Something New in the Kingdom...

Updates are underway for the White Road Chronicle books. The first two, Illuminated and Luminosity have both undergone a professional edit and received new covers. I hope to finish up the next two by the end of this year.

I believe Illuminated will update automatically. It did on my kindle device. If it hasn't on yours, and you would like it to, I suggest you email Amazon and ask them for an updated version. Luminosity didn't get any revision, only fixing what mistakes we caught and tighten up a few things I missed before. 

And Book Six... untitled at the moment... will soon be underway. I can assure you all there will be no cliffhangers in the last book. Well, there shouldn't be. 

Along with the changes, I've widened the distribution of books one and two.

You can now read both of these book and all of the White Road Tales novellas at these distributors.
Here's a link that you can follow to get a list of where the books are now being sold.

Illuminated on expanded distribution
Luminosity on expanded distribution
Captured
Stolen
Ransom 

All of these book are also here:
Amazon (Please be sure to like my Amazon author page for updates on new releases)
Barnes and Noble

Finally, one more little bit of news.

Keep an eye on my newsletter (Yes, I will start sending them again, soon) for the release date of The White Tales complete collection. My aim is to have this out in mid-November. I'll announce the actual date soon.

I also have a couple of new releases coming out in October from the Madison Creek romance series. More information about that in my newsletter. If you haven't signed up for that, check the sidebar and do so. I sometimes offer contest, information on sales and other bits of fun news. 

Well, happy reading

Blessings and Peace and remember to be kind to each other.

J.

Changes coming to The White Road Chronicle series...

I've listened to what you readers have told me, and I'm currently working on edits to the past books in The White Road Chronicles.

Starting with Illuminated. 

I've taken various critiques I've received in reviews and other comments and have begun making a few changes. But the changes will not effect the story line at all.

Except that I'm toning down on the animosity between Tarek and Princess in the beginning. While I was working on Illuminated, I never really intended to see Tare again after Alyra left Racah. After the series began to grow and the characters started taking on their own personalities... well, he kept coming back. And kept showing up.

He wasn't interested, it seems, in being written off so easily. Which is why I ended up writing the White Road Tales novella series. I needed to see what happened before the first story opened.

I'm a closet SOTP writer. Meaning... I'm naturally prone to write for discovery. I let the story flow where I want it to go. I've tried, over the years, to rein in this wild tendency and set up a basic outline. And now I do outline. I really do.

However...

Jerin, the centaurs, Katrina, and worst of all, Alyra... they don't care about my outline. I don't know how many times I've sat down to write only to have my characters go off in some kind of unexplained tangent.

I try to argue. They tell me to hush and type faster.
What's a writer to do?
I type stinkin' faster, that's what I do.

Same story, just a simple spit and shine

The story won't change. I'm cleaning up some of my earlier prose. Well, because I write better now. And I'm going to have an editor read over each story before I update them. So, HOPEFULLY, I'll eliminate most of the typos and grammar stuff that drives some readers up the wall. =)

Illuminated will get the most work. Luminosity... and the rest, just edits.

I'll let you know when the changes are made in my newsletter. I've been working on the first book for some time, but it keeps getting pushed onto the back burner while I finished up writing a few other stories. The next White Road Chronicle book, titled Ignited, for example.

A New Face

I love the covers I have on the series, but they simply don't match. I've gotten a lot of positive feedback on Elena Dudina's art which is featured on the first two covers: Illuminated and Luminosity. As must as I hate to change them, I just find it necessary to have a bit of continuity through the series.

Here's a sample of one of the books I've redone.

What do you think? The rest will be set up similar to this. As I get them done, I'll post them here for you to see.

Next up... Cover reveal and fist chapter of Ignited... soon to be released in February.

I'm excited about this next book.
If you've a newsletter subscriber, you'll be first to see the new cover.
Let me know what you think about them.

Happy Reading,
J

A Bit About... Alyra The Illuminated

Alyra The Illuminated

Birthplace: Belluvita the beautiful place

Family: Her mother, Mary was also an Illuminated, but was killed during what seemed to be an accident, but later, questions arise as to what really happened.
Her father, Stephen is a Messenger, as is her brother, Ethan. These things tend to run down the family line. 
Alyra only has one family member left: Her brother, Ethan who at first, isn't too happy with her return home. For many reasons. 

Skills: Alyra is an Illuminate- or Light Bearer
Most Illuminates, just like the Curians, have been killed off. King Darnel wished to extinguish any light, or any possibility of people seeing and learning the truth of who rightfully ruled the land of Alburnium. 
He killed them all, except for one who he kept to serve his purposes and to help him obtain what he needed to gain in strength and power. 

