READER'S LIFE MAGAZINE
Content Jenna E Johnson 4-8 Nicole A Schmidt 10-15 Trisha Ratliff 17-20 Collaboration Article 23-27
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Oh, My Gods and Goddesses! An Article
by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson
At the end of May, I had the opportunity to take part in a fantasy panel at Phoenix Comicon. I was a last minute add-on (my author buddy, a fellow participant, thought I would make a good addition since the subject dealt with utilizing mythology in fiction). Fortunately, they had room for me and believed that I was an author.
mythology. At least, I don’t think I do.Despite feeling a wee bit out of my league, I found the panel refreshing.
either right there on the page or hidden between the lines, makes a fantasy tale richer, and So often in fantasy books perhaps, even a reader finds themselves more relatable to either learning about, or the real world. wondering about, the mythology behind the When characters story. Some authors give are faced with a detailed description of challenges or their pantheon of gods temptations, we and goddesses, or lack like to thereof. believe, that someone else is Shortly after, the Others drop hints and either there shenanigans commenced. suggestions that yes, a dangling the The panel, with many of mythical world exists carrot or giving the authors focused more within this already the character on the philosophy behind fantastical story, but the strength. Gods incorporating mythos in reader never really knows and goddesses their works instead of with absolute certainty can often help speaking about the who is running the show readers specific gods and from above, below, or understand why a goddesses they used in from some other culture in one their books, was dimension.What many fantasy series interesting. Me, well, I authors and readers can might behave a don’t go nearly that deep agree upon, however, is certain way. with my own use of that having mythology of any sort, either
And let’s face it, as writers, we can’t resist the opportunity to be the ones pulling the strings with regards to our own characters.In my Otherworld series, I use the Celtic pantheon to act as the leaders, villains, caregivers, tricksters, and rulers of my world. The Morrigan is my villain; she is the war goddess out to wreak havoc and destruction. The Dagda is the foster father of my main hero. Danua (based on the goddess Danu) is the high queen of Eile, my ruler. And Cernunnos,
Basically, they can act human if they wish, but they can also get away with a lot more than the average, everyday character can.Although using an already established pantheon is a great way to create an intriguing tale (just look at the Percy Jackson series and Ilona Andrew’s Kate Daniels series, which utilize mythological beings and creatures from across the globe to bring their world to life),
the god of the wild, plays the part of trickster in some aspects and leader in others. Each of these gods become active characters in the Otherworld books while retaining their status as omnipresent beings.
a writer can also take a set of gods and goddesses and create their own, new set of otherworldly beings.The fantasy writer Lois McMaster Bujold does
this in her book The Curse of Chalion. Likewise, Sharon Shinn uses the questionable presence of gods and goddesses in her Twelve Houses series. In both instances, weaving that extra aspect of mythology into the storyline makes a more complex, and more enjoyable, plot.
"Whether you are a writer or a reader of fantasy, incorporating some sense of mythology into a story makes not only the plot better, but also offers the characters more opportunities for redemption, temptation, and of course, mischief. And characters cannot grow and change without a little conflict in their lives."
Slaying the Beast: Self – Publishing 101 An Article
By Nicole A Schmidt
Once upon a time, getting The beauty, and at published was a great times the curse, of battle. Not only did you self-publishing is that have to write the actual you have so much manuscript, but you had to control over every seek out companies that aspect of the process. aligned with your vision, You then submit query letters determine all of the and pray to the gods that deadlines, the budget, the publishing wizards the marketing would grant your wish. strategies – Though the realm of self- EVERYTHING! It can publishing existed, it still be a daunting required a bit of research experience…unless and significant financial you have a plan. investment. As fate would have it, the age of To make selftechnology, has made publishing publishing, especially self- manageable, you publishing, a much easier have to determine journey. which strategy will work best for you. Before we review While I’m sure there strategies for slaying the are others that I have self-publishing beast, let’s yet to explore, these answer the age – old three tend to be the question: most common. As Why go into battle at all? I with anything, each hate to point out the has pros and cons; obvious, but it’s in the ultimately, the best name – SELF. option is the one that you deem so.
