2017 was a year of growth for me. It was the year which I think I sort of "found myself." Yes, I know that has a lot of weird connotation, but it's true. I found my identity in Him. I definitely struggled a lot, but God helped me overcome those struggles.
Remember my love for her Out of Time Series? It hasn't died. Also, my love for Nadine hasn't died and never will. (Seriously, she's one of the kindest people I've ever met.)
This pic = Nadine's sweet personality. (Photo Cred: Instagram)
AND SHE'S PUBLISHING A NEW BOOK!
Introducing Fawkes, a historical fantasy novel!
(Also feast your eyes on this cover)
Thomas Fawkes is turning to stone, and the only cure to the Stone Plague is to join his father’s plot to assassinate the king of England.
Silent wars leave the most carnage. The wars that are never declared, but are carried out in dark alleys with masks and hidden knives. Wars where color power alters the natural rhythm of 17th century London. And when the king calls for peace, no one listens until he finally calls for death.
But what if death finds him first?
Keepers think the Igniters caused the plague. Igniters think the Keepers did it. But all Thomas knows is that the Stone Plague infecting his eye is spreading. And if he doesn’t do something soon, he’ll be a lifeless statue. So when his Keeper father, Guy Fawkes, invites him to join the Gunpowder Plot—claiming it will put an end to the plague—Thomas is in.
The plan: use 36 barrels of gunpowder to blow up the Igniter King James.
The problem: Doing so will destroy the family of the girl Thomas loves. But backing out of the plot will send his father and the other plotters to the gallows. To save one, Thomas will lose the other.
No matter Thomas’s choice, one thing is clear: once the decision is made and the color masks have been put on, there’s no turning back.
Doesn't this sound like a fantastic book? When I got the email containing the cover, I wasn't sure about the cover, but now I love it. I really hope you do too. I cannot wait to see it sitting on my shelf when it releases on JULY 10, 2018. (So far away, I know...)
Nadine has some awesome things planned for this book and future books, so make sure to check out her cover reveal post!
Wouldn't it be amazing to get to read this Fawkes early? Nadine's giving away one of these prized advanced reader copies as a part of her cover reveal tour! Be sure to enter below or by clicking here.
NADINE BRANDES once spent four days as a sea cook in the name of book research. She is the author of the award-winning Out of Time Seriesandher inner fangirl perks up at the mention of soul-talk, Quidditch, bookstagram, and Oreos. When she's not busy writing novels about bold living, she's adventuring through Middle Earth or taste-testing a new chai. She and her Auror husband are building a Tiny House on wheels. Current mission: paint the world in shalom.
Hello everyone! It's been a little while since I've posted. Today I have Adriana Rayzoga with me. Today she's coming at you with some graphic design tips! I learned some nifty GIMP tricks from her video. :)
Over to you, Adriana!
Would you like to learn how to make a professional eBook cover? How about a professional eBook cover that looks like this?
What if I told you can do it with very little experience? Would you be interested in learning?
What if I told you this kind of cover is possible without Photoshop?
What if I told you this cover was made with completely free royalty free stock photos?
What if I told you everything from the art program used to the photos, from the font to border was free?
If you would like to learn how I made this cover, check this video out.
You will find direct links to all the resources I used to create the cover in the description on YouTube. If you like the video, let me know in the comments here or on YouTube. I’d love to hear from you! And if you have any requests, feel free to offer them! (Note from Alea: Here's the link to the video, or you can click the title in the embedded video above.)
If you already have some graphic design skills, check out these awesome resources where you can find free (legal) digital supplies for your works of art. You are sure to find something you love!
Deeezy: Free photos, fonts, patterns, borders, and more.
Dealjumbo: Free photos, fonts, patterns, borders, and more.
Adriana Raygoza is a student of The Master University and an up-and-coming graphic designer. She loves books, writing, superheroes, art (various mediums), creating jewelry, and outdoor activities. If you would like to stay up-to-date with what she is doing, you can find her at:
This was supposed to post last Monday, but I forgot to schedule it. #oops.
This year has been crazy for me (clearly, since I forgot to publish this post).
I mean CRAZY.
But I do have goals I want to accomplish before the end of the year (well, maybe more like the end of Christmas break).
I'm pretty sure I stole this post idea from someone, but I'm not sure who. Probably a conglomeration of bloggers.
1. Finish rewriting The Clockshifter. (yes, again.)
2. Memorize all of my lines for Little Women.
In January I'm in a play! And I'm one of the main roles, so please pray for me.
3. Exercise regularly.
4. Read two more books. (Harder than you'd think.)
5. Survive school (and get good grades).
6. Finish my online class.
7. Write my research paper (and get a good grade on it).
8. (This is last because I want it to be a goal for all time) Get closer to God.
Sorry for the "thrown together post". I'm kind of dry on good post ideas. I'm also trying to define what this blog really is. If you have any ideas for me, please comment!
