Story Snippet and Title Reveal

As you all know, I have been working on writing a trilogy called The Mind Wars Trilogy for about a week or two now.  I currently have 8,016 words typed.  Here is a little snippet, just a very tiny piece, of chapter 2:

Chapter 2

I groaned, not yet opening my eyes.  My stomach churned for a few seconds more and then settled down.  Slowly, I opened my eyes.  Light flooded in and I shut them again.  I pushed myself up onto my elbows.  Once again, I opened my eyes a little bit.  Light came in, but I was more prepared.  Something hard was digging into my back, so I rolled over, looking at the floor of the stadium…or what I thought was the floor of the stadium.  But it wasn’t.  The floor was made of grass (I had seen some in the Park before) and there were trees around me.  Where was I? 

“Finn?” I called softly.  I definitely didn’t want to be alone in a time like this.  I looked around and saw Finn’s limp body a few feet away.  Was he…he…?  The question looked in my mind, hanging.  I didn’t want to think about that possibility.

Did you guys enjoy that?  It was an unedited piece, so please ignore any errors and/or awkwardness.

And now for the title reveal...

Death Like Sleep

 

 

Synopsis: "It doesn't matter.  Wherever you want.  You have about a million to choose from," I laughed lightheartedly.  Suddenly, my vision blurred and spots flew before my eyes.  The world began to spin.  Was this was vertigo feels like?  My heart pounded.  Was I dying?  I struggled to take a breath and my knees buckled.  My eyes closed and my head never hit the floor of the stadium.

When Lyric Valvo wakes up in a strange forest that she doesn't recognize (more due to the fact that she has never seen a forest), she and her best friend Finn are mistaken for runaway soldiers and treated harshly.  On top of that, Lyric has a strange attraction to sharp edges.  Could this be related to something that happened just after she was born?  How did she get to where ever she is?  Are the fabled Mind Wars real?

 

Well, you got another small snippet in there too!  You can keep up with my progress on The Mind Wars Trilogy on my WIP page!

 

Camp NaNoWriMo-Finished on Day #29

I did it!  I made my word count goal with 20,291 words!  Yay!!!

Camp NaNoWriMo Update-Day #29

Well, its day 29 of Camp NaNoWriMo.  I am so close to my goal!  Check out my stats:

I have written 18,991 words so far this month and have 1,009 words left to write!  I am hoping to achieve my goal in the next couple of hours or so!  I have worked on three stories throughout my Camp NaNoWriMo journey: a Lord of the Rings fanfiction, Rose of Dungeon Castle, and The Mind Wars Trilogy book 1.

Why I Write Christian Stories

I must admit that my stories haven't always been "Christian".  They were clean, but I left God out of it.  Now, I really do regret that.  I wish that I had included Him in all of my stories.  The Bible says that we are to do everything to the glory of God.  The specific verse says:

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

When I first started writing (before I became serious about it), I just wrote fun clean stories.  I didn't think that I would be good at writing a story with a Christian message.  Then, one of my friends told me something.  Honestly, I don't remember exactly what it was but it was along the lines of 1 Corinthians 10:31.  But, recently, like sometime in January recently, it just clicked.  I can't explain it.  It just made since that I should write books with a Christian message.  I am a Christian.  I need to help fulfill the Great Commission.  I need to let God work through my writing.  I am His servant.

Bible Verse

"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." Romans 10:9-10 NIV

Have a great rest of your Sunday!

"Finding Faith" Review

". . . I just wish she wouldn’t keep trying to marry me off.”
“Marriage isn’t a bad thing,” Edward told his daughter gently.
“I know it’s not, Papa,” Emma replied. “It’s just not for me. I love being who I am and being the captain of the Mercy. I don’t want things to ever change.”

But as hard as Emma tries to stop it, she finds change is inevitable, particularly when her father’s business, and therefore her livelihood, is threatened. The last thing she wants thrown into the midst of it is romance. Determined never to marry or give up her passion for sailing, Emma’s quick temper lands her in more and more trouble, especially when it brings a kind and handsome rival captain into her life, throwing it into turmoil.

