his other hand. No one could see the contents save the two of us. It was just as well because my brother and his associates might’ve been very tempted to do something rash if they could. A small pile of gold flans, three signet rings clearly made for large male fingers, and an intricately detailed moonflower made of silver and gold. From the midst of this collection, he plucked a delicate band of gold. Fashioned in the likeness of a vine, it curled in and out, winding around itself in an endless circle.

“What is it?” The question slipped out before I could hold it back. Surely he didn’t intend for me to wear it.

“A symbol.” He met my gaze. His eyes weren’t black or even brown. They were a blue so dark and intense that it swallowed the light. The color reminded me of the evening sky as the light faded, taking the wild, colorful sunset with it. The blue of the sky right before the blackness of night crept across to rule till morning.

“A symbol of what?” I fixed my attention on the ring instead.

“Fidelity.”

The reverence in his voice made me glance at his face again. Strong features, a rather large nose, and a defined chin gave him a face that could not be called handsome, not that there were many handsome men for me to compare him to. His face fit the rest of him, clearly masculine and intimidating without being ugly.

He continued. “It was given to my grandmother by my grandfather and then passed down to my father. He gave it to my mother. It is one of the few things I still possess that I know for certain was my father’s.” He set the ring on the table next to his mug before sweeping the rest of the expensive trinkets back into the tiny pouch. He returned it to the larger bag. Then, he plucked out another small pouch, which he set on the table too.

“Master Huntsman.” The tavern keeper approached the table hesitantly. “The food you ordered.” Setting a platter slightly smaller in size and content before me, he cleared his throat expectantly.

“Would you prefer ale or cider, Cat?” the Huntsman asked.

“I don’t drink ale,” I reminded the tavern keeper, not that he would know since I never frequented the tavern.

“I thought as much.” He motioned to his wife, who brought a mug of cider and set it before me. “Is that all?” he asked my companion.

“Yes, thank you.” The Huntsman didn’t bother looking up from whatever he was doing with the new pouch.

The scent of cooked meat filled my nose, making me dizzy.

“Eat, Cat.”

I glanced at him. He hadn’t even looked my way. Instead, he was fully intent on pouring some dried leaves into a small ball made of metal mesh attached to a delicate chain. This he closed and dropped into his mug, clasping the chain around the handle so it didn’t disappear into the liquid in his cup.

“What is that?” I asked.

He closed the pouch and returned it to his bag, reattaching it to his belt. “Tea.”

“Are you ill?” He didn’t appear sick.

“No.”

“I only drink willow bark tea when I am sick.” My nose wrinkled of its own accord. I hated the bitter taste.

“This isn’t willow bark tea.” A flick of his glance my way with a slight smile made me blink.

“What kind of tea is it?”

“A combination of a couple spices and herbs. A friend of mine makes it for me. Would you like to try?”

The smell rising with the steam from his cup was tempting, but I wasn’t in the mind to take another risk this day. “Perhaps another time.”

“I realized that I didn’t ask you.” He stirred his tea with a spoon.

“Asked me what?”

“To marry me.”

 I frowned at him. “You asked me if I was certain.”

“And you said you didn’t have a choice. I am giving you a choice.”

I frowned down at the ring. It lay on the rough-hewn tabletop, glinting faintly in the dim light. Around us, the crowd roared with laughter at someone’s joke, and the women in the corner chattered. Meanwhile, the man next to me waited. His calm silence enveloped us, stilling the panic that had been breaking over me in waves. Perhaps this might not be as bad as I feared.

  

To find out her answer, you can pre-order the book here.

Weekend Reads: The Chrestomanci Series by Diana Wynne Jones (Rachel)

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“It does seem that a fantasy, working out in its own terms, stretching you beyond the normal concerns of your own life, gains you a peculiar charge of energy which inexplicably enriches you. At least, this is my ideal of a fantasy, and I am always trying to write it.”

– Diana Wynne Jones

There are times in every author’s life when nothing goes well. Writing projects have stalled. Characters refuse to talk. Words dry up in the journey from the brain to the keyboard. There they shrivel into dead and dull sentences on the screen. Editing makes you hate your work. You worry you are cutting the life out with each change and fear you will only have drivel when you finish.

