Cover Reveal: Armor of Aletheia, Sacred Armor Trilogy Book 1

Y’all … it’s finally here. After years of grueling labor. Okay, it wasn’t necessarily grueling, but life did keep getting in the way and the extra time did drive me a little crazy… Ha!

The first book in my YA fantasy trilogy, Armor of Aletheia, will release on September 15, 2018!

I am so excited to share this story with the world. For readers to get to know Karina and Tristan … and Rashka and Sam. All these names, who are these people? Only time will tell. In other words, you’ll have to read the book.

But, Ralene, what is the book about? Glad you asked!

 

Back cover blurb for Armor of Aletheia:

A WORLD IN DANGER, A BETRAYED QUEEN, A
RELUCTANT HERO …

The death of her king changes Karina’s life forever. Fleeing the royal house, she
must leave her life behind to seek out the Armor of the Creator—to save the very
people who now hunt her.

Faramos, the evil warlock waiting to unleash hell, knows the Creator has already
chosen his warrior, so he sends his bounty hunter to retrieve her. After Tristan
abducts her, he witnesses Karina’s gentle nature and strong independence, and he
finds he can’t complete his assignment.

Together, they set out to retrieve the armor and defeat the hordes of creatures
sent to destroy them. But is Tristan’s heart secure as he faces certain death for
defending the queen? And will Karina have the courage to become all the Creator
intends her to be? Failure will condemn the world to eternal darkness.

 

Did ya just get a few shivers? Yeah, good stuff. But there’s still a few weeks until the book comes out. So how should I hold you over until then?

Should I giveaway a few ARCs? (Look for some fun stuff the beginning of September!)

Should I give you a sneak peak? (I think I shall be releasing the first chapter sometime soon.)

What? You want to see the cover? Pfft. Are you sure?

I mean, are you really sure?

 

Well, if you insist…

 

Without further ado…

 

(Man, this gal is really annoying, isn’t she?)

 

Ta-Da!

 

 

So…what do you think?

Are you ready for this fantasy adventure?

Bellanok: Get the WHOLE Story!

My friends and family, it’s finally here! The culmination of a couple years of work. My first complete baby–uh–book. Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior is now available as a WHOLE story.

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The Kindle version of Bellanok is $2.99 right now, but the price WILL GO UP in a week or 2. So, be sure to grab your copy now. Like right now. See this link? Or this one?

For now, Bellanok is only on Kindle. In 2 weeks, though, there will be . . . a paperback! I know, I know. Exciting stuff! There will be a physical book for me to hold, and smell, and give to others. It’s true! If you’re holding off for the paperback, sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss the news.

Thank you all for celebrating with me! And, hey, if you feel like partying a little more, join me and the rest of the Ladies of Spec for the Fall into a Speculative Adventure Facebook Party.

Who’s ready to party?

BIG News + a Party!

Friday was a good day. Now, Fridays is general are typically good days. End of the work week for most. Pay day for some. And, hey, you hear Friday and you can’t help but smile. It’s like saying BACON or COFFEE!

But why was Friday good for me?

Well . . .

I got a brand new sweatshirt that I absolutely love!

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And it arrived 30 minutes before this happened . . .

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That’s right. I signed a 3-book contract with Elk Lake Publishing. I pitched to Deb Haggerty at the Realm Makers conference this summer, sent her Aletheia in August, and now here we are! She’s taking on the whole Aletheia trilogy. Yay!

On top of that, I found a new social media client and a potential editing client.

People, God is GOOD. All the time.

He SEES our needs, and He PROVIDES. Maybe not in our timing or in the way we had thought He would, but He is still provides.

I’ve been on cloud 9 ever since signing the contract. And completely terrified. Just so you know.

 

What did I do after signing and posting on social media?

I sat at my computer, listening to YouTube videos with my gal pal, J.L. Mbewe, trading videos and jokes. We were jamming while I celebrated with a little bit of mint chip ice cream (coconut milk). Meanwhile, doing some Realm Makers planning, some surprise planning, and then rockin’ this blog post. Right now, Mandisa is beltin’ it out in Toby Mac’s “Lose My Soul.”

But I kicked it off with my title video of the year.

 

 

Now for a PARTY!

