tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71020673767461880022024-03-13T15:30:29.483-04:00Tales of Goldstone WoodAnne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.comBlogger742125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-25140210607959827972017-01-27T10:56:00.000-05:002017-01-27T18:21:42.620-05:00Doings at Drakenheath - Looking to 2017All righty, I know I've been gone for too long. And a sweet little note (in story form) in my inbox this morning reminded me that I should probably give all of you an update on events coming in 2017. So here you go . . . .<br />
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<b>FIVE SOMETHING SOMETHING</b><br />
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Yes! Rooglewood Press will be doing one last fairy tale retelling contest! I just had a long, sit-down meeting with my core team about it this month, and we are gearing up for a June 1st launch. There will be a few changes to the rules and process this year (just like every year), but the basic format of the contest will remain the same. Be watching our newsletter for info in March, and then be ready for the big launch in June!<br />
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Do keep in mind--This is going to be the last contest. We've had a great time doing them, but they are a TON of work, and we plan to move on to other projects after this year. So get ready to write your hearts out for one final, thrilling event!<br />
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<b>GOLDSTONE WOOD</b><br />
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This is news I'm sad to share and have been putting off announcing. But I do feel I owe it to all of you dear readers to keep you in the loop, so here goes.<br />
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I will not be writing more Goldstone Wood novels for the foreseeable future. I do hope to one day get back to them, but the truth is, they are not financially viable at this time, My little (growing) family depends on my income, and while my series has been a critically-acclaimed award-winner, it has never been a big seller. I hate having to admit that I need to write for money, not for sheer love and art . . . but there it is. Different seasons for different projects.<br />
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As I said, I hope to come back to the series someday. Hopefully in just a few years. But I can't make any promises on that score either. <br />
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And believe me, if you're disappointed to hear this, you're nowhere near as disappointed as I am to share it. I have poured my heart into these stories. They have been my life for the last many years. But this is reality for me right now.<br />
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<b>THE RIDICULOUSLY HUGE PROJECT</b><br />
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This is the project into which I am currently channeling all my efforts. I have two and a half novels written in the series, and lots more in the works. BUT . . . after much thought and consideration, I have decided to pursue this series under a pen name. It's very different work from Goldstone Wood--much darker and more adult <b>(not dirty. I don't write dirty books)</b>. I kind of doubt that most of you loyal imps will take to it.<br />
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If you discover this new series on your own and enjoy it, great! But I'm not going to market it here, under this name, and I'm probably not going to let anyone know my new pen name, at least not at first.<br />
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<b>THE BLOG</b><br />
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Needless to say, I will probably not be writing on this blog very much in the foreseeable future. I'll use it now and then to alert you to events, but for the most part, I recommend that those of you who want to keep up with the fairy tale contest <b><a href="http://www.rooglewoodpress.com/mini-mag-landing-page">sign up for our newsletter</a>.</b> That, or follow me on Facebook, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AEStengl/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel">either my author page</a> or the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rooglewoodpress/?fref=ts">Rooglewood Press page</a>.<br />
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It's been a fun run, imps! I've enjoyed all the events--fan art contests, fan fiction, chat parties, and whatnot. But with the little princess now in the mix, the time has come for me to focus my efforts and channel my abilities into more financially viable avenues. Someday, maybe we'll be back . . . and maybe it will be better than ever!<br />
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For now, however, may Lum<span data-dobid="hdw">é</span> shine brightly on your path, wherever that path may lead . . .Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-76412500358657341472016-11-13T15:12:00.000-05:002016-11-13T15:19:06.299-05:00Doings at DrakenheathAs you can well imagine, dear imps and readers, my doings have been primarily caught up in the service of Her Tiny Highness, the Princess of Drakenheath. But I have managed to get some other exciting projects underway as well, and thought I'd let you know about some of them! (If you're just here for cute baby pictures, however, scroll down to the bottom of this post . . . )<br />
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<b>Cover Reveal</b><br />
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So you remember that<a href="http://anneelisabethstengl.blogspot.com/2016/06/a-new-tale-of-goldstone-wood-chosen-by.html"> short story about Beana which I promised all of you</a>?<b> </b>Well, as of yesterday, it is drafted and the cover is officially revealed! What do you think?<br />
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<i>She is a Knight of Farthestshore, a woman of courage . . . and
secrets. She has faced many perils in her time, but nothing has prepared
her for the evil she is about to encounter in the treacherous Wood
Between.</i></div>
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<b>DECEMBER 16, 2016</b><i> </i></div>
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This short story will be available (ebook only) for FREE to all of my readers. That's right . . . this one is a freebie! It's pretty short, only about half the length of <i>Goddess Tithe</i>. But it's exciting and serves as a fun prequel to both <i>Veiled Rose</i> and <i>Moonblood</i>.</div>
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This cover design is the very first cover for the Goldstone Wood series that I did entirely myself. I've been at least somewhat involved in the design process for all of them, but I've never actually DONE one before . . . so that was a fun new experience! I even got to arrange the photo shoot with the model (my lovely friend, Stephanie Anderson), and my husband took the pictures. Here are a couple of the shots.</div>
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After finishing the photo shoot, I built a background out of a variety of photos. Then I tried a couple of the model poses on that background until I found one I really liked. Then it was a matter of painting and manipulating to make the model look like she was truly part of the background.<br />
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It was great fun. A lot of work, but work I really enjoyed doing. And it was just super exciting to actually do a Goldstone Wood book cover design for the first time ever! I'm quite pleased with how it turned out and how well it matches the rest of the series.<br />
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<b>Other Writing</b><br />
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So my major writing focus these days has been The Ridiculously Huge Project.<br />
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That's right--that writing endeavor I mentioned several times last year is still very much on my plate. Life got in the way of me making it the major priority I had hoped, but I am still plugging away at it like crazy every opportunity I get. The first novel in the series is complete, book 2 is about two-thirds done, and book 3 is half-written. If all goes well, I hope to launch all three of these books sometime next year. (Fingers crossed!!!) Now this project is planned out for twelve books (I told you it's ridiculously huge), so it's far from finished. But the first three books definitely get you well into the unfolding story and, I do hope, bonded to these characters.<br />
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As we get closer to launch, I'll reveal more about the characters and premise. <br />
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<b>Other Writing News</b><br />
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On top of The Ridiculously Huge Project, I am also working on an exciting co-writing project . . . with my mother! Yes, after years and years of casually tossing the idea around, Mum and I have decided to collaborate on a book, possibly a whole series of books. The first volume is only JUST started (two chapters into the rough draft), so I can't tell you much about it yet. I'll just say that it's YA fantasy and a bit of a Diana Wynne Jones sort of flavor. But maybe a <i>little </i>spookier. Keep your eyes peeled for more news!<br />
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We're currently figuring out exactly how co-writing is going to work for us. We developed the concept and first book outline together, but the actual WRITING is trickier. But I like the method we're currently attempting. If it works, I'll tell you more about it later . . . but it's still new to us at the moment, so I don't want to jinx it! <br />
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<b>Special Offer</b><br />
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Do you like free books?<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OUmdUct2VqE/WCjCzywk-FI/AAAAAAAAK4Q/Vwa2o4iqgoUYECv8K8CBG65Z6dmMnyvtwCLcB/s1600/AdforFreeBookDraven%2527sLight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OUmdUct2VqE/WCjCzywk-FI/AAAAAAAAK4Q/Vwa2o4iqgoUYECv8K8CBG65Z6dmMnyvtwCLcB/s640/AdforFreeBookDraven%2527sLight.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well, if you do, Rooglewood Press is offering a special deal--sign up for our newsletter, the Rooglewood Quarterly, and you will receive a free copy of <i>Draven's Light</i>. Then not only will you get to read this exciting adventure, you'll also be kept up-to-date on any of our newest releases, our writing contests, and more!<br />
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<a href="http://www.rooglewoodpress.com/mini-mag-landing-page"><b>So click here right now to find out how to sign up and get your free book.</b></a><br />
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<b>Princess</b><br />
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And, of course, the majority of my time these days is caught up in the service of Her Tiny Highness, Princess Una of Drakenheath . . . who is two months old today!<br />
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<b> </b>And she just keeps getting more and more beautiful.</div>
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So that's it for now! Not as many doings as usual. Motherhood keeps me pretty busy, and all my spare time is spent pouring into the writing projects. But hopefully this means that I'll have quite a few fun reads for all of you in 2017. Here's hoping, anyway . . .<br />
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What are YOUR doings this November? Any fun projects in the works? Any fun plans for the coming Holidays? Any great reads you're currently enjoying? Do tell in the comments! <br />
<b> </b>Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-69302562912031058882016-10-06T12:15:00.002-04:002016-10-06T12:15:46.406-04:00Hot Off the PressI know, I know . . . most of you probably don't even bother to check this blog anymore, it's been SO long since I posted! But I am finally ready to let you know the reason behind my distraction and busyness this summer.<br />
<br />After nine months of hard work drafting and polishing, allow me to introduce my newest release!<br />
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Una Rochelle de Silva</div>
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Born September 13th</div>
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7lbs 14oz</div>
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And she is, in fact, the most beautiful thing in the world!</div>
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Here she is, mere moments after her epic delivery . . . </div>
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Rohan:<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> "OMG this is my DAUGHTER!"<br /> AE: "She's so little and adorable, isn't she??"<br /> Una: "Well that was . . . interesting."</span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">So we decided not to tell anyone (save family and friends) about the pregnancy for various reasons. One of them was that Rooglewood Press had SO MANY big releases, relaunches, and projects this year, and I didn't want to distract from any of them. But I am taking a short maternity leave now . . . I'll still be working on my novel-in-progress (because I can't help myself), but most of the other Rooglewood-related projects are on hold for the time being. Not for long; just until I've fully recovered and gotten into more of a rhythm with Princess Una in the house.</span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Speaking of . . . here are some gratuitously adorable pictures of her tiny highness for you . . .</span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Kissy face--three days old!</span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Una Bakamuna's first bath!</span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">(Bakamuna is the Sinhalese word for "owl" . . . and also Una's nickname. So she has a lot of owl-things!)</span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Marmaduke is SO thrilled with his tiny new human! Look at that happy face.</span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">In fact, all of the Drakenheath beasts have been pretty excited about the newest edition!</span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Me soon after coming home, with Minerva in my lap, Magrat at my feet, and Milly guarding us faithfully. This Princess Una has LOTS of faerie guardians, apparently!</span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Here she is at two weeks old with her handsome daddy! My two beautiful loves . . .</span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Smooshy face sleeping in Daddy's hands! 3 weeks old.</span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">And these two I took just last night as we were settling down for bed.</span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Yes, I know I'm completely biased . . . but I am quite convinced that she is the most perfect little princess in all the worlds (mortal, Faerie, or Between!).</span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">And she's awake and fractious right now, so I must go . . . cuddles are in order . . .</span></span></div>
Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-60177338387360390162016-06-30T08:00:00.000-04:002016-06-30T08:00:29.955-04:00A New Tale of Goldstone Wood Chosen By . . . <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CnsE-gA3uXg/V3R3U6pb0eI/AAAAAAAAKik/fJ9QM0G-5p4PkOwyUba20xZM9_gSuKH3ACLcB/s1600/MockCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CnsE-gA3uXg/V3R3U6pb0eI/AAAAAAAAKik/fJ9QM0G-5p4PkOwyUba20xZM9_gSuKH3ACLcB/s400/MockCover.jpg" width="260" /></a>Dear Imps, the time has come to announce the winner of the Short Story Raffle!<br />
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For those of you who are unaware, this was a raffle in which readers offered the names of Goldstone Wood characters about whom they would like to see featured stories. The winner of this raffle will have a story written about the character of her choice . . . and a special dedication!<br />
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The story itself, once complete, edited, and given a cover design, will be offered TOTALLY FOR FREE for all of you to enjoy.<br />
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Are you ready to learn the character selected? I'm pretty excited about this one . . .The chosen character is:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">BEANA</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Chosen by: Christa Scott </span></div>
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That's right! The nanny goat/lady knight, who featured majorly in both <i>Veiled Rose</i> and <i>Moonblood </i>is about to get a story all to herself! And I have JUST the adventure for her . . . one I think all of you will enjoy. One which might just give you a few surprises about the character and her super-secret backstory.<br />
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We might even learn her real name . . .<br />
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Whoops! Didn't you know? That's right: <i>Beana</i> is not the lady knight's actual name. You'll notice in her Big Scene with Sir Oeric at the end of <i>Moonblood</i> she is never referenced by name . . . because we only know her as Beana, but that isn't the name by which Oeric knows her.<br />
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So get excited, dear readers! We've got some fun ahead of us with this character. And big thanks to Christa Scott for choosing her. (In fact, I am told that Beana was far and away the most popular choice among the raffle participants, featuring four or five times in the drawing . . . so the odds were highly in her favor!)<br />
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I have got a rough outline for the story already worked up and plan to start refining and drafting the adventure in the next few days. No promises yet as to a release (I am working on a big novel project at the moment, and I don't want to take too much time away from it just yet), but I'll keep you all posted.<br />
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Thanks to everyone who participated in this fun little raffle! I look forward to sharing this exciting new Tale of Goldstone Wood with all of you soon.Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-79958141800477192642016-06-19T08:42:00.003-04:002016-06-19T08:44:02.169-04:00Golden Daughter - Re-Launch Edition!Dear Imps, something exciting is brewing in Goldstone Wood . . .<br />
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That's right! My huge novel, <i>Golden Daughter, </i>was just released in a four part serialization . . . with all-new covers!!!<br />
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I have to say, I'm a huge fan of these new covers. This year in particular I have received NUMEROUS emails from male readers who love the series but who almost didn't read it simply because of the incredibly "girly" covers (except for <i>Dragonwitch</i>. That one has a great cover, we all can agree).<br />
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Sadly, though I am in complete agreement with the poor guys--who just want to be able to read an adventurous fantasy novel without getting funny looks from people--I have no control over those first six covers. But <i>Golden Daughter</i> is a different story . . . and after much discussion (and a little debate) with my people at Rooglewood Press, we decided a re-launch the book as a stand-alone serialization, with new covers.<br />
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Huzzah!<br />
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Also, we're offering them as a special this weekend:<br />
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Even those of you who have already read it might want to go ahead and download that <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Crouching-Shadow-Golden-Daughter-Book-ebook/dp/B01H0OOQTY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465904096&sr=8-1&keywords=the+crouching+shadow&ct=t%28Rooglewood_Quarterly_Summer_20165_21_2016%29">first FREE book</a></b> . . . just to see the gorgeous, full-color MAP, painted by amazing German artist, Frank Rene Stark (who also happens to be a Goldstone Wood fan). This map is currently exclusive to the re-launch edition, so grab it for free and enjoy all the many gorgeous details!<br />
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And . . . all right, I know this sounds like a broken record . . . but if some of you who have read <i>Golden Daughter</i> wanted to write up short reviews for these editions, it would be SO appreciated. I would love for new readers just discovering the story and series through this edition to see some of the enthusiasm you devoted Imps feel for these characters and adventures. Reviews don't have to be long or complicated. <b>Even single sentences are perfectly acceptable!</b><br />
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Anyway, I'm glad to be able to share this fun new endeavor with all of you, and I hope you love those new covers as much as I do! My personal favorite is <i>The Long Fire</i>. My husband's favorite is <i>The Dying Moon. </i>Which one do you like best?Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-85510761919704808492016-06-03T09:33:00.000-04:002016-06-03T13:48:09.894-04:00Doings at Drakenheath--abreviated edition!Dear Imps, there are so many THINGS happening and/or coming up this month, I feel I must give you at least a quick Doings post just so you don't miss out on any of them!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duUxppTwWro/V1F99e2nwQI/AAAAAAAAKfI/VcJjhYi26VgVHQ4t_0PJkEcX0Z6ElvLcACLcB/s1600/Rachel%2527sPromo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duUxppTwWro/V1F99e2nwQI/AAAAAAAAKfI/VcJjhYi26VgVHQ4t_0PJkEcX0Z6ElvLcACLcB/s400/Rachel%2527sPromo.jpg" width="185" /></a>First of all . . . acclaimed fantasy novelist <a href="http://www.rachelstarrthomson.com/"><b>Rachel Starr Thomson</b></a> is hosting a HUGE giveaway this month, featuring the Tales of Goldstone Wood. She is generously offering three different enormous prizes, including a Grand Prize win that includes a <b>Kindle Fire 7” Tablet with Wi-fi and 16 GB, </b>plus the complete Seventh World Trilogy and the entire Tales of Goldstone Wood collection . . . in paperback!<br />
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So hurry on over <a href="http://www.rachelstarrthomson.com/giveaways/explore-the-seventh-world-wander-goldstone-wood-and-discover-the-power-of-fire-kindle-fire-that-is/"><b>HERE </b></a>to get your name entered in this amazing giveaway. This is epic adventure to last you the rest of the year, people!<br />
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<b>In other news . . . </b><br />
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Have you been waiting for the 2016 Goldstone Wood Fan Fiction Contest? Because the time has come, dear Imps!<br />
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You have until August 28 to create your own Goldstone Wood story and/or poem. All of the contest details may be found <a href="http://goldstonewoodfanfictioncontest2016.blogspot.com/"><b>HERE</b></a>, but I'll let you in now on the exciting prize being offered. Are you ready for it?<br />
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The winner of this year's contest will receive a collection of eight, beautiful, Goldstone Wood pens!<br />
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These are some nice pens too, let me tell you (I own a few of this brand). Perfect to inspire all of that writerly creativity. 2nd and 3rd prizes are being offered as well, and the winners will be chosen (as per tradition) via fan voting.<br />
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The Fan Fiction Contest is probably my favorite event of the year (though the Fan Art is right up there . . . apples and oranges, people). I hope you are as excited as I am to dive into the creativity these talented writers dream up for this year!<br />
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<b>More news . . . </b><br />
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A young man named Matt Young has composed a complete and original soundtrack inspired by my first novel, <i>Heartless</i>. How amazing is that?<br />
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He is offering this soundtrack for sale in an effort to raise money for an upcoming missions trip, so I thought I would share about this opportunity with all of you. His music is whimsical and pretty (with some great intense moments for to go with those more intense scenes!), conjuring up lots of great Goldstone Wood imagery in my imagination. So if you'd like to support this talented composer's venture, go ahead and download a few or all of his songs <b><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mattyoung22">HERE</a>. </b>You can enjoy listening to all of the samples as well, which offer a taste of his creativity.<br />
