Saturday, December 27, 2014

Spoilers ahead! Deleted scenes from The Unknown Elf

 

As promised, I would like to share with you
two deleted scenes from The Unknown Elf.

These scenes are my Christmas present to all my readers. Perhaps, someday, I will refine them, or write more around them, creating some short stories in this "world" that I have created. Until then, please enjoy.


This scene comes before the tour of North Pole City, 

which happens near the end of Chapter Four.


(This one gives you more of an insight into Dena's, Marie's and Clarence's characters. Not sure why I didn't include it in with the full manuscript as it's a fun little bit. But, like all good stories, some things do hit the cutting room floor. I think I didn't include this scene because I wasn't entirely sure how to make it fit with what was already there.This scene is between Dena and Marie)


"Um, Dena?" Marie hesitated.

"What is it, Marie? You can ask me anything about anything, or anyone for that matter, here or anywhere. I'll always be there if you need someone to talk to, even if it is in the middle of the night and the cows are all screaming for Chinese food," Dena promised.

Marie smiled at the thought of cows screaming for anything let alone Chinese. "Thanks. You’re such a nice person. There is just one thing that puzzles me. I was just wondering why your office is decorated in such a weird way."

"Oh that," Dena interrupted. "I like to have a little bit of chaos, and a bit of order in my life. You know, half one color, half another color. It shows my double personality. Most people find it unnerving. Clarence is one of them. He's always edgy around my place. I wouldn’t be surprised if it were the colors I chose. He is all order and no nonsense, or fun. It’s also why I pretend to be a little ditsy sometimes," she explained. “It makes him mad.”

“Dark green and bright pink wouldn’t exactly be my choice of colors either,” Marie said. “It doesn’t exactly fit in with any of the current fads in decor, if you know what I mean.”

Dena laughed. “No, I don’t think it would, especially not with yellow chairs! To tell you the truth, the desk was originally yellow but I couldn’t stand it so I started to paint it green but ran out of paint. Pink was the only color I had left so that’s what I used. I liked the effect it had on people so much that I just left it as is.”

“Okay,” Marie replied with hesitation. “A very odd reason to keep it like that, but what ever floats your goat, I mean boat.”

“Marie, you don’t have to be so serious all of the time,” Dena said. “Life has much more to offer than that. Can you at least try to enjoy yourself today? It’s not like anyone here is out to hurt you.”

“I can try,” Marie conceded, “but on only one condition.” Dena glanced at her curiously. “Tell me how long you’ve known Clarence and if he’s always like this.”

Dena tried to collect her thoughts. She almost tripped going up the stairs. “Well, I've known him since we were both little tykes. Back then he was actually quite the prankster. Quite notorious actually, but he never got caught. I’m sure his other friends thought that that was incredibly unfair. Then something happened and he changed.

"I wasn’t there when it happened. Sandra was though. You can ask either one of them if you have a mind. I don’t feel at liberty to say anything about it. But yeah, something in him did change. He stopped pulling his pranks, became more serious.” She paused at the top of the stairs. “You know, I think I liked him better as the prankster.” She grinned.


Interview with Santa


(I hadn't quite made up my mind which "interview" with Santa this was going to go with, though it's possible that this scene was originally meant to go with the interview in the library when Marie discovers the journal. I really like this scene, though, because it tells everyone what the real meaning of Christmas is, from a non-religious view, but still holding in that religious point as well. And, to be honest, this is the epitome of what Christmas means to me. These scene is between Marie and Santa.)

"I hope that you don’t mind when I ask you about what you think Christmas means. Many elves have their own ideas about the holiday. I think that most have a similar idea, but what do you think?" Santa looked directly into her hazel eyes.

“I . . . Um, I . . . don't know. I've never had to think about that before. I guess they do." She tried to clear away her flusterlyness. Her eyes showed her confusion. What does this have to do with anything?

"I'm not necessarily a religious man, Marie, but I do have my own ideas about the season. Many people, especially big companies, see this time of year as a time to get huge amounts of money from their costumers. 'Santa' is merely an excuse to buy more toys and games." He snorted at his words.

"Most people don't see the part that is giving. They only think me, me, me. Get, get, get. Mine, mine, mine. So selfish are they. It makes me want to hide my face and cry.