Then one day, a Messenger came to Racah....
“And how did you end up in this wretched place?” Dean the Messenger pressed his dirty, beaten face against the cell bars.
Alyra shook her head, knowing she shouldn't talk to him. Reason warned her to go back now before Master found out she'd been disobedient. Again.
“Do you have a medallion like this?” Dean thrust his golden pendant through the rust-flaked bars.
Alyra gasped, staring at the round disk resting in her own sweaty palm. Torchlight reflected off the flame-emblem embossed on the surface.

“The Illuminate’s mark,” he whispered, dark eyes widening. “Whoever possesses a medallion is a true citizen of Aloblase. You must escape, child! Return to where you truly belong.”
Illuminated: Book One of the White Road Chronicles

Once Alyra learned the truth, she began a journey which will take her across the land of Alburnium, then back again as she learns the truth about herself, her abilities and her purpose. 

You can follow Alyra's adventures starting with The White Road Tales: a three book Novella series told from Tarek's point of view, then on to the White Road Chronicles where we watch Alyra's escape into the unknown as she goes in search of the truth about who she is and where she comes from. Oh and why she has this strange ability to light up like a lantern.


See more of my art, and the credits for this piece over at Deviant Art.

In Other News...

Well, my news, anyway. Here's what's going on.

For those interested in such things.

I'm around 50,000 words into the next book in the White Road Chronicles series. The title (right now) looks like it's going to be Radiate.

Riyah decided this. And who can argue with Ri? Right?

Anyway, I hope, hope, hope, to have  it out for you all by Christmas. That's my goal.

So, big news for this week:

I've set Illuminated: Book One of the White Road Chronicles at .99 cents for the remainder of this week. 

Have you already read it? Then tell your friends so they can get it at this great price.  After October 20th, I'll be returning it to its normal price. 

Breaking News....

My White Road Tales series will be undergoing a couple of changes. Captured will be getting a new cover! I loved the cover it has now, but it doesn't really show what the story is about. So, my cover designer and I decided to give it a more fantasy look. 

Next week, keep your eyes open for the new cover revealing. I'll be posting both Captured, and the second in the series Stolen, which continues the tale of Alyra and Tarek's life in Racah as their relationship begins to take off.  I'm excited over how the story turned out and think those of you who like romances will enjoy it, too.

There is also a guest appearance of someone from the Chronicle series, but I'm not going to tell you who. 

Finally...

So, I'm trying to set up a newsletter in Mail-chimp. Trying being the key word. I'd only send out a letter once every three months. But I intend to include fun stuff and offers I don't include on my blog or social networks. 

Once I figure it out, I'll start posting about it and offering some goodies for signing up. It'll be fun. I think. 

Lastly...

I simply want to thank those of you who have read my books and written me, left reviews, or befriended me on facebook and twitter. You've made this endeavor such  fun. And I'm blessed each day by being able to do what I love most. I hope my stories continue to bless you. 

I promise, there's much more to come. 

Happy Reading,

Jc

On Kingdom Towns and Meeting Halls

Alyra's first encounter of a kingdom town was in Many Rivers--

Water from the low hanging branches dripped on her, but she ignored the irritation. She couldn’t feel any more miserable anyway. Her leg hurt from the gash, her arm from the burns, and her heart broke for the people of that beautiful town. Lotari seemed unconcerned over the whole ordeal. A smile played across his usually stern face as he picked a couple of burrs off of his horse legs. 

Finally, as the heavy rain subsided, he asked, “I don’t suppose any of the bread I made you remains?”

Taken aback at his callousness, she glared at him. He’d seemed kind and caring when she was traveling alone. Did he not care for the townspeople anymore than his clan did? Alyra pulled off her pack and threw it at him. 

He caught it, brows knit in confusion for a moment before his face relaxed. “Alyra, they will be fine. Why did you not stay in the Meeting Hall like the others?”

“I didn’t want to get burned up! Why wouldn’t they flee?” Hot tears stung her eyes. “All those children...” 

“Foolish child, have you not listened to anything? The white path is safe. The white buildings are safe as well.”

She shook her head, unable to believe his words. 

He nodded in affirmation. “This is the reason I told you to make haste. The kingdom town offered you protection against the enemy...."

              Illuminated: Book One, Chapter 17.

