51 Books I Can't Wait to Read

So there's something I've been thinking this blog needs more of, and that is BOOKISH POSTS! Because it is obviously impossible to talk about books too much.

Today, I want to share with y'all fifty-one books I can't wait to read. In no particular order, here are the books near the very top of my TBR pile:

1. DARE BY TRICIA MINGERINK

I have heard so many good things about this series! I've already read the first chapter, and ALL THE ACTION!!!! THIS BOOK SOUNDS SO EPIC.

2. THE LADY & THE LIONHEART BY JOANNE BISCHOF

Circuses, gypsies, romance, and the Victorian Virgina? Yes, please!

3. LOCK & KEY BY SARAH DESSEN

Sarah's first few lines hooked me on this one. I can't wait to read it!

4. WHEN DIMPLE MET RISHI BY SANDHYA MENON

This book looks soooo cute! And I'm all for reading stories about arranged marriages in which things work out. 😊

5. UNRAVELING BY SARA ELLA

I wasn't the biggest fan of Unblemished, but Sara Ella writes with such a beautiful, Riordan-esque prose! Unraveling is high on my TBR list for certain!

6. THE TETHERED WORLD BY HEATHER L.L. FITZGERALD

The cover alone is enough to draw a reader in. But a fantastic writing style and an intriguing synopsis to go alongside it? Naturally, I MUST READ THIS.

7. THE COLOR PROJECT BY SIERRA ABRAMS

OF COURSE I WANT TO READ THE COLOR PROJECT! Only twelve days until TCP is set to hit booksellers!

8. UNSANCTIONED EYES BY BRIANNA MERRITT

Firstly, may I just say how epicly Brianna revealed her release? A giant cover/title reveal bash, and then the blog tour, too? AWESOME.

And this book looks amazing!! Assassins? Of course!

9. DANDELION DUST BY FAITH L. POTTS

I've only heard great things about this one! And the synopsis... *grasps at book*

10. THE PRINCESS & I BY REBEKAH EDDY

First of all, I LOVE THE COVER. Alea Harper is a serious cover magician!

Secondly, A PRINCESS BOOK! WRITTEN IN THE FIRST PERSON! 😻

11. COURAGEOUS BY DINA L. SLEIMAN

I didn't love the first two books in the Valiant Hearts series, but seeing as this is the last one and I REALLY want to know more about Rosalind, this is definitely high on my list!

12. HEARTLESS BY MARISSA MEYER

This one's been high on my list for a while! I love villains' backstories, so learning more about the Queen of Hearts? The Queen of Hearts -- who bakes?! Ooo!

13. REGINA RISING BY WENDY TOLIVER

Speaking of villains, I simply must learn more about the young Regina! I adore ABC's Once Upon a Time, and Regina -- particularly in the first season -- is AWESOME.

14. PRINCESS BEN BY CATHERINE GILBERT GILBERT MURDOCK

Again, a first-person-tense princess story? Especially about a sassy orphan sorceress? YOU KNOW I WANT TO READ THIS.

15. THE SUBTLE BEAUTY BY ANN HUNTER

The beginning to this book looks SUPER sweet. And the whole thing's free on kindle!

16. MAELYN BY ANITA VALLE

Again, a sweet-sounding story... I simply must read this!

17. TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE BY JENNY HAN

I'm not the biggest fan of contemporaries, but as a YA romance? NATURALLY.

18. HOW A STAR FALLS BY AMBER STOKES

Amber's While You're Awake is a super cute story, and I was super excited to receive this one as a Christmas gift last year! Particularly since it's a romantic YA contemporary set in my hometown. 😍

19. DREAMLANDER BY K.M. WEILAND

I've learned a ton about storytelling from K.M.'s blog! So I'm really excited to read one of her fiction books! (Psst... Dreamlander's free on kindle, too!)

20. THE ASSASSIN'S DAUGHTER BY JAMESON C. SMITH

Assassins? An assassin's kid? Admit it: this sounds incredible.

21. FANGIRL BY RAINBOW ROWELL

I fangirl. I like to fangirl. I am a fangirl. A book about a girl who goes to college and shares those three traits? YOU KNOW I MUST.