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Awhile back, my friends (Amy, Desiree, and Jennette)and I started a little group we called “Ladies of Spec,” to share our publishing journeys together. And now we’re celebrating 2 of our favorite things: FALL and BOOKS!

Join us next Thursday at 8:30 EST for a couple of hours of fun, conversation, and prizes!

Ladies of Spec Fall into a Speculative Adventure Facebook Party

 

So, what are YOU up to this weekend?

Novel News: June 2016

Another month has come and is almost gone. June was pretty much a blur for me with so much going on: my son’s birthday, Father’s Day, my anniversary, another bout of weather-related illness, and tons of fun with the kids. And here we are, ready for another Novel News update!

 

New Releases

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Acolyte by Keven Newsome

This is the 3rd book in the Winter series, a series that has been surprisingly enjoyable, packed with action, demons, and an insecure prophetess (a la Old Testament prophet-style). Keven did not disappoint in this 3rd leg of the journey. Winter struggled with her powers while trying to protect her friends and the villain’s target. I can’t wait for the final book!

 

 

 

Bellanok4Bellanok: The Paladin’s Hope 

The final novella in my Bellanok serial. It has not come out yet, but it comes out on TUESDAY, JUNE 28! That’s right. More dragons. More demons. More fantasy fun. Are you ready for the final battle? Good. Because I’m not sure Brian and Fauna are. If you haven’t caught up on their journey yet, check out My Books.

 

 

 

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The Circumnavigation of Shatterworld

by Lelia Rose Foreman

I have not read this book yet, but it is by a fellow Realmie. It looks like quite the interesting sci-fi adventure tale, though, with new earth species, storms, and monsters of all sorts.

Writing Update

Now that the Bellanok serial is done, what’s next for me?

Well, I will be compiling Bellanok into one novel that will be available both as an ebook and paperback. I hope to release that in mid-July. No exact date yet.

After that, I will be revising Aletheia, the first book in a trilogy based on the premise question, “What if the armor of God were real?” Hopefully, I’ll have that finished before I head off to Realm Makers at the end of July.

 

Other News

The Silmarillion Awards: An interesting new set of awards. Click on the link to find out more!

If you write fantasy, should you read it? Great article on the Faith & Fantasy Alliance blog.

 

It’s the start of my conference season! Today, I’m at the KY Christian Writers Conference in Elizabethtown, KY. A small, intimate conference that is so inspiring.

Next month, I head up to Villanova, PA, for the Realm Makers conference. And in August, I’ll be at the ACFW conference in Nashville. Yay!

I hope I’ll get to see some of you at one of the conferences!

 

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Do you have any big summer plans?

Writers, did you have a novel release this month?

Please feel free to share in the comments!

Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss any of the updates! Coming in July, we have more goals, more confessions, and lots of book fun!

Bellanok 4 Title & Cover Reveal!

Yes, my friends. The story is coming to an end–slowly but surely.

If you’ve been following Bellanok’s story, you know there’s going to be some kind of action-packed ending! Or is there? I guess you’ll have to find out by reading the final part of this fantasy novella serial when it comes out on

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2016!

That’s right, people! Only 11 days to go–start spreading the news. But before you do, you might want to see the new cover.

So I present to you . . .

 

Bellanok4BELLANOK: THE PALADIN’S HOPE

After the heartache of The Dragon’s Oath, Brian and Fauna try to recover their shaken faith amid the gathering storm of demons.

More and more of the inhabitants of Bellanok are being turned, and they have no way of knowing if the demon army outnumbers them yet or not. Brian and Fauna turn to the dragons for help. But it still might not be enough.

Brian and Fauna must both embrace their place in the upcoming battle or they are sure to lose it all. More than just the future of Bellanok is at stake.

 

What do you think? I love the unicorn in the mirror for the final cover. 

If you haven’t checked out the first 3 novellas in the serial, head over to MY BOOKS to get your copies so you’ll be all caught up!

Also, be sure to sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss the latest updates–like when the book finally releases!

Bellanok: The Dragon’s Oath Release!

I know, I know–y’all have been patient, but you have been waiting . . . and waiting . . . and waiting. Well, my friends, wait no more!

Bellanok: The Dragon’s Oath is finally here!

