1000th Post!!!!!!!!!

Eight years ago today, my mom sat down with me, helped me pull together some pictures from our recent church craft night, and we posted my very first blog entry on this blog.

Today, I'm am posting my thousandth post.

Eight years.

I was fourteen. Now I'm twenty-two.

I was an aspiring author who still would have much preferred to be an actor. Now, I no longer aspire. I'm the published author of six novels and soon-to-be eight short stories.

I was doing good to put 25,000 words into a story. My last release was 140,000.

My hair was barely past my chin. Now it's nearly long enough for me to sit on - and it would be long enough if I hadn't cut six inches back in January.

I used an old, old laptop that no longer connected to the internet for writing - actual blogging was done on my mother's computer. Now I have a newfangled two-in-one touchscreen laptop that I named Angela.

I .... actually knit back then. I ... don't anymore.

Yes, I've come a long way since my first post. As an author and as a person. I've changed a lot, learned a lot, done a lot, but I still have a long ways to go. So, here's to the next eight!

BUT, I promised a giveaway, didn't I? Reminiscing is fun, but you guys would like to win stuff. So what am I giving away?

Well, just a complete, signed collection of all six of my novels.

Oh, and not the editions you see on Amazon right now. I am in the process of revising my entire bookshelf, and putting new faces on all of my books. I already have four of the covers finalized, I just need to find out the new spine widths on Take and Kingdom so that I can put theirs together.

Want a sneak peak at the new covers?

(Yes, those are my feet, and, yes, I do only have one toenail painted. Any other stupid questions?)

(And, yes, I know those are my very beat-up shoes. I have ... reasons.)

(What? You thought there was a different image here? Pft, you must have been seeing things.)

And, yes, I know that's only three of them. The other cover doesn't have anything really intriguing for me to crop down to, though it is gorgeous to be certain. And I must credit Alea Harper with all but one of the covers I currently have. So, yes, gorgeousness.

So, now that you know what you'll be receiving, what do you need to do to get them? How long do you have to rack up points?

So glad you asked.

I'm going to give you guys until September 31st to earn points, as that is my self-imposed deadline for updating my entire bookshelf.

(Yes, I'm doing my old-school names into a name randomizer method)

And how are you to earn these points? Just listen, my friend.

Comments. Any comments you make on any post on this blog, from now until September 31st, will count towards this giveaway. Also, any comments that you make on O.Scarlett, GiraffeCrafts, or the AA. See the tabs at the top of my blog for links.

Reviews. Any review that you leave for any of my books - including the short stories, though they're not part of the overhaul (they will get edited, just later). The initial review is worth 3 points, and each additional site you post it to is worth an extra point. So a review posted to your blog, Amazon, AND Goodreads is worth five points. And, yes, old reviews count. Just make sure you email me links to everywhere that the review is posted.

My email: kendraeardnek@gmail.com

Draw me fanart/write a fanfic. Worth five points for each creation. Again, email them to me. Art will be posted to this blog, fics will be posted to the AA blog. (And if you're not a member of the AA blog, see this page for details.)

Share this post. Just send me a link to your tweet/facebook status/Goodreads status/pin/blog post/etc. This is worth one point, but you can share earn up to two points a day this way.

Ask my characters questions! I currently have the floor open for my LDTD characters in the Rizkaland Group, and I'll be opening the floor for the Bookania characters on Tuesday. Exciting, yes? Each question you ask is worth a point.

And, finally, you can sign up for the cover(s) reveal with the form below. Five points!




Happy point earning. My notebook is primed and ready to receive your tally marks.

Thank you, Alea

So I have a fan, Alea Harper, who is an aspiring graphic designer, and periodically she sends me fancovers that she's done for my books. They're all gorgeous, and I really think that I might hire her to design my next book's cover.

Some of these, I've shared before, many I haven't. All of them are awesome.

(Credits: Lady Dragon, Tela Du cover

Silhouettes: http://rachgracehstock.deviantart.com/art/Drippy-Candle-1-466910931

Font: http://www.dafont.com/unzialish.font

Stone Background: photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/35745518@N04/4154955607">Obscura

via http://photopin.com">photopin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

Water Princess, Fire Prince cover

Font: http://www.dafont.com/unzialish.font

Stone Background: photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/35745518@N04/4154955607">Obscura

via http://photopin.com">photopin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

Holding Hands: photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12725519@N07/7149614315">Vem cá

via http://photopin.com">photopin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

)

It's little things like this that makes me feel like a Real Author, more than just sales ever will.

So It's Been Forever...

Forever since I last posted a proper snippet post. The thing I did back in April? Not a proper snippet post. Let's rectify that.

And, yes, I'm going to be doing more plot-important snippets. I feel that it's only fair after all of the fact plot twists that I shared on that April Fool's joke. Some of these snippets I HAVE shared before, elsewhere, but I love sharing.

Also, in writing news, I finished The Seven Drawers on Tuesday! 15,000 words! In less than two months! This is the fastest that I have EVER taken a book from concept to completion. There is a bit of a scene that I'm considering adding to the end, but ... for now, the story is done, which means that, for the first time, I WILL be able to enter the Rooglewood contest.

(Now I'm wondering if I should go ahead and write the second idea that I have spinning around in my head - Red as Snow. We shall see.)

Amberite
Art Credit: Hannah Rogers

One evening, when Adrian was, as usual, in the library hoping for a chance to meet with his sister, he heard giggling.

