Paranormal Author

Musings on writing, werewolves, and mysteries.

[candrakylar]

      The Elder Fae weren’t the only beings in power during the time of their rule. Under the vast waves of the sea, communities of the Mer struggled for their right to live as they chose. Using artifacts to keep them safe from Elder Fae magic, these beings with pointed ears and mesmerizing tails showed endurance in times of war. They remain in control of the sea in Iverli though stay removed from the public eye in Abbie’s time.

      Do you want to learn more about them? Coming in the fall of 2022, you will! In the first of a new trilogy for young adults, I’m retelling the classic fairy tale of the Little Mermaid with my own twists in the world of Iverli! You will see how one spirited mermaid named Miralin left the waves to follow her heart, how a sly Mer enchantress thought to gain power from her, and how love can be stronger than any magic spell. Who’s excited to dive under the sea this fall for a new adventure?

[candrakylar]

A Thanksgiving Letter

      As another year passes, and we enter the second season of my writing career, I am reminded of how lucky I’ve been during the process. I have made great friendships along the way and had the opportunity to meet many of my readers who have been inspired by the stories I’ve created. Bringing a world to life that others excitedly delve into is an honor that I could never accurately describe. I still can’t believe it.

      This year, I’m thankful that everyone is in a healthier state and we are starting to come together again as a community. I lost a dear friend and avid reader of my books this past year due to COVID and my heart goes out to all of you who have lost someone as well. I’ve had a few of my own health setbacks and sadly withdrew from writing because of it. I have a lot of catching up to do. I’m so thankful for both the patience and well wishes from my readers during that difficult time. I’m still getting there.

      As we sit down to celebrate the holiday, please remember that it’s the little moments that matter the most. Even though Iverli doesn’t have a Thanksgiving, I would like to think that Abigail and her friends take time to appreciate how far they’ve gone in such a short time. Their friendships and the families they choose are what drives them to meet every challenge. It’s the same thing that we do as we enter the holiday season. Connection is what really matters. Take the time to write an author that you love, call a distant friend you haven’t spoken to in ages, hug a family member. Family is who we choose and I hope yours brings you warmth. Happy Thanksgiving, my readers, I promise to make 2022 count!

[candrakylar]

Where I’ve Been, Where I’m Going

      A year is a long time when it comes to creating art. I started this journey with no idea where I was going or what the reaction would be from readers. A few months ago, I hit a snag at a book signing. It was a personal snag that cut me very deeply. A rather outspoken reader, who didn’t actually read my book it turns out, came up and decided to tell me everything that they felt was wrong with the first installment in my series. They did it in public with little regard for those around them who could hear. It was a disaster. I tried to remind myself of the many readers who stood in line, who bought copies of my book, who waited to meet me. I tried to reconcile that against one awful experience. I couldn’t.

      Cut to a downward spiral of self doubt and a good dose of what authors know as the “imposter syndrome”. Questions started to bubble up that impeded any progress moving forward. What if I really was as bad as that outspoken person painted me out to be? What if I had no business making a career out of writing? What if my books were a waste of money and time? The questions kept coming and I no longer felt able to see the light. Health problems in my life added to it - thanks to Covid - and I almost lost a finger. That added to the pile that started. Unrelated things suddenly attached and I couldn’t shake the spiral. It kept turning in that ever downward motion.

       Talking about it lifted the veil and let small flickers of realization shine in. I remembered the readers who reached out to me, how one bookstore can never keep my books in stock because they sell so quickly, and started to listen to the encouragement of my colleagues. I let one bad experience take months away from something that I was passionate about. Yes, my work has flaws. Yes, I’m on the path to fix them so my best foot is put forward. Yes, I’m still an author and I’m still working on another installment in my main series. No matter what sour comments come my way, I can’t let them inhibit me any further. People who spew negativity often have their own issues to work out. I surely had my own to reconcile with.

       Now that you know where I’ve been, let me tell you where I’m going. I have two more books to work on through 2022 that will add to the Abigail Everlaine series. On top of that, I’m in talks with a friend who runs an indie film company to do a few digital shorts involving the characters in that series. I was promoted by a famous beauty vlogger who enjoyed reading my book and was lucky to meet with some fans who truly appreciated the stories I had to tell. I have a new editor who is fabulousness personified and the confidence to move forward. I’m going to keep going because, as an author and artist, it is the only thing I can do. Let’s all look forward to the year ahead.

