Writing Challenge- Day Six #TurvyTruthOrDare

Join the Sentinals as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Back to the dares!!

Admit kissing someone not your partner OR make a prank phone call

It’s another Turvy-inspired #WritingChallenge! This time the stakes are raised: #TurvyTruthOrDare! AND this time it’s an easy-peasy 7-day mini challenge. So they say!!

Follow all the participants on Instagram.

You can find me at: https://www.instagram.com/helengarrawayauthor follow us and join in the fun!

The #TurvyTruthOrDare runs April 1–7 and is hosted by:
❄ @nimmisheikhauthor –Writing a New Adult, sci-fi murder mystery trilogy planned for 2023 release: #Frostieverse
👻@saffron.amatti –Writes the spooky, ghosty, and oh-so-twisty #LucasRathboneMysteries
🐾@sharitmitchell –Writes the thrilling #MarnieReillyMysteries with canine companions and haunting spirits
🎩@writertracybrown –Writes the quirky #DoorToDoorMysteries + 🔥#BelleroseWitchline fantasy series

#Writers, whether your characters are in a published book or percolating in your WIP, this challenge is for YOU!

Day Six

Time for the Arifels to joins in!! Make a prank call, or in this case, send an Arifel with a prank message!!

Birlerion peered around the door, and finding the room empty, he slipped inside and silently shut it behind him. Calling the little Arifel, he moved over to the window and stared out over the formal palace gardens.

They were nothing like Leyandrii’s. Her rose arbors had been beautiful; a riot of colour no matter the season.

He smiled as Ari, the little Arifel, arrived and perched on his open hand, wrapping his scaly tail around Birlerion’s wrist to balance.

“I need your help,” Birlerion murmured to the kitten like creature.

Ari cocked his head and cheeped. His green eyes grew larger as he stared at Birlerion.

“I know, but Tagerill has it coming after the scaring me like that. How he got the king to agree …” Birlerion closed his eyes. He had jabbed the king in the ribs. Lady kill him now! He stiffened. “It’s his turn to be on the receiving end.”

Ari sent a suggestion, and Birlerion chuckled as it materialised in his mind. An image of Tagerill working in the kitchens.

“No, he’d enjoy that too much! We need something that will make him uncomfortable, that he’ll take seriously.”

Ari sighed.

“I thought you could tell him Leyandrii will be arriving in Old Vespers at the temple, and she is expecting him to be her escort. He needs to be on duty at dawn, in full ceremonial uniform.” Birlerion swore that Ari smiled. He rose, flapping his wings and then settled again. “Yes, very formal. Leyandrii is expecting him, but it is very hush, hush. He’s not to tell anyone.” Birlerion grinned. None of them had worn full ceremonial uniform since they had awoken. He could just see Tagerill trying to polish and prepare everything without anyone seeing him. With a wicked grin he sent Ari on his errand.

***

Tagerill was surprised when Ari dropped onto the table in front of him. Surprised because he was seated in the dining hall, surrounded by off duty palace guards. The little Arifel bombarded him with images and he stiffened. “Leyandrii? When?” he gasped out loud and the guards eyed him a little suspiciously.

Ari scolded him and he clapped his hand over his mouth. The guards edged away from him and continued with their conversation.

“Why me?” he whispered. Ari chittered and Tagerill preened. He was one of her first Sentinals. Ari shared a few more images and Tagerill spluttered. “Full ceremonial dress?” He didn’t have a full ceremonial dress. He ignored the side glances he was receiving, another rumour about Sentinals talking to themselves no doubt beginning. From their reactions he had no doubt Ari was only visible to him.

Abandoning his lunch, he hurried out of the hall, racking his brain for where he would find a white shirt with ruffles, velvet jacket and pantaloons, and buckled shoes on such short notice.

***

At every opportunity Birlerion sent a Sentinal or a ranger, or a palace servant to interrupt Tagerill. They returned with wide grins and reports of Tagerill trying to conceal whatever he was working on and getting more and more frustrated by the interruptions. Ari reported Tagerill had a tailor hidden in his rooms, with pins and patterns and swathes of material and Birlerion couldn’t stop laughing. Tagerill hated all forms of dress clothes.