"Christmas isn't necessarily just about the receiving. It's also about the giving, and people forget about that part or they just don't care. Christmas is a time to spend with family and friends. It is a time to show your love for each other in ways you normally wouldn't.

"I am who I am because there are a few out there who actually believe in the true spirit of Christmas. It is they who keep the real spirit alive. I give because I love everyone on this Earth. Most people don't see that. Most people don’t believe.

"Marie, don't let anyone make you forget what Christmas means to you. It is as important as any religion. If you lose your beliefs you lose your love. It has to be a year-round thing. Do you understand?”

She shook her head, trying to sort out everything that he had said. It made sense, but it pushed what she believed, or didn’t yet believe. “I don’t know what I believe about Christmas. I had never given it much thought at all.”

He smiled understandingly. “It’s not easy, living away from everything that you have ever known. Believe it or not, there are actually quite a few elves and humans who don’t know for themselves either. It takes time.” He got up from his chair and came around to stand by her. His large hand fell on her shoulder.

I’m not an angel, Santa. I’m nowhere near to being an angel. I've done things and seen things that don’t exactly leave me feeling very proud. I really don’t even know why you let me stay here.


And, as an added bonus, here's another scene that I left out and didn't share with any of the other bloggers doing my blog tour. 

 

(I cut this scene out because I didn't want to detract from the rest of the story. This was supposed to come at the end, when Marie is telling everyone about her past. I decided to cut it and changed the ending for something else that I think works better. I think this section felt too wordy for me and I didn't want to go through the trouble of changing it to a flashback since it would be going over some of the things we'd already gone over earlier. But, for those who were wondering what happened before and after Marie was shot off the roof in the preface, here is her explanation. Obviously some things have changed since she knows how to use her abilities, and some of the events of the escape changed as well. In this scene, Marie is speaking primarily to Clarence, though Dena, Rachel, and Santa are there as well. I think Dovan was supposedly shipped out at this point. I like the ending I put in the book better.)


"I spent a lot of time in there, reevaluating myself. I wasn’t who I thought I was. Everything my parents had ever said, everything I had ever known deep down came pelting my mind. I knew exactly what he planned on using me for, some sideshow freak, but there was nothing I could do. I didn’t know how to use my abilities and when I tried to use them nothing happened.

"Maybe it was because I was watched like a bug under a magnifying glass, until Dovan decided that there was no way to escape. I wouldn’t do anything for him even if it meant not using my gifts to get away. I inhibited myself. Even when it seemed like he had stopped watching me I knew he was still there.

"I’m not sure if my lack of cooperation made him flip or what but it soon became apparent that he had lost his sanity. On the very rare occasions when he’d come to gloat over me he would get a wild look in his eye and mutter to himself.

"One day, I overheard him talking to himself about his childhood and how he would get even. I had no idea who or what he was talking about. I only know that it had something to do with Christmas. He decided that if he couldn’t get to his victim I would serve instead but he had to have everything done in just the right times.

"I learned a fear that I had never felt before and hope that no other has to feel. It was like every turn presented death or worse. I was starving in both body and spirit, fearing for my life. I knew that if I did not get out soon I would die so I explored my prison.

"I found a place near the pipes where the wall was decaying. I suppose the continual contact of rancid water had weakened it. The cement was brittle. I knew this was the only way I could get out so I started digging, using the only tools I had, my hands and fingernails.

"The work went slowly but I finally broke through the thick wall, leaving a tiny hole. My hands were scabbed-over pulp for my troubles but somehow I managed to enlarge the hole, bit by bit.

"I always prayed that the pipes would hide the defect from my uncle. I don’t know if he ever did see the hole or not. He was insane enough to not notice, or so I hoped.

"The night after I had made the whole big enough to squeeze through I made my escape. My hole led to a corridor. From there, it was easy to find the stairs. I had to pass my uncle’s door, but he was too busy plotting his revenge.

"I was almost outside when I heard his footsteps behind me. I turned to face him. I smelt alcohol on his breath. In his hand was a .35 caliber pistol. I bolted. I knew he was out for blood and that nothing would stop him from getting it.

"He tried to block my path, giving me only a set of stairs that led to the roof for escape. I took them three at a time, trying to outdistance him. The stairs led to a hallway with a window at one end. It was the only way I had to get on the roof.