[candrakylar]

Best Read of 2020: “Moonshiner’s Justice” - Jeremy Perry

      When I first decided to pick up “Moonshiner’s Justice”, I was on the fence about whether the book would be my cup of tea. I grew up with a father who loved westerns and valued the importance of learning about history. I was the child who was tugged around to Civil War Re-enactments, those outdoor museums mimicking pioneer life, and shown a bunch of documentaries discussing them in vivid detailed. I ended up having a deep passion for historical knowledge but, in a way, it made me avoid historical fiction. This book promised just that.

      The author is related to a good friend of mine and I was careful to reserve my judgment. It ended up being a brilliant ride through a point in history I had missed learning about during my childhood. Moonshining and the ramifications in early Kentucky mountain culture was something I knew nothing about. With each turn of the page, this book educated me without fixating on too many details. Jeremy Perry transformed an indifferent reader of forgotten history into someone who couldn’t wait to read the next chapter. There was more than history in his book...there was magic.

      I can now confidently say that this is my favorite read of 2020 and that I plan to pick up the rest of his work to read when I get the chance. This is an author with a gift that transplants the reader into a world so different from ours, introduces us to characters that are unremarkable on the outside but are so very bursting with life when it comes to their ideals. I challenge anyone uninterested in history to give this book a chance. It was the best decision I made. Without any spoilers, I interviewed Mr. Perry to get his take on the writing process.

1.) What helped you make the decision to focus on historical fiction? 

 I’ve always had a fondness for history and Appalachian culture, especially in the eastern Kentucky region. My maternal grandmother’s family was from that area, as was my paternal grandfather’s family. From the music, poetry, folk art, and the long forgotten art of oral storytelling, I just like what this wonderful part of the world has to offer. And of course, I enjoy the old moonshine folklore as well. 

 2.) There are a lot of people with misinformation on the history of moonshining. How long did you have to research it before actually starting the book? 

 I definitely wanted to make sure I knew the details when it came to making moonshine. I’ve never made the stuff myself. I’ve drank it a few times, but never made it, so I wanted to make sure I knew the process. I also had to review some dates and years to be sure the timeline was correct. There was some basic research involved, but nothing too extensive really. I did watch several interviews of old moonshiners and mountain people telling their moonshining stories and adventures from long ago. That was cool. 

 3.) The family goes through a lot, including betrayal and heartbreak. What was your favorite scene to write in the book? 

 The scene that stands out most to me is probably the last one with Ansel, the grandfather, and Raymond, the grandson. At the end, right before Ansel heads home, he and Raymond step out on the porch and have a terrific heart-to-heart exchange. It’s a short scene, but I feel it’s an honest exchange between grandfather and grandson. 

 4.) Will we see the characters again in a future installment?

 Yes. 

 5.) What's next on your list? Where do you see yourself going in the future?

 I recently finished a new collection of stories that I plan to release this summer. The title is called Where the Gravel Lane Ends, which comes from the last story in the collection. Most of these stories were previously published in magazines, but there are some new stories in there too. I’m very proud of this collection. My next project is to finish the second Moonshiner’s book. I started the book shortly after Justice was released in 2016, but sidelined it after ten or twelve pages to work on other projects. I’m looking forward to diving back in and reconnecting with some of these characters. I’ve also started a follow-up to Brothers of the Mountain: Heart of the Frontier, which is about mountain men and the fur trade in the 1820s. Heart of the Frontier has been one of my more popular books over the years. I’ve also been exploring a western bounty hunter type character. I’ve never been short on ideas. There’s always a story to write.

To grab your copy of “Moonshiner’s Justice” and start your journey into the world that Jeremy Perry sends us back to, you can follow the link below.

Jeremy Perry - Amazon Page

[candrakylar]

What’s The Deal With Patreon?

      Patreon was a site that I had always been familiar with but, as an outsider in the creative world, I didn’t know much about it. A lot of the setup seemed like a way to get donations while continuing to purchase art from said artist. It felt a little greedy to me. Shouldn’t artists just make money on their art and not expect more? I couldn’t understand the subscription concept. Then it happened: I took on a career as an author and suddenly understood just how much of a struggle financially that can be.

      There are a lot of myths about authors floating around. We are supposed to get thousands a month, go on lucrative blog tours, and negotiate with film studios for the screen rights to our stories. That may work for Stephen King or Cassandra Clare but, here in reality, a majority of us struggle. We choose to pursue writing because it’s essential to our identity. We can’t see ourselves being happy with anything else. It would just be nice if we could do that while paying the electric bill or buying groceries.