In the dramatic conclusion to Pirates & Faith, can Emma find the faith to trust that God’s plans truly are better than her own, or will it be too late for a second chance?

 

My Review:

First of all, Finding Faith is my favorite in the Pirates and Faith series.  It is a fabulous book!

 

Characters:

Emma is a wonderful, lovable, and strong-willed woman.  She is so well developed!  She is very complex.  She grows so much throughout the book!

 

Plot:

This book has many subplots.  It must have been difficult for Molly to weave them altogether so beautifully.  Great job, Molly!

 

One thing that I really liked about this book is that it is about Emma, Will's younger sister who was in the second book.  In the second book, her dream was to be a ship's captain!  In this one, she is all grown up (but not really at heart) and is following her dreams!  I really love that about this book!  And, the characters from the first two are in it too!  I really like how Molly incorporated them and their stories weren't finished yet!

 

I encourage you to read "Finding Faith" and all of Molly Evangeline's books! In my opinion, she is the best writer! Please keep up writing wholesome adventure stories, Ms. Evangeline!!!

 

About the Author:

Molly Evangeline is a 25 year old independent author with a passion for writing Christian fantasy and clean New Adult fiction. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Molly weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God's love shines as a light to offer hope. She is a homeschool graduate and has been penning stories since the age of eight.
~Ps. 46:10~

 

Link To Buy Kindle Version: http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Faith-Pirates-Book-ebook/dp/B004AM59NM/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1406385737

 Link to Buy Paperback Version: http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Faith-Pirates-Book/dp/1452856850/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1406385737&sr=8-1

 Link to Buy Autographed Copy: http://www.mollyevangeline.com/autographed-books.html

 To Read About Writing Finding Faith and Watch the Book Trailer: http://www.mollyevangeline.com/finding-faith.html


*Disclaimer* - I was given a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

 

Author Interview with Jaye L. Knight

Ahh!  I'm so excited to post this!  Okay, so I had a chance to interview Jaye L. Knight, a Christian fantasy author (you can read a bit more about her at the bottom of this post).  Here it is:

What do you like to do other than reading and writing?

For several years now, I’ve enjoyed designing and sewing fantasy costumes and historical clothing. I really love historical reenactment, and take part it in whenever I get the chance. Movies. I LOVE movies. And good TV shows. I’m always up for an evening of watching one or the other. And, despite how much I write indoors, I’m an outdoorsy girl. I love to go hiking, kayaking, and fishing.

Where did you learn to write battle scenes?

Good question. Probably from reading The Lord of the Rings. And just watching battle scenes like in the LOTR movies helped a lot. I’ve read quite a few fantasy novels since then, and I think each one gives me bits of inspiration and new ways of writing battle scenes.

What was your favorite book to write?

I think Resistance because it’s always so much fun to start a brand new story. Plus, that first book was such a discovery period. I was still figuring out the characters and the rest of the series. There was no pressure or deadlines. Just the thrill of building and exploring a new world. I miss that sometimes. I think I’ll always be particularly pleased with how Resistance turned out.

Who is your favorite author?

J.R.R. Tolkien. If he hadn’t written LOTR, I might never have fallen in love with fantasy and wouldn’t be writing it today. LOTR has been a huge part of my life for over ten years. In close second is R.J. Larson. I absolutely LOVE her Books of the Infinite series.

What is the best advice you can give to a writing friend?

Read! :) Yes, reading is very important—both fiction books and books/articles on writing. Reading fiction can really help you develop your own writing. And, of course, you always want to be reading about writing to expand your knowledge as a writer.

How did you start your writing journey?

I was eight years old when I started writing my first stories, and it was all because of my mom. She’s a writer too, and when I saw her collecting magazine pictures for inspiration for her stories, I guess it looked fun, and I had to try it too. Once I started writing, I guess I couldn’t stop. :)

Describe your favorite place to write!

