Authorpreneur Dashboard – Brandon King
All His Wrath
Science Fiction & Fantasy
The Menace Returns. Friends Are Threatened. Trust Is Challenged. A year older and cleverer, Danielle distrusts the growing sense of dread that haunts her. She knows nothing of what hunts her friends. They know nothing of her foreboding. Soon they are all thrust back together in a relentless series of hunting or being hunted by an unholy foe, a mutant possessing horrifying powers and schemes. Or is there more than one? All His Wrath is a fast-paced story layered with complex twists and revelations. The adventures of Danielle and her friends take them deeper into the fantastical gargoyle kingdom than they would have ever chosen to go. Available everywhere: books2read.com/u/bP5Qzx
Book Bubbles from All His Wrath
Like Blood Stains Water
Can we hope that 2022 has little in common with 2020 and 2021? I sure hope so. I suspect you’re with me on this. The past two years have been so jammed up with facts, figures, feelings, fear, fury, failures, fiats, fake news, and fantasy-in-real-time, one can only hope to be rid of it all, as much as humanly possible. But if you’ve been reading my posts for even just a little while, you know that for positive change to happen, more of us need to spend time thinking: less feeling; more thinking. In fact, a lot more thinking. And that’s not encouraged these days, which only adds to the blood stains already in the cultural water. In this excerpt, things are not always as they seem. Not everyone has the best of intentions. Believing without thinking is just blind acceptance. I hope you enjoy this excerpt from All His Wrath (1st Place, Fantasy, NABA). ~BK #skepticism #NewYear #2022 #THINK #darkness #truth #light #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #YA #AllHisWrath | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in #TheGargoyleChronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com. PS: please follow me on Bublish.
Full Bloom of Suffering
Only a generation ago, people approached the Christmas season with very different sensibilities than we do now. Then, there was thoughtfulness and introspection. It was far from perfect but at least it was there. Now, it's just a super-sized, sugar-coated series of Hallmark movies. Even if you don't watch Hallmark movies, that's the vibe of the season. But as we see in this terrifying scene, there is no time of year that some people are not in the full bloom of suffering. And we forget that the underlying tender story of Christmas ends with the full bloom of suffering of Easter. I hope you enjoy this excerpt from All His Wrath (1st Place, Fantasy, NABA). ~BK #fullbloom #suffering #Christmas #Easter #joy #darkness #light #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #YA #AllHisWrath | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in #TheGargoyleChronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com. PS: please follow me on Bublish.
Be Watchful
It’s ironic that in this age of literally unlimited access to information, humanity isn’t growing more enlightened. Instead, it’s descending into an abyss of fear and anxiety. Some argue that the media no longer “reports on the news” but tends to create it by promoting hyper-fearful headlines. How did we get by before “Breaking News” was invented? Isn’t all news “breaking”? In this scene from All His Wrath, you’ll see advice given that “We must be watchful. Open. Most aware.” Why do you think that’s good/bad advice? ~BK #bewatchful #open #aware #vigilence #news #breakingnews #headlines #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in #TheGargoyleChronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com. PS: you can follow me on Bublish.
A Rose By Any Other Name...
Even people who have never read Romeo and Juliet recognize the phrase “a rose by another name” came from Shakespeare. In this scene, there is a lot of emotional pain. Fear of loss. Anxiety about the future. Even anger at a loved one. As you’ll see, the character who all this energy is aimed at is named, “Paign.” And as you probably guessed, the “g” in his name is silent. So here we learn that Paign is the source of pain for his cousin and close friend. Yet, Paign was dealing with his own anguish. The human condition is full of pain. Whether it is self-induced, self-directed or just plain selfish, it is real and it hurts. No matter what we might call it. Pain is never entirely gone. But pain can bring wisdom, if we let it. ~BK #pain #human #condition #mercy #gentle #forgiveness #empathy #kindness #patience #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in #TheGargoyleChronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com. PS: you can follow me on Bublish.
"Remember the Signs!"
"The Silver Chair" is my favorite book from the Chronicles of Narnia. It is so very different than the others, especially in the creep factor. But it is especially the bedrock theme that attracts me still: How do we know what's real? If you haven't read it, do. Lewis is masterful at weaving into the story “the signs” to look for that help us know what’s real. In our insane, word-salad world—where words that meant one thing for centuries now mean their opposite—knowing how to discern what is real from what is myth (or a lie) is getting more urgent every day. In this scene, Danielle is struggling to stay on top of what's real, as well as what's potentially life-threatening. But at least she's struggling. So should we, because not many are. They forget to "remember the signs." Don’t be one of them. ~BK #truth #real #signs #remember #word-salad #lies #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in #TheGargoyleChronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com. PS: you can follow me on Bublish.
What Are You Willing To Die For?
In this excerpt from All His Wrath, we listen in on an urgent and tense conversation. The subject is doubt. The challenge is faith. Like the characters in my story, until we sort out what we’re willing to die for, our lives are at best utterly confused and unhappy. We’re like a little chunk of wood that fell into a surging river, tossed about and racing along to an end we cannot see. But that’s not reality. Our lives can—and should—have purpose. And our purpose is found most deeply in discovering what we’re willing to die for. In the history of people and the writings of great epic fantasy adventures, the willingness to die for something, or someone, is always tied to faith and trust in something, or Someone, beyond us. In other words, we’re most fulfilled in life when we understand it’s not about us. What have you found in this world that you are willing to die for? Anything? Anyone? ~BK #trust #faith #truth #conviction #doubt #choices #perspective #willing #purpose #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in #TheGargoyleChronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com. PS: you can follow me on Bublish.
Genuine BFFs
From the dawn of time, this world has been doomed to imperfection. There is an ancient book that reveals all the sad details about what, who, how and why this is the case. It even shows what genuine BFFs are, how they behave...and even why they do it. Here in this scene, we get a glimpse of how rare that is in our world today. By the way, please forgive the formatting issue: as Danielle is thinking, the text should display (and does in the book) in italics, "I suppose this is what my dad means when he talks about being stuck between a rock and a hard place." I have no control over how Bublish displays this, but still I hope you enjoy this excerpt and grab a copy of the book for your favorite device. ~BK #genuine #BFFs #friends #truth #solidarity #comfort #fear #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in #TheGargoyleChronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com. Please FOLLOW ME on Bublish.
Terrible Odds
It’s nice to think that we control our lives. But it doesn’t require reaching adulthood to realize that control is a myth. For some, that realization comes hard. The myth struggles. But when we accept that life comes to each of us at 60-seconds a minute, it can empower us to be purposeful in our actions. When those actions are inward facing and all about us, it’s simply the impulse to control...in disguise. When we direct our purpose outward—on behalf of others—we find meaning. And possibly danger, like Danielle does in this scene. Life is all about choices. ~BK #choices #odds #risk #control #myth #outward #fear #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in #TheGargoyleChronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com. Please FOLLOW ME on Bublish.
“That is the belief.”
In this scene, we begin to understand the complexity and dangers our little band of rescuers face. If you, like me, put yourself into the place of your favorite characters, then you appreciate how many conflicting feelings they have right here in this moment. Is the answer “Yes” or is the answer “No”? Everything hangs on the answer. Whether they want to or not, only by facing the risk head-on can they hope to discover the answer they seek. But isn’t that true for all of us, too? ~BK #belief #risk #challenge #problemsolving #fear #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in #TheGargoyleChronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com. Please FOLLOW ME on Bublish.
Left Wanting
When you’re little, it’s natural to think you are the center of the universe. But it begins to become unnatural after you reach your teenage years. Tempting, for sure. But still unnatural. By the time you’re in your twenties, it’s just sad and immature. There are millions of children around the world that never had the luxury of viewing themselves as the center of anything. In this scene, all the kids realize they may become orphans before the day is out. Have you ever had to face that possibility? ~BK #leftwanting #orphans #epic #fantasy #notthecenterofeverything #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in #TheGargoyleChronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com. Please FOLLOW ME on Bublish.
Fights Among Friends
Who doesn’t like a hearty fight scene between friends? Especially when it’s all in fun? I’m sure you have a favorite or two. When I wrote this scene (which continues beyond what’s included here), all I had to do was think back on events—or snarky conversations—from my life when I was either laughing at friends acting a lot like these gargoyle Generals, or when I was actually in the middle of such nonsense. It was great fun to write this section of All His Wrath, and I hope you have great fun reading it. ~BK #fights #friends #silly #GeneralsBehavingBadly #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in #TheGargoyleChronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com.
Proven Faithless
In this wild world of competing “narratives”—whatever that means—rather than unthinkingly looking to “the news”—whatever that means—we would all do well to consider how inclined to bias we are. As we see in this scene, Ercen must (and does) come to terms with the results of jumping to a conclusion...and getting it totally wrong. Sometimes the cost of getting it wrong is very high indeed. ~BK #faithless #news #humility #narratives #OwnYourMistakes #limitations #delusional #HubrisIsaBadLook #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in #TheGargoyleChronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com.
A Friend Without Device(s)
New technologies are always exciting. And humans have been doing “new technologies” for hundreds of years, not just in the last decade or two. Besides the privacy issues around massive levels of data collection, the main problem with the new technologies of the 21st century is that they give the appearance of connection with other people when in fact they isolate us from each other. Which is why having a friend with no device—or devices—is like having a unicorn. They’re so rare they might as well be magical. That’s sad. Humans weren’t designed to connect solely through a chunk of chips. ~BK #NoDevice #NoDevices #friendship #reallyconnected #technology #limitations #delusional #fakefriendship #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in #TheGargoyleChronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com.
Burnt and Raw
It's quite easy to be disappointed in others. They let us down. Possibly do us harm. Even friends and family fall into this category: disappointing. But have you noticed how much easier it is to justify ourselves? There were circumstances that pushed us too far. We were tired. Or we were surprised. Upset. Alarmed. It's odd that when it comes to our own behavior, there are always "reasons." When it comes to anyone else, though, there is no excuse. In fact, what they did to you was "inexcusable." Can you see how that's beginning to happen in this scene? ~BK #BurntRaw #excuses #others #convenient #rosecolored #disappointed #selfserving #patiencematters #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in #TheGargoyleChronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com.
Waiting Is Perhaps Hardest of All
In this scene, we see the kids dealing with a challenge they are not used to. It’s very difficult for them. It feels as if its impossible. What is it they’re challenged to do? Well, perhaps the hardest thing that any human ever faces: waiting. Patience may be a virtue. But that doesn’t mean it’s a slam dunk to pull off. A man with an enormous following more than 150 years ago, said “The waiting itself is beneficial to us: it tries faith, exercises patience, trains submission, and endears the blessing when it comes.” (C.H. Spurgeon) Another has said that "Waiting is one of the great arts." (Margery Allingham) Then it is an art form nearly lost in our day and a beneficial exercise the world could use more of. ~BK #waiting #challenge #beneficial #artform #difficulthabittolearn #worldchanging #patiencematters #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in #TheGargoyleChronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com.
Facing the Enemy
In this very short excerpt (which sits just this way in the book, wedged between two much longer scenes), we face the enemy. Or at least we do through Paign, kind of experiencing his horror through, well, his horror of his enemy. The point I wanted to tease into the storyline is that the enemy—whatever the enemy looks like, or whoever the enemy is—they always feel totally righteous about what they’re doing. Their cause is more important than the welfare of a person—or race. And that’s precisely where they have surrendered to evil. Because feeling righteous is not at all the same as actually being righteous. One is absolutely self-serving while the other is absolutely outward focused. Can you tell which is which? That’s the underlying theme of this story. ~BK #facingtheenemy #horror #righteous #self-serving #delusional #inconvenienttruth #history #perspective #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in #TheGargoyleChronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com.
There's a Storm Comin'
In our present age, feelings have become far more important than facts. Truth has taken the back seat; feelings are driving the bus. While feelings have their place, it is never wise to just give in to them without a fight. Yet, that's what more and more people do. C. S. Lewis wrote, "Don’t bother much about your feelings. When they are humble, loving, brave, give thanks for them; when they are conceited, selfish, cowardly, ask to have them altered. In neither case are they you, but only a thing that happens to you. What matters is your intentions and your behavior." When we lean into our feelings—completely surrendering to them—well, then there's a storm comin'. You are not your feelings. Your mood should not dictate your behavior. ~BK #liveaboveyourmood #feelings #behumble #bebrave #selfishsucks #factsmatter #inconvenienttruth #history #perspective #stormcomin #unleashedrage #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in #TheGargoyleChronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com.
Seven Deadly Sins
For thousands of years, humanity has recognized the reality of evil, even within the human heart. These are often referred to as the "Seven Deadly Sins." If you're not sure what they are, let me help (using the great & powerful Wiki): pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony and sloth. It's ironic that each of those "mortal sins" is now celebrated, since they all have a place in pre-Christian Greek and Roman cultures. Even Aristotle spoke of such things. Which makes you wonder at what point did present-day humans decide that what used to be deadly is now worthy of parades. What changed? Which era got it wrong? As we see in this scene, evil brings with it a high cost. Often hidden. But not always. Every. Single. Time. ~BK #sevendeadlysins #hubris #mortalsins #evil #history #perspective #humility #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in #TheGargoyleChronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com.
Carrots With a Side of Laughter, Please.
Most people like to laugh. Some people love to laugh. And, of course, some people are so committed to being a grump they refuse to laugh. Their loss. In my stories, laughter is important for a couple of reasons. One, it’s helpful to reduce tension. Two, it’s helpful to lull the reader into a happy mood so when I whack them with more tension it comes as a big surprise. Third, it helps us love the characters. At least, I love my characters. My hope is that you do (or will), too. Besides, who hasn’t seen a bit of carrot stuck in someone’s teeth? Good thing that’s never happened to you! Right? I hope you enjoy this little excerpt. ~BK #carrots #laughter #tension #sneaky #laughmore #barkless #funnystuff #embarrassed #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in #TheGargoyleChronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com.
Your Bravery Matters
It no longer matters when this culture war started. When it ends doesn’t really matter, either, although the sooner the better (IMHO). However, what happens between now and then matters a great deal. Same thing with you; what you do matters. Your bravery matters. If you find yourself confused by the raging war, take heart. You’re not nuts. It really is raging. The color of your skin has nothing to do with your character...unless you choose to be that shallow and unthinking. I know plenty of people around you are just that shallow, and view thinking as horrible. Ask yourself: “Is this unthinking way of looking at the world making me happier? How? Why?” In this scene, Bettina discovers something that both frightens her—requiring bravery—and so wonderful she never wants to leave it. She had to think it through. You can have that discovery, too. But not without thinking and choosing. Following the mindless crowd won’t get you there. Ever. ~BK #yourbraverymatters #levelup #mindlesscrowd #nobleactions #LoveOthers #mature #greaterlove #grit #faith #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in #TheGargoyleChronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com.
Bravery Matters
In this scene we learn horrible news. Desperately horrible news. Not only has a key character been slain, the one who slew him can take on his appearance. It’s hard to imagine things getting much worse than that. But they do because that’s what novelists do. However, I don’t do so just for the sake of doing it. I’m aiming for more than entertaining you, dear reader. My hope is to move you...to catch you off guard. Perhaps change your point of view. Get you to think. Even to consider an entirely new way of seeing things. My favorite stories have done that for me. And all of my favorite stories deal with bravery. They deal with ideals. They challenge me to grow, mature, and leave behind childish notions. Because only in doing that can one become brave. Noble actions don’t come from the immature, thinking nothing of others and only of themselves. You see, bravery always has to do with protecting others from danger and harm. Always. Be brave. ~BK #braverymatters #levelup #nobleactions #Love #others #mature #greaterlove #grit #faith #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath #TheGargoyleChronicles | Get the first 5 chapters of book 1 in The Gargoyle Chronicles (free) at brandonkingauthor.com.
Avoiding Pain Just Brings More
This scene doesn't give you much to go on, since it's just a brief excerpt. Still, it conveys the power of pain, as well as its power to drive an action to diminish it. In some ways this makes sense, since none of us like pain (unless you're a masochist). Being the intelligent reader you are, you don't go in for that sort of thing. Nevertheless, though no one (probably) seeks out pain, all of us can learn much from it. In this little excerpt, we see Paign do his best to avoid... yep...pain. The play on words is intentional. So is the character's name. In a way, he serves as my "everyman" (and everywoman). Because we all experience hurt and suffering. And doing our best to avoid it simply brings more pain. We all need a Healer. Gratefully, there is a Healer. Reach out if you need an introduction. ~BK Download (free) the first 5 chapters of book 1 in The Gargoyle Chronicles series! Get it at brandonkingauthor.com. #pain #Healer #thislifeisnotasgoodasitgets #Love #avoidingpainhurts #learn #greaterlove #grit #faith #fortitude #love #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath #TheGargoyleChronicles
Freedom Always Come Through Sacrifice
Of all the things people take for granted, freedom has to be at the top of the list. But then the people taking it for granted never had to fight for the freedom they enjoy—and take for granted. Other people paid that price. Or pay that price, even this moment. A recurring theme in my stories is that freedom isn't cheap, and that those who fight for it, somehow, find it in themselves to endure great suffering in order to preserve not just their own freedom but the freedom of complete strangers. In truth, they are willing to sacrifice all. Think on that this weekend, will you? I hope you enjoy this excerpt from my second novel in the TGC series. ~BK You can download—free—the first 5 chapters of book 1 in The Gargoyle Chronicles series! Get it at brandonkingauthor.com. #freedom #nevercheap #sacrifice #others #greaterlove #memorialday #grit #faith #fortitude #love #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath #TheGargoyleChronicles
Fairy Tales for the Young Doubters
G. K. Chesterton is famous for his declaration that children already know about monsters (dragons, etc.): “Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.” Although many people have never heard of him, his view of the world is known to millions because of his influence on C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. My writing leans heavily toward Chesterton's belief that kids intuitively know there are monsters; what they really want to know about, then, is how to destroy them. Like Frodo and Sam, against Sauron. Like Lucy in Narnia, against the White Witch. You'll find my stories are infused with similar themes that those very famous authors wove so beautifully into their stories. I'm indebted to them all. ~BK Did you know that you can download—for free—the first 5 chapters of the 1st book in The Gargoyle Chronicles series? Get it at brandonkingauthor.com. #doubters #fairytales #dragons #monsters #themes #faith #fortitude #love #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath
A Grief Observed
Grief is a common human experience. Unfortunately, in our current era we go to massive and unhinged efforts to ignore it, avoid it and pretend it isn’t something we experience. We act as if grief is for the weak. Tough people don’t feel grief. They’re not affected by it. Except none of that’s true. And no one is deceived by our protests. Certainly, when we lose someone dear to us to death, grief is unavoidable. But there are countless other things that bring grief to us: a loss of a relationship; moving; changing schools; changes in lifestyle; ruptures in families. You know, the very things that COVID has caused. In this excerpt from All His Wrath, we see Bettina struggling to live with her unavoidable reasons for grief. Perhaps we can learn something by observing her grief, and consider ways that could improve her situation...and then apply them to our own lives. ~BK Did you know that you can download—for free—the first 5 chapters of the 1st book in The Gargoyle Chronicles series? Get it at brandonkingauthor.com. #grief #grieving #pandemic #losses #crosses #compassion #patience #bekind #love #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath
The Problem of "What?"
