Tomorrow is garage sale day at my sister's, but first, my daughter and I will head out to a local library celebrating Asian Culture. Use that link to go to the library branch for event details, or you can check out this article covering the festival.
Next week, I hope to see a friend of mine, Christine Taylor Butler, at a "Meet The Author" event. Christine is the author of many children's books, but most recently, "Sacred Mountain: Everest."
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Chopstick Editing
Aren't these chopsticks the coolest? Many thanks to Christina Farley. I won them from her Shopping in Korea contest. Ironically enough, I'd already decided to make stir fry the night I discovered these little guys waiting for me in the mailbox. So as I ate with them for the first of many meals, picking up each tiny piece of steak, broccoli or carrot, it occurred to me how they forced me to pay attention to details.
Where's the best place to pick up that floret? Will the beef slip if I hold it crossways (yes), how many noodles can I handle?
It also occurred to me that the whole reason my current novel took me so @#$! long to write was I edited like this, too.
I'm a Detail-oriented person with a bolded D in the largest size font imaginable. I made a habit of nitpicking through each and every draft because I kept getting entranced by individual LEAVES on the trees, when I needed to see the forest. Don't do this to yourself. Do NOT consider each word of your ms until you've gone through the thing structurally. Several times. There are a hundred tools out there to help you. I used Cheryl Klein's The Art of Detection.
Once I did that, I realized 1. I cut off probably another decade's work. 2. Made the book ten thousand times stronger. It went from 120k words to 104 and it's down from that by a few thousand now. Don't use chopsticks when you need a butcher's cleaver or even a filleting knife.
Do you chop at words, but leave pointless scenes standing? What are you working on to improve your career?
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Strongest Start Novel Competition
Over $3,300 in Prizes, Feedback, and Exposure.
Submit the first three chapters of your novel. Grand prize award of:
$500 cash.
$2,500 self-publishing solution from CreateSpace.
Feedback on every chapter you submit.
The chance to meet other authors, get motivated, and get noticed.
$100 cash awards for the following sub-categories:
Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror
Romance
Memoir and Non-fiction
Everyone who enters receives feedback, motivation, and advice.
Keep Us Reading
We know that writing a compelling start isn't easy. So, for the fourth year we've put together a motivational competition to help you hone your first three chapters to perfection (if you haven't already). We're looking for opening chapters that will create a burning need to find out what happens, how the characters turn out, how the novel resolves itself. The kind of start that gets an agent to call back, a publisher to show interest, and a reader to plunk down their hard earned money. Above all, give us three opening chapters that will keep us reading.
Submission deadline: June 8, 2010
Learn more about the Strongest Start Novel Competition
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Virginia Romance Writers Fool for Love Contest
I just received this from an historical romance writer friend. Apparently the contest has received an unusually low number of entrants this year. If your novel has a hint of romance and you've got the entry fee stuck in your couch, go for it and good luck!
Contest TImeline:
April 30, 2010 - Electronic entries must be received by midnight EST
June 20, 2010 - First-Round Finalists Notification
July 31, 2010 - Final-Round Winners Announced
Awards:
1st Place in each category - $50
Entries:
First chapter (up to 20 pages maximum) and optional synopsis (5 pages maximum). A prologue may be included with the first chapter as long as the entry does not exceed 20 pages.
ENTRIES SHOULD BE E-MAILED TO THE APPROPRIATE CATEGORY COORDINATOR:
Long Contemporary / Romantic Suspense
General Questions
Alleyne Dickens, Contest Coordinator
foolforlove2010@verizon.net
Historical
Beth Trissel
bctrissel@yahoo.com
Inspirational
Judith Kohnen
jgkwriter@verizon.ne
tParanormal
Pam Roller
paranormalpam2010@gmail.com
Short Contemporary
Judy Butler
jb24lion@verizon.net
ENTRY FEE:
Payment for electronic entries may be received either through PayPal or by check made payable to Virginia Romance Writers. Again, all payments must be received by April 30, 2010.
$20 for all current VRW members; $25 for non-members. (Entrants do not have to be members of Romance Writers of America.)