Since childhood, I have had one remedy that has always helped me when things get so desperate. I pick up a Diana Wynne Jones novel. Her writing style is similar to J. K. Rowling’s but better. Her works range from whimsical and silly to dark and heavy. One can always count on humor and strangeness, quirky characters, and winding plots. I always find something new to admire when I reread them, and without fail, they always inspire me to write. This brings me to my recommendation for this Friday: The Chrestomanci Series.

Based on the concept that there are multiple related worlds fractured at various points in history into alternative courses of events, the childrens to YA series focuses on the influence of one government official, Chrestomanci. While everyone else in the multiverse has alternative versions of themselves, he does not, giving him the unique attribute of having nine lives and gobs of magic.

The series begins with The Lives of Christopher Chant. Christopher grows up with estranged parents, a long parade of governesses, and the ability to dream vividly. Strangely, though, when he dies in his dreams, he dies again when he wakes up.

Conrad’s Fate is set after Christopher has been adopted by the current Chrestomanci. Conrad, who has been manipulated into thinking he has a terrible fate due to his past lives, indentures himself into service in a grand manor house. There he encounters Christopher, searching for a friend despite Chrestomanci’s objections. All kinds of shenanigans ensue.

Charmed Life is the first of the books set when Christopher has become the Chrestomanci. Eric Chant and his sister have been orphaned. Eric appears to have no magic, but his sister has gobs. She is determined to get the attention of Chrestomanci and succeeds. But the result isn’t quite what any of them expected.

The Magicians of Caporna is a different kind of book. I have only read it once (unlike the probably 10 to 20 times I have read all the others). Even as a child, when I read this book, I didn’t like this one. It lacked everything that I loved about Diana Wynne Jones’ writing. All I recall is that it is basically a variation on Romeo and Juliet.

Witch Week is the first of the series I read. It is set in a world where magic is prevalent and also very prejudiced against. All kinds of events bring about silly situations and crazy interactions at a school as children deal with rumors, bullying, and teachers. I vividly remember laughing my way through the whole raining shoe scene. Now I want to reread it again.

The Pinhoe Egg was the last book in the series, both in chronology and publication order. This might be why it, along with Conrad’s Fate, is one of my favorites of the series. In this book, many favorite characters (Christopher, Cat, and others) return. We get to see the castle residents from the perspective of Cat and an outsider. The world is opened up, leaving so much possibility. Best of all, it still has all of Diana Wynne Jones’ fun sense of humor, quirky characters, stupendous world-building, and tightly worked plots.

For a fun, light, entertaining adventure full of inspiration and amusement, do pick up any of the above books (except for The Magicians of Caporna) for an escape this weekend. 

I know what I will be rereading.

What are your favorite books to reread?

Writer's Life: School is Out! (Rachel)

 

School is out! If it isn’t for your kids, it will be soon.

This is the time of year that my social media feeds fill with parents bemoaning or celebrating the ending of the school year and the beginning of summer. As a homeschooling mother of three, this transition of seasons signals something different for me.

During the school year, I spend about 90% of my time educating my kids, keeping the household running, and keeping up with all the things that need to be done. Writing takes a backseat to keeping everyone on schedule, breaking up fights, enforcing rules, explaining and teaching concepts, and managing our schedules.

The change in season means a shift in focus. The kids no longer demand my attention most of the day, and schooling is set aside for writing. Even when my children were small, summer meant my mind was freer to focus on writing ideas, brainstorming, and utilizing every spare moment of writing time to the max—anything other than lesson planning and calendar juggling.

Now that my kids are older, maximizing my word count is easier. I claim the schoolroom, spread out my workspace, shoo the kids from the room, put on my headphones, and disappear into my imaginary worlds for hours at a time. I make huge publishing plans, write, edit, and plot. The world is full of possibilities and productivity in the summer months.

Sound boring? Where is my time in the sun? What about vacation time?

I look forward to summer because writing is my favorite activity. I love diving in and living in my book projects. It is never dull.

As for time in the sun, well, I have never been attracted to the sun. I still enjoy admiring sunny days, but since a recent health change, the sun causes pain and health complications. I am learning to avoid it as much as possible without turning into a hermit or a vampire without the whole undead blood-drinking thing. Thankfully, my supportive husband has taken over the swim party duties so the kids don’t miss out.

I will still take vacation time. I have family coming later in the summer, and I will take days off frequently enough thanks to health issues, appointments, and just life. Also, I will have to take time to plan next year’s school year, but after homeschooling nine years, that should only take me a week or so come fall.

