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Monday, June 26, 2017

The Steadfast Pen Blog Launch + Interview feat. Josiah Dyck



I’m suuuper excited to share something with you guys today! A good friend of mine and fellow writer/reader/lover-of-all-things-geeky just launched his blog!!!


I first got to know Josiah Dyck via Tracey Dyck (because yes, they’re siblings…if it isn’t obvious *grins*) and we clicked via our mutual interests in writing and geeky things.


Well, now Josiah has a blog himself, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! I have no doubt he’s going to fill the blogosphere with epic and hilarious posts.


But enough of my babbling. You probably want to know how to get to said awesome new blog. Ahem.


Introducing…


THE STEADFAST PEN


Annnnd, to kickoff his grand entrance into the blogging world, I have Josiah himself here today at Musings of an Elf for a fun interview all about his writing life!

 


Josiah Dyck is an enthusiastic writer who dreams of penning stories as a career. He's written several stories over the course of his life, such as a couple of fairy tale retellings, fanfiction, and other various stories. In a flash fiction contest he entered two years ago that received nearly a thousand entries, he was one of the ten nominees. He loves collecting LEGO and soundtrack music. You can find him chilling at home with his family, going on walks, or working at a local gas station. Or online, if you're into that sort of thing.

 

 

INTERVIEW


1.) What first inspired you to start writing? Was there a moment in your life that made you decide to keep at it?

Funny story: I used to hate writing as a kid. Whenever there'd be a short story writing project in school, I lapsed into a pool of overdramatic despair . . . or something of the sort. I still have some of those old stories. *shudders*

Then, when I was 12 or 13, my oldest sister began penning her first novel. Somewhere along the line, I had a brilliant thought: "If she can do it, then so can I!" So I set to work crafting an epic—albeit violent—tale about three soldiers who cross over into a strange world and join the fight to stop an overwhelming evil. Needless to say, it was very rough, though it had some good concepts. I plan on one day revamping the story into a much better series. I also plan on posting about this old story and poking fun at some of the ridiculous things I wrote.

While this story was fun to write and happened to bring me closer to my sister, I eventually stopped sometime after passing the 150 page mark. You must remember, this was all hand-written, so that's fairly impressive. However, when tests at the end of the school year (not sure which year, since I never dated my story) arose from the darkest depths, I put the story aside . . . and I didn't get back into it. I entered a writing slump. Around this time, I may have written short LEGO stories, but that was it. Then the fateful moment came.

In October of 2012, I randomly started writing a Marvel/DC crossover titled The Attack on Gotham. What was different this time was that I posted it on a public site known as the LEGO Message Boards. It was the positive feedback that truly told me, "You were made to be a writer." And so I haven't stopped. Have I had long breaks of writing? Yep, but I always go back to it, and I always will.

 

 

2.) Give us a quick rundown of your typical writing process, from the first spark of the story to the end. Or does it vary from story to story?

Well, I'm not sure if I have one formula, but there are some consistencies. I get sparks of ideas from a lot of places. It could be anything from toying with an interesting concept to something that someone says. Heck, I even got an idea for a story from a piece of music. I'd been listening to the track "Mermaids" from the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides soundtrack, and I had a scene randomly appear in my mind. It was of a samurai warrior running away from a dragon similar to the Chinese ones.

 

 

I secretly hoped Rooglewood's next fairy tale retelling contest would be Sleeping Beauty. What do you know, that's exactly what happened. Funny coincidence, if I do say so myself. That's how Darkened Slumber was born.

Often, what happens after the birth of the idea is I'll let it simmer. Once I have some bearing on the plot, or sometimes even before the plot is decided, soundtrack music will inspire scenes that I love and incorporate into the story. My abovementioned sister insists that I need to write down all of these ideas, but even though I have dozens of scenes for multiple stories swirling in my head, I don't forget them—95% of the time. If the scene was tied to a piece of music, and I listen to that song, I can remember the scene quite well. I'm a bit weird that way. I don't outline like normal people do, either. That's all in my noggin.

Then comes the writing. This part usually takes longer because I now have to extract those scenes from my head and put them into words. It can also take longer because I'm either lazy or I have multiple projects, kinda like I have five different projects going on right now. But I do enjoy the process.