22. THE THIEF BY MEGAN WHALEN TURNER

So I love the middle ages! And this author is one of my favorite authors' favorite authors. So I have to. 😄

23. EXILES BY JAYE L. KNIGHT

I LOVE THE ILYON CHRONICLES. And I'm certain that Exiles will be no exception!

24. SHIVER BY MAGGIE STIEFVATER

Maggie's books all look so good! But wolves? Werewolves? OH, YEAH, BABY.

25. THE WAY OF KINGS BY BRANDON SANDERSON

I have seen many good things about Sanderson's worldbuilding. And when the book opens on a guy set to kill the king? I AM TOTALLY GOING TO READ THIS.

26. BREAKWATER BY CATHERINE JONES PAYNE

Mermaids? MERMAIDS.

27. THE WRATH & THE DAWN BY RENEE AHDIEH

A guy who marries a new girl each day, only to murder her, come morning? A girl determined to become his wife so she can get her revenge? STARS, YES.

28. THE SWORD OF SUMMER BY RICK RIORDAN

I love Rick Riordan's books! A pretty copy of The Sword of Summer already sits on my shelf, just waiting to be read.

29. BLUEBERRY CUPCAKE MYSTERY BY NAOMI MILLER

First of all, THAT TITLE. I'm not a huge Amish fiction person, but this looks like such a darling read!

30. ONCE & FOR ALL BY SARAH DESSEN

The romance of a wedding planner? Yes, please!

31. ALEX & ELIZA BY MELISSA DE LA CRUZ

My number one reason for wanting to read this? ALEXANDER HAMILTON AND ELIZABETH SCHUYLER.

32. CARAVAL BY STEPHANIE GARBER

An enchanting carnival a betrothed young woman wishes to attend? Her quest to release her sister from the carnival-master's clutches? THIS BOOK SOUNDS EPIC.

33. TWINEPATHY BY C.B. COOK

Superheroes, telepathic connections, and secret agencies, with a first line worthy of Rick Riordan himself? OF COURSE.

34. PROPHET BY R.J. LARSON

Ever since I read Desiree Williams's Sun & Moon a couple months back, I've developed a fascination for desert-set Christian novels. So the story of a female prophet whom God calls to spread His word? Um, yes.

35. ILLUSIONARY BY DESIREE WILLIAMS

Speaking of Desiree Williams, IT'S DESIREE WILLIAMS, Y'ALL. THE QUEEN OF MESHING FANTASY AND ROMANCE.

36. WILLOUGHBY & THE TERRIBLY ITCHY ITCH BY PAM HALTER

This is technically a children's book, but that doesn't stop me! This book looks like such a dear!

37. AN UNCERTAIN CHOICE BY JODY HEDLUND

I feel like this will be the perfect middle ages love story. 💗

38. THE TWELVE DANCING PRINCESSES BY JENNI JAMES

A retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses with a synopsis that sounds like baby-me's favorite Barbie movie? YES, I WANT TO READ THIS!

39. LONDON IN THE DARK BY VICTORIA LYNN

London. In the dark. 1910. A girl just home from boarding school (and she just happens to have the same name as me!). A private detective. And this story's written by a Goodreads friend, too? YES.

40. THRONE OF GLASS BY SARAH J. MAAS

When I get to this, I will most certainly be approaching with caution, particularly with the later books. But for now, let's just think about an assassin who cares and how crazy awesome that sounds.

41. WHEN CALLS THE HEART BY JANETTE OKE

THE TV SHOW IS SUCH A DOLL. So when I found out there were books, too? (And written in the first person, yo!) 😍

42. JACKABY BY WILLIAM RITTER

"Doctor Who meets Sherlock..." Need I say more?

43. SUMMERS AT CASTLE AUBURN BY SHARON SHINN

This novel got a five-star review from an author I admire, and it has a gorgeous cover and stunning title to match!

44. THE WORD CHANGERS BY ASHLEE WILLIS

So I first experienced Ashlee Willis last month, when I read A Wish Made of Glass after having drooled over it for years. Her writing voice is SO beautiful, and the preview of The Word Changers at the back of AWMoG made me want to read it all the more!

45. KETURAH & LORD DEATH BY MARTINE LEAVITT

A reimagining of Hades & Persephone, with a five-star review from Ashlee Willis, deeming it "spellbinding"? UH, YEAH.

