COVER REVEAL of Cursed With Power

The official cover is finally here!  It's been a long wait, so a huge thank you to you guys for being patient!  So the cover above is the official deal.  I woke up this morning at 8am to find it in my email waiting for me, and I'm so pleased that the wait is finally over.  To be honest, I had no idea what to expect, but I love the cover.  And for those of you who don't know, blue is my favorite cover... So bonus points to my designer for that as well (he didn't know that, but still...).

I'm also starting the CWP Blog Tour today!  If  you have any room on your blog and can allow me to stop by please let me know.  I already have some people lined up, but I'd love to reach as much audiences as I can.  

And so I'm not boring you with just pictures from Pinterest that have become a part of the CWP journey, I figured today I'd mix it up and tell you some little things that I enjoyed from the book.

Favorite character: Alaire -well what can I say? He's handsome and he knows how to touch a lady's heart, so what's not to love? But in all honestly he is my favorite because of significant of a character he became (mind you he wasn't originally in the story in the first version.)  Really glad to have him!

Most difficult character (to work with): Aldemund -he's not simply the antagonist... he also has a very twisted mind and twisted past. It took a while to get used to him (writing him, that is; not reading about him).

Favorite chapter: Twenty three -I don't want to give anything away... But I'll just say that something very surprising happens in this chapter. It wasn't something I had planned out originally (even when I submitted it to my publisher), so it's very shocking for both me and I believe it will be for the readers.  Hope you enjoy it!

Favorite quote: "I'm Leal Irvine; I'm always quicker than them before I have to be careful." (It was difficult to choose just one! But this is one of my favorites)

That's all I can think of for now to share!  I am going to try and make business cards and some other promo material now that the cover is finished and ready.  Remember you can pre-order the book!

Six days until Cursed With Power releases!

Lindsey R. Sablowski

Lesson about love from Christina Perri

Music is always a popular topic when it comes to the literary world. Why? Because every author has their different opinion on it -some prefer listening to music while they write, others need complete silence.

No matter what your preference is, tonight we're taking some lessons from Christina Perri.

One of the main reasons I love listening to Christina's songs while I write is because they're not too fast (or at least not the ones I listen to) and they always have a story that goes along with them.  It's not words simply put together because it sounded good -you can feel the emotions involved in the song.  And what I really love is that there's talk about love in these songs that gives it both a beautiful and sad meaning to it.

Heart beats fast

Colors and promises

How to be brave

How can I love when I'm afraid

To fall

But watching you stand alone

All of my doubt

Suddenly goes away

Such as in the song above, "A Thousand Years," she talks about how nervous she is to love this man, but then by looking at him on his own she is able to put aside her doubts.  It's little stories like these in a song that can add so much meaning not only to the lyrics but to the theme itself.

In literature today love is a very popular topic.  We love reading about true love, and sometimes we even enjoy the kind of love that happens by accident and turns out okay in the end.  (Or maybe you're in the group that loves reading about the relationships that have a twisted end.)  No matter what way you look at it, love is always a changing topic.  It something we cannot define, but rather something we can experience and share. 

Anyways, my point of all of this is that if you haven't listened to Christina Perri or don't know what to think of her... I'd try listening to some of her songs.  Personally I've always found them as an extra helpful tool when writing romantic scenes.

Hope everyone has a good night!  Remember only seven more days!

Lindsey R. Sablowski

Countdown: 7 days until the betrayal

I think I missed posting about the countdown for yesterday, so I'm trying to make up for it today! In case you haven't noticed, with each day we get closer to the release of the book I'll mention something else that happens in the book.  (Such as today.... betrayal.)
Since I didn't updated yesterday, I have fabulous news to share!  Cursed With Power is not available for pre-order.  Go pre-order the book today! I know a few who have already said they'll be ordering their copy this weekend.  Of course if you'd rather wait, keep in mind the official release date is September 7th.  Only seven days to go!
Please keep in mind that the cover showing for CWP now is not the official cover -it's a place holder. Yes, it's the same cover I used while it was on Wattpad, and I'll miss it dearly... but my designer is hard at work to reveal the final one.  I promise to share it as soon as I have it -and we're hoping that'll be by the end of this week!
Now as for giveaways and contests.... (because we all love them):
You guys know I've been planning out giveaways and contests for months now!  Unfortunately I can't really offer any of the giveaways I have planned just yet because they also involved having the cover.  However, they are coming ASAP!  I spent the last hour searching around for some ideas, and I'm hoping you'll love what's coming soon.
Since we are waiting, though, feel free to send in requests of some giveaways you'd like to see.

