Reader's Life Magazine:Issue 2

New Year’s Themed Writing Prompts

Self-Publishing with R.J.Truman

Featuring a story by Rex Badger Cover story with B. I Woolet

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Reader’s Life Magazine: New Chapter The Reader’s Life is proud to present Reader’s Life Magazine: Issue 2 the New Chapter. We wish everyone a wonderful New Year with great health, love and success.

-Editor Trisha Ratliff

Cover done by Trisha Ratliff, Models Rex Badger and Abby Ingram.

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Contents

4-9: B.I Woolet 10: Writing Prompts 11-13: R.J Truman; Self-publishing article 14-15: Art 16-19: Crystal Girl by Rex Badger

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B. I Woolet B. I Woolet is a husband and wife writing due from Indiana and the authors of The World of Arcas series.

Book 1

Book 2

http://www.worldofarcas.com/ http://www.facebook.com/WorldOfArcas

Twitter:@worldofarcas

Con for article

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Who Is B.I Woolet?

B.I Woolet is a husband and wife writing duo from Indiana. They are the authors of the “World of Arcas” series.

A YA series based in Fantasy and sci fi.When they began writing “The Hunter The Bear and The Seventh Sister” they didn’t know that it would turn out to be a novel, let alone that people would buy it. It wasn’t until halfway through the novel that they realized they could publish it. Since then they have have published the second novel Arrows of Darkness, and they are working on the 3rd novel in the series with more story arcs in mind.

Where the inspiration comes from?

All writers draw inspiration from somewhere and B.I Woolet is no different, they draw their inspiration from God, music, friendship and nature. All of these things work together to not only inspire them to write but to publish and not be fearful of rejection and gives them the faith and belief that their writing as a purpose.

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Where does the stories come from?

The World of Arcas series is strongly inspired by the stars, constellations as well as deep space objects. “The stars have been inspiring stories since humanity first glanced up at them, and we feel that the tradition should continue for new genera tions.�

Struggles while writing?

Most would that the hardest part of writing with your spouse would be writing with a partner but for B.I Woolet the hardest

part is balancing writing with family and friends. For them working with each other makes it easier on them during times when one is uninspired the other can take over but Ila says “While we used to write and perform music together, writing fantasy gave us a new way to collaborate and create together after having kids. At times, coauthoring has actually been our main source of conflict in our marriage. Instead of arguing about finances or childrearing, we argue about who dies 7

dies next in the fantasy world. Ha! But at the end of the day, Arcas is a world that we created together and writing will likely always bring us closer together.”

our characters.also learned that being out in the community and talking to people about our books face-to-face is extremely valuable.

Their books?

Extra projects?

When they aren’t writing they enjoy spending time with their family as well as reaching out to their community.

What they have learned We learned a ton of things about the world of astronomy because we constantly researched stars and constellations to use for

“Arrows of Darkness is the newly-released second book the World of Arcas series.

The series battles amid realms and rulers who disagree with whether they should reunite an ancient pathway severed long ago between Earth and Arcas.

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In The Hunter, the Bear, and the Seventh Sister, Jackson is sent on a mission to insure peace by cutting the last ties between the two worlds, but lines quickly get blurred between friend and foe in this traveling adventure full of beasts and be auties. In Arrows of Darkness, Jackson returns to Arcas to escape troubles at home, but the peace he expects to find has been consumed by a violent new ruler that the teen unknowingly helped bring to power.”

What they would do differently “We would focus our internet marketing differently than the first time. It’s hard to know what will generate sales in the cyber world, and we are still constantly shifting our methods to find avenues that will reach our audience the best.”

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New Year’s Writing Prompt’s

1.The New Year’s Resolution (Write about your New Year’s resolution and why you chose it) 2.The Ball drops(Write about something that happens when the New Year’s Ball Drops.)

3.The Chapter closes. (Write about something changing in your life) 4.New Years Party mishap(Write about an event that happens at a New Year’s Party) 5.A New Year’s Kiss(Write about having a New Year’s Kiss) 6.Time Square(Write about Time Square at New Year’ s) 7.New Year’s in New York(Write about spending time in New York for New Year’s Eve)

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Self-Publishing with R.J Truman R.J Truman is a self published author who wrote “The White Light Chronicles” She is a UK best-selling author and is published through “Amazons” “CreateSpace”

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When people ask me what I do for a living I used to say “oh I do this or that.” I would dream about being able to say “well actually I’m a writer.” Well now I can say that. The only thing is people tend to look down on you when you say “I don’t have a book deal, I’m independent.”

It usually brings with it a whole load of questions.

Some of which I’m going to attempt to answer now.The main one is “why do it?” let me tell you. I tried the traditional route, and sent my story off to publishers.got some positive feedback from the few that would take submissions from someone without an agent.

However none of them were willing to take a risk on me. And I can’t afford an agent. So I decided to go it alone.

With my first book, I wanted it to be perfect.

So I paid for a cover design, and editing service. There are plenty of companies that offer these services. However I didn’t want to send my story off to just anyone.