I really wanted to paint a picture of a picturesque little town, nestled in the woods, somewhat sheltered, but still, on the edge of the enemy's territory, and prone to random attacks. When Alyra raced into the village square, she was being pursued and in danger. Yet, the town took her directly to their Meeting Hall to find shelter while they defended their homes with what weapons they had at their disposal.

The enemy caused damage. Some were hurt. At least, those who hadn't taken shelter, and those who stood on the front lines of defense.

However, Alyra did not return later to find a beaten people, but a determined community of people. Ready to rebuild better and stronger than before. That's the heart of a kingdom people.

Today, I want to talk about a few qualities that make up a thriving kingdom town.

Ready To Accommodate the Weary Traveler

All kingdom towns can be located along the King's Highway, otherwise known as the White Road. The townships vary in design, population and size. Some are new and just becoming established. If you are an adventurous type, you might wish to settle down and help build.

Others are well established, even fortified with ramparts and defenses-- especially if located in hostile lands.

Despite what type of township you find yourself in, the welcome will always be the same. If you are passing though, they will offer supplies and full-fill any needs you might have to accomplish your journey. They are all aware, that the most important thing is to help travelers reach their destination.

A Place To Learn About the Kingdom

If you do so choose to remain awhile, there is always people willing to teach you about kingdom ways. More established communities will have a library with a caretaker who knows how to find the information you need. They might be a little persnickety about how their beloved books are treated, but they are generous with sharing all they know. 

It's a given fact, that the larger the kingdom town, the more vast is their knowledge base. Not all learning come from books, you see, but from the experiences and hard-earned wisdom of those who've been down the same trail you are currently walking. It's good to be willing to sit and listen to their stories, no matter how long winded some may be.

A Place of Refuge and Healing

Every kingdom town will have a White Healing tree growing somewhere. If you are sick, weary, or wounded, find those with Healing qualities and they are always willing to help. Sometimes you'll want to stay awhile and allow your mind and body to find restoration. That's fine. Just don't forget there is still a road to be traveled and a King eagerly waiting to make your acquaintance.

Kingdom towns also provide a place of refuge and safety. When the enemy is pursuing you, call on the leaders to stand around you. Seek shelter in the Meeting Hall. Any town claiming to be of the kingdom will do everything possible to help you stand against attacks.

Not Meant To Be An Isolated Island

What kingdom towns are not meant to be, are little isolated islands, keeping to themselves and serving only their own members. If you come across a place such as this, YOU ARE NOT IN A KINGDOM TOWN.

If you have to leave your path to enter a town, then you're not in a kingdom town.
If you are not welcomed in with attentive kindness, then you're not in a kingdom town.
If you see an enemy presence, well, then you better not even bother. Just keep going and soon you'll find a more hospitable place. Trust me. Always, no matter what, stay on the path! Everything you need will be found there.

So, there you have the basic working of a kingdom town in Alburnium. More and more towns in the White Road Chronicles are to be explored within the pages.

But I encourage you, dear readers, to find your own kingdom safe-ground in your real life. They're out there. We need others to help us on our journey, no matter which direction we are traveling. If you're running toward home, seeking refuge, or undertaking a quest, these are the places and people who will help get you to where you need to go.

And who knows, maybe someday you'll find that special place to settle down and make your home.


Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47


The pictures in this post all come from my Pinterest boards. Check out the White Road Chronicles board for more scenes from my books and the characters that inhibit the pages.

Christmas Specials

Illuminated is available at these places: 
Barnes and noble (nook version/ soon print)
Amazon (print and kindle)
Createspace

Great news! Illuminated will soon be available in extended distribution. Please check your local books store and Barnes and Noble for ordering your print copy!

Luminosity is available at these places:
Barnes and Noble (Print version)
Amazon (Print and kindle version with Price Match)
Createspace

More great news! Look for Luminosity to be available on Nook after the New Year!


Be sure to check out my Author Page on Amazon for a listing of other books I'm featured in.

Wishing all of you a Blessed Holiday Season and may you take a break in your journeys to enjoy your Christmas Holidays with loved ones and Friends.

Jackie Castle

NaNoWriMo - Here I Come!

I'm gearing myself up for the next White Road Chronicles installment.

I'm making a few plans. I'm developing a little plot line. I'm gearing up for a LOT of writing in November.

Yes, folks, it's NaNo Time!

So, how does one get ready for such an undertaking?

Well, first I will need to keep November as clear as possible. And with working two jobs, besides writing, that can be difficult. But I believe in myself. The only way to accomplish a quest is to start walking it out!