 It wasn’t terribly unusual. The library was popular for stolen meetings between lovers. Yet Adrian was bored, so he unconsciously wandered towards the giggling.

 As he expected, he found a young couple just a few shelves down. They seemed to be about Adrian’s age, perhaps a bit older, and both wore expensive clothing. He wore a number of finely-crafted weapons. She, an array of jewelry that didn’t strictly go together. He was whispering in her ear, hands trailing through her long, frizzy, brown hair. She was the one giggling.

 Adrian was about to back away and leave them to it when her head shot up and she locked eyes with him. All mirth instantly vanished, and even her lover removed his hands and backed away.

 There was no guilt in either of them, however, as Adrian was accustomed to seeing in the couples that he had caught in similar situations.

 “Adrian, there you are,” the girl said, in a thick accent. “Your mother said that we were likely to find you here.”

 “My mother…” Adrian repeated. “You know about me? You know who I am?”

 The girl’s lips twisted into a smile. “Adrian, I was there for your birth. Besides, you are the image of your father, and there is no mistaking.”

 Adrian drew back. “You were … but you can’t be much older than I am, if that.”

 “I am flattered by your kind words, but in truth, I am much older than I look,” the woman responded. “My husband and I have seen the passing of nearly three thousand years. I was there for your birth, yes, and I was there for the birth of this very world.”
 “You’re…” Adrian took a step back, realizing who this couple was. He swallowed down fear and awe. “The immortal king and queen.”

- The Worth of a King.

“I don’t remember there being deserts in Rizkaland.”

Reuben opened his eyes at Rich’s words. Sure enough, orange sand stretched away as far as the eye could see.

“Rintae Isle,” said Andrew. “It had been settled during your reign, but the inhabitants only really came to our attention during mine and Clara’s. Caused quite a bit of trouble, and was the reason I missed most of Clara’s first pregnancy.”

“Ah,” said Rich. “So do you have any idea where we are?”

Andrew glanced about, his hand brushing the hilt of his sword. “In the middle of the desert. There aren’t any landmarks in sight, even less ones that I recognize. A better question would be when are we. How long has it been since our last visit?”

“Maybe you arrived before,” Laura suggested, mischievously. For some reason – probably because she had helped focus his mind after Petra disappeared – Reuben could actually feel the girl’s mind.

“Did we?” asked Clara, her voice even, lighthearted, but Reuben saw that she tightened her hold on Andrew's arm.

Laura gave a small giggle. “We are about five hundred years after Reuben, Petra, and their siblings left at the end of their reign.”

“That would mean that it’s a thousand and five hundred since ours,” Andrew observed.

“Well, if math serves, that would be correct,” Laura confirmed.

- Love and Memory

“Thing is, I’m not quite sure how to reward the two of you,” Arthur continued. “I mean, there’s the usual money and honors and all … but, I don’t know, it just feels way too impersonal to me. I’d like to reward the two of you in ways that are unique to you. So, I’d like to know, here and now, what you two would like – and, so long as it’s within reason and my power to grant, I’ll see what I can do.”

  “So … anything?” asked Leo, leaning forward.

  “Anything within my power and within my power to grant,” Arthur repeated. “I’m sorry, but I’m afraid that I can’t set you up with half my kingdom or grant nobility. I think that’s a bit of a stretch for just friendship.”

  “Oh, but I could have really used half your kingdom,” said Leo, leaning back, forcing a cocky grin and a bit of a laugh. Seriously, though. Maybe he’d be a bit less unlucky if he had that behind him.

  Shira leveled a glare at him, but Arthur just laughed. “I’m sorry, but I only have half the kingdom to begin with, so … are there any other wishes that I can grant?”

...

  Arthur shifted his attention to Leo. “What about you? Since you can’t have half the kingdom, is there anything else that you’d like?”

  It would be so easy to throw on a grin, quip something smart-alecky. A small sum of money would be fine enough … but it was it what Leo really wanted? No. It wasn’t.

  Even as he threw on his carefree grin, it turned into a frown and he glanced away from the prince.

  “No…” he said. “What I want … it isn’t in your power. You already said that you can’t grant me nobility.”

  “You wish…”

  “Not for me,” said Leo, leaning forward. “Not entirely, at least. I could care less about the power and prestige and all. That’s all just a big mess of annoyance. But I’d be willing to put up with it … for her.”

  “Her?” Shira repeated, her voice feather-soft.

  Leo shrugged. “Yeah. Her.” He stood. “I don’t want to talk about it. If you want details, you could ask Prince Eric – he knows. Tell him it happened two years ago if you need to jog his memory. Just know … without a title … actually that’s why I’m here.”

  With that, he left the room, not even waiting to be dismissed.

- The Quest for the Quince

“Señorita?”

She jerked her attention to the menu she held in her hands. “Ah, yes, what do I want. Food, that’s for certain. I want food…”

“She’ll have a taco salad, Italian dressing,” Jeremy interrupted, even as she flipped through the menu. “Chicken for the meat.”

“Will that be all?” the waiter asked.

“For now,” Jeremy answered.

And the waiter was gone before Jennifer could form any sort of protest. So she turned to Jeremy instead. “Maybe I didn’t want a taco salad!”

“And maybe pigs can fly,” Jeremy returned. “You’d have spent the next fifteen minutes heming and hawing over your options, and you still would have gone with your safe option of a taco salad.”