46. THE KISS OF DECEPTION BY MARY E. PEARSON

When I first heard about this book, I was petrified and hurriedly added it to my TBR because it sounded too much like one of my own stories (thankfully, research has told me otherwise!). But now? After reading a few parts of the first chapter or so? THIS BOOK JUST LOOKS LIKE A NEW FANDOM WAITING TO HAPPEN.

47. THE RAGING QUIET BY SHERRYL JORDAN

As those of you who've been following my Snow White retelling might have noticed, I've developed a recent curiosity for deafness. So a romance featuring a deaf character? I totally want to read this!

48. SHADOW HAND BY ANNE ELISABETH STENGL

I've been conflicted as to my thoughts on Dragonwitch -- but it is Anne Elisabeth Stengl, so I'll probably finish it just so I can contentedly move on to this one. But Shadow Hand's PROLOGUE. ALL THE WEE LI'L BABY CHARACTERS FROM THE HEARTLESS/VEILED-ROSE/MOONBLOOD TIMELINE. 😻

49. SIX OF CROWS BY LEIGH BARDUGO

"Joost had two problems: the moon and his mustache." << THAT OPENING LINE, THOUGH.

50. THE SELECTION BY KIERA CASS

A lottery system similar to that of The Hunger Games joins the lovely fairytale of Cinderella in a romantic, futuristic trilogy with gorgeous covers. How could one not want to read this?

51. THE RYN BY SERENA CHASE

This book makes me think of if Anne Elisabeth Stengl's Moonblood met Jaye L. Knight's Resistance, and the two books had a Snow-White-and-Rose-Red-and-Sleeping-Beauty-reimagining book baby. So Stengl meshed with Knight? Dude, yes!

~

Are there any books you're looking forward to reading? Have you read any of these books? What did you think?

❤,

How to Discover & Harness Your Writing Voice

So I totally missed last week's post AND I AM SO SORRY, MY DEAR DRAGONS. Unexpected company, a multiple-hour-long SAT practice test, attempts at Camp NaNoWriMo, and just life in general kind of laughed at me and poked me with a stick.*

*Rude, right?

So today we're going to be talking about writing voice.*

*Oopsies for missing that, last week! Again, I'm terribly sorry! 🙁

I have a confession to make: I don't like Jane Austen's books. Don't get me wrong; I love the era and the romance and the drama and all the pretty books and dresses and such. Having thrived upon BBC's Emma, Pride & Prejudice, and Death Comes to Pemberley -- as well as the 1990s Emma Thompson version of Sense & Sensibility -- for the past few years, I cracked open Emma last December, expecting all the fun and sweetness of the miniseries. In truth, I hated it. (*runs screaming and hides behind stack of Rick Riordan books* *dislodges Austenites' arrow from ribcage* *dies a slow, painful, miserable death*)

Thus, I set Emma aside and picked up Pride & Prejudice, a much preferred tale... I thought it was better than Emma, but I still slugged through it, hating every moment.*

*It was a class assignment to choose a pre-1900s, non-US novel, in case you're wondering why I kept reading. (*coughs and casually attempts to dodge another Austenite arrow*)

Though I enjoyed Austen's plots and characters, her writing style was not for me. The rich, witty writing was too fudge-like: it was good at first, but as time passed and I digested more of it, my senses rebelled.

~

Last summer, I won a copy of Ivy Rose's The Old River Road, and I started reading immediately. Ivy's beautiful writing style, adorable characters, and sweet plot line drew me in from the first page. By the end of the novel, it had earned both a place in my heart and a spot on my favorites' shelf.*

*Haven't read The Old River Road? GO READ IT NOW.  Here's the link to the kindle edition, and here's the link to the paperback. NOW GO BUY IT. YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE NOT TO.

Ivy and Austen's books became either favorites or non-favorites based solely on the author's voice. Your voice can drive your novel to be a win for your readers.*

*Of course, not every story is going to be for every reader, and a certain writing style may not just fit a certain type of reader. Like Jane Austen. Lots of people adore her novels, but her books just aren't my favs.

~

I first learned about writing voice early last year. My reaction was basically a weird screaming goat thing because whaaat? You have to worry about whether or not your writing = your voice ALONGSIDE your plot, characters, setting, and theme?

