Amazon's new searchable fantasy fiction categories--good news for readers and writers!

Good news for fantasy fiction readers and writers!

Amazon has recently expanded their search categories within the fantasy genre. Before, there were only about five fantasy subcategories, so glutted with listings that they weren’t useful. Now there are exciting collections of theme and character subcategories. The new labels sure tempt me. My thought is that other readers will feel the same.

Here's the new list of themes for fantasy:

 And the searchable list for fantasy character types:

What does this ultimately mean for the publishing industry? Readers will be better able to find the type of fantasy fiction they’re looking for. More finding should equate to more buying, which makes authors happy. More books sold benefits Amazon. It’s a big win—win—win!

~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. Read her ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS for adventurous epic fantasy romance: Book One, SEEKING A SCRIBE, Book Two, HERITAGE AVENGED, Book Three, LOST VOLUMES, and Book Four, STAUROLITE.. For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Savvy Authors Writing Communities Blog Tour

When Savvy Authors' Membership Director, Melinda Pierce, asked for volunteers to write blog posts about writing communities for the site's big re-launch blog tour, I jumped at the chance with twinkle-eyed enthusiasm. I sat down to write my contribution a few weeks later, only to realize that I didn't really have much experience outside of Savvy to talk about. I gave it a good long think, and I kept coming back to an early experiment from my youth. Cue the 90's pop punk music in the background as the wavy lines shuffle across the screen to take us back in time...

When I was nineteen, I started a little "writing" group with some friends and co-workers all around the same age as me. We got together every two weeks or so in my tiny apartment that I shared with three other people to drink Boone's Farm and explore our creative tendencies. I think our original idea was to eventually collaborate on a zine - you know, those little booklets of photocopied pages folded in the middle and stapled up that every young person in college tries to produce at one point or another, usually full of artwork and bad poetry.

Our meetings revolved around group writing at the messy kitchen table and geeking out over our favorite authors. We knew nothing about craft or the business of writing, and we shared very little of what we wrote during the sessions. Sometimes we would draw or try our hand at song lyrics instead, and we even attempted to incorporate a book club into the mix, but most of the group didn't read the selection (maybe The Good Earth was a poor choice for the first book, LOL).

We were young and clueless, but it was the feeling of being part of something special that has stuck with me. Despite the fact that nothing measurably productive came out of it, that pseudo-writing group was exciting and filled me with a creative energy that kept the spark of writing passion alive for many years. Eventually the whole thing fizzled out (as these things do) and we went back to playing video games and watching X-Files on Sunday nights.

Unfortunately, I've never had another opportunity to join a writing group in person, but Savvy Authors has shown me that you don't need to be sitting at the same table to get that  kind of support and shared enthusiasm for writing. The biggest difference is that the Savvy community has both experienced and novice authors, giving me a chance to learn from the pros while also achieving new insights along with fellow aspiring writers. And I can still have a nice glass of wine while interacting with them, although I've traded in the Boone’s Farm for slightly more sophisticated brands :)

A big thanks to Melinda and all the wonderful Savvy Author peeps for their hard work and dedication to giving writers of all kinds a great place to hang out, meet new friends, and find the resources to reach our goals. Visit Savvy Authors today and check out the rest of the stops on the tour listed below.

Hit the comments and tell me about your own experiences with writing communities, good or bad.

Cheers!
Ella

Join the Savvy Authors admin and volunteers as we tour the blogosphere in anticipation of the launch of our improved and updated website. We are excited to share our love of Savvy, and all writing communities, with each of you during the summer months. Below is a list of stops we’ll be making – please feel free to stop by and say hello! (and definitely check out the new look of our site)

May 27th – Melinda B. Pierce on Author’s For Life http://authorsforlife.org/under-construction-by-melinda-pierce/
June 10th – Ella Gray on The Speculative Salon http://speculativesalon.blogspot.com/
June 12th – Elizabeth Gibson on Maggie’s Meanderings http://maggiemeandering.blogspot.com/
June 19th – Sharon Pickrel on Pen of the Dreamer http://calisarhose.com/chit-chat/
June 21st – Riley Darkes on Writing Secrets of Seven Scribes http://secretsof7scribes.wordpress.com/
June 25th – Leslie Dow on A Writer’s Musings http://constancephillips.com/blog/
June 24th – Angel Realz on The World in My Hands http://angel-leigh.com/blog/
June 28th – Marilyn Muniz on http://www.marilynmuniz.com/
July 1st – Lynda K. Frazier on Guelph Write Now http://guelphwritenow.com/

Thinking about November

November 2012, that is.  Having won Nanowrimo last year, and for the seventh or eighth time, I decided it was time for me to take advantage of one of the real prizes. Yes, getting to the finish line with a fifty-thousand-word story has been prize enough. Until now.  I just got tired of telling my friends that I am writing and, No, the novel(s) aren't finished yet.

