The Voice

The world of writing is a fascinating one. I don't truly believe we ever stop learning in life and that is very true when it comes to writing. Even our own writing has lessons to teach if we only take the time to listen to them. For example, Born of Blood, my debut novel coming out on March 23, was loaded with lessons which I assume is true for all authors when they publish their first story. When it came time to write my second novel I started with the idea of continuing the story but to also focus on another aspect of my writing. For the sequel I focused more on opening up the characters to the readers. Allowing the reader to see inside the hearts and minds of my characters was a great exercise in added depth to their development. I believe I achieved that and the story was made better by building on that element. As I wait to hear back from Muse on my sequel and while I put the finishing touches on Born of Blood I am writing my third novel. Again, I always want to deliver the best story I can develop but I also turned my attention to a different aspect of writing. This time I'm attempting to express more emotion through all the senses, not just what the eyes see.

Why do this? Why attempt to change your writing style? You should find your style and stick to it right? I don't see this as changing my writing style but rather polishing it. The goal is to deliver an experience that harnesses the senses, emotions, thoughts and settings in such a way that the reader is totally ensnared in the story itself. In order to do that we, as authors, must identify the weaknesses in our writing and improve it. I can tell you, being a new author, I have a few weaknesses to work on.I know, it hits our pride to think that our writing may be weak in some aspect or another but it is the truth and it is something we should identify. The challenge is also fun to the author as well. It helps to keep things fresh when pushing the limits of our skills.

I suppose you could blame Stephen King for my writing practices. I was listening to one of his interviews and he pointed out something that really stuck with me. To this day he pushes himself to write something better than the last even if the books are of a different genre. He explores topics that may not scare the masses but will scare an age group or targeted audience. Dreamcatchers is the example he gave. To many, when they go to the bathroom it is no big deal but, as he said, when you get older and your body changes there are things you have to pay attention to. Seeing something your not supposed to see in the toilet is one of those things. I know, that might be a gross example but you get the idea of what he is talking about. For me pushing my writing skill is focusing on different aspects of writing. For Stephen King it is taking a real fear, like finding signs of possible health problems when you go to the bathroom, and building upon it to develop a story full of frightening imagination.

Here is the truly fascinating part about all of this. It relates to my earlier question - You should find your style and stick to it right? This is correct, once we find our style we run with it. The beauty of it is this; the style of our writing or voice does not change as we sharpen and polish our skills. I noticed this while writing my third novel, there are telling signs and innuendos that declare the story as mine. Think of it as a recording of your voice. You record your voice and play it back, it sounds rough but it's still your voice. You go through and clean it up so it sounds better, still your voice. Finally you go through and fine tune it so it sounds crystal clear. You polished and sharpened the recording until it was as perfect as you could get it but it is still your voice.

We, as authors, explore many aspects of writing and writing topics. We should, that's what keeps the blood flowing. Readers however, see the finished product. They aren't able to get behind the scenes and see where we pushed ourselves. That doesn't change the overall goal of delivering the ultimate reading experience.

Unheard Cries - A Review

Title: Unheard Cries – A Marriage Horror
Author: Joyce Mitchell
ISBN: 978-1-456305-901
Genre: Non-Fiction Inspirational
Pages: 210
Reviewed By: Brian Knight
Official Premium Promotional Services Rating:


The silver lining shines brightest when outlining the darkest cloud.

Love is a beautiful thing. The innocence of high school love is the stuff of romance. When high school sweethearts bond and marry everyone is thrilled and excited. But, sadly to say, many of these marriages of high school sweethearts go awry…many switch from bliss to nightmare. Even in situations like this there is hope; a hope that transcends our understanding at times but still there. In ‘Unheard Cries – A Marriage Horror’ we see, first hand, the violence of a bad marriage and the rise of hope from that bleak shadow.
‘Unheard Cries – A Marriage Horror,’ is the account of Emma and Aaron. Emma, the sweet girl with a mild wild side and Aaron, the black sheep of his family with a hot temper were destined for marriage as they were never apart in high school. But not everyone is thrilled about their relationship as Emma’s parents are well aware of Aaron’s temper and rebel attitude. Emma is fully aware of who Aaron is and feels that she can change him. As the years pass Aaron becomes more violent toward her and their children. Will Aaron change? What will happen to Emma and her children? What will it take to stop the horror of this dysfunctional marriage?
From the first word, Joyce Mitchell delivers a story packed full of emotion and passion. ‘Unheard Cries – A Marriage Horror’ will pull your heart strings as you relate and connect to the mistakes and triumphs of Emma and her family. Even Aaron, as he ages, is a character that will hold your attention as you hope for real change in him. With each passing page, it is virtually impossible not to feel remorse, anger, sadness, doubt, hope, and relief. The more you read the more your heart goes out to those suffering and living in situations similar to what unfolds here.

The strength of ‘Unheard Cries – A Marriage Horror’ lies in the reality of the story itself. But buried in all the horror and sadness is the fires of hope, love, and life, this is truly inspiring. I recommend ‘Unheard Cries – A Marriage Horror.’