A few months later, in August 2016, I had a crazy dream, which soon transformed into an idea for a sci-fi novel/novella.* Upon awakening from this dream-with-no-apparent-source, a few first lines came to mind over the course of the day. Elated by the concept that, hey!, these sentences were actually decent, I proudly shared them with my parents. From all appearances, I'd unveiled a small window with a blurry view of my writing voice.

*This idea is now my problem-child, but that's beside the point.

Looking back on my first few lines, they weren't great (and will probably undergo a thousand-and-one eons of construction before I ever let them risk seeing the light of day, again). Since then, I've learned more about my voice, and I've found that -- thank God -- there's a lot more of your voice to be discovered than what first appears on the surface. Here are a few practices that have helped -- and continue to help -- me learn more about my writing voice:

1. READ THE BOOKS YOU WANT TO READ

You want to read the books you want to read with good reason. Go ahead. Read them. Take chances with the stories you're not as interested in, too. The more you read, the more you learn.

2. KEEP YOUR STORIES TO YOURSELF

(WHEN REASONABLE)

I'm not saying to never let people read your books. But during the first draft or two, it's extremely important to write with your door closed. I love my family and value their input, but I think being so eager to share my sci-fi story helped it to lose its stability and become one of my least favorite book-babies.

Waiting to share your story with the world (or even just a few friends, family members, or beta readers) allows the creativity to flow when you need it most. In other words...

3. WRITE WITH NO LIMITS

Don't think about how your story will be published and an international bestseller, someday. 😉

Write. Just write. (Easier said than done, though, am I right?) Let your creativity fly as free as Maleficent.*

*SPOILER for the 2014 movie (in white, in case you haven't seen it, yet 😉): Just don't let your true love steal it. 😐

4. STUDY AUTHORS WHOSE VOICES YOU LOVE

Got a favorite author? Ask them questions, if you can. Is there anything different they do that you can work into your routine?

If you can't ask them questions, don't be afraid to open your notebook and jot down a few paragraphs of their book. Feel their writing style -- how their sentences are structured, how they introduce the characters or the setting. For a few moments, let their story be yours. Just don't plagiarize. 😉

5. WRITE... A LOT

Got a few moments at the end of a busy day? Take that time to write. Like reading, the more you write, the more you learn.

~

I hope you found this post as helpful to read as I found to write it!

Do you have a particular way of learning more about your voice? Anything you'd care to share?

❤,

Post banner background
recovered from Pixabay.

REINTEGRATION // Cover Reveal

'Morning, Dragons! As you've probably noticed, I'm here this Tuesday morning to share the cover for Reintegration, Ashley Bogner's debut novel! I'm so terribly excited to share it, so let's get straight to it!






Oh, wait.







You didn't honestly think it would be that easy, did you? 😉







I'll wait.








And keep waiting...









It's time!










Just kidding. I'm totally going to make you wait.










Almost there (and I'm serious, this time)!











And here we are!!!!

ABOUT THE BOOK

A perfect citizen. A captured rebel. One decision could destroy them both.

As a Regulator, seventeen-year-old Katherine Holliday's duty is to protect the people of the Federation from a group of violent rebels who have exiled themselves to the mysterious wilderness. When one of these rebels is captured within the Federation, the government leaders propose an alternative to execution, a procedure they call Reintegration. The procedure involves erasing the rebel's memory and attempting to make him a member of society. The rebel, a young man named Matthew, is not the violent criminal Katherine expects, and she can't help but befriend him. A few weeks after Matthew's Reintegration, Katherine realizes the procedure failed and she is now presented with a choice no one else can help her make. Can she warn her superiors that Reintegration failed, which could mean death for Matthew? Or will she defy everything she knows to help him escape -- and risk her own execution?

COMING AUGUST 18TH, 2017

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When Ashley Bogner was in third grade, she decided she would be a published author when she grew up. Ashley is a homeschool graduate and has lived in seven different states. She completed a year of Bible college and in the fall will begin pursuing a degree in Communication Studies. After college, her plan is to work in the Christian publishing industry. When not writing, she can be found baking, posting book reviews on her blog, and watching her favorite movies over and over to the point of memorization.

~

Congratulations, Ashley!!!! And Dragons, keep an eye out -- Reintegration releases in one month!

What's your favorite thing about the cover?