I'm trying to think of anything else I've forgotten... Oh!  Before I go (and in case you haven't heard), I did finish reading through the final of the book.  The interior looks great; there were only a few little errors here and there (relating to grammar and such) that need to be fixed.  Everything's going as according to schedule.
Remember... Only 7 days left!

Lindsey R. Sablowski

Countdown: 9 days until the battle... and we have a TEASER

This week has only begun, yet it feels like it's flying by!  And as promised, I'm keeping up with the countdown so you don't miss anything!  Today I have some exciting little surprises I'd like to share with you -and yes that includes a teaser!

Lightly, Alaire said, “There is a secret I should tell you.”

            I titled my head up, but I did not look him directly in the eyes.  My face was stained with tears of my own and I had lost too much of my dignity as it was.  I nodded for him to continue.

            “When I knew Léal we were working under a man named Esmour.  Though I cannot say much, I must tell you…” He paused for a moment.

            “Aldemund’s name was mentioned in the work we did.  Though I have not ever met him, I know he is a foul man.”

            “Thank you,” I murmured.  While I desired to ask Alaire more about what other secrets he may be carrying with him, the strength to voice my thoughts no longer existed.  I laid my head back on his shoulder and sighed.  All the while Alaire remained silent, not questioning my feelings and not pushing me away.  I tried to recall someone who had done that for me in the past, but not even my dear sister had been there during the darkest of times.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Now the reason I'm specifically calling that a "teaser" is because I'm at college right now and don't have the final copy of Cursed With Power.  However, the teaser above is from the version I wrote last year, so it's something to think about.  Do you think this scene between Alaire and Celestria changed significantly in the final book?  I realize it's very brief, but that's the fun involved with this week -I'll share little interesting things that all lead up to the big day!

Onto some more surprises... I have pins from my pinterest that I'm sharing today!  These pictures I repinned specifically because they somehow related to Cursed With Power.  I won't be sharing all of them -what would be the fun in that?-but I will be showing several.  

This personally gave me inspiration for Dyanna's character.  Celestria makes a remark in the book about how she was always seen as the "beautiful sister," and I think this picture would be a good representation of that beauty and perhaps even the way Dyanna would have held herself together -very lady like, confident... you get the point.

I realize the horse isn't white, but this instantly made me think of Vinur (Alaire's horse.)  I love the nature in the background seemingly glowing, and how the horse stands out.

And that one.... Well I'll just leave that there for everyone to think about ;)

Whew that was certainly a lot!  If this post isn't already long enough, I'll try to wrap things up before I return to school work and so forth.  I plan on finishing chapter three of Punished with Destiny today (fingers are crossed!), and then I can get to work on chapter four.  I haven't really gotten that far, considering how many chapters in total the book will have, but at least I'm writing little bits every day.

Also remember to send in those pictures!  If you have artwork of your own that you'd like to share, just send it to me and I'll post it up for other fans to see.  

I'll try to come up with some more promos later on -they're so enjoyable to make!- and I plan on making the "goodies" for CWP as soon as I have a cover!  Remember to join the Facebook party for Cursed With Power for your chance to win some wonderful surprises as well!  Click here for the party!

Lastly, if you see Alaire around remind him to stay out of my head... This is Leal's story I have to tell now, not his.

Lindsey R. Sablowski

Countdown: 10 days until the magic!

As promised, all this week I'm sharing pins from Pinterest that in someway or another relate to Cursed With Power.  And fortunately, these pictures can have many meanings behind them, so be creative and tell me what you think!

Well we're ten days away from the release.  Whew, where did time fly?