But, first, I’ll be your ready to see the new cover. Well, you voted, and I’m happy to say you went with my favorite as well. Here is the cover for the 3rd novella in the Bellanok series:

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What do you think? Beautiful, right?

Looking for a little info about this part of the story? Here’s the blurb:

The adventure continues!

Brian is in over his head as he bumbles around Bellanok, trying to learn what it means to be a paladin. Whether he’s sword training with Roman or calling down holy fire with Fauna, he just can’t seem to get anything right.

At the same time, Fauna is struggling with her inability to communicate with the Creator and what this could mean for the future of Bellanok.

Will they be prepared for what is to come? Or will Bellanok fall prey to the demons at its coast?

Now, I hope y’all will take the time to hop over and purchase Bellanok: The Dragon’s Oath as soon as you can. And, please, feel free to leave a review when you’re done to let other people know how much you enjoyed it. (Cause I know you will!)

BUY BELLANOK: THE DRAGON’S OATH HERE!

Haven’t read the first two yet? No worries. Guess what? THEY ARE BOTH FREE THIS WEEKEND! Starting tomorrow (Saturday, May 7) through Sunday night. Get ready for a journey to an island far, far away–and yet so very near.

Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior

Bellanok: An Urgent Quest

 

And if y’all wouldn’t mind sharing this post across social media, I’d appreciate it! 

Don’t miss the exciting conclusion to the story! Subscribe to my blog/newsletter and be the first to know!

Help Me Pick Bellanok 3’s Cover!

Oh, man. I’m so excited.

After a rough start to 2016, I’m finally getting back on track. That’s good for me–and you! Why you? Well, because I know y’all have been waiting . . . and waiting . . . and waiting.

Now, it’s finally time to release Bellanok: The Dragon’s Oath!

First, I need your help. My good friend and cover designer, J.L. Mbewe, did a fantastic job on some sample cover designs. They’re so great, I can’t choose!

Listed below, I have the 3 possible covers.

In the blog comments, I want you to tell me if you like A, B, or C.

If you comment by Sunday night (May 1), you’ll be entered into a giveaway. The winner will get a free e-copy of all 3 novellas!

A

Life and Updates

file0001024202589Happy Monday, everyone!

I know it’s been awhile since y’all have heard from me. Life has been, well, crazy around here the last few months. So much that I can’t even get into right now. So, I thought I’d catch you up on some stuff . . .

  1. Yes, Bellanok 3 is coming out soon. Look for more information at the end of the week. I’m going to have y’all help me with something! I’ll just say for now that Bellanok 3 will be out in March and part 4 will be out in April.
  2. I am (finally) open for editing again. If you’re looking for an editor (or getting close to being ready), check out my editing services page and shoot me an e-mail! (E-mail is basically my name at gmail.)
  3. Two of my friends are celebrating some pretty amazing stuff this month.
    1. J.L. Mbewe is celebrating her birthday hobbit style–a birthday bash on her blog with fun prizes!
    2. Zachary Totah is celebrating his one-year blogaversary with some reflection and, of course, some prizes. One of which is ebook copies of both of Bellanok novellas so far.
  4. In April, I’ll be participating in a couple of Facebook parties with other speculative fiction authors. Stay tuned for more information to come! If you haven’t signed up for my blog/newsletter, do so now so you don’t miss out on all the fun.

In other areas, my daughters both have birthdays in March. We’re throwing a joint part–a slumber party. What am I getting myself into? I just can’t believe my oldest will be turning 10! TEN!

Homeschooling is as much a joy as ever–even if we are a little behind. The kids are all loving the books we are reading this year with our Sonlight curriculum. We’re studying the first half of American history and have read books like The Sign of the Beaver, and we’re just finishing up The Witch of Blackbird Pond (one of my fave books in elementary books).

In 6 weeks, we’ll be taking the family (along with my husband’s side of the family) to Disney World! We’re very excited about it–and so are the kids.

So, that’s a little update on me. What about you guys? What’s new with you? What can we celebrate?

Bellanok Part 2 Cover Reveal!

I know you’ve been waiting for it, folks. And here it is . . .

 

Bellanok: An Urgent Quest

(Part 2 in Bellanok serial)

Brian has finally arrived on the island of Bellanok. But everything is not as Fauna, the fairy queen, had described it. As he explores his new surroundings, danger lurks around every bend in the mountains, every tree in the forest, and even in Brian’s own mind. 