Communicating is hard work. And communicating effectively is really hard work. So, communicating successfully requires more work than many people are willing to give. Why? Because we're generally lazy. "What?" you cry. To which I reply, "What? What do you mean?" To which you reply, "What do you mean, 'What do you mean?'" And so it goes. See? It's tough. You'll feel it here in this conversation between Anders and Freida. But what's behind all the "What?" I hope you enjoy this excerpt from All His Wrath. Why not grab a copy and learn "what" happens next? ;-) ~BK Did you know that you can download—for free—the first 5 chapters of the 1st book in The Gargoyle Chronicles series? Get it at brandonkingauthor.com. #communicating #hardstuff #what #intrigue #trust #problem #listening #anxiety #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath
The Insults of Friends
I've been around long enough to have realized that for all the good social media can bring, it mostly doesn't bring good. Which is a shame, given its potential. Now, anything that can be twisted into the possibility of being construed as a not-as-positive-as-it-could-be viewpoint is deemed to be a raging, wicked thing. In other words, social media has trained people to become insanely touchy. So, when we come to a scene like this, based on more than a few conversations I've had with pals of mine, snarking hard on each other...while remaining close friends, because we’re close friends...it's refreshing, isn't it? I hope you enjoy this book bubble. Why not grab a copy of the book to see how this scene ends? ~BK Did you know that you can download—for free—the first 5 chapters of the 1st book in The Gargoyle Chronicles series? Get it at brandonkingauthor.com. #insults #snarkingfriends #throwdown #humor #chillout #stopbeingsotouchy #notgood #socialmedia #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath
Deceits
The world in which we live today is incredibly polarized. Each side declares they have truth to support them. But can that be true? Both of them? And still be polarized? Not so much. Unless you just don't care about logic and have completely surrendered to "the feels." So, if both can't be true, how do you tell which side is less than truthful? Which side is happy to lie to get their way? Again, how do you tell? Because, you must find a way to discern what's actually true and what's actually a lie. In this excerpt, that's the crisis our characters face. What is real and true, versus what is fiction and false? What do you do to discover the truth? Trust your gut? Or something more deliberate? Because the choice you make, matters. ~BK Did you know that you can download—for free—the first 5 chapters of the 1st book in The Gargoyle Chronicles series? Get it at brandonkingauthor.com. #deceits #choosewisely #lies #truth #yourgutisnotenough #adventure #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath
The Horror of Wrath
This storyline of this book, All His Wrath, starts soon after the antagonist appears to be defeated in book one. The bad guy's intentions for world domination were thwarted. And he sought revenge. He was full of wrath. We see loads of wrath in the world today. My hunch is that many would happily celebrate demonstrations of wrath as long overdue and, perhaps, even righteous. However, I doubt most people know what "wrath" actually means. And that's a problem. Wrath means "forceful, often vindictive anger; punishment or vengeance as a manifestation of anger." Well, you only have to be 4 or 5 years old to know that one person's acted-out vengeance only triggers more of the same. Even children know that spiraling vengeance and wrath is not what the world needs right now. In fact, it's never needed it. Wrath is not the answer. ~BK Heads up! You can download—for free—the first 5 chapters of the 1st book in The Gargoyle Chronicles series. Get it at brandonkingauthor.com. #horrorofwrath #choosewisely #lovewins #calm #positive #truth #adventure #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath
Your Point of View Matters
Have you noticed that when you're tired or stressed that your view of things leans hard toward the negative? But if you're rested and fed, the same circumstances bring a different reaction? You don't feel the same because your view of things isn't the same. Which means that we have the ability to choose how to react and feel about things. In fact, we have that ability a LOT more than most people think or believe. We’re not at the mercy of our sleep patterns or hunger for...whatever. Here, we have a little window, in this excerpt, into how different that can be. We also see how getting input from someone else can help us more accurately see things as they really are. Your point of view matters. And your choice about whether to see negative or positive makes a big impact on your ultimate view. On a different topic, don’t forget you can download—for free—the first 5 chapters of the first book in The Gargoyle Chronicles series. Get it at brandonkingauthor.com. ~BK #pointofview #choices #negative #positive #truth #adventure #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath
Darkness Fell Over the Land
In just a few hours, Good Friday 2021 begins. Further east, it has already begun. Believers around the world will pay homage to the sacrifice that the day is named after. However, the actions of that day some 2000 years ago were of the most horrible, hateful and evil kind. A crucifixion sanctioned by weak officials of state and religion, seeking to appease a hostile populace. An innocent man was put to death as a result, yet he went willingly. It was his actions that made Good Friday good. Even so, it was a total surprise to all. In a way, this scene reflects a tiny bit of the dismay that comes when darkness falls over the land. Happy Easter! On another topic, because I’m so forgetful, here’s your reminder: Don’t forget you can download—for free—the first 5 chapters of the first book in The Gargoyle Chronicles series. Get it at https://www.brandonkingauthor.com. ~BK #darkness #sanctioned #evilscheme #GoodFriday #sacrifice #deceit #lies #truth #adventure #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath
Duplicitous
Do you feel like it is harder to know the facts about what’s happening in the world? I’ve lived for quite some time now, and I can tell you that it sure seems that way to me. More’s the pity. It was common, not long ago, to be able to trust all kinds of institutions and agencies. Now, not so much. Kimar is facing a dilemma much like we do: who can you trust? What advice would you give him? What has to be in place for you to trust someone? How can you tell if they’re duplicitous? Hard, hard questions. On another topic, because I’m so forgetful, here’s your reminder: Don’t forget you can download—for free—the first 5 chapters of the first book in The Gargoyle Chronicles series! Just go to https://www.brandonkingauthor.com. ~BK #duplicitous #unfaithful #deceit #lies #truth #evilscheme #fear #anxiety #adventure #epic #fantasy #howcanyoutell #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath
Knives Out
The phrase, "knives out," refers to a snarky, critical or unfair behavior from one person to another. It's also the title to a recent movie by Rian Johnson (apparently inspired by his online critics who trolled him over The Last Jedi). In this excerpt, we observe Freida snap at Anders unfairly. More importantly, is what prompts her to do this. Because it has nothing to do with Anders. What then? Send me a note; I'd love to hear your thoughts about what brings her knives out. ;-) ~BK #knivesout #unfair #critical #snark #snarky #fear #vulnerable #adventure #epic #fantasy #howwouldyoureact #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath
Uninvited Visitor, Unsuspecting Host
The title to this book bubble comes straight from a favorite Don Henley song. If you're unfamiliar with it, I highly recommend you look it up on YouTube and give it a listen. In many ways, it fits the vibe I was going for in this scene from All His Wrath. It's just all kinds of bad things converging on people that were desperately trying to avoid such stuff. Kind of like you and me. But terrible things do happen in this life...even to people like you and me. How we respond, as well as in whom do we place our trust, are important choices. They're also central themes in this story. I hope you enjoy this excerpt! Have a wonderful day! ~BK #uninvitedvisitor #badguy #dontopenthedoor #unsuspectinghost #donhenley #missghost #weird #adventure #unexpected #epic #fantasy #howwouldyoureact #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath
Time Out of Mind
Isn't it a great phrase, "time out of mind"? It conjures up all kinds of ideas and thoughts. Which was what I had in mind with this scene, except in reverse. What if Paign finds himself in a future time? What might that look like? How might he react to the experience? How would his mind absorb the strangely delightful information his eyes were telling him? It's not a major theme of time-travel here. Not really. But it was fun to play with, nonetheless. I hope you enjoy it. Grab a copy to transport your mind into Paign's time...see what happens next. ~BK #timeoutofmind #weird #futuretense #tenseinthefuture #unexpected #adventure #dazedandconfused #epic #howwouldyoureact #fantasy #gargoyles #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath
Peace Be With You
As we see in this excerpt from All His Wrath (Book 2 of The Gargoyle Chronicles), fanaticism and unhinged zealotry are not unique to humans. Reconciliation requires more than one party to seek it. Furthermore, the beginning place must always be to highly value peace. And when the pursuit of justice demands separation, an evil is perpetrated in the name of righteousness. Alienation does not bring anyone together. I hope you enjoy this excerpt as much as I enjoyed writing it. ΑΩ ~BK #peacebewithyou #justice #fear #control #reactions #thoughtless #reactionary #perspective #peace #alienation #reconciliation #epic #fantasy #gargoyles #adventure #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #readabook #AllHisWrath
How Gargoyles Talk
By this point in my series (this is from Book 2), my readers have encountered a lot of gargoyles (good, bad, and those unsure) and “heard” all kinds of things come from them. And if you’ve been reading my book bubbles for even just a short time, you know that I generally have not a clue about what they’re going to say (any of my characters, for that matter, not just the gargoyles). Which is pretty awesome, since I’m the first person to be surprised especially by what they say. In this scene, I was completely floored (pun intended)! ????????????♂ I hope you enjoy this excerpt! Why not grab a copy for a friend?! Thanks for following me. ????~BK #howgargoylestalk #whatdoyouthink? #reactions #speechpatterns #otherwordly #perspective #saywhat #fantasy #gargoyles #epic #adventure #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #readabook #AllHisWrath
Chaos and a Wooden Staff
This chapter was a challenge to write but loads of fun to work out, nevertheless. Foremost, it's about how people might react when chaos breaks into their world. In this excerpt, please note that it's a good idea to be prepared for chaos, at all times. Be like Heidi: bring your walking stick. ???? Enjoy! ~BK #whenchaoscomes #howwouldyoureact #reactions #chaos #belikeHeidi #perspective #others-focused #fantasy #gargoyles #epic #adventure #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #readabook #AllHisWrath
It's Not All About You
If you're a fan of Star Trek, you know that it's "worldview" is that the human race has been slowly improving—evolving—since the accidental and random big bang. C.S. Lewis argues the opposite: humankind has devolved from the beginning of time. His view has always made more sense to me, from simply observing things as they unfold, as well as studying history. Progress is scientific discovery and the creation of items like "smart phones" doesn't make a case for advancing the species. In this scene, Danielle awakes from a serious blow to the head, and is instantly concerned for the welfare of her friends. In short, she acted on the belief that life isn't all about her. But if one believes that we're all endlessly improving over millennia, what do we base that on? Lewis said, "I see no reason for believing that one accident should be able to give me a correct account of all the other accidents. It’s like expecting that the accidental shape taken by the splash when you upset a milk jug should give you a correct account of how the jug was made and why it was upset." ~BK #itsnotallaboutyou #perspective #notanaccident #others-focused #fantasy #gargoyles #epic #adventure #history #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath
Perched High Above
Wouldn't it be great to have a perch so high that you could see the world far below? Having distance between you and the doings of the world below would, perhaps, feel empowering. It would almost certainly feel safe. But like Lohxnahr in this scene, being perched high above provides a place to puzzle out what comes next. Because life isn't meant to be lived as only an observer. In fact, engaging in your life means that sometimes you'll knock things over, be curious or puzzled, get dirty and dusty while learning, and have highs and lows along the way. You won't know what to expect most of the time, but you'll be engaged. And that's more important and satisfying than observing. ~BK #liveit #yourlife #perchedhighabove #curious #engaged #fantasy #gargoyles #epic #adventure #history #awardwinning #readabook #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath
Not All Transformations Are Good
The butterfly metaphor is a good one, even if it's overused. When people go through a big transformation, it can be very much like the caterpillar that morphs into a butterfly. The problem is that not all transformations, even intentional ones, are intended for good. Some are manufactured in secret and unleashed on an unsuspecting victim. In this scene from All His Wrath, we get a strong hint that plans long in the making are about to come to fruition. In other words, the butterfly is about to hatch. But what will it look like? How will it behave? Skepticism is no more a bad thing than witless acceptance is a great good. ~BK #befrosty #transformations #cocoon #butterfly #skeptics #2021 #fantasy #epic #adventure #history #awardwinning #readabook #gargoyles #teensandyoungadults #AllHisWrath
The Evil Magic: Revenge
Indulging fantasies of revenge leads to actions of revenge. At no point in human history has this ended well for the person enacting the revenge that is so enticing to them. Why? Because it only leads to more and more revenge. For all participants, it devolves their world into a Shakespearean play It brings a dystopian world into being. When we indulge such vile fantasies, we should be struck, as it did to Gudrun, with a surge of guilt. Few things are worse than revenge; few things are more intoxicating; very few things are more evil. ~BK #evilmagic #revenge #2021 #fantasy #adventure #history #gargoyles #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #epic #readabook #AllHisWrath
Continually Looking Forward
Having celebrated getting through 2020, does it feel to you like 2021 might be worse? You're in good company. In this scene from All His Wrath, the Wheelen family has just concluded that after their narrow escape (in Book One, The Quest for the Temple Key), they're being hunted again. It's a horrible moment for them, instantly raising fear and uncertainty. C.S. Lewis wrote in his book, Mere Christianity, that continually looking forward to the eternal world "does not mean that we are to leave the present world as it is. If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next." He then adds this gem: "Aim at Heaven and you will get earth “thrown in”; aim at earth and you will get neither." The evidence is that many people "aim at earth." Let's not be in that camp. ~BK #lookingforward #aimup #continuallyhopeful #2021 #areyouready? #fantasy #adventure #gargoyles #awardwinning #history #teensandyoungadults #readabook #epic #AllHisWrath
Happy Endings
I'm pretty sure that most people are not as excited about welcoming in 2021 as they are about dropping 2020 like a hot rock. It would delightful to think that once 2020 is fading behind us that it equals a happy ending. But I'm not so sure. No one we know is prepared to celebrate much of anything about 2020. But then, maybe celebrating it isn't the best thing to try. Perhaps looking for things to be grateful for is better, even more realistic and helpful to our hearts and minds. While 2020 has been, in many ways, quite miserable, there are aspects of it that are breathtaking. Like Peter in this scene, I can say of this year, "Think about what we would have missed without it!" I hope you can make at least a short list of "gratitudes" you have for 2020. May you be blessed in 2021! ~BK #lookforward #makealist #happyendings #gratitude #areyouready? #2021 #HappyNewYear #fantasy #adventure #gargoyles #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #christmas #readabook #epic
Redemption Dawned
One of my favorite scenes from all the movies I have seen, is when Scrooge goes to visit his nephew after having spent the preceding evening with the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future. After having been a cold, heartless man for many years, he now enters their home humbled. He finally understands what gift comes to everyone at Christmas: the opportunity to receive Love and the redemption that it brings. Softly, he speaks to the wife of his nephew, the same woman he had forbidden his nephew to marry years earlier: "Can you forgive a pig-headed old fool for having no eyes to see with, no ears to hear with, all these years?" He had finally seen. He had finally heard. His heart was opened, and redemption dawned. That's what was in my mind when I wrote this scene from All His Wrath. Merry Christmas! #MerryChristmas #LoveCametoEarth #babe #PrinceofPeace #star #hope #eyestosee #earstohear #truth #redemption
Into the Darkness Shines a Great Light
Long ago, in an era far removed from ours chronologically, the people lived under conditions much like we do: oppression , injustice, virtue-signaling, anger, unrest, hostility, and selfish ambition. Lots of fingers pointing: "others" were to blame for everything that was wrong with the world. In that respect, our era is a lot like their. A man named Isaiah spoke to the people of that time, declaring judgment but also words of comfort. Some of what he said was logical, because the evidence was all around for anyone to see. Yet, some of what he spoke was intuitive...words to the heart, rather than the mind. Until their hearts softened, nothing would change. Nothing could change. In the days of Isaiah, it was sung that “Into the darkness shines a great Light!” In this excerpt from All His Wrath, the humans struggle to comprehend that stark challenges facing them. Zarentil, the ancient gargoyle mystic, delivers a similar message as Isaiah shared with his people. They lived in dread and needed active hope. Just as we do. Many hearing Isaiah’s declaration didn’t know it was prophetic. But that’s exactly what we celebrate at Christmas: “Into the darkness shines a great Light!” Merry Christmas to you and yours! #greatlight #fantasy #adventure #gargoyles #teensandyoungadults #christmas #readabook #awardwinning #AllHisWrath
Night Sky
Have you ever sat outside in the small hours of the night? Maybe it was to see a meteor shower. Maybe it was just for fun. Well, in just a few days you'll have the chance to see something not seen in 800 years! The Bethlehem Star is making an encore appearance on 12/21. If it had been shining in this scene, with Kimar essentially invisible on the roof of a high school, he would not have enjoyed the solitude needed to think about his vexing problem. Someone would have disturbed him. I'm sure you, like me, have been disturbed plenty this year. May we welcome the return of the Bethlehem Star as a sign of peace, hope and Good News, just as it did 2000 years ago. #nightsky #fantasy #fantasyadventure #epic #gargoyles #awardwinning #series #ebook #Christmas #2020
Worthy of Sacred Trust
In this pandemic year, trust is an elusive thing. Or perhaps a better way of putting it is that trust is a hunted thing. Something to be demanded. Certainly, a great many times this year others have demanded we trust them. With little, or conflicting, evidence. Many have obliged the demand. But has that been a noble, "sacred trust" or simply a scared trust, pried from trembling hands? As Lohxnahr states in this scene, it is wonderful to trust. But that is only true when the one in whom we trust is worthy of it. Only then can it be sacred. And that kind of trust is earned, and therefore hard to come by. #fantasy #epic #sacred #adventure #gargoyles #trust #faith #truth #courage #worthy
Into Darkness...Light Always Wins
One has to wonder how many people rolled into the new year ~11 months ago expecting it to provide 2020 clarity, only to watch it become a dystopian movie come to life. Perhaps even more chilling than the pandemic itself is the staggering amount of dark news that has swirled around all year, like a nightmare you can’t wake up from. It's as if only darkness can exist. But that's a false narrative, and everyone knows it. Because the tiniest of lights utterly shatters darkness. So, I encourage you to look for ways to be that tiny light. Your age doesn’t matter. Young, old, and everyone in between, we all have the power to choose light over darkness. Trust that the One still speaks the strong words: "Fear not!" Are there ways you can be the one bearing that message? I hope you enjoy this book bubble. Peace to you and yours. ~BK #fantasy #epic #faith #courage #letsgetgoing #thanksgiving2020 #readabook #awardwinningfantasy #gargoyles #teens #cslewis #tolkien #actionadventure
No Time for Pies
My mom was a petite, but strong woman. My wife and daughter are strong women. So, the women in my stories are, with rare exceptions, strong women. In this scene from All His Wrath, Heidi Skulstad, a normally quiet-spoken mother, wife, farmer and chief cook (and known by the locals for her apple pies), is thrust into a fight to the death with a gargoyle bent on destroying her, her family, and her livelihood. Worse, he wasn't alone. I hope you enjoy this book bubble. And may you have a safe and meaningful Thanksgiving Day, even in 2020. You may have to fight for it. Still, make time for pies. ???? #homecoming #thanksgiving #welcome #fantasy #adventure #norse #gargoyles #readagreatbook #award-winning
Tectonic Shift
It seems fitting that the chapter title from where this blurb comes from is "Tectonic Shift." Maybe more so because today is Friday the 13th, in the year 2020. Would you agree that 2020 has delivered up more than a normal year's worth of "tectonic shift"? By the way, is it too cold now for murder hornets to be out and about? ???? In this scene, Lement-Nor, a very creepy and devious hybrid gargoyle, enjoys thinking about the tectonic disaster he is about to deliver. I'm pretty sure that 2020 would approve. #ebooks #fantasy #fridaythe13th2020 #epic #fear #tectonic #gargoyles #adventure #adventurefantasy #funread #award-winning #series books2read.com/u/bP5Qzx
Wicked This Way Comes
The title of this post matches the title of the chapter it comes from. When I wrote both (the chapter title and then the chapter), I had in the back of mind the desire to create something as creepy as Ray Bradbury's novel, Something Wicked This Way Comes. I'm not sure how well I succeeded, since that's not up to me to decide (hint: it's yours). Check it out; see what you think. Maybe grab a copy just in time for Halloween 2020! #read #spookynovel #gargoyles #teens #whatcouldgowrong? #2020mustdie
Year of the Crash
If you, like me, are wondering what the world will be like in 2021, we're in good company. Lots of people are wondering if they're hallucinating...or if the whole world has gone nuts...or both. Some days—OK, most days—I'm thinking it's both. However, the odds are 2021 will be vastly different than we think. Reality has a way of surprising most of the prophets most of the time. We just don't see enough of the picture to get close to correctly guessing the outcome. In this scene, we see Paign believing he's really understanding what his eyes are showing him. But, boy, does he get that wrong. Kind of like we often do, too. #vision #limitations #ego #umbrage #adventure #fantasy #pause #slowdown #readabook #humility
Gargoyle Snarcasm
Do you, like me, enjoy hearing witty dialogue? While I may actually say something occasionally that others find witty, I love a good, back-and-forth dialogue, whether it's in a story or a movie. In this scene from All His Wrath, I wanted to explore what kind of conversation might three old gargoyle friends have (all of them fierce, renowned warriors) when no one was looking. They ended up doing exactly what I expected they would. In a heartbeat, good natured insults are flying. And I was very happy with the result. How about you? #insults #oldfriends #grinned #warriors #gargoyles #fantasy #quest #wrath #reader #book #epic #adventure #scars #sarcasm #snarcasm #chuckled
The Importance of Place
When was the last time you thought about where you grew up? Might be quite some time, right? But I bet it isn't hard to remember the house or apartment you grew up in. You probably can see it in your mind without difficulty. It's an odd thing that humans so often ignore their "now" to reflect on their "then." The place of our childhood matters a lot all through our lives. And I love using unexpected places in my novels. Here we see Kimar sitting on the roof of the gymnasium in Colton, WA. Several years ago, a return trip from a vacation took us right by the actual place. At the time I didn't know how I would use it, but in that moment I knew that I would. Even in fantasy novels, the importance of place can't be ignored. #place #fun #past #present #importance #fantasy #story #adventure #colton #school #coyote #gargoyle
When the Shoe Fits
One of the rarest human characteristics is humility. Yet, it is also one of the most essential. Without humility, it is impossible to be truly honest. Regrettably, we see dishonesty everywhere these days. Rather than own their mistakes or accept responsibility for their situation, many believe it's just and righteous to rather blame someone else, or situations, or an outside force. Being accountable takes maturity, guts, grit...and humility. Ironically, humility requires the greatest strength. It is not a sign of weakness, but of courage. In this excerpt from All His Wrath, we see Kahrnahrgx, the gargoyle leader of the opposition army, apparently preparing to do shift blame. Yet, it is clear to all in the massive chamber that he's the reason the army is losing. Will he own the failure? Will we? #ownit #humility #blame #rare #maturity #courage #bebrave #dishonesty #think #adapt #mindoveremotions #faith #grit #fearisthemindkiller #ragedestroys #fantasy #epicadventure #readabook
Not a Glimmer of Hope
Because my writing style leans hard toward "pantser" (i.e., writing by the seat of your pants), when I started writing this scene I had only the vaguest notion of where it was going. But since Paign is of Norwegian descent, as I am, it seemed like a good bit of fun to have him mutter a modest, native "swear." Some research got that taken care of. Then there was the challenge of describing the thing that held him fast. That took some mulling over a latte. And at about that moment, the idea of ironically calling it the Glimmer, which allowed Paign not even an inkling glimmer of hope, was born. I hope you like this excerpt. Why not grab a copy of the book to see what happens? #fantasy #adventure #grit #glimmer #pain #suffering #amwriting #creativity #coffee #needalatte #Norwegian #heritage #ancestry
The Immense Value of Trust
In our post-everything age, where it's almost seen as a virtue to be distrustful, the value of trust is devalued. Which, frankly, no one can afford to entertain for more than a second or two. John Donne wrote that "No man is an island," which is to say that no one—not you, not me, not anyone—is self-sufficient. We all rely on others, in many more ways than many are willing to admit or face. And it's thinking...and acting...as if that is a myth that creates all manner of recurring, deep unhappiness in this world. Those behaviors come from a lack of trust in others. Of course, there's a risk in trusting others, but only by taking that risk can you discover the immense value of trust. There's a larger spiritual dimension to this truth but that's a topic for another time. #trust #truth #risk #patience #value #believe #fantasy #adventure #tryitout #takeachance
Canine Wisdom
If you've read Book 1 in The Gargoyle Chronicles, you already know that dogs are included in the list of creatures you can expect to show up in my fantasy novels. Besides an enduring fondness that I have for dogs, you learn a lot about the other characters by observing how they interact with the dogs. Are they open to them, or wary? Do they greet dogs with warmth, or rebuff them? Even more important (spoiler alert!) is how the dog reacts to the creatures around it, human or otherwise. It isn't just a dog's sense of smell that makes it amazing. They can "read" people and gargoyles faster than those creatures can themselves. And that can make all the difference. Read All His Wrath and find out. #fantasy #caninewisdom #dogs #perceptive #readingpeople #epic #adventure #amwriting
Family of Origin
With the massive unrest and unharnessed rage we see these days, it's very, very easy to find offense...or bring it. The thing is, how many positive outcomes can you name that come from such turbulent or violent beginnings? Here's another thing, unless you are a student of history the chances are that whatever the person demanding destruction believes about history, they're wrong. And not just a little. Many years ago, I visited a distant family member in her home in Norway. To my dismay, she had pictures (framed!) of my family (and me!!) all over her home. And I barely knew she existed prior to the visit. Man, did I feel like an idiot. And rightly so. She knew all about me, while I knew almost nothing about her before standing in her home. Mind you, this was "history" about as close as it gets, and yet I was clueless. My takeaway? Elevating humility rather than fueling rage would do wonders for the times in which we all now live. Which will you choose? #now #rage #choices #consequences #faith #grit #humility #familyoforigin #adventure #fantasy #epic #readabook #calmdown #anarchyisnotyourfriend
Wordplay
I accidentally committed an "ism" in the sequel to All His Wrath. "How?" Well, I invented a new word, and thereby unwittingly committed a protologism. Gasp! It gets worse. Because when I publish Book 3 later this year with the word in it, I'll be committing a second "ism"...a neologism. A protologism becomes a neologism when it's published. My seriously fantastic protologism is "maxolutely." It's the combination of a character's name and the word "absolutely." It was a fun little wordplay to create. And I expect it will immediately catch on and go viral, making me famous and fabulously wealthy. No? Neither? Ouch! You're a party pooper! And, no, I don't know who invented that wordplay. #laugh #barkless #wordplay #adventure #grin #breathe #fantasy #epic #fun #read
Compassion's Compass
Maybe you never noticed it before but the word "compassion" includes the word "compass." In my mind, that's a wonderful thing. You see, the root word for "passion" comes from the Latin "pati." In a recent book bubble, I shared that passion's got a real, present-day problem. That's because compassion is, far too often, not to be found among the passion we see on display. But "compassion" means to suffer *with* another person's suffering. It's more than feeling sympathy for them. Empathy and compassion are intertwined. So, zealous passion that is disconnected from empathy only brings more sorrow and suffering, not less. It harms rather than heals. Our compass needs to point toward empathy...toward compassion. #morecompassion #morelove #lesspassion #lesshate
Rage's Limitations
Recently, we're witnessing massive paroxysms of rage all around the world. While rage can be the spark that brings change, it often brings change that no one sought. Because of its intensity, rage too often rejects thought, bringing more suffering rather than balm. It is imperative to deeply understand the pain that feeds the rage, but also to acknowledge that unchecked rage is utterly reflexive and self-escalating. No one is spared, most especially the one enraged. #notumbrage #notvoldemort #think #humans #breathe #reflect #listen #slowdown #youmatter
Tatters of a Shredding Dream
In the troubled times in which we now live, it's difficult to remember that life was very different not more than 3 months ago. While life is never perfect, at least back then we had greater familiarity with the world around us. Today, not so much. The upheaval is so great now that it's hard to guess where we'll be in 6 months, even 6 weeks. My writing often takes my characters into dangers they could not have imagined. And I rarely know in advance how they will react. I'm almost always surprised by their grit, focus and hopefulness when things look the darkest. I hope you do, too. #fantasy #epic #amwriting #darktimes #faith #hope #love #action #anchoryourself #truthwillout
Are You Abby Normal?
