Remember When . . . The Moths Ate History?

by | Apr 14, 2010 | Remember When Wednesdays, Uncategorized

Giveaway – To Darkness Fled, a young adult fantasy by Jill Williamson.

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How’s that for a weird title? LOL. Had I not wanted to use my “Remember When” opener, it would have been “The Holes History Left.”

So. I’m researching for a new Biblical-fiction, which I have mentioned briefly on here before. (I’ll have an official announcement about it soon-ish.) It’s going to be combining the book of Esther in the Bible with the history of Xerxes (what the rest of the world called King Ahasa-whatever in the Bible) as told by Herodotus in his chronicles of the war between Persia and Greece.

Here’s the thing, though. Reading them, trying to put them together, leaves a lot of questions. Stupid ones like “When was his oldest son born?” that should have ready answers. But don’t. We have very few records of the Persians outside these two sources I’m already using, so if they don’t tell me, nothing does.

In a way, it’s frustrating. I just want to know how old the kid was!! But I’m going to focus on how freeing it is, too. Because the more holes, the more illogical stuff that’s recorded, the more I get to spin my way for my story, the more I get to make up.

Scholars today also agree that Herodotus, who gives us most of what we know about Xerxes, was rather biased against him, given that X was leading a massive army against H’s people and all. So in all likelihood he doctored the truth a little to reflect his own beliefs and make Xerxes look as terrible as possible in the eyes of the Greeks. I’m totally taking that into account and assuming Herodotus wasn’t a mind reader so didn’t actually know all the thoughts he attributes to Xerxes. I’ll be attributing my own thoughts to him, thank you very much. 😉 (I mean, not mine. But my interpretation, LOL.) For instance, some of the wackier things he did are going to be explained by a sense of humor. History doesn’t record one, but you know. History rarely does.

Some of my best story ideas arise when I read something in history and am left going, “Yeah, but what about . . .?” Like in Esther–how, exactly, did no one know she was Jewish when everyone knew Mordecai was and they obviously had some kind of association?? Well, I have my theory, and it revolves around my main character. =)

Does the Esther story as told in the Bible leave you with any unanswered questions for me to work in?

Story Time . . . A DISTANT MELODY by Sarah Sundin

by | Apr 13, 2010 | Uncategorized

Giveaway – To Darkness Fled, a young adult fantasy by Jill Williamson.

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I’ve been hearing a lot about A Distant Melody from my writing/reviewing friends, and they’ve all said the same thing: this isn’t a book you should read too much about before you crack it open. Just read it–you’ll love it. Given that when I picked up the book and read the back I thought, “Well this sounds okay . . .” I decided they must be on to something. And within the first chapter I knew why they were all saying it. This is a story made magical by the writing and tone, something a back cover blurb just can’t adequately portray.

Allie Miller has always been a disappointment to her mother, has always been spoiled by her father. But as she was away at college it didn’t strike her as it does now. Now, every evening is spent in the same way–her soon-to-be-fiance eats dinner with them, and they all sit on the porch. She can’t help but feel that something is missing in this chord, something that would make her life’s melody sweet. She can’t imagine what note she needs, until a week spent with a college friend who’s getting married introduces her to harmony that can fill one’s soul when in the company of people who actually understand you–and like you anyway.

Walt Novak is a pilot who can’t wait to get his orders and head over to show Hitler who’s boss. Flying is one thing he can do without getting tongue tied or feeling the sting of his father’s disapproval. Plus, there are no eligible women up in the air to make him trip over himself. His bad luck with unattached females is legendary–until he meets Allie. Allie . . . wow. Allie’s everything. Unfortunately, she isn’t as unattached as he at first assumes. So why can’t he shake the desire to make her his girl?

As war ravages the world, these two less-than-perfect characters have fights on their hands that have nothing to do with the Axis. Allie must figure out where to draw the line between obedience and sacrifice. Walt must learn what damage lies and temper can cause. Together, though an ocean apart, they discover what can be when the Lord is let to work in the hearts that are His.

A Distant Melody is a beautiful story, but more, it’s told in such a beautiful way that it will become a song in your mind as you’re reading it. Each character is part of the greater movement, each scene a composition that builds toward the crescendo. And like any great composer, Sundin will have you wincing at every dissonance . . . because that makes the resolving chords so much sweeter.

