Spring Cleaning Writer Tag Challenge

Hello, bookish friends! Today I'm coming to you with the Spring Cleaning Writer Tag Challenge! And I'm super excited about it. ^_^ (*whispers*: I've been wanting to give an update on my writing and this made for the perfect chance.)

I was tagged by the lovely Deborah O'Carroll, who is the creator of this tag. (Awesome job, by the way, Deborah!) Thank you, my dear! <3

Alright. Without further ado, let's get onto the tag!

The Rules:

• Link back to the person who tagged you
• Share the picture
• Answer the questions (naturally…) or even pick and choose which ones you answer
• Tag 3 other writers and inform them that you tagged them (via comment/message/email or hey, even carrier-pigeon or smoke signal; I’m not picky)

The Questions:

1. Dust-bunnies and Plot-bunnies: Reorganize Your Writing Goals (Or Make New Ones)

Writing update! Yay! *cheers* *ahem* So ... *cheering fades away* I have not been a good little author. Or even a good little writer. As an "author", I have not used the best marketing tip, which is to publish another book. As a writer, I have not been writing every day. Eek. Not even close. Almost all of last year was just a bad writing year for me.

However, I did make some writing goals this year, at least pertaining to blogging. I'm going to post at least once a week on this blog and every Tuesday and Saturday on Lady Grace. I've been doing well with that.

Not so much with novel-writing. *sad face* But at least I've been writing something. And I'm learning sometimes writers just have to take breaks and put their WIP aside for awhile (maybe even months upon months).

That all being said, I want to rise up to the challenge and make goals pertaining to novel writing, as this tag asks. I've been feeling my storytelling-self awakening at long last, so I want to get back into writing.

The good news, I wrote some on a story last week! *all the happiness* It was a lovely feeling.

The bad news, I've been taking on perhaps a little more than I can handle when it comes to writing/reading/studying/bookish stuff. I'm part of two Bible studies, which I really want to be invested in. I have two blogs to maintain. I have review books and book launches. Booktube. And I don't even know what all else. Just a lot of writing stuff. So ... *feels a tad overwhelmed when thinking of adding writing epic fantasy worlds to the list*

Perhaps I shall write up a schedule. (I think I actually thrive on those, even though I cringe at the thought of them.) Schedule in working on novels! For now I'm going to try to work on my story at least once every week. #newwritinggoal Perhaps the Sundays when I don't have Bible study. Which would be this coming Sunday ... keep me accountable, fellow writers! *winks*

(Okay. I think I over-answered that question. Oops. Onto the next!)

2. Which Stage Are You At? Expound!

a. Remodeling layouts (planning the story)

b. Painting the walls in colorful hues (writing)

c. Polishing the windows and scrubbing the floors and putting flowers in vases (editing)

d. Blueprints (not to the cleaning or remodeling yet … just drawing up plans for the very beginning inklings of a story)

e. Some combination of those things (cleaning out a closet)

Alrighty. I believe I would be somewhere between A. and B. Well, mostly B. – writing! But also a little bit of A.—planning the story—because I don't exactly have everything figured out. I'm currently working on Diamond's Quest, the sequel to Silver Rose. I started writing it a few years ago and got about 50 pages in on Microsoft Word before I realized it just wasn't working. I ended up changing the main character and basically starting all over. Then I tweaked it again. And again. So I think I finally have it to where I can really start writing, but I have notes and scenes all over the place that I need to get into order ...

I'm also a little bit at C.—editing—because Silver Rose is *still* in the editing stage! I'm looking into getting a professional opinion. And I have been reading through it here and there, doing some more of my own editing. I really, really hope that I can start the publishing process this year. Get it published, at last, late this year or next year!

I could also say D. – inklings of a story. For I have been vaguely plotting out and dreaming up scenes from book three in my fantasy series. (Which happens to be about Ivory, for those of you who've read Silver Rose.)

