Speculative Fiction Author
March 31: Knights of Tin and Lead Pinterest Board and Playlist: emilyhayse.com
April 1: Interview with Joy Caroline on Instagram: @discipleshipwithjoy
April 2: Interview with Rachel Kovaciny: https://theedgeoftheprecipice.blogspot.com/
April 4: Interview and Review with Eva: http://www.evaschon.wordpress.com
Interview with Hailey Huntington: https://haileyhuntington.com/
April 5: Review from Rachel Kovaciny: https://theedgeoftheprecipice.blogspot.com/
I have a Knights of Tin and Lead board with various pins from all three books boards (secret) combined and then I’ve got the playlist for In the Glorious Fields.
Click on the titles for links!
PINTEREST BOARD//KNIGHTS OF TIN AND LEAD
OFFICIAL PLAYLIST//IN THE GLORIOUS FIELDS
I remember where I was when I first heard about this story. It was in a quiet Starbucks on a sun-filled Sunday morning in the quiet following a whirlwind conference. We were all tired, I think, and basking in the final hours we had as fellow authors before we had to part for another year.
I remember hearing her explain the concept, a girl on a quest to slay a beast, but the beast is in her mind.
I was fascinated.
So when I heard that To Slay A Curse was finally publishing and Rae asked if I would like to be a part of blog tour, of course I said yes.
To Slay A Curse is a thrilling, imaginative quest story that reminded me of all my favorite old medieval quests with whispers of Narnia and a bit of a Christopher Nolan’s Inception thrown in.
Giselle deals with a monster in her mind that leaves her feeling unworthy and unable to hope for a better life than the one she has: caring for her drunken, abusive uncle. But when a chance to set things to right and be rid of the monster—be it a slight chance—she takes the opportunity and is plunged into an epic quest—inside her own head.
The feeling of the book is almost fairytale; the contrasts between good and evil were drawn in multiple layers from the men who worked in menial jobs daily choosing right or wrong, to great battles that have Biblical echoes. I also sensed, in the very best way, the air of Narnia as we neared the climax, and Giselle comes face to face with her bitterness.
You watch Giselle transform as she faces the danger of her mental world, turning from an apologetic girl who shrinks from relationships to one who learns to take responsibilty not only for herself but also for protecting those who join her in the quest to save her. And by the end she is able to display her strength in the ultimate form, forgiveness.
The author tackles without fear the topics of shame and unworthiness bringing them from their ugliness in the beginning to a beautiful conclusion that left me satisfied. If you’re looking for a fantasy story with the traditional feel but a unique approach, Rae Graham has spun us a story that does just that.
Buy Links:
Author Bio:
A proud Hufflepuff and hard-core Tolkienite, Rae weaves fantastical tales filled with heart and hope for the YA reader. If you can catch her without her nose in a book or a pen in hand, she would be more than thrilled to share in an adventure or relax with a chai and chat. After growing up in several countries across Asia, she is now happily settled on the banks of the great Mississippi with her family.
Find Rae Online:
It’s here!
The Rivers Lead Home and Other Stories is out in the world!
“You see, Maki, that’s the thing about the rivers. They’re like the blood-lines in your hands…. If you lose your way, follow the river downstream and you’ll always find your way back.”
In The Rivers Lead Home, Emily Hayse explores new frontiers, digging deeper into the land and the characters first introduced in her award-winning novel Seventh City. This collection of twelve short stories features beloved characters like Maki, Tsanu, Willow, Ransom, Laramie, Rutter, and Jeremiah, as well as introducing new characters like Spruce Norman, Mollie at Heart’s End, and the mysteriously lucky dog-driver Epirvikk Heft. From lazy nights at the Pick and Collarbone to dog-races on the frozen tundra to the adventures of a young mapmaker in the jungles of Havast, these stories are full of laughter, surprises, brushes with glory, and heartwarmingly ordinary humanity.
Buy on Amazon: Ebook // Paperback
Festivities:
I will be going live on Instagram later today to answer your questions and tell some behind-the-scenes stories about the project, feel free to go over to my Instagram stories or post to drop your questions, or drop a question in the comments here!