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<b>Okay, here's some news that I think all of you will be pretty excited about . . . </b><br />
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You know how you've been asking me for YEARS now for a Goldstone Wood Map?<br />
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Well, at long last, I have (partially) succumbed to the fan pressure! And as of <b>June 17</b>, Rooglewood Press will be revealing the first ever Goldstone Wood Map in our upcoming issue of the <b><a href="http://www.rooglewoodpress.com/#!mini-mag/mainPage">Rooglewood Quarterly!</a></b><br />
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Now be forewarned . . . this is NOT a map of the entire Goldstone Wood world. That would be impossible, considering how enormous the world is and how much things change over the course of centuries. But it is a stunning rendition of a significant PART of the Goldstone Wood world.<br />
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Funny story: I hired this amazing German artist based on his incredible proposal for the project and what I saw of his portfolio. Turns out, after he got the contract, he went home and told his wife--only to discover that she is a fan of the Goldstone Wood series! Small world, right? So he's reading the series now in preparation for future maps (because I doubt very much we'll stop at just one now that we're started!).<br />
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So if you haven't signed up for our exciting mini-magazine, <a href="http://www.rooglewoodpress.com/#!mini-mag/mainPage"><b>go do so now</b></a>. Aside from the gorgeous new map, this upcoming issue includes lots of great articles, including a special feature by Stephanie Ricker (one of our <i>Five Glass Slippers</i> authors), an article on historical research by award-winning novelist Jill Stengl, and an official introduction of Rooglewood Press's newest author, Camryn Lockhart.<br />
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<b>Oh, and speaking of cool Rooglewood-related doings . . . .</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Five-Magic-Spindles-Rachel-Kovaciny-ebook/dp/B01GIJBMRG?ie=UTF8&keywords=Five%20Magic%20Spindles&qid=1464959556&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2"><i>Five Magic Spindles </i>is now officially available for pre-order (on Kindle)!</a><br />
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Print pre-orders should be available soon as well. The book itself is scheduled for launch on <b>July 22</b> . . . and let me tell you, I could NOT be more excited to see this collection hit the shelves. I have absolutely loved all of our collections thus far, but I truly think this one is the best yet. These five writers have produced incredible work, each story vastly different from all the others, and all beautifully written. This is definitely a do-not-miss release this summer!<br />
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And as if that wasn't exciting enough . . . we have ANOTHER fantastic release launching this summer as well. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spinner-Slipper-Camryn-Lockhart-ebook/dp/B01G91QPFW?ie=UTF8&keywords=The%20Spinner%20and%20the%20SLipper&qid=1464959863&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1"><i>The Spinner and the Slipper</i>, by Camryn Lockhart, is ALSO available for Kindle pre-order</a> and will be in print by <b>June 27</b>. Because it's just so pretty, I'm going to share its wrap-around print cover . . .<br />
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We haven't made as much of a to-do about this upcoming release since it isn't part of our internationally popular fairy tale contests . . . but don't take that to mean that we aren't completely thrilled to be sharing it with everyone! This story is utterly darling, creative, and romantic--a perfect curl-up-with-a-cup-of-tea-for-the-afternoon sort of book. Plus it's so pretty, both in the packaging and the writing style . . . I just love it! And I rather think you will love it too.<br />
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<b>And don't forget . . . </b><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OR26g49GUPk/V1GEuX3DldI/AAAAAAAAKgg/-Av5lzAhAwERhSkRtbuKOVsfxhIImkmnwCLcB/s1600/MockCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OR26g49GUPk/V1GEuX3DldI/AAAAAAAAKgg/-Av5lzAhAwERhSkRtbuKOVsfxhIImkmnwCLcB/s320/MockCover.jpg" width="208" /></a>For those of you who have read (or are reading) my latest release, <i>A Branch of Silver, a Branch of Gold</i>, I am offering a fun giveaway/raffle opportunity!<br />
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All of the details may be found <a href="http://anneelisabethstengl.blogspot.com/2016/04/a-new-goldstone-wood-story-chosen-by-you.html"><b>HERE</b></a>, but basically, it involves YOU getting choose the main character of a NEW Goldstone Wood story. So don't miss out! We've had some pretty awesome submissions sent in already, and I have a variety of cool ideas percolating. I know it's going to be a fun story, one I am looking forward to writing.<br />
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<b>Wow. That's a lot of doings.</b><br />
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And I'm sorry I don't have time to share any other fun things with you. I might try to write a PROPER Doings at Drakenheath post in July, once things have settled down a little bit. And I do still want to share about my epic adventure with Rohan in India and Sri Lanka last winter! It's getting to be a while ago now, but we had such a fantastic time and took so many pictures that I want to share . . . but I get the feeling it will be a rather HUGE post, so I keep putting it off in the face of all the other more pressing doings happening right now.<br />
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We've also added yet another rescue pet to our menagerie. I'll tell you all about him in the next Doings post as well. (We now have six cats and two dogs . . . I know, I have a problem. But I just can't say no to a kitty or puppy in need! And we love all eight of them dearly.)<br />
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In the meanwhile, please know that I am working away a novel, related to The Ridiculously Huge Project mentioned in posts from last year. Sadly, The Ridiculously Huge Project itself got a bit side-tracked due to overseas adventuring and contest crazies . . . but I've not given up on the stories themselves, and I hope to have something pretty fantastic to share with you next spring/summer. More news on that later as well.<br />
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So tell me, which of these Doings are YOU most excited about? Did you enter your name in <b><a href="http://www.rachelstarrthomson.com/giveaways/explore-the-seventh-world-wander-goldstone-wood-and-discover-the-power-of-fire-kindle-fire-that-is/">Rachel Starr Thomson's amazing giveaway?</a> </b>Are you listening even now to a lovely <i>Heartless</i> soundtrack? Are you gearing up to write the next great Goldstone Wood fanfic? Do tell!Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-66982999176140454622016-05-23T13:37:00.000-04:002016-05-23T13:37:18.717-04:00Update on Fourth "Five Something Something" ContestDear Imps, Writers, and Dreamers,<br />
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I have a quick update for all of you concerning the next Rooglewood Press fairy tale collection contest. And, unfortunately, it's kind of sad news . . . .<br />
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Due to a health issue, I've asked my Rooglewood Team if we could postpone the fourth contest for a full year. The last three years of hosting these contest and launching these collections have been a blast . . . and completely overwhelming at the same time. With this new health consideration in the works (nothing serious, don't worry, but certainly time-consuming!), I am looking ahead and realizing that I simply HAVE to cut something out of my work schedule, at least for a little while. The only options are my books or the contest.<br />
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After much debate and deliberation, my team and I have agreed that it would be better to postpone the contest for ONE year rather than postponing my own projects for . . . well, who knows how long. With a single year off from the contest, I hope to not only finish and launch the novel I'm working on right now, but also get the enormous epic that is <i>Poison Crown</i> (the next in the Tales of Goldstone Wood series) ready for publication.<br />
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Believe me when I say we didn't make this decision lightly . . . though I know it's coming suddenly, only a few weeks before the fourth contest was supposed to launch. I know this is the right decision to make at this time, both for me and for all of you. After all, you wouldn't want me to end up doing a poor job of launching the fourth collection OR my own works, would you?<br />
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<b>And we will be bringing back the contests as of June 1, 2017</b>. We've got a gorgeous cover all ready to go, and I might even give you some hints as to the tale selected sometime in the next few months (so watch for those!). I will look forward to reading all of your amazing retellings, and I have no doubt you will all blow me away . . . even as you have these last three years!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pn3niyz46pg/V0M-6aI78BI/AAAAAAAAKeQ/Btly4oGKx7oAV5T5-DWmtLKlCxUJILsXwCLcB/s1600/Five%2BMagic%2BSpindles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pn3niyz46pg/V0M-6aI78BI/AAAAAAAAKeQ/Btly4oGKx7oAV5T5-DWmtLKlCxUJILsXwCLcB/s400/Five%2BMagic%2BSpindles.jpg" width="258" /></a>In the meanwhile, be watching for <i>Five Magic Spindles</i>, coming later this summer. I am hoping to have the official publication date set in just another week (a few things have to come together first!), and it should be available for pre-order in less than a month (as long as everything keeps on track!). It is going to be a <i>glorious </i>collection of stories. All of these authors have worked so hard, and I can hardly wait to share the results with all of you!<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25685342-five-magic-spindles?from_search=true&search_version=service">In the meanwhile, be sure to add it to your Goodreads shelves . . . </a><br />
<br />Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-65342715586727578972016-04-16T18:53:00.001-04:002016-04-17T07:46:02.840-04:00My New ToyFor my birthday last week, Rohan decided to surprise me something absolutely extravagant: a Wacom Cintiq.<br />
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What is a Wacom Cintiq, you ask?<br />
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Basically, it's a huge (about the same size as a TV screen) tablet with an easel and a pen-cursor for the purpose of creating digital drawings and paintings. I've wanted one for a loooooong time. But didn't really feel like I <i>deserved</i> one since I'm not a <i>real</i> artist.<br />
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But my handsome husband felt otherwise. Because he's the sweetest like that.<br />
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Anyway, I finally set it up and created my very first digital painting today! I LOVED how quick and easy it was to make! (By "quick" and "easy," I mean it only took my about 6 hours.) This first endeavor is pretty rough and very simple, but I hope it will give all of you a smile!<br />
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Recognize these two?<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YdZ8Pm7GvBQ/VxLBSLIqEEI/AAAAAAAAKbE/H-A7G_jOb4gQpmgndt5UG42bn67ZmxgZwCLcB/s1600/MergedCharacters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YdZ8Pm7GvBQ/VxLBSLIqEEI/AAAAAAAAKbE/H-A7G_jOb4gQpmgndt5UG42bn67ZmxgZwCLcB/s640/MergedCharacters.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Don't look TOO closely at his hand, 'cause it will start looking a bit warped under close scrutiny! But still, considering I haven't actually sat down to an easel in nearly five years, I feel pretty good about this. Most basic drawing and painting techniques still apply, but the digital format allows for some pretty cool variations that make the whole process easier.<br />
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I'll probably add some cool details to this as I get more comfortable with these tools. Maybe some embroidered edging on shirt. And a starflower in her hair. We'll see . . . I'll post updates if I get around to them . . . <br />
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Anyway, I had a blast! And I can hardly wait to start my next painting!<br />
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<b>EDIT:</b><br />
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I thought perhaps all of you would enjoy seeing a step-by-step of how I created this painting, since the process is, in some ways, more interesting than the result itself.<b> </b>And with digital painting it's SO easy to save the steps along the way! So here you go . . .<br />
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<b>Step One: </b>I roughly sketched my characters based on a photo reference. This sketch was done directly onto the screen (and you're seeing a refined version, rough though it is!). The original models had weird piercings, and the girl was not the right nationality, but those were simple enough fixes.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PgTEy3QEjyI/VxNy2cQS6cI/AAAAAAAAKbU/eSYWoNMOOeQMHtsNMuQo_A6jUc1WGQ8sQCLcB/s1600/StepOne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PgTEy3QEjyI/VxNy2cQS6cI/AAAAAAAAKbU/eSYWoNMOOeQMHtsNMuQo_A6jUc1WGQ8sQCLcB/s640/StepOne.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step Two: </b>I filled in very basic color blocking for hair and skin. Not really sure that this stage accomplished much other than just getting me comfortable with the characters, color schemes, and wielding my new tools! As you can see, I did not concern myself with "staying in the lines," but simply tidied up those edges later using my eraser tool.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1l-3TnWCHhI/VxNzQ4uTKwI/AAAAAAAAKbY/odNx-p-Dut8NM3bg-Pll5wwYtMf2r07hgCLcB/s1600/StepTwo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1l-3TnWCHhI/VxNzQ4uTKwI/AAAAAAAAKbY/odNx-p-Dut8NM3bg-Pll5wwYtMf2r07hgCLcB/s640/StepTwo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step Three: </b>Feeling utterly intimidated (!), I decided to apply all the shadows and dimensions to their skin in shades of gray. This way, I could focus on getting the right depth and dimension without concerning myself just yet with actual skin tones. (When I painted in acrylics way back in the day, I would do this stage in shades of green.) I left the original sketch layer on through much of this stage, just to give me one more visual guideline.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W1VOZv5s1NE/VxNz39goElI/AAAAAAAAKbg/2vMmaY9jq34WgkOUsIP9AzB5KFOZCiA1gCLcB/s1600/StepThree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W1VOZv5s1NE/VxNz39goElI/AAAAAAAAKbg/2vMmaY9jq34WgkOUsIP9AzB5KFOZCiA1gCLcB/s640/StepThree.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step Four: </b>After a tea break to clear my head, I came back to tackle their hair. Which wasn't so bad as I thought it would be! I built up layers of shadows and highlights until I had something that looked pretty much hair-like! Around this stage, I removed the sketch layers and started working primarily without it, too. They look a bit sickly with their gray complexions, but otherwise, they're coming along pretty nicely!<br />
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<b>Step Five: </b>Working very quickly, I blocked in an abstract background and their clothes. My interest has always been faces, not clothing, so I kept their garments pretty minimal. I MIGHT go back in and add some interesting trimming and embroidery later, now that I'm more comfortable with the tools. We'll see.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6OOE-JCia4/VxN0yLdEOcI/AAAAAAAAKbw/twpQu5HLHIkHHaVuKhJ57a6c5x6hB-PLwCLcB/s1600/StepFive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6OOE-JCia4/VxN0yLdEOcI/AAAAAAAAKbw/twpQu5HLHIkHHaVuKhJ57a6c5x6hB-PLwCLcB/s640/StepFive.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step Six: </b>All that remained now was transforming those robotic complexions into flesh-and-blood! This stage took quite a lot of patience and fine-tuning (particularly on the hand!), but I did it by simply applying transparent "washes" of color, building up the layers until I achieved the effects I wanted. This is the same technique I used back when I did fine-art portraits (I was specifically trained in this technique by my college mentor, Professor Davis, who recognized my love of all things classical, and therefore trained me in this classical, Renaissance style). So yes, same technique, but digital! So much quicker, much easier, with more immediate results. What would ordinarily have taken me several days, I managed to do in about an hour and a half!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uaW2i1gCAbY/VxN1aYnA1GI/AAAAAAAAKb8/wemKkNMgvuw4O0DXnBy3uL1VNsmW6tZJgCLcB/s1600/MergedCharacters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uaW2i1gCAbY/VxN1aYnA1GI/AAAAAAAAKb8/wemKkNMgvuw4O0DXnBy3uL1VNsmW6tZJgCLcB/s640/MergedCharacters.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ta da!<br />
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I hope you had fun seeing this step-by-step process. It probably wasn't the <i>most </i>efficient ever, since I'm still getting used to this equipment. But it was a ton of fun!<br />
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But people and faces have always been my comfort zone. Next, I plan to tackle a tree, which is much harder for me. All those textures? All those leaves? Eeeeek! I probably won't post any more paintings for a while until I have some good results again . . .Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-54397540637417959112016-04-13T11:29:00.000-04:002016-04-13T11:29:43.875-04:00A New Goldstone Wood Story - Chosen by YOU!<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUQWF_Uh94U/Vw5fmFq3F1I/AAAAAAAAKak/7dD0XYCafAgcO8lSNoHqhRHpljkz8w1ZgCLcB/s1600/MockCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUQWF_Uh94U/Vw5fmFq3F1I/AAAAAAAAKak/7dD0XYCafAgcO8lSNoHqhRHpljkz8w1ZgCLcB/s400/MockCover.jpg" width="260" /></a>Well, Imps, I think this might just possibly be the most exciting giveaway I've hosted yet. I know I am excited about it, anyway!<br />
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How would YOU like to pick the star character of a Goldstone Wood adventure?<br />
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Here's how it works:<br />
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<b>1. </b>Everyone who writes an Amazon review for my new title, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Branch-Silver-Gold/dp/1942379110/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460561302&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Branch+of+Silver%2C+a+Branch+of+Gold">A Branch of Silver, a Branch of Gold</a>,</i> between now and June 25 will have his or her name entered in a randomized name drawing. (And yes, reviews ALREADY up on Amazon are eligible.)<br />
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<b>2.</b> Each applicant to this contest must send a link to their Amazon review to David Cross (david.cross@rooglewoodpress.com) along with THE NAME OF THE GOLDSTONE WOOD CHARACTER THEY WOULD LIKE TO PICK AS THE STAR OF A NEW STORY.<br />
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<b>3.</b> On June 30, we will randomly select a winner and post his or her name, along with the name of the chosen character, here on this blog!<br />
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<b>4. </b>I will write the story . . . which will, upon completion, be made available ENTIRELY FOR FREE to all of my readers via Kindle. I'll also feature it on my website for those of you who do not have e-readers.<br />
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This story will have its own beautiful cover design (not the one displayed here, which is just a mock-up to advertise this event), and the dedication inside will be to the winner of the giveaway (or whomever he or she would like to honor).<br />
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And yes, you may pick ANY character you like just so long as that character has been mentioned by name in at least one published Goldstone Wood novel. (So, if I've mentioned characters on my blog who have not yet featured in a published book, they are not eligible.)<br />
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I will decide how long the story will be. I'm thinking approximately 5-10,000 words, but it might be longer (since I tend to have an easier time writing longer stories than short!). I will also decide the plot, setting, other characters, etc. But I promise that the selected character will be the central character of the story (if not the main view-point character).<br />
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I also promise that whatever I write will be considered <i>proper Goldstone Wood canon.</i> So, depending on who you pick, you might be able to wrangle some series spoilers out of me!<br />
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You are welcome to pick a fan-favorite, a side character, a hero, a villain, or even someone who has merely been referenced by name once. Faerie or mortal . . . they're all up for grabs!<br />
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As for those reviews--They don't have to be long or complex. Single sentences are perfectly acceptable. Even one-word reviews work fine! The winner will be chosen at random, not based on the complexity or even enthusiasm of the review submitted.<br />
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So what do you think, dear Imps? Do you know what characters YOU would like to learn a little more about? Do tell in the comments! I am very much looking forward to exercising my imagination and creativity for this event . . .Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-86575349196701375462016-04-01T10:21:00.001-04:002016-04-01T10:21:58.666-04:00Fan Art Contest is LIVE!<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ezJ4Lf6R2Gk/Vv6BLw9zbwI/AAAAAAAAKYs/3vYVJ5UxhB8r_xM7S3iCLYF3lVf6imI_g/s1600/Goldstone%2BArt%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ezJ4Lf6R2Gk/Vv6BLw9zbwI/AAAAAAAAKYs/3vYVJ5UxhB8r_xM7S3iCLYF3lVf6imI_g/s400/Goldstone%2BArt%2BCollage.jpg" width="312" /></a>Dear Imps, this year's Goldstone Wood Fan Art Contest is now LIVE and displaying two fantastic galleries absolutely BRIMMING with incredible talent!<br />
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To see all of this brand new, sparkling, wonderful artistry, visit <b><a href="http://goldstonewoodfanart.blogspot.ca/">Dame Imraldera's Library.</a></b><br />
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Browse through all of this brilliance, and be sure to cast your votes for the top three pieces. This year, there will be two winners--one selected by fan voting and one selected by me! Both winners will receive a print copy of my brand new novel,<b> <i><a href="http://www.rooglewoodpress.com/#!blank/awx2r">A Branch of Silver, a Branch of Gold </a>. . . </i></b><br />
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First thing this morning, Rohan and I got up, fed our swarm of kitties and hounds, then he made tea while I pulled open
the gallery. Sipping our morning brew, we browsed through all of these images, analyzing each one in detail, exclaiming over our favorites and all the little details. It was SUCH a delight to see all of these images for the very first time this morning (usually I see them as they come in, you understand).<br />
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And O! Great Iubdan's Beard! Am I EVER going to have a time of it trying to pick my personal favorite! There are so many tremendous pieces, both by favorite fan artists of previous years AND by new artists bringing breathtaking new vision to these stories and this world. I will have to agonize over this decision for several days, I'm thinking.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IywIdP4nf-Q/VvADvPpqY4I/AAAAAAAAKXw/hUHGJXs2U3kSOhXNwwzVyq4ticgGRmAKg/s1600/KindleCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IywIdP4nf-Q/VvADvPpqY4I/AAAAAAAAKXw/hUHGJXs2U3kSOhXNwwzVyq4ticgGRmAKg/s320/KindleCover.jpg" width="210" /></a> Anyhoodle, be certain to go and enjoy, and send your votes to <b><i>dameimraldera@gmail.com. </i></b>Maid Bryn of the Haven will tally them up<i><b>.</b></i><br />