Something is calling to Brian from the vast wilderness, and it won’t let him rest.

 

 

Yeah? Who’s ready to read it? Only a couple more weeks. The plan is to release the story either on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Decisions, decisions . . .

 

Now for the cover!

 

Ralene Bellanok 2 an urgent quest final cover

Again, thank you, J.L. Mbewe of Master Design Solutions. I love the cover designs she’s done for Bellanok.

 

What do you think? Are you ready for the next part?

If you haven’t read Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior, it’s only 99 cents on Amazon, or free for Kindle Unlimited. Catch up while you can!

From Beginning to End–How to Finish Your Manuscript (by Cindy Stewart)

Are You A “Newbie” Struggling to Finish Your First Manuscript? Has the bite of the perfectionist bug slowed you down? Are you tempted to quit?

I consider myself a “newbie” author of Christian fiction. My journey began a little over three years ago when I attended my first writing event – the Blue Ridge Christian Writer’s Conference near Asheville, North Carolina. I wrote my first 1000 words of fiction for a practicum workshop I attended, but I was so afraid of failure, I waited too long and missed the deadline for submitting the assignment. That turned out to be a huge blessing because I wrote the entire first page in one paragraph. When I saw my classmates’ work projected on the screen (with many paragraphs on a page), I was thankful mine would not “see the light of day,” at least not yet. The conference was a great blessing, and I returned home motivated to continue writing the story of my heart. Almost three years later I rejoiced as I wrote “The End” for my novel of 395 pages (113,000 words).

 

Why did it take three years to complete the draft of my first novel?

  • Perfectionism brought my writing to a halt
  • Unavoidable life events interfered, such as, a full-time teaching job
  • The huge learning curve for writing fiction
  • Not knowing how to mount the brick wall blocking my path at critical junctures

 

How did I overcome and reach “The End”?

Although there are many sources available for new writers today, and I’ve taken advantage of many of them, I’ve listed those that were most effective in ushering me forward as a new writer.

  • Seeking the Lord’s guidance throughout the writing process and following the promptings of the Holy Spirit
  • Joining American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) http://www.acfw.com
  • Taking online classes:

Margie Lawson Writer’s Academy – I took five classes (each class was one month long).  http://www.margielawson.com/lawson-writers-academy-courses

Writer University – I took three classes taught by Laurie Schnebly Campbell (class length varied from 10 days to one month). https://writeruniv.wordpress.com/classes

  • Paying for a 20-page critique by a published author.
  • Participating in writing contests and receiving comments/critiques:

My Book Therapy’s The Frasier Contest (first 1500 words and a 500-word synopsis)

ACFW’s First Impressions Contest (first 5 pages and a 200-word blurb)

ACFW’s Genesis Contest (first 15 pages, a one-page synopsis, and the first draft of manuscript must be complete)

Oregon Christian Writer’s Cascade Contest (first 15 pages and a one-page synopsis)

SC Writers ACFW First Five Pages Contest (first 5 pages)

  • Regularly attending at local writer group meetings
  • Reading and studying books on the craft of writing – many excellent books are available, but these encouraged me as a new writer and motivated me to press on:

James Scott Bell – 1) Plot & Structure, 2) Revision & Self-Editing, 3) Conflict & Suspense, 4) How to Write Dazzling Dialogue 

Susie Mae Warren – How to Write a Brilliant Novel 

Jill Elizabeth Nelson – Rivet Your Readers with Deep Point of View

 

What resources helped you reach “The End” of your first manuscript?

 

CindyAuthor Bio:

Cindy Stewart is a high school teacher, church pianist, and historical fiction author. She was the historical category winner for ACFW’s 2014 First Impressions writing contest, a 2014 Bronze Medalist in My Book Therapy’s Frasier contest, and tied for second place in the 2015 South Carolina ACFW First Five Pages contest. Believing that history often repeats itself, Cindy is passionate about discovering and sharing fascinating stories through writing historical inspirational fiction. She resides in North Georgia with her husband and college sweetheart of thirty-four years and has one married daughter and three adorable grandchildren. Her first novel, Abounding Hope, is set in Eastern Europe at the start of World War II.