So I used the Amazon company, createspace.

While I’m more than happy with the cover of my first book. I had a very old laptop at the time, and my outdated version of word wasn’t compatible with their editing software. So left me with a document that was difficult to read at best.

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With my other books I relied on friends and family, to design the covers, and edit the books for me. I have been approached by editors on social media sites. But have decided not to use them at the moment for cost reasons. Using my own friend’s artwork also means I can use the publishing services on createspace for free.

There are lots of other selfpublishers out there. It’s just that this company works out the best for me. Whoever you use, you will see good and bad feedback for. So just be careful who you go with, and do your research first before you decide to part with your money.With independent publishing you still only get royalties on the books you sell. This means you only get a small percentage of what the book actually sells for.

So make sure you check how much you will be getting for your books, before you decide to go with a certain company.

You also have to do all the promotional work yourself.

This can be harder than writing the actual story itself.

That said, if you are willing to put in all the hard work, and don’t mind making very little money, then definitely go for independent publishing. At the end of the day, nothing beats the feeling of seeing your story in print.

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Art done by Chrystal Clendenin 14

Art Done by Allison Ingram

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Crystal girl by Rex Badger I knew I was different the second I was brought into the world. Well, actually a few years afterwards. I noticed that my eyes were hard and blue like sapphires and my skin was hard as diamond. My nails were like quartz and my teeth; ivory filament of bone and minerals. My hair was cropped short near the base of my neck and was silky smooth and bright as the snow around me.I knew I was different the second I was brought into the world. Well, actually a few years afterwards. I noticed that my eyes were hard and blue like sapphires and my skin was hard as diamond. My nails were like quartz and my teeth; ivory filament of bone and minerals. My hair was cropped short near the base of my neck and was silky smooth and bright as the snow around me.I knew I was different the second I was brought into the world. Well, actually a few years afterwards. I noticed that my eyes were hard and blue like sapphires and my skin was hard as diamond. My nails were like quartz and my teeth; ivory filament of bone and minerals.

My hair was cropped short near the base of my neck and was silky smooth and bright as the snow around me.I knew I was different the second I was brought into the world. Well, actually a few years afterwards. I noticed that my eyes were hard and blue like sapphires and my skin was hard as diamond. My nails were like quartz and my teeth; ivory filament of bone and minerals. My hair was cropped short near the base of my neck and was silky smooth and bright as the snow around me.

‘Hello, Jayd,You may not know me now but you soon will. I hope this note was delivered to you not too late. I shall be arriving at your house around seven in the evening this upcoming Saturday to discuss your father.‘Hello, Jayd,You may not know me now but you soon will. I hope this note was delivered to you not too late. I shall be arriving at your house around seven in the evening this upcoming Saturday to discuss your father.Sincerely,T.D.’I reread the note at least five times. Who was T.D.?

And what did he or she know about my father? I didn’t even know what day it was so I wasn’t prepared when my clocked bonged seven as there was a silent knock at my door. The crystals in the house lit up when I walked past them so I could see where I was going from the kitchen to the door. When I opened the door, a young man was on the other side.

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“Hello, I am Topaz Dravite.” He said.He had hair almost as blonde and bright as mine, but his eyes were a burgundy color. His skin had a golden tint to it as if he’d been in the sun too long.“May I come in? It’ s awfully cold out here.” He said, his British accent coming through.

I nodded and let him in. I quickly shut the door. He looked around the house.a sheepish look before waving my hand. The crystals shrunk down and vanished.

“Interesting, you seem to have your abilities down.” He said as he took a seat across from the blazing fire I had started earlier.I sat in my father’s chair across from him and stared at him as the fire danced off his eyes and face. He looked back at me and I shifted my gaze away from him quickly.“Do you not speak?” he asked.I shook my head.“Hmm, I’ve seen cases like yours before.” He said. “I’ve traveled all around the world and met Crystallizers like you before.”I felt my anger heat up and red crystals sprouted from the floor next to him.“Listen Jayd, I didn’t mean it as an insult.” He said, not even reacting to the sharp crystals around his throat.“Listen Jayd, I didn’t mean it as an insult.” He said, not even reacting to the sharp crystals around his throat.I blinked and the crystals vanished. He seemed unfazed by my reaction.

“I know how you communicate, Jayd.”

Topaz said. “Your father has told myself and the Crystallizer Council all about you. That is why I am here now.”

I formed a crystal in my hand.

“Why are you here?” it asked.As it spoke, the crystal lit up in different colors for different sounds.“I am here to bring you to the Crystallizer Council.” Topaz said.“Why?” I asked.He didn’t seem to have an answer.“Why can’t they come here?” I asked.“They cannot leave the safety of the fortress.” Topaz finally answered. “Coal and her Miners are looking for Crystallizers to kill. You’re lucky I found you or you would have been dead.”I just stared at him.“But that’s...that’s impossible.” I stammered. “Who would want to kill me? I’m nothing.”