Today I've started my first day at college.  I've been all over the internet this morning because between history and math I have a five hour break... So of course I'm reading and writing.  (That's right, I'm writing the sequel as you read this post.)

For those of you who would like to show your support for CWP through Twitter, remember to use the hashtag #CursedWithPowerReleases

If you're already on-board for the release, expect to read some teasers and see more interesting pictures that I hope will only continue to increase your interest.  

And as for the sequel...

I realize it's very confusing what happened, so let me explain.  The sequel was originally titled New Life; however, this has been changed since the title no longer holds as much significance as it once did. (That title was actually in reference to something Celestria told Leal in book #1, but it didn't end up staying unfortunately.)  The new and final title is Punished with Destiny. Yes, I've decided to do that crazy thing like other authors who write series... and there will be a similar ring to each of the titles.  (I haven't figured out the rest, so it's a working process.)

Fans

I cannot fully express how overjoyed I am about the release of CWP, and not simply because it will finally be a part of the literary world. (And also because I don't have to edit it anymore!) The excitement grows each day because of all of you.... One of the main reasons I stayed with the book is because of the fanbase -whether it's from inkpop, wattpad, or simply elsewhere-you all have made an amazing and significant impact on this book.

I will tell you that if you read the book back when it was online it has changed.  I edited this book day and night so that the final product turned out to be everything we were hoping for.  Don't be afraid of the change; I assure you this book has grown on me like a child does on a mother.

With that said, if you're extremely excited and want to spread your support, feel free to send in artwork and/or other promo-related materials.  Maybe you remember a scene from the book, or maybe you already have expectations of what to expect -whatever it is, send it my way and I would love to share it with the rest of the fans!

As for ARCs -which seems to be the question on everyone's mind-I don't know how many I'll receive yet.  If I do receive enough that I can give away a few, I'll most likely post a contest and you can enter for a chance to win!

That's all I have for now... I should get back to writing.  Enjoy your day!

Lindsey R. Sablowski

RELEASE DATE for Cursed With Power !!!!!!

I'm grinning from ear to ear here now that at last we have an official date set.  (Unless of course some unforeseen terrible tragedy happens that pushes back the date... But it's unlikely!)  Anyways Cursed With Power releases September 7th, 2012!  That's right -it's only twelve days away! (I honestly had no idea it would be so soon; I'm just as surprised as you are)

With things moving along, I'll try to keep you updated and entertained at the same time.  There's a lot of talk about the cover, and I cannot thank you guys enough for being so patient.  I was informed I'll be reviewing the final of everything by the end of this week, so I expect that is also when the final cover will be sent to me. The designer will have two or three different covers for me to choose from, and then I have to decide on the one I like best.  How scary is that? (I'm nervous/excited if you couldn't tell)

It's hard to believe that two years ago Cursed With Power was just starting off about a girl on an adventure to find her way in the world... And now Celestria and the book altogether has certainly come a long way!  I love that this journey has been so much more than just a book being published, though.  I can't thank the fanbase enough!  You're all great people with amazing dreams and dedication, and I love that you are interested in Celestria's world!

I'll be updating the blog as frequently as I can.  College starts tomorrow, but I have a lot in store for you!  I will be sharing some pins from pinterest that relate to events, characters, and etc. in Cursed With Power, and we can start talking about those contests.  Also, if anyone has ideas for a trending hashtag we can use on Twitter the day CWP releases, let me know!  Let's get this baby on the shelf!

We'll continue the countdown each day... Talking about different aspects of the book -characters, places, inspiration, etc- or maybe just sharing some fun pictures... Either way, hope you'll join along!

Countdown: 12 days until the release!

Lindsey R. Sablowski

Jamie Salisbury and her latest book, Timeless Sojourn

Today we have Jamie Salisbury at the blog to discuss her latest release, Timeless Sojourn.  Please give a warm welcome and hello to Jamie!
First let's take a look at what Timeless Sojourn has to offer, and what kind of fiery passion may strike between the uncertain yet hopeful Anne and handsome but arrogant Geoffrey.