I love to write outdoors. Here at home we have this great big white poplar tree that offers the perfect shady spot in the summer. I love to write and read there. But probably the most special place for me to write is a place called the Eau Claire Dells. The rock formations along the river and in the woods are amazing. It reminds me of a fantasy forest. I don’t go there very often, but it is the most amazing place to write. If only it were just a little closer to home.

What is the name of your favorite character you have created?

Jace. I adore Jace. :) He’s so much a part of me, but like a best friend at the same time. Working on his storyline and growth through Ilyon Chronicles is so satisfying.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

Psalms 46:10 - He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” There have been many times over the last few years and ongoing trials that have required me to be still. 

What age did you accept Jesus into your heart?

I was eight years old, and it was in August so it’s been about seventeen years now.

What made you decide to self-publish?

Impatience. :P Yeah, I was just so excited to publish my book, and that was the quickest way. Plus I really didn’t know a thing about how to get into traditional publishing, and I was nowhere near ready for that anyway.

Do you plan to continue to self publish books, or do you want to traditional publish a book?

I definitely plan to keep publishing my books myself. I love being an indie author. Sometimes I think about writing something to see if I can get into traditional publishing, but never that seriously. 

Did you design your book covers?  They look fabulous!

Yes, I did. Thank you! My first ones aren’t the best, but I learn something new with every one.

What book or movie character are you most like?

I think the one book character I’ve found I’m most like is Bardon from The DragonKeeper Chronicles by Donita K. Paul. Kind of odd considering he’s a guy and I’m a girl, but I found myself to relating to him really well. It’s been a while since I read it, so I can’t really remember specific things we have in common, but I know he struggled socially like I do.

About Jaye L. Knight:


Jaye L. Knight is a 25 year old independent author with a passion for writing Christian fantasy and clean New Adult fiction. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God's love shines as a light to offer hope. She is a homeschool graduate and has been penning stories since the age of eight.
~Ps. 46:10~
Jaye L. Knight's Blog: http://jayelknight.blogspot.com/

Jaye's Author Website: http://www.jayelknight.com/

Link To Buy Autographed Copy of "Resistance": http://www.jayelknight.com/books.html

Link To Buy Kindle Version of "Resistance": http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KFXB1IM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00KFXB1IM&linkCode=as2&tag=authmollevan-20&linkId=FMZOKOWON2CXGHDR

Link To Buy Paperback Version of "Resistance": http://www.amazon.com/Resistance-Ilyon-Chronicles-Volume-1/dp/0983774048/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

For Information on the Ilyon Chronicles: http://www.ilyonchronicles.com/

Camp NaNoWriMo Update

It is Day 24 of Camp NaNoWriMo!  I am a little over 3/4 of the way to my word goal with (at this very second) 15,162 words right now!  I am hoping to write a lot today!

And, I am super excited to announce that soon I will be posting my interview with Jaye L. Knight!

Novel Update

The past couple days have been crazy!  Wow...  So, I just wanted to give you a quick update on my novel.  I have finished the first chapter and started the second.  Currently, I have written 2,229 words!  Progress...

I Have Officially Started My 1st Novel!

Yay!  I have done it!  I have started my first novel ever!  A couple of days ago, I figured out that The Clockshifter isn't a stand alone book, its the second book in a trilogy!  I started the first book just a few minutes ago.  I do not have a name for the trilogy yet, but I have the plot for all three books ready to go!

Word War on Go Teen Writers!

Calling all writers!  There is a big word war starting today and going until Friday on Go Teen Writers!

Bible Verse

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16

I Fell In Love...With Writing

 

Have you ever watched a movie and thought about what would happen if something went a differrent way, or weren't pleased with the ending?  Have you ever read so many books that you felt as if you ran out?  Have you ever wanted to go to a diferrent world, but didn't want it to be known about, like Narnia or Middle-earth?  Have you ever been heartbroken that a book series ended?  Have you ever just wanted somewhere to set your creativity loose?  Where something can be molded exactly as you want it?  Where you can define your own genre?