My quest, which I've chosen to accept, is to not just write the standard 50,000 words in November, but to actually aim for 100,000. The actual goal I will set will be in the middle: 75,000.

Here's what I will have to do. I really can't write much on the weekends. Sundays, I simply don't want to write. That's my break day if I'm not working at the bookstore.

So, I've given myself 26 days to write. To reach my 75,000 word goal, I will need to put out 2900 words a day. To reach my "hopeful" goal of 100,000, I need to write 3900 words a day.

I've reached 4000 words written in a day before. That I know I can do. So, here's the fun part. I even figured out how many words I can write in an hour. OH YES I DID. I'm that crazy at times.

I did a couple of test, timing myself and figured out I can type 30 words a minute. That's 1800 words an hour- barring I don't get distracted by shiny objects, the view outside, daydreaming, facebook or worse, Pinterest.

With that in mind, I need 30 hours to complete 50,000 words, or 80 hours to complete 120,000 words. Both previous novels have been in the 120,000 words range.

There's the logistics of it. To write my next novel, which I figure will be around the same word count as the other two, I will need to sit down to write around twenty hours a week in November. Without distractions.

Can I do it?

I'm certainly going to try. I have succeeded in reaching the 50,000 word goal while working a full time job when I wrote The Watchers. (Which will be released sometime before the end of this year.) So, I know I can do 50,000.

Can I double that?

I think, if I have a road map of what I need to accomplish - meaning I have a solid plotline established - then I should be able to sit and write without meandering. Having a plan is the key.

But isn't that the key for any undertaking? 

I know I'm talking about writing a book here. But honestly, all this I've done applies to anything we wish to accomplish. I talk about finding the path you are meant to walk here. I talk about living your dream. But if you're stumbling around blindly, you'll never get there. So that's why I'm sharing my plan with you. I want to show that living my dream isn't the easy path. It takes thought. It takes planning. Worse, it takes DISCIPLINE.

Yes, the yucky D word. Even with all my planning, I still have to sit down and write. Not play around on facebook. Not chat with friends. Not make excuses that I have other things to do. I will probably have to turn down some money making jobs from time to time and write instead. Why? Because this is what I really want to do with my life and the only way to make it happen is to simply sit down and do it.

The last thing we all need to accomplish our dreams... The one most important thing...

Daily. Sometimes hourly, is PRAYER.  I pray for clarity. I pray for inspiration. I pray for the right words. I sit and talk with God about where this story needs to go, how to solve a problem I didn't expect.

Which brings me to my last point about following your dreams: Never think you are alone in your quest.

At least, you don't have to be.

Dream Big!
J

~~*~~

Have you read Luminosity yet? What did you think? I honestly want to know. Tell me here by leaving a comment. Or better yet, if you purchased the book on Amazon, leave me a review.

Reviews help my rating in Amazon and helps others decide if they want to read my books. They also help me to get on advertising sites.

Things to look forward to:
I'm putting together a devotional for Illuminated. I'll have it up as a PDF file you can print or download. (Soon as I figure out how to do that) The devotional is simply scriptures to help you along your own journey. I've asked Lotari to help me put it together, so I'm sure he'll have something to say in the forward.

Another project in the hopper is a mini-story written from Tarek's point of view about why he helped Alyra escape Racah. Ever wonder, "What was that crazy boy thinking?" Well, soon you'll find out.

Be blessed dear friends. Happy travels.

When Life Goes Amiss... Get Out of the Tree!

During the last stages of the editing phase on Luminosity, it seems I've been hit with one mishap after another.

I don't wish to turn this post into a whine-fest, so let's just say that I've had to deal with computer problems to health problems. Which in turn, has put off my intended publication date.

So, the other weekend, I went into church (aka the Meeting Hall) dragging my little wagon full of discouragement and frustration. And during the worship time, this scene came to me.

This is from Book 2- a part of the scene. I took out important things that would give away a few surprises and left it at the bare bones. Because it was the very last part, that really struck my heart.

Like my little hero Alyra, I was hiding away with my sorrow keeping me company, despite what my friends might say about keeping my chin up and to keep going. And here's a truth. When we are pounded with troubles, Jesus eagerly beckons us to him with open arms. Understand, I said, beckons to. Hiding away and moping will get us nowhere.

So, as I said, this scene came to me while I was worshiping, okay, pouting about all the crap that was happening.

~~*~~

From Chapter 10 - Luminosity

Alyra returned the journal to her bag. Grow up? This. Was. Not. Her. Fault!

