When I finished the first draft of my first novel, Descent, I was exhilarated and terrified. Exhilarated because I’d accomplished my dream of writing a novel, and terrified because I now had to share it with someone. But who? My lucky husband got to be my first beta reader. He understood how important my story was […]
via Who Will Read Your First Draft And How Do You Help Them? — KRISTINA STANLEY
Moving among the many townsfolk and refugees, wearing the magical disguise of an old human male in worn farmer’s garb, Egress watched the people of Swinden, as they hurriedly evacuated their town in central Humboldt Bruit. Those who had already fled danger, were able to take to the road again more quickly, with word of…
In the northern part of Windsaeve, close to the border with the farmlands, the Coastals sat in one of their first nests. “Well, they followed us here, too,” Dreighton said, as they waited, letting the mob move past. “We’ll just choose our moment,” Fawnlum said. “I don’t think they’re going to get chased off by…
When Morgenferrin had asked Shrehvone for pieces of the Segune Tree – the sacred and ancient timber, blessed with the realm-touch of the elves’ gods – rooted in the center of the elf-home, he had come very close to ordering her execution, she was sure. Not that he had not been tempted centuries before, she…
https://kristinastanley.com/2018/07/17/top-10-story-issues-learn-what-to-avoid-authortoolboxbloghop/ Here’s another post by Kristina Stanley, offering ways for writers to improve their craft, much to the enjoyment of the audience.
As Caitlyn and Dreighton sat at their small fire, playing their part as decoys, an unexpected guest silently padded up. They watched as she came closer, approaching as if tamed. “Well-met, spirit-wolf,” Dreighton said. “What are you about?” The creature drew closer, looking around and quietly growling deep in her throat, growing more agitated. Then…
Baneck carried a sheathed sword, before the sunrise, as Morgenferrin led him once again through a hidden door of her warehouse, and gaped in amazement, as they passed into a great, expansive chamber of wood and stone. “Why so surprised? I told you, this is a special place.” “Yes, but to see it so much…
“That’s very impressive,” Saraty Raijum told Nepta, as the young wizard explained her Mark to Fawnlum’s mighty mother in the Raijum hearth-room, then covered her shoulders back up. “Since I’ve started working with Diamance,” she told her, naming the belt of engraved, chain-linked, frost-steel plates Baneck had given her, now secured around her middle, “I…