Battle Strategies � Createspace: I must admit that I am biased. I published both of my books through Createspace and here’s why. Createspace can be completely FREE if you want it to be. There is no set-up cost, an ISBN is provided, and templates for the interior and cover are available. Createspace also creates an online store for purchases. If that’s not great enough, you have the ability to sell your book on Amazon and Kindle FREE of charge. The royalties for each channel of sale are straightforward. If you, the author, order books, you only
If you, the author, order books, you only pay cost, plus taxes, and shipping. So, what’s the catch? The ISBN provided can only be used for Createspace. If you decide to use another publisher too, you have to get another ISBN. As far as the final product, the biggest drawback is that they only produce soft cover books. The sizes and templates are also a bit limited. As far as the interior, you must format it exactly the way you want it printed. You will also need to re-format it for Kindle. Shipping can be a bit expensive. Finally, major distributors tend not to accept books published through Createspace because there is no guarantee on the investment. But if you simply want to get your feet wet, Createspace is the way to go. Ingram Spark: One pro
for this company is benefits that I am just more product unaware of. They do versatility: hardcover, have promotions for soft cover, size, etc. free set-up The biggest pro is costs every so often, greater distribution but you still need to possibilities including purchase an ISBN Barnes and Noble and beforehand. other major distributors because Ingram Spark Westbow and other will take back any self-publishing books that are not sold. companies: The reasons I did not Before the grand age use Ingram Spark were of technology, this the set-up cost, but was the more importantly the most common need for an ISBN. method of selfUnlike Createspace, publishing. The Ingram Spark does not benefits are quite provide ISBNs so you compelling: in-house must purchase them editing separately. The most and marketing, large reputable ISBN amounts of company is Bowker. distribution channels, They offer 1, 5, or 10 etc. The main issue is ISBN packages. I of course, cost. stopped researching You definitely need a Ingram Spark because budget to go with a I lacked the financial publishing company, collateral to proceed, but the ability to place but I’m sure there are some responsibility more
Anything worth having is worth fighting for. Despite the inevitable challenges, there is no greater satisfaction than overcoming ever obstacle and sharing your gift with the masses. You may lose a few battles, but once you follow the right strategy and form the most beneficial alliances you will defeat the beast and win the war. Battle on!
into other hands may be PRICELESS.
optimize your writing to enhance your unique style and suit your intended audience. You may have to try a few editors before you find the perfect fit so keep an open mind and be receptive to constructive criticism. Ultimately, you want an editor who challenges you to produce the best writing possible, not someone who appeases your ego to keep your business.
I can’t help but think of Lord of the Rings and the need for the elves, humans, hobbits, and wizards to form alliances in order to win the battle(s). The same is true for writers; they must form alliances in order to be successful at publishing their work. Furthermore, outsourcing services can prove quite beneficial for the budget. Not every team is the same, but here are a few Cover artist: A great warriors you may want cover artist can be the on your side. key to more interest and sales of your book. Editor: It is imperative to If the potential reader is have someone else read intrigued by the cover, your work before he/she is more inclined publishing. As a writer, to read what’s inside. If you you have a particular know what you mean to design in mind, it is say in your writing, but it helpful to send it to the isn’t always as clear to artist as a guide. It may the reader. A good also be helpful to send editor will help you a short snippet from
the book as inspiration. Some artists will request these things, but if not, I encourage you to be proactive. It can’t hurt to share your vision. Literary Agent: Literary agents are helpful with marketing. They are able to help you promote your book through various events and media streams. They can also help you hone in on your intended audience.