Instagram Challenge + Giveaway
Join the Instagram challenge (one post = one entry) and be entered to win:
-A Seventh City mug from Crab Apple Books
-A Seventh City-themed tea
-A small Seventh City-themed item
Or you can buy The Rivers Lead Home and fill out this form to receive exclusive swag and entry into the giveaway!
Blog Tour:
Note: These dates and locations are subject to change. Check back throughout the week for updates.
November 17: The Herosinger Blog: A behind-the-scenes look at the crafting of one of the stories in the collection!
November 18: Interview with Hannah @ http://www.precariousbookstacks.com/
November 19: Character Interview: Willow with Rae @ https://writerraegraham.com/blog/
November 20: Guest Post with Allison @ http://www.allisonswell.com
Interview and review with Hailey @ http://www.haileyhuntington.com
November 21: Interview with Rachael @ https://www.rachaelritchey.com
I am so excited to finally get to share this book with you!
My third novel, THE LAST ATLANTEAN is out today!!
A few quick facts:
The Last Atlantean is….
Synopsis: “Watch, ye sons of the sea, your doom is at hand. With soundless storm rises the fate of Atlantis.”
As a lighthouse keeper’s daughter, Hattie has always been able to handle anything the Atlantic throws at her. But when a stranger washes ashore in a storm, she finds herself unraveling a mystery that will change her life.
Caught up in a high-stakes game of intrigue and hidden loyalties, Hattie watches legends take shape before her eyes. But as kings and pawns prepare for a showdown that will determine the fate of an ancient world, she wonders whether she has thrown in her lot with the hero or the villain.
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Find The Last Atlantean on Amazon and Barnes and Noble or add to Goodreads
(If you order, you can also sign up for swag and enter a giveaway here.)
Follow the tour all week long for more fun and give these awesome bloggers some love!
Blog Tour:
April 28: Kickoff post: The Herosinger Blog
Review/Guest Post: Schuyler McConkey
April 29: Interview: Anne Rhys
April 30: Interview: Allison Tebo
Interview: Claire Banschbach
May 1: Interview: Esther Jackson
Interview/Review: Cheyenne van Lengevelde
May 2: Guest Post/Review: Rae Graham
May 4: Interview/Review: Jameson C. Smith
May 5: Book Review: Gabrielle Emmons
Have a fantastic day! ❤
It is the first day of November and so, today, a writer will die.
Haha, just kidding! I have never known NaNoWriMo to kill anyone. (And brownie points for whoever got that reference!)
No, while NaNoWriMo is definitely intimidating, do not let it scare you; it is definitely conquerable, not just for superwriters like Cait @Paperfury, but for slow writers, new writers, and the rest of us.
Here are some of the top things I have done that make a difference:
Put words in the bank. On days when you are free, go over your regular wordcount, maybe even do two or three day’s worth in. On those days where you literally don’t get a chance to even sit down, you will be thanking your past self.
Do not underestimate the power of hyping yourself up. An outing at a coffee shop? Do it. Buy a new mug and coffee blend? Go for it. Choose a handful of things that are going to get you really excited to write and make it happen.
Take breaks. Let yourself enjoy the experience. You will definitely look back with some fondness on the marathon days or nights where you are chugging tea or coffee to stay awake and writing like a hero, but your story (and sanity) will be better off for taking fifteen minutes to build up your Pinterest board or read a few chapters of that new release.
Feed your creative side. I always make a point of consuming quality media during November, because nothing stops you in your tracks faster than running out of creative steam. I plan some movie nights (and I might just pick them based on actors that I’ve mentally cast as characters) and I choose a couple good reads to get through.
Get yourself a wingman. It is especially helpful if they are also doing NaNoWriMo, as word sprinting can be extremely helpful, but my non-writing friends have been just as instrumental as the writing ones. Someone who will tell you to get cracking when you want to procrastinate, someone who will buy you a coffee to encourage you, or someone who will ask how the writing is coming.
