Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Masquerade: Behind the Masks

Before Thicker Than Blood’s release this August I mentioned a masquerade scene within the book. This scene was one of my favorites to plan and write for the book. I’m finally fulfilling my promise and writing a post about it. The main reason I wanted to talk more about it was because these scene also required some research and more elaborate planning than your normal scene might. Without further ado, let’s find out what’s behind Alaire’s mask and others. (Don’t worry though no spoilers.)
The thought behind the masquerade scene was actually inspired by the dance scene in Cursed With Power. Celestria and Alaire first dance in a ballroom, then in Shadows and Embers Leal and Rahela share a dance at one of Esmour’s parties. There is also an additional dancing scene in the second book, but I am unable to reveal it due to it involving spoilers. If you’ve read the book, however, you know which one I am referring to. Finally after these scenes I realized this could be parallels in the series. Each book have a unique dance scene that somehow affects the main character. And thus the masquerade scene came to life for Thicker Than Blood.
My favorite part about working on the masquerade scene was exploring creativity options. Masks, dresses, and even planning out who would be dancing was all part of the work. During the time when I started planning the scene and later on writing it for the first time, I posted several inspirational pictures of masks on CWP’s Facebook page. Personally I cannot wait to hear reader’s reactions to how the scene turned out.
Finally the most important part about these dancing scenes in the series is that they are important. They need to impact both the character(s) and the reader otherwise it might seem like unnecessary fill in material. The ballroom scene in CWP was definitely something that came to me in the later revisions. When I finally did add it into the book I loved how much more it added to the plot and also the characters’ depth. In SandE the dancing scenes fit in nicely and also played an important role yet again. Lastly in TTB the opportunity presented itself again. If the scene would not fit in the novel, however, I definitely would not try to force. While I’m working on the fourth book now a dancing scene is the furthest thing from my mind. It’d be interesting if it was able to sneak its way in, but we won’t know until it’s finished.
If you’re interested to read more about the masquerade, and find out who wore what mask, pick up Thicker Than Blood. Also, I’ll leave links for both Cursed With Power and Shadows and Embers. SandE has also recently been added on Barnes and Noble’s website, so now the entire series is available on there as well. I will be posting again in the upcoming days with more, but until then enjoy the start of fall and find a good book to read.
Lindsey R. Sablowski

Friday, September 12, 2014

The Magicians series on Barnes and Noble

The entire Magicians series will soon be available on Barnes and Noble. For the first time ever Shadows and Embers will be making it's way over to Barnes and Noble's online store for you to purchase. Presently the other two books in the series are available: Cursed With Power and Thicker Than Blood. Fortunately now the entire series will be on both Amazon, Createspace, and B&N thanks to expanded distribution being free on Createspace. (This is why originally SandE was not available on B&N). It will take about 6-8 business days for the book to go live on their website, but when it does I will be posting the link. 
Also don't forget Shadows and Embers and Thicker Than Blood are available for free with Kindle Unlimited. I myself have not joined this program, but I think it's a great opportunity for those of you who read a lot of Kindle books. Otherwise if not both books are available on Kindle for only $3.99. I do plan on doing a ebook giveaway of TTB very soon, but I have of yet to decide on a date.
So since the beginning of this series Celestria and Alaire have been major parts of the story. They really helped me make it through the first book, and they gave me a reason to keep writing. If you're interested in how their stories have evolved and about my publishing journey, another interview is live. Rock the Book recently interview me about my writing and publishing experience, and I also spoke briefly about my new WIP, Bloodline Inheritance. Be sure to check it out and let me know what you think. If you have any further questions, you can always leave them below in the comments or ask me on Goodreads.
While September has only just started it seems, I've been very busy. Besides going about my daily life I've also been trying to write at least once everyday (for about an hour). Since I have decided to hold off on revealing details about my fourth book for another month or two, I will say you can always check the Books page here on the blog. Today I added a new novel idea underneath "upcoming releases." Who knows maybe this novel will be my NaNoWriMo project, and maybe I'll have to wait a bit longer.
Until next time, enjoy the cooler weather and I'll be back soon with more.
Lindsey R. Sablowski

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Cursed With Power 2 year anniversary