      Many authors work full-time or part-time jobs to provide income to pay their bills. Patreon came along to give us all a new option. A friend of mine, another author who has used it for years, explained why it was so important. I can deliver content exclusively for subscribers, make them feel valued, and receive donations to help me continue my work. Suddenly, Patreon seemed like a good path forward. I could offer something to my readers while also earning some extra money.

      Now, as I write this, I’m in the very first month of my Patreon. There are exclusive short stories, behind-the-scenes articles, and other exclusive features to show how grateful I am for continued support. It’s helped me continue my craft as an author while bringing in some extra income at the same time. Patreon has become a great way to keep moving forward in my journey. I hope you’ll join me there.

http://www.patreon.com/candrakylar

[candrakylar]

Reading To Nourish

        What nourishes you when you pick up a book? A lot of authors veer toward reading fiction and taking their inspiration from others that have a lot of success. These are the NY Times Bestseller list kind of authors and you can file those books piled on any shelf in any given bookstore. It’s in your face and promises what could be a good adventure to escape into. Reading fiction is a fantastic way to escape. Reading to nourish you, however, is a completely different approach.

        Above, you can see two books that I purchased for the “nourishing factor”. One will help me as I teach during a creative writing course while the other, which is a little more out there, will help me form a better concept of mythology to use in my paranormal writing contributions. Both nourish me because they help me grow in my career on a spiritual level. They dive down into the unexplored depths of what I want to know to become the best author that I can be. It doesn’t feel like homework or a task to do so I can rest my head feeling a little wiser at the end of the night. It feeds a hunger to know more about a career that I love and an identity that embraces me.

      Reading to nourish yourself can look like many things and come in many forms. Self-help books are a popular genre, followed by spiritual books, a journey through a major historical event, a biography of someone we admire, or a how-to that teaches us the fundamentals. There are many ways to immerse yourself in reading to nourish. No one has the same path but, in the end, they all converge in a place of fulfillment. My advice? Put down the current best-seller - it’ll be there in a month along with fifteen other books like it - and give yourself a break once in a while. Read something to nourish you and take that path forward to discover all of those intricacies inside of you thirsting to grow.

[candrakylar]

       Today’s spotlight is on the fabulous author Kristy Nicolle, a true queen of romantic fantasy sagas! With all of this down time during the pandemic, I fell in love with her imaginative rethinking of mythical beings set in a modern world. (I’m very partial to her Tidal Kiss Trilogy and the hunky hero Orion featured within!) I’ve gotten the chance to interview Kristy and it has been my privilege to become her friend. Below is the interview we had about her writing process and the ethereal worlds she creates in her talented mind.

What goes through your head when you're developing a fantasy world? Is there a method to the madness or is it a really organized process? 

      Being honest, the world comes after the characters for me. Having said this, I am also extremely detailed and meticulous in my world building. I have a lot of files which I’m starting to compile now in prep for book 10 of The Queens of Fantasy Saga, but I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve tried to think about everything when it comes to building the fantasy worlds. I am aware I will be returning to these locations a lot in future books, and I want the lore and foundation to be completely solid so I can slip easily between dimensions.

I swoon over Orion, the dashing Mer hero from your first trilogy, but you said he's gotten mixed reactions. Is there a hero in your story that you resonate with more than others? 

      This is a great question! Yes, it is true Orion has had a very mixed reception with readers. I think it depends on what appeals to you in a man- and at the time when I wrote him I was only seventeen remember, so even what I want in a man has changed. Orion is a romantic, he’s five centuries old and he’s been waiting a hell of a long time for Callie. He expects a lot out of her right off the bat and is extremely over protective and in many ways old fashioned when it comes to their relationship. He’s also, as many men from his time period, unused to not having the final say when it comes to his relationship with Callie, who wants equal say. It develops more in books 2 and 3 for sure, but their relationship is most definitely a learning experience for Orion, and it takes a lot for him to swallow his pride and try and see it from Callie’s point of view.

Let's talk about goals, girl, because you've got them in spades! You write so many words a year and are constantly hurdling over obstacles. Is there a secret to this method of yours? 