Lotari simply didn’t understand her problem. She yanked at a willow limb in irritation.

Alyra sighed as she rested against the trunk. She’d made herself a promise to start trying harder to do what’s right. A week had passed since and she’d already had one major blow up in front of her family and their friends. So much for acting her age.

Maybe being from Racah damaged her.

“I hear you brooding in there.” Issah’s leather boots appeared through an opening in the low hanging leaves.

She remained still, not sure she wanted to talk to anyone. Enough with the lectures.

Arms folded across his chest, Issah stared toward the meadow. His voice sounded tired, and lacked his normal enthusiasm.

“Despite the pain his foot is giving him, your father was about to come searching for you himself. He’s so worried.”

Alyra cringed. She’d forgotten to check Da's foot this morning. Add horrid daughter to her list of dysfunctions.

“Come out.” Issah crouched, stretching his hand to her. His earthy brown eyes took on the color of wet clay, like Lotari’s when he was upset. “I promised Stephan I’d bring you back home. Are you finished yet?”

“With what?” She drew her knees up to her chest, unwilling to move from her secluded place.

“Feeling sorry for yourself.  I am so sorry that you’ve had to undergo more ridicule.” The sadness in his voice startled her. “What really distresses me, though, is your total lack of trust in me. You still doubt that I care for you.”

How could he say such a thing? She grasped his hand and let him help her out of her hiding spot, “That’s not true.”

“Of course it’s true. Otherwise you would know I have your best interest at heart.”

She opened her mouth to argue, but the passionate fierceness on his face, caused her lips to close with a snap.

~~*~~

So there I stood, with this scene running through my mind. A scene, mind you, I actually wrote nearly seven years ago. And that day, those words came back when I needed them most.

Despite all the crap hitting my fan, despite all the set backs and attacks on my computers, health, and other stuff, God loves me. He not only loves me, he has a plan for me. A plan to prosper. A good plan. A plan that will not bring me harm, but hope for my future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Not only does God have my best interest at heart, He has a plan, a way through the mess I find my way in. There is always a way through. Always. Isaiah 41:10- So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

He has this! Whatever we are going through. So, my friends, pull your head out from under those covers, set down that wagon full of despair, and come down out of that tree!