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Be sure to thank Maids Hannah, Beka, and Bryn for all of their hard work putting this together, particularly Maid Hannah, who headed this rather daunting project. They really turned this year's contest into a smashing event!<i><b> </b></i><b><i></i></b><br />
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Don't forget to leave some love for the artists themselves in the gallery comments (over on the Dame Imraldera site). They all worked SO hard to produce these wonderful pieces, and they deserve lots of praise for their efforts.<br />
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Huge thank you to all of the dear Imps who participated! I cannot tell you how delightful and encouraging it is to see such affection demonstrated for this series and these characters. Una, Lionheart, Rose Red, Sairu, Sunan, Draven, Daylily, Eanrin, Imraldera, and all of the others mean so much to me . . . I love seeing how much they mean to each one of you as well.<br />
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Happy gallery browsing!<br />
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<br />Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-14427609872608380242016-03-21T10:28:00.000-04:002016-03-21T10:28:00.484-04:00A Branch of Silver, a Branch of GoldOver the weekend, Rooglewood Press revealed the cover of my new book to all of the mini-magazine subscribers. TODAY, I get to reveal it to everyone else! So allow me to present to you . . .<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IywIdP4nf-Q/VvADvPpqY4I/AAAAAAAAKXs/aBBmIZTJK8M1Z_twFWMrErbCOKuKPTyQg/s1600/KindleCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IywIdP4nf-Q/VvADvPpqY4I/AAAAAAAAKXs/aBBmIZTJK8M1Z_twFWMrErbCOKuKPTyQg/s640/KindleCover.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
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You can learn the story description and even read the first few chapters <a href="http://www.rooglewoodpress.com/#!blank/awx2r"><b>on the website page.</b></a> And the pre-order option for print is now available as well (info also found on the website). The story itself launches on <b>May 16, 2016</b>.<br />
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Sometime in the next week I hope to write up an article on how this story came about. It had quite an interesting journey, one that I think would be both interesting and inspiring to other aspiring young novelists. So be watching for that article, which will be shared in my personal newsletter, The Haven Chronicler. <a href="http://www.anneelisabethstengl.com/#!newsletter/c24kw"><b>Sign up for it if you haven't already!</b></a><br />
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So what do you think of the look of this cover for the new series? A little different from the Tales of Goldstone Wood books, wouldn't you say? This is the first time since my publishing career began that I've had a publication in a NEW style, so I'm pretty excited about that!<br />
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Let me know your thoughts in the comments, dear Imps . . . Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-44813500263523665102016-03-20T11:15:00.001-04:002016-03-20T11:15:15.223-04:00A Note on the Mini-Magazine<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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A quick note to those of you still looking for your copy of the Rooglewood Quarterly: ALL copies have been sent and, according to our stats, delivered. So if you are subscribed to the mini-magazine, your copy has been delivered to you, but you might not have seen it. It's likely it got delivered to your "Promotions" folder or even to your spam. Sadly we have no control over WHERE exactly it ends up, only when we send it out.<br />
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So if you are not seeing your copy of the Rooglewood Quarterly, take a moment to check these various locations. My own copy always ends up in the "Promotions" folder.<br />
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Look quickly, though! Today is the last day of the special deal for our mini-magazine subscribers to purchase my new novel at just $0.99, two months before the release date!Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-40519833117894885442016-03-13T14:36:00.000-04:002016-03-13T14:36:23.533-04:00Special Edition of the Rooglewood Quarterly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Don't forget, dear readers, that this coming Friday is the launch of the Rooglewood Quarterly Special Edition! It will include the following . . .<br />
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1. The cover and story reveal for my Super Secret Spring Release! Not to mention a special offer for our subscribers to purchase the book for just $0.99 a full TWO MONTHS before the actual release date. So that means, if you are among my more eager readers, you could be reading my new novel by Friday . . . just so long as you've signed up for the newsletter.<br />
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2. A BIG feature of our new <i>Five Magic Spindles</i> novelists, including expanded hooks for each of their stories and short interviews for each author! Get to know these exciting new voices and see what they have in the works to share with us later this summer.<br />
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As always, we'll be offering a Flash Giveaway to one lucky subscriber, a prize that will remain secret until the day of. And we may have a sneak preview of yet another exciting release coming later this year, of which I have not yet breathed a word to any of you . . . but which I know you're going to love.<br />
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Surely at least one of the reasons listed above is enough to make you want to subscribe to our mini-magazine. So be certain to sign up today by clicking <a href="http://www.rooglewoodpress.com/#!mini-mag/mainPage"><b>HERE</b></a> and entering your email address in the appropriate space.<br />
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I look forward to sharing with all of you!<br />
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<br />Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-16083820576506583522016-03-03T13:03:00.000-05:002016-03-03T13:03:39.970-05:00Goldstone Wood ART CONTEST!!!!!One of my FAVORITE times of the year is here! The annual Goldstone Wood Fan art Contest!!! HUZZAH!!!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fiFXnYZ1rd8/Vth6315CMrI/AAAAAAAAKWI/XgiHks7Ptw4/s1600/Goldstone%2BArt%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fiFXnYZ1rd8/Vth6315CMrI/AAAAAAAAKWI/XgiHks7Ptw4/s640/Goldstone%2BArt%2BCollage.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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This year is a little bit different in that I am not actually hosting. Instead, Maid Hannah of <b><a href="http://goldstonewoodfanart.blogspot.ca/">Dame Imraldera's Library </a></b>is organizing this fantabulous event. But don't worry! Other than the online location, the event is JUST the same as it has ever been! Same rules for submission, Fan Voting, the whole works. You'll just send your art to her instead of to me, and on the day the art gallery launches, you'll visit Dame Imraldera's Library rather than here. See? Easy.<br />
<br />
You can check out<a href="http://goldstonewoodfanart.blogspot.ca/2016/02/goldstone-wood-fan-art-contest.html"> <b>the contest rules on this page.</b></a><br />
<b> </b><b> </b><br />
As you will see, we are offering TWO first place prizes! One for Fan Voting and one for MY personal favorite submission. Both of these winners will receive a print copy of my SUPER SECRET NEW BOOK, which launches in May. There's not much out about the book yet, but I'll tell you that it is set in the world of Goldstone Wood (though it is Book 1 in a new series) and is a VERY loose retelling of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses." And it's a wee bit spooky . . . but in a good way!<br />
<b> </b><br />
Anyway, if you're an artist AND an Imp, you simply must participate! If you are not an artist but feel a creative inclination, you simply must participate!<br />
<br />
You can browse through Dame Imraldera's Library to see <a href="http://dameimraldera.blogspot.com/">the fan art and fan fiction of previous years.</a> There is a lot of really wonderful creativity to enjoy for all true fans of Goldstone Wood!<br />
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Enjoy, dear Imps! I can hardly wait to see what wonders you create.Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-48075088744239529912016-03-01T07:47:00.000-05:002016-03-01T07:47:28.898-05:00FIVE MAGIC SPINDLES - the winners!<br />
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Today is the day, dear writers! The day we announce the winners and celebrate with them this momentous achievement! I cannot even tell you how excited I am to share about these five fantastic stories . . . which are, none of them, anything like I could possibly have imagined would end up in this collection, believe me. I am still surprised by the variety and creativity demonstrated by these talented novelists!<br />
<br />
But don't take my word for it--<a href="http://www.rooglewoodpress.com/#!writing-contest/c22i6"><b>go have a look at the contest page on our website. See for yourselves!</b></a><br />
<br />
Don't forget to come back and leave a comment or two. Congratulate the winners! Tell us about your own experience writing for this contest! Let us know which of these five stories intrigues you the most (though we're only revealing the short summaries today . . . longer summaries coming with the March issue of the Rooglewood Quarterly!)<br />
<br />
Take a moment to congratulate our Top Ten authors as well. While they may not have won this year, they accomplished something really exciting making it as far as they did, and they deserve the applause!<br />
<br />
Everyone who leaves a comment down below will have her or his name entered in a drawing to receive an Advanced Reader Copy (print, of course!) of <i>Five Magic Spindles</i> . . . just as soon as it's available (which won't be for a few months yet).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F9AdfeBsQT8/VtTdrcGjZjI/AAAAAAAAKVE/EyhW1AQ-MIQ/s1600/3dMockup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F9AdfeBsQT8/VtTdrcGjZjI/AAAAAAAAKVE/EyhW1AQ-MIQ/s320/3dMockup.jpg" width="207" /></a>Well done, all of you, on this year's contest. It's been a crazy journey for all of us, but a tremendously exciting one! I can hardly wait to work with all of you again on the 2016 contest, which is coming very soon now. (Actually, I just received the final cover design for it yesterday . . . and oh, my! Is it gorgeous!) I look forward to June 1 and getting that whole new creative venture underway for all of us.<br />
<br />
Celebrate your own efforts, every one of you who finished a story and submitted it . . . that took courage and fortitude! Celebrate the authors who won . . . they agonized right along with everyone else, and today they are enjoying a well-earned victory! Celebrate as readers . . . you've got one thoroughly engaging collection of novellas just around the bend!<br />
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It's a good day for fairy tales and creative writers alike.Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com78tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-14700340405387545312016-02-29T12:27:00.000-05:002016-03-01T08:38:02.003-05:00A message to all of the competitors<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ol3TmQTE6c/VtR_bEMQRVI/AAAAAAAAKUo/3B8TpnSxKLI/s1600/3dMockup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ol3TmQTE6c/VtR_bEMQRVI/AAAAAAAAKUo/3B8TpnSxKLI/s400/3dMockup.jpg" width="258" /></a>Dear creative minds and writer-types . . . today is the last day before we announce the winners of the <i>Five Magic Spindles</i> creative writing contest! I know, you thought it would never come, but here it is!<br />
<br />
Today I want to take a bit of time to let you know first how the announcement will go down tomorrow. Then I have a word (or several!) of encouragement to those of you who will <i>not</i> be named as winners in the morning. Because you're important to me too, I promise!<br />
<br />
So first, here's the scoop:<br />
<br />
Unlike previous years, the announcement will NOT be going up at crack of dawn. So please don't bother to set your alarm for 4 in the morning or whatever craziness! The winners will be posted <i>before 9am Eastern</i>, but other than that, I cannot tell you an absolute specific time. I would recommend waiting until 9am Eastern to check, just so you don't drive yourself crazy!<br />
<br />
You can check here on my blog page, but I will not be posting the winners here--<a href="http://www.rooglewoodpress.com/#!writing-contest/c22i6">only a link to the website.</a> This is different from previous years when most of the fun has centered on this blog. But the contest is growing in reach and prestige with every passing year, so we are more and more turning things over to the website for a more "official" appearance.<br />
<br />
That being said . . . I don't want to miss the sense of encouragement and community we have enjoyed for the last two contests! So while the winners won't be announced here, I WILL invite all of you to return to my blog to leave comments and congratulations! Everyone who comes back to this page and leaves a comment celebrating this exciting day will be entered in a drawing to win an Advanced Reader Copy of <i>Five Magic Spindles</i> later in the summer. So don't just vanish to the website page and never return . . . come back and participate. Celebrate with the winners. Offer encouragement to those who did not win this year, because hey! They successfully submitted stories, and that's an achievement in and of itself. Let's maintain all of that fun and camaraderie, even as the years grow us toward bigger and grander things.<br />
<br />
<br />
So there you have it--come around 9. Check the website, not my blog for your answers. But come back to my blog to participate in the celebration and community!<br />
<br />
<br />
A couple of other things:<br />
<br />
1. This year we are also revealing the Top Ten Finalists. We haven't done this before, but this year was such particularly stiff competition, I feel these Top Ten authors deserve a little extra recognition. You'll see a button on the winning announcement page to take you to that list if you want to see it. There will only be FIVE names listed, of course, which might look odd--but remember, the other five are the winners!<br />
<br />
2. THREE of our judges wrote out judging feedback forms for all of the stories they read. So many of you are going to get feedback on your work. However, not all of the judges did this (it was not a requirement, but a generous extra that some of them volunteered to offer), so you may not be one of the authors to get feedback. This is not a slight on you or your work . . . the stories are given out at random. Also, some of the judges wrote out VERY detailed feedback, while some offered just a line or two. I cannot guarantee which kind you will get. But I will be sending those feedback forms to the appropriate authors both tomorrow and the day after (there are a LOT of them, so if you don't get one right away, it might be just taking me a while to get there!). If you do not get one by Thursday, assume that your story was not with one of the judges who offered this perk.<br />
<br />
3. There were twenty-five finalists from whom the Top Ten were chosen. If you do not see your name in the Top Ten list, this does not mean you weren't a finalist! And with ALL of the stories we had submitted this year, just being a finalist was a huge accomplishment. Seriously, the competition was fierce!<br />
<br />
Okay, I think that's all the business-related stuff I needed to cover . . .<br />
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<br />
Now, I want to talk to those of you who did not win (even though you don't know who you are yet). Because the truth is, there are only five winners's slots. Most of you will not see your names on that list tomorrow. Which will be sad. Disappointing. I know there may be tears. I've been there myself, so <i>believe </i>me when I say I know!<br />
<br />
But I want you to remember something:<br />
<br />
If you did not win, this does not mean that YOU are a bad writer or that YOUR story is a bad story. That is always a false assumption to make. Contests like this are subjective. Creativity is subjective. And, in a collection, it's all about finding the right blend of five stories to go together.<br />
<br />
That being said . . . you need to keep something else in mind as well (and I don't usually say this half of the equation, but it's equally true and equally important for aspiring novelists to understand):<br />
<br />
<b>Your story is not perfect.</b><br />
<br />
Yes, I just said it. And it's not something we like to hear, but it's true. If your story did not win, it wasn't <i>just </i>because it wasn't the right fit for the contest. It's also because your story is flawed.<br />
<b> </b><br />
Now, keep in mind--all of the winners wrote flawed stories as well. Just ask the winners of the previous years! They'll tell you what kind of edits and revisions they had to do to get their stories into publishable shape! It's not easy being a winner. It's not easy signing a contract with a traditional publishing house and then having to deal with all the editorial comments and demands. It's not easy being turned down by yet another agent or yet another editor.<br />
<br />
We ALL write flawed stories. I do. You do. The winners of this contest do.<br />
<br />
So don't walk away from your loss saying, "Well, I wrote EXACTLY what I was supposed to, and I wouldn't change a thing even if it meant the difference between winning and losing." That's the wrong attitude entirely.<br />
<br />
Don't walk away from your loss saying, "Well, I'll just go out and self-publish it and not bother to get a professional edit or have a stranger's eyes go over it." That's the wrong attitude entirely.<br />
<br />
Don't walk away from your loss saying, "I'll just submit it as-is to other houses and one of them will appreciate me." That's the wrong attitude entirely.<br />
<br />
Instead, say, "Okay, I didn't win. My work isn't perfect. What can I do to make it better?"<br />
<br />
Because even the winners are going to face that same question: "What can I do to make it better?"<br />
<br />
The big difference is, of course, the winners are going to have a crack editing team to work with over the next few months, while you don't have that luxury. Which is a shame, because honestly, for all it's fun to see your work in print, for all it's a thrill to get it out there to readers, to get those reviews and the acclaim . . . in my opinion, that opportunity for fantastic editing is THE BIG PRIZE of this contest.<br />
<br />
So, because not all of you are going to have that advantage, I have decided to give you something--I am going to offer you a detailed critique of your work, here in this blog post. This is a critique based on an accumulation of problems I observed in the twenty-five finalist stories I read. And these are tough, I'll warn you of that right now. And if you don't want to read them, I totally understand.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
THIS IS YOUR OFFICIAL WARNING: IF YOU DON'T FEEL YOU CAN HANDLE A CONSTRUCTIVE CRITIQUE AT THIS TIME, STOP READING NOW.</div>
<br />
But if you do want to take advantage of this offer, read on . . .<br />
<br />
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________________</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: serif;">H</span>ere is the
second half of my message for you. Please try not to take this as a <i>personal</i> attack. This is not aimed at
any ONE writer or any ONE story. Every point that I am bringing up is something
I saw reiterated across several stories. I am not here to deal with <i>specifics</i>, only with generalizations.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">And let me be honest—some of the winners this year
also feature several of these problems in their winning stories, which they
will be asked to edit and refine. Because at least <b>70% of good writing is rewriting. </b>That’s just reality, for all of
us.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">Now here’s the list:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">Passive
Heroines. </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">I saw this over and over again. Much of this, I’m
sure, is due to a misreading of the original fairy tale. People read that story
and think, “Oh, the heroine just sleeps, so she’s passive,” and as a result, they
construct passive heroines for their own tales. But this is an inaccurate interpretation
of the original . . . and even if it was accurate, it’s a REALLY bad idea for
your retelling.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">By passive heroines, I
mean heroines who have no agency in their own stories. They are pushed around
by other people’s actions and decisions. They don’t actively decide to do or
try anything for themselves. They might randomly act, but those actions are not
firmly founded in decision-making. This makes for weak and unappealing reading.</span>
</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">Characters
without Motivation. </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">This goes hand-in-hand with those
passive heroines, but it’s actually a different problem. MOST of you understand
and effectively give your characters large-scale, story-wide motivations—an
ultimate goal toward which to strive. That’s a pretty basic aspect of storytelling,
and while some struggle with the concept, the competitors in this contest are
usually more advanced and understand the importance of motivation. So what am I
talking about here?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">I’m talking about small-scale
motivation. Individual actions and responses to circumstances. Characters who
simply do and say things because the author needs them to do or say these
things, not because the characters themselves have any actual motivation for
doing or saying anything of the kind. A few instances of this are not a
problem, but I saw whole stories made up of small-scale lack of motivation. The
big-scale motives were in place, but the small-scale motives lacked
authenticity.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">To fix this problem, a simple trick
is to simply ask yourself, “Is my character acting like a PERSON or like a
CHARACTER?” Characters are too easy to turn into puppets, doing and saying
things for our writerly convenience. People aren’t that easy and are much more
difficult to write as a result, but MUCH more satisfying to read as well!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">This is a problem I see a great
deal of every single year of these contests. It’s a difficult one for writers
to peg in their own work, and I’ve even selected winners who struggle with this
(and who have had to revise significantly). It’s very common, so be on the
look-out for it.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">One-dimensional
reactions. </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">In this instance I am referring to
characters whose emotional reactions to circumstances and events are entirely
limited to physical reactions. I have written about this before, but it’s an
ongoing problem, stemming from a mishandling of the good advice: “Show, Don’t
Tell.” If you ONLY show me emotional reactions—using physical responses to
indicate surprise, fear, happiness, sadness, anxiety, etc.—you are limiting
yourself. Crippling yourself, even. Your character becomes someone who is
exactly like everyone else, because <i>physical
</i>reactions are universal.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">And I have seen more lip-biting
heroines in these contests than I have EVER seen in real life.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">Too
much summary.</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> In tandem with #3, however, is the
reason why the rule “Show, Don’t Tell” exists. Stories that depend on huge
chunks of summary are not going to be winners. A little summary is fine—every novel
has that, and it’s not a problem. But if I have to wade through long passages
summarizing events and scenes and don’t get to READ those events and scenes for
myself, I feel as though I’m being cheated out of the whole story.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">Usually this problem stems from the
writer simply having too much plot for the word limit. Which is entirely
understandable! But it also means the story will not be a winner, because I do
need stories that fit within the contest guidelines.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">Sexism.