"I ran as fast as I could on the loose gravel that I found out there. I only stopped to save myself from falling over the edge. The building was taller than I had thought. It was over fifty feet to the ground and I was afraid of heights. I heard the sharp report of gunfire as I turned around. The bullet hit me in the chest, pushing me over the edge. He didn’t come after me and I do not remember landing.

"When I came to I found that I was far from the warehouse. Someone had found me and saved my life. I don’t know who it was but I’m sure that I will meet up with him or her again. When I do I will thank them for saving my life. Soon after that I took to roaming. I didn't care where I went as long as I didn’t see him again.

"Somehow I made my way to a deserted white ocean of snow, somewhere near Canada. I was crawling by then and my soul was freezing in the cold. I collapsed and couldn't move because my strength and hope was gone. I guess I was carried on the wind's wings because then next thing I knew I was on an icy plain where there had been trees before.

"I called for help as long as I could, until my voice ran dry. I gave up any hope and started to drift away. The ghosts of the plains carried me toward their realm. The next thing I knew I was looking into the most wonderful face I had ever seen. I thought I was dead. It was my mother.

"She only stayed for what seemed a little while, holding me in her arms. It was so peaceful there that I fell into a dreamless sleep. I don't know how much time passed after that. When I woke I was here, staring into the eyes of someone who at first looked like the monster I had escaped from. It was the happiest moment of my life finding out that you weren’t who I thought you were.”

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

A question of a query

Hey all.  I'm working on getting my next query letter ready for sending out and have two different blurbs I'm considering sending along with it, so if you could give me your input, it would be greatly appreciated.

Blurb One:


What if everything you thought was true is a lie?

When Kas accidentally stumbles on a gateway to another dimension, her entire life is turned upside down. Transported to a place called the Waymeet of Worlds, she discovers that there is more to who she is than she'd ever thought possible.

When visions of the past and future collide, Kas has to decide whom she can trust. The mysterious man called Milord. The green-clad Christoph. Or the Voice she's heard all her life. Some wish to help her achieve her true destiny. Others want her soul.

But when everything is not what it seems, who can you trust?


Blurb Two: 

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.


Blurb Three:

Kas thought she was a normal teenager, with all the normal teenage problems. Minus the Voice thing. Most teenagers don't have a voice talking in their heads. But all that changes when she accidentally discovers a gateway to another dimension.

Trapped in a place called the Waymeet of Worlds, Kas learns that everything she thought was real is a lie. From the disembodied man who rules the Waymeet, to a hoard of hooded men who want her soul, Kas must question everything she thought she knew, or risk losing herself entirely. When visions of the past and future collide, Kas has to decide whom she can trust. The invisible man called Milord? The voice she's heard all her life? The family who lied to her about who she really is? Or the even more mysterious Christoph?

Please vote in the comments section.

Monday, December 22, 2014

As promised, links to my books

Greetings all!

I hope you are all enjoying my blog tour, as hosted by the lovely ladies at Loving The Book! They are doing such a fantastic job.

Now, as I promised, here are the links to my book, the e-version, which should be 2.99 across the board for the duration of my tour. Barnes and Noble seems a bit slow on the uptake, but that's life.

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/486042

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Elf-Karlie-Lucas-ebook/dp/B00NX6FRRY/

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-unknown-elf-karlie-lucas/1120613735?ean=9781502367266


Also, I am now on Microcerpt. You can find my profile at http://www.microcerpt.com/karlielucas so check it out and share with others.

In other news:

I'm still working on my dragon trilogy. Book two is coming along nicely... Wonder how book three will go. I'm only now getting inklings of what might happen. I'm sure there will be at least one dragon death.... Then, of course, comes the fantastic process of editing. I'll give you some snippets once I get book two finished... though it's all really like one giant book.

Oh yes, and I"m getting ready to send Kas out. I should post a few snippets of that for you to consider as well. But next time. Well, next year in January. The next post will have some deleted scenes from The Unknown Elf. So please look forward to it!

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Upcoming and so forth

First and foremost, in case I'm not on over the next week or three... Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year, Happy Kwanzaa.... and any other holidays that are/have occurred this month!

Now for a few upcoming things.

My book, The Unknown Elf, will be having it's blog tour starting December 21 on facebook. So, please help support my book! I would like to thank the ladies at Loving The Book Launch for hosting this for me!