So, what does a summer writing day look like for me? It begins with getting up, breakfast, a shower (if I am lucky), and settling everyone in for the day. Sometimes my to-do list delays things more. Life happens. Then, I do a quick scan of my email and social media. When I finally get a chance to get going on my writing, the session usually starts an hour before lunch or in the early afternoon. On a good day, I can manage two or more hours of writing and produce a few thousand words. Other days, it is more like a thousand words or less due to research sessions or interruptions from the kids. Despite appearances, they are definitely not perfect.

Now that you have been given a glimpse of my summer plans,

what do you expect your summer to look like?

Story Snippets: Reclaiming Ryda (Once Upon a Duchy Book Two) (Rachel)

Reclaiming Ryda, the next novel in the Once Upon a Duchy series is debuting on April 20th. I can't wait to share it with readers. Until then, I am going to offer a bit of a sneak peek into the second chapter of this Rapunzel-inspired novel.

Weekend Reads: Grace by Contract by Rachel Rossano (Kimberly)

Happy National Fairy Tale Day! In honor of the day, I'm sharing Grace by Contract, the first book in our own Rachel Rossano's new fairytale retelling series!

Grace by Contract (Once Upon a Duchy Book 1)

My Rating - 4.5 Stars

I'm always excited when a favorite author ventures into a new subgenre. Venturing into fairytale inspired books beginning with my all time favorite fairytale, Beauty and the Beast? Yes, please!

Grace by Contract is the story of a very different Beast and Beauty from what I usually see in retellings and reimagined takes on the classic tale. To begin with our beast, Silas, is a man left scarred by a tragic event but he's far closer to the gentle Beast of the original fairytale (only without the nightly proposal) than to the usual interpretations of a beastly temper to go with the appearance. I love both versions of the beast, but there's something so sweetly adorkable about Silas who is a little grumbly (all the more understandable since he deals with pain and migraines) but a genuinely caring and gentle protector. His injuries caused by a fire in his past help set the stage for Grace entering his life beyond the role of an indentured servant.

Grace is also not your typical Beauty given the fact she is the eldest sister, not the youngest, and her youngest sister is the one actually named Beauty. She's a force to be reckoned with and one of my favorite examples of quiet strength in a woman who isn't afraid of difficult choices when she needs to find a way out of a bad situation threatening her more vulnerable youngest sister. Her lack of fear or pity toward Silas and his scars is endearing. As is the fact she's not afraid to remind him (and a few other characters) of the "proper manners" expected to be adhered to by nobles toward servants such as herself. I can't help smiling over her gentle but stubborn insistence to certain nobles' chagrin.

I adore this story! Silas and Grace's romance is a wonderful interpretation on seeing beneath the surface and coming together as equal partners despite the challenges of class differences among other things. It is such a swoon-worthy relationship that you just have to cheer. The bad guys are perfectly believable in their roles. Whether it's a bully of a housekeeper or a scheming noble who will no doubt cause future trouble in this series, they are excellent characters. Of course, it's not just Silas and Grace or the bad guys who are this vibrant. I love the side characters ranging from a steward with secrets of his own (and a not so secret loathing of sheep) to Valiant the collie pup! I look forward to seeing how the seeds hinting at future stories will be further developed as the series progresses.

This is a series set in Rossano's already established world involving her Rhynan and Theodoric series. However, Once Upon a Duchy is set in its own corner so it's not necessary to read the other series before launching full speed into this series. It is also a completely non-magical world, which I both love and respect because adapting fairytales without using any magic can be extremely challenging. Rossano has pulled it off phenomenally complete with a sweet swoony romance mixed in with a little mystery and intrigue plus brilliant layered characters and worldbuilding.

Grace and Silas' story has swept me off my feet! I cannot wait for the next entry in the series, Reclaiming Ryda, which is a mashup of Rapunzel with East of the Sun, West of the Moon! It will release later this year.

In celebration of National Fairy Tale Day, tell me your favorite fairytale and retelling! Have you read Grace by Contract yet?

Happy Reading!

Kimberly

Writer's Life: The Socks Must Go (Rachel)

One morning a few weeks ago, I woke to a character talking in my head. No, I am not crazy. It is just one of those things that occasionally happen to authors as we are working through the writing process. The event happens more often when I am working on a novel.