</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">I see this every year,
and it frustrates and saddens me each time. Sometimes it’s subtle, sometimes it’s
overt. Most of the time, I don’t think the writer sees it at all. But it’s a massive
problem for me. I won’t go into details now, but might write a blog post on
this topic later. <b>EDIT: </b>Due to some of the comments I'm seeing, I'll add a little more to this point--When I refer to sexism, I am talking about <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">sex<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ism toward wom<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">en.</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> I have yet to see a story s<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ubmitted</span> that <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">portrays a </span>sexist attitude toward men. And allow me to al<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">so mention<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span>that <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">NONE </span>of the men who have submitted for these contests have <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">been sexist in th<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">eir characterizations of women. I don't know if I'll write a post on the topic or not<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> . . . it <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">depends on time, and I don't have a lot of spare hours to my day to p<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ursue</span> this weighty topic. But I do encourage all <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">of my writers to take second <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">glances at their w<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ork and decide what sorts of female characters and attitudes toward femal<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">e characters they are representing. The infantalizing of women is the most p<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">rominent</span> sign of sexism tha<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">t I <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">have repeatedly observed. Sometimes its <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">overt. Most of the time<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> its subtle.<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> It always leaves a bad taste in my mouth.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">Racism.</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><b>EDIT<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">--</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">I'll add to this point as well. Most <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">specifically I have observed</span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">stereotypical representations of other races<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">. Stere<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">otypes are ne<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ver <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">str<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ong</span></span> writing anyway--<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">taking a stereotypical and dis<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">respect<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ful characterization of a specific race or culture and plunking it down in the middle of a fantasy setting is ugly. </span></span></span></span></span>I HAVE seen excellent stories dealing with characters of other races and cultures<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> . . . stories dep<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">icting CHARACTERS<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">, not STEREOTYPES.</span></span></span> But for every good one, I get <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">a bad one<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> thrown in as well. (Note: This issue <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">does not crop up as often as sexism<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">. Neither <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">sexism nor racism crops <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">up as often as all of the other points on this list<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">. But they are both important issues and deserve <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">a place on this list.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">7.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> Forced religious message.</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">
I am ALL ABOUT a writer expressing what she or he believes . . . just so long
as it naturally flows and fits into the story being told. Anything that’s
shoe-horned in simply because the writer feels like she <i>ought</i> to say something is not going to be a fit. Anything
faith-based needs to be a natural facet of the story being told.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">8.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">Convenience,
coincidence, or contrivance.</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> This is SUCH a
difficult one for writers to pinpoint and deal with it, but it’s a tremendous
problem. If your story depends on convenience, coincidence, or contrivance to
move forward, you are going to lose me. All fiction has a <i>little</i> bit of all three of these . . . that’s pretty much the nature of
fiction. But if I see the whole stories depending on any of these three
elements, they’re not going to be winners.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">9.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">Appropriate
language.</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> I’m not talking about cursing. I’m talking about
writing in a language appropriate to your time period. If you’re writing a
historical or even a fantasy with a historical-ish setting, you need to be
certain that the language you use feels right to that time period. It doesn’t have
to be perfect by any means! That’s impossible. But you need to create a <i>sense</i> of your chosen time. If you write
a historical or historical-esque fantasy using modern lingo, you’re going to
jar me so far out of the story, I won’t be able to enjoy plot or characters. It’s
totally fine to rough-draft in a language that is comfortable for you. But
second draft, you NEED to refine to something a bit more sophisticated and old
world. And don’t have historical characters using slang or idioms inappropriate
to their time!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">10.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> <b>Lack of
consequence or sacrifice. </b>Too often I see climaxes and resolutions that
just “happen” to turn out all right, without consequence or sacrifice for the
characters. This is disappointing reading. Good fiction is all about the losses
as well as the gains. Don’t go for easy answers. You don’t have to write
tragedies to write climaxes and resolutions that actually <i>mean</i> something.</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">11.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">Too Perfect.</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">
Heroes and heroines without human flaws are not relatable. And physical
perfections do NOT endear a character to me, ever.</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">12.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">Static secondary characters. </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">I
saw this most often with parental figures, but also with best friends,
villains, and other secondaries. Writers would put some effort into developing
strong heroes and heroines, but leave the other characters as stereotypes. This
was always disappointing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">All of our winners this year wrote ENTIRE
CASTS of dynamic characters, not just the heroes and heroines. If I can name
any one consistent theme across the winning board this year, that would be it.
Static characters will kill a story every time, whether they are primary,
secondary, or tertiary.</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">Let me reiterate—if one or several of these
is YOUR problem or writing struggle, don’t feel bad, and don’t feel as though “this
was the reason I lost!” All of the winners have problems with their stories,
some of them the same problems you see listed above. But all of them are going
to work with my editing team and have the opportunity to turn their <i>good</i> work into <i>professional</i> work.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">But those of you who didn’t win . . . well, I feel
sad not to get to work with you, because so many of you are so talented! And so
many of you will go on to self-publish or start submitting to publishing houses
<i>before you are ready</i>. You might
vaguely sense that something is missing from your work but not know what it is.
Your friends and family will tell you you’re a genius, and that’s flattering .
. . but not actually helpful.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">We have to learn to be our own worst critics. Not in
a self-battering way that leads to depression and giving up. But we must NEVER
be satisfied with where we are when it comes to creative writing. This is why I
tell people that my favorite quote is:</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">“</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">Ah,
but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?” </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">(Robert Browning)</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">Browning
is not talking about materialistic grasping here. What he’s saying has to do
with striving toward that unattainable goal of perfection. In creative writing,
this means always seeking to be better, always struggling to be worthy of
standing among the Greats, whether or not you actually make it.</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">The truth
is—if you think you’ve made it, you’ve already lost. Because your reach is no
longer exceeding your grasp.</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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</span><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">So are
these critiques discouraging to you? I am sorry for that—I only like to
encourage. But what a shame it is for talented writers to continue struggling
on in ignorance!</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">My hope is
that all of you will see this list as an extra perk of the contest. I may not
be able to give you specific guidance, but I hope that this <i>generalized</i> guidance may be of assistance,
not only for your contest stories, but also for any stories you write from here
on out.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">Because
that is my ultimate goal for these contests—to build up new talent, to
encourage new voices, to push for better and better work from all of you, for
all of your endeavors. Let this be a community of creativity always striving
for excellence!</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">Will you
be on the list of winners tomorrow? Maybe. Maybe not. If you are, congratulations!
You worked so hard and deserve your win. If you are not, take heart! It’s not
that you are somehow on a lesser level than those who won. Maybe your story
needs more refinement than theirs before it’s ready to take that next step. But the winners’s
stories need refinement too! We’re ALL growing and polishing, refining and
developing. That is the writing life—that is its beauty and its agony.</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">And without
agony, how can there be true beauty?</span></span></div>
Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-73509748681880661932016-02-22T12:16:00.000-05:002016-02-22T12:16:39.705-05:00Upcoming Spring Release<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OPgiJrmDozE/Vss-spxIBiI/AAAAAAAAKUQ/vNPMKjxuu_8/s1600/BlogBanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OPgiJrmDozE/Vss-spxIBiI/AAAAAAAAKUQ/vNPMKjxuu_8/s640/BlogBanner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I am not giving away TOO much information about my upcoming book just yet. You have to wait until the March newsletter. However, I thought I might go ahead and let you know a handful of things in advance.<br />
<br />
1. It's the Super Secret Project I wrote back in Summer 2014, finally coming to light!<br />
<br />
2. It's a loose (very loose) retelling of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses." Basically, I started with "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" and then did what I wanted, so it's not <i>really</i> a retelling. But you'll definitely see the influence all over the place.<br />
<br />
3. It's part of a planned four-book series, but the first book is completely stand-alone.<br />
<br />
4. It's a full-length novel. A good bit longer than <i>Starflower</i>, a tiny bit shorter than <i>Dragonwitch</i>. About the same size as <i>Shadow Hand.</i> So no, not anything <i>Golden Daughter</i> in scope, but a nice-sized read nonetheless.<br />
<br />
5. And yes . . . as you may have guessed from the banner up above, it <i>is</i> set in the world of Goldstone Wood. It's a spin-off series with it's own main characters, but you will see some familiar faces and meet with some old friends. And make some interesting connections too, because everything is connected . . . .<br />
<br />
<br />
So there you have it, dear Imps! I hope you're excited for <b>May 16, 2016 </b>and the launch of my new series.<br />
<br />
But wait! Hold on there. I think I can get you just a BIT more excited . . .<br />
<br />
You know how I'm going to reveal the cover in the upcoming March edition of the <b>Rooglewood Quarterly</b>, Rooglewood Press's mini-magazine? Well, my team and I have decided to do more than that.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Everyone who is subscribed to the Rooglewood Quarterly will have a brief opportunity--between March 18-20--to download the ebook edition of this new story for just $0.99.</b></span></div>
<br />
That's <b>two months before the publication date!</b><br />
<br />
That's <b>the real ebook version. Not an influencer PDF.</b><br />
<br />
This is a special we are running exclusively for our newsletter subscribers. This version of the Super Secret Project will not be the ABSOLUTE final version. As in, it won't have received it's final proof read. It WILL have received three proof reads beforehand though, so I can safely promise a <i>mostly</i> perfected version of the story.<br />
<br />
After March 20, no one will be able to get this book until the release date two months later. So be sure to jump on this opportunity while you can!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">What are you waiting for? <a href="http://www.rooglewoodpress.com/#!mini-mag/mainPage"><b>Sign up for the Rooglewood Quarterly today</b></a> and don't miss being part of this deal!</span></div>
<br />
Are you excited to learn more about the Super Secret Project? Do leave comments and feel free to chat with other Imps. And don't forget to share this post! <br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> </b>Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-29683905520020139542016-02-08T10:41:00.002-05:002016-02-08T10:41:45.710-05:00Quick Update to My Patient ReadersAs you may have guessed by the total lack of posts on this blog . . . I have no time. None.<br />
<br />
The Doings were busy enough before. But now I can't see taking the time even to chronicle them.<br />
<br />
And I really am sorry, dear readers!<br />
<br />
But I wanted to jump in and give a quick update to all of you who might still be checking this forlorn little site now and then.<br />
<br />
<br />
Firstly . . . I've been asked if I'll be hosting Fan Art, Fan Fiction, or other contests for Goldstone Wood Imps this year. I am so sorry to say that the answer to that question is, "No." Again, I have no time! And it takes a lot more effort to plan and put together events like that than you might expect. I do apologize, dear readers! Maybe next year, if life has settled a little bit more and some of these deadlines are met.<br />
<br />
That being said, you are all PERFECTLY WELCOME to put together your own contests if you like! I'm sure a few of you could work together to organize something if it meant that much to you, and I PROMISE that I would show up and look at every picture, read every story, listen to every piece of music, etc. Seriously.<br />
<br />
I simply cannot keep up with it myself this year.<br />
<br />
<br />
Secondly . . . I've been asked if I'll be having any book releases this year. The answer to this question is much more happily, "Yes!" I have a release coming out in May, and I am totally excited to share it with all of you.<br />
<br />
If you want to learn more about that release, <b><a href="http://www.rooglewoodpress.com/#!mini-mag/mainPage">SIGN UP FOR THE ROOGLEWOOD PRESS NEWSLETTER</a>.</b> The March edition will be revealing the title, cover, story premise, release date, and pre-orders. So all of that good stuff is happening all at once and quite soon now! No more details will be forthcoming until that time, but the newsletter will reveal all.<br />
<br />
I think you will like it a lot. At least, I really hope you will.<br />
<br />
<br />
Thirdly . . . My team and I have officially picked the five winners of the <i>Five Magic Spindles</i> contest. HUZZAH! And I don't think I could be happier with our selection if I tried. We have never had quite such a variety of stories in one collection before! I mean, <i>really</i>, people! And the last story selected definitely gave me pain. There were at least two others that I seriously wanted to cram into that space. But sadly seven stories will never fit into five slots. Still, thank you, dear writers, for making my task so difficult! It's a good sort of difficulty to have.<br />
<br />
The winners will be announced on <b>March 1</b> over on the Rooglewood Press page. I'll also post them here so that people can comment and congratulate and enthuse as they like. In the Rooglewood Press newsletter, we'll be giving more detailed introductions to our winners, with mini interviews, author bios, and expanded summaries of the winning stories. (So you won't be getting those expanded summaries on the announcement days as we have done previous years. We're shaking things up a bit. Even more reason to sign up for the newsletter!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So there is an update for everyone concerned! I'll post more updates as soon as I have them. And in the meanwhile, start the countdown for the contest winners. March 1 is just around the corner . . .Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-12388666899459347192016-01-05T09:09:00.005-05:002016-01-05T09:09:45.978-05:00Contest Update for Those of You Eager for News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2EfASLS5LQ/VakHzOs43uI/AAAAAAAAJpQ/i4FQpuAZV7E/s1600/MagicSpindlesWebsiteBanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2EfASLS5LQ/VakHzOs43uI/AAAAAAAAJpQ/i4FQpuAZV7E/s640/MagicSpindlesWebsiteBanner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thought you all might enjoy a little update on the <i>Five Magic Spindles</i> contest . . .<br />
<br />
Well, the submissions are all turned in, and the judges are working hard at reading through everything before January 16. Why January 16? Because that is the date by which the top 25 stories will be chosen and sent to me! And the first round of judging will be complete.<br />
<br />
After the 16th, I will spend the several weeks reading those 25 stories and figuring out which are my favorite. At that time I will experiment with various combinations of 5 to see what I think the best <i>collection </i>will look like.<br />
<br />
When I have narrowed it down to my top 7-10, I'll bring in the other Rooglewood Press editors. They will read my top picks, and the three of us will put our heads together and finalize our 5 winners, to be announced on March 1.<br />
<br />
Fun times! Am I right?<br />
<br />
As to the submissions themselves, well . . . I can tell you this much: We had as many this year as we had last year, but the majority of the contestants were new. I was sad to see a lot of names from the last two years not submit, but excited to see all of the fresh blood coming in! And, don't worry--there were plenty of repeat contestants as well, folks who have submitted amazing stories for either one or both of our previous contests. It's just as wonderful to see their names in the mix, wondering if this year will prove THEIR year!<br />
<br />
As for the judges, I have heard several say that real gems are shining out to them already as they read. Two different judges sent me feedback on two different stories, claiming that the entries were practically "perfect." They loved them so much, they couldn't see any flaws or necessary revisions. Now THAT'S a surprise and a delight! It's a rare day that a "nearly perfect" story shows up on any publishing house's desk.<br />
<br />
And don't feel bad if you suspect those comments weren't directed at your particular story. Perfection is absolutely <i>not</i> what we are looking for here. What we seek, above all else, is a story that compels us to turn pages. A story that makes us eager to answer the question, "<i>What happens next?</i>" A story doesn't have to be "perfect" or "nearly perfect" to be completely engrossing to our judges. Or to me!<br />
<br />
And what a year of stories this has been. Several of the judges have commented on the ingenuity and creativity displayed in this contest, more so even than the last two, incredibly creative years. You competitors really took this "Sleeping Beauty" theme and ran with it, making it your own. One judge--one who has read for all three contests--says that she might even be enjoying this year's contest the most simply because of the incredible variety in the stories she's received!<br />
<br />
So well done, you. Well done, indeed.<br />
<br />
I'll keep you posted on updates as we have them. For the moment, however, just relax . . . and start working on a new story. Because that's what authors do. When one project is complete and sent off into the world, it's time to start the next one. Time to fall in love with a whole new cast of characters and become lost in a whole new world . . . .<br />
Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-33763245118752476692015-11-08T12:35:00.001-05:002015-11-08T12:35:45.569-05:00FIVE MAGIC SPINDLES -- Quick Contest Notice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--S-bqHQK66w/VfhanBAoatI/AAAAAAAAKJg/1B5JQzQxuFE/s1600/MagicSpindlesWebsiteBanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--S-bqHQK66w/VfhanBAoatI/AAAAAAAAKJg/1B5JQzQxuFE/s640/MagicSpindlesWebsiteBanner.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Participants in the <i>Five Magic Spindles</i> contest should take a moment to check out this quick notice on the Information Page of the Rooglewood Press website. Nothing has changed as far as what YOU need to do on YOUR end, but we wanted to alert you as to a <i>slight</i> change on our end.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.rooglewoodpress.com/#!writing-contest/c22i6"><b>QUICK CONTEST NOTICE</b></a></div>
<br />
So do have a glance and be sure to share the info with any friends you know who are participating in this year's contest!<br />
<br />
Best of luck, creative minds. We are rooting for you!<br />
<br />
<br />Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-77709977787671020622015-10-09T17:04:00.000-04:002015-10-09T17:18:36.271-04:00Doings at DrakenheathHello there, dear Imps! I know I've been quiet for a while, but we've been very busy out here at Drakenheath. Which means I hope that this Doings post will be full of interesting little tidbits for all of you!<br />
<br />
Can you believe it's already been a year since Rohan and I moved to Drakenheath? We have sure loved living here in our pretty country estate . . . and the kitties have all loved it too, particularly the big staircase and the "chasm bridge," as we like to call the open walkway above our living room. I love my pretty little study (which is actually about twice as big as my old study, so not so little!) with its view of the gazebo down the street. Milly and I just took a walk all the way up and down the neighborhood, enjoying the green and the pretty gardens, which are still quite lush, here at the edge of autumn. <br />
<br />
Now my poor dog is panting under my chair (her shaggy black coat is a bit much even for this early autumn weather), and I am settling in to update you on the Doings.<br />
<br />
<br />
First of all, let me introduce you to this exciting new marketing endeavor from Rooglewood Press!<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lhUtbZCIeJs/VhgcD25s_GI/AAAAAAAAKNI/SKNjxYFmb7o/s1600/AdforFreeBook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lhUtbZCIeJs/VhgcD25s_GI/AAAAAAAAKNI/SKNjxYFmb7o/s640/AdforFreeBook.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