So basically, all of the above? hehe #writerproblems 

3. Treasure From the Back of the Closet (Share one to three snippets you love!)

So the first two snippets are from a random story I started awhile ago. I just unearthed it today and felt a yearning within to continue writing it! (Wait, Shantelle, I thought you were working on your Silver Rose trilogy?? *facepalm*)

The third snippet is from the recent work I've done on Diamond's Quest.

I'm not sure if this is good writing, folks, but it makes me happy. Being with my characters. Feeling their feelings. Going on their adventures. <3

3.5. Bonus: Do Some Actual Spring Cleaning of Your Writer Self! (and share a picture!)

I'm an organized person. I love organizing when I start it. I thrive on organization. *laughs* Plus I dislike having a lot of stuff and/or clutter. So I generally keep my writing space and bookish documents on my laptop pretty neat. Every few months I probably go through stuff and clean and organize and rearrange and get rid of things and all that. *grins*

My writing space ... well ... I don't exactly have one. Sometimes I write at the dining room table, on my laptop. Or a notebook. Most times I'm probably in my bedroom. Here's a picture ...

I Tag:

LaKaysha @ Calico and Lace

Hannah @ My Bookcase and I

Liv @ Liv K. Fisher ~ Living & Breathing Words

***

So there's that! Once again, thank you so much for tagging me, Deborah! It was good to get the push to dust off the novelist deep down inside. ^_^

Comment and let me know what you all think!

Blessings, dear readers!

Some Updates

Hello, dear friends. I know I haven't mentioned Silver Rose in a long while ... and there's a reason for that. Being, I haven't worked on it in a long time. In fact, I don't feel like much of a writer right now, and that's causing me no small amount of anxiety and distress.

My summer was much busier than anticipated, and I had things come up in my life that I wasn't expecting. Thus, I've had neither the emotional or maybe even physical energy to work on editing/reading through Silver Rose. And I don't believe I'll be publishing it this year as planned. *sad face*

I might want to have it go through a professional editor. Or I may just have some more trusted writer/reader friends read it, and then call it good. I don't know. But at this point, it's on hold.

I've been struggling a lot with anxiety. And lots of emotional stuff. I've had to put things aside and really focus on life and family right now. I'm devoting more time to prayer (which helps with my anxiety). I'm helping with homeschooling and housekeeping. I've had doctor appointments and started new diet and exercise plans.

I hope I can start writing a little bit here and there again, but for now Silver Rose, at least, is on hold. I'm sorry to anybody out there who might actually still want to read it.

I'm realizing I need to take time to be still and have quiet and pray and sing and just breathe.

I like to color in adult coloring books. And also listen/sing along to worship and inspirational songs.

Here are some songs that I'm loving:

Holy Spirit cover by Carrollton

Shelter by Carrollton

I Have This Hope by Tenth Avenue North

The Struggle by Tenth Avenue North

Time to Be Well by Jenny Simmons

Be My Healer by Jenny Simmons

Hills and Valleys by Tauren Wells

O'Lord by Lauren Daigle

In Christ Alone cover by Anthem Lights

Good, Good Father cover by Anthem Lights

You're Not Alone by Owl City

I did a quick photo shoot with my sister the other day. Here are just a couple ... my new author pic and some fun/silly ones. *smiles*

I love my babies *laughs*

... And hugging my little sister, whom I love. Okay, I love ALL my siblings - she's just the one who I happen to get pictures with. *grins*

I'm currently reading Many Sparrows by Lori Benton, The Road to Becoming by Jenny Simmons, Descriptions and Prescriptions by Michael R. Emlet, and A Lifelong Love by Gary Thomas.