Timeless Sojourn summary:

"It wasn't supposed to be like this!", has become the mantra in Anne Harrison's head since her recent divorce. She was too old to be here...to be single. Melancholy and unsure about anything Anne takes her long time friend Kat's advice and gets back to her roots...in Seattle. There she hopes to connect with that long ago girl from her childhood and find her confidence again.
Devilishly handsome, arrogant, and cocky Geoffrey Quinn is a man of success. He's also a man of layers and most people can't get past what he portrays. No one until Anne.
The last thing either of these people are looking for is a relationship. Anne finds Geoff highly irritating (and young!) at his best, while Geoffrey finds her magnetic and wise.
Seemingly unsuitable and unplanned attractions lights a fiery passion this duo never expected.
Will they take a chance on passion? If they do what happens when the blaze recedes? What will be left ashes or embers?

Might Anne fall in love with Geoffrey? Let's find out... With an excerpt from the book!

Fall in the Northwest is quite different from that in north Georgia. It gets cold soon after Labor Day and not being able to go outside and walk without freezing is a drawback. I have extended my walking perimeter to include a park just off the public docks not far from Kat’s home. I go to sit on one of the many benches lined up along the walkway to watch the boats and goings on.
“Beautiful afternoon, isn’t it?” An Irish brogue behind me inquires. Without moving to try and see who I’m talking to I merely nod my head. I know who is
addressing me.
“May I?” He asked, sitting beside me.
“It’s a free country last time I heard,” I answered regretting my cockiness immediately.
“So, Ms. Harrison, what brings you to Seattle?”
I sit up and look at him. He is extremely good looking I think. “I went through a bad divorce and my girlfriend Kat convinced me I needed a fresh start. So here I am.”
“Kat? Kat Brown?”
“Yes. That’s right, I forgot. You know her beau, Tom Delany, don’t you?”
“Yes, I know Tom quite well. And I’ve met Kat as well.” he replied putting his sunglasses on top of his head. His hair is thick, cut and kept in the fashionable tousled look.
“Do you live around here Geoff?” I inquired noting to myself that if he doesn’t he’s come out of his way.
“No, I live over on Lake Union. I have a houseboat there. I keep my sailboat moored here.” He points out toward the end of the docks where sailboats stay moored, their masts bobbing up and down in the water.
“Hmmm… a houseboat, huh? That fits you, Geoff.”
“I love it, no yard to keep up,” he replied. “It’s centrally located and ideal for a bachelor like me.”
“I’ll have to remember that when it comes time for me to buy.” Ha, I think to myself. It’ll be a cold day in you-know-where before I can buy myself anything, let alone a house.
“Do you sail?”
I nod my head. “Yes, although I have to admit it’s been years.”
“Good. Perhaps you’ll join me sometime.”
Looking down at my watch I note it’s later than I thought. “I’d like that.” I replied. “I hate to rush off, but Kat is preparing for a function and I promised her I’d help her out after I took my walk.”
He stands with me and takes my hand. “I enjoyed your company. Until next time, Ms. Anne Harrison.”

This great book is only 99 cents on Amazon! So if you're interested in reading more, go ahead and pick up your copy at Amazon.
As for the woman behind this fascinating story?

Jamie Salisbury

Jamie Salisbury cannot imagine a time when she did not write. A skill that has served her well throughout her diversified professional career that encompassed public relations in and around the entertainment industry, photography, editing, and special event planning.
 An avid reader of history, biographies, and romance it's only natural that she prefers to write historical romances with characters said to be "so authentic they spring forth from the page and shake the reader's hand." No stranger to life threatening situations Jamie pulls from life experience when she creates her stories. Such as when her family had to escape Chile when she was a teen because of the unstable political climate.
 Unable to walk great distances  as a result of  several foot surgeries, she started writing once again as a way to pass the time. With the completion of her first novel Perpetual Love she dove head first into the eBook and digital publishing paradigm. She couldn't be happier with her decision to grab the publishing industry by the shoulders and force it to pay attention to all she has to offer.