In the classic Mel Brooks movie, Young Frankenstein, my favorite scene is when Igor returns with the brain that the young Dr. Frankenstein seeks to place into his almost-living creature. Only after the surgery is complete does the doctor ask Igor whose brain it was before: "Abby Normal" is the reply. That scene is hilarious. This scene, from All His Wrath, is terrifying. There's nothing normal about it. In fact, we see that Danielle experiences such a paralyzing fear that it clouds her mind. She freezes even though she'd rather flee. Not unlike what we see around us these pandemic-days, as many people are getting more deeply stuck in flight or freeze mode, while others are edging closer to the fight response. As we learn in the following scenes, Danielle opts for a fourth option, because the first three come from the unthinking part of us. And they more often make the situation worse. Much worse. #stayfrosty #think #amwriting #epic #anxiety #abbynormal #hubris #pause #breathe #rushtojudgment #fantasy #curious #skepticism #barkless #wagmore
The Problem With Unknowns
If you, like me, are tired of this coronavirus and lockdown disruption, it's hard not to get cranky. I find myself pretty short-tempered some days. How about you? In this scene, Kimar struggles to make sense of all the confusing, conflicting information coming at him. Can you relate? Yeah, exactly. #adventure #fantasy #grababook #unknowns #cranky #calmdown #haveagoodweekend #corona #peacetoyouandyours #grit #patienceisavirtue
Take a Moment
Whether your home is full of people or you're solo, there are people in your life that could use a little encouragement these days. If they're just down the hall--and especially if they are young--make sure to add a little extra touch, a little longer hug, an extra kind word. And if they're across town or on the other side of the world, send them a text, fire up a video chat, add a post to their FB, IG (or whichever their favorite platform is) letting them know you're thinking about them. Let's elevate kindness during this pandemic. It was becoming an endangered species not many weeks ago. #kindness #adventure #fantasy #epic #youngadult #YA #teens #kids #amwriting #becreative
When It All Falls Down
Can you feel it? The world has dramatically changed over the past 2 months. There are so many reasons to expect "things getting back to normal" will never come. So, are you making plans for what your new "normal" will be like? Are you considering what parts of your old life don't need to come along into your new one? Or vice versa? It's astonishing (and scary, appalling, disturbing, etc.) how quickly the entire world changed. In this scene, we see Johann react to a great challenge as best as he knows how to. And after that, he hopes to providence. That's always a good way to go when it all falls down. Grabbing an award-winning book to see how it turns out for him doesn't hurt, either. ;-) #fantasy #faith #epic #adventure #newnormal #providence
Harsh Medicine
There's so much I'd like to say about current events (where I live we're in week 5 of #stayathome), but this week has been blindingly hard and painful, so i don't have it in me. And sometimes that's as good as it gets. Just like it's possible, perhaps even likely, that the medicine someone needs to resolve a serious problem can be almost as bad as the problem itself. I hope you and yours are well and safe, just as I hope your financial future will be. Because we're at the most serious crux point, collectively, as we can be. #breathe #keepthefaith #grit #calm #getsomeair #reconsider #pivotasneeded #fantasy #epic
Paying Tribute
Whatever else we might think about this pandemic, countless lives have been lost and many more impacted by grief. We pause to honor those who care for the sick, as well as those who have lost loved ones. May we never become calloused to the very real suffering that's come with this viral scourge. And let us be ever ready to support those who serve, and to comfort those who grieve. Look for ways to do both. Engage your creativity. Be the good you want to see in the world. #levelup #epic #gratitiude #honor #grieving #loss #pandemic #payingtribute #heroesinhealth #nurses #doctors #fantasy #bethegood #comfort #remember
Jangled Nerves
Have you noticed that on vacation, when you're supposed to being enjoying a special time with them, your family starts to get on your nerves? It's normal, but not any fun. So, being holed up with others for a few weeks (with nothing to make it feel like a vacation), well, that's something most of us have no frame of reference for. It's weird. Really weird. And it's probably brought jangled nerves to everyone, right? When our nerves are shot from gnawing worry mixed in with lots of waiting, it's not unusual that anger starts to leach out from time to time. In this excerpt from All His Wrath, we see that happening even between species. I hope you enjoy it… the excerpt, I mean, not the jangled nerves and anger leeches. #janglednerves #worry #danger #boredom #adventure #epic #fantasy #shelterinplace #covid19 #amwriting #readabook
The Time That Is Given Us
These are strange times we're in. And if you've been following me for a while, you know that the novels of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis have influenced me from a young age. When writing this scene from All His Wrath, I was quite mindful of an iconic scene from Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. Perhaps you know it? “I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” My prayer for you and those you love is that, as you decide what to do with the time given you, you choose hope over despair. While there are a great many unknowns, I yet have hope for the future. And as Gandalf says later, “End? No, the journey doesn't end here.” My faith sustains me, though some days are harder than others. May you and yours have health and peace and I hope you enjoy this excerpt from Book Two in the Gargoyle Chronicles. Reach out. I'd love to hear how you're doing. #decide #hope #inittowinit #adventure #epic #fantasy #makethebestofit #smallwins
Staying Frosty
Maybe you can relate? Gudrun wakes up to a reality she has no frame of reference for. Nothing could have prepared her for what she encounters. You, like her, have the power to choose how to react. Rather than instantly freak out, she withholds judgment. A popular description for this is, "staying frosty." As you are, no doubt, working from home, or sheltering in place, etc., it's a good path to follow. Stay frosty. I hope you enjoy this excerpt from All His Wrath, book 2 in the multiple award-winning Gargoyle Chronicles series. BTW, Gudrun is based on a beloved aunt who shared the same name. Stay safe and well. #fantasy #epic #farmerswife #farmliving #farmvalues #adventure #choose #calm #wfh #sip #virus #stayfrosty #stayhome #makingsense #stand #keepthefaith
Staring Into the Maw
These are strange days. It seems only 2 weeks ago, it was business as usual. Political animus. Governmental disagreements. Strident discord on social media. All of that remains, of course, but at a heightened level. But added into the mix is a virus that cares for nothing except exponentially multiplying within an enormous number of unwitting hosts. All of a sudden, the vast majority of humans are reminded of their fragility, either of themselves or someone they care about. Often both. We’re all mortal. I’m hopeful that having a strident reminder of this truth will bring more people together than it pushes apart. Let us pray it is so, and do our bit to make it so. Lives literally hang in the balance. Just like Danielle, we’re all staring into the maw of death. Our choices, like hers, will determine outcomes for others, for good or ill. Grab a copy of this second book in my #fantasy #adventure series to see how things turn out for them. It will give you something else to think about while you shelter in place. #keepthefaith #focus #together #liveitout #stayhome #loveinaction #believe
Wicked, This Way Comes
These are dark times in which we live, as all around the world the scourge named "corona" seeps into nations, economies, homes, and people. Now is the time for you to rise up. Not shaking your fist in fury at things over which you have no power, but over the one thing you do: how you react. Think! Humanity rises...or falls...on the actions of a few. It has always been so. Join the witless hoard, frightened beyond reason. Or rise up and stand. These are your options. The former path wins many converts, and has doomed civilizations. The latter is where the brave are found. It is not that they are fearless, but they tame their fear...enough. They find a way forward. The others perish for want of a true leader. #fear #fantasy #corona #lead #think #stand #riseup #grit #keepthefaith #thereisanother
Butterfly Effect
In the movie Jurassic Park, Dr. Malcolm talks about the Butterfly Effect. The idea is that our world is so interconnected that a butterfly's wings flapping on one side of the planet can trigger a tsunami on the other. While it's a bit much for me to get my head around, we've seen mounting hysteria growing quickly over unfettered fears of the #coronavirus. Are those fears founded? To some degree, sure. To the extent we see them now? Most likely not. But it's that space between "some degree" and "most likely not" that is the problem, right? Not knowing is uncomfortable. For some, it's crazy-making. And surely we see the butterfly effect in the nearly feral fear and hyper-reactions of many, their ripples creating bigger and still bigger ripples. There's a lesson in there, but will enough of us heed it? #fantasy #epic #virus #disaster #viral #mobs #groupthink #keepcalm #butterflyeffect #washyourhands
The Struggle is Real
Do you, like me, love stories about people who overcome great challenges? They're inspiring, right? Especially on days when I'm feeling stressed and maybe even sorry for myself, it's encouraging to learn how people, young and old, from all walks of life, have faced down challenges that make mine pale in comparison. Now, that doesn't mean that mine aren't real or that they don't matter. But it does put mine in perspective. Have you found that to be true? It also helps to simply talk to someone. In this scene, Anders discovers (eventually) how helpful it is just to have Freida listen to him. #fantasy #epic #adventure #friend #listening #thestruggleisreal #listentounderstand
Creeping Anxiety
At any given moment, if you're in a group of 10 people, 2 of them are suffering from anxiety...or have, in the past 12 months. I wonder if that number is low, because the world we live in is getting more divided, seemingly by the day. One excellent way of taming anxiety is by simply speaking to someone else. Our minds can ramp things up very fast, far beyond what is reasonable, when we feel anxiety. Speaking the words has a way of releasing its power...and hold on us. In this scene from All His Wrath, I was mindful of the many times I've improved my mindset simply by talking about it. BTW, another great thing that helps reduce your anxiety: sleep. #fantasy #epic #adventure #anxiety #rest #sleep #faith #YA #perspective #prayerpower
Bringer of Enduring Affection
Happy Valentine's Day! If you, like me, are a dog person, then you'll appreciate that even 4-legged creatures are essential characters in my stories. Why is that? Because dogs are the most consistent bringers of enduring affection. And when bipeds have their backs against the wall, like they often do in my writing, having a loyal dog on your side can make all the difference. So, if you're not yet a "dog person," why not remedy that in the next week or two? Visit a shelter. Talk to the staff about how to care for a dog. Take one out for a walk. There's no rush, so take your time. Maybe you adopt. Maybe you wait. Shelters can always use your help. #dogsrock #valentines #fantasy #epic #volunteer #adventure #stories #gratitude
All In
In an age when more and more people seem to embrace the rejection of logic, observation, and critical thinking, one my goals as a writer is to probe and prod my readers. In other words, I give them situations they can step into vicariously, to struggle with how would they choose? Like a specific character? Contrary to them? Why? Because if you can't process the information around you or, worse, refuse to do so, then you've abdicated that role to someone else. Unless you are a young child, that is an exceptionally dangerous choice. Because the odds are not in your favor that those you abdicate to have your best interest in mind. #truthwillout #fantasy #grit #criticalthinking #abdication #adventure #lifeisshort #faith
The Deepest Dark
Compassion is required for us to be connected to someone else. For without compassion, you can only view others as wrong, mean, vile, hurtful, etc. In short, they are evil and you, the righteous one, are not. As tempting as that view of the world can be, it is the most diabolical "binary" there is. In this scene, an old woman is faced with a terrible foe. The creature does, indeed, intend to bring nothing but harm to her. You see, there are monsters in this world. And some people behave in monstrous ways. But that doesn't sweep away the fact that the vast majority of us are equally human, feeble, full of foibles and fears. Embracing the twisted notion that you are completely in the right is, at best, unenlightened. And it should not surprise when you, at some point, are viewed as totally wrong by an utterly compassionless, equally self-righteous mob. A key writing goal of mine is to explore and reveal compassion, and its urgent need. #compassion #fantasy #deepdark #human #faith #adventure #connection
Desperate Times
It was the weirdest (and ultimately dangerous) hike I'd tried. We wanted to observe mountain goats up close. Eventually, we were so high up the mountain that a cloud settled down on us. Thick enough that I could no longer see my hiking buddy, we got separated. Soon, I found myself navigating along the narrow spine of the ridgeline, barely able to make out that on either side of my path was a steep cliff. You actually do sort of feel your heart in your throat in times like that. In this excerpt from All His Wrath, that's how Freida and Anders feel. Because for them, it's as if Paign was swallowed into the high mountain clouds. He's in mortal danger. #desperate #adventure #fantasy #friends #epic #heartinthroat #fearful #hikingintheclouds
Winter of the Soul
Although my fantasy stories are written mostly for teens and pre-teens, I still aim to make them as real and truthful as I would when writing for "adults." In this scene, Paign is utterly distressed and wrought with conflicting waves of emotions. Why? Because being a teen or pre-teen is often the most epic adventure of our lives. The passage of adolescence is both critical and, honestly, very hard. Here we see Paign in the "winter of his soul." Even if they don't act out in the manner that Paign does, kids can identify with this "winter of the soul." And when grown-ups are honest with themselves, so can they. #compassionmatters #kids #adolescence #fantasy #epic #adventure #itgetsbetter #faith #grit #perspectivematters #thistooshallpass #believe
Strong Emotions
One of my goals as an author is to connect the reader to at least one of my characters, as strongly as possible. My favorite stories have done that, which is why I love Sam, Frodo, Harry, Hermione, and a host of others. To do that, I try to put the reader "into the shoes" of the character, what they're like, thinking, feeling, experiencing, etc. In this scene, we see both Anders and Freida agonizing over their strong emotions at the very moment they're becoming aware of them. I hope you enjoy this excerpt from All His Wrath. And I hope to release books 3 and 4 in 2020! Keep an eye out for an announcement soon; click the orange button to follow me on Bublish. Until then, may 2020 bring you great joy! ~BK #epic #fantasy #adventure #gratitude #strongemotions #fear #love
The Challenge of Not Knowing
As we close out this year (and decade), we often ponder what the new year will bring. Will it be more of the same? Will it be better? This past year has been hard for us, but then so has most of the decade. If you, like us, have had a similar experience, I gently encourage you to keep the faith. And it's okay to lean on someone else's faith, just as Conomorg does in this excerpt. I'm learning that there are things in life it is essential to accept, even without understanding them. In fact, some lessons only come after doing so, as if accepting opens your heart to finally understand. So, hold your chin up. Look for positive things to come your way in 2020. Be mindful of others, and do what you can to help them, even as you have been helped in the past. We're in this together, after all. #epic #faith #fortitude #adventure #fantasy #grit #inittogether #2020
New Family Traditions
Are you ready? As we head into the #holidayseason, do you look forward to celebrating old family traditions? Or is it time to start new holiday routines, habits or activities? Both, perhaps? In this excerpt from All His Wrath, we learn that the Wheelens have already begun making new family traditions. In some ways, that's easy because they live in a new place. But more urgently, it's because of the close call they had the year before. I hope you enjoy this #bookbubble and that you have wonderful, uplifting and peaceful #holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours! #fantasy #epic #adventure #YA #youngadult
Familial Darkness
For many people, major holiday seasons are difficult, even painful. That's true for us. Maybe for you, too. It's a reality I weave into my stories, because we all have family histories...good, bad, somewhere in between. When we know a bit about another's family story, we can better understand them. In this scene from All His Wrath, we discover more about where Paign's friction with his sister comes from. Hopefully, I also plant a few seeds in your mind about what to expect in the future for Bettina, his sister. I hope you enjoy this excerpt and grab a copy of the book to see how her story unfolds. #fantasy #families #familyhistory #siblings #adventure #epic #amreading #amwriting
When All Seems Lost
Even though I'd rather not, nearing the end of this year (and decade), makes me a bit melancholy. Do you feel that way, too? It's hard not to think about the loved ones we've lost, the changes in health that have come, and the polarization of societies around the world. Of course, the list could be much, much longer. Which is why it is so critical to keep our wits about us, and think things through before making rash decisions. Sometimes that's really hard, especially when all seems lost, as we see in this excerpt from All His Wrath. The Wheelens discover their secret is gone, and they are being hunted again, by creatures too terrible to imagine. But this time, they also have a dog. Together, they’ll face down their enemies. More than once, all will seem lost. But they’ll face them with a trusted dog, one that was raised to not make snap judgments but be utterly courageous. Get a copy of this story to see how they all make out. And why not head over to your local shelter and adopt a canine buddy? Already have a dog? Then, please give it a hug from me. #fantasy #adventure #dogs #epic #newyear #melancholy #holidays
Fear, Friends and Fortitude
Real friendship is based on a love of the other greater than oneself. In healthy families, this is also true. In this scene from All His Wrath (Book Two in The Gargoyle Chronicles), we fall into a battle already underway. Though the gargoyles are outnumbered, they have much greater skill, cunning and speed. And they are driven by seething hatred. The humans they fight are either young or old. Perhaps the greatest threat they face is the dog. Facing down our fears requires fortitude. To do so for those we love demands selfless love. Grab a copy of the book today for you and a fantasy-loving friend. It's available at all ebook providers. Thank you for your support. And don't forget to follow me on Bublish. #blackfriday #fantasy #adventure #youngadult #YA #teens #epic #danger #fear #friends #fortitude #awardwinningnovel
Secret Mission
Throughout All His Wrath, Danielle and those that love her, are hunting for answers, even as they are being hunted. Early in the story, this scene reveals just how desperate their future is. But it is hardly the last, or even the biggest shock they'll have to face down. They, too, would have secret missions. #fantasy #adventure #secretmissions #gargoyles #fear BTW, I'm busy completing book 3 (The Ten Pinnacles) this month, also known as #NaNoWriMo19. Around 300,000 people are writing novels in November, for National Novel Writing Month!
The Deep Dark
If you like camping, the chances are that sitting around a campfire at night is a favorite pastime. Firelight dancing in the treetops overhead can be mesmerizing. But not all fires in the night are welcome. Or safe. I hope you enjoy this excerpt from All His Wrath, where Johann is faced with a most unwelcome fire in the dark. #light #dark #fire #flames #deepdark #fantasy #adventure #swords #epic #youngadult #providence
When Nightmares Come True
Have you ever had a dream more than once? They're great, right? But how about repeating a nightmare? Totally not fun. You wish you'd never slept. So, imagine being in Junior High, about to face your worst nightmare coming to life? In this excerpt from All His Wrath, Danielle is just about to do that. #Fear #Nightmare #Halloween #CreepingItReal #BooToYou #Fantasy #Epic #Adventure #Run #GirlPower #GrittyGirl
Rage's Trigger
We see in the world now an upside down view of bullying. Where bullying was denounced not many years ago, it is now celebrated as worthy of praise, as long its fierce behaviors are directed at the correct target. What formed the central evils of dystopian stories less than 10 years ago are now widely encouraged and embraced. But there is always a cost to bullying. It's name is rage. #epic #fantasy #culturewars #bullying #rage #retribution #truthwillout
Homecoming, Without the Home
Not all homecomings require a home. Maybe none of them do, since what matters most about a homecoming is the people you are coming home to. After another near-death encounter with the hybrid, Danielle awakens to an unexpected but most welcome surprise: a homecoming, without the home. #fantasy #homecoming #adventure #wonderment #epic #whatsleftofacabin #friends #love #dogslobberisthebestmedicine #weekendreadermarathon
On the Cold, High Mountain
Have you ever camped in the winter? Or been perched on a high mountain during a stiff wind? Let me assure you that neither are pleasant experiences, though they are enduringly memorable. When I wrote this scene, I was casting back to several winter outings in my younger days, including the part about bits of apple. I hope you enjoy this excerpt from All His Wrath. Grab a copy and enjoy reading it next to a warm fire. #fantasy #adventure #epic #faith #family #fortitude #winter #reading
Faced With the Unthinkable
Have you ever been in a situation so unlike anything else in your life that you could do nothing but... wait? In this scene from All His Wrath, my goal was to present Gudrun in this situation. Already in a monstrously precarious state, she then has to comprehend what doesn't make any sense. She can easily choose to react with abject fear. Instead, she chooses another way. I hope you enjoy this excerpt. #fantasy #adventure #danger #calm #motherhood #gargoyles
Lingering Fears
As a kid, my favorite fantasy authors, Tolkien and Lewis, made it difficult to relax. Especially when you thought a crisis had been averted, it was actually replaced by something worse, much more dangerous, and utterly horrifying. Soon enough, I developed lingering fears that something else was coming. Were things as they seemed? Oh, no! But seeing how their characters would face the threats, grow in courage and eventually face down their worst enemy was thrilling. It gave me a chance to live vicariously into who I wished to become. I do my best to provide a similar experience for my readers, especially teens and pre-teens. I hope you enjoy this excerpt from All His Wrath! #epic #adventure #fantasy #courage #weekendread #daregreatly #brave
"No, This Way!"