Jennifer ducked her head, endeavoring to not give him the satisfaction of a smile. “Well, you’d better be glad that I like taco salads.”

“Precisely, that’s why I ordered it for you.” Jeremy dipped a chip into his bowl of hot sauce, nearly yellow it had so much butter, and crunched it loudly.

She just shook her head.

- The Seven Drawers

“Ah, good, you’re dressed for adventure,” Eric said, sizing Robin up as Meg took the braid back.

 Robin glanced down at her lap, running a hand over the leather of her pants. “We don’t have anything important planned for today, so I figured that I might as well dress comfortably.” Her eye followed him as he sat down on the sofa across from her. “I notice that you’re not in your royal finery either today.”

 He grinned. “So, we’ve not had a moment to each other since we arrived here, and I really feel that there are some things that we need to talk about before we actually make it to the alter tomorrow.”

 “Are these things going to … change anything?” Robin asked, tilting her head to the side and being rewarded by a sharp tug on her hair. She straightened immediately.

 “Hopefully not, but it will largely depend on you,” Eric answered, a bit of his grin fading. He leaned back. “I need to know if you’re okay with it yet.”

 Robin blinked. “Okay with what?”

 “After I … didn’t propose to you, you said that you that you thought that you would be okay with marrying me, but you certainly didn’t seem to be then, and I frankly can’t tell if that’s changed.” Eric leaned forward, eyes boring into her. “I don’t feel comfortable marrying you if your heart’s not in it.”

 Robin closed her eyes and released a long sigh, fighting every impulse to run – to grab her sword and challenge to a duel. Fighting was so much easier than discussing her conflicted emotions.

 Unfortunately, Meg had a tight hold of her hair, and she wasn’t going anywhere.

 “I’m still not sure,” she admitted. “But if it makes you feel better, I’m not okay with not marrying you, either. I do know that.”

 She opened her eyes to see that Eric’s eyebrow was arched.

 “Do you need to have it postponed until you can sort these conflicted emotions out?”

 “No, no,” she shook her head violently, even despite Meg’s protest. “Putting it off will make it worse – it’ll give me more time to overthink, to second-guess myself. Logically, I know that you’re my best marriage option – even politically. You love me, even despite all of my flaws. My gut says to marry you, and I think my heart’s in agreement – the way you can set it pounding has to count for something.”

 “Yet you’re still not okay with it?”

 She managed a weak smile. “I spent eleven years looking for reasons to hate you. Old habits die hard. Even though my mind, heart, and instincts all agree, none will admit that, and each is arguing with the others as to why they’re wrong. I think that the only way that I’m going to get them to talk to each other civilly is to actually marry you.” 

- Do You Take This Quest Revision.

My Beautiful Writing Process

Hello! Just popping in to link up with Cait and Skye's Beautiful People this month.

And, for those of you wondering why I've suddenly become so posty this month after a couple months of near-silence ... it's cause I'm a week from my blogoversary and (now) only three posts away from my 1000th post, and I'm trying VERY hard to make it so I can have my 1000th post ON my blogoversary. If this happens, there will be a giveaway. Of a sort. Feel free to suggest prizes, because I'm not sure yet what I want to giveaway.

1. How do you decide which project to work on?
   It's frequently whim and whichever project is talking to me at a given moment ... but as a published author, I'll admit that "whatever needs to be published next" is also a huge influence on my decision.
2. How long does it usually take you to finish a project?
   It depends on the project's length, my inspiration, and how distracted I might be. So anywhere from a few months to eleven years.
3. Do you have any routines to put you in the writing mood?
   Um, I don't think so. It either happens or I make it happen.
4. What time of day do you write best?
   Typically night. I'll write anytime or anywhere, though. Just put a pencil or other writing implement in my hand.
5. Are there any authors you think you have a similar style to?
   I have no idea. I just ran a number of my first chapters of my currents WIP's through the "I Write Like" website, though, and consistently got Agatha Christie. And The two times I didn't, it was Anne Rice. So ... draw what you will. (Is this a sign that my writing style is solidifying? Because the last time I did a first chapter spin with that site, I never got the same author twice.)
6. Why did you start writing, and why do you keep writing?
   I started writing because it's the Socially Acceptable Thing To Do when you have stories in your head. And I keep writing for much the same reason. It's just now I have a reputation to keep up. You know, being published and all.
   
   
7. What’s the hardest thing you’ve written?
   I'm ... actually drawing a bit of a blank on this one. I have this thing where I delete all recollection of painful writing experiences, much like any woman after they give birth. It was probably also a mundane low-emotion scene because those are torture to write.
   
   
8. Is there a project you want to tackle someday but you don’t feel ready yet?I have hundreds of these. Yeah, someday I shall write my historical fantasy retelling of the Sleeping Beauty. The one where Henry II is the prince. (I think it's Henry II. The dad of Richard the Lionheart and Prince John, at any rate. He had a mistress named Rosamond.)
9. What writing goals did you make for 2017 and how are they going?
   Going back to my first post of the year, I find:"Mostly Worth and LaM, as I need to finish both this books this year. I'd been hoping to be able to publish Worth this year, but it's not going to happen. Now I'm hoping for early next year. LaM is going to need two drafts (although it's turning out to not be as messy as I'd wanted it to be, so maybe not ...), and I'm hoping for a September/October publication following Worth. (Worth will come first, any way we slice it.)
   