This particular character plays the hero in my latest work-in-process, Rumpled Rhett. A big, muscular, dangerous huntsman, Rhett excels in using various weaponry forms and is known far and wide for his skills as a tracker and mercenary. All things considered, I was a bit surprised at his demand.

Rhett: The socks must go.

Me: What? (I hadn’t had my morning tea yet and my head was a bit fuzzy still.)

Rhett: Cat’s socks must go. They are made up of more holes than socks. They are unsanitary, not to mention worthless.

Me: You do realize I described them that way because they serve as a symbol of her life in her father’s house. There he neglected, abused, and—

Rhett: They must be destroyed! I am going to burn them.

Me: What? Those are the only socks she has! How am I going to find a way to replace them? You can’t let her wander around with bare feet in the middle of winter. And medieval rural societies don’t have much in the way of premade excess goods. We will need wool. Do you have access to wool? Can she knit? Can you knit? Is knitting even historically accurate? What about crotchet? 

Rhett: … (Eyes me as I continue to panic) Are you done?

Me: No! You can’t burn her socks! There are so many reasons why you can’t. Smallest of which is I can’t figure out how to replace them.

Rhett: I have that one covered. What are your other reasons?

Me: You will traumatize her. She isn’t even comfortable around you yet. If you go whipping off her socks, she isn’t going to handle that well.

Rhett: (Shrugs) She hasn’t exactly been acting like a rabbit so far.

Me: She is fragile, emotionally traumatized. Healing takes time. Such an unexpected move on your part will undermine her trust in you. You can’t go invading her space and destroying her personal clothing.

Rhett: I can if I do it right.

Me: Right how?

Rhett: Figuring out the details is your job. I just stick to being me. The socks are going to burn.

Me: You are supposed to be earning her trust not destroying her clothing!

Rhett: I am earning her trust. I promised that I would take care of her and I will, beginning with the socks.

Me: (Groans) Where are the new socks coming from?

Rhett: I have an extra pair.

Me: Okay … (Mulls it for a few minutes) I might be able to work with that. They are good, thick socks, right?

Rhett: Anything less would be impractical. One can’t go tramping far without some quality socks.

Me: (Sighs) Fine. You can take the socks.

Rhett: I shall burn them.

Despite all of this negotiation and planning, I couldn’t write thanks to the miscellaneous necessary life tasks. Life happens, and I don’t always get to write when I wish. I spent two days with Rhett in my head, randomly reminding me that he would be burning Cat’s socks in the next scene. 

Rest assured, the socks did burn the next time I sat down to write. Rhett saw to it. Also, Cat wasn't pleased at first.

At least, my life is never boring.

Crucial Decisions by Special Guest Rachel Rossano (Living Sacrifice Blog Tour)

We are so excited to welcome Rachel Rossano to Lands Uncharted today to talk about her newest release, Living Sacrifice, the third and final book in her The Talented series! This finale released earlier this week and I am so excited for it. If you recall, I reviewed the first book in the series, Seventh Born, last month and gushed about the trilogy's heroine, Zezilia, being one of my favorite strong female leads. Rachel is going to share about the crucial decisions that make Zez such a strong heroine. 

The Talented series concludes on November 2, 2020 with the release of the final novel, Living Sacrifice. The fantasy trilogy centers around two seventh-born Talented, those with the abilities of telepathy and telekinesis. The heroine of the series, Zezilia, chooses to defy the expectations of her family, her society, and her gender to fill roles that many consider beyond her. The process that brought her to these positions connect back to three crucial decisions in the series.

In the first book, Seventh Born, Zezilia discovers she has potential to be a great Talent with the ability to communicate via thoughts and to move things with her mind. Not only is this unexpected in a female, but it is also undesirable. Many in her culture consider female talents not worth training. Thankfully, she is discovered by a man who does not have such a restricted view. He offers her the opportunity to train as a Talent. When she accepts this invitation, she is very aware that she is choosing to defy both societal and familial expectations. However, she longs for something more than the alternative, marriage and children.

In the second book, The Defender, Zezilia has completed the first part of her training as a Talent. Ready to begin using her new skills, she takes on the role of defender of the sept son. She sees this as an opportunity to serve, support, and make a difference in her world. However, it becomes quickly apparent that her presence is going to cause more trouble for the sept son than help. Still, she chooses to face the opposition because she feels she has a purpose, a role that only she can fill.