If you're interested in more about Jamie and her books, find her on your social network and get in touch. Be sure to tell her your thoughts on this great book you wouldn't want to miss!
Blog
Official Website
Facebook
Romance Novel Center
Twitter: @JamieRSalisbury

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Jamie! Hope everyone will consider buying your book -definitely sounds like a great read!
Lindsey R. Sablowski

Book Signing! YOU'RE INVITED

This November I'll be signing books at Greetings & Readings in Hunt Valley Maryland!  For those of my lovely blogging friends who live in/near Maryland and are able to stop by for the signing, I would love to see you there.  I realize this is almost three months too early, but I wanted to share this exciting news with you.  I'm finalizing everything at the end of the day.
When: November 17th, 2012 (Saturday) 
Where: Hunt Valley, MD
At: Greetings & Readings
Who: six of Old Line Publishing's authors will be present
Event: Author appearance and book signing

If you're friends with me on facebook or a part of the CWP group/like page I'll be personally sending you an invitation when we get closer to the date.

Obviously by November Cursed With Power will have already released.  I'll have copies of the book with me that you can purchase, several sharpies (for signing!), and some wonderful "goodies" I'll be giving away -for those of you who purchase the book on that day.  I realize many of you may not live anywhere near Maryland, hence why I wanted to make this post about it just sharing good news and keeping you on track with everything that's coming up.  I'll be adding this event to my author website in case you forget.
Mark your calendars and be ready! I hope to see you there, and if not, feel free to invite me to a store near you!

Coming up next: Writing from a male's perspective... the good and the ugly

Lindsey R. Sablowski

OFFICIAL DETAILS ABOUT CURSED WITH POWER!

Long time since you've seen this cover, right?  It's NOT the official one.  It is, however, the place holder currently for my book until the designer has the final cover ready.  So if you're like me, you've probably gotten tired of the wait.  Good news, part of the wait is over!

And I say "part" because it's not totally over... But we're slowly getting there!

Now onto what you actually care about. 

All of the official details (the summary, author info, etc.) is up on my publisher's website: here.  I actually just realized this by accident when I was on the site earlier this afternoon.  I showed my parents the summary, and then at last decided it "sounds like a good book." (Mind you, they actually thought this was the first book I wrote back when I was 12 -and it's not.)  Feel free to share the link, and if you do: all my love and hugs go your way!

I realize all of the "purchase" links are unavailable.  Don't worry, this is how it's going to be for a bit longer.  Remember the official release date still hasn't been determined -it takes a while for all of this to be processed and ready to hit the shelf.  Let's be thankful that it isn't taking a year!  Nonetheless, I'll keep this blog updated, and as soon as I hear anything I'll rush over here.  I stopped working on the sequel to post on here real quick.  

Before I go, if you have a Pinterest feel free to follow me.  And if you do, you can find out more about Cursed With Power and the upcoming sequel by looking at my pins.  I made a special blog just for you guys so you can get some ideas of what is yet to come!  For Cursed With Power pins check in here, and for New Life (the sequel) check in here.

Coming next: I'll share some pins relating to Cursed With Power. Also, a post about struggles and successes when writing from a male's POV.

Lindsey R. Sablowski

Alaire Sencler: Stay close to me

Are you there?  I apologize it took me so long to make it back to you, but I had to be certain that our path was clear.  I couldn't bear the thought of endangering you.
I must warn you that there are White magicians who are traveling ahead of us, so we must be extremely cautious when we move.  So long as we stay together we will always be stronger than them.  Never forget that.  Just stay close to me, and I promise no harm will come to you.