❤,

Cover, synopsis, and author
bio provided by Ashley Bogner.

ENDING FEAR // Blog Tour & Guest Post

My dear Dragons, today I am proud to present author Deanna Fugett, who is with us today to share with us about her writing process, in celebration of her debut novel, Ending Fear's, release! Ending Fear releases in one week's time and I'll be telling you more about it in a moment, but for now I'm passing the mic to Deanna! 😄

~

What does my writing process look like, you ask?

That question actually makes me laugh. Why? I have four kids and I'm a big disorderly mess. Yeah, you heard that right. A mess, I tell ya.

I wish I could say I have a straightforward process, one I follow every day. Some sort of pattern, or schedule or even some sort of semblance of order for my writing. But I don't. Creative types tend to be pretty scattered and chaotic. I've always said that I thrive on the chaos. But that's not always true. Sometimes chaos is to my detriment. Sometimes it can be a very bad thing when I miss deadlines or forget something super important. I hate when that kind of thing happens.

It's funny too, because my mom used to say I was such an organized kid, and so good at organization and planning and all that stuff. Then my children happened and it all kind of went out the door. But that's okay. It's the way I function for now. And it's working... mostly.

My publisher sent me a planner a bit ago. I think that was a not-so-subtle wink-wink, like, "Get your act together, lady!" Even this post I'm writing at the moment is "late." But for the most part my creativity can work at its best when I'm not constrained by schedules. Not always.

My normal writing day can be summed up like this: "Work as much as possible, as fast as possible when the kids are away or otherwise preoccupied. Whenever and wherever you are, get those thoughts down quick! Scramble for words, cut them out of your heart if you have to, but get them on paper!" I am a huge binge writer. I won't write for weeks and then I'll write nonstop for weeks straight. That's kind of been my process. Once I'm in the "zone" it's really hard to get out of until my project feels complete.

I do have to be flexible, of course, since I'm a mommy and a wife, and my family always needs to come first. But sometimes, I just have to look a kid in the eye and say, "Mom's working. I really need to get this done right now." That's the hard part about working from home. No one really respects your work time because you're not away in the "office."

It's a delicate balance.

If there was a nine-to-five office I could escape to, I doubt anyone would interrupt then, because they would consider it a "real" job. It's not really fair to us writers that this isn't regarded as a real job just because we have to do our work at home. But that's just the way it is.

When I wrote the first draft of Ending Fear I literally did nothing but (other than dishes and laundry) write for two months straight. I poured my heart and soul into the book and wrenched it out of my brain. When I was done I was exhausted. I sat back, looked around and said, "Oh my gosh, this house is a mess." LOL. But I had done it. I completed the task. The next few years have been devoted to editing that messy first draft.

People have asked me if I eat snacks when I write. I don't usually. I usually just drink cappuccinos. I don't want crumbs in my keyboard, thank you very much. That being said, all those fancy Instagram photos that writers put up with their coffee right next to their keyboard makes me cringe. "Are you not scared of spilling your coffee and ruining your precious laptop?!?!" I want to scream at the photo. Needless to say, I'm slightly paranoid and keep my cappuccino safely on another surface, far, far away from my computer.

I think every writer's biggest fear should be a dead laptop. But that's what my story is about. Conquering your fears. Maybe I should learn from my characters and quit worrying so much. Or not. I still have a few more books in this series to get this Ending Fear stuff under control. 🙂

~

A very special thank you to Deanna for taking the time to share her writing process for Ending Fear with us! 💗

And now...

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Gliding Lands, book one

Fourteen-year-old Fear learns she was a parachute baby, dumped over the edge of the Gliding Lands as an infant. Fascinated by the floating cities in the sky before, now she's desperate for answers. But a slave isn't likely to get those answers.

When her abusive Downer family throws her from their hovel, Fear takes refuge with a family who shows her love for the first time. Surely they can't be trusted. Years of abuse and molestation have taught her that.

Then her brother discovers where she's hiding and tries to kidnap her. Fear will never let him touch her again. Her new family conceals her at the Fallen, a ranch that hides parachute babies from the Uppers who discarded them.

Just as she's beginning to embrace yet another home, Fear's new little sister, Happy, is kidnapped and taken to the Uppers' temple harem. Fear must go against her namesake, find a working hoverpod, and journey to the dreaded Gliding Lands before the little girl's innocence is ripped from her forever.