So, I decided that I would, this time, take Create Space up on their generous offer to print me a book.  With my name on it.  And my stories inside. 

It's been an exciting, and affirming, process putting this together.  No, it's not a novel. It is, however, a fifty-thousand-plus-word collection of stories based in the worlds that have been fueling my Nano writing for the last couple of years.  You may sit down on October 31 and get started writing, but I don't.  I write all year long.  Not novel-length writing.  I write lots and lots of shorter things.  Some of them are actual stories, according to the people who know such things. Some are just strings of words put together quite nicely.

So, what will I be doing with this lovely, if plain, tome?  Putting one copy on my bookshelf just to annoy myself with the plain cover.  Yes, it's my sketching, but couldn't I have been a little more decorative?  With the lettering, at least?
Another copy goes to the person who got me started on this writing path, and who is responsible, in part, for the multiple Nanowrimo wins.  He tells the most wonderful stories of his own, and wanted to hear mine.  My brother will get one to put on the shelf next to our grandfather's book. And my sister will get one to keep my grandmother's poetry company.  The last one will be a secret.

Meanwhile, I'll be sending out some of the stories to see if anyone else wants to read them.  That is, after I get the volumes in my grubby, little hands and drool over them a bit.

Who inspires you, in your life? And what would you do to honor them?

Seal of Surrender gets my "seal" of approval

I am always super excited to find a new author and a new series to sink my teeth into and with summer fast approaching, I've been stacking my list of must-reads. I was pleasantly surprised with the Seven Seals series as I reviewed Book 2 of the series, "Seal of Surrender" by Traci Douglass. After the read, I have added Book 1 to my reading list.

Worldbuilding: I have to admit that I was swept away with the worldbuilding of this book. It was so real and completely imaginable that I was pulled in immediately. I loved the premise of the seals and the story behind the heroes. I loved the world that the Miss Douglass created.

Characters: I find that sometimes when I am reading a paranormal romance that the hero overshadows the heroine, but while I absolutely fell in love with Chago, I adored the heroine Irene Soldan. Her character is so heroic and while she is incredibly tough, she has this heart of gold that makes me love her as much as I loved Chago. And believe me, I LOVED Chago. Chago is perfect with his dark sense of humor and his damaged personality. He is a true hero and has landed himself on my list of favorite heroes.

Pros & Cons: There are so many pros including a different and unique world for paranormal romance lovers, super awesome and realistic characters that you not only root for, but stay up extra late just to get in another chapter. I loved how the villain's point of view was also included and although he was evil, you could almost understand why. My only con is that I missed some of the worldbuilding because I hadn't read Book 1 yet and I had a few questions that I had to research a little on the Scion. I would suggest that although it's not necessary to read Book 1, I think that I could've gotten even deeper into the Scion world if I knew more of the background.

Fresh Factor: This is a very fresh series and a different spin on the normal paranormal romance world. It's not vampires or werewolves, but it is as equally intriguing. While the hero has similar characteristics of the damaged alpha hero, Miss Douglass created fresh and intriguing lead.

Overall: The Seven Seals series is the reason why I love paranormal romance novels. Not only do you get swept up in a different world of make-believe with a strong set of characters, but the romance between the hero and heroine sizzled. I could fell the romantic tension growing each step of the way and Miss Douglass made Chago and Irena the perfect match in spite of the fierce challenges and obstacles they faced. I would give this book 4.5 stars out of 5 and have placed Book 1, "Seal of Destiny" on the top of my must-read list.

Book Description:

Love, like War, will always find a way…

War has shaped every aspect of Irena Soldan’s life—her childhood, her work, her DNA. Unaware she is the genetic host of the second Seal of the Apocalypse, Irena battles for those who cannot fight for themselves. As a top human-rights operative for The Omega Consortium, her company provides both the financial backing required to undertake her task and a charismatic, publicity-loving boss to promote her cause. Life proceeds on plan for Irena until a mysterious, sexy stranger arrives claiming to be her guardian and Irena’s path takes a sudden, inauspicious turn for both the erotic and the lethal.