You asked me about this necklace earlier?  Alas, my relationship with God has been thrown over the edge... Or so it seems.  I can't help but wonder where He has been while we've been struggling through all of this.  Surely He must see us suffering, battling just to stay alive?  I wonder if perhaps this isn't how it was supposed to be, and now His anger shows in the forgiveness He has not yet offered.  Nonetheless, at least I have you. I can believe in you, I can trust that no matter what happens you will  understand why I do all of this.  We're on this journey together, and without you I would be a lost soul wondering in a world that despises me.
Take my hand, don't be afraid, I'll protect you from the demons in this world.  And because of that, I'm going to do something I've never done before... I will take the first risk.  I'm going to approach those traveling White magicians, but you must stay close behind me.  I'll go first, you follow after me -but only when you see my command.  I know it's dangerous, and there might be too many for us to fight... But we must get past them to continue on this path.  If it turns out that we have to fight them, do not allow them to see your weaknesses.  They'll use that against you.  
Ready?  
Stay strong; I'll be right in front of you.
Always,

The darkness is a scary place

Especially when you're writing a sequel to your first book.  The mistake I continue to make over and over again -maybe you can relate- is that I keep thinking in my head that it has to be perfect.  It has to be error-free, but I suppose that's what happens when you starting writing a new book after just editing your first book so that it was exactly how you want it to be in print.
Alas, we cannot expect perfection from our second book right off the bat.
So after wasting most of my morning repinning everything on Pinterest (obsessed?), I'm going to try a different approach to this book.  Instead of worrying about how it's all going to come together and whether everyone is fitting into their place right.. I am taking a step back today and writing a bit more casually.  If need be I can write several different chapter one starters for the book, and then later on decide what sounds best.  It may turn out that I hate all of them and I change it again, but hopefully the inner grammar-nazi inside of me will relax for today. (Not so much a grammar-nazi... A perfectionist actually.)
With Cursed With Power it actually turned out that the beginning chapter changed entirely when at last I was working on final edits for it to go into publication.  Note to self: Chapter one never stays the same.
And as for Leal, I need to take another step toward him.  Seeing as I'm writing part one, I'm actually going to be working with both Leal and Alaire -ladies watch out!  Hopefully the boys will play nice. *fingers are crossed*

For now it's time for me to re-enter the world inside my head.  Magic, action, secrets, and the scary truth... Oh all right, Leal, I'll write your story!

Coming next: Character journey with the guy you've been waiting for!

Lindsey R. Sablowski

Author appearance, the SEQUEL... oh and Pinterest

Whew what a week!  Sorry it's been a while, but I've been busy with the trip to NC, writing this new book, and helping out my boyfriend with ideas for his video segments.  Anyways, it's time for me to play catch up once again -how many times does this make it?  

Well first off I want to say the trip to North Carolina was totally worth it!  I had a great time -despite the five hour road trip to get there.  And as promised, I even brought back pictures!

The stand where authors T.C. McCarthy and Michael J. Sullivan were talking.  They talked a bit about their books, and then they each read a segment from their book.  They even managed to make a few jokes, which I'll admit I enjoyed very much so :)

I finally met Michael J. Sullivan in person! He's extremely nice and funny, and he's one of the most down-to-earth people I've ever met.  We chatted for a bit, and I even got to talk with his wife -she always comes to all his signings.

  

Mrs. Sullivan was nice enough to give me the Riyria shirt and keychain that aren't sold anywhere to me.  Apparently she only gives it to people she feels like did something "special" or are "talented," and she said "publishing a book at 18 is something to be proud of!"  As I said, they're very nice people.  

Oh, and even though in all the excitement for the trip I forgot to bring my copy of Theft of Swords, I got a new copy and Michael signed it. 

But enough about me... Let's get onto what you really want to hear about.

For those of you who have checked on Old Line's website, I am aware there is a cover next to Cursed With Power.  I spoke with the company, and they've reassured me that this NOT the official cover.  The official one has to be approved by me before it is on the website, so until you read about my dancing around my room because the cover is actually finished, the one on the site is a "place holder."

As for the sequel...

I have been trying my very best to get to work on the book.  I honestly do love Leal's character; it's just some of these other newbies that I'm not used to.  But of course all that is for a later time.

Before you go, I realize this has been a long post so let me try to finish it up real quick.  For those of you who enjoy the character journeys, I'll be posting another tonight.  As always, I'm making little promo quotes and so forth (like the one at the very top) to help promote the work and in hope that you'll like it enough to share it somewhere.

If you actually read through this entire post, congrats... I'll stop talking now.