Keep going. Keep fighting. You're not alone in the storm.

~~~*~~~

Which brings me to the good news!
Luminosity is now with a couple of beta readers who are helping me with line editing for mistakes. So soon as I get my last edits back, and make the corrections, I'll be sending her out into the wide world.

It's taken longer than I intended. But I'm happy with the outcome and excited about this story. I know it's better than Illuminated, which I loved that story, too, but know it has a slowish beginning.

I'm hoping the end results of book two will please my readers, as well. 



One more announcement on something fun I participated in:
 A group of writer friends got together and donated a couple of flash fiction pieces to help raise funds to support the yearly Chapter Book Challenge. 

I've been reading through the other's work and finding the short stories wonderful. When I want a quick read during breakfast, or while standing in a line or waiting for an appointment, I open my copy of Teapot Tales. Some are serious and tug at your heart strings, some will make you chuckle out loud. I have two stories in the Anthology.

Check the book out on Amazon. It's inexpensive and helps a good cause.



Be blessed, dear reader friends.
Oh, and for your listening pleasure, here is the song they were singing during the worship service, which reminded me where I stood with Him.
JC

Jerin of Yarholm - Oh, those Warrior Wanna-be's

Scene from Illuminated: Book 1 of the White Road Chronicles:

The doors to the inn burst open. A burly youth with an angry scowl stood in the entrance. He held a three-foot log in his upraised hand and a loaded slingshot that swayed like a pendulum in the other. His pale blue eyes scanned the now quiet room.

“I’ve had enough!” His voice rumbled like a snowy avalanche. “Enough of you blasted little pests planting weeds in my crops! Enough of you spoiling my milk and everything else I try to do! Heads will roll. I swear it!” 

DezPierre hopped from his seat. “Oh dear, Jerin’s on a rampage again. Stay here, Miss. I need to help smooth this out.” He hurried off to face the irate youth.

 When Jerin first appeared in Illuminated, my only purpose for him was to get Alyra onto the White Road. After that, I planned to send him back home to deal with his pesky Okbold problem. 

However--

Jerin glared at them all, his stubbly chin jutted out in contempt. He nearly matched the height of a grizzly, with sinewy arms and legs thick like pillars, though he looked no more than twenty summers.

The log swayed threateningly above his block-shaped head.

“I don’t plan to bust up the tavern, Rog. Just their heads, that’s all. They’ve got to go, and they’ve got to go now.”

DezPierre spoke up. “Oh, come now, boy. Why all this anger? Come and have a sit with Ol’ Dez, yes? We work this out. We learn to live together and get along, yes?”

“No!” Jerin brought the stick down over his head. The club hit the ground so hard, it splintered into pieces. DezPierre darted under a table and continued his peace talks from there. 

“Foolish boy! Is this necessary? I tries to be reasonable. All this-” He waved his twig like arms around, “-is big mistake, yes? Perhaps you not clear all weeds from your fields before planting, eh? Is this not possible? And perhaps you set milk too close to stove and it sours, no?”

Jerin paused a moment as if considering. “No. I planted a whole field of corn and instead, produced blasted dandelions. The milk came out of the cow soured and somehow curdled into moldy cheese in a matter of a day. So, no, the mistake wasn’t mine.” 

DezPierre glanced at the others, and with an innocent laugh, said, “Oh… well then… I thinks everyone had better… run!”

Jerin of Yarholm, was not to be sent back home so easily.

And this, my friends, is the true nature of a Warrior.

I pictured Channing Tatum when I first met Jerin, but not as pretty.
Jerin of Yarholm is a huge man, all block-like features, simplistic attitude, but a big heart.

He's a black and white thinker. If he's going, then you better get a move on. He doesn't like to goof around. Creatures are trouble. All of them. Even the nice ones. Trouble, trouble, trouble and best avoided.


And he's a fighter who must learn how to choose his battles and become more than just another foot solider.

Truth is, being a Warrior, is more than swinging a sword. Lots more.


So, I had this bit character. And as I said, I'd fully intended to send him back home. General Marcel had other ideas and felt Jerin needed to make the trip to Aloblase with Alyra.

Alyra and I weren't very happy about that at first. But we warmed up to the big oaf.

Warriors can be intense.

They're crusaders, after all, fighting for the greater good.
They're bold, and generally opinionated. Really opinionated. Really.
And they are generally at the forefront of whatever is going on.
They argue well.
They often believe the only right opinion is theirs.
They are constantly in motion.

Know anyone like this? I've met a few.

In the church, I see them on the worship teams. Leading a congregation in praise is akin to taking up a sword and hefting off the head of an enemy.

Warriors are also found in the missionaries who go into dangerous places. It's like taking a thrill ride to them, they love the adventure and the feeling of making a difference.

Warriors are those who go out into the streets preaching to the lost.

Warriors are also those who stand up to a bully who's picking on someone else.
Warriors are those who want to change what's wrong. Who fight for the rights of others.
Warriors are willing to go into the unknown places and bring aid, despite what it might cost them.

A warrior is a great friend to have. Truth. 
They are loyal, firm, steadfast and diligent in what they do.


Have you seen any Warrior types in your life? If you find one traveling along the same path you are journeying on, I'd encourage you to strike up a friendship. You'll need a bit of patience and understanding, but you'll have a true and valiant friend indeed.
  