Two years ago my first book, Cursed With Power, released to the public. Since then I have been on quite the adventure, publishing two more books and now presently working on my fourth. Cursed With Power has touched my heart since the very beginning when I first thought of the storyline. Celestria narrated the story, and more importantly she paved the way for the rest of the Magicians series.
"Cover" made back in 2010

So much has happened with this book over its two year span that I do not even know where to begin. I guess I should first “book cover” and image to inspire me. The cover I made myself, though I’ll admit it was not my finest piece of work. It was more so the image itself that inspired me, and the model in the image reminded me a lot of how I envisioned Celestria. For those of you who were on Inkpop and Wattpad, undoubtedly I’m sure you remember the numerous cover changes over the years. Long before CWP was published it was on Inkpop and Wattpad for anyone to read. This story first came to me in the summer of 2010, and ever since then it has been a huge part of my life.
 

Cursed With Power being my first published book is and always will be significant to me. A lot of people have come to know me and my work because of the book. I’ve spoken many times in the past about Celestria, and since her adventure both she and I have grown. My journey as an author has not always been an easy one, but I am grateful to have people to share it with.
In celebration of the two year mark I also wanted to do something special for my readers. I have decided to include a bonus excerpt from Cursed With Power from a different narration. This scene below is narrated by Alaire Sencler, one of the main characters. For those of you who have not read the book there are no spoilers. Those of you who are familiar with it you may recognize when this scene takes place. This is shortly after Alaire first meets Celestria and takes her back to Roana's hut. Enjoy!
I paced around the hut, watching Roana as she examined the girl. Magicians were not meant to battle in public when humans were present. Humans were weak against magic, but they never stopped being amused by it. I barely knew what to do, since it seemed I could not offer any help. Roana was an expert at what she did, and if she needed anything she would ask. Even so, I suspected the girl I had found was not as familiar with magic as myself.
Several minutes passed, and Roana worked quietly on her new patient. She applied herbs on the wounds and wrapped gauge around the injured shoulder. I had no said a single word, and I remained speechless. Esmour had tried to prepare me for this day, but his warnings seemed like distant memories. It never seemed as important until now that this girl survive. I considered revealing to Roana the secret I had hid from everyone, but I questioned my decision. Perhaps it was not necessary for her to know as much as me yet. After all, when the girl awoke she would have many unanswered questions.
"She'll need time to rest, but I believe she will recover," Roana said at last.
I sighed. "Thank you; this means a lot."
She turned to me and raised her brow. "How did you find this girl? I did not suspect another Dark magician to be this close to us."
"She was in danger, and I saved her. It was nothing more but a coincidence," I replied. Though Roana did not question it further, she mentioned a valid point. I had not expected to find another Dark magician after departing from Leal. Perhaps my luck would change after all; this girl could hold all the answers for me. Roana walked away from the patient's table and searched for something amongst the stack of books. Meanwhile I grabbed a chair and pulled it up to where the girl laid. This was a rare moment; I would wait to see what fate had laid in my hands.
"Celestria..." I murmured, smiling at the sound of her name. It was the most beautiful name I had heard of, but it could also be dangerous. Esmour once said every decision comes with a price, and sooner or late I would need to pay. For the time being I bowed my head and prayed to God this girl could offer me the world. She and I had a chance to make a difference in a world where no one accepted us.
Interested to read more of the Magicians series? I am including the links to each book below where it can be purchased. Don't forget later this month I'll also be revealing exciting news about the upcoming fourth book in the series. Until then, there's plenty of time to catch up on the story.
Bloodline Inheritance (book 4) -To Be Announced
Before I go I wanted to thank everyone for making TTB's first month of publication a success. It's very exciting to see Alaire's story out in the world, and I hope you are enjoying it.
Until next time, please share this post and help celebrate this special day. Not only is it the 2 year anniversary for Cursed With Power, but it also means I've been a published author for two years now. I cannot believe the time has flown by so quickly, but I love every minute of it.
Many more posts will be coming up soon (much sooner than this one), and I apologize for any slight delay. Interested in sneaking a peek at my progress in Bloodline Inheritance? Drop by my instagram for daily updates. Enjoy your summer, and remember to read a good book.

Lindsey R. Sablowski