Can she save Happy in time? And will she find answers to the burning question of why anyone would throw her away?

LOVE2READLOVE2WRITE PUBLISHING, LLC

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Deanna Fugett's heart belongs to writing. Author of edgy, YA dystopian fiction with an underlying message of hope, this stay-at-home mom of four focuses on writing as much as humanly possible. She was first published at the age of six in a local newspaper, and is excited to be published again. It only took twenty-six years. She enjoys the thrill of writing fiction that deals with intense topics and prays it will impact people for the better.

Readers can connect with Deanna via her website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

SCAVENGER HUNT

L2L2 Publishing has been kind enough to whip together a scavenger hunt (which = prizes!!). Here's your clue:

Find the rest of the clues by visiting the other tour stops below. Once you've figured out the magical sentence these fourteen clues form, visit the scavenger hunt entry form to enter your name in the drawing!

MORE ENDING FEAR FUN

Ending Fear is also releasing with... a coloring book! Illustrated by Keighley Kindig, you can learn more about the novel's companion by visiting L2L2's website, or checking out a few of the other stops along the tour.

On July twentieth, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM (Pacific time), L2L2 is hosting a celebratory Facebook party, featuring epic prizes, games, and get-to-know-the-author trivia! Learn more about the party here.

TOUR SCHEDULE

• Monday, July 10th
• Jebraun Clifford -- visual post
• Dallen Clark -- interview
• Tuesday, July 11th
• Liv K. Fisher -- behind-the-scenes feature
• Wednesday, July 12th
• J.M. Hackman -- guest post
• Thursday, July 13th
• Laura A. Grace -- coloring book feature
• Grace Mullins -- guest post
• Friday, July 14th
• Jordan Sundholm -- visual post
• Saturday, July 15th
• Laurie Lucking -- top-three post
• Sunday, July 16th
• Michaela Weidinger -- book review
• Monday, July 17th
• Katie Donovan -- interview
• Tuesday, July 18th (release day!)
• Deanna Fugett -- special feature & visual post
• Wednesday, July 19th
• Laurin Boyle -- book review
• Thursday, July 20th (party day!)
• Michele Israel Harper -- book review
• Friday, July 21st
• Joy Corkery -- book review

~

I'm so thrilled for Deanna, and ecstatic about Ending Fear! I adore this story so much! Deanna expertly handles the tough topics with a magnificent writing style and gorgeous character voice. Overall, Ending Fear is AMAZING. Deanna has quickly leapt onto my list of most favorite authors ever. 😍

Don't forget to pre-order Ending Fear from Amazon, add it to Goodreads, sign up for the Facebook party, and take part in the scavenger hunt!

❤,

Blog tour images provided by L2L2.

CHILDREN OF THE FORGOTTEN // Cover Reveal

Good morrow, Dragons! Today I'm delighted to share with you the cover for author Charles Franklin's debut novel, Children of the Forgotten! Without further adieu...






HAHAHAHAHA. (Yup, I'm totally going to make you wait.)








Scroll down...








Just keep scrolling, just keep scrolling...









And here...








...we...









...are!

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a post-apocalyptic world, most people by age thirty have succumbed to the Sickness, a mysterious deadly illness. But the Sickness is not the only enemy for Collin Mann's city. Hordes of deranged killers live in the hills around it. With few trained protectors, the future of the little city looks bleak.

Collin, fifteen years old, buries those the Sickness consumes. Slight and awkward, he shuns warrior training, avoiding the example of his big brother and guardian.

When killers attack at the watering hole, he's called to step forward and defend. Instead, he freezes.

He's ashamed. His people need him to fight. Can he do it? Or would a clumsy person like himself make any difference in the battle for existence?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Charles was born and raised in Texas. From there, he joined the United States Army and has traveled the world. Along the way, he saw the most beautiful set of eyes he had ever seen. They belonged to a girl... and he married her right away. Twenty years later, they have three children and are finally headed back home to Texas for good.

Upon retiring from the Army after twenty-three years, Charles will continue to serve others as a teacher in the town he grew up in. When he's not in the classroom, or spending time with his family, Charles writes stories about faith, love, hope, and adventure.

