Bellanok Archives | Page 3 of 3

Life and Updates

By Ralene Burke • February 29, 2016 Personal, Writing

Happy 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 . . .

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.
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.)
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.
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: An Urgent Quest is Here!

By Ralene Burke • December 28, 2015 Book Reviews and More

I know, I know . . . it’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally here. The next installment of Bellanok is now on Amazon. The same characters you enjoyed in The Reluctant Savior, but with a whole new set of obstacles and dangers on the island of Bellanok.

Here’s the blurb for Bellanok: An Urgent Quest:

Brian made it to Bellanok alive, but he’s not sure he’ll get out that way. From the time he arrives, things are not as he expected. The demon’s influence is everywhere. And then there’s the drums that only he can hear.

Fauna brought Brian back like she was told, but now what is she supposed to do? Bellanok is succumbing to evil, her link to Father is severed, and she fears she’s set everyone up for failure. A recurring vision may turn out to be the first clue as to the next step.

I’m really excited to share An Urgent Quest with all of you. Enjoy!

If you haven’t read the first installment, The Reluctant Savior, you can also check it out on Amazon.

If you haven’t already, sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss each installment as they come out. There’s 3 more to come! You’ll also enjoy writing tips, story insiders, encouragement, and other fun stuff in your Inbox a couple of times a week.

What are YOU reading in the last week of 2015?

December 2015 Goals

By Ralene Burke • December 4, 2015 Goals

So, we’re going to pretend that I didn’t make goals for November. Everyone okay with that? Seriously, though, it was another rough month for me. A lot of things kind of converging at the same time across the board, mostly because of illness pushing stuff back . . . again.

I didn’t accomplish any of my goals for November, but I did manage to make a little progress with my health. Yay for progress! (You know I like to keep things positive!)

Now we’re into December–the last month of the year! Can you believe it? I’m still kind of like, “It’s already 2015? Where did 2014 go?” Yes, I’m a bit behind the times, it seems. But I’m ready for Christmas as it is my favorite time of the year.

Anyway, here are my goals for December 2015:

1. Finish Bellanok: An Urgent Quest and prepare it for release. I plan to finish my edits in the next 10 days or so, and then get it off to my proofreader/formatter. While she’s got it, I’ll be making social media images and posts, organizing the release, and all that fun stuff. Yay!

2. Finish the next 2 parts of Bellanok, about 40,000 words working at 2,000 words/weekday, plus a little extra during my full work day on Saturdays. This goal is a little lofty. I don’t see being able to pull off something short of a NaNoWriMo during a busy holiday month, but it gives me a target to reach for.

3. My health is still one of my main concerns, and something God has really been convicting me about lately. So, once again, meal planning and prep is my baby step toward better health this month.

Being that December is a holiday month, I’m not going to commit to anything more than that. I want to be able to enjoy this month with family and friends and celebrate the real reason for the season.

What are YOUR goals for December?

Bellanok is Free!

By Ralene Burke • November 30, 2015 Book Reviews and More

In honor of Cyber Monday, Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior is FREE today and tomorrow (Nov. 30-Dec. 1). If you haven’t got your copy yet, now’s the time!

Currently, it is still only available on Amazon, but don’t let that hold you back. Remember, you can always get the Kindle app for your phone, your tablet, your computer . . .

Now, I know many of you were expecting the release of Bellanok: An Urgent Quest sometime today or over the last weekend. However, due to many things going wrong at the same time, I was unable to get the novella done in time. So . . . be on the lookout in December for the new release date. I’ll let y’all know as soon as I do!

In the meantime, get your copy of Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior if you haven’t already. And let’s enjoy some reading this week!

What else are you reading?

Bellanok Part 2 Cover Reveal!

By Ralene Burke • November 13, 2015 Book Reviews and More, Writing

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!

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!**

Tea with Me: Of Bellanok’s Origins and Characters from OUAT

By Ralene Burke • November 6, 2015 Tea with Me

It’s been awhile since I’ve blogged regularly. I’m excited that one of my goals is to get back into it as I so enjoy sharing with you all. So, I’m glad you’ve taken time from your busy schedule to join me for another spot of tea.