Content The Author's Apprentice An Article
By Trisha Ratliff
Writing has been misrepresented time and time again. When we think of authors, we think of people sitting in their studies, typing away at the next great novel. Most people think that writing is just writing a lot of people think author’s just put words on paper and then send it off to their editor where it magically becomes a novel. False. In reality writers draft their novels, edit them, and if all goes well, they publish them, but that’s when the real work begins.
by the constant work that needs to be done. Luckily, there is someone that can help. When we hear of author assistants or publicists we think of New York Times bestselling authors. Some might even envision, Karen Robards while others wonder, “How can an assistant help me?” I recently sat down with an author's assistant to ask her a few questions.
1. How long have you Promoting a book takes been an author's just as much energy, if not assistant? more, than actually writing I have been a Personal it. Meeting with readers, Authors Assistant for a signing books, and having little over 2 years now. a good online presence are huge parts of 2. How did you get promoting for your novels. started as an author's Unfortunately not all assistant? authors know how taxing I started by reading and this is or how easy it is to reviewing books as well become overwhelmed as assisting
with promotions. 3. Did you have any prior experience in the field of publishing and promoting? No, not really, just a love and passion for books.. 4. How did you get your first client? I read and reviewed all her books, our personalities clicked, and away we went. 5. What are your duties? I promote on Facebook or other pages at my clients request. I assist with running the author/fan pages and/or groups, book reviews. I also assist with author take overs/events. I handle giveaways
and almost anything else I am capable of.
8. Can you tell me about easy. But know that if what your job is like? you continue to push you will make it. The 6. How do you It consists of posting to so author world needs market yourself to many groups a day. I stop those who can help. possible clients? by the fan/author pages to One voice is not as A lot is word of mouth. I ensure there are updated loud as many. We are also pass out my posts. I also find reviewers, the ones who help in business cards, go to contact blog groups, and the backlight break events and post my sign-up for take overs. I through those locked Info where allowed. I help mail swag and gifts to doors. also have a day job, so winners, betas, and I personally only take readers alike. Never give up, never on what I know I can sell yourself short. handle. I do plan to I love this work because I Definitely know your take on more clients don’t get the pleasure of worth. I know what I and lower the amount meeting new people in can personally do. I of outside work. addition to helping authors am honest with myself and the like push through and those I work for. 7. How do you barriers. The feeling I get in That helps a lot. balance your job and seeing them succeed is Finally, love your your personal life? beautiful. Knowing I was work. It's not always easy; I just a part of that makes do a lot in my spare me happy. time or when my family is doing other things. I 9. Do you have any try to time things advice for people hoping around their activities. to break into author It can be quite assistance? challenging, but they It's not easy. Nothing worth know it’s work. fighting for is meant to be
A Collaboration Article By Nicole A Schmidt, Jenna Elizabeth Johnson and Trisha Ratliff
By now you may have realized the theme for this issue of Reader’s Life: FANTASY! Check out what our Staff Editor Nicole A Schmidt, our Editor In Chief Trisha Ratliff and one of our featured writers, Jenna Elizabeth Johnson had to say about the fantasy genre. 1.Who is your favorite fantasy author and why? Jenna: At this time in my life, I'm going to have to go with Ilona Andrews. They are a husband wife team writing mostly in the genre of urban fantasy. I think I like them best because their characters are so endearing love them all, in different
ways, even the villains have their charm. I also love how complex their world is and how they have blended so many fantasy aspects with the real world. 2. What’s your favorite fantasy book currently? Jenna: Ack, that's a tough one. I will have to go with Sarah J. Maas' Court of Mist and Fury. I know Court of Wings and Ruin is the latest in the series, but the second book, Mist and Fury, is the one that really drives home the character depth. We really get to
know one of the characters in this one we thought was a villain and the building of the relationship between the hero and heroine in this book is what really makes it stick to the heartstrings. Trisha: Currently my favorite fantasy book is Cinder by Marissa Meyer. I love the how she takes traditional stories and makes them much more modern. This book is the first in her series and it features a cyborg version of Cinderella
that is working as a mechanic. It is a drastic change from the original children's story. 3. What is your favorite memory from when you were growing up that involves the fantasy genre? Trisha: I would say one of my favorite memories from growing up is from when I was about 6. I watched The Labyrinth starring David Bowie for the very first time. My sister’s (now husband) was always a huge movie buff and brought over his copy. I remember all of us sitting aroundthe living room and watching as David Bowie sang “Magic Dance.� .