If you are any of those, I would strongly suggest that you try picking up a pen (or turning on your computer) and writing a story!  You can write about anything you want!  You can make elves exist, people be able to ride dragons, aliens attack Earth, and a creature of your creation be found on Mars.

This is pretty much how my writing journey started!  In January of this year, I watched the movie "The Hobbit" for the first time.  Even though I really didn't know much of anything about Lord of the Rings, I wrote a fanfiction story out of it.  That is pretty much when I fell in love with writing!  Since then, I have written 3 fanfiction stories, one of which I am currently working on!  I am also working on a Beauty and the Beast retelling and hope to start my first novel soon, called The Clockshifter.

If you decide that you would like to start writing, you may want to check out a couple of my posts:

Finding Inspiration

Writing the First Draft

Writer's Block and Point A to Point B Syndrome

Creating Characters

Formulating Villains

God Bless!

Camp NaNoWriMo Update #2

Okay, so its currently day 17 of Camp NaNoWriMo, and so far, I'm having a blast!  Today, I did a few word wars with my cabin and that was really fun!  I wrote 1,494 words today so far.  I am working on two stories for Camp.  One is my submission for Five Enchanted Roses and another is a fanfiction story.  Currently, my word count is 12,161 and that is what I have written in both stories this month.  My cabin has written 103,225 words so far this month!

Finding Inspiration

Inspiration is what every writer loves!  They love to just feel the words flow onto paper because something gave them a new great idea to put in their novel, short story, poem, etc.  Maybe even a plot idea for a novel.  It can come at any time, from anywhere...so be prepared!

Here are some things that I find inspiring and I will explain why:

Music

Music is very inspiring for me!  It can be a movie soundtrack, classical, or Christian music.  When I write, I usually listen to movie soundtracks.  When I'm writing fantasy, I typically use either Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia.  IF I'm writing something like a spy story or about an undercover mission or something like that, the soundtrack for National Treasure works perfectly!  Sometimes I will need a song that fits a perfect mood.  So, if I wanted to write about somebody celebrating about something or is really excited about a vacation or something, I would pick something upbeat like I Feel So Alive by Capitol Kings, Fix My Eyes by For King and Country, or Do Life Big by Jamie Grace.

Movie Trailers

Yes, you read right.  I did say movie trailers.  Movie trailers raise questions.  What is going to happen?  What is going on here?  The music is fabulous!  Movie trailers, particularly trailers for fantasy, or for the genre I'm looking to write.  After watching one, it usually will either inspire me to write a scene in my current WIP or give me a new novel idea!

Other Books

You have to be careful with this one.  You want to be able to come up with your own ideas, not copying the books you read (unless its a fanfiction story).  Sometimes, I get so caught up in how amazing the book was that I just can't write.  So, what this one inspires me to do is to become a better writer, not the ideas itself for a novel.

Pictures

Pictures can inspire story ideas.  Some writers hold contests and a picture is the writing prompt.  Some pictures are story starters.  Like one that I saw where there was a girl in a wedding dress (that's what it looked like, anyways) and she was tied to a tree with a blindfold.  It arose questions which could have developed into a story, or a scene for a story.  Its pictures that almost say "Tell my story!"

Think about it: What inspires you?

How do you like my redesigned blog?  Vote about it above the About Me section on the right!

I also have a blog button!  You can find it just below the About Me section on the right!

Working On My Blog

Hey guys!  I just wanted to give you a bit of a heads up on my blog!  I'm working on changing the way it looks, so if it looks a little bit weird, it is because I am tweaking it, publishing it, and doing it all over again!  I should have it looking great in a couple of days!

Just a Fun Little Thing

Earlier today, Hannah, author of the blog The Writer's Window, posted a fun little scenario and tagged whoever wanted to do it.  :) I thought that it was really neat, so I decided to do it!