Being a writer is, mostly, a solitary task. Becoming an author is not. You need the help of so many people, especially if you self-publish: editors, proofreaders, designers (interior and cover), etc. If you are fortunate, these people will be extremely helpful in keeping you out of harm's way in the wild and woolly world of publishing. I'm grateful to Maryanna, Shiloh, Rachel, Nick, Kim, Martin, Jason, Jessica and others for their amazing help in getting my stories turned into something you can read. I hope you enjoy this excerpt from All His Wrath. Why not grab a copy for yourself? #fantasy #adventure #fireandfume #epicbattles
Deception's High Cost
Not long before I wrote this scene in All His Wrath, a family trip took us through Colton, WA. It's the first "real" place written into my story line that I'd actually been to. It was loads of fun to think about "What if something happens here?" It was as if putting myself in that place helped me to play out the intricate "What if" questions Kimar was struggling with while sitting atop the gym in Colton on a dark summer evening. I hope you enjoy this excerpt and consider getting a copy of the book to see what happens to the coyote. #fantasy #adventure #epic #night #prairiecoyote #colton #deception #whatifitallgoeswrong
Volcanic Storms
Mother Nature's storms are obvious to whoever is in their path. Less obvious storms are those we carry within. No one escapes them. But too many of us haul them through life as if they're essential to sustaining us. Our feelings are frightfully deceptive and can lead us down paths from which there may be no return. In this scene from All His Wrath, we see Paign surrendering to his rage. Where will it lead him? Who will suffer from it? Will he find a path out or will he (and others) be consumed by it? I hope you enjoy this excerpt and consider getting the book. #storms #rage #letitgo #feelingsdeceive #blinded
Hard Work Isn't Free
One of the reasons my family loves the Harry Potter series is its focus on the Weasley family. Far from perfect, they work hard on behalf of each other, are quick to forgive, and display enormous amounts of loyalty to those they care about. In this excerpt, I worked hard to reveal the costs Paign was willing to pay on behalf of his mother's safety. Throughout All His Wrath, a "red thread" is exploring how much Paign is willing to pay for his loyalty to those closest to him. Can he resist the forces aimed at crushing him? How will he protect his friends? Will he rise above the temptations thrown at him? This novel was a challenge to write because of that red thread. I hope you enjoy this excerpt, and consider grabbing a copy for yourself or someone who needs encouragement in a dark season in their life. #hardwork #sacrifice #fantasy #laborday #whatslovegottodowithit #epic
A Different Kind of Heatwave
In this excerpt from All His Wrath, we land in the middle of a massive battle that would make standing on asphalt in Phoenix when it's 115 degrees seem kind of balmy. I hope you enjoy this #bookbubble and consider buying a copy of the book for yourself or a friend. #summerheat #heatwave #epic #aintthathotafterall #fantasy #adventure #weekendreader
Peace Starts With Me
If you're human, you've gone too far with someone. More than once. Overreacted. Said things you wish you hadn't. Caused hurt to others. And, hopefully, taken the initiative to do what you could to mend things. In this excerpt from All His Wrath, we step into the middle of a tense dialogue that has all of the participants on edge. So much is at stake they can't move forward without a crucial decision. Want to bet nerves are on edge? For us to have peace in our world, we must be willing--and eager--to own our role in making it come to pass. I hope you enjoy this book bubble and consider getting a copy of the book to see how things turn out. #peace #peacestartswithme #ownit #takethefirststep #seetheother
The Deep Dark
When I was in 7th grade, my best friend, Kia, passed away from a cancer I didn't even know he had. As close as we were, he'd never fully disclosed what was wrong with him or how serious it was. So, while I was out of school with a horrible flu virus, my friend's health took a quick turn for the worse and he was gone. That experience left a deep mark in me, as did other losses in the years that followed. Though I write for teen (and preteens), my goal is always to write in as real and honest storytelling as I know how. My hope is that you, too, appreciate that kind of storytelling. Please get a copy of the book, "All His Wrath," to discover what happens to Paign and his mother. Thank you. #fantasy #reading #endurance #thedeepdark #imissyou
Better Than Great
If you, like me, have ever had a recurring dream, hopefully it's been the kind where you're so very happy to dream it again. Well, in this closing scene of All His Wrath (Book 2 in The Gargoyle Chronicles), I wanted to capture the almost dreamlike joy Danielle would experience to learn that she could now return to visit her friends any time she wanted. Until then, only the gargoyles had mastery over time and space. And as you might guess, this gifted power is put to the test by Danielle early in Book 3 (to be released late in 2019). I hope you enjoy this book bubble! Please consider getting a copy of the book for yourself or someone whose dreams matter to you. #fantasy #sweetdreams #friends #power #betterthangreat
The Pain of Broken Dreams
Kids are very free with their trust. Unless they've had a bad life experience, they typically believe that a friend will always be a friend. When that trust is broken, the dream is shattered. And it leaves a deep mark. But when your friend is suddenly believed to be untrustworthy, that's a terrible challenge. Who do you believe? Why? What evidence would you need to see or know to change your mind? My readers like the epic adventure in my stories, but they really like scenes like this one, since they can sort of step into the shoes of their favorite characters and feel what they are feeling. I hope you enjoy this short excerpt from "All His Wrath" and if you feel inclined, purchase a copy for you and/or a friend. It would make me so happy if you would. #empathy #compassion #fantasy #reallife #amwriting #betrustworthy
Being Courageous for a Friend
In this scene, it was important to show my characters a little older, with their relationships a little more complicated. Freida must struggle with her own fear about her friend's welfare: Paign was missing. But she also needed to comfort Anders, her dear friend, whose own fear was nearly consuming him. Quickly, she discovers that it isn't only fear gnawing at Anders. It's also guilt. So, she must set aside--as best she can manage--her fear, so she can help Anders process his own. She risks saying the wrong thing. She must be courageous...for her friend, Anders, even while praying for the safety of Paign. I hope you enjoy this bubble. #courageous #grownup #hardchoices #fantasy #faith #hope #love
Canine Independence
If you, like me, are fond of dogs, then you will probably find it easy to imagine Tiny's face in this scene, as his eyes move back and forth watching the humans and gargoyles arguing about what the "best thing" is...or should be. Can you hear Tiny's loud sighs, as he waits for the two-legged creatures to calm down? And then his even louder sigh? All to no avail. But then, Tiny doesn't realize that when people (and sometimes gargoyles) display anger, the real emotion behind it--hidden in all the yelling--is fear. The greater the noise level, the greater fear. Dogs, happily, often independent from human fears, help us cope and gain perspective. #dogs #fantasy #independence #canine #epic (BTW, we're working on a fix to the formatting problem. Tiny's thoughts should be italicized.)
A Peek Behind the Curtain
Surprise! This bubble isn't from the novel itself, but from the Acknowledgement section of All His Wrath. Why share this? My hope is that it provides you with a wee bit of insight into what's most important to me as a fantasy writer...and that you also are encouraged to create your own story. My inaugural novel, written for my daughter, inspired her to become a novelist, also. Why not you? Why not now? #amwriting #fantasy #donotdarenottodare #getyourstoryintotheworld
The Language of Courage
If you, like me, enjoy fantasy stories that put your favorite characters in unspeakably dangerous places, then I hope you like this short bubble. It's part of long chapter where a central goal of mine was to explore what courage looks like. I've never believed courage to be an absence of fear. Hardly. It's really a full embrace of fear. So the real question is what prompts or triggers courage? The answer to that, I believe, is always...every time...at its core: love for others. A courageous act is a selfless act, driven by love. #fantasy #courage #loveinaction #adventure #amwriting
So Many Losses
When I wrote this scene I was, in part, casting back to memories of my own father. He passed away when I was young, from a slow, debilitating cancer. Less than a week ago, my mother passed away. As a widow, she'd missed my dad for 37 years. They are together again. For that I rejoice. But like Bettina's grief over the loss of her father, for those that loved my mom there is still a bitter draught to swallow. In time, the bitterness will diminish. But it will never fully depart. Recognizing that all humans share in these experiences of deep loss helps each of us grow more compassionate. It helps us develop empathy. One of my primary goals as a novelist is to help especially children and young people enlarge their capacity for empathy. The world needs it. #losses #grief #fantasy #amwriting
Ancestral Knowledge
Today the world is throbbing with competing truth claims. Those called "progressive" tend to stand utterly opposed to those that have been around for decades, centuries and even millenia. While the "new" can be terribly exciting, it is--naturally--untested and unproven. It bears the burden of proving its "truth." And this is not accomplished by simply being louder than those holding onto older truth claims, whether humans or gargoyles are doing the yelling. I hope you enjoy this book bubble. :-) #truthwillout #fantasy #respectyourelders #amwriting #adventure #yellingisntreasonable #becarefulwhatyouwishfor
Fear's Gift
We live in an age that even our recent ancestors could not have imagined. And I don't mean technologically. Compared to them, we face very few risks. Our average life span is multiples more than theirs. The life-threatening diseases they died from are now treatable. Constant dangers then, are reduced to outliers now. Yet the world today is rife with fear. And as Muad'Dib said, "Fear is the mind killer." In this scene, I wanted to explore how detrimental fear can become when left to fester unchallenged. Is fear useful? Oh, yes. Especially when we look for the gift it brings. I hope you enjoy this book bubble! #fantasy #moods #fearisthemindkiller #perspective #trustbutverify
Terrible Gatherings
If you've read any of my stories, you probably figured out that I'm a "dog guy." That's why I incorporate dogs into my stories. One small goal of mine is to show readers that are unfamiliar with--or even scared of--dogs, just how important they are in the lives of those who love them. In this scene, we see a gathering of warriors doing what they do best: visiting war upon each other. But we also see an unexpected warrior acting in an utterly brave and selfless manner. I hope you enjoy this #bookbubble. #fantasy #gatherings #epicbattles #dogs #weekendreadermarathon
Difficult Conversations
Being understood is a universal human need. Achieving it is not a certainty, however. For scenes heavy with dialogue, my goal is to capture the reality that it takes work to understand...and be understood. It also requires patience, determination and respect. I hope you enjoy this book bubble. #fantasy #hardchoices #toughdecisions #communication #staywithit #weekendreadermarathon
A Community of Care
It matters little that you can access a community of like-minded thinkers. They'll give you a false sense of security. However, having a small group of thoughtful and caring helpers? That's what true community is about. And if your community is comprised of brave and resourceful friends, that's even better. #realfriends #community #fantasy #epicadventure #writing
In-Between Places
"Are we there, yet?" The question parents cringe at, and the one every child asks at some point. The question always comes before reaching the destination, somewhere between the start of the trip and the end. In this scene, I introduce the idea that in-between is actually a destination to be sought out because of the insights it can bring. #fantasy #travel #strongemotions #clarity #itsnotaboutangeritsaboutfear
Fume and Flame
I've always loved a great comeback story, especially when the odds of achieving a comeback look terribly unlikely. When I wrote this chapter in Book Two, it flowed out of my fingers nearly as fast as I can type. It's important to me to create scenes that the reader can easily "see" and, better yet, see themselves in as if they're right next to their favorite characters. My hope is that happens for you in this book bubble! #fantasy #comeback #epicadventure #writing
Promises Unstated
The antagonist in this novel is the leader of the renegade gargoyles, those bent on subjugating the human race. Kahrnahrgx (pronounced car-narx) delivers an unstated promise to one of his soldiers. A moment later, one of his generals delivers an unstated promise to his master, Lord Kahrnahrgx. Not all promises require the word to be said. #promises #fantasy #darktimes #epic
Hopeless and Alone?
Rather than employ gratuitous violence in my novels, my goal is to convey just enough information for the reader to fill in the rest. That's the writing style I enjoy the most, starting back in my "YA" years. I want the reader, as much as possible, to step into the life of each character so they feel and see the world through the other's eyes. At the same time, though, I often inject a bit of humor. This helps keep the story moving along by not getting overly dark. Still, I want my antagonists to be believable...and frightening. I hope you enjoy this book bubble! #fantasy #badguys #neverhopeless #neveralone #gargoyles
The Perils of Breakfast?
I enjoy writing scenes that capture "normal" moments in the lives of my characters because it makes them relatable. Readers can easily identify with "normal" characters. And the more they identify with them, the more surprising--or even delightful--it is when characters do something out of the ordinary. The bottom line is that you root for characters you care about. When you relate to them, you care about them. Especially when those characters are thrust into a terribly abnormal situation. That comes right after this scene. #morningcoffee #gymnasticsathome #dogsrock #fantasy
Introducing a New Character
Adding a new character to my second novel required an early hook. Because we're a family of dog lovers, this was both fun and easy to do. But there still needed to be a solid hook for the reader. The Wheelen's dog, Anja, instantly becomes a crucial member of the family because she hears and sees things the human members of her family can't. Plus, there are moments in the storyline when Anja's sense of smell (dogs sense of smell is roughly 40 times stronger than humans) literally saves them from disaster. I hope you enjoy this book bubble! #fantasy #bookhook #dogs
Words Have Power, For Good Or Ill
One of the most important goals I have as a YA fantasy author is to express emotions in a manner that young people can identify with. When I was that age I felt plenty of strong emotions, but could barely identify any of them correctly. It's not as if young people have improved at this imperative skill set. Frankly, neither have adults. #transparency #emotions #fantasy #theperilsofgettingitwrong
Gargoyle Politics
In an age of tribal politics in the human realm, it's fun to explore what that would look like in the fantasy realm. In this scene, we see the supreme commander of the opposition trying to discern the minds of his most trusted advisors. And it doesn't seem to be going much better than it does on an average day in Congress. I hope you enjoy this quick peek into gargoyle politics. #politics #tribal #classwarfare #fantasy #badguys
Interactions That Matter
Did you know there may be as many as 27 distinct human emotions? One of the things I'm intentional about exploring in my stories are emotions. My favorite stories are the ones where I most strongly identify with a character's emotions. I suspect that you, like me, react in a similar way. When writing this scene, I was surprised when Anders, feeling alone and downcast, is comforted by his gargoyle friends. I hope you love this bubble. #friendship #compassion #one [NOTE: we're working on a fix to how this books displays. When Anders is thinking, the text should be italicized.]
Freezing But Not Cold
Think about all those old police shows where the good guy yells at the bad guy, "Freeze!" Of course, the bad guy never does. Or if they do, it's only long enough to try to defeat the good guy. Well, sometimes people will freeze without cold temperatures getting involved. In this scene, Paign "freezes" so as not to aggravate his captor. Because if he does so, the life of his mother is at risk. Freezing from cold is terrible. I've been in 50 below (not including the windchill); it was brutal. But freezing when cold is nowhere near is worse, far worse. #PolarVortex2019 #weather #freezinghot
Why Parents?
It's tough to be a kid these days. There are so many streams of worldviews coming at them, constantly, that it's far too easy for them to feel disconnected to the world around them. And too many of them could use an extra caring adult in their lives. That's why I include "grownups" in my stories. I love The Chronicles of Narnia, in part, because Lewis mashed up 2-3 generations into his plotlines. Kids need mature adults to guide them along. If they don't have access to them at home, maybe my grownup characters (some of the, anyway) can be a beacon for them, if even in a small way. [Apologies that italics are missing in the formatting of this section, for some reason.]
Some Days Are Harder Than Others
Did you know that ~80% of the human face feels like they have a book inside of them that needs writing, but only ~1% of us write that book? One reason for that huge gap is that writing is hard work. And once you write your story, then you discover a load of other challenges. Some days are harder than others. I'm sharing this scene with you because I like it. BUT I'M FRUSTRATED that after all the work that went into publishing it, none of the formatting came along for the ride. So, you'll need to sort out when Peter is thinking to himself, because the italicized text that instantly gives you a clue...isn't there. *sigh* #publishingproblems #writing #persistence #grit
Family and Friends
As we head into Christmas week, are you excited to spend time with friends and family? For me, growing up was a special time full of seasonal events. Most of those I recall with warmth and gratitude. I hope that's true for you. In this scene from All His Wrath, we catch up with the Wheelens (who are remarkably similar to my own family). They've just discovered that something very magical had lain secret within their home. #happyholidays #merrychristmas #family #magical
Grit and Fury
When I was a teenager, my favorite stories were full of characters rising to face the challenges they were forced to contend with. I'd thrill to vicariously meet their challenge, hoping that I could bring those characters' daring into my real world. In other words, if they could overcome in a make-believe world, perhaps I could overcome, too. Our ancient ancestors relied on sharing timeless truths through spoken stories. Truths like bravery, loyalty and faithfulness. My goal is to do that, at least a little, using written stories.
Stuck in a Bad Dream
If you've ever had a terrible fever (say, 103-104 degrees) for any length of time, you feel absolutely wretched. There are the aches and pain, so bad that it's hard to even want to move. Actual moving instantly brings regret. Then there's the difficulty of focusing on anything, so you'd just rather keep your eyes shut. Everything is surreal and awful, like a horrible dream you can't get out of. Yep, I used my experience of that kind of fever to write this scene, even though Paign's suffering comes from an entirely different source than mine did.
When Silence Is The Best Communicator
Can you remember a conversation where the primary means of communicating was through volume? Yeah, me too. In my experience (and I bet yours, too), the greater the volume the less understanding takes place. Which pretty much defeats the purpose, right? Silence is often the best communicator. Especially when we really want to understand... and be understood.
The Great Stories
When i was a teen I first read Tolkien's Lord of the Rings (in 3 days). My favorite character was Samwise Gamgee. And my favorite quote from Sam is this one: "It's like the great stories, Mr. Frodo, the ones that really mattered." It was clear to me, even then, that the "great stories" have great conflicts, terrible odds, and frightening enemies. But more importantly, they have courage, grit, resolve and faith.
Best Intentions
As a fantasy writer, I want my characters to feel like real people, like people you know. Maybe even like yourself. And the truth is, real people are generally doing their best to be their best. In other words, they have the best intentions at heart. But what matters most in our interactions with others is what we do when their "best intentions" fail miserably. Because that's when our best intentions are tested.
Dark Night of the Soul
Long ago, a mystic wrote a poem about the dark night of the soul. In my story, I infuse this poem into the life of my character, Paign. Why do you suppose that's his name? There are seasons each of us must face that lack consolation. They require faith from us. And courage. A great deal of courage.
A Strong Defense
By the time I was writing Book 2 in my series, a primary goal was to show normal people facing down great threats by working together. We all need help to get through the regular challenges life brings, right? How much more so, then, when the threats are very real and extremely dangerous? A strong defense isn't found in a party of one.
Oh, The Places You'll Go!
As a fantasy fiction author, you do a lot of "world building." Which is great fun, of course. But its also great fun when I can weave real places into my stories (which I do a lot). Some years ago, a family trip took us through the wonderful town of Colton, WA. While we drove by the school, I instantly knew that something in my fantasy series would happen there. Eventually it did. Instead of a gargoyle protecting a gothic church, Kimar settles down on the roof of Colton's school because he needs a quiet place to think. See a little of what happens in this excerpt. Please consider reading the award-winning All His Wrath. #quietrooftops
Fearful Things
President Franklin D. Roosevelt said "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." But isn't that exactly what the enemy wants? Most importantly, what if the terror isn't unjustified? What people do when they're terrified reveals a lot about how they deal with fear.
Because Dogs
I'm a "dog guy." That's why I integrate them into my stories (even non-fiction). Because when a dog bonds with their human, they'll protect them against anything. Even gargoyles.
One of Those Dreams?
In my experience of dreaming, the worst ones come during a fever. Nothing makes sense. Everything seems to be "off." Unbalanced. Bizarre. Be happy if you've never had one of these dreams born in smoldering synapses. But if you have had this kind of dream, you know what I'm talking about and you have my pity. Here's the thing, though. How would you react if you discovered that your fevered dream, oozing weirdness and dismay, wasn't a dream? What if it morphed into an unimaginable nightmare?
Dreaming of dreaming
I suppose we all have them. You know, those dreams where you realize you're dreaming? Once in a great while, I've even been able to take a dream in the direction I wanted it to go. But a bad dream? Nope. A strange dream? Again, nope. The problem here is that Danielle can't determine if the dream she is aware of dreaming is one she wants to stay in, or if it is starting to go wrong in a hurry. And the gargoyle she's talking to in her dream isn't helping.
A Country Neighborhood Goes Wrong
It often seems like the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, that your neighbor has it better than you. But that's not true. In fact, sometimes it couldn't be less true.
Morning Coffee
Now, I like my morning coffee. But I also like it in the quiet hours. At least to begin the day. In the Wheelen home, coffee and quiet rarely go together.
A girl and her dog
Danielle's life changed for the darker when she was thrust into the bitter conflict between two factions of the gargoyle kingdom.
The Quest for the Temple Key
Science Fiction & Fantasy
A young girl. A diabolical gargoyle. A sacrifice to save the world. A smart young girl is unwillingly thrust into a frantic quest to save mysterious people and bizarre creatures from a deadly foe, determined to destroy everything--and everyone--she cares about. Thirteen-year-old Danielle had never thought of herself as adventurous until, alone, she must face two enormous gargoyles, Ercen and Kimar, and decide whether she trusts them. Was she kidnapped--as all the evidence indicates--or rescued from doom, like they say? Can she believe their assertion that she has a power to save the entire world from a diabolical gargoyle and his minions? How can a simple girl break the monstrous power of the key to the enemy's ghastly temple, crafted from the very soul of a broken, elderly woman? Danielle's epic journey will captivate readers as she confronts powerful threats, and finds perplexing friends along her dangerous path. With the help of a gargoyle names Lohxnahr, Danielle struggles against forces beyond her worst terrors. She must dig deep to find enough courage and resilience to challenge the rogue gargoyle commander of the renegade army, bent on seizing control of the human race. Full of wonder, suspense and adventure, this novel is a fun, page-turning fantasy that also asks serious questions about the true meaning of love, faith and friendship. Available everywhere: books2read.com/u/bppaNE
Book Bubbles from The Quest for the Temple Key
Winter's Heart
Perhaps the greatest lie foisted on the young is "You can be anything you want to be." For decades this has been a mantra. The refrain comes from parents, teachers, adults, and even politicians. Maybe well-meaning. But still a lie. It's simply not possible. In this scene, we witness a gentle and truthful moment between Freida and her father. Dreams are at our very heart; in many ways they define us. Unfulfilled dreams can feel like winter has descended on us and frozen our hearts into ice. So, dreams are crucial...and not always possible. Learning that lesson can, if we let it, become our liberation. You will never reach a dream you abandon. But even if you don't reach it as you'd hoped, you will still find joy and wonder along the way. Happy New Year! I hope you enjoy this little excerpt, and that you pursue your dreams into 2022. And... why not grab a copy of my book? ;-) ~BK #winter #heart #dreams #pursuit #bigmood #unfulfilled #notalldreamshappen #teens #epic #gargoyles #fantasy #adventure #readabook #awardwinning #youngadults #YA #teensandyoungadults #holidays | Download the first 5 chapters of #TheQuestForTheTempleKey (free). GET IT at brandonkingauthor.com right after you follow me on Bublish.
In a Tromping Mood
Have you ever been in a tromping mood? Ticked off about something and you sort of take it out on your feet? Or better yet...the snow? In this scene, Paign is in an ugly mood (and you get a hint as to what it's about). At this time of year, it is helpful to remember—or just plain recognize—that whatever might not be going great in your life, there are people enduring hardships you would never want. Things that are so hard they have nothing left to tromp about. Because they have been tromped on. I hope you enjoy this little excerpt, and that you lean into compassion during this Christmas season. And...why not grab a copy of my book? ;-) ~BK #tromping #mood #snow #trompingthruthesnow #bigmood #compassion #Christmas #teens #epic #gargoyles #fantasy #adventure #readabook #awardwinning #youngadults #YA #teensandyoungadults #holidays | Download the first 5 chapters of #TheQuestForTheTempleKey (free). GET IT at brandonkingauthor.com right after you follow me on Bublish.
Battle Ready?
Being “battle ready” isn’t about going through a routine that gets you into some kind of perverse eagerness to fight. It’s about taking stock of what you have to fight with (or don’t), developing a strategy…knowing the odds are it won’t work out, and ridding your mind of all distractions except for one: fear. If you’re not afraid to go into battle, then you are almost certainly not battle ready. ~BK #truth #fear #battleready #danger #strategy #protagonist #teens #gargoyles #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults | Download the first 5 chapters of #TheQuestForTheTempleKey (free). GET IT at brandonkingauthor.com right after you follow me on Bublish.
What's In a Name?
By the time the notion of writing a novel popped into my teenage head, I was a BIG fan of LOTR (and also Narnia). So as I literally lay in bed thinking about what my novel would be about (no idea at the time), the one thing that grabbed my focus was a name. What should the name of the bad guy be? And because LOTR was “a thing” to me, Tolkien’s naming conventions influenced mine. Simply put, his elves had names with a lot of vowels. His orcs had names with lots of consonants. Which tipped the scale of my naming convention toward using consonant-heavy names for my bad guys. Of course, the chief bad guy in book one is the leader of the rogue gargoyles: Kahrnahrgx. His name is supposed to look like an orc’s. But since “h” is silent, and the “g” just makes you linger for a second, then what you’re left with is easy to pronounce: “car-narx.” Bad guy named! It only took a couple of decades to fill in the novel around him. ~BK #names #protagonist #teens #gargoyles #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults | Download the first 5 chapters of #TheQuestForTheTempleKey (free). GET IT at brandonkingauthor.com right after you follow me on Bublish.