Here comes the dreaded word: editing. Hide your children! Grab only your most beloved possessions! Nowhere you go is safe! Darkened Slumber was my first real editing project, since my oldest sister usually did that beforehand. That task is in my hands now, and while I don't love it as much as other parts of the process, I don't actually hate it either.

As for what's after that . . . well, I haven't really gotten to that chapter of my writing project. Looking back at my answer, I guess I do have my own strange process of doing things.

 

3.) What part of the writing process is your favorite (first draft, editing, polishing, being done and celebrating with cake, etc.)?

Celebrating with cake sounds deliciously fantastic, though I have actually never done this. I think the answer to this is twofold. I'd first say that my favorite part is when I come up with a really great scene, and am deeply satisfied after writing it and listening to its designated track. The same goes for when I write characters that I love, and they truly come alive both on the page and in my mind. Those moments are always awesome.

The second part is when I get feedback—both compliments and constructive criticism—from readers. I truly love knowing that people appreciate my work, and that all the time and energy I put into it is worthwhile. Plus, one of my top two love languages is words, so that definitely factors in.

 

4.) Which is your least favorite?

My least favorite part is once again a twofold answer. Firstly, when you hit a roadblock in your story and you just can't seem to get past it, referred to by most as writer's block . . . well, that can be frustrating. But I think it's also good to evaluate yourself and your story to find the creative solution. These kinds of problems can actually be beneficial to you.

Secondly, when I haven't written in a long time and begin to enter a feeling of purposelessness, then I encounter one of my least favorite parts of writing. Yet that's not really the story's fault. It just means I've gotten sidetracked and forgotten to do what I consider to be my life's calling. What I don't like is the feeling itself. Or if the story's public and I haven't written more in a while, then I feel like I've let people down. Don't enjoy that feeling either.

 

5.) How do you keep inspiration going? Any specific books/movies/music/activities/etc.?

Well, if I'm in a creative slump, I often devour books with an insatiable appetite. I find that most of the time, I'm writing and not reading, or reading and not writing. It's a pattern that can, but doesn't always, occur frequently in my life. Reading books is like eating food. You can go work, but you'll eventually need to refuel. That's what books do in my writing journey.

As I mentioned before, music—especially instrumental music—influences and inspires my writing heavily. I'm not sure what I'd do without it. It's like the blood of my writing body.

Another thing that helps get my creative juices going. But the funny thing is, while any walk can do this, there are a few specific kinds that really pump me up for writing. I love to walk when it's either raining or snowing, and when I do, my writerly brain kicks in a lot higher than normal. There've been days at work when it's overcast and rainy, and in my mind I'm growling, "Let me go home and write!"

 

6.) Do you have a particularly favorite character you've written? If so, why is he/she a favorite?

You want me to pick one favorite character? That's like asking for me to pick my favorite child! (Yes, my characters are my children, and I'm their very proud and protective dad.) There's everybody from the honorable Prince Takeshi and the pain-ridden Captain Byron to the goofy Mark and the psychopath Cheatcodes. But if I must choose one, I'd choose Kayne from my LEGO Ninjago fanfiction, The Tournament of Convicts.

Why do I love this character so much? Because he's similar to me. I identify with him as he struggles to deal with dreams that haven't come to pass and as he feels alone in a spiteful world that seems to want to tear him to shreds. He's an exaggeration of me, and I love him with all my heart. He doesn't necessarily want to be a hero who saves the world. He just wants to feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment in his life. He wants friends he can hang out and joke with; he wants a girl who will love him just as much as he loves her, and who will spend the rest of her days with him. He feels very down-to-earth and imperfect, and that makes me love him even more.

Another character that does come to mind when I'm asked this question is tentatively named Captain Brixton. Leader of a six-man band of treasure hunters, he becomes enraptured with an exquisite diamond and steals it. From that point on, he becomes an exaggerated opposite of me, which makes him fun to write. He eventually realizes through disastrous events that he was in the wrong, and I look forward to writing his change to being a hero.

 

 

7.) Say you had the chance to grab a slice of pizza with any author in the world (living or dead), who would you choose?

Boy, this one's a tough question as well. I'm going to cheat and say I'd like to meet with Paul (as in, the apostle), J.R.R. Tolkien, and Andrew Klavan. It also wouldn't hurt to meet Bryan Davis again. I feel I would learn a lot from these four authors.

 

8.) What is your preferred genre to write? Is there a genre (or three) you can never see yourself writing?