Serillion, discovering Birlerion in paroxysms of laughter, demanded to know what was going, and Birlerion gave up the attempt, leaving Ari to tell him.

“How did you get Ari agree?’ Serillion asked, his eyebrows nearly in his hairline. “I’ll never believe a word he says to me again.”

Birlerion choked down his laughter. “Tagerill had it coming. He called Ari a flaky, fluff ball. Ari took offence.”

Serillion grinned. “Do not offend the Arifels. Noted.” He stroked Ari’s white chest, and then scratched his ears as he nudged Serillion’s hand. “You really think Tagerill is going present himself at the temple at dawn?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t he?”

“Well, the fact that Leyandrii is unable to cross the Veil for one.”

“Tage won’t think of that,” Birlerion replied, unable to keep the smile off his face.

Serillion shook his head. “I hope you know what you’re doing. He is going to be so mad at you. And disappointed.”

Birlerion’s smile faded and then he shrugged. “Teach him to keep secrets from us, won’t it? If he’d told you, you would have set him straight.”

“Well, I would have tried to, but I can’t now, can I? You’ve made me an accomplice.”

To be continued…

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Writing Challenge- Day Five #TurvyTruthOrDare

Join the Sentinals as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Back to the dares!!

Admit quriky like/dislike OR Face greatest fear.

Join the Sentinals (and King Benedict) as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Swipe to read my truth or dare!!

It’s another Turvy-inspired #WritingChallenge! This time the stakes are raised: #TurvyTruthOrDare! AND this time it’s an easy-peasy 7-day mini challenge. So they say!!

Follow all the participants on Instagram.

You can find me at: https://www.instagram.com/helengarrawayauthor follow us and join in the fun!

#Writers, whether your characters are in a published book or percolating in your WIP, this challenge is for YOU!

Day Five

Context: Birlerion facing his biggest fear, that when he first awoke in Old Vespers he had failed Lady Leyandrii. This is an excerpt from Sentinals Discovery, a short story which is part of the Creatures of Magic and Myth Anthology which will release later in May.

Birlerion held his head in his hands as he glared at Tagerill. “You swapped places with King Benedict for a day? Why didn’t you tell me?” He waved a hand in frustration. “I’m not even going to ask how!”

“I wouldn’t bother, ‘cos I can’t tell. I’ve never had so much fun, though Benedict did have a few words afterwards. I think I’ll keep out his way for a few days.”

“Years more like,” Birlerion said.

Tagerill chuckled. “He can be quite scary when he puts his mind to it.”

Birlerion nodded slowly. “As can Leyandrii.”

“I can’t believe you elbowed him in the side; the king! Do you fear nothing Birlerion?”

Twisting his lips, Birlerion’s gaze went distant as he remembered first awakening in Vespers all those months ago. Not recognising anything and the fear of failing Leyandrii overwhelming him.

***

The steel grey dawn was beginning to lighten the sky as Birlerion sat on the pebbly beach and stared out to sea. His stomach ached, his throat was raw, and a sharp pain beat behind his eyes. The whoosh of waves over pebbles and the soft clacking as they rolled under the water’s pull soothed him, calming jittery nerves that threatened to incapacitate him.

He had washed his face and hands in the sea, as well as his boots, glad that he had, at least, not vomited all over his clothes. Salt, sharp and tangy, filled his mouth and made him thirsty. His mind spun, images of the changed city on repeat. He didn’t know where to go or what to do.

A gentle tug of concern nudged his mind, and his heart leapt. Kaf’enir! But no, it wasn’t his Darian mare, it was the tree. Searching the vaults of his mind, his heart plummeted. Only the tree hummed there. Grief pummelled him, and Birlerion screamed at the sky. He couldn’t take much more.

He collapsed back onto the pebbles, chest heaving, tears streaming, but nothing had changed, except he was exhausted, lost, and hurting. Not only had Leyandrii forsaken him, Kaf’enir had abandoned him as well. Something he would never have believed possible. Darians bonded with their riders for life; only death separated them, and he wasn’t dead. A deep moan rumbled in his chest. Had she died? All alone without him? He would never have abandoned her.