In the final book, Living Sacrifice, through a series of events, Zezilia finds herself unexpectedly abandoned by her mentor. Midst her struggles to find a new purpose and place as her country struggles through a prolonged civil war, she receives a summons. The sept son has disappeared and the high king wants her to fill the position. Overwhelmed by the immense responsibility, Zezilia takes up the role of leadership. She didn't choose to accept because she wanted the power or because she would be widely accepted. In fact, she says yes despite knowing that many would reject her in that role. Instead, she takes on the load for the sake of the country and the man she has grown to love. She can't walk away when people need her.

In Zezilia's journey, she never rejects her gender. Although she longs to be more useful and more helpful, she never desires to be other than what she is. Staying true to the core of who she is, she does great things because she is willing to serve, love, take risks, and sacrifice for others. She gradually grows into this strength as the story progresses. Through a series of choices, she learns the skills to stand on her own feet and support those she loves.

I love Zezilia's journey! And it really makes this series fun, exciting, and inspiring to read! I was also cheering on the final stages of growth (including the culmination of the slow burn romance) in this book. 💖  Thank you so much for sharing more about Zez with us, Rachel. Here's a little more about her: 

Rachel Rossano specializes in clean romantic fiction set in historical-feeling fantasy worlds. She also dabbles in straightforward historical romance and not-so-strict speculative fiction. A happily married mother of three children, she divides her time between mothering, teaching, and writing. She endeavors to enchant, thrill, entertain, and amuse through her work. A constant student, she seeks to improve her skills and loves to hear from readers.

You can connect with Rachel on her website, Facebook, and Amazon.

And now some more about Living Sacrifice which is available now!

Separated, but still joined, they strive for freedom.

Left behind at the sept son's compound, Zezilia Ilar struggles with the after effects of her prolonged commisceo-link with Hadrian. She devotes herself to caring for the wounded arriving almost daily from the battlefields. Pressed to perform procedures and make decisions far beyond her training, Zez grows in confidence and skill. All the while, she wonders if she'll see Hadrian again, fearing the worst possible news will arrive any day.

Sept Son Hadrian Aleron fights to bring peace to his home nation. Allied with the new high king, he and a small army of Talented struggle to retake the capital city. Elitists, though scattered, continue to pick off the strongest of his men. As he battles the remnants of the commisceo-link and tries to organize the campaign, he begins losing himself to exhaustion. Only a miracle will keep him alive. 

Living Sacrifice is the third in a trilogy. Reading Seventh Born and The Defender first is recommended.

Weekend Reads: Seventh Born by Rachel Rossano (Kimberly)

Hello Readers! I'm so excited to share one of my favorite epic Christian Fantasy series! The Talented trilogy by Rachel Rossano is perfect for the epic weekend reading binge!

Seventh Born (The Talented Book 1)

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Imagine a world based on ancient Rome where the population is divided between the untalented and the Talented, people gifted with fantastic abilities such as telekinesis and telepathy. What's more the strength of their talent most often draws on their position as a seventh son. The seventh son of a seventh son being even more talented and powerful. There is an unofficial competition among parents to have that seventh son because he could become second only to the High King in power as the Sept Son. Daughters, on the other hand, are far less valuable and to have a daughter take the place of the much anticipated seventh son? A tragedy.

This is the world Zezilia Ilar was born into and she was the infamous disappointment. Something drilled into her every year by her father. Zez is one of my favorite characters because she is the Strong Female Character handled with the perfect balance of not being TOO hard/embittered or unreasonably naive. Zez's world tells her that the only way for a woman to please the goddess is by marrying well and to have children, preferably seven sons in a row. In fact, the requirement and expectation is for girls to be married no later than nineteen. At fifteen, Zez is being presented to the court for the first time and she is well aware of her duties to the family as the daughter of a lower king. Even though her heart isn't in the expected destiny, she wants to make her parents proud the only way she knows. However, an encounter with a somewhat eccentric Talented man sets Zez on a very different path when he discovers she is one of the Talented.