YA fantasy, no question about it. I think this'll be the main genre I write in during my career. There's just so much freedom in fantasy to unleash your imagination and do whatever you want. As for genres I wouldn't write, I was initially going to say romance, but it's too late for that. Putting any inappropriate genres aside, I probably wouldn't write horror (I'd sooner do a creepy thriller), self-help (or pretty much any sort of nonfiction), or a tragicomedy (because if I'm going to write a serious story, it's going to have a serious mood with a serious ending).

 

9.) If you could have any fantasy creature at all as a writing secretary, what type would you choose and why?

I was going to say a griffin, but then I thought about it more and realized it'd be a illogical choice. Maybe one of Tolkien's elves, since they have the benefit of living forever. Then I'd also have a bodyguard, so two birds with one stone. Or, if I could turn it good, I'd have a phantom like the one in Darkened Slumber. Because that'd just be cool. Or maybe a displacer from the Beyonders trilogy by Brandon Mull. I mean, it's a handy feature to be able to take apart your own body and still live, right? Or . . . you know, I'll stop there.

 

10.) Lastly, would you give us a snippet from something you've written? It can be from anything at all!

This is the hardest question, hands-down. *scrambles around, looking for one of my favorite writing pieces* It was really hard, but I chose a snippet from Darkened Slumber, because that's one of my favorite stories that I've written.

Finally, it was Samrid’s turn. He completed the water procedure and bowed. “I bless you with the wit worthy of a fairy. May the Life-Breather make it so. My gift to you is a quarter of our province’s finest jewels that we’ve mined in the past five years.” He kissed Emiko’s hand and moved back into the row.

“And now, for the final blessing . . .” Alaric smiled at Takeshi.

Before Takeshi could step forward, an eloquent voice rang out, causing the orchestra to halt awkwardly. “The final blessing? Have you become senile in your old age, Your Majesty? For I count twelve princes.” The stranger stepped into the light. “And there are thirteen provinces.” He removed his hat, exposing his scarred, but otherwise flawless, face.

“Karnu,” Alaric said, his voice steady. “You are not welcome here. You are a ronin, not a samurai.”

“Who was it that stripped me of my position?” Karnu strode down the path in the middle of the courtyard, fixating his eyes on Alaric. “Certainly not you.”

“I saw your corruption. You would rule harshly and infect your province. That is why it is no more.”

“You took everything from me.” Karnu’s voice was calm, but the undercurrents of rage were evident. Soldiers marched toward him, but Alaric held up his hand. “You allowed my land to fall to ruin and become stomping grounds for ogres.”

“Your mountainous province contained barely any inhabitable land, with no resources to speak of. It had nothing to offer.”

Karnu’s eyes glimmered dangerously, sending a shiver through Takeshi’s body. “Oh, but it does now: a blessing for the princess.” He brandished a magnificent sword.

Alaric gasped, as did the shoguns. “The Eldspin!”

“How clever you must think you are for hiding it in my own province.” Karnu lifted the Eldspin, and the blade began to glow.

Takeshi tried to look away, to find a weapon so he could attack the ronin. But his efforts were to no avail. He couldn’t peel his eyes away; neither could anyone else. He’s entranced us all.

With his free hand, Karnu performed the water ritual, but he did not bow. “I bless you with a darkened slumber that will last as long as the sun shines on Yashan. I will make it so. My gift to you is a lifetime of sorrow for your father as he watches his precious daughter sleep for an eternity.”

A cruel grin twisted Karnu’s lips as he pointed the sword at Emiko. As if against her will, she slowly lifted her right hand, forefinger outstretched. Em! Takeshi cried out in his mind.

Blade and flesh kissed.

Emiko’s hand dropped, and she slumped in her throne.

Fast asleep.

 

 

Well, thanks for the interview, Christine! I enjoyed answering these great questions, and I'm honored to be on your blog. Until next time, may the writing force be with you!


~ ~ ~


Thank you, Josiah! It was a thrill to have you over today!



Don’t forget to check out
Josiah’s Blog!!!



Share with us your thoughts, Readers! Do you have any questions or comments for Josiah? How do you feel about writing playlists? And can we just flail over that snippet? Because epicnessss!

Monday, June 19, 2017

Beautiful People - Lystraea {June 2017}

 

Visit Sky @ Further Up and Further In or Cait @ Paperfury to join the BP linkup!