Gradually, the cold lumpy stones began to bruise his skin, and he sat up. Shivering in the chill morning air, he rubbed his face and tasted salt on his lips, and after one last glance at the grey sea, he rose and stumbled back up the beach, his feet slipping on the loose pebbles. He ignored his body’s woes, the aches and pains; he deserved them.

He had failed those who meant most to him.

Not knowing where else to go, Birlerion returned to his tree in the temple gardens. As he touched the bark, it shimmered and he passed inside, where he was engulfed with love and concern and warmth. He stumbled to the cot and collapsed. His fingers and toes were as numb as his heart.

His sword belt and bow clattered to the floor as he curled in on himself as the tree fussed over him, infusing him with heat, wrapping him in its humming concern. Tears leaked down his cheeks as he dragged the blanket that appeared on top of him tighter around him, the weight a comfort as exhaustion dragged him down and he slept.

***

A gentle hand shaking his shoulder, made him start. “Birlerion?” Tagerill’s voice was soft. “Are you alright?”

Birlerion straightened. “Of course,” he replied. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

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Writing Challenge- Day Four #TurvyTruthOrDare

Join the Sentinals as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Back to the dares!!

Admit embarrasing crush OR Swap two characters roles.

I thought it might be time for King Benedict to get in on the act, though he may regret agreeing as he is swapping places with Tagerill! This may get a bit complicated, but Tagerill is the king and Benedict is Tagerill!!

Join the Sentinals (and King Benedict) as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge!

It’s another Turvy-inspired #WritingChallenge! This time the stakes are raised: #TurvyTruthOrDare! AND this time it’s an easy-peasy 7-day mini challenge. So they say!!

Follow all the participants on Instagram.

You can find me at: https://www.instagram.com/helengarrawayauthor follow us and join in the fun!

#Writers, whether your characters are in a published book or percolating in your WIP, this challenge is for YOU!

Day Four

“Does his brain run this fast all the time?” Benedict muttered as he sat trying to read a book. He looked up as Birlerion peered around the door of the common room and then entered.

“Why are you trying to read, Tage? You know your brain is not made for reading.”

“Ah, that explains it,” Benedict replied tossing the book aside. He rubbed his temples, no wonder it was giving him a headache. “What is my brain made for?”

“Trouble usually, though the king asks that we rein it in a bit; he wants to keep us mysterious and intimidating.”

“How boring,” Benedict replied and then clapped his hand over his mouth. Tagerill truly did speak before thinking.

Birlerion sighed and stared across the room. “I know. I was hoping we could try and, you know, make a new home somewhere.”

Benedict’s gut lurched. He hadn’t thought of that. A rush of longing for Greens swirled through him. “Greens is home, we don’t need a new one,” he said.

Twisting his lips, Birlerion shook his head, “Not really, not anymore.”

Before Benedict could reply another Sentinal poked his head through the door. “Birlerion? Tagerill? You’ve been summoned by the king.”

Benedict staggered as he picked up Tagerill’s broadsword. Dear Lady, they were heavy! How did they even walk let alone fight with these things? He trailed Birlerion through the corridors until they arrived at the king’s study and drew to a halt in front of the desk.

The king slouched in his chair, his hands stuffed in his pockets. As he watched them enter, a wicked smile passed over his face. “I’ve decided to give the Sentinals a pay rise,” he said.

Birlerion choked. “Do we get paid? Your Majesty?”

“If you didn’t, you do now.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

“Birlerion, I am promoting you to Commander of the King’s Rangers. Serillion always said you were the best of us…er…best of them.”

Birlerion blanched. “What? I mean … um… Your Majesty, please reconsider. Commander Nikols is an exemplary leader; you have no need to replace him.”

The king waved his hand in the air. “It’s done. And you …” his eyes gleamed as he pointed at Benedict, “Tagerill, will do cartwheels through the market square.”

Tagerill grinned. “Of course, Your Majesty.” And then he spluttered as Benedict quailed at the thought.