That's right! We decided to offer one of our fairy tale novellas as a standalone ebook. What's more, it will be PERMANENTLY FREE. That's right . . . you will ALWAYS be able to grab this novella on your e-reader for absolutely nothing.<br />
<br />
This is, of course, a marketing strategy on our part. We are hoping that those who are hesitant to purchase <i>Five Enchanted Roses </i>or<i> Five Glass Slippers</i> will sample this story to see if it's for them. And if so, we do hope those readers will go on and buy all of the other stories available.<br />
<br />
So if YOU are one of those readers, uncertain whether or not you will like our fairy tale retellings, go ahead and give<i> The Wulver's Rose</i> a try. You can grab it on <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wulvers-Rose-Five-Enchanted-Roses-ebook/dp/B015ZRAN2M/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1444420707&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Wulver%27s+Rose">Kindle</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-wulvers-rose-hayden-wand/1122718161?ean=2940152375404">Nook</a></b>, <a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-wulver-s-rose"><b>Kobo</b></a>, or <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/579841"><b>Smashwords</b></a>. I have no doubt you will enjoy this very sweet, very classic retelling of Beauty and the Beast, set in the Highlands of Scotland.<br />
<br />
Oh, and do you mind if a brag for just a moment? *whispers* That cover design is mine. *end whispers* And I really had a BLAST doing it! I'm most proud of the background, which I built out of an assortment of images my brother and sister-in-law took while on vacation in Scotland. So yes, that background IS actually made up of the Scottish Highlands. That particular view does not exist . . . it was created out of several photos to bring the most dynamic impact. But the MOOD should be very Scottish nonetheless.<br />
<br />
Okay, on to writing news now . . .<br />
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<br />
Let's see, last time I was still working on Book 2 in The Ridiculously Huge Project. That rough draft is now done . . . though it is VERY rough. So rough, it doesn't even REALLY have an ending, just kind of an assortment of scene ideas. However, I learned a ton about the world and the overall series while drafting it, and I already have a good idea what I'll need to do to transform this rough draft into something polished. But that won't be for a few months, because my fifteen drafting days are over, and it's time to move onto Book 3.<br />
<br />
I have just completed the first week of Book 3, and I'm right on track with 20,000 words of manuscript. If you remember from <a href="http://anneelisabethstengl.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-ridiculously-huge-project.html"><b>my post on that topic</b></a>, the goal is to write 60,000 word rough drafts in 15 days. A bit intense, but very doable.<br />
<br />
I am trying an experiment with this particular manuscript, something I've not tried before. I was feeling distant from the characters, who are only VERY slowly unfolding to me as interesting people. They're coming, but it takes time to learn a whole new character. So, out of pure curiosity, I decided to have a go at writing Book 3 entirely in first-person. And it's been surprisingly fun!<br />
<br />
Now I have written a certain amount of first-person narrative before. Fans of my series will recall that a chunk of <i>Starflower</i> was told in first-person as my heroine relates her story to the Dragonwitch. And then again in <i>Dragonwitch</i> we have the titular villainess telling her backstory in first-person chunks at the beginning of each chapter. But I have never written an entire novel in first-person, preferring omniscient third-person.<br />
<br />
But this series is not the same as Goldstone Wood. While Goldstone Wood is all about trying to create a strong sense of <i>classicism, </i>this new series is much grittier. Much more real-world in its style and magical system. And I'm really liking the first-person tense and how it's adding to that overall sense.<br />
<br />
The whole of Book 3 is told from the point-of-view of one of the series heroes. Which is interesting, since the series itself is actually very heroine-centric. And she is at the center of this story, but she is not the right character to use as a view-point, so I'm going to learn about her through this fellow's eyes. So far it's been great. This as been far and away the easiest draft to start, and I am so pleased with the material I'm writing, I even have hopes that a lot of this might actually make it into the final draft! (Not something I felt about either Book 1 or Book 2).<br />
<br />
Anyway, I promised more of a tidbit about the series each month. So other than the first-person narrative, what else can I tell you without giving away spoilers? Hmmmm . . .<br />
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Well, I've spent quite a lot of time researching trolls and troll lore. I have never used trolls (that I remember) in Goldstone Wood, and it's been interesting getting a sense of how they fit into classic mythology. And how I can use that mythology for my own ends. For instance, trolls traditionally cannot stand the sound of church bells and may be driven away by their ringing. A fascinating little tidbit . . . and my question is, how can I work that into my world effectively?<br />
<br />
So I've been developing my own variations on classic troll lore, creating some interesting new mythology appropriate for my world. And then these troll characters started scratching on the edge of my imagination . . . and we will see where they take me!<br />
<br />
Now you know: there are trolls in The Ridiculously Huge Project.<br />
<br />
Moving on . . . <br />
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<br />
I am excited to share the Big Doing that has been swallowing a lot of our focus these last few weeks. Rohan and I are about to set off on epic, unforgettable (and somewhat unexpected) five-week sojourn into India and Sri Lanka!<br />
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<br />
I say "somewhat unexpected" because, while we've known it was coming for about a month now, if you had asked me two months ago if we would be traveling outside of the country any time soon, I would have told you an emphatic, "No!" After all, even if the opportunity came up, what in the world would we do with all of our beasts?<br />
<br />
But the opportunity DID come up. Rohan's work is sending him to help train a team in Pune, India. We'll be there for three weeks, working during the week and traveling on the weekends. (Yes, we are planning to see the Taj Mahal!) Then, because it's just a short jaunt away, we'll be flying down to Sri Lanka for another two weeks for a fantastically magical vacation in Rohan's home country.<br />
<br />
I promise to take bazillions of pictures to share.<br />
<br />
Now I'll be trying to write one of the books in The Ridiculously Huge Project while we're in India, but I don't think I'll be doing any writing while we're touring about Sri Lanka. Which means I might get a little bit behind . . . But oh well! I kind of think it will be worth it.<br />
<br />
My youngest brother Peter is traveling down to stay at Drakenheath while we're away and babysit all our fur-babies. He's been thinking about moving down to this area for a little while now, so he's going to take this as an opportunity to get his feet wet, do some job hunting, and find an apartment. Should work out beautifully . . .<br />
<br />
And when Rohan and I get back from our adventure, I'll HAVE A BROTHER LIVING NEARBY! I haven't lived near any of my family since I was eighteen. So I am VERY excited about that!<br />
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Oh, I remember, I mentioned last time that I was planning to take a week and draft a children's book idea. Well, that notion has been put on hold for the time being. I came up to that planned week and realized that I was on such a roll with The Ridiculously Huge Project, I kind of hated to stop and write something else, possibly jarring out of my world and characters. I still plan to write that story . . . I've got a great little outline and cast of appealing characters, after all. But it may not be for a while yet. I'll keep you posted . . .<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wga6su3BYCM/Vhgl_x4TxYI/AAAAAAAAKNk/reH0bQt71hc/s1600/41VfLZyIOnL._SX351_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wga6su3BYCM/Vhgl_x4TxYI/AAAAAAAAKNk/reH0bQt71hc/s320/41VfLZyIOnL._SX351_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="226" /></a>I am thinking about trying dictation as a means of rough drafting. I've been doing a lot of research and reading on the subject, and it seems like it might be worth experimenting with. From what I understand, there's a bit of a learning curve . . . after all, I'm a writer. I'm much more comfortable expression myself with WRITING, not with SPEAKING.<br />
<br />
However, I've read articles by authors claiming to manage draft 4,000 words an hour using dictation <br />
software.<br />
<br />
4,000 words . . . AN HOUR.<br />
<br />
That's an entire work day for me!<br />
<br />
So yeah. Might be worth it.<br />
<br />
I mean, if I could significantly cut down the time it takes to write a rough draft, I could spend all of that spare time working on POLISHING that draft. What a time saver that would be! Getting that rough draft down on the page is always the hardest part for me. It's not for every author . . . some folks love rough drafting and hate polishing. But I definitely prefer the polishing stage of a manuscript, any day of the week. I am happy to try anything to efficiently speed up the rough drafting process.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013ZVSVC4?keywords=Dictate%20Your%20Book&qid=1444423135&ref_=sr_1_1&s=digital-text&sr=1-1"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013ZVSVC4?keywords=Dictate%20Your%20Book&qid=1444423135&ref_=sr_1_1&s=digital-text&sr=1-1">Today I purchased the book you see pictured here </a>and plan to start looking it over, maybe trying some dictation exercises. We'll see if anything comes of it. I'll keep you posted on that as well!<br />
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<br />
<i>Five Magic Spindles</i> is coming along beautifully these days. I still feel pretty separated from it all as I'm not reading stories yet, but the Show and Tell last month certainly got me excited! We have already received stories from a couple of new places this year . . . Germany and Ireland, to be exact. We've had submissions from Canada, Australia, England, and Rwanda before, but Germany and Ireland are new ones to add to that ever-growing list.<br />
<br />
And we're getting more guys submitting this year too, which is exciting! Half of the stories that have come in have been written by guys. I don't know if that will last much longer as the deadline gets nearer (according to the Show and Tell stats, we still have LOTS more girls submitting than boys), but we'll see!<br />
<br />
I'm still getting little hints and glimpses of stories along the way, besides those that were featured in the Show and Tell. Little comments on blogs, Tweets, etc. Yes, I do a bit of <i>Magic Spindles</i> stalking to see what buzz is happening out there. And oh my! There are so many fabulous stories being developed for this contest. Really looking forward to reading the judges' top picks!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9YPhWO9h9fs/VhgpZBLhkqI/AAAAAAAAKNw/d-FGH0LeDY8/s1600/IMG_9205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9YPhWO9h9fs/VhgpZBLhkqI/AAAAAAAAKNw/d-FGH0LeDY8/s320/IMG_9205.JPG" width="320" /></a>The kitties are all doing well, thanks for asking. I meant to take new pictures, but didn't get around to it. Sorry! Here's an old picture of Little Miss instead. (She's hugging my leg, if you couldn't tell.)<br />
<br />
Little Miss Muffet is definitely feeling better these days. She actually came downstairs to hang out with me in the living room for several hours yesterday evening! Usually she sticks to my study and study closet as her safe place (she's pretty nervous of Milly and the kitty horde around here). Our social-time mostly consists of her sitting on the desk next to my computer while I work, occasionally reaching over to "cheek" the edge of the screen or kiss my fingers. But last night she came downstairs and spent time on the couch. Then she moved to the bookshelf, third shelf up. Probably to feel safer from Makoose (who was making crazy-eyes at her). Or maybe she's just very literary.<br />
<br />
She really is the sweetest, most gentle little girl. She likes to "chat" to people, telling them all of her opinions on everything in a dainty, squeaky little voice. Super cute! After a month of indoor-kitty living, her coat (which started out pretty coarse and very dirty) is getting really soft and glossy. It's amazing what a difference a good diet makes. Her skinny little belly has rounded out nicely as well, and she's just as pretty as she can be.<br />
<br />
But seriously, people. I have SIX cats of my own. I cannot keep her, much as I would like to!!!So if any of you know a family around this area that needs the gentlest, sweetest, calmest, chattiest little kitty cat to bring some extra love into their household . . . let me know!!!<br />
<br />
We're enjoying her in the meanwhile, though.<br />
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Random Doing . . . I have had THIS song absolutely stuck in my head
for the last two weeks or so. And this version is particularly gorgeous,
so I'm going to share it (listen for strains of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu4KObwynSc">Debussey </a>and <span class="st"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZK93C5WUaQ">Rimsky-Korsakov </a>in the piano arrangement! Stunning.)</span><br />
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<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">It's probably got something to do with this gorgeous end-of-summer-early-autumn weather we're having (now that the hurricane is gone).</span><br />
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<span class="st"> And that's all for this month, dear Imps! Hope you found something here to make you smile. And I REALLY hope you'll grab your free copy of <i>The Wulver's Rose</i> because . . . well, it's free! So why not?</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">How has your October been treating you? Any interesting Doings you'd like to share? How are your <i>Magic Spindles</i> stories coming along? Is the new semester going well? Do tell!</span>Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-7690224169445897602015-09-23T06:00:00.000-04:002015-09-23T06:00:00.143-04:00The Ridiculously Huge Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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All right, I have promised to give you a post detailing SOME of what's going on with this Ridiculously Huge Project of mine. So this is that post! I hope you'll enjoy it.<br />
<br />
During this period of (not by preference) leaving Goldstone Wood alone for the time being, I really needed something absolutely fantastic and gripping into which I might throw my creative efforts. I had already been brainstorming an interesting concept with Rohan, and when the time came to make that difficult decision to set <i>Poison Crown</i> aside, I had this idea already in the background. Pulling it forward and dusting it off, I gave it another thorough look and decided I liked what I saw.<br />
<br />
First thing's first: Why is it called The Ridiculously Huge Project?<br />
<br />
Because it is twelve books long.<br />
<br />
Well, that's not so very different from what I've been doing already with Goldstone Wood (which is planned at fifteen books, innumerable novellas, and at least two potential spin-off series). So why is THIS project Ridiculously Huge?<br />
<br />
Because I'm trying to write all twelve books in one year.<br />
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Let me clarify: I am trying to write <b>twelve rough drafts</b> in one year. These drafts are all supposed to between 50,000 and 60,000 words long, so not as big as a polished book. (The polished books should each be between 80,000 and 100,000 words long.) Still, there are twelve of them, so it's a bit intimidating.<br />
<br />
The idea, however, is to have all twelve rough drafts complete before I go back and begin polishing the earlier books. That way, as I'm doing polished drafts, I know <i>exactly</i> what needs to go in each book so that story lines and character arcs all naturally lead from one book to the next. The hope is to spend no more than a month or so polishing each manuscript, so that in the long run--let's say two and a half years from now--I might have twelve decently <i>polished</i> manuscripts.<br />
<br />
Is this doable? I don't know. This whole thing is a great big (and somewhat ridiculous) experiment. However, I think it might actually just be possible to do it. And you know what? I'll never know until I try . . . <br />
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How am I going to go about making something like this doable? Well, I have certain rules that I am following as I conduct this experiment: <br />
<br />
<b>Rule 1: </b>Create solid outlines for each story. Actually, I've already done that. All twelve stories are outlined in significant detail so that story lines and character arcs all point in the right direction. I didn't begin writing Book 1 before I knew what was going to happen at the end of Book 12.<br />
<br />
<b>Rule 2:</b> I'm giving myself approximately 15 writing days to finish each draft. That's three work weeks (I don't write on the weekends). If at the end of day 12 I'm nowhere near the climax and resolution, I will summarize the in-between material and write the climax and resolution. That way--though very, VERY rough--I still have a complete rough draft of each story at the end of 15 work days.<br />
<br />
<b>Rule 3: </b>I'm not allowing myself to reread material as I go along. I'm allowed to reference the outlines and notes as much as I need, but no going back and fiddling with earlier portions of the manuscript or earlier books either. This would slow me down and defeat the whole purpose of this experiment, which is to have 12 rough drafts at the end of a year. This rule is a bit hard to follow . . . and I have broken it a TINY bit here and there, rereading small portions. But I don't allow for revisions as I go.<br />
<br />
The idea is that, allowing for blah-days when the words just won't come, sick days, unforeseen interruptions, etc. I can still get at least one full draft done each month. Again, is this truly possible? I don't know. But so far, I'm on track to finish a draft of book 2 by the end of this month, so I'm feeling pretty good about it.<br />
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<br />
Here are some things that I have discovered while writing the first book and a half of The Ridiculously Huge Project.<br />
<br />
<b>Discovery 1:</b> I cannot consistently write 5,000 words a day. I CAN consistently write 4,000 words a day. But just 1,000 more, and I'm too tired at day's end to function. Can't do anything. Can't smile at my husband. Can't take the dog for a run. Can't make dinner. Can't really do anything except sit around going, "Mehhhh."<br />
<br />
Now the occasional 5,000 word day is not a problem. My record is 9,000 in a single day, which I was able to do when the inspiration was REALLY keen. On similarly inspired days, 5,000 words is completely doable.<br />
<br />
I'm talking about a regular work day. Sitting down and working normal hours on ordinary, everyday sort of inspiration. When the Muse is absent and I am simply doing my job. Which is, to be honest, what most days are. <br />
<br />
So yeah . . . I've learned I cannot expect extraordinary word count on an ordinary work day. If I have those bursts of more than 4,000 words, then great. Otherwise, I am planning the whole project around the understanding that 4,000 words is my average.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Discovery 2:</b> I find it very hard not to go back and reread what I've done the previous day. HOWEVER, when trying to write twelve rough drafts in a single year, it's important to NOT go back and look at what I've done the previous day. Period. I have a solid outline which I am allowed to check and even tweak as I go along to keep me relatively in line. Otherwise, when I sit down to work, there's no recapping allowed. I simply have to make NEW WORDS HAPPEN.<br />
<br />
The result is a pretty hodge podge by the end of the draft. I decided partway through Book 1 that I needed one character to go from being a pious elderly priest to being a lecherous peasant farmer instead. So in the first chapter in which this character is introduced, he is an pious elderly priest. Several chapters later, the same character is now a lecherous peasant farmer. It doesn't make for very smooth reading, but I AM NOT ALLOWED TO GO BACK AND ALTER MY DRAFT. I have to keep going.<br />
<br />
Because, really, you know what? Why should I bother polishing and refining a rough draft? I might change my mind again later on, and that lecherous peasant farmer might suddenly need to be a pious elderly priest again. Or a milkmaid. Or an acrobat . . . I don't know! It's a rough draft.<br />
<br />
And it will ALL get polished out in the SECOND draft. Along with all the other inconsistencies, big and small. But if I stop now and try to make everything perfect . . . well, by the time I'm drafting book 6, I might come across a new premise that necessitates going back and doing another rewrite on book 1. I'd rather save myself the trouble.<br />
<br />
Is this how I've written before? No, indeed. I tend to be a polish-as-I-go sort. But this is inefficient writing, usually obliging me to polish the same scene several times over when, if I had simply pushed on and discovered everything I needed to BEFORE going back to rewrite, I would have saved myself time and effort.<br />
<br />
Ultimately, the goal is to have twelve beautifully POLISHED manuscripts in as few drafts (and as little time) as possible. Thus the great experiment that is The Ridiculously Huge Project. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Discovery 3:</b> It's HARD to write in a whole new world! No Faerie Paths. No Wood Between. No Lum<span class="_Tgc">é</span> and Hymlum<span class="_Tgc">é, no Southlands or Parumvir, no Eanrin, no Sphere Songs . . . I'm in unfamiliar territory, and it's very strange indeed.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc">I hadn't realized until starting this project how much I depended on knowing my world so thoroughly. I haven't had to invent an entire new world and new magic system before, not to mention a new history, new societies, etc. I keep waffling back and forth between setting these books in an alternate history version of our world or creating a new fantasy world of my own. Still haven't decided. I'm rough drafting both ways to see what I like and what suits the stories best. Leaning toward alternate history right now, but we'll see what happens.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc">So, yeah. There's tremendous amounts of invention that I've not had to deal with while writing Goldstone Wood books. So much from-the-ground-up creation. It's weird. It's also kind of cool. While I've lost the safety of a familiar world, I've also lost any restrictions. Particularly while doing these crazy rough drafts! The sky is the limit, and I can seriously do whatever I want.</span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"><br /></span>
<span class="_Tgc">Not having specific boundaries is a struggle all its own, however. I'm finding that the more I solidify the world and refine the details, the more fun I'm having with the actual drafting. It's all a great stretch for the imagination.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc">And I keep experiencing weird sensations of "disloyalty." Like I'm cheating on Goldstone Wood with another series. And sometimes, I'm actually <i>resentful</i> at this project . . . which is unfair, because it can't help not being Goldstone Wood, and it really does have its own fine qualities to offer up.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="_Tgc"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="_Tgc">And there you have it, dear readers. The Ridiculously Huge Project in a nutshell.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="_Tgc"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="_Tgc">Leaving out all revelation of plot and characters, of course.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="_Tgc"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="_Tgc">But they're coming. I'm still learning them myself right now, so I definitely don't feel ready to introduce them to all of you. Maybe in a few months. Maybe next year. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="_Tgc"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="_Tgc">Each month, however, I will be including little tidbits about research and writing details in the ongoing Doings at Drakenheath posts, so you can keep an eye on those if you are curious.</span></div>