Coming up next: I'll finally foreshadow/hint about possible contest ideas.  Also, a character journey (not from Leal's POV!) and lastly...I joined Pinterest so if you want to follow me that'd be cool: Follow me :)

Lindsey R. Sablowski

Appearance at 2nd Annual Summer Literary Speculative Fiction Festival!

   
I'm very excited/nervous to be making my first official appearance as a published author at the Summer Literary Speculative Fiction Festival!  (Try saying that ten times fast.) T.C. McCarthy (left) and Michael J. Sullivan (right) are hosting the event, so when Michael invited me to join I couldn't resist.  I'm a huge fan of fantasy and science fiction... And with it being a festival, other writers will be there!
I'll be leaving tomorrow morning early.  I live in Maryland, so the drive to North Carolina will take about 5 hours.  Hoping it will be worth every hour that I'm in the car!  My parents and younger sister are coming along with me, so I'm thinking I might have to print out a "cheat sheet" for them -they tend to advertise my book in a strange way... As in they kind of make it up as they go along. But oh well, I don't have too many worries.
I literally have no idea what the festival will be like -had a really weird dream about it-but I'll bring back pictures.  (Hmm... Maybe I should take Theft of Swords to get signed?)
Anyways, if you'll be attending I'll see you there.  If not, expect a post when I return with lots of pictures!  The actual festival only lasts for about two-three hours, but I'll keep a mental log of what I have to tell you guys about.
I'm very excited to meet other writers who write in the same genre as myself.  Be sure to enjoy your weekend too!

Coming next: Pictures from the event! Be sure to keep checking in.

Lindsey R. Sablowski

Let the characters tell the story

Returning to writing!  Since I imagine tomorrow is going to be a busy day, I'm eager to see if I can get any writing done today.  Now I know you might be wondering why I have this crazy idea to jump right back into writing when I just finished editing... But the truth is I love to write more than anything. It's a very natural thing for me -like breathing air. So returning to this series is something I want to get started on while I have the free time to. There's no point in me sitting around with ideas floating around in my head if I don't use them!
I've been considering using one of my spare journals as an actual "diary" for Leal.  Since I really want to become more familiar with his character, I need to walk around in his head.  And we all know there's no better time than now when I'm just beginning the book!

Fortunately I do have all the chapters outlined, but it'll be a while before anything is permanent.  Also, it struck me that working with both Alaire and Leal will be... interesting.  I want to make sure Leal and Alaire have unique voices; they can't sound like each other.  Now that I know my strengths and weaknesses, I'm really hoping the characters will help me tell the story on this one!  I honestly have fallen in love with Celestria's world, and I would love to fall deeper in with Leal's story now.

Coming next: I'm making a personal appearance as an officially published author!   

We're all looking for a HERO within ourself

Can't believe it's already Friday! I went out today to celebrate that at last I'm finished with editing. (Woohoo!)  I'm stopping by tonight to give you a bit of an idea of how I plan to finish my night... as well as my weekend.
Tonight and tomorrow I'll be working on the sequel.  Seeing as I've just finished months upon months of editing, I'm not going to jump into it too quickly.  But I'd like to get used to Leal's character, walk around in his shoes for a bit -so to speak, and become familiar with his world.  He is very different from Celestria, and I want those differences to shine through.  Since I'm only in the beginning stages, I want to enjoy the book solely because I have the chance to write it. Nothing will be rushed, no deadlines, nothing set in stone... I'll just take it one day at a time. And if that means I only finish one page or one chapter every day, that's okay.  It feels great to return to writing -not editing, just solely writing.  It's what I love about my job, and while I'm eager to jump into Leal's world without looking back, there is a lot for me to consider before fully dedicating myself to the job ahead.
Seeing as I'm starting college this fall, I might not always have the opportunity to write as often as I would like to. Fortunately if all else fails, I can use my breaks to catch up!  But the fall isn't much of my concern right now.. I'd like to focus with the present.