   I also plan to finish three short stories and get them published - "Poison Kiss," "Gift Exchange," and "Saffron's Even Bigger Plan."
   
   Oh, and I have two new co-author plans on my plate, both involving Laura. No details on either, as we speak, but stay tuned."
   
   So far, it looks like I will finish Worth, but LaM isn't going to happen. Worth will likely be my fall release of 2018. One of the three short stories will be released next month, but the other two might still not get written. I have instead decided to focus on polishing all of my old books, and I'll be releasing revisions of Take and Kingdom instead. 
   
10. Describe your writing process in 3 words or a gif!
    
    

Interview with Sarah Holman

AAAAAHHHHHH!!!! Just realized that I forgot to post this on the fourteenth! I am SO sorry, Sarah!

But, In my defense, last week was crazy, what with closing three nights and rearranging my room.

So I'm posting it now. (And, for the record, Sarah, if this ever happens again, don't be shy about messaging me and letting me know. If a post from me isn't up by four in the afternoon, unless it's a review, I likely forgot about it. Reviews are usually late evening.)

On to the interview! This is in honor of the release of her newest book, Dreams and Devotions, the fourth book in her Tales of Taelis series. A good series. I've read the first two books and I quite adore them.

1. Hello, Sarah! Can you tell me a bit about your book? Why do my readers need to drop everything and read it NOW? 

Hi Kendra! Dreams and Devotion is the fourth book in my Tales of Taelis series and can be read on its own. It was a hard book for me to write because there is so much of my heart in the story. Why should your readers read it right now? I think they will find it an emotional journey that helps bring the healing of God into the dark places of life.

2. Could you choose a favorite character from this book?

Dara. While I have the temperament of Dresden, I enjoyed writing Dara's side the most. She had so much emotion, yet an inner strength that made her easy to love.

3. What is something that you'd like readers to take from this book?

That life is hard and hurts sometimes. Things don't go how we dream or expect, even when we do everything right. Yet, God is there for us in the midst of the heartache, disappointments, and hurts. He never leaves us without evidence of his care.

4. Tales of Taelis is historical fiction that takes place in a fictional country. What was behind your decision to write them like this, and what are the benefits and struggles because of it?

I had some ideas about royal families and such that didn't fit with the history of a country. I really wanted the freedom to write the history of a country, but I wanted it to feel real. I wanted the backdrop to be against real places so that it felt real. Probably the biggest struggle is to make sure that the timeline of the story lines up with the historical aspects I want to bring into the story.

5. Who are some of your favorite authors? 

Grace Livingston Hill, Elizabeth Camden, Elizabeth Goerge (the one that rights Christian non-fiction), Elisabeth Allen, Kelsey Bryant, Jaye L. Knight, Jessica Greyson, and J. Grace Pennington.

6. What do you do when you're not writing?

Read, quilt, read, hang out with my family, read some more. I also enjoy taking long walks either down our country road or through the woods.

7. Do you know your personality type? If so, how would you say it affects your writing?

No, I have never liked personality tests and the like. Yet, my personality does affect my writing greatly. I internalize a lot of my struggles and I can spend a lot of time just sitting and thinking.  Writing is a major way I express what is going on inside of me. Can I turn this question on you Kendra? I want to hear your answer. :)

I think I answered that on one of my cover reveals - one moment and let me go get the post, that way I'm not taking up too much more space: http://liannetaimenlore.blogspot.com/2016/08/cover-reveal-for-lady-dragon-tela-du.html It's the last of Kiri's three questions, and I waxed a bit verbose on it.

Some dreams will be dashed, and their devotion will be tested.

Dara's life is full of farm work and worries, especially now that her older brother is a priest in a far off city. Yet she still has time to dream of the life she hopes will someday be. She dreams of marrying her dear friend and the worries of her family ending. Now, the selfishness of one person threatens her very way of life.

Dresden's initial excitement about living a life devoted to the service of God quickly is dashed on the rocks of reality. The life of a priest is nothing like what he imagined. To make matters worse, he finds out his family back in his home village is on the brink of disaster. Torn between his vows and his love for his family, what will he choose?

About the Sarah

Sarah Holman is a not so typical mid-twenties girl: A homeschool graduate, sister to six awesome siblings, and author of many published books and short stories. If there is anything adventuresome about her life, it is because she serves a God with a destiny bigger than anything she could have imagined.

Find her at www.thedestinyofone.com

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/7203fcc1103/" rel="nofollow" data-raflid="7203fcc1103" data-theme="classic" data-template="" id="rcwidget_ltp1k17o">a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Things that I'm By No Means Qualified to Write About (Yet I do Anyway)

"Write what you know."

It's one of the biggest pieces of writing advice touted around the writing community. yet ... honestly, how many authors actually follow it? Writers who write anything interesting that is?

I mean, if I just stuck to what I "know" all of my books would be about knitting and McDonalds ... which probably wouldn't be all that terribly exciting. I mean, it might, but I couldn't get terribly many plots out of that.

So let's talk about what I stubbornly write about even though I don't know beans about them.

Romance
Let's get the big one out of the way. I've never been in a relationship. I've never actually been "in love." I've never even been on a date! (Though I've had a few close calls) So why do I insist on throwing my heroines into the arms of heroes and making sure that there's at least one wedding or at least a proposal per book I write? Whyyyyyyy????