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<span class="_Tgc">This should also give you a pretty good idea why I'm not posting on this blog as much and have officially taken at least a month off of Facebook (Rohan changed my password, so I can't get on even if I want to!). I'm fairly well swallowed in this project all day, every day, and rather expect to be swallowed for months to come. I am enjoying this period of intense creativity.</span></div>
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<span class="_Tgc">Well, <i>enjoying</i> might be the wrong word. It's hard work. Very hard work indeed, and I'm pretty tired a lot of the time while doing it. And the beginning stages of a huge endeavor are always the hardest. Right now, even the halfway point is beyond the far horizon, and that can be a bit discouraging if I allow myself to think about it.</span></div>
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<span class="_Tgc">So, one book at a time. One day at a time. But with big goals and big dreams always in mind. And we'll see what this turns into . . .</span></div>
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Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-42279716634718096402015-09-21T06:00:00.000-04:002015-09-21T06:00:02.857-04:00Doings at DrakenheathLum<span class="_Tgc">é love me, we're more than halfway through September already! Not sure how I feel about that . . . This year just keeps getting away from me. Not that it hasn't been a productive year, but I never quite feel that I make it through all the various tasks I have planned.</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">Anyway, the time has come for the newest Doings at Drakenheath post, and I hope all of you will enjoy seeing what we've been up to and what is currently on the horizon.</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">First of all . . . The Ridiculously Huge Project.</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">I introduced this project last month and have been working on it steadily ever since. I finished the rough draft of Book 1 in just 12 writing days, which pleased me, since my goal was 14.</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">However, the draft is VERY rough indeed, and I am already brewing such significant changes come the second draft that I rather doubt much of the original material will remain. Oh, well. At least there is a draft in existence.</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">I have moved on to Book 2 now and am making good progress on it. This draft is a little bit stronger than the draft of Book 1, though it is still much of it very rough. I had boasted some rather grandiose hopes of finishing this rough draft in the same amount of time it took me to do Book 1, but I'm already seeing that as highly unlikely. Because this draft is more polished than the last, it is by necessity bigger and more detailed, so it will take a bit more time.</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">Anyway, I plan to write up an actual post about The Ridiculously Huge Project sometime in the next week or so, so I'll save details about the project for that post. Though I did promise you monthly glimpses as the development, and I haven't forgotten!</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">This month's glimpse is another research glimpse. I have been spending quite a lot of time researching the Alhambra in southern Spain as inspiration for a particular setting in Book 2. My own palace/city/fortification--called <i>the Vanaruz</i>--is not actually in southern Spain, but the influences are similar. I am even including a park of imported elm trees such as you see surrounding the Alhambra in this picture on the right. This elm park is said to be full of nightingales, so I am swiping that idea as well, particularly since its a detail that fits so neatly into the theme of this book.</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">Yesterday I spent time researching the Alhambra's four outer gates, their names, when they were built, for what purposes they were used. Details like this, when rearranged to suit one's own story, add a lot of authentic flavor to a world. Much of my concentration has been going to the actual world building at this stage, and while I do some research before beginning a project, I end up doing most of my research along the way as I encounter details that need expanding.</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">So that's enough about The Ridiculously Huge Project for now. Stay tuned for a more extensive post concerning this project, due to appear soonish on this blog . . .</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">Did you enjoy the <a href="http://anneelisabethstengl.blogspot.com/2015/09/five-magic-spindles-show-and-tell.html">September Show and Tell</a>? I know I did. It was so exciting to see all those different variations on "Sleeping Beauty" currently in development. All of them looked intriguing, and there were several that particularly stood out to me as stories I can hardly wait to read (though I won't say which ones . . . assume it was yours, dear competitor!).</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">We are now beyond the halfway mark for this contest. Still PLENTY of time to finish up those stories. But its not too long now before the clock will start ticking . . .</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">Personally, I'm really looking forward to the END of the contest, since I don't get to read the submissions when the first come in (they go out to my team of readers first, and they pick their top five favorites to send to me). So I won't actually get to start reading <i>Magic Spindles</i> stories until January . . . though I may beg a peek or two early, if opportunity arises.</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">So, in un-bookish-related news . . . we have a new rescue kitty!</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">Meet Little Miss Muffet.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq7QKDc7pF0/VfhcG0hTUNI/AAAAAAAAKJ4/CEyg5Yk603I/s1600/IMG_20150915_112908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq7QKDc7pF0/VfhcG0hTUNI/AAAAAAAAKJ4/CEyg5Yk603I/s320/IMG_20150915_112908.jpg" width="240" /></a><span class="_Tgc">This pretty little girl was dumped in our neighborhood, I'm not sure how long ago. While my husband and I were out for a stroll a few weekends back, she came out of the woods and started meowing and flirting, trying to get our attention. She was very scared of Milly (my big black doggy), so I sent Rohan on ahead with her so that I could try to make friends with the poor kitty.</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">Little Miss was VERY ready to be rescued. She let me pick her right up and carry her all the way home. She had to live for the first two weeks on our screened-in back porch, as she was covered in fleas and had to get her vaccinations. But I have a great animal rescue group in the Raleigh area to work with, and they got me right into their program.</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">Now Little Miss is de-wormed, de-fleaed, up to date on all of her shots, and happily living in our home while we search for a perfect forever family for her. She's still not a fan of Milly, and my other kitties, despite being very used to having other cats in the house, are not particularly welcoming to a newcomer. Believe it or not, Minerva Louise (aka, The Evil One) is my most gentle cat when dealing with a newbie, so I let her and Little Miss hang out together in my office for a supervised period most mornings. I can't say they truly <i>interact</i> with one another. But sometimes that's a good thing where kitties are concerned . . .</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">Say a prayer that we'll find a good home for Little Miss, if you think of it. We love her and are happy to take care of her, but she will be MUCH happier in a home of her own where she can be the only princess.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvmIvf7wKZQ/Vf8GaFy2ABI/AAAAAAAAKLM/dwZa1J_d4pg/s1600/IMG_9241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvmIvf7wKZQ/Vf8GaFy2ABI/AAAAAAAAKLM/dwZa1J_d4pg/s400/IMG_9241.JPG" width="300" /></a><span class="_Tgc">Rohan and I celebrated our<a href="http://anneelisabethstengl.blogspot.com/2015/09/anniversary.html"> fifth wedding anniversary</a> just a few days ago! Most of you probably saw that, as it was the previous post, but I'll share a picture of us on the actual day too. My sweet handsome guy took me to Raleigh's oldest (and fanciest) steakhouse, Sullivan's, to celebrate, so we had to dress up. Not really a hardship for us, since we both like fancy dressing and fancy dining! I thought you might particularly like seeing the necklace I wore, which was a gift from my brother and his wife. It's got a distinctly Goldstone Wood-esque vibe, I'm thinking!</span><br />
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We have a lot of fun together, and our anniversary was no exception. We had hoped to do a little trip to celebrate the milestone of five years, but . . . well, we might have a much BIGGER trip coming up in another month or so, which means we need to save our vacation days! I won't say too much now (I'll save it for the next Doings post), but it looks like Rohan and I might be jumping "over the pond" very soon. Waaaaaay over the pond . . . (And we're getting seriously excited about it!)<br />
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Oh, and I got a new haircut, which you can also see making its debut in these pictures. Just some layers and bangs, which is a fun change for me. It was getting reeeeeeeally long, and while I love long hair in theory, it tends to start looking heavy around my face. This cut gives my hair a little more bounce, and I feel prettier than I have in a long while. Ah! The restorative power of a good haircut . . .<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-teXVF5qRwLE/Vf8LhZvK6vI/AAAAAAAAKLc/CIxh0f2Nc6M/s1600/AudioBookCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-teXVF5qRwLE/Vf8LhZvK6vI/AAAAAAAAKLc/CIxh0f2Nc6M/s320/AudioBookCover.jpg" width="320" /></a>Progress is still being made on both the <i>Draven's Light</i> audiobook and the <i>Five Enchanted Roses</i> audiobook. I hope to see both of them launched before the end of the year, though I'm not ABSOLUTELY certain this will be possible. It all depends on whether or not I get a chance to sit down and listen through both of them the several times necessary before hitting the "approve" button. Well over 20 hours worth of listening, not always easy to find time for. But one way or the other, both of these products are in the works and sounding awesome, so we'll be sharing them eventually.<br />
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And, believe it or not, I am actually in the very beginning stages of planning another little story. Not sure if anything will come of it, but I've been brainstorming both with Rohan and with my mother, (award-winning and bestelling novelist <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Stengl-233740900123521/timeline/?ref=br_tf">Jill Stengl</a>, who knows a thing or two about brainstorming!), and they are both very keen for me to pursue it. I won't say too much about it just now, save that it's a children's book, so MUCH shorter than anything else I've ever done. And it's not a fantasy. I'll see if it goes anywhere before I reveal too much more about it, but it's definitely a Doing that is taking up some of my mental processes.<br />
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My plan is to finish drafting Book 2 in The Ridiculously Huge Project, and then take a week off from that to see if I can't rough up a quick draft of this children's book idea. I've got an outline that I like a ton, and while it will probably take me more than a week to write, I hope to get most of it done very quickly indeed. So we'll see. If that week goes well, I MIGHT be introducing this little story to all of you sooner rather than later. If it doesn't go well, I might scrap the whole thing, so we will see . . .<br />
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But, one way or the other, I'm only going to take a week to play with it, because I CANNOT SLOW DOWN on The Ridiculously Huge Project. Not and make my goals. (But more on that later.)<br />
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Wow, things look much calmer in this Doings post than they have in many of my other posts! Not quite so many irons in the fire at once, which is nice. Gives me time to really focus, at least for this period, on my writing itself. Sometimes, with ALL of the things I'm juggling, I begin to feel as though the Writer in me gets a little buried. So I really have to take advantage of clearer space when I get it!<br />
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So what has your September been like, dear Imps? Are you working away on your <i>Five Magic Spindles</i> stories? I'm sure many of you are back in school full throttle now, both as students and as teachers. Any specific plans for things you hope to accomplish in the next month? Do tell! I am all ears . . .Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-43992561946042499662015-09-18T06:00:00.000-04:002015-09-18T06:00:00.857-04:00AnniversaryI know I posted a LOOOOOONG post about our wedding last year, so there's really no need to reiterate it now. (<b><a href="http://anneelisabethstengl.blogspot.com/2014/09/a-walk-through-our-wedding.html">You can see that post here if you like. </a></b>It was fun to put together, and I hope you'll enjoy it.)<br />
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However, Rohan and I are celebrating our fifth wedding anniversary today. So, in honor of this momentous occasion, I thought I should post at least one picture of us in our wedding clothes!<br />
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Such a perfectly beautiful day! And five perfectly beautiful years with this perfectly beautiful man. The longer I am his wife, the more I appreciate his sweetness, his humor, his work ethic, his patience . . . not to mention his handsomeness.<br />
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(Yeah, I know, I'm a bit shallow. But he's awfully pretty!)<br />
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God could not have blessed me with a more wonderful partner with whom to navigate the waters of this life.<br />
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Okay, one more picture, just 'cause I love this one: <br />
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Five years is just the beginning of what I hope will be a long and adventurous love story. </div>
Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102067376746188002.post-52554589667968305752015-09-16T10:00:00.000-04:002015-09-21T09:23:34.982-04:00FIVE MAGIC SPINDLES - Show and TellWelcome, readers and writers, to the September Show and Tell. For those of you who don't know, today's post is a compilation of working titles, synopsis, opening lines, and inspiration boards for various authors participating in the <b><a href="http://www.rooglewoodpress.com/#!writing-contest/c22i6"><i>Five Magic Spindles </i>creative writing contest</a></b>, hosted by Rooglewood Press. We are now midway through the contest period, with the deadline of December 31 just starting to become visible on the horizon. It was my thought that the writers could use a little boost of inspiration about now . . . so here you have it!<br />
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Keep in mind that most of these stories are still in a state of development, and even titles are subject to change. But I personally find it very exciting to catch a glimpse of these works-in-progress, and I hope all of you will too.<br />
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And who knows? It might be that several of those listed here today will end up in the final collection. I think it's pretty likely, don't you?<br />
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Enjoy browsing all of this great content, and make certain you take a moment to leave an encouraging word or two to the authors themselves. And if you are a writer and you hadn't yet thought of participating in one of our contests . . . maybe this will prove just the jolt of inspiration that you need.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i> Dreams of Fate</i></b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">VICTORIA KAHRS</span></b></div>
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Princess Alina has much to be concerned about. Not only is she going to meet her betrothed for the first time, but also the dreams she's been having lately are becoming more frequent. Before she meets her betrothed, however, her father the king is placed under a spell, and now her kingdom is on the brink of war. Alina must journey to the kingdom of faerie and find a cure for her father. But once she gets there she will have a few surprises in store for her. And a decision she will soon have to make will affect both kingdoms. Lies, betrayal, temptation, forbidden love . . . will Alina overcome these challenged and make the right decision when the time comes?</div>
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<i>I entered the room quietly, knowing my nurse, Emma, was in the next room, and wouldn't be pleased if she caught me sneaking around.</i></div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Victoria Kahrs has not had anything published as of yet, but hopes someday soon she will. She is currently working on her general studies at NSCC before transferring to Bowling Green State University, majoring in history<i></i><b> </b>creative writing. She is also working part time at Sauder Village as a costume interpreter, and working part time at her college library. When she is not working, studying, or writing, she enjoys reading, singing, dancing, and playing with her cats. She lives with her parents and brother and little sister outside her home town, Wauseon, Ohio.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>The Brightest Thread</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">TRACEY DYCK</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bh5bLDtXteE/VfbXS5n-m_I/AAAAAAAAKIo/8p3oop2QFOw/s1600/Tracey%2BDyck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bh5bLDtXteE/VfbXS5n-m_I/AAAAAAAAKIo/8p3oop2QFOw/s400/Tracey%2BDyck.jpg" width="400" /></a>Princess Alucinora never asked for her gifts--nor did she ask for a curse. Trapped in slumber while the kingdom falls into chaos, all she has left are her dreams. And somewhere far away, a prince is dreaming too.</div>
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<b>OPENING LINES:</b></div>
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<i>Not in centuries had the mountains rung with such gladness. Aleida tilted her face toward the sun and smiled. The road winding up the mountain slopes was choked with bodies, nobles and country folk alike, all traveling to the castle for the celebration. Their lively chatter echoed against the crags.</i></div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Tracey Dyck has been working on a YA fantasy series for the past seven years, with smaller projects filling in the cracks, like her Rooglewood contest entries. She may or may not have a dragon living in her basement. You can find her rambles about life, writing, and all things story-related over at her blog, <a href="http://traceydyck.blogspot.ca/">Adventure Awaits</a>.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>The Caver's Kiss</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">ESTHER BROOKSMITH</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8rC22nvVWSY/VehIKQNTeXI/AAAAAAAAKDs/dYOMK-5Ny44/s1600/Caver%2527s%2BKiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8rC22nvVWSY/VehIKQNTeXI/AAAAAAAAKDs/dYOMK-5Ny44/s320/Caver%2527s%2BKiss.jpg" width="212" /></a>Having finished his last semester of college, Amos Prince plans to spend his summer exploring remote caves before settling down to the next phase of his life--whatever that may be. But he gets more of an adventure than he bargained for when he enters a secluded cave, shrouded in the local legend of Sleeping Beauty.</div>
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<i>"You know, you're the first man who has ever asked me to show him where these caves are." My guide hung his thumbs in his belt loops and peered over my shoulder.</i></div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Esther Brooksmith loves caves. After visiting Grand Caverns as a little girl, she spent hours imagining she lived there. I expect, in some subtle way, that influenced her first-ever retelling of Sleeping Beauty. But caves are not her only love; you can learn more about her and her writing at <a href="http://commandedwriter.blogspot.com/">The Pen of a Ready Writer.</a><b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://commandedwriter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></a></span></b></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Once Upon a Dream</b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SARAH PENNINGTON</b></span></div>
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A Dream Guardian and a student at Cormont's foremost university, Alexander is certain of a comfortable future. But when a mysterious young lady appears in his dreams, pleading for rescue from a peril she can't recall, Alexander's well-laid plans begin to unravel. As he uncovers the secrets of this strange woman, he is faced with a dilemma: when love demands sacrifice, how much is he willing to give?<b> </b><br />
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<i>Our story begins as do most tales: with a dream.</i><b> </b><br />
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Sarah is known by various names, but all of them mean her. A homeschooled teenager, she's been devouring books and telling stories in one form or another for as long as she can remember, but she started seriously writing five years ago, with a retelling of Snow White inspired by one of Gail Carson Levine's writing challenges. She can be found in various internet realms, but most easily on her blog, <a href="http://dreams-dragons.blogspot.com/">Dreams and Dragons</a>, where she posts about books, fandoms, writing, photography, and life in general.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Freeze/Thaw (working title)</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">SELINA ECKERT</span></b></div>
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When Owen signed up for an archaeology trip to a melting glacier, he expected the ice and the hard work. What he didn't expect was the mummy that woke up overnight or her magic ring. But she wasn't the only one to awaken on the glacier, and it won't be long before evil comes for them.</div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Selina has been reading and writing for as long as she can remember. While she spent her college and graduate school years pursuing a love of science, writing and literature have always been true loves as well. <i>Five Magic Spindles</i> would be her first published work of fiction, though she is currently working on publishing book one in the fantasy series, <i>This Curse</i>. Selina lives around central and southeastern Pennsylvania and spends her free time with her cat, Annika, and visiting with her family.</div>
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Visit her blog, <a href="http://papercraneswriting.tumblr.com/">Paper Cranes</a>.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>SPINDLE</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">ESTHER BROOKSMITH</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWw1dgB_Upo/VehNNJD2nVI/AAAAAAAAKEE/yz1H_1tx-NA/s1600/SPINDLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWw1dgB_Upo/VehNNJD2nVI/AAAAAAAAKEE/yz1H_1tx-NA/s320/SPINDLE.jpg" width="212" /></a>In a galaxy far from our own, a planet trembles under the forces of good and evil. Every member of its society is subject to the age-old pact with the lab known as SPINDLE, which periodically reaps the planet for test subjects or "sleeping beauties." Can Mikaya escape their clutches? Or will she, too, be subject to one hundred years of tortured sleep?<b> </b><br />
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Esther Brooksmith has been telling stories since she could talk. Putting them to paper has been a developing process, which started with the mastery of the pencil and improved at a rapid pace with the discovery of typing. She keeps a blog, which she uses to hone her writing skills and connect with other word-lover. You can find her at <a href="http://commandedwriter.blogspot.com/">The Pen of a Ready Writer</a>.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>The Rose-Covered Cabin</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">RACHEL KOVACINY</span></b></div>
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In the Old West town of Mortimer Junction, a discontented widow hires an aloof gunman to get revenge on a neighbor who refuses to marry her. But when the neighbor's daughter intervenes, disaster strikes.<b> </b><br />