CATEGORIES AND FINAL ROUND JUDGES:
Short Contemporary - Jonathan Clements, Agent, Wheelhouse Literary Group
Long Contemporary - Katelynn Lacopo, Literary Assistant, BookEnds, LLC
Historical - Lucy Gilmour, Harlequin Editor
Paranormal/Futuristic/Fantasy/Time Travel - Amanda Barnett, Senior Editor, The Wild Rose Press
Inspirational - Elizabeth Mazer, Assistant Editor, Steeple Hill
Romantic Suspense - Keyren Gerlach, Associate Editor, Harlequin
For more information, visit www.virginiaromancewriters.com
Contest TImeline:
April 30, 2010 - Electronic entries must be received by midnight EST
June 20, 2010 - First-Round Finalists Notification
July 31, 2010 - Final-Round Winners Announced
Awards:
1st Place in each category - $50
Entries:
First chapter (up to 20 pages maximum) and optional synopsis (5 pages maximum). A prologue may be included with the first chapter as long as the entry does not exceed 20 pages.
ENTRIES SHOULD BE E-MAILED TO THE APPROPRIATE CATEGORY COORDINATOR:
Long Contemporary / Romantic Suspense
General Questions
Alleyne Dickens, Contest Coordinator
foolforlove2010@verizon.net
Historical
Beth Trissel
bctrissel@yahoo.com
Inspirational
Judith Kohnen
jgkwriter@verizon.ne
tParanormal
Pam Roller
paranormalpam2010@gmail.com
Short Contemporary
Judy Butler
jb24lion@verizon.net
ENTRY FEE:
Payment for electronic entries may be received either through PayPal or by check made payable to Virginia Romance Writers. Again, all payments must be received by April 30, 2010.
$20 for all current VRW members; $25 for non-members. (Entrants do not have to be members of Romance Writers of America.)
CATEGORIES AND FINAL ROUND JUDGES:
Short Contemporary - Jonathan Clements, Agent, Wheelhouse Literary Group
Long Contemporary - Katelynn Lacopo, Literary Assistant, BookEnds, LLC
Historical - Lucy Gilmour, Harlequin Editor
Paranormal/Futuristic/Fantasy/Time Travel - Amanda Barnett, Senior Editor, The Wild Rose Press
Inspirational - Elizabeth Mazer, Assistant Editor, Steeple Hill
Romantic Suspense - Keyren Gerlach, Associate Editor, Harlequin
For more information, visit www.virginiaromancewriters.com
Contests, Give Aways and Cool Stuff
Check out some of the contest postings! Congratulations to SarahJayne Smith. She is celebrating 150 followers with a contest. Please mention my blog when you get there, as it will enter my name, too. ;D Thanks!
Stina and Steena at are having a happy following contest. Check out the chocolate and other great prizes.
Stina and Steena at are having a happy following contest. Check out the chocolate and other great prizes.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Get Thee to Nathan Bransford's Site NOW
He's hosting another query contest. What are you waiting for?
A Great List of Books, Publishing Opportunities, etc.
Courtesy of Christina Farley, I just found the most awesome list of books for kids. Check it out.
Courtesy of my friend Christine Taylor-Butler, check out the following links:
April 29-May 9: Manuscript Critique Auction!
If you’re looking for feedback on your fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, young adult or middle grade novel, or picture book, then Hunger Mountain’s spring ebay auction is the thing for you. This is our last biannual auction—there won’t be another until next spring. So hurry to bid on manuscript critiques with literary agent Adia Wright, Jedediah Berry , Meliss Febos, Allegra Huston, David Jauss, and other poets, fiction writers, literary agents and editors. For more information, visit Hunger Moutain.
April 30: postmark deadline for Hunger Mountain Young Writer’s Prize.
If you know talented high school students who would like to enter their poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction in our new contest, let ‘em know as soon as possible! Winners receive $250 and publication! The prize is judged by National Book Award winner M.T. Anderson. The postmark deadline is only ten days away—April 30th! For full guidelines, visit this contest's prize page.
June 11-16: Stage and Screen Conference at Vermont College of Fine Arts Script writers and playwrights, here’s your change to work on your craft! There are a couple spots still open, and the deadline has been extended, but only for a limited time. Interested? Visit the link above for all the details.
June 30: postmark deadline for Howard Frank Mosher Short Fiction PrizeThe judge of this year’s Howard Frank Mosher Short Fiction Prize is Steve Almond! Winner receives $1000 and publication. Please see the link above for guidelines.
June 30: deadline for Katherine Paterson Prize for YA and Children’s Writing Enter your young adult and middle grade writing, or your writing for young children. Winner receives $1000 and publication. Runners-up in each category receive $100. This year’s judge is Holly Black, author of The Spiderwick Chronicles series. The guidelines are at the link for the contest above.