“But, Your Majesty! Only yesterday, you asked us to be more restrained. This would not do our reputation much good,” Birlerion protested.

“I changed my mind! Kings do that, you know.” He frowned. “Where’s Serillion? I have plans for him too. He’s gonna love this!”

“Um, Your Majesty? Are you feeling quite well?” Birlerion asked with some hesitation.

Benedict tilted his head. Birlerion had guts that was sure. It hadn’t even passed through Tagerill’s mind to question the king’s sanity. Benedict thought he ought to say something, but he didn’t know what. His mind was full of images of him cartwheeling through the market, he shuddered as the suggestion of doing it naked passed through his brain. He clamped down on that thought, that was a hard no. He jerked as Birlerion elbowed him in the ribs. That hurt!

Benedict glanced up and found the king staring at him with a sympathetic yet gleeful smile. “This is fun, isn’t it?” the king asked.

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Writing Challenge- Day Three #TurvyTruthOrDare

Join the Sentinals as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Keep reading for my Day Three truth or dare!!

Admit Achilles heel OR Stand on Stand up and do four cartwheels in a row

It’s another Turvy-inspired #WritingChallenge! This time the stakes are raised: #TurvyTruthOrDare! AND this time it’s an easy-peasy 7-day mini challenge. So they say!!

Follow all the participants on Instagram.

You can find me at: https://www.instagram.com/helengarrawayauthor follow us and join in the fun!

#Writers, whether your characters are in a published book or percolating in your WIP, this challenge is for YOU!

Day Three – Time for a truth!

King Benedict observed Jerrol as he entered the study followed by Birlerion. The young Sentinal had been absent for a few days, but he was back behind Jerrol’s shoulder as if he had never left it.

An air of mystery preceded them, the silver-green uniform the two men wore giving off an archaic feel that was out of place in the city of Old Vespers. Birlerion towered over Jerrol, tall and straight with silver eyes and ancient weapons, people noticed whenever a Sentinal was present.

“I heard a strange story about some Sentinals in town,” the king said.

Jerrol rolled his eyes. “Someone thought it might be a good idea to try and impress the townsfolk. It seems they went to extremes.”

Birlerion huffed. “They were eager enough for a hug.”

“But not to see all that you offered,” Jerrol said, trying not to smirk.

A slight blush stained Birlerion’s cheeks. “At least they won’t take us so seriously anymore.”

“And why is that a good thing?” the king asked.

The ghost of a smile flitted over Birlerion’s face. “We’re trying to fit in. They won’t be so scared of us if they see us making fun of ourselves.”

Benedict pursed his lips and nodded. “I see. Though my preference would still be that Sentinals are treated with a healthy respect.”

“I don’t think you need to be concerned, sire,” Jerrol said. “Most of the sentinals are a serious lot. It seems we got the enthusiastic ones here in Old Vespers.”

“I’ll have you know we are all serious when it matters,” Birlerion said, “It doesn’t hurt to have a little fun now and then.”

“I’m sure,” Benedict murmured. He leaned back in his chair. “What is your weakness, then? Is there something I should be worried about?”

Birlerion twisted his lips. “We are not superhuman, Your Majesty. Just touched by a goddess. But she took all her magic with her, and we are no longer able to wield her power, only use the skills we’ve learnt.” He fell silent for a moment and then sighed. “We are formidable but not invincible.”

“And not very good at holding your ale,” Jerrol muttered.

Laughing, Birlerion shook his head. “Your ale is potent. I am not one for drinking. Tagerill would call Serillion and I lightweights. No matter how much he tries he cannot toughen us up. I think we’ll let him explore the taverns on his own.”

King Benedict grimaced. “Now that sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.” He considered for a moment. “I think it’s best we sustain the Sentinals’ reputation for now, at least until we know what is going on. Try and avoid any further revelations to the townsfolk. There will be plenty of time for you to make friends once we understand who our real enemy is.”

Birlerion exhaled, but nodded in agreement. “Of course, Your Majesty. I’ll pass the word.”

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Writing Challenge- Day Two #TurvyTruthOrDare

Join the Sentinals as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Keep reading for my Day Two truth or dare!!

