Day 2: Author Fact

The author of Segolia (me) screams epiphany at the top of her lungs at random moments whenever she has a new story idea, or an idea to add to an old story.

Day 3: Segolia Random Fact

Fact: Originally, Segolia was going to begin hundreds of years after the prophecy had been fulfilled.

Day 4: Heroism

One word: Nissa.

Day 5: Segolia Quote

"There are things that I've done that they don't like. That's just how it goes. You cannot always please the world. Don't worry about them." -Edgeshifter

Day 6: Random Segolia Fact

Fact: Segolia has been a work in progress for four years. By the time I had fifty pages written, it was all lost in a truck fire/explosion.

Day 7: Quote

"What if life could have meaning again?" -Rylan

Day 8: Meaning of a name

Random fact for ya: The name, Nissa, means "friendly elf."

Day 9: Random fact

Sorry its taken so long to get this up. Computer problems...
Random fact: Stormblast was originally going to be a female dragon.

To My Fellow Writers: Something to Keep in Mind

“Your readers want to become somebody else for a few hours, to live in an exciting life, to find true love, to face down unimaginable terrors, to solve impossible puzzles, to feel a lightning jolt of adrenaline.” –Writing Fiction for Dummies

Just something to keep in mind while writing.

Fan-made trailer for Segolia

This is a trailer made by my cousin on Segolia. Awesome, right?

Day 10: Who's Who?

Having a hard time keeping track of everyone in the world of Segolia? Have no fear! Here's a basic outline of how everyone's connected:
Families:
1. Alistair and Serenity are married
Children: Nissa
2. Stefan and Elaine are married
Children: Rylan
3. ? and ? are married
Children: Edgeshifter and Deepclaw
4. Stormblast and ? are married
Children: Venomsting and Echosong
5. Hevar and ? are married
Children: Fireheart
6. ? and ?
Children: Reva and her brother
Romances:
1. Nissa and Rylan
2. Serenity and Alistair
3. Edgeshifter and Youngseeker

Let me know if I missed anything or if you need an explanation anywhere! :)

Day 11: Meaningful Quote

"You have a kind and bold heart. Follow it, and you will never go astray." -the enchantress

Day 12: Pronuniciation Guide

Okay. So this isn't in the book but I didn't feel it necessary as most people are saying the names right. But if you feel like you're butchering the names or just curious, here they are!
First, the places:
Segolia (Seh-goal-ee-uh)
Idari (Eye-dahr-ee)
Tresed (Treh-sehd)
Broen (Bro-ehn)
Lissinau (Liss-i-now)
Draconia (Drah-cone-ee-uh)
Awaida Pond (Uh-wade-uh Pond)
Giarda Isle (Gee-ar-tha Isle)-G sound NOT J sound for Gee
Okay and now the people:
Alistair (Al-ih-stair)
Nissa (Nih-suh)
Rylan (Like Ryan but with an "l")
Stefan (Stef-awn)
Reva (Ray-vuh)
Rhiannon (Ree-on-nun)
Shahira (Shuh-hear-uh)
Aretha (Uh-reeth-uh)
Fendrel (Fehn-drel)

I think I got all the ones that are a little tricky...If there's a name not named and you want to know how to say it, comment on this post.

Day 13: Announcement!!!!

I will be having my first book signing on July 12 at 5-9 pm at BTO Flagstaff Yogurt, Waffles, and Coffee! If you can come, come on down!

Day 14: Sneak Peek

"Who are you?" I said, wishing my voice didn't sound quite so weak.
"Can you not guess?" asked the shadow. He was just a black form of a man, cloaked in darkness.
I didn't answer, and the shadow man took a step closer. I took a step back but found myself trapped between a wall and the man.
"Stay away from me," I warned.
"No," the man said simply. Then, he lunged forward, reaching for me.
Instinctively, I screamed.

Day 15: Discussion Questions

Whether you've read, are reading, or plan to read Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy, here are some discussion questions for you. They could be used for families, classrooms, book clubs, whatever you want.

1. If you could meet any character in Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy, which one would you want to meet and why?
2. Edgeshifter healed a young elven soldier, which is the cause of her exile. Was this the right thing to do? Why or why not?
3. Why do you think Alistair helps Edgeshifter the first time she was imprisoned in Idari?
4. How has Nissa changed since the beginning of the book? Has she become a hero for Segolia?
5. In the maze, Nissa and Edgeshifter get separated and Nissa is forced to make a difficult decision. She allows herself to get caught to protect the staff. Do you think this was a good decision? What would have happened if she hadn’t run?
6. Rhiannon hates her skin color, though others think it’s beautiful. Do things like that happen in the real world?
7. Fireheart never gave up on her dream of being a warrior, despite what others thought about it. How can we learn from her example?
8. Fendrel lost his eyesight a few years ago. Why do you think bad things happen to good people?
9. If Edgeshifter had agreed to help Stormblast kidnap Nissa, what would have happened?
10. Deepclaw, in the beginning, was convinced that the fighting would continue forever. Do you think he was right? Why or why not?
11. If you were Rylan, would you have pushed Nissa out of the way of Stormblast’s lightning, fully knowing you could potentially die?
12. If you had the opportunity to become a Guardian, would you? Why or why not?
13. The enchantress said that Nissa’s power comes from her good heart. Is that like the real world? Do we hold power based on our hearts?
14. Do you think the elves and dragons could have chosen to stop fighting on their own? Why or why not?
15. What is the symbolism of having six Guardians and six dragon partners?
16. What are some common themes in Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy?
17. Each Guardian and each dragon partner have a message that we can learn from. For example, Rhiannon’s is that it doesn’t matter what you look like, everyone is beautiful. Can you name some others?

Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy

A LAND SURROUNDED BY WAR AND TRAGEDY.

TWO RACES LOCKED IN COMBAT.

A PROPHECY OF PROMISED PEACE.

 

When seventeen year old Nissa leaves at her father's insistence, she believes the trip to Idari will be a short one. But when she meets a young dragon exile, Edgeshifter, her life is thrown into chaos. Along with danger and mystery, Edgeshifter brings word of a legend as old as time itself. Nissa is forced into an adventure she isn't sure she wants. With only Edgeshifter and her heart to guide her, Nissa must embark on a journey full of destiny, danger, and legend. Her quest will require her to prevail over the shadows covering the land and save both the elves and dragons from ultimate destruction.

Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy is the story of a young princess's journey to become a true hero and follow her heart.

The Countdown Begins

So, Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy will be released 15 days from tomorrow. In light of that, every day, as part of a countdown, I'll post something specifically related to Segolia, whether that's a random fact about Segolia or its creation, a quote, a picture of a character, etc. On July 2, the release date, I'll be posting a short story, telling my story and journey to become an author and how it's just like Nissa's journey.
So, keep reading. Plenty of surprises in store.

How to Use Flashbacks

These are my notes from my 11th grade English class. There are a few different ways to use flashbacks in a story:

1.       Recollection: Most common technique; Using back story in fiction to weave bits and pieces of recollection throughout the narrative as they become relevant. Keep it short. Be consistent throughout the story.

2.       Full scenes: extended recollections with dialogue and action. Long and detailed. Separated from story.

3.       Italicized inserts: short italicized inserts. Occasionally, a direct address

4.       Letters and journals: character might write or read a letter to import (personal) historical info. Sometimes in italics.

5.       Dreams: can feel forced, not as natural. Use carefully and seldom.

6.       Frames: “story within a story.” Entire story is a flashback.

*Integrate small bits of back story early on if possible

*Trigger memories with five senses and emotions

*Transition to flashback with subtle phrase

*Transition out of flashback with actions, or other phrases- be subtle

Story World Template

This is really good for fantasy writers, as you have to create an entire world:

Geography:
I typically make a map of the land for this one.
Cultural Groups and Races:
What races are in your story? What groups of people?
Example: In Segolia, there are the elves of Segolia, the elves of Broen, the desert people, naiads, dryads, dragons, etc.
Plants:
Are there any unusual plants in your story world?
Example: dryad trees in Segolia
Animals:
Are there any animalistic creatures in your story?
History:
What history of your story world is important to the story?
Example: the history of the war between dragons and elves in Segolia
Political structures:
I go through each cultural group's political structure. So I write a paragraph about dragon politics, Broenian elf politics, Segolian elf politics, etc.
Economic Structure:
Again, I go through each cultural group. I write a paragraph for each group's economic structure, like if they use money and how they earn their keep and what jobs are available, etc.
Example: Dragons do have jobs, assigned by the dragon leader, but they have no use for money.
Social Structure:
Go through each cultural group, going through their society. What are accepted truths of society? What kind if ceremonies, educations, etc. are part of a race's society?
Example: Dragons have a coming of age ceremony.
Foods and Drinks:
What kinds of things do the groups eat? For example, dragons eat large game, whereas an elf might eat similarly to a human.
Languages:
What languages and dialects do the people speak?
Entertainment:
What does each cultural group do for fun?4
Sexual Roles:
In each cultural group/race, what are the different roles between man and woman?
Example: Elven women are expected to stay home, away from war and politics. Men make all decisions and fight.

All this information may never appear in the story but the more you know the better.

Bad Writing Day? 7 Things to Do to Get Writing

You're stuck again. The words just won't come, right? You want to write that scene but can't get it out on paper.
We all have those days when we just struggle with every word. Some days will just be slow and some parts will just be a struggle. But there are things you can do to get the writing juices flowing again.
1. Go for a walk.
Sometimes, a little fresh air can make all the difference. Go on a walk down the street, go for a run, just get moving. Sometimes, that's all you need.
2. Read a book.
After writing for awhile, your mind might just be on overload. Take a break and pick up a good book. Letting your mind take it easy may inspire you.
3. Listen to music.
Music can be inspiring. If your stuck on a particular scene, try listening to music that fits the tone of the scene. It could make a huge difference. If that fails, just listening to music and relaxing can clear your mind.
4. Struggle through it.
Easier said than done, right? But if you have to meet a deadline or just want to get through it, you can just push yourself through the scene. If you have to, just sloppily write it out. You can always fix it later. Sometimes, getting it out on paper makes a big difference.
5. Relax.
Take a bath, take a nap, eat something, socialize. If you've been writing for awhile, you might be getting a little distracted. Attention might grow short. If you need a break, take one!
6. Pacing.
Sometimes we see this on the movies. Someone pacing as they plan. This is my personal remedy for blocks. Sometimes, just focusing your energy on walking back and forth while you think can make a difference.
7. Talk to someone.
Another thing you can do is just talk to someone about what you're having a hard time. I usually tell my sister what the problem is. Most of the time, I get an idea when I'm explaining the problem.
So that's it. Next time your stuck, give these a try. Different remedies work for different people. You never really know what'll work until you give it a try!

The Adventure Begins...

"A land surrounded by war and tragedy. Two races locked in combat. A prophecy of promised peace."

The adventure begins July 2, 2013. Order your copy now.