Zez's presentation at court leads to her meeting Hadrian Aleron, the man soon to become Sept Son, and results in her new life being trained by Errol Silas in the ways of the Talented. I love that Zez is a prodigy but she stays humble and sensitive, which is very true to the girl we meet in the beginning of the book. I also love her relationships with the different characters she meets during the three years of her training from Errol's daughters to Selwyn, one of Hadrian's older brothers, to Korneli. Selwyn is easily my favorite since he's the gentle giant hiding a wounded past tied to his previous job as a Defender (elite bodyguard) of the Sept Son.

Seventh Born is split between Zez and her journey through the training of the Talented and Hadrian's journey as the newly appointed Sept Son. Unfortunately, the poor man is a very beleaguered character with opposition from the high priest of the goddess. Hadrian's side of the story brings in ALL the political intrigue as he deals with everything from political resistance to a growing threat from a fringe group called the Elitists who are unscrupulous in their use of Talent as they deem themselves divinely appointed above the untalented. Intrigue not helped by the fact that Hadrian is considered a heathen and heretic for not following the goddess. 

I am EXTREMELY picky when it comes to Christian Fantasy because eight times out of ten it will be far too awkwardly sermonizing to flow naturally for a satisfying story, which is not to my reading tastes. Fortunately, no one has to worry about that with Seventh Born. In fact, this is one of my personal favorites because the Christian worldview and faith elements have been woven perfectly into the natural framework of the story including one of the most moving, character appropriate conversion scenes I've read. The world and atmosphere of The Talented is very comparable to Ancient Rome, particularly when Christianity was in its infancy and not the state religion of the empire. There's a mix of known and secret conversions among the Talented in particular. However, the characters who are the mainstream goddess worshippers are treated with respect. This is especially true in regards to Renato, Zez's brother and Hadrian's chief assistant.

Seventh Born is a perfect setup for the rest of the trilogy. While the foundation work is laid for a slow burn romance between Hadrian and Zez (he had to promise she'd receive a suitable betrothal to get her father to agree to her training even though he wasn't enthused by this requirement), there really isn't much of anything to it in this book because they are on separate paths for most of the story and Zez is not truly interested in romance at the moment. Something that completely makes sense for the character arcs. I also love the unique aspects of Rossano's worldbuilding from the use of the Seventh Son mythos with her own distinct twist to the way she managed to give telepathy the unique hallmark of a person having a flavor/taste whenever they projected a thought. There's a lot of groundwork laid for the challenges facing Zez and Hadrian in the remaining two books. You can't help but look forward to what happens next as they head into Defender and Living Sacrifice, which is currently on preorder for November 2nd.

I highly recommend this book and series to fans of Morgan L Busse and Tricia Mingerink. 

Have you explored the world of the Talented?

Happy Reading!

Kimberly

Story Snippets: What is Your Favorite Fairy Tale by Special Guest Rachel Rossano

We're so excited to welcome Rachel Rossano to Lands Uncharted to share a special sneak peek of her upcoming fairy tale inspired series, Once Upon a Duchy, and the first book, Grace by Contract. I'll have more information about Rachel and her books below but first here's Rachel! Enjoy! :)

Favorite Fairy Tale

Rachel Rossano

What is your favorite fairy tale? I mean the one that you keep returning to again and again. Every time you encounter a retelling of it, you are tempted to buy it no matter the status of your budget. Yeah, Beauty and the Beast is that kind of fairy tale for me. I love the message of seeing the value of a person despite physical deformity or social status divide.

So, when I began plotting out a fairy tale-inspired series of novels, it was a natural choice for the first book. Here is a first look at the debut novel of Once Upon a Duchy, Grace by Contract. The hero, Silas, the Duke of Brackenhurst, is meeting the heroine, Grace, and her youngest sister, Beauty. The scene is from Silas’ perspective.

*****

“Pardon, is this where tenants meet the bailiff?”

I lowered my cup to find two women had joined us beneath the pavilion roof. Rambler coughed on his wine. Our guard blinked back tears as he swallowed awkwardly. Only Terida answered them.

“Yes, it is. And who might you be?”

“I am Grace Eldon, and this is my sister, Beauty.”

Grace assessed us all with dark eyes far too keen and bright for my comfort. She was sturdily built despite her diminutive stature and slender build. Her second-most remarkable feature was her full head of dark hair. Bound as it was and tucked beneath her thin woolen cloak its texture remained a mystery, but the thickness of it made me wonder what it felt like. Her sister was as fair as Grace was dark, with a hungry look about her that made me fear she would fade before my eyes.