And this was so good, I had to come back and add it. It just arrived in my inbox:
Your Novel or Short Story a Movie?
In the spirit of great marketing, that is always give people a little more than you promised, here's something new: If you have a novel you think would make a good movie, check out this media release. This BooksforFilm exposure is a service of iFogo Village headed by Gene Cartwright. My novel This Is the Place is listed on the site, and I have my fingers crossed.
Courtesy of my friend Christine Taylor-Butler, check out the following links:
April 29-May 9: Manuscript Critique Auction!
If you’re looking for feedback on your fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, young adult or middle grade novel, or picture book, then Hunger Mountain’s spring ebay auction is the thing for you. This is our last biannual auction—there won’t be another until next spring. So hurry to bid on manuscript critiques with literary agent Adia Wright, Jedediah Berry , Meliss Febos, Allegra Huston, David Jauss, and other poets, fiction writers, literary agents and editors. For more information, visit Hunger Moutain.
April 30: postmark deadline for Hunger Mountain Young Writer’s Prize.
If you know talented high school students who would like to enter their poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction in our new contest, let ‘em know as soon as possible! Winners receive $250 and publication! The prize is judged by National Book Award winner M.T. Anderson. The postmark deadline is only ten days away—April 30th! For full guidelines, visit this contest's prize page.
June 11-16: Stage and Screen Conference at Vermont College of Fine Arts Script writers and playwrights, here’s your change to work on your craft! There are a couple spots still open, and the deadline has been extended, but only for a limited time. Interested? Visit the link above for all the details.
June 30: postmark deadline for Howard Frank Mosher Short Fiction PrizeThe judge of this year’s Howard Frank Mosher Short Fiction Prize is Steve Almond! Winner receives $1000 and publication. Please see the link above for guidelines.
June 30: deadline for Katherine Paterson Prize for YA and Children’s Writing Enter your young adult and middle grade writing, or your writing for young children. Winner receives $1000 and publication. Runners-up in each category receive $100. This year’s judge is Holly Black, author of The Spiderwick Chronicles series. The guidelines are at the link for the contest above.
And this was so good, I had to come back and add it. It just arrived in my inbox:
Your Novel or Short Story a Movie?
In the spirit of great marketing, that is always give people a little more than you promised, here's something new: If you have a novel you think would make a good movie, check out this media release. This BooksforFilm exposure is a service of iFogo Village headed by Gene Cartwright. My novel This Is the Place is listed on the site, and I have my fingers crossed.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Links, Links and MORE Links
Iya. It's been a week, folks, so this will be short and sweet.
Check out another interview here with author Laura Manivong about her book, "Escaping the Tiger," which I reviewed earlier this month. There are also great examples on how to use authentic cultural details to define your setting.
For some great news and contests links, take a peak at Julie Dao's blog.
Addedums: This is a wonderful list of words to search for and remove from your ms where possible. I have a longer list here. Keep in mind, no list is definitive, but they are great tools.
Thanks to Jeannie Lin for this site. Kung Fu action theatre does audio podcasts and readings. I've read my book aloud enough times, I know I should never try to do a reading for a crowd. I've got a nice voice to listen to, but I DRONE when I read. I don't sound like that in my head.... Does anyone else have that problem?
Lastly, I swear, I really do plan to get back to a more normal blogging schedule soon. Somehow everything got thrown OFF this month and I've just waded through over 200 emails. I'm still backlogged, but things have improved. I even wrote a note for my next book (joyful clapping) and a REAL blog entry. LOL.
More to come soon. :)
Check out another interview here with author Laura Manivong about her book, "Escaping the Tiger," which I reviewed earlier this month. There are also great examples on how to use authentic cultural details to define your setting.
For some great news and contests links, take a peak at Julie Dao's blog.
Addedums: This is a wonderful list of words to search for and remove from your ms where possible. I have a longer list here. Keep in mind, no list is definitive, but they are great tools.
Thanks to Jeannie Lin for this site. Kung Fu action theatre does audio podcasts and readings. I've read my book aloud enough times, I know I should never try to do a reading for a crowd. I've got a nice voice to listen to, but I DRONE when I read. I don't sound like that in my head.... Does anyone else have that problem?
Lastly, I swear, I really do plan to get back to a more normal blogging schedule soon. Somehow everything got thrown OFF this month and I've just waded through over 200 emails. I'm still backlogged, but things have improved. I even wrote a note for my next book (joyful clapping) and a REAL blog entry. LOL.