Though this is her debut novel, Sarah Sundin has proven herself a master. It takes skill and vision to make a romance heart-thudding when the characters are so far from each other through most of the story, but she not only pulls it off, she makes it sing. This book gets my highest recommendation. It’s perfect for lovers of romance, lovers of history (especially the WWII era), and lovers of good stories in general. I can’t wait for the sequel!

Quick note–Sarah will be my feature author this Friday with an interview and giveaway, so don’t forget to stop back over!!

(Oh yeah–and I got this book free from the publisher for review purposes.)

Modern . . . Crazy Houses

by | Apr 12, 2010 | Uncategorized

Don’t forget to enter Friday’s giveaway for Jill Williamson’s fabulous YA fantasy!!

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Last week one of the books we got for my kids from the library is called Rotten Teeth. It’s about a shy little girl who never takes anything into Show and Tell because she thinks there’s nothing interesting enough in her house. And yet, as you turn the pages and look at her house, it’s truly crazy. We’re talking pet alligators on the lawn, aliens coming to her father’s dental office, turtle chairs . . . she ends up taking a jar of rotten teeth, hence the title, but that’s not my point here, LOL.

As I read this to Xoe the first time, I nearly started laughing at how this house resembled one in one of my books. The story now known as Love Me Silly features a house owned by the heroine’s best friend’s aunt. It’s one of those houses where you notice something new (and bizarre) every time you look around. When my critique partners were reading this, they got continual chuckles from the things that showed up, too.

But the really funny thing is that nearly every bizarre item in that house came from my personal experience. The plastic pig that oinks every time you open the fridge? That would be a yard sale find that my grandfather thought so hilarious he installed it at his house. It took about a week for my grandmother to decide it was unbearably insulting and ban it to the downstairs fridge, which she didn’t have to get into very often.

The pet tarantula? My MIL had one for years. (Shudder.) Her house was actually my inspiration for Aunt Willow’s, though the character’s is a bit more extreme in some cases. (Only some, LOL.) I still look around and find bizarre things stationed around my MIL’s house regularly. Aside from the complete vintage wardrobe, she has shoes hanging on the walls, confederate soldier uniforms, a random wagon wheel hanging next to an old saddle, parasols, chain mail, manikins, and a talking monster butler that still freaks my daughter out every time she goes out into what we call The Peacock Room. Need I go on?

In my book, this house is in part just a fun backdrop, but it also nudges my heroine into letting loose and getting in touch with her fun side. I mean, how serious you can be when you’re sitting at a table that looks like a hay bale on a chair made out of a saddle? =)

So here’s a question for you–what’s the craziest thing you’ve ever spotted in someone else’s house?

My Friend Jill – Interview & Giveaway

My Friend Jill – Interview & Giveaway

by | Apr 9, 2010 | Uncategorized

Today I’m thrilled to welcome Jill Williamson to come and chat about her Young Adult fantasy series, particularly the newest release, To Darkness Fled. Jill has graciously offered one lucky winner a choice of either this book, or the first in the series, By Darkness Hid. So as always, leave your comments below for a chance to win!

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About Jill

Jill Williamson is a novelist, dreamer, and believer. She grew up in Alaska with no electricity, an outhouse, and a lot of mosquitoes. Thankfully it was the land of the midnight sun, and she could stay up and read by the summer daylight that wouldn’t go away. But in the winter, there was nothing better to do than daydream. Both hobbies set her up to be a writer. VOYA magazine named By Darkness Hid as one of the Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror novels of 2010. Jill has served alongside her youth pastor husband for the past twelve years and loves working with teenagers, especially to encourage young writers. She gives writing workshops at churches and schools. You can learn more about Jill on her Web site at www.jillwilliamson.com.

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About To Darkness Fled

They have no choice. Chased by an evil prince, Achan, Vrell, and the Kingsguard knights flee into Darkness. They head north, for Tsaftown and Ice Island, where they must free an army that can help them fight for Er’Rets.

Darkness sickens Vrell. How long can she keep her secret without being caught? Achan already suspects her of lying. If she is not careful, he will suspect her of treason as well. She hopes he will let his suspicions go until they reach her home.