“We come on behalf of our grandmother, Harmony Faye.”

“Ah, Madam Faye.” Rambler opened his ledger and leafed through the pages.

“Would you like sustenance while you wait?” I indicated the mush that Terida had brought me.

The fair sister eagerly reached for the bowl, but her sister stopped her. “We are not here to accept charity, we are here to barter.” The dark-haired sister frowned as she eyed Rambler’s ledger. “Our grandmother owes five measures of barley meal and half the harvest of honey from her bees.”

“As well as a half measure of ground oats for each adult living on her land.” Rambler leveled an assessing gaze across the table at the sisters. “How many live in your grandmother’s house now?”

“We are seven.”

Rambler nodded to indicate she passed the test. “And how much of this payment do you bring with you?”

Grace straightened her shoulders and tightened her grip on her sister’s hand. “None, my lord.”

“I am not your master,” Rambler replied, as though he corrected people several times a day. “I am no nobleman, merely a servant.” He marked something in his ledger. “So, how do you wish to pay what is owed?”

Again the young woman stiffened her back. “We have no money. Is there a way to work off the debt? My sister and I are strong and hard workers.”

Rambler frowned. “The usual arrangement is financial compensation, not labor.”

Beauty reached again for the offered food.

“We have nothing to offer except labor.” Grace tugged on Beauty’s other hand, and the fairer sister hid her fingers in her skirts. “My father requires my remaining sisters’ help to care for our grandmother and keep the house while he works the land. We have hopes of being able to pay what we owe next year, but there is no chance of that this year.”

“Not even a small payment?” Rambler asked. His pale eyes assessed her with the narrowed intensity that brought rough and belligerent farmers all over the area to account. However, they had no effect on the diminutive pair before him.

Grace’s jaw clenched as though bracing for a blow, but her gaze never wavered. “As it is, we will starve with seven mouths to feed. Beauty and I need to find work even if Lord Brackenhurst forgives our debt.”

“Indenture.” The word passed my lips before I intended to speak. Rambler turned to regard me with a puzzled glare. The pair of girls looked up with matching expressions of surprise. However, their responses to my scarred features were completely different. Beauty turned away, hiding her face in horror. Grace, on the other hand, recovered quickly, meeting my gaze directly.

“I hope our difficulties will not become the latest topic for the gossip mill.” She glanced at Terida, who was clearing away the now-empty mugs. The tavernkeeper’s wife ignored her, leaving the shelter of the pavilion to dash for the tavern across the road.

“Are you sure you want to go that route, my lord?” Rambler asked with an emphasis on my title.

I inclined my head slightly and avoiding what was certain to be an awkward realization at who I was on the young women’s part. “Seems the best fit, considering the needs on both sides.”

“One or five years’ contract?” Rambler asked as the two of us turned our attention back to the young women.

The younger sister had maneuvered herself behind Grace, completely ignoring the awkward angle of her sister’s arm in her efforts. Grace regarded the pair of us with a mixture of horror and pain. I hoped the source of her discomfort was more her sister’s arm-wrestling than Rambler’s suggestion. Then she blinked and all emotion drained from her face.

“What benefit would a five-year contract be?”

“A greater length of reprieve from the yearly tributes,” Rambler suggested. “A wage, perhaps, could be negotiated, especially considering there are two of you.”

Grace’s already pale features turned almost white. For a moment, I feared she would faint. Was the prospect of being indentured to me that horrible? Or perhaps it was the thought of signing away five years of her life?

“Who would be required to sign the contract?” she asked.

“Your father.” Rambler sat and reached beneath the table into the strong box of documents he lugged to and from each assize. “Here.” He produced a thin piece of vellum and reached for the pen and ink. “I will list the terms.” He scratched a swift summary of the usual agreement before sliding it across the table. “If the length of the agreement is five as opposed to one year in length, a wage will be added to your earnings to offset the lack of debt.”

“So, one year and my grandmother’s account will be debt-free?” Grace asked as she stepped forward and picked up the contract.

Her sister squeaked and hurriedly hid behind her sister again.

After a few moments of Rambler spouting numbers and figures, Grace nodded. “Might I bring this home to my father? He will wish to consider the options.”

“Have your father bring the signed contract to the duke’s gate by the first of the month. Then we can discuss the details.” Rambler began packing up his strong box.