It’s meh favorite time of the month. BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE TIIIIME. And I haven’t actually done one since March. *gasp* *shock* *ack* So I’m super excited to be doing one today! It’s only my favorite linkup ever.


Today I decided to feature Lystraea from, you guessed it, Burning Thorns. (Really, do I ever do BP posts for any character from my other novels anymore??? I only have like 23849834 characters from my many, many novels. Sheesh.) It occurred to me the other day that I…haven’t done a BP post for her. Or if I have, it was ages ago and my goldfish memory has no memory of this place. But either way, WE’RE DOING LYSTRAEA TODAY. And I’m a smidge excited.


Lystraea is an elf, and her story is quiiiiite the mystery. (And she may or may not be trapped inside a mirror. *cough*) So if my answers are vague, I apologize. She’s not a main, main character, as in we don’t see her a whole lot, but she kind of ties the whole plot together. Like…the WHOLE plot. So yeah, spoiling things about her would basically spoil the whole book… BUT WE’RE DOING THIS THING ANYWAY.


__________________________

 

White haze swirled inside the mirror. Nothing more. Purely white mist and silence. Not even the air felt real—ethereal, weightless. Like floating through a dream.

She never hungered, never thirst. She merely was. A soul with no body, existing in the nothingness around her. All substance came from the outside world.

A rounded window that vanished and appeared at her will allowed view beyond the hazy prison. Small, webbed cracks now tainted her sight to the tangible world.

Her view had changed from the rooms of the castle her feet—real, physical feet—had walked within for not an entire fortnight before the curse took hold of her. Now she peered through the window inside another, smaller castle. Here she had no ability to transport from mirror to mirror with a mere thought as she had done in the Forest castle.

Sometimes she thought she felt it, the Forest trying to tug her home, bring her back to its borders. But the connection weakened by the day.

Never had she thought her prison could become smaller.


__________________________

 

LYSTRAEA


1.) What’s their favorite place they’ve ever visited?

Well, she adores her home in the Forest of the Fae. (All the people that live in the Forest are called “fae”. Her race is an elf, but in general she’s a fae, like we’re called humans…if that makes sense.) Honestly, she loves it more than just about anything. But she does have a sweet spot for the human world, and has traveled all across the many human kingdoms outside the Forest. She loves learning the ways of humans, and also teaching them of her ways. Many stories are passed around of the elf woman who visits human villages giving away breathtaking, unearthly white roses. It’s kind of her thing.

One of her favorite places is the exotic kingdom of Mysira far to the south. The wild dances of the people fascinate her, and she loves their colorful clothing.


2.) What’s one mistake they made that they learned from?

She learns—in a very difficult and drawn out way—that trying to force someone to follow one’s beliefs may cause the opposite effect and drive them away. That there is a very fine line between justice and mercy. Mercy often overpowers justice. And that love is so much more important and powerful than law. (And yes, I know it said one mistake, but this all does connect, I promise!)

Lystraea is naturally a kind and loving person, but her strong beliefs in law and justice often get in the way of that part of her. She has to go through a lot of growth.


3.) What was their favorite subject in school? Or favorite thing to learn about?

History. Lystraea can never get enough of learning about the history of her people, the Forest, and even the human kingdoms. She loves culture of all kind.


4.) What’s their favorite flower/growing thing?

Well, this one is easy. Roses. Her rose garden is her pride and joy. Especially the white ones. She could spend hours upon hours amongst her roses.

But she does love all growing things. It kind of comes with being an elf. The elves’ very purpose is to grow things, and have mastered the art to a spectacular degree.


5.) Have they ever made someone cry? What happened?

I think Lystraea has caused angry tears more so than sad ones. Remember the whole she-had-to-learn-mercy-over-justice thing? Her strong sense of the law and justice has caused some…problems with a couple of people.

OH. And she did cause both Rose and the Dragon to shed some tears at a certain point or two. But, um, I can’t really tell you why.


6.) Would you consider them a reliable or unreliable narrator?

Well, I think Lystraea only has one short point-of-view in the whole novel. But she’s very reliable. She’ll tell you how it is. Which is probably why she only has one POV. Being in her head is too spoiler-y. XD


7.) What do they dream about at night?