Share a silly hidden talent OR Stand on corner holding sign for hugs for 10 minutes

It’s another Turvy-inspired #WritingChallenge! This time the stakes are raised: #TurvyTruthOrDare! AND this time it’s an easy-peasy 7-day mini challenge. So they say!!

Follow all the participants on Instagram.

You can find me at: https://www.instagram.com/helengarrawayauthor follow us and join in the fun!

#Writers, whether your characters are in a published book or percolating in your WIP, this challenge is for YOU!

Day Two- It’s a another dare!

Serillion lifted his head off the pillow and groaned. The room spun, and he swallowed, trying not to heave. “Oh Lady help me. My head.”

Jerrol laughed at him. “It’s not your head you should be worrying about.”

Serillion covered his eyes with his arm. Why did the sun have to be so bright? Jerrol’s words percolated into his brain, and he froze. Oh Lady! They hadn’t, had they? “Why?” he asked, hoping the fuzzy memories from the night before were just a drunken haze.

“Well, there are reports of three men streaking down the Port Road,” Jerrol replied. His voice turned thoughtful. “I suppose it was fortunate it was after midnight and there weren’t that many people to see it.”

Serillion groaned. “I’m gonna kill Tagerill.”

“I think Birlerion is already making him suffer.”

“They can’t be up already.” Serillion retched and Jerrol shoved a bucket towards him. After a moment that Serillion would prefer not to remember, he wiped his mouth and blearily stared at Jerrol. “Why are you here? Did they send you to torment me?”

“Birlerion said that if you needed a hug to help you feel better, you would find them on the corner of market square. Something about trying to redeem themselves in the Lady’s eyes. He thought you might want to help them.”

“Help them do what?”

“Someone dared them to beg for hugs. They seem to think it was Leyandrii. Anyway, that was the only explanation I could get out of them as to why they were standing on street corners with a sign asking people to hug them.”

Serillion chuckled and then groaned again.

“I was debating about joining them as there was quite a queue!” Jerrol said. “@writertracybrown was at the front, she seemed quite eager!! As were @mummybearreads, @D_a_i_s_ywood and @bookworm_oakey to name a few!” Jerrol said.

“They can have all the hugs. I’ll just die here, quietly,” Serillion moaned, covering his face with his pillow.

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Writing Challenge- Day One #TurvyTruthorDare

Join the Sentinals as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Keep reading for my Day One truth or dare!!

It’s another Turvy-inspired #WritingChallenge! This time the stakes are raised: #TurvyTruthOrDare! AND this time it’s an easy-peasy 7-day mini challenge. So they say!!

Follow all the participants on Instagram.

You can find me at: https://www.instagram.com/helengarrawayauthor follow us and join in the fun!

#Writers, whether your characters are in a published book or percolating in your WIP, this challenge is for YOU!

Day One– It’s a dare!

The Sentinals sat in the king’s library and devoured all the books they could find on the history of Remargaren. Piles of dry and boring tomes surrounded them and Tagerill shifted in his seat, slamming the book he was reading shut.

“This is so boring. Why do we want to know what every official ever said in the last three thousand years?”

“We don’t,” Serillion replied, his eyes glued to the pages in front of him.

“We want to know how Vespiri came to be what it is today,” Birlerion murmured, turning the page.

“It would be much better if we just went into the town and asked the people,” Tagerill said.

“Via every tavern you can find,” Birlerion said with a wry twist of his lips.

“It would be better than sitting here.”

“It might be more entertaining, but you won’t find out much. Our history seems to be long forgotten,” Birlerion replied, taking the opportunity to stretch his aching back. They had been reading for a long time. He eyed Serillion and then Tagerill as an idea bloomed. “Tell you what. We’ll go into town, and the first one of us who finds a person who remembers the Sentinals can choose a dare for the others.”

“Yes!” Tagerill said as he fist pumped the air.

“Mmm,” Serillion replied, his nose still deep in his book.

“Right then,” Birlerion said closing his book and leaning over to flip Serillion’s book shut as well.

“Hey! I was reading that,” Serillion protested.

“Active research is much better,” Tagerill proclaimed.