(Because my characters are cute, that's why)

Kissing
As you can probably imagine from the fact that I've never even been on a date, I've never kissed a boy. Yet my love language is touch, and thus, for me, it just feels weird for couples to not physically express their affection, and yes, for (predominately) married couples, that means kissing. BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU KISS??? LIPS TOUCH.  GERMS ARE EXCHANGED. THAT'S ALL I KNOW.

Swordplay, Archery, and Almost Any Other Form of Combat.
I own two knives and a staff, and my sister has a bow, but I can't afford any sort of lessons. So I just believe whatever I find on the internet and read in books.

Horses
Actually, I'm not 100% an idiot on this one, as I HAVE ridden a few times, and I've volunteered at few times at the Hippotherapy place where my sister volunteers regularly. So I know a little. And I have an expert on hand if I have questions but ... I'm not an animal person. I used to be terrified of horses. Even now, they intimidate me. So why do I keep writing characters with horses????

Living without Electricity.
I'm the sort of person who's almost perfectly content with the era she lives in. But I consistently set my books in worlds that don't have electricity. And then forget that they probably don't have good lighting at night.

Adoption
I have multiple books with orphans and adopted characters in them - in semi- to modern day. But I honestly don't know much about the process. Outside of the fact that papers are involved. And a lot of money. But other than that, pft!

Attending a Big Church/Living in a Big House
These aren't things that have really played into my published books yet, but they're coming. But while I was in a big church for the first five years of my life, since then, it's been itty-bitty, everyone knows each other and is possibly related churches. And I've lived in trailer homes for about that long. So ... big houses? Wut R those? Yet I put my characters into these churches and houses.

Male POV
I'M A GIRL, ya know? I've never been a guy, probably never will be one, and yet I seem to think that I'm qualified to write from their perspective. *spoiler - I'm really not.*

So what do you write about that that you probably don't have the right?

Amber's Castle Q&A - Part 2

Last one of these! I just want to say that I am now opening the floor back up on the Goodreads Group for you guys to ask the characters whatever you'd like. The characters of LDTD, that is, though I would be willing to answer questions for Clara, Andrew, The Leaf Princess, The Wind Prince, and their parents. But none of the Klaranders of book 1. Sorry.

If you're not on Goodreads, you can email me the questions. I haven't decided yet on your deadline, and while there will be a random giveaway, I haven't decided what the prize should be yet.

"Amber," I say, shuffling through my cards again. "Anna would like to know what you do to keep yourself from getting bored."

"I incline myself to study," she answers. "If one is learning, one can never be bored, and there is never an end to learning. Even after six thousand years, there is always something new for me to learn - something is always surprising me. When I'm not learning, I'm recording what I've learned into the books in my library."

"I suppose that's ... productive of you," I admit, deciding to not comment on some of her methods of study. "Laura, Alyssa would like to know, outside of never settling down, what is the hardest part of being the Doorkeeper?"

Laura tilted her head to the side. "Never settling down is far from the worst part of my job - because if I want to settle, I can, then move on again when I'm ready. No, the hardest part is the expectation. I have so much resting on me because of my powers. There's so much resting on me. I must not abuse it ... even though it is so tempting some days. And then there's the knowing things. Knowing how things are going to happen, but not being allowed to tell anyone. Not being allowed to change anything."

"Sarah Taleweaver would like to know if you've ever tried to change an event by changing the events that lead up to it," I ask.

She ducks her head, quiet for a long moment. "That is a question, isn't it," she whispers. She shakes her head. "It's not a power I possess. Not on my own. Though I have oft desired it, I have never done it."

"I see," I shuffle through my notes. "Amber, Alyssa would like to know, on a scale of one to ten, how much it bothers you that Granite doesn't support your actions 101%."

Amber narrows her eyes at her husband. He leans forward, holding her gaze unflinching, and for that, I have the deepest respect for him.

She finally breaks away and turns to me with a lift of her chin. "Marriage does not mean the exclusion of disagreement. I'd be more worried if he never questioned my actions."

Granite leans back, folding his arms over his chest with a disappointed shake of his head.

"Good point," I say, even though I, too, am discouraged by her self-delusion. "Laura, Amanda would like to know which is your favorite world."

"I think I've answered this one a couple times already, but I suppose I can answer it again," Laura tilts her head to the side. "I fall in love with almost every world I step foot in, but my journey began on Earth, and thus it has a special place in my heart."

"Sarah Taleweaver would like to know your least favorite world."

Laura shakes her head. "I don't think I have one. Every world has its own charm, own beauty, and every world has its own dangers and ... things that I'd rather change. There is no world that I could possible label my least favorite."

"You certainly didn't visit Lintooalintae as often," Amber pointed out.

"Not for any lack of love, though," Laura shook her head. "There aren't as many doors that lead there."

"Amber, Mnm would like to know if you hate Laura or not." I tilt my head to the side.

Amber's eyes narrow again. "Hate is a very strong word."

"You definitely harbor resentment, though," I point out.

Amber glances towards Laura. "She flits in and out, never facing problems or difficulties. She teases us with her knowledge of the future, she knows what is to come, but never does anything about it. Never tries to fix problems before they happen."

"I see the problems, yes, but I also see their solution," Laura inserts. "But changing things, I would only create new problems, problems that I cannot possibly know how to resolve."

"And there she goes, making excuses."

