Saturday, January 31, 2015

Official Announcement: Release Date

I would like to make the following announcement. On April 17th, 2015, I will be releasing my next novel, Kas. It will be available as both an ebook and paperback title. Details will follows as the time gets closer, but I wanted everyone to know.


As I am working on the cover, and final edits, I can't say that what I'm about to post will be exactly as it appears in the book, but I would like to share a snippet with you. Here it is:

 

Late one afternoon, I was gathering up a handpicked bouquet of wild flowers. I felt the grasses brush against my ankles as I walked towards the opening in the trees. It had become as much a comforting thing for me as anything growing up had been. I wasn’t paying attention to what was in front of me. My feet knew the path without me having to look. But this time around, there was something there.
I stopped short, a shadow meeting me halfway through the break. The flowers slipped from my limp fingers, landing on top of each other like pick-up sticks. It was strange to think of such an image, like it belonged to a fairytale or some other story. I couldn’t take my eyes off of the path ahead of me, or, rather, the strange man who stood there.
He was tall, five or so inches taller than me, and slender but well built. He had the kind of shoulders a girl could cry on. His light reddish hair moved in the breeze in an almost mesmerizing way. But it was his eyes that held my attention. They were deep eyes, green and perfect, with little flecks of dark amber. A girl could drown in those eyes.
He wore a tunic-like shirt over dark breeches, also green. He had a cap on his head with an emerald-green feather sticking out from the side, like a hatpin. He reminded me of the pictured I’d seen back at the castle, the Robin Hood picture I noticed my first night there. The eyes were similar, but more alive.
He looked just as surprised as I felt, staring with uncertainty in my direction. Then he swept a low but graceful bow, sweeping off his cap as he did so. The long feather stirred the grasses but didn’t fall out. The next moment he was by my side, gathering my fallen flowers and handing them to me. An almost shy smile touched his lips. I took the flowers without thinking, unable to break my gaze from his face.
“Please, pardon my intrusion,” he said with a voice that ran like bells, tenor bells. “I did not expect anyone to be here.” I blinked a few times. I tried to remember how to breathe again as I turned to put the flowers between the loops of the reins, hoping they wouldn’t fall again. Part of me didn't know if I cared. He'd help me pick them up again, I was sure.
It registered in my mind that it was possible he’d known about this place long before I had. A sense of sadness washed over me, knowing that the one place where I’d felt like I belonged wasn’t really my own. I grabbed onto the edge of the saddle and closed my eyes. I turned my face toward the hardened leather and tried to will the sudden pain away. I felt unsteady on my feet.
“Are you all right?” He placed a hesitant hand on my shoulder. It was clear that he didn’t understand. How could he? “Are you… unwell?” I could feel that he was uncomfortable, or was it concern? I couldn’t tell for sure. His hand was gentle and warm.
“I’m fine,” I said and opened my eyes with a sigh, relaxing my grip on the saddle but not trusting myself enough to let go yet. My voice lashed out faster than I’d intended, even though it was nothing compared to the tone I might have used a month ago.
He removed his hand, even if it was slowly. I could tell I’d hurt him somehow and was sorry. I took a deep breath and let goof the saddle, leaning against Beauty’s flank as I turned, eyes downcast. “Forgive me,” I said. “I didn’t mean to be sharp. You just surprised me and I’m not used to having others around much.”

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Random post for a random day

Hey all.  I felt in the mood to post a random update of sorts.

So, I'm working on writing the third installment of my dragon series, when I suddenly get this really awesome dream idea for another story. My dragon characters are so jealous that they won't talk to me so... what do I do? I start working on this new story, which has no working title yet, but should prove to be quite interesting.

My dream was almost a trailer of sorts, and involves possible dystopian (not sure on that one yet), and demons, and some kind of demon-like creatures, with a slayer... I guess it's sort of like Buffy the Vampire Slayer mixed with some Japanese anime stories, with who knows what... though that doesn't even begin to describe what is going on inside my head with this. Oh, I forgot to put in the whole reference to The Dark is Rising series.... anywho...... that aside... life is interesting.