“We’ve been sitting for too long! Truth or dare time,” Birlerion said as he rose. “First Sentinal to find someone who remembers us, gets to pick a dare for one of the others.”

Serillion scowled. “You are such children. No one is going to remember us.”

“Someone will.” Birlerion replied as he stacked the books in a neat pile. “Come on. We need some fresh air.”

As they entered yet another tavern, Birlerion was regretting his bright idea, and he groaned as another mug of ale landed on the bar before him. His innards were awash in beer and he grabbed it and turned towards the room. Raising the mug he said, “Whoever can tell me a true story about the Sentinals gets this ale!”

“Bribery is cheating,” Serillion shouted. His cheeks were flushed, and his silver eyes sparkled.

Tagerill laughed. “No one knows anything in this town!”

“Them Sentinals were cowards. They all ran.” A deep voice spoke from the shadows.

Silence fell, and Birlerion turned towards the voice. “Ran from what?” he asked, his voice deceptively quiet.

“Whatever it was they faced. They all disappeared. Cowards the lot of them.”

“Maybe they took the threat with them,” Birlerion suggested.

“Nah! The Lady punished them!”

“There isn’t an original thought among them,” Tagerill growled.

“Then we should plant a new seed,” Serillion said, his eyes glittering dangerously.

“Yes,” Birlerion agreed. “What impression would we like to leave?”

“Oh I don’t know. We should all streak down the high street, that would make an impression,” Tagerill said in a calm voice.

Birlerion choked. “Not the impression Leyandrii would like.”

Tagerill raised his mug in salute. “They wouldn’t forget us, though.”

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International Women’s Day – Gender equality for a sustainable future – March 8th, 2022

It’s time to celebrate International Women’s Day. A day to recognise that women play an equal role in the world, in all aspects, and yet still in the twenty-first century women are still struggling to find their voice, to have equal access to resources, to be heard.

It astonishes and saddens me that even in this day and age, women have to fight to be treated equally, just because of gender. Yes, each gender may excel or be more suited to different roles, but that doesn’t make either one better than the other, there are always exceptions and everyone should be treated equally.

In 2022, climate change is front and centre as we all experience the changes in weather patterns in the world around us, and yet women are suffering even more, often being on the front line of gathering food, water, fuel.

As resources become more constrained, it’s the women who are trying to support their families with basic supplies, struggling to find what once was plentiful.

If you are interested in further information on how climate and gender equality are interlinked, check out this post by UN Women.org.

Source: Burcu Kölelifor UN Women (2022).

Along with climate change, gender equality seems to still be a prevalent issue in many areas, even that of authors. There are many amazing independent women authors creating wonderful stories, and yet their still seems to be a stigma in the publishing world attached to women authors writing Fantasy or science fiction. Many women choose to use their initials instead of their first name, to give the impression that they are male in the belief that readers will find their books more acceptable in a male dominated genre. And then you have the reverse, the romance or YA genre is dominated by women, but men are just as capable writing a good romance or a book for the younger generation. The gender of the author should not come in it.

I did consider using my initials when i first started publishing my books, but I chose to use my first name. It’s a perfectly good name! And I believe in my books to stand on their merits, no matter my gender. I hope readers feel the same. Let me know in the comments if you have faced this dilemma or whether the gender of the author makes any difference to the book choices you make. One day, these arguments won’t need to be made. It shouldn’t make any difference which gender you are, it is the writing that should be judged and enjoyed.

This may not be on par with the challenges of climate change or life impacting struggles of many women aorund the world, but it is still an insidious encroachment on the rights of women to be treated equally. Is that really too much to ask?

Why do we doubt ourselves?

I wonder why Imposter syndrome¹ is more prevalent in women and minorities than in others? And I think more prevalent in writers as we put our heart on our sleeve and expose our creations to the world and all we expect is criticism.

What is it about us that drives us to think we are not good enough, that we shouldn’t try to achieve such high goals, that someone else is always better than us, prettier than us, more qualified than us. The list could go on and on.