Don’t Fall For The Lie
I recently read an article that said this: "Today, a generation of young people are debilitated by feelings of meaninglessness, doubt, and depression." Besides being statistically true, it's easy to observe. The point the writer is making is that our feelings, whatever our age, are pathetic for providing "direction." In other words, of all the things to follow, our hearts and feelings make for absolutely the poorest guides. And it shows. In this excerpt, we see Freida surrounded by real people, real history and real love. Her guide is outside of her, not found in her "feels." True guides are never found within us. “Follow your heart!” is terrible advice and based on a lie. You’ll find meaning and faith outside of you, not in your “feels” but in the “reals.” ~BK #reals #feels #lies #truth #ancestors #teens #gargoyles #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults | Download the first 5 chapters of #TheQuestForTheTempleKey (free). GET IT at brandonkingauthor.com right after you follow me on Bublish.
What Are You Willing To Live For?
In this excerpt, we see Danielle absolutely committed to saving her friend. The last book in The Chronicles of Narnia was published in September 1956, 65 years ago. For those of you that love that series by C. S. Lewis, you probably hold in equally high esteem the series written by his friend J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings. I wonder if they were alive today whether both men would have been “canceled” already. They’re stories are beloved for the very reasons some would cancel them: they wrote about things that inspired bravery, honesty and grit. They wrote about things you suddenly realized you’d be willing to live for. Ironically, the mob already went after Rowling...and most of that mob are the very readers that made Rowling wealthy. Ironic? Or insightful? In our current dystopian culture, what are you willing to truly live for? ~BK #beloved #StoriesThatMatter #willing #live #inspired #LOTR #Narnia #CSLewis #JRRT #teens #gargoyles #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults | Download the first 5 chapters of #TheQuestForTheTempleKey (free). GET IT at brandonkingauthor.com right after you follow me on Bublish.
Not All Family Heirlooms
It is perhaps the most common human impulse: heirlooms. One generation leaving something for the next. Often, there is a generational skip involved, like when grandparents leave something to a grandchild. Not always, but sometimes, this is done because the grandparents know their own children well enough to not risk leaving something they treasure to their own kids. Instead, they hope their grandchildren will appreciate the object. But in this scene, we see an heirloom that only causes friction and anxiety. Not all family heirlooms are worth keeping, let alone passing along. ~BK #heirlooms #family #danger #beware #treasures #teens #gargoyles #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awesome #awardwinning #murmurs #remembrances #overwhelmed #teensandyoungadults | Download the first 5 chapters of #TheQuestForTheTempleKey (free). Go to brandonkingauthor.com now! Don’t forget: FOLLOW ME on Bublish.
The Key To...What?
Most households have a “junk drawer.” And most of them are filled with all manner of, well, junk. Among nearly every junk drawer I’ve seen, you will find a key. Often, a bunch of keys. It’s not uncommon that no one knows what the keys are for. In fact, I’ve discovered that one or two of the keys will have actually been inherited—they literally unlocked a now-unknown item “that used to belong to Grams.” Or Gramps. Or Aunt Matilda. It’s a bit crazy really, how long people hold onto keys. In this scene, Danielle comes to terms for the first time in her life that the key in her dad’s home office isn’t just a curiosity. It potentially holds her doom. ~BK #keys #doors #hidden #danger #junkdrawer #danger #teens #strategy #gargoyles #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awesome #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults | Download the first 5 chapters of #TheQuestForTheTempleKey (free). Go to brandonkingauthor.com now! Don’t forget: FOLLOW ME on Bublish.
Keep...Your Enemies Closer
In a prior book bubble I commented on the wisdom of keeping your friends close (attributed to Sun-Tzu). Of course, the other half of the statement is, "Keep...your enemies closer." But to do that you first have to locate your enemy. In this excerpt, we see that’s easier said than done. I hope you enjoy this bubble. ~BK #friends #enemies #proximity #danger #Sun-Tzu #WarCouncil #teens #strategy #gargoyles #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awesome #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults | Download the first 5 chapters of #TheQuestForTheTempleKey (free). Go to brandonkingauthor.com now! Don’t forget: FOLLOW ME on Bublish.
Keep Your Friends Close...
Are you familiar with the phrase? Some attribute Sun-Tzu with the statement, "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer." As we'll see in this excerpt, it is very good to have your friends close. And because those friends are working on a plan to defeat their enemies, they do not want their enemies closer than friends. Not at all. This scene was fun to write, slowly building the tension while getting you right into the middle of things. What do you think? I hope you enjoy this bubble. ~BK #friends #enemies #proximity #danger #Sun-Tzu #WarCouncil #teens #strategy #gargoyles #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awesome #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults | Download the first 5 chapters of #TheQuestForTheTempleKey (free). Go to brandonkingauthor.com now! Don’t forget to FOLLOW ME on Bublish.
Danger, Quietly Delivered
In this extended excerpt from The Quest for the Temple Key, Danielle learns a lot about the backstory leading to her abduction (as it first seemed to her), only to realize she is being protected. Or is she? That she is in danger is clear enough now. But the true nature of the danger? Well, that's not clear enough...yet. And getting the news quietly isn't in the least bit comforting. Just like in real life, danger can be quietly delivered. ~BK #quiet #protection #perception #deception #danger #reallife #teens #thinkthinkthink #gargoyles #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awesome #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults | Download the first 5 chapters of #TheQuestForTheTempleKey (free). Go to brandonkingauthor.com now!
The Time for Bravery
Those who seek to be brave are likely to actually be brash, even stupid. True bravery is having the moral strength to face danger when the primal thing to do is flee. Looking for danger just to prove something isn't bravery. CS Lewis wrote in the Screwtape Letters that "courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point...." In a letter, he wrote "You needn’t worry about not feeling brave. Our Lord didn’t – see the scene in Gethsemane. How thankful I am that when God became man He did not choose to become a man of iron nerves; that would not have helped weaklings like you and me nearly so much." Often, the bravest people are the weaklings at their testing point, like Danielle in this excerpt. Are you ready for the time of bravery? ~BK #TimeForBravery #perspective #testingpoint #virtue #teens #thinkthinkthink #gargoyles #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awesome #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults | Download the first 5 chapters of #TheQuestForTheTempleKey (free). Go to brandonkingauthor.com now!
Perceptive Perspective
There comes a time in each generation when it becomes apparent that, whether you feel ready for it or not, you realize that it’s time for you to take a stand. For Millennials (at least), that time is now. Science will not save us. Technology will not save us. The arts will not save us. Politics will not save us. Ancient boomers will not save us. And frankly, neither will Millennials...ultimately. But there is an untapped wisdom and perception waiting to be released into the world that Millennials possess. Let it be released. And may their collective wisdom possess the humility to understand that virtually everything can be influenced while absolutely nothing can be controlled forever. Humans are, after all, limited by their very nature. ~BK #perceptive #perspective #humility #versus #hubris #truthwins #teens #thinkthinkthink #feelingscomeandgo #gargoyles #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awesome #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults | Download the first 5 chapters of #TheQuestForTheTempleKey (free). Go to brandonkingauthor.com now!
Outmatched and Outnumbered
As some are doing their best to rewrite history, the rest of humanity is placed in the perilous position of having little clue how we’ve made it this far. It’s nothing more than hubris to believe that, given enough time and freedom to do anything we please, humanity will finally emerge into its best life now. Whether it’s the human race, gargoyle realm or animal kingdom, when no other safeguards are in place, the many succumb to those few with the most power. How easy it is to forget the most famous line from Spiderman: “With great power comes great responsibility.” Worse, we seem to have utterly forgotten Lord Acton’s axiom: “All power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely.” This concept is the basis for my story, and in this excerpt we see what it is like to prepare for an encounter with those who believe in absolute power. ~BK #outmatched #outnumbered #power #corrupt #truthwins #mercyismostnoble #teens #thinkthinkthink #feelingscomeandgo #gargoyles #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awesome #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults | Download the first 5 chapters of #TheQuestForTheTempleKey (free). Go to brandonkingauthor.com now!
Condemned, With No Evidence
In this excerpt we face an unpleasant truth: it is a terrible thing to be condemned, even for something one is guilty of. But how terrible it is to be condemned on hearsay and conclusions made with no evidence but only hunches. That happens now everyday. It is commonplace, in fact. And it is an unjust thing. It seems we have forgotten that people are, by their very nature, entirely self-serving. It is only by very mindful and determined intention do we not seek outcomes that serve our best interests. Justice is not about strong emotions; it's about putting aside what matters most to our well-being and seeking the good for someone else, someone who has no voice. We do well to question our own motives...all the time. We are not as virtuous as we'd like everyone else to believe. And neither are they. ~BK #condemned #suspicion #doubtful #selfserving #realjustice #evidence #truthwins #mercyismostnoble #feelingscomeandgo #thinkthinkthink #teens #gargoyles #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awesome #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults | Download the first 5 chapters of #TheQuestForTheTempleKey (free). Go to brandonkingauthor.com now!
Believing In Yourself When No One Else Will
It's typically thought that it's important to teach children to believe in themselves, so that when they are older they won't be undone by the vagaries of life. This is a great thing, to be sure. I've worked with enough young people to know how true this noble goal is. However, now that I've been an adult for about 7,000 years, I recognize that it is imperative to believe in yourself at all ages. And just like kids need the support of others, sometimes, to believe in them even when they can't...so too do grown ups. In this scene we get a little backstory on Paign. Over the course of this story (and the others in the series), we see how absolutely important it is to have others there to support you. And when they fail...and they will...you need to have a support system outside of yourself. BTW, sorry about the bizarre display of this bubble! (no control) ~BK #believe #youmatter #supportperson #Godlovesyou #vagariesisagreatword #feelingslie #feelingscomeandgo #thinkthinkthink #selfdoubt #teens #gargoyles #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awesome #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults | Download the first 5 chapters of #TheQuestForTheTempleKey (free). Go to brandonkingauthor.com now!
Captain Obvious
The other day, I was listening to a presentation that included the declaration, “You don’t want to be Captain Obvious.” True, that. Because when you’re blathering on about something that’s obvious as if it’s news, you’re actually just revealing that you’re oblivious to what’s obvious to everyone else. Ouch. Who want’s to be in that embarrassing position? But like we see in this scene, there are times when being oblivious to what’s obvious is actually a team sport. My advice? Avoid being Captain Obvious. Instead, be like Freida. Think ahead. In fact, just think. Your mind is the most important organ in your body. It’s not just your brain, you know. How’s that for stating the obvious? ~BK #CaptainObvious #ouch #thinkahead #thinkingisgood #feelingscomeandgo #look #mysteries #teens #gargoyles #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults | Download the first 5 chapters of #TheQuestForTheTempleKey (free). Go to brandonkingauthor.com now!
Double, Double Toil & Trouble
It's possible that Macbeth's scene with the witches informed the notion that great evil would soon intersect the kids’ odyssey into the caves near their home. I don't remember Shakespeare's play all that well now, so I can’t say for sure. Certainly the idea in his rhyming couplet, invoked by the witches' intent on wreaking evil on humans, was there. It’s an important goal in my stories to present the reader with the presence of actual evil, not just the vague idea of it. In our era, evil is perceived to be all about failures of certain classes of humans. When in reality, that is the evil: the easy, thoughtless and self-serving perception that everything wrong with the world is all someone else’s responsibility. From that diseased evil come the false accusations. The feigned umbrage. The lust for power over others. That's precisely what the kids are soon to encounter in this scene. But it's what all of us are mindlessly lurching toward in real time. ~BK #doubletrouble #cursed #witches #stronggirl #evil #itaintpretty #teens #shakespeare #gargoyles #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults | Download the first 5 chapters of #TheQuestForTheTempleKey (free). Go to brandonkingauthor.com now!
Cursed Assumptions
I’ve known young people who have a very grownup maturity when it comes to making assumptions (more than many adults). They seem to know intuitively that old trope is true: when you assume you make an “ass-(out-of)-u-(&)-me.” It’s just SO easy to do. After all, we see the world through our biased eyes and we’re naturally highly invested in our needs. That’s why so often we wonder why people do certain things. Or immediately assume we know their intentions, motivations, goodness or badness...and judge them. But you know, they’re doing the same of you. Dostoyevsky wrote, “Don’t let us forget that the causes of human actions are usually immeasurably more complex and varied than our subsequent explanations of them.” It’s easier to make quick value judgments than do the hard work of trying to understand someone else. Especially if we’re upset, like Peter is in this excerpt. He had no idea why Amy didn’t look at him, that her situation was more perilous than his. Make a point of delaying your assumptions...or deal with the curses they bring to you. ~BK #assumptions #cursed #bias #pause #getgrounded #teens #dostoyevsky #gargoyles #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults | Download the first 5 chapters of #TheQuestForTheTempleKey (free). Go to brandonkingauthor.com now!
The Problem With Normal
The problem with normal is that it’s, well, normal. Which is to say, quite predictable and mundane. On the other hand, the beauty of normal is that it’s, well, still normal. Quite predictable and mundane. No, I’m not trying to be cute or clever. It’s just the truth. The attitude we bring toward life has everything to do with how we experience “normal.” When we’re bored, “normal” stinks. When we need refuge from the storm, “normal” is comforting, steadying and provides us rest. Our attitude determines our experience of life, and defines what’s “normal.” Underlying all of that though is perhaps the most important element of our attitude: others. In this scene, we discover that Freida is aware—and grateful—that her dad is watching out for her. Even as her dad, this wasn’t inevitable. He chose to help her with something as normal as keeping her breakfast warm. She chose to be grateful. Both could have chosen a negative attitude. So could you. Which way does your attitude bias take you? ~BK #normal #bias #choices #attitude #gratitude #itsnotalwaysaboutyou #getgrounded #teens #gargoyles #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults | Download the first 5 chapters of #TheQuestForTheTempleKey (free). Go to brandonkingauthor.com now!
The Season For Courage
In a recent Bublish bubble I quoted G. K. Chesterton (find it, since it’s a great quote!). Here I mention a similar quote, because it also is being baldly honest with young people about the need for courage. Lewis says, “Since it is so likely that (children) will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. Otherwise you are making their destiny not brighter but darker.” Both of these men are correct. In my own small way, I’m doing my best to share the same concept and sensibility in my stories: there are monsters in the world, and each of us must be prepared to face them with “heroic courage.” Soon. But to do that, we must first recognize them. And in our age, many of them are very cleverly disguised. ~BK #courage #heroic #destiny #cruelenemies #getfrosty #cleverlydisguised #epicstruggles #beprepared #worldwide #teens #gargoyles #hangontight #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey | Download (free) the first 5 chapters of this book. Go to brandonkingauthor.com and get started now!
Between the Rock and the Hard Place
Life has never been easy and in the end we're all going to die. These are unwelcome truths in our culture. But being unwelcome doesn't make them untrue. That makes some people very, very uncomfortable. And for a few, it makes them insanely angry. It's that mindset, in general, that infuses all of my "bad guys." The tricky part is that you can't always tell who the bad guy is...in life...and in my stories. In this scene, it's really only Tiny, the trusted and very sensible dog, that can tell the difference. My advice? Learn to be like Tiny. Develop a nose for sniffing out self-serving, smooth-talking, super-likable...bad guys. There are many in this world. They blend in. They pretend. It's when they're in between a rock and a hard place that they're true colors surface, no matter how hard they try to hide them. Yours, too, for that matter. I hope you enjoy this excerpt. Let me know, eh? ~BK Download (free) the first 5 chapters of this book. Just go to https://www.brandonkingauthor.com. #rockandhardplace #nose #badguys #tricky #epicstruggles #whatmattersmost #worldwide #teens #gargoyles #hangontight #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
Oh, How the Mighty Have Fallen
In a few days, many people in the United States will pause to reflect on the great cost of our enduring freedom. It has not come cheaply. Nor does it remain so...for any country that enjoys freedom. And for those countries in the world that desperately seek freedom, the cost of obtaining it—if they prevail—is, or will be, extraordinarily high. Losing our freedom requires little more than devaluing it, assuming it “just happened,” taking it for granted, and ignoring the requisite response to honor and respect those whose astonishing sacrifices made it come true in the first place. It is appropriate for the living to show respect to the mighty, especially to the mighty who have fallen in the service of those who remain. I hope you enjoy this long excerpt. We must never forget. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. ~BK Psst! Download (free) the first 5 chapters of this book. Just go to https://www.brandonkingauthor.com. #memorialday #grateful #honorthem #neverforget #remember #respect #freedom #liveslost #epicstruggles #whatmattersmost #worldwide #teens #gargoyles #hangontight #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
An Audience of One...Many Times
When I began writing this story, I only had one reader in mind: my daughter. She was in middle school and she’d already read through Rowling, Tolkien, Lewis and others. She liked adventure fantasy, with epic struggles between good and evil. She was not a fan of twinkling vampires or lurching zombies. She wanted to read about friendships, faith, danger, mysteries...with loads of surprises and a well-placed cliff-hanger. So, I wrote that story for her. Something I was pretty sure she’d like. As you might guess, my protagonist is loosely based on her. Though I was hopeful she’d like it, I was still very pleased that she, in fact, LOVED it. I kept cranking out chapters. She kept eagerly reading them. Eventually there was a complete novel. Then a sequel. Awards came along, as well. The reason that’s significant to me is that it meant others liked the stories, too. The audience of one I originally wrote for has grown to an audience of many. In many places and many countries. Which is awesome! Happy reading! ~BK You can download (for free) the first 5 chapters of this book; just go to https://www.brandonkingauthor.com. #audience #readers #love #writingforyou #epicstruggles #whatmattersmost #worldwide #teens #gargoyles #hangontight #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
Failure to Thrive
From what I understand, when an elderly person dies without any readily known reason (like a stroke, heart attack, etc.), the final notation made by the doctor on that person's chart reads: “Cause of death— "failure to thrive." It's an interesting phrase, isn't it? As the world tries desperately to move past the global pandemic, a great many people aren't thriving; it's a slog just to make it through the day, almost as a living death. But most, I suspect, would love to "thrive" all the way into their golden years. Perhaps even "flourish." This week I had a needed taste of “flourish” and “thrive” with a major breakthrough in learning cover design, a long-time goal. I helped design 7 epic fantasy covers for a great fantasy author, Taylor Hunter. The experience definitely ticked the "thrive" box for me. I can hardly wait to announce the impending release of her 2nd volume in the amazing Faeland Legends. In the meantime, I hope you’re able to thrive in the days to come. Peace to you. ~BK You can download (for free) the first 5 chapters of this book; just go to https://www.brandonkingauthor.com. #thrive #flourish #whatmattersmost #greatwriter #TaylorHunter #love #teens #gargoyles #hangontight #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
Toxic Family Inheritances
Because of our human nature, no family is immune to dragging toxic family inheritances around like a broken tricycle. It is simply impossible to avoid. No matter how hard we try, there is are legacies passed down from one generation to the next. Happily, many of these "inheritances" are favorable. Perhaps, even wonderful. But scratch the surface just a little and, behold, there will be something eagerly hidden. Denied. Buried. Except it's never quite buried. Like nuclear waste in a horror movie, there's an unavoidable and deadly residue that emanates from it. So, the question is...what do you do with it? I hope you enjoy this excerpt from The Quest for the Temple Key. The Wheelen family had a ticking time bomb in their family. Do you? ~BK Do you know? You can download (for free) the first 5 chapters of this book; just go to https://www.brandonkingauthor.com. #toxic #inheritances #family #hotmess #legacies #challenges #families #whatareyougoingtodo #reality #perspective #love #teens #gargoyles #hangontight #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
Facing Long Odds
Our culture doesn't like to wait. For anything. It hasn’t always been so. But in 2021, we want what we want when we want it, regardless of its worthiness, wisdom or who it might impact, one way or the other. In short, we're hedonistic, impatient, pretentious little lords. So, when we come up against a power that is greater than that which we fancy we control, well, it gets messy. Fast. And the thing is, there's always a great power than what we'd love to believe that we wield. Always. People routinely believe they are far more capable than they truly are. Here, Danielle is coming to terms with what she'd much rather pretend isn't true. She is utterly outmatched. How will she handle it? BTW, you can download (for free) the first 5 chapters of this book; just go to https://www.brandonkingauthor.com. ~BK #longodds #impatience #greatpower #pretentious #anticipation #culturewar #controlisamyth #reality #perspective #love #teens #gargoyles #hangontight #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
Grumblings
It doesn't take many years of living before you come to understand that some days are harder than others. Kids even know that. As you get older, you eventually come to understand that some weeks are harder than others. Then, you graduate to even months or years. And possibly even decades. In this excerpt from The Quest for the Temple Key, we see the full awareness that the war party expects to be expected. In other words, their enemy will be waiting for them. While this was sobering for them to consider, it was also better to simply deal with that probability by preparing for it. And that's a worthy thing to do with each of our days, weeks, months and even years. As our characters eventually realize, you can only take one day at a time. Do the same; let tomorrow take care of itself. BTW, you can download (for free) the first 5 chapters of this book; just go to https://www.brandonkingauthor.com. ~BK #grumblings #patience #stayfrosty #anticipation #anxietysucks #thoughtful #lovetranscends #teens #gargoyles #hangontight #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
The Complexity of Love
Much has written and said about the "power of love." So much so, in fact, that the meaning is nearing the level of meaningless. In this age, "love" generally means whatever anyone wants it to mean. Which makes it literally meaningless, since there are potentially 7.9 billion “meanings” it could have. The trendy "love is love" phrase isn't thoughtful or meaningful, any more than "air is air" or "gravity is gravity." It just feels like there's deep meaning there, but even deep feeling doesn't magically create real meaning...just deep feeling. And feelings, even deep ones, are as fleeting as the wind. In this excerpt from The Quest for the Temple Key, we drop into a conversation that shows that even the antagonist understands the real power of love. Enough so to pervert it to his own ends. Let us not be like Kahrnahrgx. Hey, you can download (for free) the first 5 chapters of this book; just go to https://www.brandonkingauthor.com. ~BK #complexityoflove #poweroflove #sacrifice #greatbeauty #hateisnotlove #cancelisnotlove #sensible #thoughtful #meaning #feelingisnotvirtuous #soulconnections #wondrous #lovetranscends #teens #gargoyles #hangontight #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
The Face of Mindless Hate
There are two views of the world and they are diametrically opposed to each other. But I don't think most people know about them. The first I call "The Roddenberry View." If you've watched anything from the Star Trek pantheon, you've encountered the worldview of the series creator, Gene Roddenberry. Simply put, he believed that over the course of human history, it is clear that humans are improving. We're becoming better. More enlightened. More just. It's an extremely popular view. On the other side of the philosophical aisle is C. S. Lewis, who argues the opposite is true. The history of humankind is one of devolving: we're becoming worse. Less enlightened. Less just. The evidence supports Lewis' view of things, despite the popularity of Roddenberry's. Gahrspat proves Lewis' view. I hope you enjoy this short, brutal excerpt. BTW, did you know? You can download—for free—the first 5 chapters of this book; just go to https://www.brandonkingauthor.com. ~BK #mindlesshate #devolution #worldview #evidence #onlyonecanbetrue #teens #gargoyles #hangontight #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
The Fog of War
Gratefully, I have no personal experience with this phrase. But I have read enough stories about war (and watched loads of movies) that I felt pretty confident I could pull off a scene that showed how my characters reacted to a massive battle. In other words, how would “the fog of war” reveal itself in each of them. The toll of battle is unpredictable but never benign, that much I know. However, as the author, I’m not in a position to say whether I got close to the mark. Still, my readers seem to like it...so far, at least. Perhaps you’ll think otherwise. ???? On a different note, don’t forget you can download—for free—the first 5 chapters to this book; just go to https://www.brandonkingauthor.com. ~BK #fogofwar #battlescars #shellshock #ptsd #compassion #teens #gargoyles #hangontight #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
When Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction
It's a well-known phrase, but I think Lord Byron nailed it. In fact, it seems that truth might always be stranger than fiction. Which is kind of funny since I'm a fiction writer. In this scene, the underlying premise is that what the kids had been told about a crazy old woman... might not be true, after all. Indeed, they soon discover that the truth of the story was very different than the fiction they'd been raised on. Gratefully, they were open to learning what was, in fact, the truth about the old woman, as well as themselves. But to do that, they had to set aside all of their bias and presumptions. We would all do well to do the same. BTW, don’t forget you can download—for free—the first 5 chapters to this book; just go to https://www.brandonkingauthor.com. ~BK #truth #truthisstrangerthanfiction #open #unbiased #suspendjudgment #seekandfind #teens #gargoyles #hangontight #fantasy #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
The Sum of All Fears
If you, like me, have spent any time around a campfire on a cool night, you've probably trimmed bark off of a tree branch. Or you've seen it done. It's quite a soothing exercise, as well as helpful for starting a fire if you don't have one going yet. Tinder shaved from bark, even if a bit damp, makes starting a fire much easier. In this scene, we know that Danielle already has far too many reasons to be afraid. We know she's been kidnapped by frightening, flying creatures who can also leap through time and space at will. Then she notices just how Kimar is trimming the bark off of his "stick." Her already high level of fear, understandably, jumps still higher. In a way, this situation takes her beyond the sum of all her prior childhood fears. Not a pretty picture and one I expect you wouldn't welcome, either. I hope you like this excerpt from The Quest for the Temple Key. And thank you for following me. You matter! ~BK #sumofallfears #fear #fright #talons #pacing #amwriting #novelistatwork #introducing #characters #teens #interesting #gargoyles #happywriter #hangontight #fantasy #adventure #dontgiveup #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
Looking For An Opening
Even if you've never taken a martial arts course, you are probably familiar with the idea of "looking for an opening." It's looking for a way to get into the mind of the other, see a chance to upset their pattern of response and, if you’re lucky, maybe even an opportunity to change their behavior. Although it may seem odd to you, my reader, that's what I'm trying to do in this excerpt from The Quest For The Temple Key. My goal was to introduce three new characters in an unexpected and interesting way. If you've followed my book bubbles, you know that I was introducing myself to these characters at the same moment I wrote about them for your benefit. It was me, the author, looking for an opening... a way to get a response from you, my reader. How'd I do? ;-) ~BK #lookingforanopening #amwriting #novelistatwork #introducing #characters #teens #interesting #gargoyles #happywriter #hangontight #fantasy #adventure #dontgiveup #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
Fight In Flight
When I started writing this novel, I really had no idea even what it was going to be about. I did know, however, what it would not be about: zombies or vampires. So, it was quite a surprise when it came to me that gargoyles needed to be primary characters in my teen-focused fantasy adventure. Once that decision was made, it meant that we'd get to see gargoyles in flight. Which then led almost instantly to the happy realization there'd be fights during flights. It's hard to express just how happy it makes me to write scenes where the battle goes airborne. I hope you enjoy this bubble. Imagine what it would feel like to hang like a sack of potatoes from the arm of a gargoyle in flight, let alone in fight. Whee! Grab the book to see what happens. ~BK #fightinflight #notfightorflight #airborne #dreamyourdreams #gargoyles #happywriter #hangontight #airsick #fantasy #adventure #dontgiveup #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
Do Not Dare Not To Dare
As a lifelong fan of CS Lewis, I hope you'll forgive my borrowing the phrase from The Horse and His Boy for the title of this bubble. In this scene from my story, The Quest for the Temple Key, Freida has a brief conversation with her father. At first, she believes he is teasing her about her dream to become a dancer. She quickly learns otherwise when he answers her protest. Freida's parents know the importance of daring to dream. Because to be human is to have dreams. As Lewis makes clear in his story, it is most often fear that derails even our most deeply held dreams and aspirations. That's why it is imperative for each of us to not dare not to dare. I hope you enjoy this little excerpt (and please forgive the weird formatting in the 4th paragraph). Do you know someone who would like some fun fantasy that's kid-friendly? Why not grab a copy today. ⌚ ~BK #donotdarenottodare #dreamsmatter #leanin #grit #staywithit #dontgiveup #dreamyourdreams #gargoyles #epic #fantasy #adventure #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
Tone Deaf
Did you know that "tone deaf" is only somewhat like "tone deafness"? The latter defines a genuine lack of ability in distinguishing musical tones. But the former means you're essentially a rube, an idiot, or just utterly clueless about someone else's feelings. In short, insensitive. Of course, if you're "insensitive" it means someone else is involved, since you really can't be insensitive to yourself, right? Here in this excerpt, I try to paint a picture in words about the tension between Freida and her pals, Anders and Paign. She has all kinds of reasons to be annoyed with them, since both are very "gifted" at being tone deaf. Do your best to not be tone deaf yourself. Because being sensitive to others is essential to building (and maintaining) trust. ???? ~BK #tonedeaf #mattersoftheheart #sensitive #care #listen #slowdown #pause #compassion #gargoyles #fantasy #feelings #dontbeclueless #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
The High Cost of Love
Our world is swimming in a sea of redefined words. While occasionally helpful, the impulse (or habit) to redefine words is anything but helpful. Perhaps the most abused word of all is "love." In this scene, Ercen makes clear that wherever there is hate present, love is absent. With so much hate in the world, love's absence is increasingly painful. A willingness to protect another is an act of caring, an act of compassion. But hate hates compassion, because the impulse of compassion is to relieve the suffering of others, regardless of their merit. I hope you enjoy this little excerpt. ~BK #love #redefined #hate #void #darkness #wordsmatter #highcostoflove #compassion #gargoyles #fantasy #cancel #adventure #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
Your Worldview Matters. A Lot.