His debut novel, Children of the Forgotten: The Anistemi (Book I), will release in August and he has already begun work on the second book in the trilogy. Charles is also writing an action thriller, and has begun outlining another series set in the Anistemi world.

Readers can connect with Charles via his website, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, as well as the hashtags #CotF and #Anistemi.

~

Eeep! Isn't that cover gorgeous? The sword, the stone, the sparks... and a story set in a futuristic world? I'm so excited for Children of the Forgotten to release!

What's your favorite thing about the cover? Are you looking forward to Children of the Forgotten's release?

❤,

Banner image background labeled
public domain by Pixabay.
Cover image and author photo
provided by Charles Franklin.

How to Design a Business Card

Whaaa? I actually went outside and was social for this one? *gasps*  #beproud

Hello, my dear Dragons! So I kinda totally forgot that, whoops, THERE'S SUPPOSED TO BE A NEW BLOG POST, TODAY. 😲 I guess that would've been good to remember.

So! Today I'd planned on talking about writing voice. Change of plans. That'll probably be coming next Saturday. Today we're talking about business cards! 1) Because it's conference season, and 2) because I GOT MY FIRST EVER SET OF PERSONAL BUSINESS CARDS IN THE MAIL LAST WEEKEND, YA'LL.

Look! Just look how pwutey they are! 😍

They look even more epic in person! 😍 😍

Eeeeep!

Anywhozens, on to designing. Or constructing, rather.

During my template-choosing process (I used Vistaprint), I WAS LOST. I mean... what was I supposed to put on there? But thanks to this helpful post I found via Google, I gots ideasez. Apparently Your business card's background should relate to what you have to offer. Me? I'm a fantasy author with a love for historical elements, so a glowing, Neverlandish pirate ship seemed the right fit for me. 😊

1. YOUR NAME / YOUR BUSINESS

Hopefully this one is easy. If not, I apologize and I recommend researching how to know whether or not you have amnesia.

Your business name needs to come first, and be biggest. Let the world know who you are!

2. WHAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER

Basically, why should people care? (That probably sounds awful. I apologize.)

When someone hands me a business card, 75% of the time I ACTUALLY DON'T WANT IT. (Hopefully that will all change when I go to my first conference later this month! *squeals*)

Sell your product (or your soul) by making what you have to offer sound appealing. Add in the extras, if you feel the need.

Here's an example: I'm a writer, and that's mainly what these business cards are for. But I'm also an actress; that's cool, isn't it? (😉) I'm also a blogger (probably way more than I actually write and act *blushes*), which helps because it means that, ta da! I'm easyish to connect with! (No promises on how easy I'll be to connect with in person, though.)

3. YOUR TAGLINE

This one's way more optional. If you have a cool slogan, this is your time to use it.

4. HOW THE PEEPS CAN FIND YOU

Website time! Where can people go if they want to learn more about you? Or contact you? Or buy your product?

5. (IF YOU HAVE ROOM...) ZEE EXTRAZ

Mine's a Bible verse. If you're going somewhere where you'll meet a ton of other Christians, chances are that their business cards will all have verses (or at least some references) on them, too. If you're just not feeling quoting the Bible (why?!), this is a good spot to put a few social media links. But this all depends on whether or not you have room. If you're going for a simpler, more minimalist-ic look, stick with your first four lines. If you feel confident that your business card's not too crowded, then feel free to add some more!

~

So I hope this helped! Also, if you're looking for a printer, I highly recommend Vistaprint. (Don't worry, this post isn't sponsored. 😉) They gave me a major discount on my first order, ran through everything slowly with me so I wouldn't get lost, and when I ordered the slowest/cheapest form of shipping, they got it to me eleven days early!

Now, enough about me and designing and whatnot. What about you?

Are you going to a writing conference, this summer (or any time soon!)? Are you bringing business cards?

❤,

Happy Independence Day!

{Source.}

Happy US Independence Day, my dear Dragons! I pray you all have a fun, festive, and safe Fourth of July! 💕

❤,

June Highlights

Hello, July! Ah, it has been a fantastic summer thus far, and I'm looking forward to what you have to bring. 😊

Almost every day this June since school got out, I have been social. Like, what? It's so awesome, because oh my word, I NEVER HAVE TIME FOR THESE THINGS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR.