      Basically, just keep moving forward. Even if I’ve had several dislocations the previous day, or passed out, I try and see each day as a fresh start. I also have to admit that my pain certainly contributes to my high word counts. Writing truly is an escape for me physically, as when I’m focusing on writing, I’m not feeling my pain quite so much. The Indie Author community is also very fast paced in the way it constantly evolves and changes, I try to keep up with trends, I’ll admit, but I’m also strict with what I take on and where my energy goes. With limited energy each day, I have to make it clear to myself what my priorities are, and for me, that’s always into the creative process.

Pick one fictional world you would live in and tell me why you'd thrive in it! 

      Out of my worlds? I’d love to live in Nirvana in Aetheria because it’s my favorite location I’ve ever written and it has the biggest library in my universe. Out of other fictional worlds… probably Narnia. I love the natural world, and I feel like I’d be super happy in a simpler world where I have more time with my thoughts, oh, and magic of course.

Here's a tough one: mermaid, descendant of the gods, or aetherial being?

      Mermaid. Every. Damn. Time. I’m so curious about what’s out there under the surface… not only that but who doesn’t want to ditch their bra and swim around with perfect hair and perky scaled boobs forever? The Tidal Kiss Trilogy was probably my most unrefined work, being my first, but I absolutely love the premise, the character and the worlds. My love of mermaids is what started all this for me, and I’ll never stop giving up the hope that one day I’ll discover I’m actually Tidally Kissed.

What would you like potential readers to know about your writing?

      My writing isn’t something you should pick up if you’re looking for a quick, mindless read, or something strictly in one genre. It’s nuanced, highly detailed, and packed full of contrasting imagery and themes. The books are long, and the worlds are vast, the characters many. It is work to read my stories, but they give as good as they get, and I promise you that I am building something truly extraordinary if you’re happy to come along for the ride.

Visit Kristy at her official website to pick up copies of her trilogies to discover the magic for yourself!   https://kristynicolle.com

[candrakylar]

On NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)

      A lot of writing advice columns will include the adage: “Write that book!” It’s generic enough but inspires people all over to turn a hobby into a possible million-dollar career. They see themselves walking down the red carpet when their book gets turned into a movie, they see the thousands of fans lining up outside of a book store just to get their autograph. What they don’t see, however, is the actual process and sometimes underwhelming response after publishing their book. They skip a huge step and rob themselves of that professional mindset in the process. NaNoWriMo - or National Novel Writing Month in November - brings them out in throngs. 

      There’s nothing wrong with having an event that inspires would-be writers to try and take the wheel. It gets people thinking about the creative process and leads them to a road of self discovery. Honing a skill is always a good thing and the online support for NaNoWriMo is a wonderful asset. People learn a lot about themselves and start to understand the process of formulating their ideas into a book. The actual month of writing projects is beautiful and there’s a synchronous vibe of artistic expression in the air everywhere. That’s the great part about NaNoWriMo. Now let’s get to the other factor.

       When all is said and done, people vie for the chance to get a publishing contract on their “novel” that may have just hit 50,000 words. Technically, that word count really isn’t long enough to be a novel but it’s a good start. That’s when the anger sets in, the disappointment, the sudden outrage that this new work isn’t considered the “next big thing”. Forums and Facebook groups get cluttered with the “Why Factor” and most published authors steer clear of that for the next month or so. Why didn’t my book get a deal? Why didn’t I suddenly gather a large reader base? Most importantly: Why, oh why, do I have to stoop so “low” as to become an indie writer with my work?

      That last question stings. These aspiring writers who will most likely burn out the second they don't get their first substantial check for their rough draft automatically start to loathe the idea of being an indie writer....after knowing nothing about the career themselves. Most indie authors self-publish or have a very small independent publishing house print their books. Either way, it's a revolutionary practice and has given voice to a lot of great writers ignored by the mainstream because it doesn’t follow a huge trope. The NaNoWriMo crowd of unsettled would-be writers lash out and have identity issues. They believed all it took was a month and a dream. They entirely missed the boat as it sailed away without them.

       Here's the thing: NaNoWriMo is full of what you could do, but is supposed to be about the journey to get there. It exists to get people writing and to create an understanding about how much work the process is. Whether that was the project’s original intention or not, it’s the end result. Some of the contributors for the month actually win a publishing deal while others just enjoyed the act of delving into pure creativity. They walk away with a smile and some valuable lessons in life. Others, however, are still at the pier waiting for the boat to circle around again even though it was a one-way trip. What are they supposed to do? I have a suggestion.