Once, she dreamed of beautiful things—of her home, of enchanted fairy dances, of new places and swirls of colors. Now her dreams are much darker. Shadows haunt her dreams. Thus she rarely chooses to sleep, because she doesn’t actually need sleep due to…reasons. Occasionally she’ll sleep out of sheer boredom, but the dark things tend to creep in and wake her.

Though, every now and again, her mind is kind to her and gives her a peek of the golden days in her dreams. It’s for those rare moments that she attempts sleep.


8.) They’ve gone out for a “special meal.” What would they eat?

The Forest boasts much delicious fruit and game, but for something special, she’d probably go to one of the human kingdoms and try a new dish. Again, she loves Mysira’s culture. A traditional dish of theirs is their exotic vegetables split open with spicy sauce poured inside. That’s something she definitely loves to partake in. She much prefers fruits and veggies over heavy meat-oriented meals.


9.) Do they have any distinguishing or unique talents?

Yes! The Giver of Lights (the God-figure of this world) gave her the gift to grow green things. As in, she can literally make flowers, plants, even trees sprout straight up from the ground with her ability. Fun stuff, fun stuff.

She also has a particular special gift she can give any one person she chooses. Buuut that’s spoilers, sweetie.

Although none of this stuff serves her anymore, since she’s trapped in a mirror. AHEM.


10.) What’s at least one thing they want to do before they die?

Heh heh. This is an…interesting question due to things only my beta-readers will get. *grins* (I’m evil, I know.)

But seriously now, her ultimate goal and purpose in life is to spread the Light. To combat the darkness, and shine the Giver’s light across the world. Her greatest task is to fill the Forest with light and keep the shadows at bay. That has always been her aim in life, since she was old enough to understand light vs. darkness.


~ ~ ~


Well then. I hope these answers were vague and confusing enough for you. Eheh. Spoiler-y characters are hard to do Beautiful People posts for, I can’t help it!


But wow, now I desperately miss working on Burning Thorns. This story is my heart, guys! It’s my goal hope to start the second round of edits on it in a few weeks. I’m chomping at the bit to get at it again (especially after writing this post!), and hopefully by then life will be a smidge less crazy. (Shhhh, let me live with my delusions.)

 

Speak! O fair blog readers. What do you think of Lystraea? Did you manage to grasp anything about her from all this babbling confusion? (You might not have, but this actually gave me a much deeper understanding of her. Yay for BP!) Most importantly here, have you joined this month’s Beautiful People???

Monday, June 12, 2017

The Reluctant Godfather by Allison Tebo - Book Review, Blog Tour + Giveaway



Today I am absolutely thrilled to spread the word about one of the most delightful stories I’ve ever read! The blog tour for The Reluctant Godfather starts off today, and not only do I have a review for you guys, an epic giveaway is going on! All the info on how to get in on that goodiness is at the end of this post. So be sure to stick around!


But first…


THE BOOK

 


Burndee is a young and cantankerous fairy godfather, who would rather bake cakes than help humans. A disgrace to the fairy order, Burndee has only two wards entrusted to his care…a cinder girl and a charming prince.

A royal ball presents Burndee with the brilliant solution of how to make his wards happy with the least amount of effort. He’ll arrange a meeting and hope the two fall in love.

A humorous and magical re-telling of Cinderella from a unique perspective.


Amazon | GoodReads | Author's Website | Author's Blog

______________________


*incoherent squealing* THIS STORY, GUYS. THIS STORY.


From the second I started that first page, I knew it was going to be good. And ooooh my goodness, was it ever! I devoured this novella in one sitting, and afterwards it went straight to my favorite's shelf on GoodReads. And only my favorite of favorites makes it to that shelf. That alone tells you just how much I loved this little tale.


I MUST FANGIRL.



THE RUNDOWN


The Reluctant Godfather is a Cinderella retelling, which immediately captured my interest because GIVE ME ALLLLLLL THE FAIRYTALE RETELLINGS. And I adore the story of Cinderella. I just never, ever, EVER get tired of retellings of it. BUT. Some of you may be groaning, thinking, “Another Cinderella retelling????” There are a lot of them, I understand that, BUT DO NOT FEAR. This story is unlike any Cinderella story I’ve seen in my life. Honestly, it’s one of the most unexpected, unique retellings I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.


Why, you ask?