I decide that we're not going to get any straighter answer than that from Amber. "Laura, Abby would like to know if you would choose to stop being the Doorkeeper, if you could."

Laura shakes her head. "Even with the pain it brings me, I wouldn't trade who I am for anything. I get to see the worlds in ways that no one else can. There's a rush to it that I can't give up."

She receives another narrow look from Amber.

"Granite, Mnm would like to know if you like Laura," I ask.

He raises an eyebrow. "She's the closest thing I had to a mother. Apart from Amber, she's the only one who I know will be here for all my life. I'd be massively ungrateful, and a fool, if I didn't like her."

He gives Amber a pointed look.

"Laura, Morgan would like to know if you ever desire a traveling companion."

"Frequently," she admits. She tilts her head to the side. "There ... is a person who could have traveled with me, had she wished it. She can change time - she can see the possiblities in ways that I cannot, but she chose ignominy. She chose a normal life. She says it's better this way, but ... I suppose she's right. She usually is. I can visit her, sometimes she'll go somewhere with me. I visit lots of people, people who keep me grounded. Keep me mortal. These two are among them." She nods towards Amber and Granite.

"She'd also like to know if you've ever seen Doctor Who and have noted the parallels between it and you."

"I have traveled with the Doctor a few times. He's an interesting fellow no matter his face." She tilts her head to the side. "Has a bit of a big head, he does, but not as big as the TARDIS has. She's jealous of me, I will admit. Parallels? Well, time travel, doing things out of order. I suppose that's a thing."

"Amanda would like to know who is the most interesting person you've ever met."

A grin spreads across Laura's face. "There's only one Person who can claim that title. I've met Him in many worlds and shall meet Him again in many more, and He shall never cease to amaze me. I've known Him by many names, names for many languages and peoples. God's Son, made flesh, sent to save the created by shedding His own blood. Ah, but that's a terrible moment, terrible and beautiful. No, there cannot be anyone more interesting than Him."

"No, there cannot be," I agree, for though my experience has been far more finite than hers, I know she speaks the truth. "Final question, for Amber, and then I shall go. Morgan would like to know if you ever regret the bad things that you've done."

Amber glances away. "Of course I do. I've lived six thousand years. I have gathered many regrets. But when you've lived six thousand years, you learn that you have to move forward and focus on making the future better, rather than fretting over the mistakes of the past."

If she only she wasn't so self-deluded.

"Thank you for your time, your majesties," I say, standing. "Perhaps I shall see you again, given time."

A-Z Book Tag

I stole this from Rachel Rossano. Let us commence.


1. Author You've Read the Most Books from:

Consulting Goodreads gave me Jean Craighead George with eighteen books that I read for a contest against my sister and a friend, though it's also possibly Mary Pope Osborne or Valarie Tripp, as I devoured the Magic Tree House and the American Girl books when I was a kid. If you want more recent reads, it's Rick Riordan with 15 books, though I decided last month that I was done reading him. Not entirely because of what he was choosing to write with ... but because of the preachy tone he's taking with many issues. I don't like preachy books no matter what they're preaching. So I'm done with him.

2. Best Sequel Ever:
I think that I shall give this award to The King's Scrolls by Jaye L. Knight. Oh, my aching heart!

3. Currently Reading:
The Yellow Fairy Book by Andrew Lang and The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer

4. Drink of Choice While Reading:
Water. I know. I'm boring.

5. E-reader or Physical Book?
Either. My Kindle gets a tiny bit more of my attention, though.

6. Fictional Character You Probably Would Have Actually Dated in High School:
I didn't date in High School, so I'm really not sure WHO I would have dated. Let's go with Clay from the Wings of Fire by Tui Sutherland. Him or Qibli.

7. Glad You Gave This Book a Chance:The Phantom Tollbooth. 

I was a weird kid who didn't know what she'd like and would judge books by their covers. I didn't trust that dog on the cover. Nor did I know what a Tollbooth was. I thought it WAS the dog.

8. Hidden Gem Book:
The Prophecy of Atlantis by Susan Weakley. I'm still waiting on a sequel for this.

9. Important Moment in Your Reading Life:
The moment I figured out reading silently. Completely revolutionized the way I read. No book was safe after that.

10. Just Finished:
Krakens and Lies by Tui Sanderson

11. Kinds of Books You Won't Read:
Preachy books. Books with idiot adults. Horror. Erotica.

12. Longest Book You've Read:
Unless you count the Lord of the Rings as one book, I think it'd be David Copperfield.

13. Major Book Hangover Because Of:
Dreamlander by K.M. Weiland. I had so many questions

14. Number of Bookcases You Own:
Two. I need another one, though. And the space to put it. Currently, I have a giant stack of books sitting in front of my second bookshelf.

15. One Book You Have Read Multiple Times:Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. It helped me through a tough chapter of my teens.

16. Preferred Place to Read:
I have no preferences. As long I have a book in my hand, I'll read wherever.

17. Quote that Inspires You/Gives You the Feels from a Book You've Read:“It doesn't seem right or to serve any purpose at all. However, if there's one thing I've learned in my life, it's that, even when nothing makes any sense to us, there's still a purpose. And as hard as it is at times, we have to believe that and let it carry us through.”
- Jaye L. Knight. Don't remember which book, but I think it was The King Scrolls.

18. Reading Regret:
I'm the sort of person who doesn't finish books that she would regret, and then deletes them from her memory, so I'm rather pulling a blank here.