There are several questions that I get asked over and over again. So, I thought, in addition to the ones I specifically get asked on my Facebook page, I’ll try to answer at least one of those on my “Tea with Me” posts.

Where did you get the idea for Bellanok?

Like most writers, a lot of my story ideas are inspired by things I see, hear, read, etc. In fact, we writers sometimes have the oddest of muses. (You can read about some of mine on a post I did for AC Williams’ blog.)

Bellanok, though, came out of no where. I don’t remember doing anything particular at that moment, besides praying. The title came to me first. And the more I let it roll over my tongue, the more this picture came into my mind. A beautiful island with all the legends and myths began to take shape.

When I started writing the story, I knew little about it except that a demon found a way onto the island and started changing the creatures that lived there. So, of course, the ultimate goal would have to be for someone to defeat said demon. But who? How?

Well, I won’t go into too much detail–you’ll just have to read the book! Yes, I know, not fair.

Adrienne: Who is your favorite character from Once Upon a Time?

Oh, that’s easy: Snow White. Or Emma. Or Henry. Or Hook. Arg–maybe not so easy.

Seriously, Snow White is my favorite. I love her inner strength and willingness to fight for love and for her family, and the way she believes in the best of people. I relate to her the most because so much of the advice she gets from family and friends–and even those who are neither, like the Evil Queen–is stuff that I have heard much of my life as well.

Thanks, Adrienne. And thank you all for joining me today! I hope you learned a little something about me and I’ll see you around here again. (Sign up for my newsletter!) And, hey, if you have a question you’d like me to answer, leave it in the comments below or e-mail it to me through the contact form in the tabs above.

**Who is YOUR favorite character from Once Upon a Time?**

Bellanok is Finally Here!

By Ralene Burke • October 16, 2015 Book Reviews and More, Tea with Me

Today is the day, my friends!

The day all my dreams (since I was a little girl) come true. There is a book out there with MY name on it. Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior is on Amazon!

Thank You

And there are some many people out there to thank. First, and most important, praise be to the my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, without whom none of this would even be possible.

Next to my family who has always been so supportive. I can’t count the number of times my husband herded the kids so I could squeeze in some writing time. Or the number of times my mom had to listen to me whine/cry/complain over the phone. No matter what, though, they never let me think I couldn’t do it.

God has blessed me with the most amazing community of writer friends. I’ve had some encouraging and discerning critique partners over the years. Most recently, I’ve had 3 women who have gone above and beyond for me and with me, and they deserve some recognition. Please give your virtual applause to Morgan L. Busse (my current critique partner), J.L. Mbewe (cover designer for Bellanok), and Rebecca P. Minor (Director for Realm Makers and a great friend). Thank you, ladies, for all you have done.

More on Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior

A friend of mine asked me to describe my book in one sentence, using the hashtag #ReadThisBookBecause, and here was my response:

#ReadThisBookBecause it’s not everyday a unicorn becomes a nightmare.

That’s just a teeny insight into the world of Bellanok. If that’s not enough to convince you to read it, visit the Amazon page to find out more! I also made a home for the book on my website.

Look for Part 2, Bellanok: The Quest for the Sword, coming around Thanksgiving.

Facebook Party

Don’t forget! If you’d like to learn more about me or Bellanok, I’ll be a special guest at J.L. Mbewe’s Facebook party TOMORROW NIGHT! There’s going to be all kinds of prizes, discussions, and other fun stuff.

More Books!

After you purchase my book (you know you want to!), don’t forget to check out these two books, also out today:

A Time to Speak by Nadine Brandes

AND

Embers by Ronie Kendig

Happy reading this weekend!

The Week of Bellanok . . . and Two More Books!

By Ralene Burke • October 12, 2015 Book Reviews and More

Release week is finally here. I am so thrilled . . . oh, man, you just do not even know. There’s also a good measure of fear and uncertainty, as there always is whenever we put ourselves out there in a way that makes us vulnerable. But this story is something God put on my heart, so at least I know my Audience of One approves.