So, work is.... work, though I'm trying to get things to a point where I can focus more on writing, outside of maybe an hour a day... which would be so very nice.

In the meantime, I'm looking for means and ways to make a cover for my next publication, Kas, which I have given some snippets from in the past. I'm thinking of releasing a chapter a day, starting on the official release/launch of the story into publication. What do you think of that idea? Interesting, neh? Maybe self-defeating. We'll see. It was an idea my hubby had.

Anywho, just wanted to put in that quick word. Off I go.... to try and get some sleep, since sleep has been fleeting as of late.....

Monday, January 19, 2015

Here's a little question

I am looking to design a cover for my book, Kas, in the event that I decide to self-publish instead of going the traditional route.  I'm drawing blanks, however, as to a specific design.
Therefore, I would like to open this up to you guys for ideas. 

To help get the juices flowing, here is the "blurb" I'm using.


Most teenagers don’t have a voice talking in their heads, but that’s pretty normal for Kas. It’s been there her whole life, giving her directions, keeping her from harm. When the voice advises against the family picnic in the mountains, she’s sure there’s a reason, but convincing her mom is another matter.
While in the mountains, Kas accidentally stumbles on a gateway to another dimension. Almost immediately, her life is in peril. From a disembodied man known only as Milord and a hoard of hooded men who want her soul, she doesn’t know who to trust in this strange place where dreams become reality.
As Kas learns more about who she is and how she came to the Waymeet of Worlds, it becomes clear that someone is lying to her. But is it the voice she’s known her whole life or the new friends she finds in Milord’s castle. Choosing the wrong people to trust could cost her soul and prevent her from fulfilling her destiny.

Please post any ideas/suggestions in the comments section.

Thanks!

Thursday, January 15, 2015

More random musings

Herein shall I write that which comes to my fingers.... in other words, whatever I feel like typing for the next five minutes or so, give or take.

It has been a rather long week, and I can safely say that I will be glad when I head home from work tomorrow.  Fingers crossed, I will have several pages full of story to type up. I am working on the third book of my Tarragon series. And no, not really anyone, outside of a small handful of people have read it. Unfortunately for those who are curious, it might stay that way for at least another couple of months, but we'll see. I might change my mind.

Current projects include writing the third part of my story mentioned above (think dragons), querying out for Kas, which I've shared a bit about already, getting my voice actors to send me in their lines for our production of Fruits Basket....Totally amateur production there. Then there's lesson plans for work, news letter, calendar, high lights on the lesson plans, goals.... never ends... as I prepare to do potential parent-teacher conferences. That one depends on if the parents of any of my "primary" kids sign up for a conference, which, admittedly, I'm hoping they won't. But we'll see. They have a week or two to make up their minds.

That being said, I'm a busy little munchkin. But what have I done the last few nights after work? Watch anime with my hubby. What are we watching? Rurouni Kenshin. There's just something about Kenshin that is just awesome. And if you haven't seen the live action movie... well, it is rather bloody.... samurais and swords and guns and such. Definitely not something to show a little kid. The anime is less flashy and violent, but still for a more mature audience.

And then, The Mentalist.... For some odd reason, I really like watching crime solving/mystery type shows. You know, the whole "who dunnit" kind of deal. But when I try to write any kind of mystery of my own... well, I'm definitely not on par with the likes of Sir Arthur Canon Doyle. But, I do like to think that I write a good thriller, of sorts. If you haven't checked out my writing yet, I do suggest you give it a shot. You don't have to buy it, but I would like to challenge you to at least read the "sample chapters" that are available. You never know, you might like them. You can find them on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Karlie-Lucas/e/B00N8Z86H8/

Well, my kitty is calling to me and telling me that I've been on for closer to ten minutes. She thinks it is dinner time, and she's right. Dinner for her. Bed for me. Fun times. And enjoy reading!



Saturday, January 10, 2015

Here's a snippet for you

Hey all, thought I'd give you a snippet from one of my stories....just for the fun of it.  This is from Kas, which I hope to publish later on this year.

But first, a bit of an explanation of a place in my book.