      Take that completed project from NaNoWriMo and actually develop it. 50,000 words is only a starting point and should be built upon. Characters need to be fleshed out and there is a world of beta readers waiting to give helpful suggestions. I’ve already posted advice on writing and that is where I would point the traveler to go. Keep building and don’t give up. If you find yourself writing just so you can be the next big celebrity author, then keep waiting at the pier. You aren’t the first who thought they had the “next big thing” and you sure as heck won’t be the last. It’s the absolute worst reason to write and it will definitely reflect in your work. Go back, analyze why you want to be an author, and start again. 

       Was this harsh? Was it a scathing look at a phenomenon that has cluttered the world of published authors just trying to focus on their career? Yes. Was it meant to be? Absolutely. Someone needs to say it. NaNoWriMo is a great tool for those who want to discover a hobby or the possibility that their writing could turn into a long list of great books. Some absorb that and run with it. I love to see the success stories. For those fuming and left wondering what happens next because they didn’t get instant gratification? Sorry, friend...that’s how the cookie crumbles. Before you take on a project next NaNoWriMo, think about your reasons for doing it and make sure their sentiment is in the right place. That’s the only way you’ll see true fulfillment. 

[candrakylar]

     Every author gets that request hitting up their inbox. An aspiring writer asking for details on the writing process, advice on what to do about a developing manuscript, and hoping your insight will somehow shed light on a mystery. The thing is, there’s no real mystery. Writing is work and it involves exercise like anything good. In the process of explaining this to some of those inquirers time and again, I’ve decided to dedicate a post to writing advice. If this blog was linked to you after sending a similar message, then dig in...this entry is for you!

     You’ll notice a handy image included on this post with quick tips to remember. Go ahead and save it to your hard drive, put it on your phone, whatever makes it easier to view. It’s always good to remember the basics.  In the rest of this post, I’ll handle the advice in greater detail. Just remember that I’m one author in a sea of many dynamic views. My advice isn’t the only advice and you should always seek out more. So, without further ado, let’s start with the writing advice!

     Outline your ideas with detail. That means gathering everything you have together, listing it in chronological order, and separating the ideas into chapters. Easier said than done? Well, that’s the art of writing. Your outline can be edited countless times and you can always detour around it. Nothing is set in stone. The purpose of a good outline is to get you thinking about forming your ideas into the format of a novel. You’ll find breaks where one scene naturally ends and then, voila, you’ll have a chapter! It’s the first step in organizing those ideas into something solid.

     Create character word collages. Whether you use thought bubbles around the name of a character or just piles of words, this will help you shape the identity of your characters. By the end of the activity, you’ll have a more concrete idea about who your characters are. This will help you decide how they’ll interact with other characters, the way they’ll respond in dialogue, and even a character’s individual quirks. It makes a fully dimensional character.

     Join a writer’s group online. I can’t say this enough because it’s the backbone of any writing process. It’s great to reach out to authors you love and tell them about what inspired you in their work, but that probably isn’t the best way to get solid advice. Established authors get these questions constantly and will generally not give you the personalized answers that will help you develop. A writer’s group of those going the process will be much more beneficial. You can share samples of work, learn useful tips, and feel the synergy of aspiring writers supporting one another. it’s a win-win!

     Find reliable and honest beta readers. This one is a given for any finalized work to be polished. Beta readers are your first-run reviewers who can give you helpful advice on how to make a scene more immersive and will find things that disrupt the natural flow to your novel. They reflect your target audience and will be essential to delivering a final product that shines. Some of the best writers I know use beta readers and it reflects brilliantly in their work. Please note that these should be individuals who either belong to a reputable beta readers group or that you know personally. You’re giving them a rough draft of your work, after all, and you don't want it to be randomly shared on the internet.

     Listen and grow from honest reviews. Notice a particular word that’s been used more than once in this advice? Honest. Some reviewers will slant things, go with a mob mentality, and give you nothing constructive to work with. Then there are the reviews from avid readers who truly point out things they would have liked to see or ways that the story could have played out to a more satisfying conclusion. Note that I am not saying these changes should be made, as your final product needs to stand on its own with the choices you’ve made, but that they are a growing experience. Each honest review can teach you something about what your readers love and what they’d like to see more of. Don’t get argumentative or arrogantly offended over them. Reviews are opinions, after all, and readers aren’t obligated to share yours.