That was my first real memory of the genre Nicole: The only fantasy "story" I vaguely remember is The Never Ending Story. I don't remember the characters' names, the plot, or any details - I just remember the large, talking dog giving the adolescent hero advice. I vaguely remember it being a coming-of-age type story. Jenna: Maybe not my favorite, but one of my oldest memories and one I look fondly upon ... When I was growing up, we had VHS tapes (I'm a product of the 80's) and video rental
stores were still a thing. There was a small store in my hometown we would visit and my sister and I would always rent He-Man and She-Ra whenever we visited the store. We loved those movies and watched them again and again. 4. Why do you think the fantasy genre appeals to so many people? Nicole: I think people enjoy the ability to escape to other worlds. They like idea of magic, adventure, and danger. Fantasy has elements of justice that reality doesn't allow for such as vengeance and murder. It also allows for passion and romance that usually transcends that of the real world. Finally,
nature is explored in creative and descriptive detail‌ 5. What are some of the benefits of the fantasy genre? Nicole: The benefit of fantasy is that it stretches the imagination. Children are so overwhelmed with information and facts that they no longer get to dream. Not sure it would be classified as fantasy, but one of the greatest bedtime stories of all time is Where The Wild Things Are...I don't know if many children these days know the joy of that story. Those seemingly scary, but whimsical characters were such a joy to get to know‌
Jenna: Some of the benefits of the fantasy genre, with regards to writing in that genre, is that we have all kinds of freedom to explore new worlds and new beings and new ideas. World building is one of my favorite parts of writing in this genre and I love the feeling of discovering and creating new places to visit and figuring out how things work in this world. 6. Do you prefer to read books from the fantasy genre or watch movies and shows from the genre. and why? Jenna: I'm going to say I prefer to read books. Unfortunately, too few movies and shows really get it right or they keep recycling the same
ideas and stories over and over again with little focus on the characters and more focus on the wow aspect of the special effects. There are so many good books out there it's a shame more movies and shows aren't explored and developed. Nicole: I prefer watching movies because they are easier to follow. Fantasy books tend to be sensory overload for me, while fantasy movies intrigue me. I saw all three Lord of the Rings at the movie theater. The first time was purely a whim; it was the only movie playing when we got to the theater. When the movie ended
with Frodo and his friends skipping through the fields, the audience became irate. We demanded that they fix the movie immediately. Luckily there was one true fan in the audience who informed the rest of us posers that the movie was a trilogy. Disappointed, but accepting, we left the theater, realizing as we crossed the parking lot, that the movie was three plus hours long. For the next two years, Lord of the Rings and dinner was my brother's birthday gift to me. I’ve tried to watch a few others, but nothing compares.
7. Why do you like the genre? Jenna: I guess for the same reasons I listed above. I love reading and learning about other authors' new and unique takes on the same elements that so many have written about before. No matter how many fantasy books are written, writers are always able to come up with new ways to spin the story or draw out characters we come to love. I love the imagination it takes to bring such impossible worlds and realms to life. Trisha: I’ve always loved the genre both to read and write in because the Fantasy realm remains for the most part completely untouched by the real
world, the possibilities are limitless. Truly in the genre anything can happen. Anything from Superheros to aliens to fairies and dragons. Even within the genre is many subgenres that the author can choose from and that really gives the author freedom to create any type of world they choose. Now that you’ve gotten our take on fantasy, we’d love to hear yours. Share your thoughts about fantasy on our Twitter, or Facebook.