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>When she's not writing, Rachel Kovaciny passes the time by reading, watching movies, and homeschooling her three children. She blogs about books at <a href="http://theedgeoftheprecipice.blogspot.com/">The Edge of the Precipice</a>, and about movies, writing, and life in general at <a href="http://hamlette.blogspot.com/">Hamlette's Soliloquy</a>.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>I Once Dreamed</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">OLIVIA K. R. FISHER</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUlwitdlhh4/VfBD6vWr3vI/AAAAAAAAKF8/WDZ6O6ZyDh8/s1600/Olivia%2BFisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUlwitdlhh4/VfBD6vWr3vI/AAAAAAAAKF8/WDZ6O6ZyDh8/s320/Olivia%2BFisher.jpg" width="320" /></a>Far off in the countryside of the kingdom of Ashindust lies the charming estate and castle of Hazelbend. Little do passers-by know that terrified servants, a treacherous butler, and a lonely lady are trapped inside . . .</div>
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<i>Lady Faerydae of the middlemost part of the kingdom of Ashindust had always been a rather sensible girl, and, upon being offered the courtship of the wise Duke Berwick, had determined that it would be save both her father's failing tailoring business and herself the trouble of waiting for another man to offer his hand in marriage.</i></div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Olivia K. R. Fisher makes her home in Southern California, where she lives with her parents, two dogs, and university-attending boarder. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, Celtic music, and hot chocolate, and practices the arts of gardening, painting, and baking. Though Olivia currently does not have any published works, she hopes too soon and writes often. To learn more about Olivia and her offered writing advice, book reviews, and such, visit <a href="http://oliviakfisher.blogspot.com/">A Sapphire Chamber</a>.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>The Bridge of Dreams</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">MEREDITH LEIGH BURTON</span></b></div>
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A mother's quest for vengeance . . . two estranged kingdoms . . . a forbidden love . . . a mysterious frog . . . and a dark curse.</div>
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Princess Brayleigh is a ray of hope to all who know her, the long-awaited answer to her parents' prayers. When the princess is cursed at her christening feast, a chain of events is set in motion. Her fiercely-loving parents strive to keep the princess safe. Yet as Brayleigh grows up, she often feels confined. When Brayleigh meets a kindhearted prince from a neighboring kingdom, her life will never be the same. When Brayleigh and her prince become trapped within an enchantment, a gift of true love might be the only hope for freedom.<b> </b><br />
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<i>When something precious is taken away, you remember the oddest things. I remember my daughter's hands. They danced delicately as they performed daily tasks. I especially loved to watch Tahlia spin. Tahlia's life stretched before her like gossamer thread. Then on a day of joy, the thread of her life was broken.</i><br />
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<i>I first thought to take the prince's life. Yet I was unable to do so. Something prevented me. Was it cowardice? Was it the fact that killing him would dishonor Tahlia's name? Perhaps it was the pleading look in his father's eyes. I do not know. However, death is not the only means of making a person pay.</i><b> </b><br />
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</b>Meredith Leigh Burton is a speaker and author who lives in Lynchburg, Tennessee. A graduate of the Tennessee School for the Blind and Middle Tennessee State University, she loves educating other about disabilities. She is the author of three fantasy novels, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crimilia-Meredith-Leigh-Burton-ebook/dp/B005FDH064/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1442370417&sr=8-1&keywords=Crimilia">Crimilia</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jarah-Portal-Meredith-Burton/dp/1462650317/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442370432&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Jarah+Portal">The Jarah Portal</a>, </i>and <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sorals-Rising-Meredith-Leigh-Burton-ebook/dp/B00I0EB2QY/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1442370446&sr=8-1&keywords=Soral%27s+Rising">Soral's Rising</a>.</i> She is a voracious reader and enjoys any type of fairy tale retelling. Her other hobbies include singing, teaching Sunday school to young children, and spending time with family and friends.<br />
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Visit Mereidth at <a href="http://www.crimilia.tateauthor.com/">www.Crimilia.TateAuthor.com</a></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Kiss My Eyes</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">SKYE HOFFERT</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GhsHpsNEwxQ/VeBMlM0iujI/AAAAAAAAJ-8/baosE9TMs9k/s1600/Skye%2527s%2BImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GhsHpsNEwxQ/VeBMlM0iujI/AAAAAAAAJ-8/baosE9TMs9k/s320/Skye%2527s%2BImage.jpg" width="240" /></a>There was an unexpected guest at my birth. That guest was a malignant tumor.</div>
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I know what you're thinking: <i>This is a cancer story</i>. I wouldn't want to read it either, so let's not do that.</div>
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Let's pretend . . . pretend that I'm not lying in this stark room that breathes anesthetic.</div>
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That I'm not a fourteen year old girl facing an operation that will either save my life or claim it.</div>
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Let's pretend I'm a princess. A cursed princess, who is facing a hundred year sleep.<b> </b><br />
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>I am a twenty-one year old starving artist, who spends my days dreaming and writing. Visit me at my blog, <a href="http://skyehoffert.blogspot.ca/">Ink Castles</a>. Also visit the <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/skyehoffert/kiss-my-eyes/">Pinterest board for </a><i><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/skyehoffert/kiss-my-eyes/">Kiss My Eyes</a>.</i></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Poison Kiss</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">KENDRA E. ARDNEK</span></b></div>
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Everyone knows that Sleeping Beauty falls asleep with the prick of a spindle and is awakened by True Love's Kiss--but this time, it's the kiss that will be the curse, and the spinning wheel is to be the salvation. Alas, but it's not as simple this way around.</div>
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<i>The king wasn't even surprised when the old fairy stormed into the banquet hall. After all, he'd already received notice that his daughter was to be the next Sleeping Beauty, and he had neglected Olgerta's invitation on purpose.</i><b> </b><br />
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Kendra E. Ardneck is a homeschooled author obsessed with fairy tales. Her debut, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sew-Quest-Bookania-Quests-Book-ebook/dp/B005G3ZFKG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442371243&sr=8-1&keywords=Sew%2C+It%27s+a+Quest">Sew, It's a Quest</a>,</i> did in fact begin as a Sleeping Beauty retelling. When she's not writing, she's usually knitting. Stop by and visit her blog, <a href="http://knittedbygodsplan.blogspot.com/">Knitted by God's Plan</a>. Also visit the <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/kladybug/storyboard-poison-kiss/">Pinterest board for <i>Poison Kiss.</i></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>The Eternity Ring</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">KAYLA AUSTIN</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KOt2WUjn45Q/VfbSH-iwiPI/AAAAAAAAKIY/MpLfWxPuTL0/s1600/The%2BEternity%2BRing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KOt2WUjn45Q/VfbSH-iwiPI/AAAAAAAAKIY/MpLfWxPuTL0/s400/The%2BEternity%2BRing.jpg" width="266" /></a>On the eve of Kita Thal-Yona's Name Day, a curse is unleashed on the royal family of Lokire. An ancient Fire Daemon, enforcer of a covenant made over a century ago between the Haevel clan and a past Emperor, arrives in the service of the insurrectionists as they threaten to bring the Yona Dynasty to its knees. Together with Grekor, an outcast Haevel son, Kita must seek out the mystery of the Lightning-Hand, who may be the only hope of breaking the curse and defeating the Haevel clan before the entire Empire is consumed in a tide of blood and flames.</div>
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<i>A shadow flickered across autumn's waning sickle-moon, and a noise like thunder rumbled in the near distance.</i><br />
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<i>"What was that?" Xenos rolled to a crouch, all the leisure evaporated from his limbs.</i><br />
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<i>The great windows at the head of the library exploded inward, shattering the still of the night and flinging a thousand crystal shards toward them.</i><br />
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<i>Kita dove left behind the nearest shelf, crushed between the floor and Tauro's weight as he and Grekor leapt after her. Across the passage, she caught a glimpse of Xenos and Etilun's pale faces as they sheltered beneath the opposite bookshelf, spared for the most part as the spears of glass rained around them. Xenos cradled an angry spark in one hand.</i><b> </b><br />
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Kayla is a nearly-twenty homeschool graduate, bent on leaving a mark for her Saviour through her gifts of music and writing. She has been a voracious reader since the tender age of six, and loves to seek out the threads of Truth hidden in Story. When she isn't scribbling or dreaming up stories, Kayla is often to be found managing her houseful of younger siblings, teaching voice and violin in her private studio, performing on stage, or working behind the desk as a librarian. Visit her blog, <a href="http://talesofthescribe.blogspot.com/">The Scribbler</a>. Also see the <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/theweaver95/the-eternity-ring/">Pinterest board for </a><i><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/theweaver95/the-eternity-ring/">The Eternity Ring</a>.</i></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Guardian of Our Beauty</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">KATHRYN McCONAUGHY</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fLNH8Hh4aoQ/Ver9Tk4p9nI/AAAAAAAAKFE/HQx6k8o6mrs/s1600/Kathryn%2BMcConaughy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fLNH8Hh4aoQ/Ver9Tk4p9nI/AAAAAAAAKFE/HQx6k8o6mrs/s320/Kathryn%2BMcConaughy.jpg" width="320" /></a>For as long as she can remember, clear-eyed Palli has known that the fate of her city depends on her. Cursed by an angry magician, blessed by a mysterious traveler, and defended by three mighty allies, Palli will fall asleep on her wedding day. But more perils are in play than the ill-speaking of one disgruntled sorcerer. Can Palli's curse be turned into the salvation of her city?</div>
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<i>And it happened in the days of the great heroes, in the years of the warrior-shepherds, that the king of Gubla had no son. He took young wives and old wives, rich wives and poor wives, wives from the country and wives from the city. He sent for wives from Piyampetcha to the north, and from Tsora to the south. (He even begged a wife from the King of the Four Quarters, the master of the Black-Headed People; but the Great King did not send him a wife. The Great King did not even receive the king of Gubla's messenger.) But no matter how many wives the king of Gubla wed, they bore only daughters. Daughters and more daughters.</i><br />
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<i>"How can I live? I'm drowning in daughters!" the king complained to his chief priest.</i><b> </b><br />
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>When she isn't reading articles about the ancient Near East or deciphering texts from the ancient Near East, Kathryn McConaughy amuses herself by writing fairy tales set in the ancient Near East (as well as Arthurian fantasies, Jane Austen retellings, and other tales too numerous and peculiar to mention). She lives in hope of one day finding a dissertation topic that won't immediately metamorphose into an idea for a novel.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>The Amber Lady</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">KATE ENDRES</span></b></div>
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A prophecy at Gilberto's christening led to the dismissal of nearly all spinners in Tracana. As his sixteenth birthday approaches, he searches the jungle for the seeress who gave the prophecy, but finds someone else. Gilberto is mesmerized by every part of Aurora: her honeyed skin (much lighter than his chocolate coloring), her emerald sari (that matches her eyes), and the forbidden silk she's spinning. So entranced, will he recognize the prophesied threat?</div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Kate Endres has been imagining stories forever, and been scribbling them down since her fifth grade teacher sent her to her first Young Author's Conference. Always a traveler, to places real and imagined, her many forays into the world of Ingrelan have generated three novels and many short stories, in various stages of completion. After joining ACFW in 2010, her first Journal of Ingrelan, <i>The Prince's Ring</i>, was just shy of the semi-finals in their 2011 Genesis contest. Currently she scribbles, types, and reads in a tiny hermit hole in Anchorage, but good luck stalking her. Between pet-sitting, inventories, and tutoring high schoolers in Math and Spanish, her schedule is quite random. The one constant in her life is her dependence on Yahweh and His provision.</div>
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Take a moment to visit her blog, <a href="https://kateendres.wordpress.com/">Wandering Ingrelan</a>. Also check out the <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/kateendres5/the-amber-lady/">Pinterest board for <i>The Amber Lady</i></a>.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Greek Mythology Ocean Thing (working title)</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">JULIA BARTEL</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JymuuumtkG4/VfBACZMkE4I/AAAAAAAAKFo/eOUbZL6clQw/s1600/Julia%2BBartel%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JymuuumtkG4/VfBACZMkE4I/AAAAAAAAKFo/eOUbZL6clQw/s400/Julia%2BBartel%2B1.jpg" width="275" /></a>This story is set in Ancient Greece--where, exactly, I don't yet know. In exchange for a daughter, King Stefanos promises a sea nymph his kingdom. But when a seeress predicts that his daughter--Eos--will die on her eighteenth birthday, he realizes he's been slighted by the nymph and must find a way to protect his daughter. The story takes place in the months leading up to Eos's eighteenth birthday--as she enjoys the island celebrations, takes part in secret swordfights, and meets a certain handsome prince . . . all while the day of reckoning draws near.</div>
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<i>The man stood in the ocean.</i><br />
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<i>Tall and cloaked, he was a black slash against the grey sky and roiling ocean. He lowered the cowl of his cloak, and wind surged at his bearded face and sun-darkened skin, driving cold fingers through his cropped hair. The water was up to his shins in the spot where he stood, with sand dragging at his bare feet as the waves receded and surged forth. Behind him, numerous black rocks stood, standing straight and jagged in the sand as if flung there by the hand of a god.</i><br />
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<i>The man's lips moved in a soundless prayer, and he closed his eyes and breathed in the air, thick with the smell of brine. When he opened them, she stood before him.</i><br />
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<i>The nymph's eyes were black, lightless. Her skin was pale as a slash of lightning, bone-bright; her mouth was a red gash like the belly of a fish cut open. She wore a dress that clung wetly to her skin, glittering like the scales of a fish, and her hair was dark and long and wild: a stormy night at sea.</i><br />
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<i>"King Stefanos," she rasped. "You've come to me for a favor."</i><b> </b><br />
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Hi, I'm Julia! I was born in Toronto, Ontario, grew up in Raleigh, NC, and am now a freshman at the University of Toronto, studying English literature and creative writing. My first-ever novel was about a guide dog that lost its master in Central Park. My second-ever novel was about a dog who ran away from home because he was embarrassed to be the runt of the litter. Luckily, the trend of dog protagonists has not continued in my writing today. You can find me on Tumblr at <a href="http://inkishly.tumblr.com/">Inkstained Fingertips</a>, and Blogspot at <a href="http://dragonsdancinginstarlitskies.blogspot.ca/">Dragons Dancing in Starlit Skies</a>. Check out the <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/inkishly/stories-greek-mythology-ocean-thing/">Pinterest board for this story</a>.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Darkened Slumber</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">JOSIAH DYCK</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbyZhkXRdyI/VfMzGGnEctI/AAAAAAAAKG8/AZpGltDV6CE/s1600/Karnu%2Band%2Bhis%2Bbrutes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbyZhkXRdyI/VfMzGGnEctI/AAAAAAAAKG8/AZpGltDV6CE/s400/Karnu%2Band%2Bhis%2Bbrutes.jpg" width="400" /></a><i>Something foul is brewing.</i><br />
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In a land fraught with samurai, ninja, and creatures both ferocious and sinister, deep within a mountain fortress lies a sword. Containing untold powers, its is kept secret. But someone has found it. He intends to wield it for his own twisted benefit, and his first order of business is to cast a certain princess into an eternal sleep. Two friends and true love may not be enough to cure her and to stop this malevolent foe. But if they cannot, the land will fall under the enemy's shadow . . . forever.<b> </b><br />
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Josiah has written several stories, including an entry for the <i>Five Enchanted Roses</i> contest. It is his goal to dabble in genres he's never tried for the Rooglewood contests. He recently was one of the ten nominees in a short story writing contest, which received nearly a thousand entries. He loves listening to soundtracks whilst doing his writing and has come up with playlists for a few of his stories.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>The Ogre Wars</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">JESS M.</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ncPDQ0M_VFM/VfXQjlmXRkI/AAAAAAAAKIA/GQe64JHWd1Q/s1600/Jess%2BM..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ncPDQ0M_VFM/VfXQjlmXRkI/AAAAAAAAKIA/GQe64JHWd1Q/s320/Jess%2BM..jpg" width="260" /></a>"Leave me be, Kadryn, and tell your father to do the same. I refuse to even consider marriage."</div>
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"Who said anything about marriage?"</div>
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Callysta forced her feet to move. "No one had to."</div>
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<i>Kadryn surveyed the carnage of the battlefield. Nothing could prepare him for the gruesome scene, though it was a familiar sight what with the war against he Ogres already three months in. More men than he dared to count lay in the bloodstained grass, either dead or soon to be.</i><b> </b><br />
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Jess lives in a rural area in a small town in Minnesota, where she'll sooner see a deer than another person. She loves to read and write and is currently attending Hamline University in pursuit of a degree in Creative Writing. She hopes to use this degree to pursuie a job as an author and/or editor.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>A Spindle in Time</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">ABBY CASHEN and ERIN CASHEN</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dtFnsBscU4A/VfjgLlkGLxI/AAAAAAAAKKo/H_RzwlEZl4I/s1600/A%2BSpindle%2Bin%2BTime%2BAbby%2BCashen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dtFnsBscU4A/VfjgLlkGLxI/AAAAAAAAKKo/H_RzwlEZl4I/s320/A%2BSpindle%2Bin%2BTime%2BAbby%2BCashen.jpg" width="320" /></a>All the other princesses of her family had gone through this. Why was she the weak one, the scared one? But no one needed to know. This was right. She'd done enough crying. There was nothing to be done but to accept the facts. That was the only thing she had left to do . . . and she just couldn't manage to do it.<b> </b><br />
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHORS:</b> Abby Cashen is an avid fan of various forms of media and hopes to one day be able to produce films as well as stories while traveling the globe.<br />
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Erin Cashen is an imaginative introvert, who has mastered cooking to an unbelievable degree and enjoys riding her horse.</div>
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Visit their blog at <a href="http://sutorinohana.blogspot.com/">Sutori no Hana</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>The Department of Happily Ever After</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">JEMMA TAINSH</span></b></div>
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Lilac Figgalapola has a tough job, and now she has a Happily Ever After to organize. She has a prince with poor timing, an evil fairy who's being obnoxiously cheerful, an interfering rival department, and a curse gone wrong. If she fails this one, it will be an unhappy ending for the Department of Happily Ever After . . .<br />
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Jemma Tainsh is a home-schooled Australian teenager. She loves to read many different genres, write, and other creative exploits. Her writing is influenced by great authors such as Tolkien, Pratchett, and A.E. Stengl. You can visit her blog, <a href="http://thesherwoodstoryteller.blogspot.com.au/">The Sherwood Storyteller</a>, and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/jemmatainsh/five-magic-spindles-inspiration-board/">the Pinterest board for her story in progress.</a><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Red and White</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">J.M. CHRISTIAN</span></b></div>
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Two women--one curse that will forever shape the future.</div>
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Ewrethia, a royal mortal princess blessed with beauty and charm; Ishelle, the abused Faerie daughter of the dreaded Death Lord. Together these two form an unlikely friendship that endures until a fateful event tears them apart and pits Faerie against Mortal, love against hate, and brings about a battle that will ultimately determine the future of a child who holds all in the balance.</div>
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<i>The dark halls are silent. Dust marks the ebony floor, thick and gritty, clinging to the smashed remains of furnishings blackened with age. Under a partially collapsed table a small girl sits, slightly hunched over, two eyes gleaming as they watch the single window framed by tattered drapes swaying lightly in the faint breeze. They snap open abruptly as a powerful gust surges through, exposing the darkened sky outside, and the girl shudders. A thunderous clap echoes, the sound vibrating through the floor, up the girl's body, before a rider emerges into view, darkness and fire trailing behind him.</i><b></b></div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>J.M. is a devout fan of Christian fantasy and passionate about writing. Between creating new stories, he finds time for dabbling in graphic design, photography, computers, and collecting more books to add to his ever growing library. To interact with readers and new fans, he runs a blog called <a href="https://55darkwolf.wordpress.com/">Heart of Light</a>.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>The Princess's Curse</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">HOPE SCHMIDT</span></b></div>
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With the land of Athada under the worst drought of centuries, the Mist Spinners banished, and her sixteenth birthday approaching, Anatola wonders if life can get much worse. Apparently it can, as she suddenly discovers a curse and a prophecy woven through her life. And only the ultimate sacrifice can break the one and fulfill the other.</div>