    Read as much as you write. This one is a biggie. As I write in the paranormal genre, I tend to read a lot of work from other indie paranormal authors. Due to a lot of the tropes constantly used in best-sellers, I stick to the indie field to see more original plot lines developed in different ways. I enjoy traveling into a new world and seeing what other authors have to say. I’ve even made friends with some of my favorites! Reading keeps you passionate about your own writing and will introduce you to the vast differences in your own chosen genre. Always read, always grow.

     That sums up the entirety of my writing advice. Did you find the answer you were seeking here? Sorry to say but, if you didn’t, then this author doesn’t have any more to give on the process. I’m hardly an expert and there are a ton of aspiring voices out there that will better help you on your way to finding your own career in writing. Keep reading, keep dreaming, and always keep exploring your mind through writing.

[candrakylar]

Frequently Asked...Too Frequently

      I think it’s flattering when my readers reach out to me and describe their favorite scene in the series, tell me which character they relate most to, or even talk about what they like about the world of Iverli as a whole. It means a lot to me because you share a bond in that moment and understand just how important your writing can be to readers. It’s the reason I became an author. I never get tired of answering those e-mails or those questions in person at one of my signings. Keep them coming! This entry, though, is about the frequently asked questions that pretty much every author gets that generally has nothing to do with their books and are usually asked by people who have not read any of your work.

”Can I have your book for free? We're...(friend, family, randomly on Facebook together)!”

       No. Although I have beta readers who get the original draft of an upcoming work to help critique and are a valuable part of the process. Outside of that, my books are always priced reasonably either online or in local privately owned bookshops. The amount of work and time that goes into just getting one book published in my series is unbelievable. I’ve covered it in previous blogs and I would think that pretty much sums up why I don’t hand out hundreds of free copies. Not to mention, if I give a copy to one person then everyone who knows me will expect it. I find my true friends and supporters happily purchase one of my books just as I do for indie authors that I love. It’s a way to help pay the bills and giving me the time to write.

”Isn’t this just like that OTHER book series?”

       This can be exchanged with any Twilight, Anita Blake, Anne Rice whatever that can be inserted. At some point, paranormal fiction will collide and there will be similarities. Everything has already been done to a degree and it’s important to make your work unique. Ever read a book about a sassy witch who sets things right in her world along with her zany friends? I have, too. About fifty of them. At this point, that base line has been done and redone. My books may have similarities to other paranormal fiction but I strive to bring something truly original to my work. I’d bet other authors in the same genre work equally as hard to deliver something unique. Let’s be honest, not even the “greats” of paranormal fiction did anything that groundbreaking and original.

”I want to be an author because I have some great ideas! How do I do it?”

       This happens a lot. Though I don’t always mind it - some ideas are really something special - but it gets tiring when an author is asked this constantly. Yes, your idea may be great but it’s a lot of work from start to finish. Some people assume that we just sit down and something glorious comes out with no other effort. As mentioned before, writing is the easiest part of the process. Actually becoming a published author and generating reader interest is a whole other ball game. Also, and I mean this kindly, look for an online writer’s group to share your developing ideas with instead of an author you may or may not have read. We don’t have any epiphanies that will somehow make it easier for you to become a writer. Not everything is for everyone, it’s okay to just partake in writing as a hobby instead of a career.

       It has been my experience in the past that people hold high expectations for authors but, in the end, we’re just people doing our jobs like anyone else. We aren’t a standard to set and our answers are far from universal. If you want to write and have a good idea, it’s best to find a group online that will help nurture that passion. That’s what I did in my early days of writing! No one starts out as a best selling author or schedules a tour without any reader base. It can be an uphill battle with a lot of rejection along the way. If you’ve asked any of these questions and are now cringing away from your computer screen? No problem. We’ve all done this to someone, even I have, and it’s a learning process. Still keep the fan mail coming. I really look forward to hearing about your experience journeying through Iverli with me!

[candrakylar]

Helping Hands

      An author never crafts a successful novel on their own. With the help of beta readers and editors, a first draft becomes something finely tuned and polished. Editing is essential to anyone appreciating your work. It’s a learning process to get that book to the shelf for readers to enjoy. Editing, however, is not the only requirement. Indie authors have to essentially do everything themselves without the constant support from a mainstream publishing house. This includes cover art which should always be left to a professional artist. It doesn’t end there.