How you view the world is like looking through a colored lens. But have you thought about what your lens is? No one's worldview is without bias. Some see the world as entirely random, making their life random and without meaning. Others see the world as created and thus meaningful, which makes their life meaningful. I think most people hedge, so their worldview is a complete hash of conflicting beliefs that they've never taken the time to sort through. Once they do, though, they realize that they're holding totally incompatible beliefs that must be reconciled or they remain a hot, disjointed mess. In this excerpt we see a hint of that in Amy's outsized need to be seen and heard. While we all need (legitimately) to be seen and heard, she comes at it almost like a contact sport. And that's made her life, up to this point, more complicated. But of course her worldview colors how she sees those in authority. How about you? What's your worldview lens? It matters. A lot. ~BK #worldview #thelensyoulookthrough #hash #bias #fantasy #newspecies?#adventure #gargoyles #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
Massive Storm Front
At the end of Terminator, Sarah Conner looks into the distance and sees a massive, dark and foreboding cloud formation. "There's a storm coming," she says. That scene was in the back of my mind as I wrote this one. My aim was to capture a little of the foreboding we could see on Sarah's face at the end of the movie, by introducing a weird and scary storm front coming at my characters. Hopefully, you like the resulting scene. Why not grab a copy of The Quest for the Temple Key for yourself or a friend? ~BK #stormfront #theresastormcoming #fantasy #adventure #gargoyles #epic #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
Transitioning Into Suffering
Compared to the long history of humanity, we live in an age of the greatest levels of comfort across the greatest number of people. Could it be better? Sure. More people around the world need clean water, for instance. But the truth is that for a huge number of us, life is quite comfortable. Amazing, really. Most of the time. Still, as the pandemic has made clear, not one of us is in control of our destiny. And eventually we all die. Yet, most people act as if mortality is a sad problem that others must suffer, but somehow not themselves. Whole industries exist to help us remove whatever we don't like or want, to the extent it gets ridiculous, as if we can deny the effects of gravity and time itself. In this scene, Kimar transitioned from health into suffering great harm...on behalf of someone else. In fact, someone he barely knew. Perhaps if we thought less about perpetuating our own comfort and cared more about others', the world would be better for us all. ~BK #suffering #transitioning #itsnotallaboutyou #others #simplethings #hope #epic #lookforward #fantasy #adventure #gargoyles #2021 #readabook #awardwinning #teensandyoungadults #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
The Wonder of Simple Things
One of the way I endeavor to "ground" my stories is to add in little scenes expressing life at its most simple. To me, at least, it keeps the story relatable, which is vitally important when writing fantasy. Otherwise, how do you relate to anything in the story? In this scene, Danielle is famished after a long, stressful day. She finally gets a simple meal of bread and cheese...about as simple as it gets. Still, it hits the spot for her. But that's not all that's going on here. There's also the simplicity of kindness, care and respect. Of thoughtfulness, gratitude and even of beauty. In this current age, fraught with such massive anxiety and discord, recalling the wonder of simple things may help us navigate through. ~BK #wonder #simplethings #magic #hope #lookforward #2021 #fantasy #adventure #gargoyles #readabook #epic #teensandyoungadults #awardwinning #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
Hoping When Things Are Hopeless
By the end of the first week of 2021, already memes appeared asking for 2022. I suppose it was illogical to hope that 2021 would prove to be significantly better than 2020 right out of the gate. As we know now, it's reasonable to think this new year is the main event, while 2020 was the book trailer. GK Chesterton insightfully said, “Hope means hoping when things are hopeless, or it is no virtue at all… As long as matters are really hopeful, hope is mere flattery or platitude; it is only when everything is hopeless that hope begins to be a strength.” In this scene from The Quest for the Temple Key, the Norwegian kids forge boldly into the dangerous unknown. It's only by "hoping when things are hopeless" that they can do that. The same is true for us. Do you have that hope? If not, please message me. ~BK #hope #hoping #hopeless #lookforward #areyouready? #2021 #fantasy #adventure #gargoyles #teensandyoungadults #readabook #awardwinning #epic #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
Looking In The Rearview Mirror
As we wrap up 2020 in the next few hours, will anyone regret seeing it disappear in the metaphorical rearview mirror? It's hard to believe that anyone will miss it or feel a hint of sadness as it fades into the past. On the other hand, looking in the rearview mirror is essential for our health while driving through life. Because sometimes there is something coming up from behind we need to see. I have a growing sense that we won't be "done" with 2020 for a long time...maybe ever. It feels like something has forever changed in the world, and not for its betterment. Even so, it's even more important to look forward than it is to look behind. Are you ready for the future? In this scene, Danielle takes Kimar's hand, confident in his power to get her home. We have an even better hand to hold, going into 2021 and beyond. Are you holding it? #lookforward #areyouready? #2021 #HappyNewYear #fantasy #adventure #gargoyles #teensandyoungadults #christmas #readabook #awardwinning #epic #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
Light Wins
Silent night, holy night; All is calm, all is bright; Round yon Virgin Mother and Child. Holy Infant so tender and mild; Sleep in heavenly peace; Sleep in heavenly peace. Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar. Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ, the Savior is born; Christ, the Savior is born. Silent night, holy night. Son of God, love's pure light. Radiant beams from Thy holy face. With the dawn of redeeming grace. Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth. Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth. May you have a blessed and very merry Christmas! ~BK #We'llHaveLight #SilentNight #MerryChristmas #LightWins #PeaceOnEarth #sanctuary #glitteringbeauty
The Mice's Midnight Snack
A week from now, hundreds of millions of people around the globe will celebrate Christmas. And many of those might be up rather late. It could be for a late-night special service. Maybe it's to try catching a glimpse of merry Saint Nick. But it's highly likely that they'll all have a midnight snack, like we see Danielle do in this excerpt from The Quest for the Temple Key. What they probably won't have is a little family of mice doing clean-up duty afterwards. ???? Merry Christmas to you and yours! #mice #midnightsnack #fantasy #adventure #gargoyles #teensandyoungadults #christmas #readabook #awardwinning #epic #TheQuestForTheTempleKey
In the Bleak Midwinter
As we navigate our way to the end of the strangest year in anyone's living memory, it's time to start playing Christmas music. One of my favorite songs is "In the Bleak Midwinter," in part because, well, by the middle of December we're in a bleak midwinter where we live. In this excerpt, that's the kind of world the kids are about to enter: cold, wold winter. But even more so, it's because it reminds me of the kind of world the babe was born into: "In the bleak mid-winter, Frosty wind made moan; Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow, In the bleak mid-winter, Long ago." I doubt anyone would argue that 2020 has given new meaning to "bleak." As I reflect on that sobering reality, I take comfort in the final verse: “What can I give Him, Poor as I am? If I were a Shepherd I would bring a lamb; If I were a Wise Man I would do my part; Yet what I can I give Him? Give my heart.” How about you? #bleakmidwinter #fantasyadventure #epic #gargoyles #awardwinning #series #ebook #Christmas #2020
Ghostly Surprises
If you are looking for a place to go where a mask isn't required, go for a hike in the mountains. Social distancing will be measured in miles, not feet. During the winter months, your odds of hiking in mist, fog or clouds is high. So, it makes for great, mystical adventures as long as you keep your wits about you. In this scene from The Quest for the Temple Key, we see Anders and Paign almost undone by an eerie discovery that Freida makes. Since I've been in situations VERY similar to this, it kind of creeped me out when I wrote it. I hope you enjoy it. #ghostly #fantasy #adventure #danger #caves #gargoyles #epic #epicadventure #becareful #awardwinning #mists #fog #readagreatbook #nomaskrequired
Let's Get Going
This year has reminded all of us that our desire to exert control over our lives is nothing more than a phantom. In truth, we control nothing. However, if we choose to, we have countless opportunities for influencing outcomes. Yet, this year we have seen many choose to ignore their chances for influence, preferring to delude themselves (and others) into believing control is possible. But we no more control a virus than we do the sun coming up in the morning. Our purpose and happiness are not tied to a hopeless phantom but to our choices, especially when those choices lead to courageous actions on behalf of others. We see that in this scene; no one knew anything for sure except they were going into grave danger. So, follow their example. Let’s get going. Use your countless opportunities for influencing positive outcomes. Make a difference! I hope you enjoy this book bubble, and that you get going on using your influence for good. #fantasy #epic #faith #courage #letsgetgoing #thanksgiving2020 #readabook #awardwinningfantasy #gargoyles #teens #cslewis #tolkien #actionadventure
A Kind of Homecoming
Next week we celebrate Thanksgiving Day in the US. But because this is the year of the pandemic, nothing about what is often a wonderful time to reconnect with family and friends will be the same. Instead, we must deal with an urgent temptation to believe this dystopian reality is permanent. So, whether or not you are actually traveling somewhere, or meeting with loved ones virtually, I hope that it still lifts your mood and serves as a kind of homecoming, even in this winter's gloom. #homecoming #thanksgiving #welcome #fantasy #adventure #norse #gargoyles #readagreatbook #award-winning
Friday the 13th, 2020
Well, at least the moon phase is just "waning crescent," because if it was a full moon on Friday the 13th of 2020, I'm not sure anyone could take it. *snerk* Which reminded me of this scene in The Quest for the Temple Key, where Danielle and her parents are having their own version of all Friday the 13th movies crammed into their downstairs hallway. I hope you enjoy this book bubble. Grab a copy to find out how it goes for them. #fantasy #gargoyles #epic #fridaythe13th2020 #adventure #adventurefantasy #funread #award-winning #ebooks
Halloween 2020
If you, like me, have found this year to be, well, plenty frightening pretty much all year, tossing Halloween on top of it is almost anticlimactic. I mean, seriously, what else could go wrong? Then you pause and think: "Plenty! Plenty could go wrong. It's 2020, after all!" Which is what Anders, Paign and Frieda are about to discover in the Widow's Cave. I hope you enjoy this book bubble, perhaps under your covers on Halloween. #2020 #frightfulyear #halloween #gargoyles #monsters
A Life of Importance
In Braveheart, Will Wallace says "Every man dies. Not every man really lives." This declaration is so epic that Scotland includes it on their website. Beyond that, I believe we all sense the deep truth of what Wallace was saying. We see it now, all the time and everywhere. Many people live in greater fear of death than they embrace what it means to be alive. Their view of the world is dark, rather than light. In this scene, we learn that a beloved fighter has fallen. His life was spent in protecting his comrades. Recknab had chosen to die a life of purpose and, therefore, importance. He did so in the service of others, caring less for his own welfare than the welfare of others. Even those he barely knew. #epic #adventure #fantasy #wealldie #areyouliving #choose #theworldiswaiting
Are You Not Entertained?
Depending on the day, the movie "Gladiator" is my favorite film (on other days, it might be Braveheart or Aliens). And my favorite line from Gladiator is, "Are you not entertained?" It's a magnificent scene...and highly entertaining to watch. You can watch it yourself by just Googling the question. A curious thing is that although the movie premiered in 2000, the movie quote was searched the most in February of 2015. No idea why. In this scene from The Quest for the Temple Key, my goal was to paint multiple pictures... basically shoot a scene in the reader's mind that would show them, in words, a range of reactions from weary characters moments after a huge battle. But was the battle really over? I hope you are entertained. ;-) #fantasy #book #reader #adventure #gladiator #epic #battle #entertained
Coming of Age Problems
Having worked with teens and preteens most of my life, this scene was drawn from loads of stories of kids' challenges "growing up." It's a real metamorphosis to leave the realm of black and white thinking (how grade school kids see the world) to accepting the many variations of gray in the world (teens and adults). The world is extremely complicated and requires clear but creative thinking to solve—or resolve—complex problems. It's very risky when more and more young people embrace the myth that all that really matters are their feelings about things they know little, if anything, about. Making a strong case for anything is hard work, requiring genuine understanding of both sides of an argument. Choosing a side without doing that work is simply lazy. It's reptilian. Not educated. Not enlightened. And the opposite of woke. #dothework #umbragehates #comingofage #growth #maturity #strongcase #adventure #fantasy #epic
Adaptations Under Duress
Adapting is hard. Humans are generally not thrilled about change. As creatures of habit, even our fondness for those habits...is a habit. So, disruptions to our routines are not welcomed with joy and eagerness. Yet, it is often from those very disruptions that we grow, individually and even collectively. Still, it's under duress that we reach new insights, grow, progress forward, learn...and fall into new habits. In this excerpt from The Quest for the Temple Key, there's a confluence of adaptations (from both sides of the conflict!). Peter is talking himself through the frightful dilemma he and the others must face. At first, his totally understandable fear for the welfare of his daughter triggers a surge of anger and he wants someone or something to pay for it. We observe him pause, realizing there’s another challenge he’s got to deal with. Before anything useful can happen, Peter must first adapt—like I often do, and maybe you too—by rejecting his powerful desire to blame someone. Until he let’s that go, he can’t clearly think and adapt to their new challenge. There's a lesson there we all would do well to remember. #letangergo #think #adapt #mindoveremotions #faith #grit #fearisthemindkiller #ragedestroys #fantasy #epicadventure #readabook
Uninvited Visitor. Unsuspecting Host.
The title for this book bubble is borrowed from Don Henley's song, "Miss Ghost." Find it on YouTube and listen to it; you'll thank me later. But I digress. In this scene from The Quest for the Temple Key, we find the Wheelens meeting their uninvited visitors—gargoyles so heavy that they've dropped through the front room floor. Because I had no idea how to resolve Peter's damaged hand before writing out this scene, I was quite pleased with the gargoyle's unexpected solution. It was even more surprising to me when I realized that the Wheelens would soon be the unsuspecting hosts to yet another gargoyle whose intentions were anything but friendly and healing. Grab a copy of the book and see what happens next. #fantasy #epic #adventure #surprise #visitors #hosts #damage #healing #gargoyles #donhenley #music #missghost #songstowriteby #amwriting
Helping Hands
My hope is that something that never becomes seen as weakness is the act of reaching out for a helping hand. Because everyone, at some point in their lives, needs the kindness of another. Either as a hand of comfort gently patting your back while murmuring words of comfort and hope. Or a hand reaching into the vast depths of danger you find yourself in. Or somewhere in between. It is important to also say that everyone, at some point in their lives, will find themselves in a position to be that hand delivering comfort, solace, help or safety. Will you rise to that opportunity? Now is the time to decide. Choose "Yes!" #helpinghands #safety #solace #gracious #generous #caring #brave #faith #hope #love
The Perspective of a Dog
Since I was young, I've loved dogs. Which is weird, since one of my first memories is seeing my left hand swallowed by the beagle that bit me at the age of 5. You see, he was in our yard when I came home from school, so I naturally assumed it must be a nice dog since it stopped in our yard. (He must have known about the neighbors!) Of course, I knew nothing about dogs then. If I had, it would have been obvious that the dog was not amused by my eagerness to pet it. That became all too clear when, despite it's growling, I insisted and thrust out my 5-year old hand anyway. Decades later, I can't imagine not having a dog in my writing. Even as I observe, once in awhile, the long scar on my left hand bobbing up and down as I type. #dogs #amwriting #epic #fantasy #tinyrocks #adventures #dogsperspective #biteshurt #shotsareworse #floppingtail #clues #growls #animalwisdom
The Norwegian Connection
When I began writing The Quest for the Temple Key, I had not an inkling that my Norwegian ancestry would become part of the fabric of the story line. Yet, in a way it shouldn't have surprised me, since all of my grandparents came from Norway. In fact, my maternal grandfather boarded a ship for America when he was all of 16 years old; he never returned to Norway. Can you imagine many kids doing that today? Yeah, me neither. And because all my human characters, regardless of country of origin, must be made of very stern stuff to survive what they're up against, I made some of them of Norwegian background. Like my ancestors. And, I'd like to think, like me. #grit #sternstuff #ancestors #determination #tough #resilient #fantasy #epic #amwriting #storytelling #authorunplugged #family #origins
Wordsmith Balancing
I'm not a huge fan of Twitter, not the least reason being that I'm a writer. So, tweeting out something intended to be meaningful in a few handfuls of words seems, at best, wishful thinking. Because to really communicate meaning to another, words are required...even more words than the teller might wish to use. That's why books are written. While brevity has its place, and the tweets of birds can be lovely, by their very nature tweets reduce the application of words to the point of forced reductionism. Or worse, the appearance of deep thoughtfulness while it isn't really there. Had I only written that "His leg had a chunk of rock sticking out, and her pants smoked" this scene wouldn't be worth reading or caring about. Stories need words to persuade, convince and evoke. #wordsmithing #tweets #communication #noiselevels #static #fantasy #adventure #wordsmatter #balance
Passion's Got a Problem
The root word for passion comes from the Latin word, pati. Its simplest meaning is "suffering," in the context of enduring pain. It was tied to the horrific sufferings of the early church martyrs. More than a thousand years later, it took on the sense of strong emotions or vehement feelings. And now it could be argued that, too often, those who see themselves as "full of passion" are not so much enduring pain and suffering as zealously delivering it to others. Yet, true understanding of others' pain only comes from a place of willingly paying the cost of that understanding. This is (com)passion. The early meaning of pati was that true passion masters the mind. Now, it rises from anti-mind and a rejection of self-control. Today's "passion" is perilously close to raw power, meted out with no compassion. Which only brings more suffering. #passion #pain #suffering #power #compassion #loveoverhate #revenge #foul
Undetected
Perhaps my favorite quote outside of what's in the Bible, comes from Dostoevsky: “Don’t let us forget that the causes of human actions are usually immeasurably more complex and varied than our subsequent explanations of them.” This quote comes from his acclaimed novel, "The Idiot." In so many ways, his words are prophetic to the times in which we live. And as you can sense from this scene in #TheQuestfortheTempleKey, this truth applies to more than human actions. #peace #listen #reflect #consider #letusnotforget #complex
The Complexity of Rage
Recently, we've witnessed many acts of rage. Some intended to bring positive change, while others are acts of flaming anarchy. You might be surprised to learn--if you haven't read my books yet--that rage is a recurring theme in them. It's a complex mashup of emotions. This doesn't make it a bad thing. But it's not a benign thing either. It's not neutral. There is a source from which it is born. Often that source is abject fear. It comes from our most primitive brain. And that is why rage can be so problematic, and so easily fomented. #rage #complex #pain #sorrow #compassion #groans #troubledtimes #lookforthegood #fantasy #adventure #epic #becurious #dystopian
"Acceptable Normal"
As the world drifts into another month of the pandemic's massive disruption. the term "new normal" is getting tossed around a lot more. In this scene, my goal was to describe a typical teenager's room, with a few hints about her habits. All this I would describe as "acceptable normal." In contrast, too much of what I'm seeing put out as the #newnormal that "must be accepted"... is entirely not acceptable. Dependence on "facts" that can't possibly be known for months to come is a huge problem, because abandoning curiosity is required. Yet, curiosity is the bedrock of science. Abdicating skepticism is too high a price to pay. Withholding judgment is seen as weak, while picking a side is urgent...and those that disagree with your side are idiots. Sure, experiencing anxiety in the face of many unknowns is the core of the human condition. But fully accepting it as a "new normal" is not. #acceptable #amwriting #epic #anxiety #notnormal #hubris #rushtojudgment #fantasy #curious #skepticism #barkless #wagmore
Unexpected
You ever have something that seemed straightforward take a hard turn, at full speed? That's what I was aiming to have this scene feel like. I could imagine the wind getting knocked out of Danielle, because I've had the wind completely knocked out of me. The more I can make you, the reader, feel that same way, the happier I am. #unexpected #fear #fantasy #epic #danger #reading #amwriting #funnovel #inthemoment
Be Still, Will You?