This week, I am also working hurriedly on Part 2, hoping to have that done soon so that I can release that sometime around Thanksgiving. Oh, yes, that soon. The plan is to release each of the 5-part serial once a month.

If you have not yet signed up for my newsletter, I highly encourage you to do so. Be the FIRST to know any of the upcoming news about releases and such, as well as fun and encouragement delivered to your Inbox on a regular basis.

So, Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior releases on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015.

It will only be available in e-book format for Kindle. If you do not have a Kindle, I am sure you are aware by now that Amazon has Kindle apps available for your computer, tablets, and phones. Download it to day so you’re ready!

If you have yet to see or hear what Bellanok is about, here’s a little blurb:

Bellanok is a haven for myths and legends . . . until evil discovers a way in. Now the fairy queen, Fauna, must journey from the island realm to the modern world to find the man the Creator appointed to save their kingdom. A man she has been dreaming of her whole life.

Brian is a down-on-his-luck pastor on the verge of giving up on God. He’s tired and frustrated–a failure. No sooner does he make a decision that jeopardizes his career than an unusual blonde woman shows up and tries to convince him he is some kind of savior.

Fauna must open Brian’s eyes to a different reality, and Brian needs to embrace the haven’s secrets. If neither of them succeeds, Bellanok will succumb to evil and the world will lose all trace of innocence.

On Saturday, October 17, I’ll be a guest at J.L. Mbewe’s anniverary party on Facebook. Not only will you get to chat with me and learn more about who I am and what Bellanok is all about, but you’ll also get to know 2 of my best friends and favorite writers, J.L. Mbewe and Morgan Busse.

And Two More Novels

While I am super excited about my own novellette releasing, there are 2 other books I am excited about, so I thought I would share them with you.

The first title is the second book in Nadine Brandes’ Out of Time series, called A Time to Speak. This dystopian tales continues to follow a young woman named Parvin and her journey to change her world. I am about halfway through the first book, A Time to Die, and am loving it. I highly recommend it for YA and adult readers alike.

The second book is Embers by Ronie Kendig, the first novel in her Abiassa’s Fire series. This is Ronie’s first foray into the realm of fantasy writing. Her books up until now have fallen under her well-known tagline, Rapid-Fire Fiction, and have been more suspense/romantic suspense. I’ve enjoyed all the books I’ve read from her. If she applies the same tactics in Embers, suspense with a twist of fantasy, I’m sure this novel is going to be a hit!

So, now you have THREE books to enjoy this weekend. How will you ever choose?

Who said anything about choosing?

Support literacy in America and buy all 3! Not that I’m biased or anything.

Which stories sound the most interesting to you? What do you think of the awesome covers?

MY Cover Reveal: Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior

By Ralene Burke • September 4, 2015 Book Reviews and More

So, the time has come at last. My agent, Julie, and I have been working hard to polish Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior, the first part of the 5-book mini-series, and make it shine. I’m very excited to share it with you all in October. I know it’s a long wait, though, so I thought I’d at least share a little something with you today.

How about a book cover?

Kirk DouPonce, a titan in the cover design world, let me interview him a couple of months ago for the Realm Makers blog about the importance of book cover design. It’s a great post!

I love book covers, and it’s definitely one area I am very picky about. Luckily, I have a fabulous friend who is great at cover design. You can check out more of what Jennette does at Master Design Solutions, where she works with her husband on anything from website design to book covers.

Anyway, back to Bellanok. Here’s a little blurb about the book, in case you haven’t heard about it yet.

Bellanok is a haven for myths and legends . . . until evil discovers a way in. Now the fairy queen, Fauna, must journey from the island to the modern world to find the man the Creator appointed to save their world. A man she has been dreaming of her whole life.

Brian is a down-on-his-luck pastor on the verge of giving up on God. He’s tired, frustrated, and feeling like a failure. No sooner does he make a decision that jeopardizes his career than an unusual blonde woman shows up and tries to convince him he is some kind of savior.

Now that I’ve given you a taste of what’s to come, here’s the real treat. Without further ado, I present Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior book cover!

Tag Archives: Bellanok

Life and Updates

Bellanok: An Urgent Quest is Here!

What are YOU reading in the last week of 2015?