More to come soon. :)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Love Without Boundaries Auction
Hi, folks. Many of you know my husband and I adopted our daughter, hence the Holt Adoption Ad. What some of you may not know is, she has special needs. While none of her needs could be met in China with surgery, (we've corrected some things here, but many of her special needs will be life-long issues) some children DO receive life-saving procedures while living in the orphanage. The cost of these surgeries are covered by the orphanage's adoption fees and the generosity of people who love children. If you are inclined to help orphans, please select the link in the title of this post.
I'm told there are over 300 items up for auction this year. Bidding begins Thursday, April 22, at 11 a.m. EST/8 a.m. PST and will close throughout the day on Tuesday, April 27.
If, like me, you have no money right now but want to help, please post the information on your Facebook, Twitter and blog accounts.
I'm told there are over 300 items up for auction this year. Bidding begins Thursday, April 22, at 11 a.m. EST/8 a.m. PST and will close throughout the day on Tuesday, April 27.
If, like me, you have no money right now but want to help, please post the information on your Facebook, Twitter and blog accounts.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Laurel's Leaves Competition
Cool news for yours truly! Laurel and Laurel's Leaves chose my scene from "Mourn Their Courage" as her first runner up scene in her Eleventy One Contest. I'm thanking God for this and the Sandy. They've given me hope this month. As an addendum, I encourage everyone to check out all of Laurel's comments. She's got some great insights, not to mention a very gracious style.
Laurel's contest centered around a dialogue-driven instance of negotiation or persuasion. In my scene, the former Chancellor/would-be usurper uses persuasion. All comments, suggestions and critiques are welcome.
An ascetic, narrow-faced man covered with scars approached. At first, Xiongli believed he was another servant. Then he noticed the direct gaze and confident stride, so he rose and nodded his greeting to Yang Wu, Guild Master of the Brothers of Life.
Wu returned the nod, but did not bow. Xiongli smiled. Everything he'd heard of this man might be true, then.
"We can return to my office where it's warmer, my Lord," Wu said. He politely did not comment on Xiongli's guards who stood within sword range.
"Forgive my reaction to recent attacks on my person, Guild Master Yang."
"It is an overreaction, my Lord. This is a guild. We have no political goals." Wu gestured to the marble bench, and they sat side by side as if they were old friends.
Birds sang and the creek feeding the pond continued its chatter, but Xiongli clutched a dagger inside his sleeve.
"You have political ties and power," he said. The smile felt painted on his face, but he wanted to put Wu at ease. "You have a traitor amongst you, Guild Master."
Yang Wu produced a rice cake and crumbled pieces into the pond. Mustached, gasping mouths rushed to the surface. "One man does not equal the guild – Chancellor."
Xiongli's face flushed and the smile vanished. He calmed himself. If Wu wanted to attack, he would have done it by now. This man had ambitions, and Xiongli knew how to work with men like that.
"Tell me, Guild Master, has Tong Zhang written requesting money and food yet?"
"He has." Wu crumbled more of his rice cake into the waiting mouths below. "You ought to know I cannot deny a guild member his rights-"
"I do. How long have you held your office, Yang Wu?"
Wu stiffened. It was the slightest of reactions. A flick of rice cake. A tic of facial muscles. Yet the implied threat was received. Now the enticement.
"You can deny him whatever you wish," Xiongli said. "He is a traitor to the Empire and should be denied." Silence reined for a moment as Xiongli let his words sink in.
Then he turned to Wu again and allowed the painted, friendly expression to return to his face. "You and your guild would be compensated."
"A traitor to the Empire is still not a traitor to his guild, Lord Hu."
"Ah, but if he is not a traitor to his guild, then what Empire does the guild serve?"
Threat, offer and threat were made. Now Xiongli forced himself not to smile. Yang Wu crumbled the last of the rice cake between finger and thumb.
"And if I were to give Zhang his money and food," Wu raised his hand to stop Xiongli's response, "but gave you the location for those deliveries, would that be sufficient?"
Xiongli didn't answer. Let him sweat. At last, he nodded. "That is acceptable, Master Yang."
"Zhang tells me they expect their first delivery in Xien Ye, a month from now."
"Excellent. I will leave you, as I am sure you have business to attend to."
"Please excuse me for not seeing you out." Wu stood.
"Of course," Xiongli murmured.
He left Yang Wu standing beside the pond where carp swam their placid, uneventful courses amid a garden of cypress and bird song.