Here is Jerin's Song from the Illuminated Playlist. One thing Warriors need to figure out is what, exactly, they are fighting for. This is Jerin's story in Illuminated. As Marya the Healer said, there is a difference between being a warrior and just being a soldier. A big difference. 




In other news....

Luminosity is nearing publication. The cover is in the works and I have to say, it's stunning and I can't wait to do the cover reveal party.

Look for Illuminated to go on sale in July. For those who haven't read it, you might want to before book two comes out.

I'm excited about this project now that I've settled on it being a series. I'm a fan of book series. Yes, it's hard waiting for the next one to come out, but I love being vested in a character's life and seeing them grow. And I hate when it ends!

I'm still missing Hogwarts. I have a dream Rowling might go back there... someday.

Anyway, keep checking back for more news. I've finished my rewrites and am in the editing process.

Soon! Alyra's adventures will continue, along with all her friends, Lotari, Stitch, Katrina and Jerin. Plus, there's new fun characters you'll meet as well. Oh, and DezPierre is most definitely back! Poor Alyra.

Happy Reading.

Update on Luminosity

I've been a busy girl. 

So-- here's my (semi)-lame excuses on why I haven't blogged in two... maybe three weeks.

1. I chipped a tooth and had to work a bunch of extra substitute jobs to earn enough money to get it fixed. Even with insurance, I'm still left with a hefty bill. 

2. I came across a word tracker to help me keep up with my progress. Thing is, the word tracker was one from NaNoWriMo. If you've never heard of NaNoWriMo, that's the HOLY COW I MUST BE CRAZY challenge thousands, if not more, writers take in November to write 50,000 words in a month.

Guess what? I have found that I can write 50,000 words in a month and once finished a novel for kids during one of these challenges. So, I set my goal for 60,000 words for the month (since the word tracker only worked for a month) and attempted to get my book's rewrites finished in that month.

Guess what? I kind of did it. Kind of meaning, I only have four scenes left to write, but I don't want to write them until I've gone back and done the edits on the other chapters. I like to keep things unfinished so I don't get into the mind frame that I'm finished with this and get tired of it.  It's a mental thing... that's all I can say.

3. And Guess What-else? When attempting to write 60,000 words in a month, while working two or three days a week all day, plus still working my night job at the book store... some things get forgotten: such as getting out of my pjs, eating, being out in the sun. Has anyone seen my dog? Didn't I have a teenager hanging around here at one time or another?

Ha, kidding. sorta.
Anyway, so yeah, I've been busy.

I found this on facebook or somewhere and it's on my desktop to keep me inspired. lol

Here's the good news! Yes, I actually have some.
If my estimates are correct... stop rolling your eyes, I can do this!
If my estimates are correct, Book Two: Luminosity should be variable by the end of July.
(yes, that's the final, for real, not gonna change my mind again, title of the next book. For really real.)

I've set a goal to finish my edits by the end of June, before I go off for a week anniversary get-a-way.
TWENTY-FIVE years, baby!! They should like give out awards and hold a celebration for those who make it this many years. You know?

 (focus, focus! Cut me a break, I've been mad-writing for the past month and that does things to people. lol.) 
Anyway, after I do my edits, I'll give the story over to a couple of beta readers. I'm still on the look out for an editor... which I'm confident I'll find someone. Of course, then I have to fix the mistakes. Hopefully, I'll catch more this time than my first time.
I feel more confident about how to load the books, what I want for my cover and all that. I've climbed that big mountain of first print and now walk confidently toward my destination.

If only I had a map. Oh well.

And now that I'm out of my writing frenzy and back in Reality, I have more blog post to work on. A house to clan up. A dog and kid to find. (kidding.)

I'm working on Jerin's bio and will have that out soon.

So keep checking back. When I have the book cover done I'll start sharing more about what happens in Book Two. I'm pleased with how it turned out.

I've come to the conclusion that this story has a will and mind of its own. I've also come to the conclusion that I don't have just four books in this series, but even more. So for those of you who like Alburnium, Alyra, and her friends, they have several stories in the making and just might be around awhile longer than I anticipated.

In Illuminated, Book One- Jerin takes a lot of time to draw out a map of where they will be going and how long it should take, and all the places they can stop. About halfway though their journey, he's crumpled up the map and shoved it down into the bottom of his pack.

This is often the way of our best laid plans. Which is why I love this scripture so much:

Proverbs 16:9-
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. 

This is simply life. We try to grab hold and make things work our way, but if we're walking God's path, he has his own plans. So, better to relax and enjoy the ride, is what I say.

Like Jerin, I plotted out this book, and I will still use my scenes and plot notes, just not the way I intended. This is and always will be God's book. I've prayed often asking for his direction and guidance while writing. He has a plan for this. And if that means I have to keep changing my plans, then so be it.

I'll never lose with him as my guide.

Are you up for a new journey? Or perhaps... a quest?

Lotari the Centaur - Never Discount the Underdog

Growing up, my Mom always told me to never discount the underdogs. People and circumstances are not always what they seem. 

Biographical Sketch of Lotari the Centaur from the River Woods:

Age: somewhere around 150 years
Eyes: gray like storm clouds