“Oh, but you are, Jayd.” Topaz said, bending close to me. “There’s a reason why Coal wants you for her own.”“What reason is it?” I asked, bending over to him.He sat up straight, shrugged and said, “No clue.”

I narrowed my eyes at him in exasperation.

“You’re not very easy to, you know?” I asked, cocking an eyebrow.Suddenly, Topaz went rigid.“Kill your lights.” He said urgently.All of my crystals vanished along with my speaking one. I gave him a quizzical look through the light of the fire before he doused it in ice.

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“Coal’s men are here.” Topaz whispered in my ear.My eyes widened in fear and I began to panic. My body was beginning to turn into a crystal before Topaz took my hand.“Coal’s men are here.” Topaz whispered in my ear.

My eyes widened in fear and I began to panic. My body was beginning to turn into a crystal before Topaz took my hand.

My mind was overloading and I began to feel lightheaded.

Suddenly, a monstrous thump pounded on the door.

“And it seems he’s brought a Miner with him.” Topaz said. “There are Diggers and there are Miners. The Miner’s are Coal’s elite forces. And believe me when I tell you this, you do not want to meet a Miner.”

Another thump came upon the door and I heard it creak.

“That door isn’t going to hold that Miner and Brimstone back for much longer.” Topaz said as he stood.I tried to stand but he just pushed me back to the floor behind the chair. I heard one final pound before the door gave in with a splintering of wood. I heard heavy footsteps and breathing.

“Where is she, Topaz?” a heavy and deep voice asked.“Brimstone, I wish I knew.” Topaz said coolly. “I didn’t find anyone here. She must’ ve gone somewhere.”

“Topaz, I’ve known you since you were a child.” Brimstone said. “I practically raised you. You’re lying. I’ ve had Diggers out here for the past ten years watching this house and giving me annual reports. She could have not left this house without one of my Diggers seeing her.”

I felt Topaz stiffen. Wait a minute, he know Brimstone. That must be why he knows all about Coal and her people. My anger began to boil but I kept it down to avoid detection.

“Brimstone, I am not lying this time.”

Topaz said. “She is not here. I’ve already checked the whole house.”

There were heavy footsteps and there was a snap. I heard something slip and hit the floor with a loud thump. I saw Topaz’s face hit the wood and his neck was at an odd angle. I nearly screamed as his eyes stared at me with a deathly stare.

“Search the house. I want her found.” Brimstone said.I splayed my hands on the floorboards and large crystals formed in places where I heard the footsteps. Screams of pain came forth before there was silence.

“She’s here. I can smell her.”

Brimstone said.Curses, I missed him. I stood up and wished I hadn’t. I saw decapitated bodies all over the floor from where my crystals had punctured their chests.chests. In the midst of them, I saw a huge burly man with soot covered skin and amber red eyes. His beard was graying and his hair poked out of a hard hat.

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His body was wider than the doorway and taller than the top of the door. He had to bend over slightly to fit.

“There you are Jayd.” He said, his eyes glinting dangerously bright.

“Come here so I can take a look at you”I formed a talking crystal in my palm.“You monster!” I screamed.

“Now, now, is that anyway to talk to an old friend?” he asked, taking a step closer.“You come near me and I’ ll take your head off.” I threatened, forming a crystallized blade in the other hand.“You know you can’t, Jayd.” He said, taking another step.

“Don’t underestimate me.” I said.“You can’t because we have your father.”

Brimstone said. “You kill me, and Coal will kill your father.”I faltered.

They have my father but Topaz said that the Crystallizer Council had my father. Who should I believe? Instead of making a choice, I made my crystals vanish. I crossed my arms over my chest. My body crystallized itself and I shot down into the floor in a casing made out of diamond. I heard Brimstone roar angrily but he didn’t chase after me. I felt something thump against the top of my casing. I looked up and saw Topaz smiling. I screamed and I stopped my decent.

“Sh,” he said before looking up.

“Follow me.”He then ran down a tunnel I had not noticed. I made the diamond casing form all around my body that it fit my body. I followed Topaz quickly as I he ran down the tunnel and his body shone gold in the darkness. I didn’t know how far we went but I was growing tired. My legs

My legs were fumbling in the dark and I tripped over a rock. I cried out as I fell. My head hit the ground and I saw stars. Topaz stopped and turned back around and caught up with me “Jayd, we can’t stay here. Brimstone with have Diggers and Miners following you down here. Now hurry, we need to go.” Topaz said.I made my talking crystal.“How can I trust you?” I asked. “You were born and raised under Coal’s eyes.”“I ran away when I found out what Coal was up to.” Topaz said. “I work for the Crystallizer Council by bringing in new Crystallizers.”“Where are we going?” I asked.“Straight to the Council.” He said before pulling me to my feet.I threw my crystals into the air and it shone brightly lighting the tunnel ahead of us.“Lead on.” the crystal said. “I will follow.”Topaz ran and dragged me with him by the arm.

I stumbled after him as I began to feel drowsy..

Rex Badger is a writer who writes in multiple genres. that is working on publishing his first novel.

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