Laurel's contest centered around a dialogue-driven instance of negotiation or persuasion. In my scene, the former Chancellor/would-be usurper uses persuasion. All comments, suggestions and critiques are welcome.
An ascetic, narrow-faced man covered with scars approached. At first, Xiongli believed he was another servant. Then he noticed the direct gaze and confident stride, so he rose and nodded his greeting to Yang Wu, Guild Master of the Brothers of Life.
Wu returned the nod, but did not bow. Xiongli smiled. Everything he'd heard of this man might be true, then.
"We can return to my office where it's warmer, my Lord," Wu said. He politely did not comment on Xiongli's guards who stood within sword range.
"Forgive my reaction to recent attacks on my person, Guild Master Yang."
"It is an overreaction, my Lord. This is a guild. We have no political goals." Wu gestured to the marble bench, and they sat side by side as if they were old friends.
Birds sang and the creek feeding the pond continued its chatter, but Xiongli clutched a dagger inside his sleeve.
"You have political ties and power," he said. The smile felt painted on his face, but he wanted to put Wu at ease. "You have a traitor amongst you, Guild Master."
Yang Wu produced a rice cake and crumbled pieces into the pond. Mustached, gasping mouths rushed to the surface. "One man does not equal the guild – Chancellor."
Xiongli's face flushed and the smile vanished. He calmed himself. If Wu wanted to attack, he would have done it by now. This man had ambitions, and Xiongli knew how to work with men like that.
"Tell me, Guild Master, has Tong Zhang written requesting money and food yet?"
"He has." Wu crumbled more of his rice cake into the waiting mouths below. "You ought to know I cannot deny a guild member his rights-"
"I do. How long have you held your office, Yang Wu?"
Wu stiffened. It was the slightest of reactions. A flick of rice cake. A tic of facial muscles. Yet the implied threat was received. Now the enticement.
"You can deny him whatever you wish," Xiongli said. "He is a traitor to the Empire and should be denied." Silence reined for a moment as Xiongli let his words sink in.
Then he turned to Wu again and allowed the painted, friendly expression to return to his face. "You and your guild would be compensated."
"A traitor to the Empire is still not a traitor to his guild, Lord Hu."
"Ah, but if he is not a traitor to his guild, then what Empire does the guild serve?"
Threat, offer and threat were made. Now Xiongli forced himself not to smile. Yang Wu crumbled the last of the rice cake between finger and thumb.
"And if I were to give Zhang his money and food," Wu raised his hand to stop Xiongli's response, "but gave you the location for those deliveries, would that be sufficient?"
Xiongli didn't answer. Let him sweat. At last, he nodded. "That is acceptable, Master Yang."
"Zhang tells me they expect their first delivery in Xien Ye, a month from now."
"Excellent. I will leave you, as I am sure you have business to attend to."
"Please excuse me for not seeing you out." Wu stood.
"Of course," Xiongli murmured.
He left Yang Wu standing beside the pond where carp swam their placid, uneventful courses amid a garden of cypress and bird song.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Upcoming Local Event
This may interest you if you're in the Kansas City area, at least:
On May 1st, join us at the Blue Valley Library for our fifth annual fun-filled event for the entire family as we celebrate and learn more about Asian culture with music, dance, crafts, art, and food.
There will be events in celebration of the Asian culture in the morning featuring classes from the Kansas City Kendo Club, a presentation on Asian Textiles, a performance by the Nathan Indian Dance Group.
The afternoon sessions will include a class on Stories from Asia, a meeting from the Taiwanese Association of Greater Kansas City, and author Laura Manivong.
If you plan on attending, let me know! I'd love to meet you there. :)
On May 1st, join us at the Blue Valley Library for our fifth annual fun-filled event for the entire family as we celebrate and learn more about Asian culture with music, dance, crafts, art, and food.
There will be events in celebration of the Asian culture in the morning featuring classes from the Kansas City Kendo Club, a presentation on Asian Textiles, a performance by the Nathan Indian Dance Group.
The afternoon sessions will include a class on Stories from Asia, a meeting from the Taiwanese Association of Greater Kansas City, and author Laura Manivong.
If you plan on attending, let me know! I'd love to meet you there. :)
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Competition at Laurel's Leaves and Other Links
This is a neat competition. Send Laurel your persuasive scene or story - up to 700 words - and you might win a free critique of up to 15 pages of your ms. The deadline is TODAY, so move fast. I apologize if I missed posting this earlier! Good luck to all ye who enter!