1. Your brother (you know, the one whose a super genius and makes Einstein look like a toddler) has just created a fantabulous new invention: It can bring fictional characters to life!  While trying to come up with a practical use for this, he realizes your birthday is tomorrow.  So he tells you he will bring your favorite character from your favorite book/movie to life for one day.  Who is the character you'll pick, what they are from, and what do you plan to do with your day together?

I would pick Jace from the book Resistance by Jaye L. Knight.  He is a half ryrik, half human from Ilyon.  Hmm...what would I do with him all day?  Well, first, I would have to ask him how he got to be half ryrik, since ryriks are typically bloodthirsty beings...especially to women.  Then, I would probably make a movie with him in it!  Maybe even make Resistance into a movie with him.  :)  This is sooo going to be the BEST DAY EVER!

2. Things are going pretty well.  You leave the room for a minute, and when you return . . .  your guest is gone!  You begin searching for them, and while at that your brother comes running up.  He tells you that his machine has malfunctioned, bringing to life the villain from your favorite book/movie.  And, well, they kind of kidnapped your favorite character.

Uh oh...   Lord Daicen from Resistance!  How could you ruin my perfect day with Jace?!?! *glares at my brother's machine*

3. Action must be taken.  You rack your brain, trying to figure out what to do, and then you remember -- your brother's machine!  You can materialize anyone you need to help you track the villain down!

Hmm...materialize anyone I need... *smiles mischievously* I think that I will bring to life Kyrin from Resistance, Sirion from The Makilien Trilogy, Legolas from Lord of the Rings, and Captain McHenry from the Pirates and Faith series.  Kyrin because she is brave, loyal to friends (I hope she considers me as one!), and just plain awesome!  Sirion because he is half elf, which enhances sight and hearing, and is a wonderful sword fighter.  Legolas because he is an elf and has marvelous aim...and best of all...never runs out of arrows!  Captain McHenry is a great choice just in case we need to track Jace and his kidnappers on a ship.  He is also good with both a sword and a gun and is a strong Christian.

4. You set off, dragging your brother along behind you, and reach the villain's hiding place in record time.   When your group sneak in, you are met with a chilling sight: The villain is plotting world domination, making good progress, and your favorite character is strapped to a table with a pendulum swinging ever nearer to them.  (Talk about dramatic.)  What shall you do now?

Wow!  This is...interesting...  Poor Jace...  Don't worry!  We'll get you out!  First, Sirion stealthily sneaks over to the table with his sword drawn.  He slits the ropes, and Jace gets up.  Sirion hands Jace a spare sword and both sneak back to our hiding place.  Now, we need to stop Daicen from taking over the universe!  Legolas, with his flawless aim, pins Daicen to the wall by shooting arrows at his clothes.  Kyrin, Sirion, Jace, and Captain McHenry rush into the room and defeat Daicen's henchmen.  Meanwhile, Legolas and I rush over to Daicen, tie him up, and throw him into the cell that Jace had been in.  Perfect!

5. Huzzah!  You've got the bad guy and stopped the pendulum.  But now comes the time to say good-bye.  These lovely characters must return to their written life.  What do you say to them?  Thank them for their efforts?  Assure them that their stories end happily?

Really?  Brother of mine, must you make these totally AWESOME character's leave?  I thank the characters for their help and that it was really a pleasure to work with them!  I ask them if they would like to come back, much to my brother's dismay.  I have them sign the books they are in and then they leave.  This was the BEST DAY EVER.

I am tagging:
 Katie and Anna, authors of Cousins in Christ
Athelas, author of Red Lettering

If you don't want to do it, that's fine.  :)

"A Captain's Heart" Review

"Wealth and social standing mean nothing to Captain Kyle Bryden. To his family, however, they are everything. For years it has driven Kyle and his family apart. He longs for understanding from his parents, but most of all he yearns for them to accept the truth behind his faith. When his father sends him on a voyage to collect two family guests, it only complicates matters, particularly Kyle's growing desire to marry and make a home. He finds himself caught between pleasing his parents and living according to what he believes is right. As some things begin to change for the better, could a secret no one is expecting be enough to tear at Kyle's heart and destroy the love he has found?