Of the many possible takeaways from this global pandemic, one I'm hopeful people lean into--early and often--is intentional stillness. Why? Well, it's only when we're still for some length of time can we fully take stock of the world around us, including (and perhaps especially) how much of it we take utterly for granted. So, slow down. Breathe. Look around. Get outside. Appreciate. Nurture gratitude. Put down the "smart phone" and pick up a book. Be still, will you? Wishing health and peace to you and yours. ~BK #fantasy #adventure #epic #youngadult #YA #teens #slowdown #appreciate #muse #creative
Simple Living Is Calling
As some areas in the world are "opening up" after many weeks of self-imposed (mostly) sheltering-in-place as a way to combat the COVID virus, my hope is that new we see new cultural habits being formed. Habits that focus less on technology and more on living simply. Impulses that are more gracious than reactive. Ways of engaging with each other that are not "distancing." Efforts to bring people together rather than push them away. And especially the intentional rejection of tribalism. If that comes to happen, even a little, perhaps there's a silver lining in this global catastrophe. Stay safe. Read books. I'd love to know what you think of this one! ;-) #fantasy #adventure #kids #youngadult #pandemic #simpleliving #habits #culture
Deep Guilt
We're in a time of great unrest, throbbing fear, and quick anger. People are worried about their loved ones. People are anxious about their future, financially. When faced with competing goals, conflict is the result, both internally and externally. Now is the time to tread carefully when it comes to drawing conclusions about the motives of others. It's hard but imperative. There's often so much more to the story than we know or can see. #patience #fortitude #faithoverfear #hold #epic #fantasy #adventure
Not All Rest Comes From Sleep
They say it takes 28 days to form a new habit. Which means that virtually every human on planet Earth has formed new habits in the past month, as a result of this pandemic called COVID-19. The big question is this: are your new habits ones you like...and that you want to keep? In this scene, it's clear that Freida has some habits that are very pleasant to her. In fact, some have become loved traditions. Have you ever thought that some of our habits bring us calm and peace? Another way of looking at them is that they bring us rest, even without sleep. Lean into those things that bring you rest, even without sleep. But do your best to get your sleep! :-) And why not grab a copy of The Quest for the Temple Key to read just before you go to bed? #rest #sleep #calm #fantasy #adventure #habits #pandemic #greatstories
Grave Dangers
Are you feeling a bit bored during your sheltering-in-place? How could you not, right? How many days or weeks have you been hunkered down? Well, in this scene from The Quest for the Temple Key, we see Paign, Anders, Freida and Danielle struggle to deal with a challenge they couldn't even have imagined just a few days before, when their lives had been predictable and boring. So, if you're bored and wishing you weren't, be careful what you ask for. Like these kids, you might get more than you bargained for. Grab a copy and see how they manage this trial. #danger #boredom #adventure #epic #fantasy #shelterinplace #covid19 #amwriting #readabook
Making the Best of Things
If you live in North America, the UK, or most anywhere in Europe, you've been sheltering in place for a week or more. Pandemics can do that. And if you, like us, are tired, annoyed, frightened, confused or feeling similar unpleasantness, you're in good company. Now comes the greater challenge: making the best of things. There are many scenes in my storyline to choose from, but I like this one for its bit of whimsy. We know from earlier in the story that the situation is dire...and about to get much, much worse. But here are the humans doing what humans do best in a pinch. They make the best of it, when they choose to. My hope is that you're doing your best to choose to. And hold onto your sense of humor. Whimsy lightens the load. May you and yours have health and peace. I hope you enjoy this little excerpt from Book One in the Gargoyle Chronicles. Reach out. I'd love to hear how you're doing. #inittowinit #adventure #epic #fantasy #whimsy #makethebestofit #smallwins
Trying to Make Sense of It All
Less than a month ago, we all went about our business without a second thought. Now we're all "sheltering in place" or some similar description. It's hard to make sense of it all. Sometimes it feels like a dream... a very bad dream. Then, you realize it's not. In this scene, we see Danielle facing a similar challenge. Her life went from boringly "normal" to totally upended. I bet you can relate. I hope this excerpt helps break up the weirdness of #wfh, or gives your mind something else to think about. Grab a copy to see what happens to Danielle and what she discovers along the way. As with other epic human challenges of the past, we'll get through this. Hopefully wiser, less hasty, and more compassionate. That's the choice laid before us all. #fantasy #adventure #virus #workfromhome #stayhome #makingsense #standfirm #keepthefaith #patience #grit
Fly! Fly! Fly!
Recent brain research has discovered that humans have three brains. There's more than the big one in our head. There's also a small one in the center, called the reptilian brain, where the urge for fight, freeze or flight comes from. Then there's a brain in our gut (think, "gut feeling"). As the #coronavirus pandemic inexorably crawls over the earth, changing our lives on a daily basis, I believe our collective reptilian brain exerts more and more force. It's making itself heard, seen and felt with hoarding impulses, growing panic… and the escalating temptation for flight. But where to go? How to get there? It's important to recognize that the reptilian brain doesn't think; it's impulsive. As we see in this excerpt, Peter and Amy are already literally in flight, yet are overwhelmed with the mindless urge to go back into enormous danger. For them--and for us--it is essential to stay focused and keep thinking. Grab a copy of this first book in my #fantasy #adventure series to see how things turn out for them. It will give you something else to think about while you shelter in place. #keepthefaith #focus #together #liveitout #stayhome #loveinaction
In the Valley of the Shadow
In times of unspeakable stress and danger, even while a part of you wants desperately to come unhinged from breathless fear, it is imperative to keep your wits about you. This is true, not only for your own safety but for those you care about, and most especially for those who cannot care for themselves. Others need you to remain frosty. So, how do you do that? Understand that you must engage your thinking brain. Exercise logic. Puzzle things out. Make thoughtful guesses. We see Anders doing exactly this. In fact, he helps Paign and Frieda "level up," as he works out what the weird evidence indicates. If he hadn't done so, all three were at risk of their reacting brain (also called reptilian) taking control. It would have defeated them, surrendering to their impulse to flee. But even in that valley of the shadow of death, they were not alone. Stay frosty. #think #fantasy #reality #brave #adventure #virus #quarantine #keepthefaith #notalone #intheshadow #Heiswithyou
Having Done All...Stand
There comes a time in our life, whether we want it or not, when we're faced with a choice. We can attempt retreat. We can try to step aside. We can plead for compromise. We can give up and surrender. Or we can stand. This last option--to stand--is, in fact, the most important, because when we have either considered the other options or even taken them, there may yet come a time when, if we are true to ourselves and what we believe, the only real choice, the only congruent option for retaining our integrity, the only decision that reveals our values, in bold relief, is to stand. I believe the days are coming when we will all be faced with this ultimate choice. Will you stand? #crazyworld #fantasy #epic #YA #fiction #disruption #polarized #adventure #worldview #virus #futureatstake #truthisstrangerthanfiction #choices
Hurry Up & Weight
I had so much fun writing this scene because, in no small part, I was simply visualizing myself in a similar situation. Well, "similar" up to the point that Peter encounters his house guests. But gasping for breath after running hard in search of a loved one, yes! Many years ago, late at night, I heard my wife screaming from around the corner of a long building. By the time I sprinted around the corner to save her from--I had no idea--she was soaking wet. Two impish friends had hosed her down with super-soakers. And I was near death from the exertion. Or so it felt. But even writing can feel like that sometimes. The trick is to pace yourself, as much as you can. Gasping for air is no fun, at all. Trust me. ;-) #fantasy #epic #sprinting #airisgood #breathingisgood #amwriting
Unsmellable Stench
Did you know that dogs have 40 times the capacity for analyzing smells than humans? In this scene from The Quest for the Temple Key, the humans are reminded of this. Slowly. Relentlessly. And, forgive the pun, doggedly. But will they notice soon enough? Would you? #fantasy #adventure #dogs #stench #caves #distracted #dim #dangeraroundthecorner #unaware #abouttobesick
The Ultimate Valentine
Early on, my wife and I were told we'd never have children. It is a life-altering, emotionally disruptive thing to hear. We know the anguish that others go through that receive this news. As providence would have it, the doctors got it wrong. About a year later, we welcomed our sole child into the world. I often read to her while she was in the womb, and kept reading to her for many years. She's a true blessing, and not just to her parents. Her bubbling creativity includes drawing, music and video creation. But she especially likes to write. Her first novel (NeverSeen) was published when she was 17, under the pen name, Taylor Hunter. It garnered critical praise and several awards. Going to university delayed her 2nd novel for 4 years. But that will change this year. Rejoice! #proudfather #amwriting #fantasy #adventure #valentine #gratitude #daughtersrock #creativity
Hot Pursuit
Have you ever frantically looked for someone when you were worried about their well-being? It's horrible. The nagging doubts...if you even have time for them. Your heart in your throat. All of your senses dialed up to a level you didn't know was there. It's truly an awful experience. Gratefully, most of the time your worry was unfounded. But not always. There are very wrong-headed people, after all, as well as those fully given over to evil. While keeping the scope of this truth within appropriate boundaries for my pre-teen and teen audience, I am committed to revealing this reality to them, just as my favored childhood authors (Tolkien and Lewis, especially) did for me. They deserve to know the truth. #fantasy #truth #evil #faith #adventure #reality #corruption #smokeandmirrors #lifeisshort #existential #humantrafficking #solafide
Shared Experiences
In this baleful age of extraordinary polarization in which we now live, it's important to remember that what brings us together are shared experiences. Not many years ago, that was the norm. Now, it seems to be becoming so rare, it's like a sighting of Nessie or the Sasquatch. Throughout my series, I labor to show how much everyone needs others for their mutual benefit. Even their lives. In this simple scene from The Quest for the Temple Key, we see three friends navigating across a steep, frozen ridgeline. Having crossed something just like this, what I recall most about that experience isn't the fear, but the comfort of knowing someone else was there to help me. Let's plan to focus on finding what brings us together, shall we? #fantasy #connected #life #adventure #commonground
That Creepy Feeling
Have you ever had a feeling you're being watched? Then, when you turn around (slowly or quickly, depending on the creep-level), you confirm you were being watched? Of course, most times it's just a friend. But not always. Although I've spent many hours exploring caves, I never felt creeped out from being watched, but just because I was in a cave! On the other hand, I've felt like I was being watched lots of times. In this scene from The Quest for the Temple Key (Book 1), the kids are exploring the cave they've heard about since childhood. And the first discovery they've made is enough to creep out anyone. But what they don't know...well, let's just say they eventually find out. #creepy #fantasy #discovery #epic #gargoyle #adventure #YA
Simple Pleasures
Many years ago, I went on a spelunking adventure; my buddy and I wanted to explore a cave he'd heard about. It just so happened that our odyssey was in the dead of winter, and it was quite a long hike of post-holing through knee-deep snow. Then finding the cave's entrance was a serious challenge. By the time we got into the cave, we were exhausted. And by the time we explored the cave and returned to the car, let me tell you that the meager snacks waiting for us, followed by a long drink of water were like a royal feast. This memory was in the back of my mind as I wrote this scene in The Quest for the Temple Key. Enjoy! #winter #funinthesnow #fantasy #epic #caves #simplepleasures
Unpleasant Surprises
At the time of this writing, we're about 55 hours into the new year (and decade). I'm sure that you, like me, have high hopes for more than a few heart-felt goals to come true. One of mine is to not only get books 3 and 4 published in 2020, but to see them launch strong and make even more people happy. And if I'm candid with you, a part of me also expects to have some very unpleasant surprise to come along this year because, pick any year, that's what happens, too. In this book bubble excerpt, we see Peter getting a nasty, unpleasant surprise. It's what Peter does after, as well as Amy (his wife) and most of all Danielle (his daughter), that matters most. Life is all about balancing our responses to the unexpected challenges (good and bad). Freak out? Level up?Both? May 2020 be an amazing year for you! And thank you for your support. ~BK #fantasy #epic #adventure #series #2020 #BHAG #gratefulforyou
Endings and Beginnings
When I was writing this scene at the close of The Quest for the Temple Key, I had only the vaguest ideas of where the story might go if I started a 2nd book. Now, several years later, All His Wrath is published and I have 3 more TGC books in progress and nearly completed. My love for the story and the characters grows each time I sit down with them. But as a "pantser" writer, I'm the first to be surprised by what happens. But the themes of loyalty, faith, family and fortitude continue to guide me throughout. I hope you enjoy this excerpt. BTW, no idea why this bubble is formatting oddly. My best wishes to you as we close out 2019 and the 2nd decade of this millenium. #epic #fantasy #2019 #2020 #newdecade #adventure #amwriting #faith #family
Family Reunion
During this #holidayseason, chances are you're thinking about family or will soon journey to a family reunion. Chances are that you may have mixed feelings, too. Few family gatherings are free of friction, if not outright conflict. It helps to remember what binds you together than what pushes you apart. This is, perhaps, the most important season for mindful pursuit of grace, patience, and forgiveness; these encompass the core message of Christmas, after all. Which also makes it the perfect time of year to help those less fortunate that you in whatever way you can. May this season bring you great joy, peace and wonder! #happyholidays #merrychristmas #faithful #grace #forgiveness #others #generosity #peaceonearth
When It's Time for Action
Ever been in a position when you got sick and tired of thinking over and over again about a hard decision, weighing options, trying to discern the best course to take? It's not a pleasant place to be, let alone linger in. In some cases (maybe most of them), taking action is the best decision you can make. That's true in this scene from The Quest for the Temple Key. I hope you enjoy it and get a copy of the book to see how things turn out for my brave characters. #adventure #fantasy #danger #battle #action #rescue #fortitiude #faith #gonow #fellowship
Confusion, Anxiety and Perseverance
This year has delivered more gut punches than anything we'd expected...and we expected it to be a very challenging year. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we've had to make hard financial choices: selling our home, drastically downsizing, changing careers even when you don’t wish to. Choices that leave a lasting mark. In addition, my mother passed away, and we've lost other core relationships that have left emotional scars. Yet, in the midst of it all, we've had some great joy, laughter, and wonder. Our daughter graduated with an engineering degree and landed her first job. For the 1st time, all of the members of my family (3) completed NaNoWriMo, and wrote over 50K words, each, into our new/next novels. Even some chronic health issues have been resolved. It is so important to remain open to good things even in the hardest times. Our faith sustains us and enables us to persevere each day, expectant and hopeful. In this excerpt from The Quest for the Temple Key, Danielle faces similar confusion and anxiety. I hope you enjoy reading how she faces them. Get a copy for yourself and for someone going through a rough patch in their life. Even “non-fantasy” readers enjoy my books. #grit #epic #perseverance #fantasy #adventure #lifelessons #keepthefaith
A Black Friday
Some journeys are pleasant. A few are wonderfully memorable. But some are so fraught with danger, they leave a permanent mark on the travelers. In this excerpt from Book One in The Gargoyle Chronicles, we see Freida and her dog, along with Anders and Paign, climbing the mountain behind Freida's home. Their mission is to discover what happened to an old woman from their town. Little do they realize how deeply this journey will mark them. Grab a copy of this book to launch your gargoyle journey! It's available at all ebook providers. Thank you for your support. And don't forget to follow me on Bublish. #blackfriday #fantasy #adventure #youngadult #YA #teens #epic #danger
Thirst for Knowing
It's a common desire to know more about your past, but it's also common that not all you discover is welcome news. In fact, some of that information may be nothing short of horrifying. Then, you have a different quest to journey on: making peace with your past. In this excerpt from The Quest for the Temple Key, Anders' goal was very admirable. But the outcome shook him and his friends to their core. #fantasy #epicadventure #secrets #sleuth As a side note, I'm feverishly at work on the sequel to All His Wrath (book 2 in TGC) this month, also known as National Novel Writing Month... or "NaNo." #NaNoWriMo2019 #amwriting
The Heart of Darkness
Darkness is nothing more than the absence of light. So, where does our fear of darkness come from? It comes from what hides under the cover of darkness. In most cases, our fears are unwarranted. But it's those cases where it is warranted that we should be most afraid. And there are often clues. In this scene, the kids are not nearly concerned enough about anything that might be hiding in the heart of darkness. I hope you enjoy this excerpt from The Quest for the Temple Key. Get a copy and read it under the blankets with a bright flashlight. #light #heartofdarkness #fantasy #dark #adventure #danger #sleepdeprived #dstisabadidea
A Long Hidden Threat, Discovered
We'd like to believe that real threats are pretty obvious. Or that there are signs, if only we can see them. We often clutch hold of that belief, white-knuckled into adulthood, even though children's fables are written to teach us that there is evil lurking in the world. And it is often hidden. In this excerpt from The Quest for the Temple Key, Anders discovered something long hidden will change the world as he knows it. #Halloween #Fear #BooToYou #AllSaintsEve #Hidden #Threat #SomethingWickedThisWayComes
Retreat Is Sometimes Best
We live in an era of staggeringly rapid technological change. Often I wonder where it will lead us. Like Malcolm says in Jurassic Park, "Yeah, yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn't stop to think if they should." It's imperative to recognize danger in advance and avoid it until you are ready to face it head on. As a YA fantasy writer, one of my aims is to help young people get clarity in a noisy, confusing world. Adults, too. #danger #adventure #fantasy #stoptothink #epic #faith #grit #fortitude
Desperation Comes Knocking
There's a point in a young person's life, often around the onset of becoming a teenager, that they begin to see their parents in a new light. It can be an uncomfortable and difficult transition, even in the best of families. It certainly is for Danielle, when she discovers a secret about her parents that ends up changing everything about her life. I hope you enjoy this excerpt from The Quest for the Temple Key. #fantasy #adventure #quest #family #parents #truth #discovery #desperation
Winter of Their Discontent
As early winter threatens many areas, it's comforting to have a warm home to retreat to. In this excerpt from award-winning The Quest for the Temple Key, Peter and Amy see their home destroyed by the very creatures who say their intent is to save them. Even more urgent, though, is the welfare of their teenage daughter who is still trapped in the house. I hope you enjoy this book bubble and consider grabbing a copy for a fantasy reader in your life. #fantasy #read #adventure #epic #winter #warmth
Not All Milestones Are Obvious
Over the course of a person's life, there are many milestones we cross. But not all of them are obvious. In this excerpt from The Quest for the Temple Key, we see Danielle, a teen, cross over one as she enters into a conversation with her parents and the gargoyles protecting them. She respectfully acknowledges each point of view, while putting forth her own view. And in struggling to understand what's gone wrong in the gargoyle kingdom, she discerns what's gone wrong with her own. #love #compassion #discern #wisdom #faith #fantasy #epic #adventure
The Epic Quest
When, as a teenager, I was handed the first volume of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, I did not expect to finish all three novels in as many days. As you might guess, I did little else than read, hiding the books under the desk while reading in class, then openly on the bus, then hidden under the covers at night. Once finished, my eyes didn't work right for a couple of days. Years later, when writing The Quest for the Temple Key, I hoped to replicate, at least a little, the grand sweep of LOTR for my daughter, who was a teen then. I wanted her to be smitten by the deepening fellowship between my motley crew of characters, as they subjected themselves to a dangerous journey. It worked. She loved the story, and ended up writing her own award-winning fantasy novel. #quest #epicjourney #fantasy
Enduring Support
Life is tough. So is being a writer. "Graduating" from writing to becoming an author is, in many ways, stupidly hard. It shouldn't be that way, but it is. That's why having the enduring support of people that care about you enough to see you succeed is, in a word, crucial. My wife and daughter certainly do just that for me, as well as a few key friends. They "keep the pancakes warm" for me while I'm out slogging in the wordsmithing mud. I hope you like this excerpt from The Quest for the Temple Key! Consider getting a copy for someone who gives you enduring support. #fantasy #adventure #love #enduringsupport #farmlife #family #friends
The Curse of "What if....?"