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<i>My throat tightens, and I choke back a sob. Though the bluish white stone of the castle tower surrounds me, mist curls about my sandals and loose dress, beckoning me toward the silver spindle glimmering in the center of the chamber.</i><b></b></div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Hope Schmidt is 21, a Christian, the oldest of nine children, and a passionate authoress. She loves reading, writing, and fantasy . . . and is currently working on a futuristic trilogy. You can follow her blog, <a href="http://www.writinginthelight.org/">Writing the Light</a>.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>A Flame Shall Spring from the Embers</b></i></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">HEIDI PETERSON</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_O-KFpzC7IE/VfL23JIUfaI/AAAAAAAAKGs/f6My7DSGTLA/s1600/Heidi%2BPeterson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_O-KFpzC7IE/VfL23JIUfaI/AAAAAAAAKGs/f6My7DSGTLA/s320/Heidi%2BPeterson.jpg" width="213" /></a>Love, loyalty, and revenge. A long-awaited princess lies in a death-sleep, and, in a land of ancient stone and green running hills, two houses are locked in mortal combat. The given words have promised a great king, but--even if the king should appear--how can there be any covering for the blood of the slain?</div>
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<i>King Llwellyn sat weak and thin on his hard throne, his right arm--bony yet sinewed--resting uncomfortably against the smooth polished, wide grained wood. Slowly clenching and unclenching his hand, he ran it over his face and short cropped beard. Brushing his fingers across his eyes, he dropped his hand and raised his head. "Rhiannon."</i></div>
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<i>His sister turned from the window, the green of her gown shimmering before it fell black in the shadows. Her strange eyes--slanted and dark--were startling beneath her mass of gold hair, bound in place with its thin twining circlet of paler gold.</i><b></b></div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Heidi Peterson (author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ellen-Heidi-Peterson-ebook/dp/B00FPDFLOM/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1442414935&sr=8-1&keywords=Ellen+by+Heidi+Peterson"><i>Ellen</i> </a>and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Little-Ears-Heidi-Peterson-ebook/dp/B00FPDO7KG/ref=sr_1_2_twi_kin_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1442414935&sr=8-2&keywords=Ellen+by+Heidi+Peterson"><i>Tales for Little Ears</i></a>) is currently working on her third book and second full length novel. She's a lover of wide-spreading land, summer dust, white pounding waterfalls, and mountain tops; also of good dark coffee and rich stories. Most of all, she's a lover of the One who is the Word, the Word made flesh. She blogs at <a href="http://ladyofanorien.blogspot.com/">Along the Brandywine</a> and <a href="http://heidi-n-peterson.blogspot.com/">Sharing the Journey</a>. You can visit the <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ladyofanorien/a-flame-shall-spring-from-the-embers/">Pinterest board for <i>A Flame Shall Spring from the Embers.</i></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>The Dreams of Spring</b></i></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">HANNAH WILLIAMS</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r83KTBbsNMo/VeilE2K3y9I/AAAAAAAAKEU/SH9F0aDWWSg/s1600/Dreams%2Bof%2BSpring%2Billustrated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r83KTBbsNMo/VeilE2K3y9I/AAAAAAAAKEU/SH9F0aDWWSg/s400/Dreams%2Bof%2BSpring%2Billustrated.jpg" width="400" /></a>Winter has outlived her time in the fey world, but Spring has never woken to bring her gentle thaw. For the mortal kingdom of Melstarr, spring has lasted far too long. When the lonely princess discovers a golden thread leading through the castle, could it be the path to a home she has never known?</div>
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<i>A baby's birth should be remembered with great gladness. But the kingdom of Melstarr generally agreed that the weather had turned most sour since about the time Princess Avia had come into the world some fifteen years ago. Before then, the land had been famed for its hot, clear-sky summers and snowy cold winters. Since then, the sky threatened rain more often than not and humidity had risen to an alarming degree.</i></div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Hannah Williams is an aspiring author and artist, seeking out stories of beauty and quality to inspire her own life and tales. She hopes to bring glory to God through her writing and artwork. You can follow her writing journey and read more of her reviews at her blog, <a href="http://williamshsj.blogspot.com/">The Writer's Window</a>.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Faded</b></i></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">GWEN MOELLER</span></b></div>
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She was supposed to sleep for a hundred years, but nine centuries have passed since the curse was cast. Everything she knew is gone. A tenebrous fairy has risen to rule the kingdom in fear, and no one remembers a time before his reign of terror. For years, a secret resistance--led by an enigmatic old man--has been waiting for the brier rose of legend to awaken and restore peace to the kingdom. But what if she doesn't want to be a part of their plan?</div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b><b></b>I have been writing stories since I was a little girl, mostly for my own amusement. A love of fairy tales has always resided within me. I am an artist who loves creating beauty in many forms. History has always been a passion of mine. I am recently married and live in Michigan with my husband and our little black cat.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Beneath the Spindle</b></i></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">EMILY ANN PUTZKE</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S57kK1weAuI/VfM1m025GkI/AAAAAAAAKHI/yRearxAwE8M/s1600/Emily%2BPutzke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S57kK1weAuI/VfM1m025GkI/AAAAAAAAKHI/yRearxAwE8M/s320/Emily%2BPutzke.jpg" width="213" /></a>Katrina Linden lives in a small town in Germany during WWII. She's the most innocent girl in all of Germany, for her overbearing brother won't enlighten her on the reality of war. They run a store together where Katrina spins wool on her late mother's spindle and visits with her brother's friends, who frequent the shop. Katrina gets entangled in the war in a way she never expected--right beneath her spindle.</div>
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<i>Dearest Marlene,</i></div>
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<i>I can imagine you standing on the porch of your seaside house right now, the paint peeling off in layers from the salty wind, and grains of sand permeating your hair. I can hear the white capped waves sloshing against each other, and I can smell the damp sand saturating the air.</i></div>
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<i>You are in a different world than me, my sweet granddaughter.</i></div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Emily Ann Putzke is a young novelist, historical reenactor, and history lover. Her first novella, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Took-War-Emily-Ann-Putzke-ebook/dp/B00QXXFZ4O/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1442408016&sr=8-1&keywords=It+Took+a+War"><i>It Took a War</i></a>, was independently published in December of 2014. She's the co-author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Aint-Got-Fun-Collected-Georgiana-ebook/dp/B00Y1N0ZK2/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1442408036&sr=8-3"><i>Ain't We Got Fun</i></a>, which released in May of 2015. You can learn more about Emily and her books at <a href="http://www.authoremilyannputzke.com/">Taking Dictation</a>. You can also see the <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/emilyannputzke/beneath-the-spindle/">Pinterest board for <i>Beneath the Spindle.</i></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>The Gift of Sleep</b></i></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">ALAINA HORNBERGER</span></b></div>
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Adela was always grasping at straws, struggling to be seen through her younger sister Aurora's blinding radiance. But is it possible to be seen through another's beauty when you're too tall, too ugly, and scarred? Even if she could snag a suitor, since she was not the air to the throne she knew anyone who would be willing to marry her wouldn't be worth having. When a faerie Queen gives Adela a potion that will either find her love or destroy her, Adela knows it has to be fate; this is how she'll find her prince, her happy ending! But what will happen when her prince chooses the wrong princess?</div>
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<i>One hundred years had finally passed. Even for an immortal, those years had gone slowly. Of course, they always seemed to go slow when waiting, but a human soul was worth the wait. A small smile graced the lips of the faerie as she walked through the silent, overgrown streets. It might have been a beautiful smile if not for the maliciousness behind it.</i></div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Alaina Hornberger is a sophomore in college working busily on creating her future, which she hopes includes books, art, and a great deal of travel. She has written several stories, including one Ancient Roman adventure/romance and a modern Japanese murder mystery, though her true love is fantasy. When she isn't exercising her brain during Greek class or flexing her fledgling writing skills, she is morphing into a zombie behind a video game or standing in front of a mirror and pretending she can dance while her cat silently judges her.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Awaken</b></i></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">CAITLIN EHA</span></b></div>
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Who could have guessed that bonds of blood would someday turn to ties of hatred . . .</div>
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Long ago, two Faerie sisters went their separate ways. One became Queen Silverswan, beloved wife of the human king of Callenvar. The other become Lady Night of the Abyss, the most dreaded sorceress in all the realms. And now the Night-mage is ready to exact her revenge on her hated sister by cursing the newborn son she holds dear . . . and only a sacrifice of true love can save him.<b> </b></div>
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<i>It was a fateful night in early spring when a long-held dream was both satisfied and stolen in the same moment.</i></div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</b><i> </i>My name is Catilin Eha, and I've been writing from the time I could form words on a page. Reading and writing have always been my major passions, which is why I'm currently attending college to acquire a degree in Creative Writing. I am currently unpublished; however, I have a number of novels and other projects in the works, so hopefully it won't be long. As I enter the <i>Five Magic Spindles </i>contest, I feel a tad like the ugly duckling, since I'm sure there are more experienced writers entering along with me. But I suppose that's the beauty of open submission. My hope is that my <i>Magic Spindles</i> story, whether it is published or not, will be an enjoyable read and show the wonder and power of the true love that comes from our God and Source.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Beneath the Dragon Skies</b></i></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">DANA LI</span></b></div>
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When her sister falls under the Phoenix's deathly spell, Alethea is forced out of her sheltered existence in the Adamaris Mountain. As their homeland becomes embroiled in shadowy clan politics, and a famine threatens their livelihood, she seeks out a means of undoing the curse. But can the Phoenix be bargained with? And can she trust her sister's charismatic suitor, her sole ally and the son of the rival clan's chief?</div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Dana Li is a graduate student in management science and engineering. Despite pursuing a career in technology, she has always been a lover of stories, reading and writing voraciously in her spare time. She loves good fantasy/sci-fi, classy cuisines, and roller coasters (but not all at once). You can visit her blog, <a href="http://penandfire.com/">Pen and Fire</a>, and also see the Pinterest board for <i><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/shadowfaxdane/beneath-the-dragon-skies/">Beneath the Dragon Skies</a>.</i></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>The Lost City of Llira</b></i></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">BRENNA JONES</span></b><br />
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Keturan has wandered the islands for years, his home long lost. Until one day, he meets a mysterious woman, who offers him a mission--to find the lost city of Llira, which disappeared under strange circumstances a hundred years ago.</div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>I'm a college student who enjoys writing fantasy, and I was interested in this particular retelling. The part of Sleeping Beauty that fascinates me the most is the hero's adventure, the idea of everyone in the castle/city being asleep, and said sleep lasting a hundred years. I also really like island settings (like <i>A Wizard of Earthsea </i>or the Mistmantle books), and it seemed like a good place to have one.</div>
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I enjoy reading, sewing, and spinning (though NOT on a spindle).</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Briars and Thorns</b></i></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">REBEKA BORSHEVSKY</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cZ5mt8R1Piw/VehGUAACxXI/AAAAAAAAKDQ/zqLmM4U0trk/s1600/Beka%2527s%2BStory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cZ5mt8R1Piw/VehGUAACxXI/AAAAAAAAKDQ/zqLmM4U0trk/s400/Beka%2527s%2BStory.jpg" width="288" /></a>With her positive outlook, Aurora sees the future beyond her sleep as an adventure and a blessing. Little does she know that the future is far more dangerous than she could have dreamed . . . It will take all her love and faith to combat the briars and thorns fighting against her.</div>
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Chasing Sky does not think he will ever fall in love. So few people understand him, what with his Plains heritage. He does not expect to fall in love with a girl sequestered in a castle deep in the woods . . . but he does know she must be kept a secret for as long as possible. For danger lurks in his castle in the sky . . . a danger that threatens not only his beloved, but also the entire kingdom.</div>
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<i>The air reeked of rose oil. Julia paused on the threshold of the Voters' hall, fighting against the urge to wrinkle her nose. She wanted to appear dignified--she was the king's wife and had given birth to the future Kingmaker, after all. But more than the roses seemed rancid to her, and that was the fact they were having this vote at all. Her eyes scanned the room before her, landing on the broad from of Theoden, her brother's advisor and good friend. He met her gaze and offered a slight, friendly smile.</i></div>
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<i>She nodded her head once, as the protocol of the Vote demanded. She could offer no more, and he knew better than to expect it. Besides, by the end of the Vote she would want to throttle him, and he knew that too.</i></div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>A native of Canada, Rebeka Borshevsky has followed her wanderlust to England, Portugal, and around the United Kingdom and Ireland. Her next stop is Japan in her hope to teach English as a second language. She spends her time between a small town and the city of Hamilton, Ontario, where she's always planning her next adventure. She dreams and blogs at <a href="http://www.thewriterofdreamthings.blogspot.com/">The Other World</a>.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>The Angel in the Garden</b></i></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">MOLLY MAURER</span></b></div>
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An ancient palace fallen into ruin. A "Prince" who wasn't looking for a princess. A girl who can't even remember her own name. Two women with over-sized iron fists. A 500 year-old curse. And a question no one seems able to give an honest answer to: Who is Rose?</div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</b> Molly Maurer is a college student who dreams of becoming a best-selling author, while pursuing a degree that will (hopefully) lead to a career as a high school English teacher. She lives in the dreary state of Ohio with her mother, brother, a dog, 3 cats (none of whom respect her designated writing time) 3 gerbils, and a snake (who's not really that creepy). Visit her blog, <a href="http://bibliophiles-view-fitness-food-faith.blogspot.com/">A Bibliophile's View: Fitness, Food, and Faith</a>.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>With Hearts of Stone</b></i></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">ANA IDELINE</span></b></div>
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Huntley is a prince who, to his father's utter astonishment, has absolutely no dreams of marrying a princess and taking control of a kingdom for his own.</div>
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Bella is a princess who, to no one's astonishment, has nothing but dreams running through her head. She and her kingdom have been asleep for who-knows-how-many-years, after all.</div>
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Fed up with his father's expectations of him, Huntley flees his home and gets lured against his will into a dark forest filled with beings of stone. In that very same forest, shortly after Huntley enters, Bella awakens to find that the curse of an evil fairy from long ago has not been lifted upon her awakening as it was supposed to. When their paths cross, Huntley and Bella must work together to find the mastermind behind the forest of stone, while learning a lot about themselves and the power of family in the process.</div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Hi, I'm Ana. I'm a Christian teen book blogger, and I love posting book reviews and discussions at my blog, <a href="https://butterfliesoftheimagination.wordpress.com/">Butterflies of the Imagination</a>. When I'm not blogging or studying like crazy, I love to run long distances and get muddy in the process. You can find me devouring the pages of a book, furiously scribbling down stories, sewing my own clothes, and coding up a storm. I believe that one can never consume enough peppermint and chocolate, and I'm always in the Christmas Spirit.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>An Arranged Marriage</b></i></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">ESTHER BROOKSMITH</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3qXjD7F8Knc/Ver-dI2zQkI/AAAAAAAAKFM/o0SCr9cP2gM/s1600/An%2BArranged%2BMarriage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3qXjD7F8Knc/Ver-dI2zQkI/AAAAAAAAKFM/o0SCr9cP2gM/s320/An%2BArranged%2BMarriage.jpg" width="212" /></a>The king of Hanadil throws a ball to find a suitor for his beloved daughter, Ilona. But more is at stake than anyone realized. As long-held secrets come to light, the suitors are tested beyond expectations. And when the deepest secret of all threatens to plunge Ilona into eternal sleep, only one man can save her.</div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </b>Esther Brooksmith lives with her two dogs in a little field, flanked by acres of forest. And, when she has a plot problem to unwrinkle, she takes her dogs and roams the forestuntil her story is ready to flow smoothly again. In addition to weaving her tales, she keeps a blog, which you can find at <a href="http://commandedwriter.blogspot.com/">The Pen of a Ready Writer</a>.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>The Hunter's Heir</b></i></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">ALLISSA ZIMMERMAN</span></b></div>
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After embarrassing herself in front of the Elven Kingdom during her sixteenth birthday celebration, Princess Meriel is afraid her clumsiness and lack of grace and elegance has given her royal family a bad name.</div>
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When she runs to Coral Brook Forest to be alone, she discovers her father's own advisor attempting to bring back a darkness that was destroyed hundreds of years ago.</div>
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And after she is struck by the darkness and wakes up one hundred years later, she finds that the Elven Kingdom is ruled by a selfish and cruel king, elves and humans are no longer friends, and villages are being attacked at night by the same darkness that had caused Meriel to sleep for a century long.</div>
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With the help of a cocky archer and two eccentric fairies, Princess Meriel journeys to find the elf and heir of the great Hunter, Lianothorn, who once destroyed the darkness years ago. As Meriel encounters dangers she never expected to face, she discovers that courage and loyalty are far more important qualities to have than simply being beautiful and charming.</div>
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</b> Allissa Zimmerman has been making up stories ever since she was a little girl. The story telling eventually turned into writing for fun. And writing for fun turned into a dream and passion she continues to pursue each day. As an aspiring author, Allissa is working on the rewrite of her first novel, <i>Moments in Time</i>, as well as other creative writing projects including, <i>The Hunter's Heir. </i>She also is a freelance copywriter for Christian organizations and companies. Allissa lives in Omaha, Nebraska, with her family and adorable silky terrier, Gigi. You can visist her blog, <a href="http://allissascorner.blogspot.com/">Allissa's Little Corner</a>.</div>
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And there you have it, dear readers! More than thirty fantastic retellings of Sleeping Beauty in the works . . . and these are only a sampling of all the stories being created by talented writers across the globe.</div>
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So what do you think? Any that particularly stand out to you? I think my ABSOLUTE favorite title of the mix is <b>"Beneath the Dragon Skies," </b>(which should come as a shock to absolutely no one), though <b>"The Ogre Wars" </b>and <b>"The Department of Happily Ever After" </b>are right up there. My favorite opening lines might be Kathryn McConaughy's for <b>"Guardian of Our Beauty," </b>but there were so many fantastic openings, it's hard to choose just one.</div>
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<b> </b>My favorite premise, well, that's even harder. Skye Hoffert's story, <b>"Kiss My Eyes," </b>about the girl who is preparing to undergo surgery for a tumor . . . definitely an intriguing premise. Esther Brooksmith's Dystopian<b> "SPINDLE,"</b> with the tortured sleeping beauties, is one I want to pick up right now to see what happens. I love the notion of a princess as resistant to her gifts as she is to her curse, like in Tracey Dyck's, <b>"The Brightest Thread."</b></div>
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And then there's all those fascinating settings. An Old West setting, a WWII setting, a samurai story . . . an islander story, a jungle story, and a castle in the sky . . . and that's not even beginning to touch on all of the wonderful, classic fairy tale kingdom settings, which, as you well know, will always draw my eye.</div>
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There's an evil butler and a Death Lord, a spooky water nymph and an awakened mummy. There are elves, fairies, angels, ogres . . . not to mention all of the wonderful incarnations of the lovely Sleeping Beauty herself.</div>
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Seriously, as I scroll back over these story summaries, each one jumps out at me in some way, tempting me with adventure, drama, and romance. I can tell that these authors have really brought their A-games to this contest, and I know I'm going to have a dragon-eaten time trying to pick just five winners this coming winter.</div>
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One thing I know for sure: This collection is going to be gorgeous!</div>
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Anne Elisabeth Stenglhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462605949792523331noreply@blogger.com22