Hair: brown and wavy. Usually full of leaves and sticks
Height: from head to front hooves - 6'4"


WHAT IS SOMETHING THIS CHARACTER WANTS?
To be useful (Book 1)
To make a difference (Book 2)
To defend what he's worked hard to accomplish (Book 3)
To stop evil's reign once and for all.(Book 4)

CHARACTER TALENTS:
Knows herbal medicine and Healing skills
Is skilled with a bow and arrow, and can manage a sword quite well.
Plays the flute.
He's a mentor at heart.


MEDALLION: Needle and Thread - because he is called to mend broken relations between creature and humans.

 IN BOOK ONE
Lotari (Lot) is called from his safe River Woods surrounding the Kingdom town of Many Rivers to travel with the young girl Alyra. He fears that instead of helping, he will cause her and the hateful Jerin of Yarholm more trouble. However, the girl child has won his heart and he realizes she might be an important key to the Kingdom of Alburnium defeating the dark one, Darnel. So he undertakes the perilous journey to Aloblase, determined to make sure Alyra reaches the city safely, even if it means giving up everything he holds dear.

You can find more White Chronicles pictures on my Pinterest board.

"PAW. Did he just say I had paws..."- Lotari (Illuminated by Jackie Castle)

HERE'S SOME BACK STORY:

It wasn't until I was preparing this book for publication when I realized just where Lotari came from. I suppose, some life lessons are so embedded in our spirits we forget where they came from. So I want to take a moment to share with you the person who inspired Lotari.

In my story Illuminated, Lotari the centaur is loosely based on my friend Joey who I met during my high school years.

At around four or five years of age, Joey woke up one day to that he could no longer walk. He’d contacted some kind of disease that would render his muscles useless. When I met him, he was still the height of a five year old and bound to a motorized wheelchair. I never knew his real age, but think he was in his late twenties or early thirties.

I met Joey in church. He came zipping in, weaving his chair past groups of people conversing, the whine of his motor drowning out the muddled conversations. First thing I noticed, aside from his odd appearance, was his smile. His face wasn’t elated, or excited, but rather content, like one who’d found the most comfortable spot on the couch.

He wheeled up to the front pew, adjusted his chair, then sat and waited for service to start. The girl I was visiting with grabbed my arm and started pulling me toward the front, saying, “You’ve got to meet, Joey. I just love him.”

And that was generally how the whole congregation viewed him. Over time, I found out why.

When Joey talked, to get started took great effort. His small twisted body would tremble and shake as he formed the words he wanted to say. But once he got started, and when he had something important, and usually life changing, to say his words flowed from his mouth with hardly any effort at all.

It didn’t take long before I also totally loved this guy.

He was passionate.

I’d watch him during worship while everyone sang and lifted their hands in praise. Joey’s arms had little mobility, aside from his being able to move his arm enough in a forward direction to push the little stick that moved his chair. But he would always lift his face toward the heavens. And his face spoke of his utter and complete love for the God he served. Never once did I ever hear him ask why he was deformed. If he did, it was between him and God. Never once did I hear him complain about what he couldn’t do. To him, with God, all things were possible. He believed that, he prayed that, and he lived that.

He was fearless.

Because of his condition, he was totally dependent on his mother for all physical care. He wasn’t even able to feed himself. But that didn’t stop him from calling up his buddy who never seemed to mind loading Joey up in the van and driving him wherever he wanted to go. And go, Joey did. He’d talk his friend into driving to downtown Dallas where’s they cruise the back streets. There he’d strike up conversations with the people he met: prostitutes, homeless, and anyone else they came across. What did he talk about? He talked about his favorite topic, God’s love.

He was a friend.

To anyone. Anyone who came to him, from nicely dressed businessmen, to a struggling teenager, like myself, he made time to stop and talk, to listen, to hear your heart and impart some kind of wisdom. Joey helped me to understand God. To understand how to trust God even when things made no sense. He got me through my first time I’d been fired, and through all the teen angst experienced in those years. I counted him as one of my very best friends.

So when I was writing my story Illuminated, and Lotari the centaur popped out of the trees when Alyra was lost in the woods, I knew deep in my heart that Joey had resurfaced. No, I can’t say Lotari is Joey. Lotari is a fictional character in my story. Joey was a real, life-changing friend in my life. But I make that association because I know some people have problems with mythical creatures. They’re generally portrayed as evil, bad. Just as some people who are different (physically, developmentally, or other) are avoided, or shunned because we simply don’t know how to deal with them.

Alyra found a friend in the centaur. Just as I found a friend in wheelchair bound Joey. My hope is that readers will be touched by Alyra and Lotari's fictional friendship and start to understand that looks are deceiving.  Don’t shun away from people who act and look different than you. Why? Because you never know when you’ll find a friend who will help you manage your way through the dark, scary woods and get you back on your path. You just never know.

Here's Lotari's song: Kelly Clarkson's Dark Side

Read more about Lotari and Alyra in Book One of the White Road Chronicles

Illuminated: available on Nook and Kindle 

What Are Readers Saying?
“Quickly grabs the reader's interest.”

“Teens and young adults will really enjoy it!”