Chago has always been the quiet one amongst his warrior Scion brethren—the brooding, Spanish combat expert with a hidden soft side.  A member of Divinity’s covert special forces, he’s protected humanity for more than a millennium. Still, his greatest joy comes not from the battlefield, but from tending the cattle herd on his remote Montana ranch.

Irena’s new assignment takes her straight to the heart of a bloody civil conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa and Chago’s mission demands he follow. Expecting a seething cauldron of female whoop-ass, he instead discovers a harbinger of peace amidst a world of ever-increasing violence. The explosively tense situation is further magnified by the cunning Omega Consortium leader, his ambiguous personal agenda, and an ancient foe whose audacious rise to power threatens the world’s very existence.

Despite the cataclysmic circumstances, an undeniable attraction ignites between Chago and Irena. Together, they must unravel the ancient puzzle of the Seals and discover her employer’s ulterior plans before they both become casualties of War. Soon, both are forced to choose between a past riddled with old torments or risk everything they treasure on a love capable of defeating evil incarnate.


About the Author:
Traci is the author of paranormal/urban fantasy and contemporary romances featuring a sly, urban edge, including her current Seven Seals series. Her stories feature sizzling alpha-male heroes full of dark humor, quick wits and major attitudes; smart, independent heroines who always give as good as they get; and scrumptiously evil villains who are—more often than not—bent on world destruction. She enjoys weaving ancient curses and mythology, modern science and old religion, and great dialogue together to build red-hot, sizzling chemistry between her main characters.
 
Traci is an active member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), Indiana Romance Writers of America (IRWA) and Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Writers (FF&P) and is pursing a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Writing Popular Fiction through Seton Hill University. Her stories have made the final rounds in several RWA chapter contests, including the 2012 Duel on the Delta, the 2012 Molly Awards, and the 2012 Catherine Awards. An earlier draft of Seal of Destiny won the paranormal category of the 2012 Marlene Awards sponsored by the Washington Romance Writers.

Other current projects include upcoming books in the Seven Seals series and a new futuristic suspense series with hints of the paranormal and plenty of romance.

Summer Fantasy Reading: Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide

Summer is here, and one of my favorite hot weather pastimes is to relax in the hammock with a cold drink and a knitting project, or some easy fantasy fiction. A book that is particularly suiting these beginning hot days of the season is a lovely coffee table book, Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide.

The pen & ink and watercolor images are beautiful works of art. Viewing the delightful creatures is like taking  my imagination to a carnival, with each new visual ride topping the next. I tip my hat to the vivid imagination of Holly Black and illustrative talents of Tony DeTerlizzi. I haven't read the Spiderwick Chronicles, but the series is certainly on my list to learn what these amazing critters might do beyond my imagination!

This visual delight is arranged scrapbook style with handwritten annotations from Arthur Spiderwick around the sketches. It's great fun to find that some of those illustrations fold out from top or side. Courtesy of barnesandnoble.com, here are two samples to tempt you.

Description of the book:

It all began with a strange, mysterious correspondence left for authors Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black at a small New England bookstore. Written by three siblings, the letter told of their great-great-uncle Arthur Spiderwick and an unfinished tome filled with eyewitness accounts of creatures otherwise thought to be the stuff of legend. In the #1 New York Times bestselling serial the Spiderwick Chronicles, readers were enthralled by the account of the those siblings, Jared, Simon, and Mallory Grace, as they battled dwarves, goblins, elves, and a diabolical ogre in their efforts to hold on to their uncle Spiderwick,s life work. Now, through the combined efforts of the Grace children and authors Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, Simon & Schuster is thrilled to present that work to you!

Beginning with a thoughtful and informative introduction, progressing through six exhaustive sections featuring thirty-one faerie species, and culminating with an addendum that includes observations supplied by Jared Grace, this long-awaited compendium to the worldwide Spiderwick phenomenon delivers enough information to satisfy even the most demanding faerie enthusiast. Not only will readers learn the habits and habitats of the fourteen fantastical creatures featured in the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling chapter books, but they will be delighted and astonished by an additional seventeen creatures. Also included are dozens of snippets from Arthur Spiderwick,s personal journal as well as cameos from a few series favorites.

~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. Read her ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS for adventurous epic fantasy romance: Book One, SEEKING A SCRIBE, Book Two, HERITAGE AVENGED, Book Three, LOST VOLUMES, and Book Four, STAUROLITE.. For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Are You Enough?

Ever wonder if you are enough?  Do you doubt your spirit will carry you thorough the tough times? Do you need stuff, like new software, a new desk or some other bright shiny thing to succeed in your writing? 

