Book 3 News! Wings of Revelation Cover Reveal, and More

I am happy to announce that I have received the cover art for my third book in The Warriors of Aragnar, Wings of Revelation! Some of you may have already seen this, as I've already posted it on Facebook and Instagram, but I couldn't wait to share it with all of my blog readers!

Each book cover is so special to me, and I want it to capture the themes of the book, as well as the feel. After having a yellow/gold theme, and a red/black theme, I really wanted to have a cover that showed the beauty of Aragnar's landscape at night, in a scene far more peaceful then the second book's intense cover! I've always loved stars, and so when I told my cover artist I wanted a beautiful night sky.

I wasn't disappointed! Not only did the cover turn out exactly the way I was hoping it would, but it far surpassed my expectations! Book covers, especially for fantasy books, are a great opportunity to show the reader and illustrated depiction of the story's world and characters. For the Aragnar books, I've been doing my best to share it with you all! Not only do I have the book covers, but I have some more of my own art coming soon!

Speaking of my art, I have some exciting news to share with you!

After talking to my publisher, we have decided to release a fifth book in the Aragnar series, which will be an art book of sorts. It will be a guide to Aragnar, and I'm so excited to share it with you! Not only will it be filled with my artwork, depictions of the creatures, people, and armor in the series, but it will include brand-new short stories, notes, and other awesome tid-bits about Aragnar!

I've been wanting to do something like this for years, so I am incredibly grateful that my publisher is giving me this opportunity! I will share more information about it as it comes, but for now, I hope you enjoy the new cover! 

New Poem: Louder Than Words

I am finally back after the insanity that has been the last few weeks! Between setting up new book events, working my (regular) job, and writing the third book in the series, I haven't had much time for anything else. Fortunately, I've been writing a lot of new poems, and compiling some of the best (at least, in my opinion) for Dauntless.

Soon, I plan to write some posts about subjects other then my books and poetry, I have a lot I want to write! Time management has always been a friend to me, but as I get busier, it's become harder to breathe! Whoever told me that summer break would be less crazy then a semester was wrong, or at least, in my case! Oh well, at least I'll get to vacation before school starts back up.

The poem that I will share with you today is called "Louder than Words", and was borne after a long day that prompted deep thought. Sometimes I'm convinced that my best poems come to fruition in the oddest hours of the morning, but oh well! I really hope you enjoy it, as it was a lot of fun to write!

Louder than Words

I love the depth of mind-crafted words

Precious thoughts inscribed in ink

The heart's true intent, that like a bird

Wings it's way to glory, refusing to sink

The pen is mighty, stronger then blades

Oh, how fitting that it bends the swords

Should warriors tremble at the sound, afraid

For don't they know war is louder than words?

Discriminate not, in passion the fiery tongue

Meant to be heard, a pounding drum

That breaks from the pages and through lungs

Calling for all who crave depth to boldly come

Why hide your face, did disgrace promise aid

In a life scrambling for meaning, craving truth?

So much empty talk, but is anyone unafraid?

Can an ear bend to works grand in breadth?

Shadows dwell where pools of light should be

Eyes show shattered windows to empty souls

Hungering for the ability to boldly live free

Speaking words of truth beyond their control

Like vines, the whispers tangle

Desperate to breathe in wonder

Their minds, oh so strangled

Can blind eyes ever see color?

The world is muted and violent

But there's a glimpse of light

In kind words that shatter silence

Ringing in ears longing to fight

The pen is mighty, stronger then blades

Oh, how fitting that it bends the swords

Should warriors tremble at the sound, afraid

For don't they know war is louder than words?

(Picture not mine, found on google images)

HEAV Convention: An Absolute Sellout!

I am finally returning to a regular schedule of posts, after spending the last two weeks preparing for the Virginia homeschoolers convention! I had first attended this convention as a vendor two years ago under the Young Entrepreneurs section, and now I finally had a chance to return; this time as a full-blown vendor under my own brand. 

I have to admit I wasn't sure what to expect. My first experience had been good, but disappointing in some ways, so I was naturally a little nervous. After all, this was to be my first book signing as a traditionally published author, and there are certain risks to be taken when undergoing such an endeavor. Being a new author can honestly be scary at times, but also incredibly exciting. 

I am happy to say that I did not leave discouraged. In fact, I found my passion for writing rekindled through the passion and fire in the hearts of many, many young people I encountered. Not only did I sell out of every single copy of Wings of Honor, as well as most of Wings of Darkness (all but two), but I also got the chance to meet so many aspiring authors and writers!

Speaking to these amazing young people truly humbled me. I honestly found it a little difficult to stand there as they looked up at me with admiration...because I truly still see myself as one of them; a fiery dreamer with goals as big as the sky. Who am I but a simple artist with a love of words, who wants to bring hope to a dying world? Some would call that statement dramatic, and perhaps it is. But if it is truthful, then at least I can speak with candor.