Put together a survival kit. Healthy snacks (so you don’t get a sugar or junk food crash), pens and scribble paper, small treats, things that remind you of your project, anything that will help give you that little push when you’re losing inspiration. For me, it’s mugs, pita chips, chocolate, coffee or tea, little notebooks, a fresh pack of pens, and candles.
Choose a project you can commit to. Nothing stops you in your tracks faster than falling out of love with your story. Choose a project you love, can’t stop thinking about, and burns inside of you like a fire, wanting to get out. That is the story that will see you safely through 50k in a month.
Where are my Wrimos at? While I am not “officially” participating this year because of edits I will definitely be writing alongside all of you! What are some of your favorite strategies for surviving/winning?
Hi folks!
I am so excited: my sophomore novel, Seventh City has finally arrived! There will be a blog tour running between now and the 30th so be sure to follow along and check out all the stops and give these wonderful bloggers some love!
And now to the book and the goodies!
Synopsis:
“Let me tell you a story that happened so long ago that only the hills and rivers can remember the time . . . .”
All her life, thirteen-year-old Maki has heard tales of the legendary city of gold, buried deep in the northern frontier. But when her village is burned and her brother captured by cruel invaders, the legend becomes desperately real.
Armed with a wolf-dog and a heart of courage, Maki sets out on a journey that will demand all her strength and cunning. She is determined to bring her brother home at all costs. Yet as her quest leads her deep into a wilderness of ancient dangers, Maki realizes that even for her, some prices are too high to pay.
Buy links:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/33LdQfQ
Barnes and Noble: https://bit.ly/2MrK2PW
The Book Depository: https://bit.ly/2HjIOSK
Official Seventh City Playlist:
Official Seventh City Pinterest Board:
Blog Tour:
August 20: Kickoff post: The Herosinger Blog
August 21: Guest Post: Down the Rabbit Hole
August 22: Spotlight: Deborah O’Carroll
August 23: Interview: My Lady Bibliophile
August 24: Guest Post: Rae Graham
August 25: Q&A: Liz Koetsier at Ink Lizard
August 26: Spotlight/Review: Claire Banschbach
August 27: Interview: Smudged Thoughts
August 28: Review: Kaleigh Stroink
August 29: Interview: Laura Grace at Unicorn Quester
August 30: Interview: Anne Rhys at Father’s Joy
Thank you everyone for you love and continued support! Be sure to follow along with the festivities for more behind-the-scenes and discussions!
I feel like I should quote Samwise Gamgee here and say, ‘Well, I’m back!’. I have really missed this blog and so much has happened since the last post!
Where have I been?
Working. A lot. Following Crowning Heaven’s publication, I picked up a third job, drafted a new novel (or two or three), I took an author business course, started training with a huge three-year-old Irish horse, and did a ton of behind-the-scenes work for my next book release this summer!
Since it has basically been a year since I was last here, I thought it would be appropriate to restart the blog with a little Q & A from some of the questions I’ve been asked online in the last number of months. Here goes!
Questions:
Do you participate in NaNoWriMo? Are you going to participate this year?
Yes! I have participated ever since 2014, and it is my yearly happy excuse to speed-write a novel. And this year? As of right now, I plan to. 🙂
What’s your best advice for new and old writers and what’s your best advice for writers looking into self publishing?
Best advice: Love your art and keep at it. Overthinking, comparison (especially if it’s to raise yourself up) and going stagnant (different from resting/taking breaks) are your worst enemies.
For writers looking to self-publish: surround yourself with quality and seek out professionals that will help you achieve that. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice even if you think you’ll sound stupid. Chances are, you won’t. Deliver on your promises and don’t compare yourself unless you intend to compare yourself constructively. And if you have random questions, find a fellow self-pubbed author or two. Often we are happy to share what we’ve learned.
I think I remember you saying once that you could use both hands as your dominant hand…HOW ON EARTH DO YOU DO THIS AND CAN YOU PLEASE TEACH.