I've been cooking/baking more, which I enjoy! It gives me a feeling of satisfaction, too. *smiles* Here are a few recipes I've made:

Taco Soup

One Pan Healthy Italian Sausage and Veggies

Asian Quinoa Meatballs

The Best Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

Creamy Apple Cinnamon Smoothie

Skinny Shake

Two-Ingredient Banana Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bites

Baking // cooking // doing wash // teach history and spelling lessons // cleaning // snuggles with little bro // work out // reading // Bible studies // hanging out with friends // doctor visits // laughing with siblings // Facebook messages with dear friend // phone calls // shopping with mom // babysitting jobs // random trips to town for Chick-fil-A and book shopping // excitement over uncle getting engaged // talking to a cute little boy at Goodwill // long and peaceful prayer walks // dancing in the rain // breathing in the fall air ...

Life is good - despite the struggles. And God is faithful. When I speak truth over myself and realize I can trust Him, I feel oh so secure and loved.

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!"

1 John 3:1

Alright. That's all for now. How's life, my friends?

Summer Reading List + Doings

Hi all! I'm sorry my posting schedule has been rather sporadic ... I don't even really have an excuse for it. Just, life is full of commotion and busyness and plans and ... and ... I find myself kind of distracted from blogging, both physically and emotionally.

Anyway, I decided today I could sit down and write before doing a History lesson with my younger siblings, checking the laundry, continuing on with Silver Rose's read-through/editing, and maybe getting in a chapter or two of my Bethany House review book, Wings of the Wind by Connilyn Cossette.

(isn't this cover gorgeous??)

• READING

So, without further ado, my summer reading list!

Summer Reading List 2017

• Wings of the Wind by Connilyn Cossette
• First Date by Krista McGee
• Girl Defined by Kristen Clark & Bethany Baird
• Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
• Life After: Huntress by Julie Hall
• Illusionary by Desiree Williams
• Bread of Angels by Tessa Afshar
• Grounded Hearts by Jeanne M. Dickson
• The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep
• Close to You by Kara Isaac
• Waking Rose by Regina Doman

So there it is! This is just a tentative list, and I have no idea if I'll get to them all this summer, but I definitely will get to some.

* Wings of the Wind *, as I mentioned above, is a review book I signed up for through Bethany House Blogger Review Program. Need to get that read and reviewed this month.

* First Date * is a used book I found for $0.81 on Amazon and bought with an Amazon gift card I won! I should be receiving it in the mail today and might start it, because it sounds like an easy, entertaining read.

* Girl Defined * will be a re-read this summer. It's a Christian Living, with questions to go along with each chapter, so I'm planning to do it as a Bible study with two of my younger sisters. Yay for studies about Biblical womanhood! We might start today.

* Edenbrooke * will also be a re-read for me. I read this humorous, sweet, Regency romance in 2013 and have been wanting to read it again! So when my sister, friend, and I decided to start a Summer Book Club, I eagerly recommended this book. I think it will be perfect and can't wait to start reading!

* Life After: Huntress * is a book I won in a giveaway, along with a $10 Amazon gift card and $5 Starbucks gift card! Yay! I don't know much about this book, but it sounds like some sort of fantasy, and I've been itching to pick it up!

* Illusionary * is another giveaway win! It's fantasy/realm-travel, and rather a short-ish book. So I'm hoping I can get to it some fair summer day. ^_^

* Bread of Angels * is a review book I signed up for with Tyndale Blog Network. So excited to get it in the mail and review it (for the month of June, I believe?)

* Grounded Hearts * is a review book from Litfuse Publicity. I'm to review this one on my blog in July. I believe it's a debut novel, and set during the WWII era. I'm really excited to give it a try!

* The Captive Heart * I found for really cheap on Amazon ($3.42) and used my gift card. I love the Revolutionary War era, so couldn't pass this one up. I'm so excited about it, and think I will find time for it this summer!

* Close to You * I also found on Amazon for cheap ($4.58)! I've been wanting to read by Kara Isaac, because her books sound so fun, unique, and perhaps even relatable! Contemporary YA romance with main characters who love "The Hobbit" and "The Chronicles of Narnia". YES. ^_^ 

* Waking Rose * I found for $1.84 on Amazon. (Go, Amazon!) In case I run out of books to read this summer, or just need something familiar and suspenseful and fairy tale and absolutely delightful, I have this beauty on hand to re-read!