19. Series You've Started and Need to Finish (All books are out in the series):
The Ranger's Apprentice. I'm currently hiding from the third book. Don't ask.

20. Three of Your All-Time Favorite Books:
Ella Enchanted

That Hidden Strength

The King Scrolls
21. Unapologetic Fangirl For:
The Ilyon Chronicles by Jaye L. Knight.

22. Very Excited for This Release More than All the Others:
Exiles by Jaye L. Knight. I got to beta read it and EEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!! You guys are going to love it.

23. Worst Bookish Habit:

It's a tie between my spoiler addiction (part of the reason I like my Kindle is that I can't skip to the end and read the last chapter ahead of time) and my habit of hiding from the later books of the series. 

24. X Marks the Spot: Start at the top left of your shelf and pick the 27th book:

Mouse Guard: Winter 1152 by David Petersen. It's a graphic novel that my cousin gave me and I've read a couple times over. I need the third book of the series. And the series prequel.

25. Your Latest Book Purchase:
Cinder and Scarlet by Melissa Meyer. They were a dollar each at my library. I knew if I left them, someone else would snatch them up, so I snatched them.

26. ZZZ-snatcher book (last book that kept you up WAY late):

Um, the last one ... I'm pulling a blank, actually, becuase I've not been in a "devote energy to reading" mood of late. I'm going to put in Sew, It's a Quest, because I sacrificed a good number of zZz's for it to get it revised back in February. So ... yeah.

Interview with Olivia Jarmusch!

Hello! I'm here today to interview Olivia Jarmusch, as part of the blog tour for her new release The Coronation. 

Buy it on Amazon

Add it on Goodreads

1. Hello Livy, and welcome to Knitted By God's Plan! Can you tell me a bit about yourself?

Hi, Kendra! Thank you so much for having me! Well, my name is Livy, I'm 23 years old, I love all things sparkly, pink, and whimsical! (I'm a total girl, haha!) I enjoy writing, singing, playing guitar, and being creative for the glory of Jesus!

2. Can you tell us a bit about your new release, The Coronation, and why all of my readers need to scramble over to Amazon and buy it RIGHT NOW?

Yes! The Coronation is about a modern-day monarchy in the fictitious, European nation of Tarsurella. The story is loaded with ball gowns, ancient castle rooms, home-schooled sibling dynamics (yay for homeschooling!), a small sprinkle of royal romance, and timeless lessons about guarding your heart, trusting God in hard times, and surrendering the pen of your story to the Master Author! If you're looking for an encouraging, cute, quirky, uplifting, clean, and exciting story, you might just enjoy this! ;)

3. Can you tell us a bit of why you chose to write this book?

I actually started writing The Coronation when I was a teenager. I've always been captivated by castles and the idea of actually growing up in one was fascinating to me. This story idea floated around in my mind for several years before I finally pulled my pen out. In the beginning, I wasn't very clear on what the purpose of this story was going to be. I simply wanted to have fun with words and see what happened. The first draft was actually quite awful, (as I said, I had no clear plot-line or direction!) so I gave up. (Writers, I'm sure you can relate! So many unfinished stories!)

Several years later, I returned to the story and decided that I wanted to finish it. I saw new embers of hidden fire, sitting between the lines, ready to be breathed into a wild-fire of an adventure. Then the story took on a life all it's own! The more I wrote, the more the purpose became clearer. So for me, I guess it kind of happened backwards. I didn't have an initial purpose or goal when I started, other than just wanting to have fun! But as I continued to write, things became more and more clear. But isn't that what happens in life? We set out on a new trail, quite blindly at the beginning, trusting that God will guide our steps and somehow bring us to our unknown destination.
Writing The Coronation has been a walk of faith for me! This is my first novel, and I couldn't be more thrilled with out it turned out. Even so, there were many points during the writing process that I wanted to give up. Once I reached the climax, I had to stop for several months, and pray for an answer: how was I possibly going to fix the mess that I had just created for my characters?! Finally, the Lord revealed how the story was to end, and it was brilliant! So writers, let this be an encouragement to you. If you're stuck, don't try to force it. Stop and pray. Ask the Lord how He wants your story to end! After all, He is full of amazing ideas!

4. Is it at all possible for you to choose a favorite character, or am I just being cruel and unusual? (again)

Actually, I think I do have a favorite! Hanson Fletcher, the new security guard at the Palace. I find his character integrating, as his backstory is the most complicated and there are a lot of things about this character that are still unknown to the readers. A lot of question-marks! But the way his character is introduced, the reader instantly connects with him and hopes that he will make the right choices. He's placed in a terrible situation and it's a little bit nail-bitey to see what he's going to do next!

5. You founded the Crown of Beauty Magazine. Can you tell us about its mission and purpose?

The purpose of Crown of Beauty Magazine is to encourage girls in their walk with the Lord, and remind them of their royal identity in Christ. The world tries to tell us all sorts of things about who we are, that we're not pretty enough, not skinny enough, not talented enough, not whatever enough - but that couldn't be further from the truth! I believe that as young women, it's really important that we keep our sisters in Christ encouraged, continuing to speak life and love into one another's hearts. Knowing who you are in Christ is so very important in a world that is trying to cram damaging, deceitful messages down our throats. The mission of Crown of Beauty is to encourage girls all over the world to return to the Cross, fix their eyes on Jesus, and find their value in the one and only true place they could ever find it: the heart of God.