In A Captain's Heart, the continuing story of Pirates & Faith, meet new friends and revisit old ones while seeing the importance of patience and never giving up on those we love because all things are possible with God."

Over my break from blogging, I read this book, which is the third in the Pirates and Faith Series.

This book was not my favorite book in the series, due to it having more romance and less action, but it was still very good and it was clean.

Just as a warning to those who are going to read this book and have already read the previous books in the series, the main characters do change, but Skye, Will, and Daniel McHenry are still in it.  This book is about Kyle, a young captain who is shunned by most of his family for choosing to be a ship captain and not have a more "respectable" job.  And the story takes off from there!



I encourage you to read "A Captain's Heart" and all of Molly Evangeline's books! In my opinion, she is the best writer! Please keep up writing wholesome adventure stories, Ms. Evangeline!!!

About the Author

Molly Evangeline is a 25 year old independent author with a passion for writing Christian fantasy and clean New Adult fiction. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Molly weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God's love shines as a light to offer hope. She is a homeschool graduate and has been penning stories since the age of eight.
~Ps. 46:10~


 Link To Buy Kindle Version: http://www.amazon.com/A-Captains-Heart-Pirates-Faith-ebook/dp/B004AHKBZI/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405432152&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=a+captains+heart+molly+evangeline

 Link to Buy Paperback Version: http://www.amazon.com/Captains-Heart-Pirates-Faith-Book/dp/1449902782/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1405432152&sr=8-1-spell

 Link to Buy Autographed Copy: http://www.mollyevangeline.com/autographed-books.html

 To Read About Writing A Captain's Heart and Watch the Book Trailer: http://www.mollyevangeline.com/a-captains-heart.html


*Disclaimer* - I was given a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Interview

Hi (again)!  Head on over to the blog, Pencils Can Change the World to read Mickayla Jansen's interview with me!

Camp NaNoWriMo Update

Hello, everyone!  Most of you know that I am doing Camp NaNoWrimo this July.  I am working on a short story for the Five Enchanted Roses Contest!  My goal is 20,000 words and so far, I am a little behind.  :)  I'll catch up, though!

Current Word Count: 7,203 Words

Word Count I Should Be At: 9,032

I'll keep you posted!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July, everybody!  How is writing going?  Remember, today, a lllooonnnggg time ago, the Founding Fathers declared our independence from Great Britain.  Continue to write so that you can declare your Camp NaNoWriMo word count goal COMPLETE!  Don't forget to spend time with your family today!  Continue to have fun with Camp NaNoWriMo!

Camp NaNoWriMo Day 2!

How are you doing with your novel?  Are you on track with writing?  Have you written a little bit more yesterday to give yourself a cushion?  Have you planned your novel or are you winging it?  Have you spent too much time looking on Pinterest?  Are you reading too much?

I know, I know.  Too many questions.  :)  I'll let you get back to writing now!  Have fun!

Camp NaNoWriMo Begins TODAY!

WRITE!  WRITE!  WRITE!  Camp NaNoWriMo begins today!  My word count goal is 25,000 so that means that I have to write about 807 words per day.  There is no room for writer's block or Point A to Point B Syndrome (click on the link to learn about that).  If you are participating in Camp NaNoWriMo I hope that you meet your word count goal!  Remember to not get too distracted with Pinterest (notice how I did not put a link to Pinterest), chatting with other campers, reading instead of writing, and reading writing blogs.  (Yes, it is okay to ignore my blog while you work towards your word count goal) :)  Most of all, have a GREAT time writing! 

Since it is Camp NaNoWriMo, please expect for there to be some delays in posts, or even not be many posts.