***

Have you read any of the books on my summer reading list? If so, tell me what you thought of them!

• WRITING/EDITING

Well, I've started my first read-through of my fantasy novel, Silver Rose. Keeping track of my progress on Goodreads. I've heard back from four of my second round of beta readers, went through their edits and suggestions, and then uploaded the shiny new version of Silver Rose to my Kindle Fire.

So now I'm reading it and editing as I go. It's pretty exciting! And I must say, I'm even enjoying the story! ^_^ Reading your story on a Kindle instead of a Microsoft Word page on your laptop makes all the difference!

I can't say when publication will be, but hopefully soon! I'm still waiting to hear back from three beta readers and I'm very interested to hear what their opinion of the story is.

• BOOKTUBE

I just uploaded a new video! My April Wrap Up and April/beginning of May BOOK HAUL! *all the heart eyes*

I won't be doing new videos regularly, because it's too hard to find quiet time to film every week. But I still hope to do wrap ups, book hauls, and occasional book tags and fun stuff.

• WATCHING

I've been watching some episodes of Leverage here and there. They are quite humorous. The characters are like, perfection. They make me laugh a lot, which is good. ^_^ (Note: There is some language and questionable comments now and then.)

Also, hoping to start the TV series, Anne with an E, soon! It comes on Netflix tomorrow, the 12th! (I have a month of Netflix). I loved the old Anne of Green Gables movies, so looking forward to a fresh take! <3

And, my mom and younger siblings have been watching episodes of one of Pastor Matt Chandler's series, called "To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain". It's about pursuing God with passion. Knowing Him. Loving Him. Realizing He is everything. I've watched/listened to some of them, and they are so good. I highly recommend! Matt Chandler is an awesome speaker, a relatable guy, humorous, and just has zeal for the Lord and His truth! I love it! <3

(This is the promo for the series. I recommend looking up the episodes! I think there are twelve.)

• OTHER LIFE

Um, I'm excited for summer! A busy time is coming up for my family ... we're going to be moving into a new house! But first we have to do some renovating, so lots of work ahead! Hopefully then I'll be able to get a bookshelf and have all my books shipped here! ^_^ But it's okay. I'm learning to live without all my books. They aren't, by any means(!), the important things in my life - though they are special to me. *smiles*

Ready to live one day at a time, relying on God's strength and truth and love. <3 He is faithful.

How are you, my friend?

Questions, Questions ...

     So, this post is largely a shout-out to all my lovely beta readers of Silver Rose. If you've sent me your feedback, (which many of you have), thank you sooo much! I really appreciate you volunteering to take on this project, and taking the time to go through it and edit & critique. Many thanks! ^_^

     To those who haven't gotten back to me yet. The end of this month is the deadline. If you aren't able to make that, just let me know! You can email me at: swordmaidenofthelight@gmail.com. If beta reading Silver Rose ended up being just too much for your schedule, just tell me, and I'll take you off the list! :) I would just like to know, so that I can began working on Silver Rose again as soon as I've heard back from everyone who's going to give me feedback anytime soon! :D Thanks!!

     Also, author and readers alike, I have a question. So my goal is to make Silver Rose my next published book. And it's supposed to have a sequel (will probably end up being a trilogy); however, I just haven't had any luck after writing the first 40/50 pages of Diamond Dark. No inspiration. No love for this story. 

     Instead, I'm hugely inspired to work on this random dystopian story that I started some time ago. I'm a few chapters in, and have all sorts of ideas.

     Would it be awful to publish a book, then instead of publishing it's sequel next, release a random stand-alone (or worse yet, random first book to a whole new trilogy)?? I'm just trying to think of the future here! :p Anyway, would love to hear your thoughts on that!