6. What do you do when you're not writing?

I'm blessed to be currently living on a beautiful lake, so in the summertime I spend a lot of time outside! Swimming, biking, walking, just enjoying God's creation. If I'm not writing (which is pretty much all of the time! Haha!), you can usually find me spending time with family, spoiling my adorable niece and nephew, playing guitar, or doing something creative. (Like plotting for my next book!)

7. Do you know your personality type? If so, how would you say it affects your writing?

Yes! I'm an INFP. According to Myers-Briggs, my personality type loves to communicate with others, can sometimes be perceived as quiet or shy, but actually has a lot to say. That personality type tends to be more creative, expressive, and poetic. I think that's a pretty accurate description of myself! I absolutely adoring writing, be it stories, songs, or letters to friends. Apparently William Shakespeare and J.J.R. Tolkien were INFP's as well, so I must be in good company!

Livy Jarmusch is a dreamer, singer, songwriter and orphan advocate. As the founder of Crown of Beauty Magazine, she strives to reach young women and inspire them to realize their true worth in Christ. She loves fairy-tales, the smell just after it rains, golden retriever puppies and peppermint ice-cream cones. If you really want to get to know her, follow her on Pinterest, and if you find yourself repinning everything, you're sure to be the best of friends! To join this princess on her pilgrimage through life, follow on instagram @livylynnglittergirl & Pinterest @livyglittergirl

Why Do I Write With Magic?

I am a Christian. A conservative Christian, even.

Yet I write magical fantasy. Witchcraft! That's a contradiction against all things Christian, let alone conservative, isn't it?

Okay, first of all, it isn't witchcraft. I'm very careful to NOT write with witchcraft - at least not any witchcraft portrayed in a good light. In fact, a lot of the "magic" I use isn't actual magic at all, but rather a set of laws in another world that are different from our own laws.

I have a system, see. Not a "Good vs. Evil" system as I, frankly, find that to be too cut and dry. Is there good vs evil in the world? Yes, and I do endeavor to show that, but it's not in my magic system. There is no "light side" or "dark side" to my Force. I use what I call the "Natural System."

First of all, we have Natural Magic. On a whole, this isn't actual magic at all (though, depending on the world, it can be), as it covers anything that isn't easily explained by OUR world's natural laws. If I have a race of people who can turn themselves invisible, this counts. If I have a magician skilled in slight of hand, that counts. If I have rocks that float when they get warm, that counts. Most of Amber's collection of magical items are natural magic - not all, but most. In short, if magic exists within a world's set laws, it's Natural Magic.

Then we have Supernatural Magic. This is God's power and covers miracles, divine intervention, and special powers granted by God. In short, anything that defies a world's natural laws, but with God as its source. The Ankulens of The Ankulen are supernatural magic. The rings and staffs and such given to my characters of Rizkaland. The Fairies' power in Bookania. Of all the powers, I have to be most careful in writing this one, as it is directly related to God's Character, and we don't want to write Him out of Character.

And, finally, Unnatural magic. This is any magic that has been twisted to the devil's purposes. It usually has Supernatural, and sometimes Natural, magic as its source, as the devil has no power of his own, beyond what God has granted him, and its sole purpose is to tempt people away from God. I NEVER portray this in a good light, though I will show its tempting nature.

But why do I go through all of this trouble? Why do I put my toes into this water that, honestly, gives me a lot of flack from readers, and places me in the "don't touch" list for many of my target readers? Why do I continue to write with something that was, if I'm honest with myself, a stumbling block for my faith in my early teens?

This is a question that I have approached with a LOT of prayer and spiritual examination.

First of all - while it was a stumbling block for me, it wasn't the root of my problem. See, I was going through some years where things seemed to be spiraling out of any sense of control. And the fantasy novels I read - and wrote - were a tempting form of control for me, and a form of escape. Trust me, the magic I write these days is VERY removed from what I indulged in imagining then.

So why do I do it?

Well, the simple answer is that I enjoy testing the limits of what's possible. I still read and write as a form of escape, and I have no shame in that. When I read a book, I want to be challenged with another realm of possibility - another way of looking at things.

But if it were just that, well, that's still not a good enough reason for me to stick my toes into these testy waters, to dance with fire, as it were.

So what justification do I use?

Actually, I go to the Gospels. In particular - Matthew, Mark, and Luke. To the teachings of Jesus.

No particular one in general, but them all as a whole. See, what did Jesus do to draw a crowd?

He performed miracles and told stories (parables). (And the reason not John is because there aren't any parables in John.)

There is something within every person that craves the supernatural. We want to know that there's more to this world than just us, just our reality. That's why the occult is so tempting, why the concept of aliens are so fascinating.

And in the same way, people crave stories. We like being entertained. We like being removed from our own problems. We like seeing someone else conquer theirs.

Now, I can't do miracles, but I can write stories, and I can write stories where I show the something more - show the supernatural.

Am I saying that Christians SHOULD write with magic, that every Christian should read it? Actually, no. I believe this to be more a matter of conscience. I write with magic and I keep it clean, but I know that, for other Christians, my level of magic is too much for them. So I'm not going to make them read it. And, if I get a dislike from them on my magic's account, I understand. I've written myself into a VERY niche market - but I do know that there others who have the same view to magic as I do - and I do hope and pray that my stories touch - and even change lives.

But that's why I do it. Kendra out.