The Waymeet of World - A convergence of time and space. It is a meeting of dimensions, alternate realities, fantasy and reality combined into one. Anything and everything you have ever dreamed or hoped for. Everything you have ever feared or despised. It is here that you learn who you are. It is here that you find your destiny. It is here that the worlds meet.  This is the Waymeet of Worlds and there are but a few ways to escape its terrible tragedies or to win over all possible doubt and failure. The power is inside you, to conquer your demons or fall by them. This is where you become who you were born to be.

 This comes from the end of Chapter Two.

A wolf called out and I hugged my wet shirt closer around me, goose bumps running around my skin.  I heard another twig snap, and the faint breath of someone behind me. My mind raced. “Don’t turn around. Just don’t turn around. Run,” it seemed to say but I hesitated. My limbs were frozen. “Run, you idiot. Run!”
The almost yelled advice woke me from my paralysis and I ran. I realized, only after I’d started into some disjointed stride of panic, that I’d been the one to yell. And not just in my mind, but out loud. I didn’t even look back to see what I was running from. Then the panic set in. The tree branches tried to grab at my clothing but couldn’t without grabbing me too. I wouldn’t let them grab me. But they didn’t seem to bother with that. I felt like they had changed their goal and were now trying to trip me. That thought alone made me run all the harder.
I heard my breath now, coming in short gasps. I didn’t know how much more my body could take. I imagined myself being chased by a pack of hungry wolves, which gave me added speed, adrenaline pumping through my veins.
The trees seemed to reach out farther and my ears fancied the sounds of voices calling. It was some strange language that sounded unnatural to my ears. And there, in the background, was the sound of wolves howling. A root lifted of its own accord and tripped me, the rocks dancing to stand in my way. I was still falling when I hit the ground.

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Beginning a New Year

Well, Happy New Year everyone. I'm not sure if it feels like it came quickly or slowly.

But, here's a quick view of my past year for you..... (the highlights that I can remember, at least)

  • I celebrated my first year anniversary with my wonderful husband.
  • A few days before that, my grandfather on my father's side passed away. I was unable to go to the funeral.
  • We moved from one city to another, same area though.
  • We adopted a kitty named Kally, who is finally cuddling with me, though sometimes at some of the most inconvenient times.
  • I published my first ebook, a short story called Dorcha Adhmad.
  • I published my first novel, The Unknown Elf.
  • I had my first blog tour.
  • I had my first launch party.
  • I got rejected by a lot of agents and publishers before deciding to go independent, at least for this story.
  • I made a few new friends.
  • I won third place at my work's gingerbread making contest.
  • I was asked to be the maid of honor for one of my good friends and coworkers.
  • Visited the Dallas Zoo for the first time.
  • Attended several anime/voice actor conventions, including being on staff for the first time.
  • Was asked to help in the nursery at church
  • Became a member of ANWA
  • Finished the rough draft for book one of my dragon series.
  • Almost finished the rough draft for book two of my dragon series.
  • Finished up another novel, Kas, which I plan on querying this year.
And those are the things I remember most. I'm sure there are a lot more, but I think I'll keep them to myself for now

Now, as is customary, people like to make a list of "resolutions" for the new year. I don't like the term, because it's usually used lightly, and most don't follow through. Though, if you think about it, the word stems from resolve, which is a determination to do something. So, in a way, it is appropriate. However, for all intents and purposes, I would rather state my "goals" to any resolutions for this new year.

In 2015, it is my goal to:

  • Publish at least one novel (preferably traditionally)
  • Become a "stay at home" mom
  • Visit outside the state, including traveling back to Utah to visit family
  • Find a diamond (if possible) by visiting the Diamond Crater park in Arkansas
  • Attend a writing convention (if at all possible)
  • Help my husband find a better job
  • Sell at least 100 copies of any of my published works, by June
  • Find a different housing option, preferably a house
  •  Eat more healthy foods, less unhealthy ones
  • Try to take more time for me (since I have a really bad habit of running around with projects to the point of making myself sick)
  • Enjoy life
  • Go see the Eiffel Tower in Paris.... Texas that is. :D
And that is what I hope to do this year. Fingers crossed I get at least half of those in, or more... And if I can get more than that, that would be great too.