I’m no expert on mental health, as my daughter will be the first to tell you, and here you go, I am going to say it! There are far more qualified folks out there who can advise better than me. But I was thinking about the fact that by the end of this year, I will have published five books in my Sentinal series. FIVE!!!

If that isn’t something to celebrate then what is? Yes the reviews are slow to come in. The sales are not exactly stellar, my Amazon rating is six digits and counting! but I loved every minute of writing them, of editing them, of polishing them as beta readers gave me wonderful feedback along with areas to improve. The covers are beautiful and just resonate with the epic fantasy genre. And I AM PROUD of them. I deserve to call myself an author. A published author at that.

So why do I feel awkward when I call myself an author? as if I am a fraud. I have the proof. The physical books to show I wrote them. How should you measure success? Do you have to hit a certain revenue number, number of books sold, amazon rating, to be a success? Why can’t we accept that writing a book, finishing it, and then publishing it, is a success? Because it really is.

I am about to send the third book of my Sentinal series, Sentinals Justice off to the copy editor and then start biting my nails as I wait for feedback. The cover designer will begin the cover art in a couple of weeks and I am on course to publish in September. I’ve even got some character art for my main characters, Jerrol and Birlerion. I wonder if they are even close to what my readers imagined? Jerrol is above. Isn’t it cool?

So yes, my books have a long way to go before I break even. Profit? Is that a word associated with self-publishing? I have hope. One day. In the meantime, I’m going to keep writing. Why? Because I enjoy it. Because I am an author and I’m good at it.

As Megan Dalla Carmina says in her blog post for PsychologyToday.com, “At the end of the day, remember this: You are here for a reason. In this job, your business, your life, you are worthy. You are better than you think you are. You are smarter than you think you are. You know more than you give yourself credit for. Remember that. And remind yourself as often as you need to.”

Notes:

‘The Reality of Imposter syndrome.’ Megan Dalla Camina, 2018. PsychologyToday.com https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/real-women/201809/the-reality-imposter-syndrome

Do you talk to yourself?

There is one thing I’ve noticed as the lockdown progresses, is that I talk to myself a lot. I am worried I’ll forget once I am back out socializing, and I’ll still find myself saying things meant for inside my head, out loud in public. Can you imagine it? People will be staring at me as if I am crazy!

Well, hopefully not, as I am sure I am not the only one.

It isn’t just because I live alone, and have no one except my cat to talk too. It’s because I talk to my characters as I am writing them. I immerse myself in my world of Remargaren and see it through their eyes. Hopefully, so that I capture it for my readers to experience as well.

But that does mean that I get caught up in conversations, some of which make it into the book and some of which don’t. My characters have been invented by me; I created their backstory, their likes and dislikes, their foibles, and habits, their thoughts and beliefs. Some I know better than others, and others force their way to the front demanding to be fleshed out more, to play a part, to have a voice.

Characters are an important element of a great story. A reader wants to be invested in their story, to be drawn in to their world, to understand why they react the way they do. It is the authors job to give the reader enough information to draw conclusions, infer emotion, too anticipate. A well rounded character resonates; it’s part of what give us that book hang over when we finish. That sense of losing a friend, of misplacing something, because you won’t be able pick up where you left off.

Fortunately, you can always revisit when you want you, that is the joy of re-reading a book and returning to visit old acquaintances, and often learning something new as you glean something you missed the first time you read it.

Then a new characters raises their hand! And says “What about me?” And I take a closer look, and realize that they don’t fit in the world of Remargaren. They have their own world waiting to be described; to be created, for me to put pen to paper and bring it to life.

A smile rises in me at the thought of meeting someone new; to explore who they are, what they have to say. To discover what they have suffered, or are yet to suffer, and who they will become.

I was listening to an Olly Murs album as I edited my third Sentinal novel, and the lyrics from one of his songs just resonated with me. A young woman raised her hand, stared me in the eye, and she said “I have a story for you to tell.” And she does. I have two new protagonists and a whole new world to think about. A whole new conversation to enjoy.

So If you hear me chattering away to myself, don’t dismiss me. I am in the throes of composition, meeting new characters and making new friends.

I hope you come and visit, enjoy the company and return often.