Because this story is not told from the point-of-view of Cinderella, or even the Prince. It’s told from the POV of the fairy godmother! Er…father. And yes, it’s a fairy godfather. Which makes it doubly unique. We get a completely unexpected POV and it’s a guy instead of the expected female. I LOVE IT.


Burndee is our fairy godfather who has been entrusted with Prince Colin and Ella as his wards. Except…Burndee isn’t too keen on human kind, nor is making people happy his forte. He doesn’t even want to be a fairy godfather. Unfortunately for him, he really has no choice in the matter.


As he realizes he’s got to do something about improving his wards’ lives—that is his job after all—he comes up with a brilliant plan: Make them fall in love and live happily ever after. Killing two birds with one stone. Buuuut Burndee isn’t exactly one’s top notch fairy.


Cue the hilarious mishaps.


CHARACTERS


The characters in this story were golden.


Burndee: My top, TOP favorite. THIS CHARACTER, PEOPLE. He was so unique and hilarious. “Disagreeable” is the best word I can think of to describe him. He has to spend his life around humans, which he thinks are all silly and not really worth his time. Thus snarky comments ensue. My absolute favorite part of this book was being inside Burndee’s head. His sarcastic, cantankerous nature amused me endlessly. AND HE BAKES. Baking is his passion which…was so unexpected from this grouchy guy. I LOVED THAT. Everything about him broke all stereotypes. A fairy godfather who really doesn’t want to help anyone and who bakes? Like…I cannot get over the uniqueness of this character! I loved him so much.


Ella: She is our Cinderella character, and precisely the type of Cinderella I love most. I’ve always been drawn to Cinderella, because her sweet and quiet strength is a breath of fresh air to this day and age’s “strong female protagonist” a.k.a “reckless and emotionless girls who refuse help from anyone”. Ella in this story had that very sweet and quiet spirit I adore. I just wanted to hug this precious girl.


Prince Colin: I really liked the Prince and wish he had been in the story a bit more. I didn’t feel like we got to know him quite as much as Burndee and Ella. But he was still a great character! His and Burndee’s relationship amused me, as Colin decided to take matters into his own hands and not let Burndee help. They were great!


There was one other character I totally loved, but it may be slight spoilers to mention them? I don’t know. But needless to say, all the character had such personality. The dynamics of each character was a blast! They were all so different from one another, but complimented each other wonderfully.



I completely fell in love with Allison Tebo’s writing style. It was witty and smooth, with a touch of a fairytale feel—the perfect style for this story. And the pacing was perfection. I’m extremely picky with pacing, especially with novellas. I’m the type who wants to read a ginormous ten book series over standalones. Short stories usually aren’t my thing. Give me big, epic stories please! But, really, I wouldn’t want this story any longer or shorter. It was the exact length it needed to be. Long enough to really get to know the characters and get a fun story, without cramming it all into a few words. I was in awe at the perfect pacing, since I can be grumpy about that, with novellas in particular. *cough*


And can we just take a minute to appreciate the food in this story???? ALL THE DELECTABLE TREATS. I mentioned Burndee loves to bake, right? BECAUSE HE LOVES TO BAKE. And there are so many sweet treats mentioned. I literally had to get up and get a snack while reading, because it was making me so hungry.


Another thing I absolutely adored was how quotable everything was! When I started reading it, I wanted to save a bunch of quotes because they were so funny, but then I realized…I’d be saving over half the book! Basically every other line was hilarious and quotable. I know I said it before but I have to repeat it: Being inside Burndee’s head was my favorite. I think I was grinning for the entirety of the book.


This story was just a delight all around. Somehow it completely turned the well-known story of Cinderella on its head while still staying true to the original story. It was just…brilliant. Pure brilliance!


CONTENT CAUTIONS


Not a single thing. It was a completely fun and clean read. In fact, if I had young children I’d totally be reading it to them. It’s a perfectly fun story for all ages!


CONCLUSION


If you’re looking for a fun, quick read GET THIS STORY. It was one of the most delightful fairytale retellings I’ve ever read, with sarcasm, wit, hilarity, and tasty treats (because that’s super important). The characters were amazing, and the plot itself was full of fun twists and hilarious mishaps. By the ending I just wanted to squeal and hug the book.


This is officially one of my most favorite Cinderella retellings!