As much as we'd all like to think we control the world around us, deep inside we know the truth of the matter. Which is why it is so frightening to wonder "What if...?" It's a question without an answer. As the author of this series, I can assure you that most of the time I have no idea how things are going to go for my characters when they're faced with "What if....?" I hope you like this excerpt from The Quest for the Temple Key, and consider getting a copy for yourself or a friend. #unknowns #standfirm #brave #letsroll #action #fantasy #adventure
Storms of a Different Kind
Storms and humans don't mix. Last night we had a freak storm that blew in fast, dumped hail, flashed lightning, and knocked out power. While the storm lasted only about 15 minutes, the power outage lasted most of the night. Of course, many storms deliver far more devastating results than a minor power outage. Storms often leave permanent reminders behind. So do storms of a different kind. These are internal storms of betrayal, loss, revenge... blown in like a hurricane, that wring lasting damage on its victims. In this scene, a storm of a different kind has crushed the spirit of Kimar, the gargoyle captain. Can he recover? Only with help. I hope you like this excerpt from The Quest for the Temple Key, and consider getting a copy for you or a friend. #storms #friends #risk #fantasy #help #adventure #epic
Labor of Love
Although I'd dreamed of writing a novel for far too many years, it was a surprise to me how hard it was, once I started. This excerpt comes pretty early in The Quest for the Temple Key. In a way, I felt like Amy does in this scene...while writing this scene. I wasn't sure what I had in my hands. Would it amount to anything? Would it even become an entire story? Gratefully, it did come together as a whole story, and even won several awards. Writing is, indeed, a labor of love. I hope you enjoy this #bookbubble and consider getting a copy for yourself or someone you love. #laborday #fantasy #adventure #laboroflove #epicjourney #laborious #amwriting
Worse Than Summer Heat
When I was around 10 years old, we visited the farm my mother grew up on, in western North Dakota...in July. I'd never been in such heat. It was so stifling that it was hard to breath. In this excerpt from The Quest for the Temple Key, we find at least two characters that are stifled by the searing heat of fear. Which is worse? Well, you can't cool off fear with a glass of cold water. I hope you enjoy this #bookbubble and consider buying a copy of the book for yourself or a friend. #summer #heat #fear #fantasy #adventure #family #parenting
The Cost of Peace
"We all want peace!" If only that were true. But from our first encounter with a bully in grade school, the illusion that everyone wants peace is shattered. For myriad reasons, there are some that very much do not want peace. So, there it is. How then does one live in a world like that? Great question! In this short excerpt from The Quest for the Temple Key, Danielle learns a bit of the backstory of what went so horribly wrong in the gargoyle realm. She learns that, sadly, even creatures who for millenia had lived in peace and harmony were now embroiled in a fight they didn't ask for. And their fight has crossed into the realm of humans. I hope you enjoy this book bubble and consider getting a copy of the book to follow Danielle into danger. #peace #peaceisntfree #grit #brave #donotdarenottodare
Bold While Breathless
Everyone, even kids, have times when there's something terribly important to learn while being afraid to hear it. Curious and fearful, simultaneously. In these moments, we try hard to stay calm, but often fail. We usually don't feel our heart rate go up, but we sure notice a shortness of breath. In this excerpt from "The Quest for the Temple Key," Danielle struggles with that tension of being fearfully curious. I hope you enjoy reading this short passage and if you're intrigued, get a copy of the book to see what she learns. Thank you! #fantasy #curiosity #brave #stronggirls #glitteringroof
Just Like Me
OK, I get it. This scene has no suspense or fantasy adventure to it. But that's fine. Even necessary. For a story to work well, you need to identify with the characters in some way. And in this scene, I'm basically pulling back the curtain on my world at the time of writing it. Though I wasn't a weary teacher grading papers, I was an exhausted compliance officer (with bifocals) frustrated with how lax many of my advisors were at completing paperwork with any accuracy. And I had huge stacks of papers to prove it. More importantly, my bold and creatively questioning daughter's pretty face smiled at me from a mahogany frame next to my desk lamp. You might be surprised how often the explosive sound of clattering pans followed my wife's invitation to come to dinner (on "compliance nights"). Art imitating life. I hope you enjoy this little excerpt and consider getting a copy of the book for yourself or a friend. #fantasy #dads #daughters #familymatters #justlikeme #truestory
Childish Dreams?
What dreams did you have as a child? Who did you imagine yourself to be? I wanted to fly, to be a pilot. That dream has yet to be started. On the other hand, all kinds of other dreams have come to be. If you haven't heard of Mike Rowe, you've probably heard his voice. And you'll love his Facebook content, along with the other 5.3M people that follow him. Then check out his "Returning The Favor" show (and FB page). It's full of amazing--and true--stories about strangers helping strangers reach their dreams. By the way, if you, like me, enjoy "hero's journey" kinds of stories, then you're who I write for. #fantasy #amwriting #herosjourney #read
Being Courageous When Alone
You can guess how Anders' well-intended but stupidly phrased "...what you think you saw" comment went over with Freida. Not well, of course. So, it took courage for Freida to try again the next day to make her case and convince her best friends that she was right. (She was.) Why? Because she was alone. Only she knew what she'd seen. When the boys didn't immediately believe her, it took guts to stand her ground. And that's exactly what courage looks like. Sure, there are countless stories of amazing and heroic examples of nearly-inhuman courage. But let's not forget that more often than not, it's those small and seemingly unimportant moments when we are brought to a choice, a decision, that matter most. How will we respond? Be like Freida. Choose courage. #fantasy #adventure #courage #donotdarenottodare
The Bonds of Friction
When writing this first book, it was important to establish realistic characters that kids could relate to. In this scene, three of the four kids in my story are introduced. As you get to know them during the unfolding crisis they all face, the reader sees each struggle with how to deal with their disagreements, some of which are so severe that they could break their bonds of friendship. But isn't that really what "bonds of love" means? For anyone to experience lasting bonds of love, we must all struggle with the inevitable friction that comes from being our own person. Standing up. Being an individual, rather than members of a hive. Happy Independence Day, America! #fantasy #struggle #persons #friction #loveindependence
It Started With One Reader
When I began writing this novel, I had no idea it would turn into a series or win awards. Frankly, I doubted it would even turn into a complete story. What I did know was that I wanted something better for my daughter (then in junior high); she was who I was writing for. What the world was pushing out for her generation at the time was all about twinkly vampires and countless dystopian nostrums. At the same time I hoped to create fantasy that grabbed her attention (and kept it), my goal was to have it grounded in this world. Further, it not only needed to be relatable (which is always better for the reader), I hoped it would help her grow in empathy and understanding. Most importantly, I wanted her to grow as a critical thinker. Even then, it was clear the world needed more of that. More so today. #fantasy #dreams #adventure #criticalthinking #readers
The Language of Silence
Because the people in my series come from very different backgrounds, it's a fun challenge to remind readers of that in subtle ways. In this scene, my goal was to expand what we know about both the fathers and the mothers just enough to reveal how different they really are. At the same time, being a parent has universal qualities, so it was important to show that, too. They're going to find a way to find their missing children, no matter what. But in the middle of their "stuckness"--not knowing what to do or even where they are--they share a quiet meal. Few words are spoken, but a great deal is said. I hope you enjoy this bubble. #fantasy #parents #teens #adventures
Wounded
Words are difficult to come by today. You see, on Sunday night we learned my mother passed away. She had lived a long and extraordinary life. Still, losing a loved one is never easy. So, today I am wounded by loss. This human experience is one that I explore in my books. Why? Because even though it is an altogether common experience, it is one that most humans avoid dealing with. We work hard at pretending we're not wounded, that we're tough, that it doesn't matter. Although it always does. Today, I wish Ercen could press wholeness into me as she did with Peter's lacerated hand, just as my mom did when I scraped up my hands due to a fall. Gratefully, there is One who is doing that in me already, as well as the rest of her family and friends, even as my mother is welcomed into eternal wholeness. #healed #whole #fantasy #amwriting #imissmymom #lovetoyou
Nothing Special?
When I wrote this first novel in my fantasy series, I had only one reader in mind. My daughter was a fan of fantasy (so am I, of course), but I wasn't thrilled with her options as a middle-schooler, because at that time the most popular series involved twinkly vampires or dripping zombies. So, I decided to write something for her that was clean, intriguing, full of adventure, and easily relatable. Happily, she loved the story (and still does). It inspired her to write her own (award-winning) fantasy novel. And it was wonderful when this story won several awards of its own. I hope you enjoy this bubble. #fantasy #cleanwriting #nogimmicks #adventure #action #fun
Overheated
If you, like me, are not a big fan of 100+ degree weather, you will understand why Peter finds it difficult to moderate his mood. Even so, it's Amy's mood that has him the most challenged. What has she found? Why is she looking that way? And why does it make him so anxious? I hope you enjoy this book bubble. #amwriting #fantasy #moodmanagement #discovery #notafanofheat #weekendreadermarathon
A Gathering of Two
The fantasy stories I most enjoyed growing up (and still do) not only have great adventure elements, they also include moments of whimsy. Something I didn't expect, but could not help but smile at. In this scene, we meet a new gargoyle character that is very different than the others we've met in Book 1. He's clearly different in size, but his speech pattern is unlike anything Danielle (our protagonist) has encountered. My daughter loves this scene still, many years after first reading the draft. I hope you like it, too. #fantasy #gatherings #partyoftwo #adventure #crucialconversations #whimsy
Between the Rock and the Hard Place
Already deep inside a mountain littered with a maze of tunnels, the kids found themselves literally between rock and a hard place. Definitely hard to understand. Would it prove to be hard to retreat from? They could only discover that by investigating it. #fantasy #adventure #epic #betweenarockandahardplace #toughdecisions
A Community Within A Community
As I started The Gargoyle Chronicles, a key focus was to explore how community works. Even looking at how you can have a community within a community. In this scene, we begin to discover how cousins can be best friends, even when they're sweet on the same girl. And how her parents often function as surrogate parents to the boys. #truefamily #community #fantasy #epicadventure #friendsarewhereyoufindthem
Travel Plans
Growing up on fantasy and science fiction, I've always enjoyed not only the exotic and weird places the characters travel to, but also the manner in which they get there. In the first book in The Gargoyle Chronicles, my primary focus was on the manner in which gargoyles get from one place to another. Wouldn't it be great to make travel plans this way? #fantasy #travelplans #gargoyles #epicadventure
Back From the Brink
As a reader of fantasy for, well, a long, long time, the most believable stories for me made it clear that when the characters I cared about made it through the most desperate threats they wouldn't be the same. Indeed, they could not be the same. Not after what they'd gone through. Either they've grown--or lost--something during their quest. Probably both. This scene near the crescendo in Book One, we see hints of how at least one member of the group will never be the same, now at the edge of the brink. I hope you enjoy this bubble. #fantasy #protagonist #thebrink #comeback
Promises, Promises
In this scene, Kimar makes several promises to his friends. Some are full of hope. Some drip with foreboding. All of them come true. Because Kimar keeps his promises. My promise to my readers is that they'll get a cracking good story, full of adventure, faith and friendship. Enjoy! #promises #fantasy #foreboding #YA #epic
Dangerous Times
I recently read that most people believe we live in incredibly dangerous times and that we all desperately need a hero. The writer argued that's why a certain movie series is so wildly successful. Maybe they're right (about the movie series). As for me and my house, we believe people need a hero regardless of what's happening in the world. In fact, we're born with the need for a hero. That's why, even as young children, we love hero stories. In my novels, I put each of my main characters into the role of a hero, at some point. Often, they fail. But they do act bravely, and that counts for a lot. #brave #hero #fantasy #gargoyles #dangerous
Idling Time Away
As I've developed my "creature characters" in my gargoyle series, I'm always trying to show them "doing what gargoyles do." Since I generally don't know what they "do", I'm the first one surprised when a scene like this one pops into my head. The chances are, though, that if you've ever been camping in the woods you will have seen someone doing what Kimar does. Maybe you've been that someone. Except you used a knife. Enjoy! #fantasy #gargoyles #whittling #kindlingstarter
The Triple Hook
When I sat down to begin writing this novel (my first), the only person I was writing for was my daughter (about 15). At about that age, I had a paper route. Not many of my YA readers interact with newspapers, if they even know what they are. So, I thought that could be a good hook. But I wanted something more to kick off mysterious intrigue. Remembering how anxious I was when delivering a paper to some homes, that was my next focus: create a creepy house. The final piece came when the word "portico" popped into my head. A creepy house with a portico...the last house on Danielle's paper delivery route. Yep, that works. Enjoy! #fantasy #bookhook
A Mystery-Wrapped Conundrum
Most of the time...maybe all of the time...the best we can do is move forward, hoping for a good outcome. We make our plans, and then life happens. Once in a while, life coincides with our plans. Most of the time, it doesn't. And when our plans fail, it's time to go with your gut. That's what Freida is doing in this scene. Enjoy! #girlpower #grit #guts #keepmovingforward #fantasy
What Is Now Uncommon Valor?
In my worklife, I've encountered toxic masculinity more than I have valor. In fact, I was unfortunate enough to be the principal reporter that resulted in a life sentence for a horrifically toxic male. Still, I reject the notion that somehow all males are toxic when they are being brave. In my stories, most of the males are brave. But, indeed, all of the females are. Gender isn't what defines toxicity, behavior is. Males can be toxic. So can females. Daring to face down a determined foe is masculinity ...and femininity ...at its best. #valor #daring #donotdarenottodare
In It To Win It...Together
In a culture that seems to have lost its collective mind celebrating how different we are, my goal is to write stories that show very different groups working together for a common goal. In other words, I write to show how unified we can be. So, here we have humans from two eras and very different walks of life, working with dangerous gargoyles whose help they must have...to rescue an abducted teenage girl...with the help of her dog, who won't be left behind. Boys, girls, parents, gargoyles and a canine. That's something worth celebrating, at least to me. #one #together #alotincommon #love
Normality In The Midst of Chaos
You, like me, love great fantasy stories that include lots of chaos, danger, plot twists and cliff hangers. But back when I was a young reader, it took me a long time to recognize the reason that the exciting stuff worked so well was because there was some normality baked into the story... characters just doing life. That's why I work hard at baking scenes about normal living into my stories. Since you are probably one of many people in the middle of a severe cold snap, here's a scene that includes warm pancakes on a cold morning. Enjoy! #weather #PolarVortex2019 #warmpancakes
Why Gargoyles?
If you've followed me for a bit, you know by now that I wrote this story for an audience of one. My daughter was a teenager with a desire to read great fantasy books that didn't revolve around zombies or vampires. I'd had a fantasy story in my head for decades, but didn't have a sense of what creatures would be in it. So, quite randomly, I chose gargoyles as the primary creature in my fantasy series. This scene is where two important protagonists are introduced. It was a lot of fun to write, and my daughter fell in love with them. Two wins!
Need To Regroup
I enjoy writing fantasy. As a pantser, I'm the first person to be surprised by a scene or a witty bit of dialogue. This scene is one of those moments where I had no clue where the story was going, but as I typed...there it was! That doesn't mean, of course, that its always smooth sailing. After this story was first published, it soon became clear that everything about the cover needed to change: the title, the image, and even my name (this is when I switched to my pseudonym, Brandon King). So, just like and Paign and his friends, I had to regroup in a big, courageous, and determined way. I hope you enjoy this scene. BE BOLD. BE COURAGEOUS. #resolutions #grit #fantasy
Warmth and Wonder
Chances are high that you will be traveling during the holidays, if you're not already. My wish is that your journey is safe, your visits pleasant, your food is warm, your gratitude deep, your love widens...and that you don't care if things are messy when you return home. Be like Anders and Paign. #safetravel #merrychristmas #family #friends #gratitude
Courage and Oranges
Some people think that courage is a characteristic of only the bravest person, someone who is utterly fearless. But courage isn't fearless. Being courageous is choosing to act from a place beyond our fear. Think of courage like an orange. An orange's tough outer surface protects the delicate fruit inside. Without the outer portion, the fruit wouldn't last. In a way, when people take a deep breath and confront whatever frightens them, they are forming a tough surface out of the desperate need for protection, of themselves or someone else. Courage is to humans what a rind is to an orange. Courage is a shield.
The Best Heroes
I've always loved stories that reveal heroic actions that come from characters "doing their best." They didn't view themselves as a hero. They simply did what came naturally to them, and their focus wasn't on themselves. Heroic actions are always taken for the benefit of someone or something else. And the best heroes are just like you and me; they're normal. Nothing particularly special about them. Yet, because of their love for another, they do something amazing...something heroic...for someone else. That's what I'm thinking about as I write scenes for my characters. It's love and care that turns them into heroes. And if they can be heroes, so can we.
Musical Writing
Some writers seek stillness while they write. Others love hanging out in busy coffee joints, with a lot of background noise and distractions. I prefer to have music playing while I write, most often with no lyrics. When I wrote this scene a song I'd never heard from streamed onto Pandora. It's called "Snow Over Arizona," by the Stone Lions. The song became an instant favorite and actually inspired the entire chase sequence. I love this song and will always be grateful for it in forming one of my readers' favorite fight scenes. Thank you, Stone Lions!
Uninvited "Guests"
Isn't it strange that in this age of "social platforms" dedicated to bringing people together, most people feel less connected and more isolated? When writing this story, it was important to me that I show how friends--real friends--can be found in the strangest places. Even more important was showing what real friendship looks like...and what it costs. Real friendships often begin like an uninvited guest. But eventually they become a priceless treasure.
Strong Examples
Because I wrote this novel with only an audience of one in mind (my daughter), I wanted to show her, with strong examples, what deep parental love can (and should) look like. In this scene it was easy for me to tap into how my wife and I would be acting if our daughter was abducted. So, even in a fantasy novel, I was unintentionally following the famous rule: "Write what you know."
No Storm Is Chosen
Alas, we are in the season of epic storms. Hurricanes are appalling even when they're "small" Category One storms. No one asks to be in their path, yet they come. Because I love to write adventure-driven fantasy I'll often weave roaring weather into the plotline. Still, the worst storms my characters face do not come from the random vagaries of barometric pressure swings. They come from methodically crafted and executed schemes.
Desperate Actions
How do handle stress? Have you ever had a time when you had to deal with something so frightening that the hit of adrenaline makes your body feel odd, like it does not work right? In writer's parlance, your writing improves the more you "show, don't tell." In other words, try to get your reader to feel like they're in the character's shoes. That's always my aim. So, when my characters face their worst fears, my goal is that you get a small hit of the adrenaline my characters are feeling.
Camping Surprises
One of the things I enjoy the most about camping are the surprises that come in the morning. Most of us are daily cocooned in our house, then our cars and finally another building (work or school), so we don't experience much of "The Great Outdoors." Camping changes all that. The smells of morning greet you: cool, fragrant air, scented by grasses, bushes, flowers and even trees. And the colors of the morning, unfiltered by glass or windshields, can be wondrous. Danielle discovered this on an unscheduled overnight stay in the high mountains.
A Parent's Worst Nightmare
Parents rightfully fear for their children's safety. Because they know that there really are monsters out there. But nothing could have prepared Freida's parents for the horror of their daughter's abduction by a real monster. Now fear could become their greatest enemy.
Getting Real...Bad Guys
Character development can be a tricky thing. How much detail is actually too much? I suppose that's decided in the mind of the reader. There are a few fantasy novels I've read that frankly killed my interest in finishing them because of the massive detail injected into the story, like a cream filling gone wrong. My goal is to keep the story interesting and compelling...and easy to visualize, as if it's on a movie screen in my head. Although Gahrspat is a truly frightening bad guy, I love this scene.
With Great Power
It's funny how stories I grew up with influence the stories I write. When I wrote this passage I wasn't particularly thinking about the conversation Peter Parker had with his uncle, but it's in there. "With great power... comes great responsibility." And, more often than not, great suffering comes with the actions of responsibility.
Let's Not Panic!
A new teen brings a new world of challenges to her parents. Not the least is letting up on their impulse to protect. But like all good parents do, Danielle's parents still wondered, "Is she ready to handle the responsibility of looking out for herself?" Their worry was about to be severely tested.
The Cave of Parting
Bearing grudges is a common human experience. But it never ends well, especially for the grudge-bearer. Can you imagine holding a grudge for hundreds of years? What would the result of that kind of hatred look like?
Strong Parents
The world is changing. But change isn't always positive. As adults, we sometimes forget that kids don't want or need their parents or guardians to be their friends. They need them to be strong adults: reliable, caring, predictable and nurturing. So when I wrote The Quest for the Temple Key, my goal was to include strong parents, just like strong boys and girls. Not that they'd be superheroes. But that they'd rise to the challenges life throws at them. Often they fail. But they always stand up for what they believe in. See who you relate to in this excerpt and please consider reading The Quest for the Temple Key. #strongparents
Strong Boys
Everyone loves a hero. But have you noticed that it's often the quiet person who unexpectedly rises to face the danger? There's something greater than fear that drives them. It might be curiosity. It might be an overwhelming desire to see justice done. But more often than not, they simply wish to protect those they love. Anders is strong like that, though he doesn't see himself that way. That's why he's a hero in the making. He thinks of others first.
Strong Girls
I wrote this novel with an audience of one: my daughter. She was a huge fan of the Harry Potter series, as well as The Chronicles of Narnia. So Hermione and Lucy were characters she was attracted to. But I wanted her to be able to identify strongly with girls more like her. That's why the protagonist in The Gargoyle Chronicles is Danielle, because she is modeled after my daughter. It worked so well that she wrote a novel of her own with...you guessed it...a strong female protagonist. Girls that face their fears. Girls that are compassionate in the face of unkindness. #stronggirls #amazingdaughters
Not What It Seemed
Not all heirlooms are welcome. Not all discoveries are good. And not all keys open doors you want to go through.
Hunter? Or hunted?
What would you do if faced with confusing information and frightening prospects? When dealing with difficult choices, are you the kind of person who goes with your gut, or do you need to seek all the data possible before making a decision? Most importantly, if you're with a small group of threatened people, either someone needs to take charge or the group must come to an agreement. But time is against you all. Waiting to make a decision is still a decision. But it could spell doom.
Be careful what you ask for
When I began writing this first chapter (in my first novel), my goal was to create a world--and a girl--that my teenage daughter could relate to. A regular girl. A normal girl. Nothing special about her. Nothing glittering. No vampires. No zombies. Since she was (and is) a hardcore fan of Harry, Hermione and Ron, plus the Pevensie kids and Aslan, it was important to kick the novel off with someone very relatable to her, but also humming with mystery and the promise of epic fantasy adventures. It worked! She loved it. Which required that I write a second chapter. Then a third. Now I’m working on the 5th novel in the series. Cooler still, seeing her dad dare to write a novel inspired her to write her own. She was 17 when it was published. Now, she’s editing the 2nd in her fantasy series.
The Discovery
You know those dreams you wish you could remember when you wake up? How about the ones you wish you could forget? Or the worst ones--those you can't seem to get out of? Those kind of dreams can take more than one shape.
Fierce Friends
When you're leaving childhood to enter the realm of the teenager, it's always good to have at least one close friend. Even when they're a pain most of the time.
Bewildered
Have you ever discovered something that bent your understanding of "how things should be"? How about discovering something that can't be explained? And what if the best theory that can be made changes the world as you know it?
The portico
Have you ever felt like someone was watching you? Then, you spin around and you see no one. Danielle was so excited going around her neighborhood, collecting her paper route money. But in her haste to get done, she went to the wrong house. Only when she knocked on the door did she realize it was the creepy abandoned house she and her friends avoided. By then, it was too late.