I was also incredibly blessed to have my best friend (basically a sister) Sarah help me run the booth and keep the operation smooth and stress-free! Not only has she inspired my writing and encouraged me to share my stories with the world, but she has been a steadfast warrior at my side through thick and thin. Seriously, every writer needs a friend as awesome and indispensable as her! Thank you sis, for all you do, it is not taken for granted!

Yes, I experienced overwhelming success, but money is not my end-goal, nor will it ever be. I really enjoyed encouraging these incredibly talented young writers to press forward into their writing, and to never give up on the story God has given them! I hope to read their stories one day, I sure am excited for each and every one of them as they embark on their journeys God has in store for them! 

This is my favorite part of writing; meeting like-minded people who share a similar passion for writing. Sure, I love penning stories and delving deep into worlds previously unknown...but how precious is a heart full of love for books that could one day change the world? 

Even if my books never fall into the hands of another reader, this past weekend has proven to me that what I have done, and am doing, matters. That God is using me to touch people I have never met, and perhaps may never truly know. And even if I never get to meet these young people again, I am praying for them all every single day! May I always carry that passion in my heart as long as I write, and I pray I never forget that God is the source of my stories, as well as my success. 

I am so thankful for everyone who came out and supported me, purchased my books, and shared in my dream! You guys are the best, and I am so grateful to have met every single one of you! 

I plan on doing more events in the future, and as soon as I have some events set in stone, I will share them on my blog and Facebook pages! 

Brief Hiatus Broken! New Poems and Wings of Darkness Release Date!

After a busy conclusion to the spring semester and my reintegration to life at home, I'm back! Not only did God bless me tremendously with good grades and new friends, but summer is here and I couldn't be happier! Now, being home doesn't mean I get to fully relax. Not with a major book-selling venue around the corner and two new releases on the way.

I am happy to announce that Wings of Darkness, the second installment in The Warriors of Aragnar, will be released on eBook and paperback June 9th! (And that's six days after my birthday, would you look at that!) It has gone through the rigorous editing process and is finally ready to be shared with my beloved readers and the world! It certainly is something for me to be excited about.

 I will be selling my book at the Virginia Homeschoolers Convention in June, and I can't wait to be able to meet and talk with some of my readers, as well as aspiring young writers. I love nothing more then encouraging them to write their stories and to never give up.

Quickly arriving after Wings of Darkness will be Dauntless, my poem book that I will be self-publishing through Amazon's Createspace (just when I thought I was done self-publishing!) and it will be available for purchase in the next few months! I already have my cover files completed, and all that is left is the formatting of the poems themselves, which won't take too much time. Between these two books, I have been super busy and productive.

Yes, I do indeed plan on having fun over the summer like a normal human being. It'll just have to be...planned, is all! But I schedule everything and anything as it is, so it won't be too bad. Anyway, instead of reading my incessant ramblings, I will share a new poem with you that I wrote today!

I call this one "Cornerstone", and it is another free verse poem that I wrote today. It focuses on the cry for justice in an unjust world, as well as a call to stand for what we believe in. I hope that you enjoy it!

Cornerstone

All rise to the cry of an unbroken soul

Our hearts beat as one, born and bred for war

Rebellion is sweet when lacking opposition

But the field of conflict is ripe for transition.

Dead eyes blink with unseeing apathy

As a chorus of pleas rise unheard

Will anyone stand against the cull

Of hopeless souls fading to black?

Tear down the haughty banner of comformity

Unity isn't found in a lack of creativity, but

An army where differences are strengths

Is where victory sets fire to whispering lies.

They ask, why pound the drums of war through a pen?

How come peace isn't a commonality in your veins?

I say, why close your eyes to the pain around you?

How come you don't make a stand for something?

Battles are fought when wrong raises its head

Righteous is the cause to bring it to its knees

Anything less is pure cowardice of the fearful

Who would be ignorantly blind then see. 

The Poetry Has Returned! "Embers", and more Dauntless Plans

In the crazy busyness of book releases, approaching finals, and summer plans, I have taken a brief pause to write something new. Poetry is always my go-to form of writing when I have creative busts (and the rare occasion I actually have some free time). So for tonight, I wrote a free-verse style poem that I am titling "Embers". While my poetry is often personal, I wanted to capture my heart in this one, as I hope to place this one in Dauntless!

Speaking of Dauntless, I am hoping for a mid-summer release. It won't take me very long to publish, as all of the content is basically finished. I hope it will be sooner then later, because I'm very excited to release it with you all! For now, I will leave you all with "Embers", enjoy!  

"Embers"

Do you remember sitting beneath a crimson sky? 

Like arrows, the birds flitted through the air with a certain 

Sense of freedom, I longed to fly unhindered with them. 

To be loosed from the captivating tethers of gravity. 

Was it wrong, to wish that I could leave this world behind? 

Not to die, but to spread hope as if it were wings, and 

Shake off the crippling chains of dull mediocrity. 

Could it be possible to see the world through new eyes? 

I had always been a loner, my mind was too vast 

To be understood, my heart full of thunder and storm. 