And in other news, check out the publishing statistics here. It made me feel much better about my lack of short stories, at least. ;D
Addendum: Check out Nathan Bransford's talk on book pitching. The link will take you to Janet Goldstein's site where she has a recording of him posted.
And in other news, check out the publishing statistics here. It made me feel much better about my lack of short stories, at least. ;D
Addendum: Check out Nathan Bransford's talk on book pitching. The link will take you to Janet Goldstein's site where she has a recording of him posted.
Friday, April 2, 2010
The Sandy Finalists
I'm still floored about this. I got a call from the administrator of The Sandy Writing Contest last night. I'm a finalist! Woot! I have a week to get my ms polished up as best I can. Alas, as many of you know, my thumb drive with all my updated files died a week ago today. And I now have comfirmation - my drive will not return as a zombie. Which means this will likely be my last post this week. I have seven days to re-do three weeks of work. I'm REALLY sorry to do it to you. I will try to slip in stuff if I can.
My name is Victoria and I am addicted to blogging. LOL Have a great week guys, and thanks to everyone for helping me come this far!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Query Questions
I've struggled with this query letter more than I can say. Does anyone have any comments or suggestions?
Liu Jie fears losing family members more than anything, so he raises an army when his nephew, the Ron Emperor, requires protection from Yellow Turban rebels. With the help of Aiyu, an orphaned boy Jie saves, the rebels are destroyed. However, Jie does not believe they were the Emperor’s true threat. He suspects the Imperial Chancellor intends to usurp the throne.
Rather than waging war and risking the lives of thousands, Jie attacks the Chancellor during a chance meeting. The attack fails and Jie, his family and Aiyu flee, continuing their struggle to survive amidst drought and warfare.
During battle, Jie’s wife sacrifices herself to save her son and Aiyu, whose secrets cost her life. Aiyu confesses his mistakes and rather than lose yet another loved one, Jie adopts Aiyu, fulfilling their mutual desire for family. However, bitter loss continues to overshadow Jie until he must choose between the safety of his family or his Empire’s survival.
MOURN THEIR COURAGE is a 95,000-word fantasy based on Chinese folktales collectively called “The Romance of the Three Kingdoms.” Though adapted for film, comics and video game serialization, there are no modern English novelizations of this treasure. MOURN THEIR COURAGE may interest fans of Eric Flint, Cindy Pon and Guy Gavriel Kay and is similar in setting to Kay’s “Under Heaven,” due April 27th.
I have published fiction in several online publications and am a member of the Wuxia Society and The China History Forum Online, where I contribute book reviews. I am also an active book reviewer on two blogs.
Saving an orphan launches Jie on an epic journey where ghosts are guides and heroes are traitors. I invite you to experience MOURN THEIR COURAGE. Thank you for this opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you.
Liu Jie fears losing family members more than anything, so he raises an army when his nephew, the Ron Emperor, requires protection from Yellow Turban rebels. With the help of Aiyu, an orphaned boy Jie saves, the rebels are destroyed. However, Jie does not believe they were the Emperor’s true threat. He suspects the Imperial Chancellor intends to usurp the throne.
Rather than waging war and risking the lives of thousands, Jie attacks the Chancellor during a chance meeting. The attack fails and Jie, his family and Aiyu flee, continuing their struggle to survive amidst drought and warfare.
During battle, Jie’s wife sacrifices herself to save her son and Aiyu, whose secrets cost her life. Aiyu confesses his mistakes and rather than lose yet another loved one, Jie adopts Aiyu, fulfilling their mutual desire for family. However, bitter loss continues to overshadow Jie until he must choose between the safety of his family or his Empire’s survival.
MOURN THEIR COURAGE is a 95,000-word fantasy based on Chinese folktales collectively called “The Romance of the Three Kingdoms.” Though adapted for film, comics and video game serialization, there are no modern English novelizations of this treasure. MOURN THEIR COURAGE may interest fans of Eric Flint, Cindy Pon and Guy Gavriel Kay and is similar in setting to Kay’s “Under Heaven,” due April 27th.
I have published fiction in several online publications and am a member of the Wuxia Society and The China History Forum Online, where I contribute book reviews. I am also an active book reviewer on two blogs.
Saving an orphan launches Jie on an epic journey where ghosts are guides and heroes are traitors. I invite you to experience MOURN THEIR COURAGE. Thank you for this opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you.
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