So this is half true. I can use a sword equally with both hands. Writing, eating, not so much. And I practiced. And practiced and practiced. Nothing fancy, just time.
What’s your favorite ice cream?
Mint chocolate chip!
Who is your favorite character from Crowning Heaven?
It changes with the day. Today it is Breac Harward. 🙂
Top book that you’ve read this year?
That’s hard. I really enjoyed The Light Between the Worlds by Laura Weymouth.
What would be your ideal writing retreat?
Out in a northwoods cabin near a large water source or in a cottage by the sea, good food, a few good friends to talk story with and a crazy big goal to accomplish.
If you had to pick only one genre to read in for a year, which would you choose and why?
Historical fiction would probably be my favorite, since you could go all over time to all manner of places.
Would you ever write a book with yourself as a prominent character?
That’s a very good question. I do not like to cast myself usually, however, I did once. So the answer is sort of yes?
What is your outlining process and the writing schedule you follow to complete a book?
It varies from book to book, but here’s the gist:
First draft: When I first get the idea, I write down any ideas in a notebook or notepad on my computer, I often make a playlist and a Pinterest board as well, just getting down the impressions I have of the story. This helps me go back to the original feeling of the book when I hit the middle and get disillusioned.
Then I begin drafting. I usually have some important plot points in place but I do not outline everything because I want some flexibility to see where the story is going. Drafting often takes 1-4 months, depending on how busy I am. I try to set a consistent amount of words per day/week, and I often set a “finish date” so I have something to aim for.
For the actual writing itself, I will often set a 15 minute timer and race it. On very good days I can write 2k an hour, though I’m usually a little slower than that.
What’s your favorite genre to read?
Probably historical fiction, like YA historical fiction. There are so many incredible stories in that genre. However, I am getting fond of certain types of fantasy and sci-fi. Heroic characters are my jam, so wherever I find those, there go I.
Now I have some questions for you (answer any or all!):
What is your top book outside of your regular genre you’ve read this year?
What are you looking forward to the most this summer?
If you could make everyone read one book that you love, what would it be?
Well. Today is the day.
Crowning Heaven has made it. It has been a beautiful three year journey with you all and with this book and I hope that this is merely the start of many, many more adventures.
Blog tour:
Today we had a Q and A over at My Lady Bibliophile along with a giveaway! She is an incredible friend and a brilliant author of a WW1 spy novel. Go ahead and give her some love!
5/17 Annie Hawthorne over at Curious Wren hosted me to talk about my journey with Heaven as a character:
5/18 Anne Rhys interviewed me at Father’s Joy blog: https://aaablogfathersjoy.wordpress.com/2018/05/18/crowning-heaven-author-interview/
Giveaway:
I will be setting up a a giveaway in the next couple days as I sort through a few things. Thank you for your patience. It’s going to be good.
The Book:
Heaven Cassidy has only ever wanted one thing: a family. But when she opens a letter from her long-lost mother, she finds herself running for her life. Swept into a world of proud queens and ancient feuds, Heaven must decide whether her dream is worth taking on the responsibility of two kingdoms, one of which wants to crown her and the other to kill her.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/069210514X/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=
Hope you all have a great evening!
Hello hello! Going to keep it sweet and simple today! First off:
Blog tour:
I am looking for some bloggers who would like to be a part of a blog tour I am setting up! It will probably run between May 15-18, but I can flex on second date depending on people’s availability/how many people we get. ARCs will be available to those who need them, and you do not need a large amount of followers to participate, so if you are interested at all, go for it! I am planning a big giveaway and some other exciting things!
You can use the sign-up form below, or just shoot me an email at theherosinger@gmail.com!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Lr0pxWeSZeOKCO2NWdr-96I26Lku1AkIW1ipQv774RQ/edit
And now for what you probably have been actually looking for:
Giveaway winners!
And they are:
Mackenzie Keene
Katelyn Buxton
I will be emailing you ladies shortly about the ARCs!
And thank you to everyone who participated! I can’t wait to share this book with all of you!
Emily Hayse 