     Bookish news here: I'm part of a launch team for Nadine Brandes's coming release, A Time to Speak. (I recently reviewed the first book in the series, A Time to Die, in case you missed that.) So I will be having some posts concerning that in the near future! Book review for A Time to Speak. Talking about why I recommend this dystopian series. Author interview with Nadine Brandes ... Fun stuff like that! So keep on the look-out! :D

    Will also be helping with a cover reveal soon here. And spotlighting another book.

     Writerly Stuff. A Dream Not Imagined now has 25 ratings on Goodreads!! And 15 on Amazon! Wahoo! :D It's doing fairly well, I feel. If you would like to help me vote it up on Goodreads, here's a link to the lists it's featured on so far: 

http://www.goodreads.com/list/book/25618214

     And as always, I'm eager for more reviews! :) :)

     What has the month of September looked like for you? What fantastic books have you read? ^_^

Silver Rose ABC: Golden Shore

Well, decided I should get back to my Silver Rose ABCs today! *smiles* If you haven't read my previous posts for A, B, C, D, E,  and F; do check them out and get some hints on what my fantasy novel will be like!

Today we are on G. G for Golden Shore. This is a land of my fantasy world. I don't want to give much away, but here's some pictures I've found on Pixabay.com that make me think of Golden Shore.

I tried to find pictures of medieval castles, rushing waterfalls, and craggy cliffs ... but I just couldn't find ones that quite fit!

To pique your interest further, go to my Silver Rose board on Pinterest! There's many more pictures there; and some of a certain lovely family from Golden Shore: Alexander, Nenette, Breanne, Majesta, and Mariette! *smiles*

Now lastly ... some snippets from Silver Rose, yay! *grins*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A castle stood on a swell in the land, imposing and grim. Through the gathering gloom, it was barely discernable; the black flags high atop the gleaming towers waving silently in the night—as if warning all on-lookers.

All was silent; a sense of impending doom heavy in the air. Even the night creatures hesitated warily on the edges of the forest, as though evil lurked too close for their comfort.

Then, a blood-curdling scream rent the stillness.

Inside the castle, a book thumped to the stone floor. Three men, in various black garbs, stared at the golden-haired girl before them. An older woman swooned. A passel of maids clutched at each other anxiously.

The young woman, encased in a hideous green gown, ripped the black, lace veil from her blonde curls with another fierce cry. Whirling, she kicked off her jewel-encrusted slippers and fled down the first dark passageway she came upon.

The blackness screamed silently in her wake.

© Copyright Silver Rose by Shantelle Mary Hannu

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“No need to fear,” he said, cradling her head as a protective instinct swelled within him. “You’re safe. I need to bring you to a place you’ll be found.” For a moment, he stood still, holding the unconscious woman in his arms. A haunting feeling gripped his heart. Who is she? Then he swung astride Renon and, gripping the girl, urged his horse into a gallop.

They rode nearer to the castle. The forest thinned, and they entered a patch of land blooming with little, sweetheart flowers and pink sugarberry trees. A tantalizingly sweet smell filled the air from the blossoms.

He swung off Renon, holding the woman close, and walked over to a gentle swell of a hill. He laid her down carefully, then took a step back, his mind whirling as he stared at her.

She was very still, as if sensing him watching her.

© Copyright Silver Rose by Shantelle Mary Hannu

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What do you think? ^_^

Beta Readers Update + Some Book Cover!

     So I now have fourteen beta readers/potential beta readers for Silver Rose. Whew! I'm overwhelmed and excited by the response!! I certainly didn't expect to get that many!! :D

     That brings me onto another thing. While I'd really love for you all to beta-read my book . . . is there like a "proper" number of beta readers one should have??

     For those of you who emailed me: Would any of you rather advance read Silver Rose down the road instead of beta-reading? If you aren't experienced at beta-reading, maybe you'd just want to wait for advanced reader . . .  where you just read and worry about nothing else! -Except writing a review! :)

     And how soon could you finished a 190,000+ word (700-800 pg.) book?

     Well, anyway . . . I wouldn't mind having fourteen people look over my book, as long as no one advises me against it! :)

Now for some new book covers I've come across!! :)