Achan wanted freedom, but this new journey has bound him more than ever. Sir Gavin’s claims are so far fetched. First, that there might only be one God, and second, that this God chose Achan to push back Darkness, the magnificent curse of Er’Rets. Him. Achan. Barely a man himself.

Each setback Darkness brings seems minor compared to the one choice only Achan can make. What will he choose?

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What’s your latest book?

To Darkness Fled is the second book in the Blood of Kings trilogy. It released April 1, 2010 from Marcher Lord Press. To Darkness Fled is about Achan, a young man who wants to become a knight, and Vrell, a girl who is dressed as a boy to hide from the man who wants to marry her. Book two picks up where By Darkness Hid left off.

What’s your favorite part of the story?

My favorite part is the scene when Achan finds out that Vrell is a girl. J Yes, it will happen in book two!

LOL—I can definitely see the potential in that scene! What’s your favorite genre to write? To read?

I am happiest writing speculative fiction. That’s anything weird. Fantasy, science fiction, time travel, supernatural stories—anything like that. I love to write it. It’s also probably my favorite genre to read, though I also really like suspense novels…and Jane Austen…and historical romances…and anything written by Jenny B. Jones, which is funny stuff.

I’ve only read one Jenny B. Jones, but it was FABULOUS! Can’t wait to get my hands on more! And for the record, my hubby’s favorite author ever is Orson Scott Card, so I’ve read quite a lot of spec-fic too. =) (Though I gave your book to my best friend when she BEGGED me.) What are you reading right now—and what do you want to read next?

I’m reading Nicole O’Dell’s Scenarios for Girls series. These are quick, fun reads for young teens, similar to the Choose Your Own Adventure books. In each of these, a story is told about halfway though, then the reader has to choose what to do. There are two endings based on each choice. They are pretty cool books. I’m excited to read Tosca Lee’s novels. I bought both a few months ago and can’t manage to find time to squeeze them in.

I just got both of Tosca’s too. I’ve already read Havah, am looking forward to Demon. Is there any one thing or reference you keep handy when writing? Anything you kept around for this particular book?

I keep my Er’Rets binder close at hand. This is a three-ring binder filled with all my storyworld notes including my character charts, maps, sketches of castles, sketches of characters, crests for each town, pretend languages, lists of knights that serve which lord, a timeline of Er’Rets, lists of herbs and their medicinal uses, and things like that. I am lost without that binder because it keeps me organized.

I also use two online sources all the time. www.dictionary.coman online dictionary and thesaurus.

And www.etymonline.comis an online etymology dictionary that allows you to type in a word and find its origins. This is really helpful for historical writers. This way you can use words that people would use during a certain time period. I use this to help me find out whether a word goes back far enough to be medieval.

Dictionary.com is my homepage. =) And Etymonline I use so much that it comes up whenever I type ‘e’ in my browser, LOL. And I am thoroughly impressed with that binder! I just can’t imagine the time that went into that. Speaking of which . . . aside from writing, what takes up most of your time?

Taking care of my children, ages eight and six, and working with the youth group. My husband is a youth pastor and we spend five nights a week doing church activities.

Wow. Do you remember where you were when you got your first or most important call about a book contract?

I was sitting at my computer and Jeff Gerke emailed me asking if he could call me. I ran and told my husband to keep an eye on our daughter, then emailed him back and he called right away.

What are you writing right now?

I am working on book three in the Blood of Kings series. From Darkness Won should come out next April.

Where can we find you on the web and where can we buy your books?

I’m everywhere! My website is www.jillwilliamson.com. I’m also on Facebook, MySpace, Shoutlife, Shelfari, GoodReads, Twitter, Amazon…

On top of that, I run two blogs. The first is Novel Teen Book Reviews at www.novelteen.com. It’s a website that reviews clean teen fiction. This is a great resource to see what books are available in the Christian market for teens. The other blog is for teen authors, though adult authors may find some useful tips too. www.teenageauthor.com.

And if you are looking to buy one of my books, online go to Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, or MarcherLordPress.com. You can also buy an autographed copy from me through my website. Many libraries have the first book and if they don’t they would likely order it if you ask. And you can request your local bookstore order my books too.

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Thanks, Jill, for taking time out of that crazy-busy schedule to chat with us!

Void where prohibited. Contest ends 4/15/10. Winner will have two weeks to claim the book before another winner is selected.

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