To learn more click HERE.

500th Post!! Celebrating with Born of Blood.

This article is number 500 for The New Author. I remember when I first started this blog. I never thought I would get to 500 articles and over 30,000 visitors. This has been an amazing journey. To make it even better I have a new book excerpt to share from Born of Blood.  With that in mind, I decided to join the two together. Here is the second book excerpt from Born of Blood. Enjoy!

The rider’s head swiveled as she searched the hillside for any sign of pursuit. Wet mud flew high in the air from her horse’s hoofs as they thundered down the rutted trail. She shifted her eyes for a split second to look at the bundle snugly bound against her midsection.
“Just a little further now,” she whispered.

The cold night air whistled past her ears, but sweat continued over her brow. The barren trees reached out with their finger-like limbs, threatening to rip her off her mount. At the last second, she swerved her horse down a side path. A glimmer of light in the distance called to her, and a burst of speed brought the weary rider to a ramshackle farmhouse with a single light glowing from a lone window.

The smoke from the fire was a welcoming sign of warmth as she approached the door. A soft knock, and it cracked opened. An old woman gazed beyond the traveler’s shoulder for a moment until she stepped aside and waved her in.
“You sure you weren’t followed girl?” a gray-haired man asked from a seat in the corner next to the fire.
“Yes, I’m sure,” the rider replied as she dropped her saddlebag on the table.
The old woman shut and latched the door. “Now, Pa, leave her be. She’s been on a long ride.”
“Well, if’n she was followed, it will be for naught.”
“I said I wasn’t followed.”
Pa stared at the girl for a moment and nodded before repacking his pipe with tobacco. “Then move over here to the fire and warm your bones.” He indicated the hearth.

Elizabeth stood close to it and absorbed the warmth into her stiff fingers. As she warmed, she removed her hat, scarf, and cloak, but the bundled blanket remained against her midsection. I hope I’m doing the right thing. She turned to the old couple.
“I know this is a burden on you. There are some supplies in the saddlebag. It’s not much, but it will last a few days.”
“That witch has done enough horror in these parts, so it’s the least we can do.” Pa spat.
“Well, let’s have a look,” requested Ma.
Elizabeth detached the bundle and handed it to her. With experienced hands, she pulled back a portion of the blanket. The angelic face of a sleeping baby girl greeted her.
“Oh, isn’t she darlin’.” Ma cooed at the babe. “Come look, Pa.”
Pa moved around the table and stared at the baby.
“I’d say that’s a baby, all right.” With that, he moved back to his seat.
“Never you mind him. I know him like my own hand, and he loves this little bundle already.”
Elizabeth gave a slight smile. “I knew she would do well here, but mind the countess will never stop looking for her once she figures things out.”
“You think she will?” Ma asked.
Elizabeth bundled up for the journey back. “I’m positive,” she exclaimed as she walked out into the night.

****

The elderly couple stood in the doorway with the baby and watched as Elizabeth disappeared down the darkened path.
“Did you see what that woman did to Elizabeth’s face?” Pa asked.
“You’ve heard the sayings, Pa. Now you know some are true. She’s a brave girl, doing what she did.”
“Yes, but it might cost her more then she wants to pay.”
The baby squirmed in her blanket, and their conversation shifted to her and keeping her safe.

* * * *

Elizabeth arrived back at the castle an hour before sunrise. It would be a long day, but if all went well, it would be worth it. She corralled the horse and crept to the kitchen through the back of the stable yard. With silent steps, she climbed the stairwell, ever mindful of other servants who, to find good favor, would notify the countess. Her door swung open on oiled hinges. With growing confidence, she stepped into the comforting darkness of her room, but her hand stopped on the sconce where the torch should have been. Panic began anew as she patted along the wall, fingers trembling.
“Looking for this?” A voice startled her as the torch came to life. The old gray stone walls dulled the red and orange glow from the flame.
Elizabeth straightened as she turned to face the countess. She dropped into a deep curtsy.
“Countess, I didn’t expect you up so early.”
The countess glared at the girl before a cold, heartless grin creased her face. “Oh, this is a special day,” she replied and moved to the window to gaze over the darkened countryside.
“Why is that, my lady?”
“Before we get to that, I would like to know why you took one of my horses out so late.”
Elizabeth froze as her mind raced for an excuse.
“I…uuummm…”
“Never mind. My newest addition is nowhere to be found on the same night you go for a joy ride. Isn’t that interesting?”
Tears ran down Elizabeth’s face. “Countess, I’m deeply sorry. I…”
The countess flew over from the window and stopped just as her nose touched Elizabeth’s.
“I have no time for a sniveling little whore like you,” she yelled.
She stepped back, took a deep breath and smoothed out her dress. “Look at me. You’ve got me all in a mess. You are right about one thing…you’ll be deeply sorry.”

Born of Blood releases soon. Be sure to mark your calendars for March 23!