“If your father doesn’t appear, he will be held accountable for the sum in full come the fifteenth of the month,” I clarified.

Grace avoided my gaze as she tucked the contract beneath her layers of clothing. Taking her sister’s hand, she guided her out into the still pouring rain.

*****

Thank you so much for sharing with us today, Rachel! I was fortunate enough to be an alpha reader for Grace by Contract and this is such a fun, exciting, and, yes, romantic reimagining of Beauty and the Beast! I cannot wait for this new series to begin launching. Until then however you can explore another part of this story world with the Novels of Rhynan (with some of my favorite heroes and heroines ever, especially Dentin and Elsa), which you can find here.

Here's a little more about Rachel: 

Rachel Rossano specializes in medieval fantasy with adventure and romance. As a homeschooling mother of three, she splits her time between wrestling through math problems with her kids, designing book covers, and writing more novels.

You can connect with Rachel on her website, Facebook, and Amazon.

Planning 2020 (Kimberly)

Planning 2020

Hello all! How do you plan your schedule? Is it completely detailed or perhaps you have a lot of floating/vague dates more along the lines of "maybe this quarter"? Scattered dates and checklists all over your house or at least your desk? Or one centralized master planner to rule them all?

Honesty moment, I've spent a lot of time being one of the scattered planner people and as I get further into my career, I find that doesn't really work for me. Whether traditionally published or indie, there's a lot of things beyond just hitting word counts we authors must track. There are various stages of the writing journey to reach publishing or submission deadlines, newsletters, blogs, social media, and also ads if that's part of our marketing plan. Add in your life outside of writing and things can quickly become overwhelming, chaotic, and a stressful mess of missed project dates and goals.

I've used regular date planners in the past, but they don't always click due to how much of both writing and business I need to track. So, this year I decided to try something new. I picked up The 2020 Author's Planner by Audrey Ann Hughey, an indie author who definitely understands there's more than just writing to track through the year. We're not very far into the new year, but I'm already loving this planner!

One of the two covers for the planner. Photo from Amazon.com.

The planner is aimed at consolidating the creative and business sides of being an author. What I especially love is the first page of the introduction urges you to be FLEXIBLE. Planners shouldn't be carved into stone, which can often be a downfall leading to author burnout because the author made every deadline immovable. However, planners with the cushion of flexibility can really help streamline and destress your author life whether you're a plotter or a pantser.

Some of the unique features of the Author's Planner are the sections aimed at clarifying our vision/goals for 2020 including the following: 1) agent submission and query tracking for those pursuing traditional or hybrid publishing, 2) reading list for business and pleasure, 3) income and expense tracking for each month, 4) a marketing plan ranging from publishing dates to visibility growth, and 5) a social media calendar. One of my favorite things is how each month begins with a reflection on the previous month and what did or didn't work before launching into the plan breakdown for the current month. Then the weekly calendar maintains a broad focus beyond just word count, which I love. You can make goals ranging from writing to editing to visibility, notate your writing buddy for the week, track the number of pitches you're sending out, and also address wellness goals and life priorities.

Now if this sounds a bit TOO organized and overwhelming for your needs, there are other planners that cater to author needs. One of my friends, indie author and designer Rachel Rossano, has just released her own all-in-one Writing & Marketing Planner. This is the kind of planner you grab if you want to easily track both marketing and writing without feeling bogged down by a bunch of extras. I haven't ordered this one yet. However, it's already moving to the top of my list for next year's planner picks because it's more streamlined while also organizing both the creative and business sides of the job. What I love about planners is that we can play around with them and experiment until we find one or two that's just the right fit for our lives and business styles.

Cover Photo from Lulu.com.

When I sat down at the end of the year to assess my 2020 goals, I knew better organization was going to be a major factor in my success. I've done the make your own planner and used word count oriented planners in the past, but this year I wanted something more structured that had room to coalesce my writing with the business side. Two of my priority goals are to publish a minimum of twelve books this year and to broaden my marketing focus, which would be difficult to achieve without being intentionally organized. Being scattered interferes with my focusing abilities, so I'm already benefitting from using more author oriented planners and I'm looking forward to seeing how the rest of 2020 unfolds.

What about you? What planners are you using this year? What made you choose them? Any trips or tricks for planning your year? I'd love to hear about them?

Until next time!
Kimberly