       If you’ve been to my social media page lately, you’ll notice that the posts have been more frequent and sometimes include a brief hello from Jenna. A professional blogger who has spent time in the literary world, Jenna became a friend of mine when she first booked me for a signing at her store. She is the backbone of indie authors everywhere and I’ve engaged a lot of readers due to her work. Something else Jenna excels in is publicity work for authors. She joined Team Candra this month to be my publicist going forward.

       So what does that mean? While I assure you that I’ll still personally answer my fan mail and reader inquiries via E-mail, Jenna will be running my social media page. That means that the posts you see are written and moderated by her. She also has been working overtime to bring my books more professional blog coverage, gather more literary reviews, and find me fun publicity events to take part in. Jenna is valuable beyond measure and her work gives me the opportunity to focus more intensely on my writing. 

       Remember an earlier blog post of mine - which I will continue to write - where I spoke about the hassle of everything that comes after actually completing your novel? Well, that’s where these assistants come in to make my job that much easier. To give me the peace of mind I need to craft something truly great for my readers. Say hello to Jenna on my social media page when you get the chance. She’ll be there helping me build a brand name and generate excitement for my upcoming work. An author truly never works alone and that, my readers, is a blessing.

[candrakylar]

A Year In Pages

      No one suspected that 2020 would change their lives so significantly. With a lot of hard times, quarantining, and losing some social connections, we came to understand a new way of living. A cautious way. It isn't social or built for those peppy extroverts that experience life first-hand, it's reserved and gives us reflection time when we’re not being stressed out. It was in this time that I came into my own and took the plunge to become an author. Yes, I am thankful for this year because it taught me who I was. It guided me to a passion so fulfilling that I could feel driven by it.

       I could’t measure my top moments during this debut year of being an author. There are too many good memories to count and I would need several blog posts to detail them all. In summary, I met a lot of great readers who encouraged me to keep typing even on my more stressful days. Having a public book signing - I now have done two with the prospect of a few more this coming year - was memorable all on its own. Actually meeting the people who buy your book and read it never stops being surreal. Seeing people in line to meet you is even more profound. So much love for the written word everywhere.

       This year was important because it taught me something solid: even in the toughest times, when everything feels hopeless and directionless, you can find your true self. I emerged as a different person and took risks that I never would have before. Each adventure was a new page in my own story, one I’m still crafting, memories that deserve to be cherished the rest of my life. My only resolution going into this new year is that I continue to grow as an author. I’ll keep appearing at public events when it's safe for everyone, and I’ll keep writing so that my readers have something to help them escape all of the outside insanity.

       I’m not the sappy type but, upon writing this, I may be getting a little misty eyed and emotional. How can I not be proud of these milestones that took me to the place where I belonged? How can I not profusely thank the friends and family, even more so the complete strangers, who went out to buy my book to give a new author a chance? This year was rough and I hope no one has to repeat it. I hope we bloom into a healthier way of living and that others continue to grow in their own ways. Regardless of how it was on a larger scale, in my own little home in front of my laptop it was just perfect. Thank you for giving me the gift of your readership in 2020. I have an endless amount of pages to bring you moving forward. Cheers to a bright 2021, my readers.

[candrakylar]

When Narratives Collide

      No one likes to shift perspective when they’ve gotten used to seeing the world through their protagonist. It’s chaotic, confusing, and tends to lead to chapters being subtitled by who is narrating it. I’ve rarely seen it work and you’d have a hard time selling me on its effectiveness. What I can say, however, is that I understand the struggle towards obtaining it while writing a novel. The reasons make sense even if the execution comes out jumbled. Let’s look at the ever famous Young Adult genre as an example.

       Teenagers have a verifiable slew of emotions that give a unique touch to the plot in a book series. They are almost always part of a series. We follow the protagonist, get to climb inside of their head, and start to view their experiences with their own reactions. Character intimacy is why people keep going back for more. We get to know our protagonist and understand why their world view is essential to the story line. Then comes the addition of another chapter and the perspective shifts. Now we're in the head of a new character - who is nothing like the former one we’ve become used to - and everything feels confusing. We feel lost in a world we let ourselves become comfortable in.

