![]() Even though I love the work I writer, sometimes I end up changing my best-laid plans: my story mutinied... My mind is filled with amazing stories from multiple series. When I decided to make The Vow That Twisted Fate my debut novel, I was left with the daunting task of selecting which of those series I would launch once The Vow That Twisted Fate (a stand-alone novel) is released. After much discussion with my muse, my mentor, and my partner, I made a decision and started writing away. The story was coming along swimmingly! Characters surprised me with the twists and turns in their decisions. Lightbulbs were going off left and right. Yes, I was sure that Kritinia: Shadow Child was going to be the next full-length novel to see the light of day, and its arrival would kick-off the five-volume Kritinia series. Then, something highjacked my best-laid plans: my story mutinied. You read that right. Everything froze. The characters quit moving. They sat themselves down with a merry picnic of the best fried chicken and a heaping dose of indifference. And my attempts at prodding them forward was less successful than beating a certain green Jedi master at a lightsaber duel. But it worked out for the best! You may have seen a poll go out earlier this month (which is open through May 30th 2021 HERE) asking for help choosing the name of my next novel. Flaming inspiration for that novel and its counterpart (it is a two-volume series) has been fanned hotter and brighter within me, and I have now begun the process of vigorously writing volume one. So yes, there has been a change in my best-laid plans: my story mutinied, but that doesn't mean that Kritinia is forgotten--merely delayed. I am excited to share more about the new series in the coming weeks here on my website, so sign up for my e-mail list if you'd like to hear the news first. Are you a writer whose story has mutinied? I'd love to hear what you decided to do! Drop it in the comments. Can't wait to read more about my next novel (currently in progress as of the time this blog is posted)? -Pre-order The Vow That Twisted Fate (July 9th 2021 release) and upload your receipt HERE to start reading a digital copy now, while waiting for news on the new series! -Check out Kritinia: Shadow Child's page HERE to see more about the story that mutinied. -Follow my Reedsy Reviewer account HERE to see what books I'm reading/reviewing to give myself self-care breaks while writing.
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![]() As I settle into a new writing/editing routine approaching the end of NaNoWriMo, I think it's a wonderful time to share another of my favorite places to write: Miyajima, Japan! Miyajima is an island off the southern cost of Hirohsima, Japan. Its beauty is serene and its red "floating" tori gate is renowned, with both Japanese and foreign tourists coming all day every day by ferry to see the shrine, the tori gate, and the deer. Having been to the island a few times now, I find it to be a serene and inspiring place to write. Benches set on the beach not far from the ferry (veer right once you come out of the ferry building), where you can watch the ocean, breathe the clean air, and enjoy the multiple relaxing deer as you write your dreams. It feels like I am in another place while I'm there, which is why it is one of my favorite places to write. Before you go to Miyajima, here are a few pro tips to keep in mind regarding your visit: -The JR Ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima and back is free if you have a Japan Rail Pass -The Ferry does not run 24/7. Don't miss the last one back to the mainland! -Book a Miyajima Ryokan (Japanese-style Inn) or Hotel if you wish to see the red tori gate like I did when I took the picture above. -There is a peaceful "cat cafe", "owl cafe" and "shiba-inu cafe" (dog) where you can unwind while visiting some cute animals not far from the ferry. -Don't miss the Momiji Manju (maple-leaf shaped fried pastries with custards or red bean paste inside); Miyajima is famous for them. -Giant oysters are also famous, and can be found at most street venders (just remember to stand still or sit at a bench when you eat, as it's considered rude to eat while you're walking) Want to come visit one of my favorite places to write: Miyajima, Japan? Check out the Miyajima Seaside Hotel and the Iwaso Ryokan for a couple amazing places to stay! I have stayed at both, and they were both exquisitely unique! Want to learn more about a novel I worked on during a visit to Miyajima? Check out Kritinia: Shadow Child; a 2022 work in progress. What is one of your favorite places to write? Let me know in the comments! |
My Written WorldHere I share more about the worlds I write, lessons I'm learning as I strive to become a successful author, and my real-life travel and cooking adventures along the way. Archives
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