Hope, like feathers, spread despite doubt’s decay, 

Have I always felt so fierce, even when so alone? 

The sun’s setting grace has faded to tranquil night, and 

Here I sit, in solitary reflection as the stars gleam above. 

Perhaps one day, someone will stop and see the light 

That hides in plain sight behind my electrified heart.

Wings of Darkness is on its way, featuring new art!

As the title of today's article suggests, my second novel in The Warriors of Aragnar is soon to be released! While I do not have a set release date yet; there won't be much more of a wait! I am truly blessed to have a publisher that not only believes in my story, but also gives me the opportunity to do so much more then simply write books.

As you surely can tell, writing isn't the only pastime that I enjoy. I also like to illustrate my story world through the avenue of concept art-like pieces that bring Aragnar (and beyond) to vivid life. Even though I am still learning how to be a better artist, and develop my skills, art is a passion of mine that has a very special place in my heart. After all, I have drawn longer then I have written (believe it or not, I wasn't born with a pen in my hand) and it is something that has lasted with me over the years.

I was initially surprised that my publisher included several pieces of my artwork in the back of Wings of Honor. It wasn't something that I had expected, and I am so grateful for the chance to share not only my writing, but my art as well. Due to this opportunity, I strove to compile several pieces for the back of the second book that were more of concept sketches in style.

I truly desire for Aragnar to be an immersive experience for the reader. The story-world is so massive and full of life in my head, if I can even capture a quarter of that through my writing and artwork, I view it as a success! Being able to depict my own characters and illustrate the creatures of the world is a true blessing that I am grateful God gave me.

In the following weeks, I hope to be able to announce the release date for Wings of Darkness! I am truly pleased with this book, and I can't wait to share it with you all! There still is a long way to go in the series (well, two books at least) and I'm honestly still blown away by the fact that I am able to release these books, MY books, and share them with the world! God is so good!     

Of Storms and Trials: Hope isn't Dead

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a situation that seems to have no end in sight? Like a powerful storm that blocks all of the light, it swallows hope and seems to last forever. I have found that comparing the trials in my life to storms can be the most effective way to voice how I've felt in those moments. 

Like storms, trials I've encountered (and still am) are always hard, and often very dark. Sometimes I even forget what blue skies look like. In those times of darkness, I have a tendency to panic, and look at the lightning and rain instead of God. The storm sure seems more real then God does, doesn't it? 

That's because I've been fixing my eyes on the wrong target. Instead of looking at what seems to be doom, I have to force myself to keep my eyes focused on Him. More times then not, it feels like flying blind, unable to see the ground or any landmark to guide my way.  

But honestly? It is in those moments that I've grown the most in my faith. 

The world we live in is filled with noise. It's hard to hear God's still, small voice inside us when we're focused on the static of chaos instead of the steady promise of His Word. Because newsflash, when God tells us to "be still", He isn't talking about literally freezing in place and not even breathing. He's talking about a lifestyle. 

Two days ago, a terrible storm hit Lynchburg, Va, where my school, Liberty University is located. Rarely do the storm sirens sound, but that day, I heard them wailing through the dark skies at least four times. I had known we were going to get bad weather, but I didn't know how bad it would be. As the weather moved in and the sirens continued to sound, we were issued a tornado warning. 

I probably didn't take it as seriously as I should have. We never have had a tornado near Liberty in the last three years of my time attending the school, so why worry? Well, we didn't have a tornado touch down on campus and destroy anything (thank God) but the community of Lynchburg did. 

As I watched videos of destroyed buildings, shattered glass, and crushed vehicles, my heart hurt for my community. While I was safe indoors, fairly certain that nothing bad was going to happen, there were people huddled in their homes hoping to survive the storm. 

The storm finally passed, and the sun was once again seen in the sky, but the light revealed a saddening truth. Some were without homes, and others had their stores and businesses damaged. What could be done? Thankfully, I am proud to go to a college full of missionaries for Christ. This upcoming Saturday, Liberty University will join with our community in an event called Serve Lynchburg. Thousands of Liberty students and faculty, including myself, will reach out to the community in their time of need and help rebuild what was lost. 

You see, we ourselves may not be experiencing a storm of devastating proportion, but we never know who is. Whether it is a very real, physical storm, or an internal one, we as Christians are called to help those who are less fortunate then us, and be and hands and feet of Jesus. 

While some of this may sound cliche, it still doesn't change the fact that it is true. When I have been in some of the most terrible storms of my life, the people who got down in the trenches with me and weathered the onslaught are the ones to whom I owe so much. Why wouldn't I do the same for them? Or for a stranger I don't know? 

I believe God places us in the path of divine opportunities. And quite frankly, it's not about us. While we sure will grow out of those sort of situations, the honor and glory goes to God. We must be willing to serve Him in any capacity, even if it isn't easy. 

As my best friend told me a year ago, "fair weather never made for strong feathers." It's a quote that has stuck with me since then, and I feel it is appropriate to share with you all. When storms rise and darkness seems final, never forget that hope is stronger then fear!