I think sometimes we tend to look outside of ourselves for the strength to be what we want to be.  When the real strength and gifts lies within us. 

I watched a video of children living in conditions that I find deplorable and suffocating.  What could be worse than living in a slum built over a landfill?  What do you think these children are learning from the experience?  It might surprise you. 





I don't know about you, but I was blown away by these children, their situation, their reaction to it and how they allowed their creative gifts to soar in spite of what lay before them.   

I feel so much can be learned from what's happening in this small village.  What do you think? 

 
"There are a thousand excuses for every failure, but never a good reason."   Mark Twain

Till next time,
Elizabeth





 

I OWE IT ALL TO THE BROTHERS GRIMM ~guest post by Sylvia Shults

Today on The Speculative Salon, we'd like to welcome Sylvia Shults, telling us about how Grimm's Fairy Tales inspired her to write fantasy fiction. Be sure to check out her great new release.

I OWE IT ALL TO THE BROTHERS GRIMM

                                                                      by Sylvia Shults

    My father tells me that I taught myself to read when I was two years old.

    I remember the first word I ever read (“EXIT”, and I think my mother had taken me to the hospital for a checkup), but I cannot remember not knowing how to read – nor would I want to! Reading is an addiction for me, plain and simple. I grew up devouring everything with pages I could get my sticky hands on. I read Dr. Seuss before he started rhyming. Bartholomew and the Oobleck is still one of my five hundred favorite books. I was happily enthralled with the Brothers Grimm. I read The Wolf and the Seven Little Kids with the sick fascination an imaginative child reserves for the very best gross-out stories. (Not familiar? Here’s the Reader’s Digest version: Mama Goat tells the seven little kids not to let the wolf in while she’s away. How will we know it’s you? the kids ask. I have soft white paws and a soft voice, the mama replies. The wolf comes to the door, gets busted for having black scary paws and a rough voice. He goes away and covers his paws with flour and eats chalk to soften his voice. The kids let him in and, surprise! He eats six of them, then runs away. The mama goat comes home, and she & the lone survivor go in search of the wolf. They find him sleeping off his dinner. Mama Goat whips out her sewing kit, cuts the wolf’s stomach open with embroidery scissors, and lets the six kids out. Then they fill the sleeping wolf’s stomach with rocks, and Mama sews him back up. He wakes up and goes on his way. The rocks in his stomach make him thirsty, so he goes to the river for a drink, falls in, and weighted down by the rocks, drowns. I’m not even kidding. That’s the freakin’ story.)

    With a background like this, it didn’t surprise anyone (especially me) that when I grew up and started writing my own stories, they were horror tales. That was the easy part – sit down at the computer, open a vein, and start channeling Mess’rs Grimm. Fun times.

    But then, I started to get another itch. I felt like writing – gasp – romance. Now THAT was not so easy. Oh, I’d had boyfriends before. One of them even got himself bumped up to Husband. I had my Happily Ever After. But what did I really know about conflict? (Okay, apart from that one horribly vicious breakup in my twenties…) What did I know about creating the kind of conflict on the page that would keep readers turning those pages?

    They say that when you’re lost, it helps to go back to the beginning. So that’s what I did. I went back to all those wonderful stories for inspiration. I went back to those heroines who journeyed East o’ the Sun and West o’ the Moon to find their loves. I went back to those heroes who went on quests, promising to come back in a year and a day. I went back to all those wonderful stories and I read them for something other than horror. I let them teach me about love and fantasy and romance as well.

    I’m happy to say that I still write horror. I’m not the least bit too proud to go for the gross-out. But I also write romance, and it’s darn good stuff too, or so my fans tell me. Whenever I need inspiration for a story – how would a recently revived Egyptian prince behave, after being dead for three thousand years? What would it be like to be a werewolf? What would a Puritan ghost say to her great-great-umpty-great granddaughter? – I have half a lifetime of reading to back me up.

    And I still love a story where they live Happily Ever After.

    Sylvia Shults writes both horror and romance (and is the first to admit that there is a fine line between the two). Her romance novels include Price of Admission and The Taming of the Werewolf (both Dark Continents Publishing). Her most recent release, also from Dark Continents Publishing, is a humorous romance set in Salem, Mass., called Double Double Love & Trouble. Please visit her website, sylviashults.com, or explore her Facebook fan pages, Darkheart for horror fiction, and Sparkleheart for romance. Purchase her new release, Double Double Love & Trouble at Amazon.