Second..... I did offer some awesome incentives to try and get more exposure with my facebook page... Well, it doesn't look like it's going too well.... But, in honor of the book tour, starting December 21, the ebook price of my book on Kindle and Nook, and all others that Smashwords incorporates, will be reduced to 2.99, but only during the blog tour. I'll try to post links to those various pages/websites by Monday.

Also, Little known, but there are two "deleted scenes" from The Unknown Elf that I would like to share with everyone on or around December 27th.

And... I think that's about it for now.

Merry Christmas!  Happy Holidays! And I hope you all go out and get a copy of my book and enjoy it! Spread the love!

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Announcement regarding The Unknown Elf

Greetings all!

Thank you to all who requested copies of my book, The Unknown Elf, for the Goodreads giveaway! I wish I could give away a copy to each and every one of you, but that's totally not in the budget. However, I am willing to make a compromise.

I know there are many out there who prefer the good ol' fashioned paperback in their hands, as opposed to a digital copy, but I do what I can. As such, If I can get 200 page likes on my facebook author page by December 20th, I will reduce the price of the ebook version to $2.99 instead of $3.99, but only for a limited amount of time.

If my facebook page reaches 250 likes, I will raffle off two signed copies of the paperback version, plus the discount.

But, if I get more than 300 likes, I will raffle of five signed copies AND reduce the price of the ebook version.

So, spread the word!

Details of any raffles, etc, will be given when/if mentioned goals are reached.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Just a few announcements

Greetings all! 


I hope you've all had a chance to enter to win a signed copy of my book on Goodreads. If not, you should!

Also, if you haven't had a chance to "like" my page on facebook, check it out!

A few other tidbits of holiday cheer for you, the lovely ladies at Loving The Book are hosting a Christmas Book Blitz that is coming up soon, and my book will be featured on day four. So please check that out too.

And don't forget that my book's blog tour is coming up as well! That will be happening December 21 -29, taking a break on the 24th and 25th. Don't miss the possibility of prizes!  

Feel free to share these events with your friends!

And just in case you need a refresher, here's my book cover.


Now, for something not associated with 

The Unknown Elf.

 

I am working on getting my next novel ready for publication. But, this time around, I"m going to try for the traditional route. I'll definitely let you all know how that's going.  I've hinted at it before. This one is called Kas.

I'd like to share a few snippets with you, just to get things fired up and, hopefully, get you excited for this fantastic book!

Written in first person, here's the first two paragraphs of the story.


I rolled over, aiming to hit the snooze button on my alarm clock. The insistent sound jarred my brain awake. But instead of finding the button, I felt myself falling, falling in slow motion. Part of me wanted to scream, but a far stronger part of my mind wouldn’t let me. I was too stubborn for that, but it didn’t take long before I felt myself hit the ground. It was a shorter span of time than my half-conscious mind thought possible. And with the thump of wood against my back, my eyes opened.
The light was muted, trapped from completely entering the room I was in. I groaned, wondering if I’d somehow managed to fall out of bed. Again. It was something that seemed to happen more recently, preceded by the dream of falling. But I was not in my bed and I definitely was not at my college apartment. This was home. I had been sleeping on the couch in the family room and the oven timer was going off in the kitchen, a room separated from me by a half height wall.
And one more snippet, just for fun. This one is from Chapter Two, after Kas has run off, trying to avoid the Voice that warned her not to go to the mountains.


I felt a cold splotch of water touch my arm. I unscrewed my fists from my eyes and looked up. The clouds had moved, were still moving, closing in and growing darker. I stood up and a sudden wave of intense dizziness filled me. It had to be vertigo or some other instability caused by having my eyes pressed so tightly shut. Either way, I turned and grasped at the rock for dear life. It felt like my body was trying to tear itself apart from the inside out.
Thunder cracked overhead and I closed my eyes again, keeping them shut with all my might, willing my body to stay in one piece. I felt like I was on one of those old merry-go-rounds they used to have at the parks. Of course, that was before they decided they were too dangerous and took them out. I was spinning, spinning out of control. And then everything suddenly lurched.
I told you, silly girl. I told you.
I felt the ground falling out from under me, first the rock, then the soil. I didn’t know if anything else was falling. I was too afraid to open my eyes. Everything felt like it was crumbling under me. Everything. I fell for who knows how long, definitely much longer than I had this morning. Much longer than I had in my recent dreams. I began to wonder if I’d fall into forever.  And then… Thud!
Interested in hearing more? Leave a comment!