       Should the author strive to instill this discomfort on their reader? Some have done a pretty great job of weaving a convoluted story into an immersive experience. Though when the shift in narrative comes late in the series, which is also a trend, then it can be earth-shattering. Though I’m a true fan of the magic worked in the Twilight series, Meyer has displaced many of us with her recent addition into the saga. We start to see the world in a hostile, unbalanced light with Edward who previously had charm because he was so mysterious. Now we are no longer safe in the perspective of Bella and, through brief forays with Jacob’s mind, we have fallen into new territory. It feels like a new series that darkens the purity of the original story. The narratives conflict with one another.

       I want to conclude by saying that focus shifts have probably been done brilliantly by authors that I've yet to discover. New writers emerge every day and the self published market is booming with their work. As always, I strongly encourage readers to take a chance on indie writers instead of the typical formulaic bestseller that is cyclically released. Indie writing is where true art and expression thrive. With that being said, I would advise against shifting narratives. Stick with your protagonist and see their world view until the storyline’s end. Otherwise, the conflicting narratives will collide and we’ll all be wondering what happened along the way. 

[candrakylar]

The second installment in my ongoing Abigail Everlaine series has been released! Vampires join the fray as two teens on the run come to Abbie with a seemingly impossible task: track down a legendary ink that would save them or throw the town into a war between rivals. Her mother is missing in action, a love triangle emerges to complicate the case for her clients, and her boyfriend is hiding something. Will Abbie prevail? Check it out on Amazon in both digital and paperback format!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KRHV2Q8/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_jpVLFb26J052S

[candrakylar]

Here’s a few pictures taken by my talented friend and reader Tamara Graham for my first official book signing! The store was beautiful and encapsulated everything that I love about independent book stores. If you’re ever in Southern Indiana, please stop by and visit “The Magic of Books Bookstore”! I’m so grateful for the turn out and the opportunity that I had to meet new readers of my series. Abigail Everlaine has many adventures ahead of her and, it’s my hope, that I’ll be touring other indie bookstores in the future to promote it! 

[candrakylar]

Author, Interrupted

      Since she turned her social media accounts into anti-trans diatribes that have created a bullied culture of exclusivity for her fanbase, I’ve lost all respect for J.K. Rowling. Despite all of the scientific knowledge - and fantastic articles - that dispute all of her ungrounded complaints about the existence of trans individuals as being valid, she still continues to spiral into nothing short of incoherent ramblings. It’s upsetting to see as an author but I’ve refrained from making an official stance. People make mistakes, they speak out of ignorance and need education, there are sometimes a change of heart. J.K. Rowling just keeps digging that hole deeper.

      The worst part about Rowling’s rants are not her continued spreading of an anti-trans rhetoric, which is toxic enough, but rather her willingness to alienate a number of her own fans that made her popular to begin with. It’s a level of narcissism that shows a complete lack of compassion or appreciation for the hard-earned money of her readers that brought her all of her success. She is choosing to get on a political platform instead of writing her books and honing her skills. Recently, this bigoted rant of hers is bleeding into her work. I won’t touch on the ridiculous premise of her upcoming release that continues to paint trans individuals in a hateful light. She just won't quit.

      Thankfully, a lot of people and stores are making a stand against her. It’s these small protests that show the true colors of other authors. As one myself, I’m now vocal about my own protest to her work and continued negligence of her fanbase. Who is next in her rantings and ravings? Shouldn’t she, instead of causing such derision, focus on being a better author? None of these protests will take the millions (or possibly more) she’s sadly made. Hitting her where the wallet is just won’t work. Speaking out, however, and having conversations that use this instance as an example of what not to do as an author is what will have a longstanding effect. Several authors have been proud about their inclusivity and how they feel about this latest Rowling backlash.

       I think of how I’ll be remembered if my books ever became successful enough to warrant things like television spinoffs and merchandise. It would be lovely but, in the end, that’s not why I write. Connecting to my readers in a world I’ve created is. Excluding any of them because of personal beliefs is in no way beneficial to me as an author or a reader who opens one of my books to escape. I don’t plan to go into that heated spiral Rowling has spun herself into. I’ll also not play the victim card - as she is so happily doing - by crying out about a conceived “cancel culture”. She has learned that, though there is freedom of speech to say what she wishes, her fans have a right to respond with that same freedom. Keep responding, just as I will. Authors need to learn what not to do from Rowling and, in the process, learn how to more openly love their growing fanbase. I’ll just be here creating a world where everyone belongs.

[candrakylar]

Check out the final copy of my official bookmark for book signing events! Grab yours at any of my local signing events listed through my website. 

http://www.candrakylar.com