 

 

About The Author

 

Allison Tebo is a Christian homeschool graduate in her mid-twenties, who works part time as a sales associate for a major transportation company. A graduate of London Art College, Allison pursues avenues in cartooning and illustrating as well as singing and voice acting.

In her spare time she writes and blogs at www.allisonswell.com.

It is her goal to write fiction that appeals to many different kind of people, by writing clean, classic fun.

Her faith in Christ directly influences all she writes about - or does not write about.  Whether the story possesses a strong message or is simply fun and imaginative fiction - her desire is to bring honor to God - and to provide quality stories for everyone to enjoy.

 

~ ~ ~

 

And don’t forget to enter THE GIVEAWAY!!!


The Grand Prize Winner receives: A signed paperback copy of The Reluctant Godfather, a Reluctant Godfather t-shirt, and a “Burndee is the best” mug. (Which he is.)
The Second Winner receives: A signed paperback copy, a gorgeous notebook, and a surprise chocolate bar!


So basically…GO ENTER.  (I told you it was an epic giveaway.) All details are on the giveaway page on Allison’s blog.

 

What do you think, guys? Does this story intrigue you? (It’s seriously the best.) Am I the only one that can never get enough Cinderella retellings? Or retellings period? OH. And just for fun. Would you rather have a fairy godmother or godfather? (And pst, did you enter the giveaway? *wink, wink* *nudge, nudge*)

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Rooglewood’s Final Fairytale Contest Reveal



I’M BAAAACK!!!


My blogging hiatus is officially over. For…the most part. My posting maaay be a smidge sporadic for a bit, but I will eventually settle back into my every Monday posting. I PROMISE. And I still may not be commenting on blogs as much as I like and such. BUT I HAVE MISSED YOU GUYS. DESPERATELY. And hope to start settling back into being active as best I can.


But GUYS. Have I returned with some frabjously exciting news!


Rooglewood Press is ready to reveal the fairytale chosen for their 4th and final contest.


For a few years now, Rooglewood Press has produced a creative writing contest. They choose a fairytale, and anyone can submit a 5k to 20k word novella based on the fairytale. Then, five of the novellas are chosen and produced into a gorgeous book. The previous fairytales have been Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Sleeping Beauty.


Well, it’s finally time to learn which fairytale has been chosen for the final contest! *trumpets and fanfare*


Are you ready?


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Five Poisoned Apples
A collection of “Snow White” stories

 

Cover model/photographer: Wynter Clark
Cover Designer: Julia Popova


Snow White, guys! There’s so much potential in that story. And I think I need to lie down and recover from gorgeous overload from that cover. *drools* The covers for these collections are always the most breathtaking things on the planet.


Snow White has never been my favorite fairytale, but I think there is an infinite amount of unique and fun things that can be done with it. I’m ecstatic to see the ideas people come up with!



CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE CONTEST DETAILS


These contest are very special to me. When Beauty and the Beast was announced as the fairytale chosen for the second contest, I knew I couldn’t pass it up. I mean, they were doing my favorite fairytale! I had been wanting to write a Beauty and the Beast retelling since…well, since I started writing pretty much a.k.a nearly my whole life. This contest finally spurred me on to do it. Thus Burning Thorns was born.


Pretty much the day after the five winners were announced, and none of them were me, I realized I wanted to turn Burning Thorns into a full novel instead of just a novella.


Here, two years later with the full draft of the novel done and the first round of edits finished, I’m so glad everything happened the way it did. Sure, I would have been ecstatic to be one of the winners, but then Burning Thorns would never be the full novel it is. It’d never be the novel my heart has utterly wrapped itself around.


I’m grateful to Rooglewood Press for creating the contest that spurred me on to finally write that Beauty and the Beast retelling I’ve always wanted to. And I’m grateful to God for giving me a peace afterwards, and telling me I wasn’t done with Burning Thorns yet.


So if you’re feeling inspired to try your hand at this contest, I strongly urge you to go for it. You never know what will come of it.


I don’t think I’m going to enter this year, because I have so much going in life right now, and I want to put all my focus on the next round of edits for Burning Thorns. But I’m cheering on each and every one of you who does participate. It’s going to be so fun!!! These contests are just a blast!

 

So are you excited about the contest? BECAUSE I AM EXCITED!!! Do you think you’ll participate? And have you ever participated in any of the previous contests? What do you think about Snow White being chosen? Any ideas already swirling around? Flail with me!