{Source.}

Speaking of social and awesome things, guys guys guys!!!! I met Sierra Abrams!!!! You know that young author from the GTW community whose debut novel, The Color Project, is releasing in seventeen days? (Click here to check out her Twitter page and here to pre-order The Color Project.)

Sierra is one of the most amazing peeps on the face of the planet, and she has such a sweet soul. 💜

We met at a Barnes & Noble, walked around, fangirled over books and blogs and fellow authors, and drank coffee. And oh my word, I am SO SO SO SO SO excited for Sierra and TCP!!!! In case you haven't pre-ordered it since I last gave you the link (*coughs* fifteen seconds ago), then here it is again. 😉

Other things that happened: I ventured on a six-mile hike. Through rattlesnake country. In scorching hot weather. #sobrave

This morning, I braved a six-mile hike through rattlesnake country -- and SURVIVED. 😱

How did you spend your Saturday? 😎

— Liv K. Fisher (@oliviakimwrites) June 24, 2017

It actually wasn't that bad. Particularly heat-wise, for the first two-and-a-half miles or so. 🙂 The terrifying part was the journey back. My hiking buddies and I could hear the rattlesnakes -- and the beetles that sounded like them. It was particularly spooky when the trail narrowed and became covered with brush. But, thank God, we didn't see any. *even though it's one week later, is still relieved*

From the hike. I feel like this might have been what the post-animals and
pre-discovery part of Parvin's journey in A Time to Die (Nadine Brandes) might have looked like.

Now. On to more bookish stuff. 😄

READING CORNER

{Image provided by H.L. Burke.}

Boooooooks. 📚 😻

1. Coiled ARC by H.L. Burke. I received an early ebook copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, which you can read (along with my blog tour post) here.

2. How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method by Randy Ingermanson. I didn't technically finish this one; I DNFed it at 56% because boredom + it wasn't my thing. The positive thing was that this book taught me I'm more of a pantser than I'd thought. 🙂

3. The Reluctant Godfather by Allison Tebo. This one started out as a four-star read for me. But by the end, I was hooked. The ending was fantabulous. 😍

Belle + Paper Crowns.

4. Princess Sonora & the Long Sleep by Gail Carson Levine. This book was really more of a children's story than the middle-grade-style I was expecting, but it was still a nice break, for a light and fast-paced read.

5. Paper Crowns by Mirriam Neal. This was a fun little read, and I adored the characters... Salazar and Halycon, particularly. It was a bit as if someone mixed origami magic with the White Witch's reign from The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe.

Snow in Summer.

6. Snow in Summer by Jane Yolen. THIS BOOK, DRAGONS. This book is utterly fantastic. I read it in two days flat (which is a really quick read, for me). It's so dark and creepy and magical! YOU MUST READ DIS.

7. A Spy's Devotion by Melanie Dickerson. This book had its ups and downs. I loved the Regency aspect and the opening scene, but after a while, the characters rather lost their flaws and the plot seemed overused. It still made for a very sweet read, though!

BOOK HAUL

From Goodwill:

1. Isle of Swords by Wayne Thomas Batson.

From the Book-Off (our location is now closing *sobs*):

2. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. A SIGNED mass market paperback copy. For $3. 😱

3. The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale.

4. Forest Born by Shannon Hale.

From a giveaway:

5. The Slumbering by C.S. Johnson.

6. The Calling by C.S. Johnson.

From a library booksale:

7. Lock & Key by Sarah Dessen. Sierra recommended Sarah's books to me, and then I found this beauty for $.75 the next day!

WRITING DESK

I have been preparing ferociously for Camp NaNoWriMo as of late (*freaks out at the realization that it starts today*), particularly since, with Realm Makers coming up, I only have twenty-two days to complete it. But, it's Because of Midnight Poison (my Snow White retelling), and I'm in love with it, so -- *cracks knuckles* -- let's do this, baby.

As far as the writing I've actually been doing this June, I've been attempting to relax (somewhat). It's been so nice having the time to be social and actually do things (like baking!) that I allowed myself to take the month off.

~

So there are some of June's highlights. June was honestly way too busy to include all of them, but I did the best I could. 🙂

What are your plans for July? Are you doing Camp NaNoWriMo?

❤,