THANK YOU to everyone who has been so patient waiting for the cover!  Again, I have no idea when it will be ready, but I promise I'll post it everywhere (not kidding) once it arrives :)
Don't forget about upcoming contests! I'll be sharing some ideas when it gets closer to the release date (I have no idea when that is yet haha), but remember your opinion counts too! If you have any contest ideas send them to me --crazy, amazing, creative, unique... Anything you've got, I want to hear about!

Also... on Sunday I'll be away in North Carolina making a personal appearance at a writing festival.  If you're going, I'll see you there!  I believe adult romance author Jamie Salisbury will be guest blogging that day.  Be sure to thank her for stopping by and give a warm hello! :)

That's all for now.  Enjoy your night.

Coming up next: We talk about those crazy, amazing, creative, unique contest ideas!  Feel free to send ideas as well!

Lindsey R. Sablowski 

New promo for the series!

I spent over an hour editing this picture for it to turn out right.  Personally, I like the fire, but I do feel like "the Magicians series" is too small.  I'll try to fix it up in the morning, but it's 1am and I desperately need sleep!  

I'll be trying to create a new promo for the series, seeing as now I have a better editing software I'm using.

Goodnight everyone :)  Remember to comment and tell me what you think!

Lindsey R. Sablowski

New Life promo

This is the promo I'll be using to promote the upcoming book!  Hope you enjoy it; spent a lot of time editing this picture.  Special thanks to the creator of the stock image of the couple: here

If you'd like to help promote the book, feel free to use this image!  Thanks everyone.

Sorry for the quick post.  I'll be back later on with more!

Lindsey R. Sablowski

Leal Irvine: At night we fall asleep believing we can escape it

It's a lovely afternoon, actually one of the finest I've seen in days.  I was told I'll be telling my story at last, and I must admit it's a relief.  Well come on already; you know I can't stay in one place too long.  Walk with me, won't you?


I find the beginning of a story is always the most difficult to write.  Wouldn't it be easier if we could start with the end?  Or perhaps the middle?  Alas, though, the beginning of my story must be told.  I don't expect you to understand, but beneath this smile and inside the manor I call home there's a story I've never told before.  Not even Mama truly knows what it is that I do.  I'm not merely a business man like my father.
But I've held in this story for too long, so I'll place my life on the line by telling you who I really am.  There's parts about the magical world that I know, and now I'm relying on you to keep it between the two of us.  You know these are dangerous time; we can't afford any of this getting out to the authorities.

I can teach you what I know, I can show you the world as it really it... But you'll have to take the first step.  Are you ready for this?  I've waited a long time for you to listen.  I will return within a day or two if you should accept.   In our world as it is today, the truth might be all that's left to save you, dove.

Deadline met, Final Manuscript sent, SEQUEL in progress!

First of all, happy second day of August! Great news: I reached my deadline, and at last the final submission packet is in the hands of my publisher.  What a relief!!  I've been editing Cursed With Power since May (strictly so it was ready to hit the shelves), so now that it's over I finally take a break from editing.  Plus you won't have to hear about me editing for a while; instead we can talk about the book design.

Don't leave yet!

Because the ending of one book brings me to the beginning of another.  That's right... the sequel.

Surprise, surprise, here's the guy we've all been wondering about.  As promised, I plan on beginning work on New Life, the second book in the Magicians series.  This story is told from Leal's point of view -yes, I'm certain he's already overjoyed with the idea.  This ought to be interesting seeing as this will by my first full novel written entirely from a man's POV.  Leal has been fighting with me these last couple months to have his story told, and now we've reached that point.  I have several journals already set aside for this book (two already used up, and one left with lots of space), but since I learned a lot from editing CWP I'll be reviewing my ideas and seeing what else is left to be desired.  This sequel needs a BANG!  I want you, the readers, to enjoy it for everything it has to offer.  With Leal telling the story, who knows what could happen!

I'm eager to get a start on this book, and I am hoping that within this book the reader can travel deeper into the magical world.  There will new characters, returning old ones, and the truth about some dark secrets our heroes have been hiding.  

All the updates will be here, including news about Cursed With Power.  An official release date should be announced soon!

Coming next: At last the character journey you've been waiting for!

Lindsey R. Sablowski