Character Interview #5 - Nienna Hahluaseer

Character Interview #5 - Nienna Hahluaseer

Welcome back! If you’re wondering how to pronounce Nienna’s name, then read this: Nee-in-uh Ha-lew-ah-se-er. Did that help? I hope so. Anyway, welcome back for interview number five! Enjoy!

Nienna Hahluaseer - Elf Ranger and Deuce Clan Leader

Me - Welcome, Nienna. How are you today?

Nienna Hahluaseer - I am well. How about you, Brian?

Me - I am very good, thank you. So, tell us what it’s like to be an Elf Ranger.

NH - I would guess that it is not much different than being a human. However, we do live in giant trees that can house entire clans, and we do spend our entire lives training in the Elfin arts.

Me - Not only are you an Elf, you’re also the daughter of the former leader of the Deuce Clan.

NH - … Yes, but since my father has died, I have been preparing myself to take his place. I intend to lead my clan to the best of my ability. I will fight for the light until my very last breath. I will fight for us.

Me - I’m sure you’ll do a fantastic job. Would you mind telling us who the other half of this “us” is?

NH - He told me not to tell, so I will not.

Me - So it’s a HE, huh?

NH - I will not discuss it further.

Me - Okay, then. How was your life affected when you became a close friend of the Starcrafters, who also happen to be the rulers of Talora?

NH - My life was not affected as much as you would think. The difference is that I have… friends in high places. So to speak.

Me - I see. What are the responsibilities of a clan leader?

NH - We must ensure the safety of our clan. We assign duties and tasks to the elves. We must ensure that all tasks are fulfilled. We lead our clan into war. We represent our clans during meetings with the other clan leaders.

Me - That’s a lot of responsibility.

NH - My father taught me well.

Me - How are the other clan leaders receiving you, a female, as the new leader of the Deuce Clan?

NH - They are taking it quite well. They seem not to have much of an issue with it. Amrod is quite supportive.

Me - And who is Amrod?

NH - He was my father’s mentor before my father married into the Deuce Clan. He is like a second father to me, and since my own father’s passing, he has taken me under his wing.

Me - That must be nice to know that you always have someone who looks out for you.

NH - Indeed.

Me - So, what are you up to now?

NH - Well, the Rulers of Talora and I have just returned to our individual homes from a mission.

Me - What was the mission?

NH - Let’s just say we were retrieving something of great importance.

Me - What do you believe?

NH - I believe that Trand is the Creator of all things, He is the giver of life, love, and joy. He is the Master of the Universe, the Prince of Peace, the Everlasting One.

Me - Has your faith remained steady even after your father’s death?

NH - Mostly, yes. However, I understandably struggle with doubt. Sometimes I wonder how He could take my father from me, but then I remember that I still have a Father in Him. Also, it helps to know that my father has passed on into the eternal.

Me - That would be very comforting.

NH - Indeed. Do you have any further questions for me?

Me - Yes. One more. Where do you see yourself in ten years?

NH - That is a hard question. I’ve never really given it much thought. I suppose that I see myself leading my people to the very best of my ability. I see myself living with the man I love and raising a family, all the while destroying the Darkness that would destroy my life, but it will NOT succeed.

Me - Thank you, Nienna, for joining us today. Come again soon!

NH - Goodbye.

Tune in next time for an interview with their mentor, Jarush D’vanos!

Feel free to leave any questions you may have for Nienna in the comments below!

God bless,
Brian

"One Lovely Blog" Award

Hey, everyone! Guess what? I've been awarded ANOTHER blog award. This one is the "One Lovely Blog" Award and I've been awarded by Katelyn Shear over at The Life of a Teenage Writer and by Sarah Olson over at Sarah's Story. Thank you, Katelyn!

This award has three rules:
1. You have to thank the person who nominated you on their blog to receive your honor.
2. You have to tell seven things about yourself.
3. You have to nominate 15 blogs and then tell them of their nomination.

Thank you very much, Katelyn and Sarah!

Now, here are seven things about myself:
1. I have been playing piano for about nine years.
2. I have been playing the drums for my church for four years
3. I work at a hardware store as a "hardware associate" (but for me that's just a fancy way of saying box boy) ;)
4. I am a fast reader when I want to be.
5. I will be graduating high-school next year.
6. I love horticulture and have nurtured a hardy lily for over a year now, as well as growing a Red Horny Pumpkin from a start.
7. Last, but not least, (wow, this wasn't as hard as I thought) I have two dogs, a black lab mutt, and a white and brown spotted toy poodle; two cats, a tiger cat and a grey cat that we named Teddy because he's like a teddy bear; and a bunch of fish, gourami's, tetras, neon tetras, etc...

Fifteen blogs? Wow. I don't think I can do that many. I'll try.

Jake Buller at Teenage Writer! Congratulations!
Hazel Ann at The Radical Measure! Congratulations!
Ryan Paige Howard at Welcome to the Realm of Hearts! Congrats!
Noah Arsenault at Heavenward Reviews! Congrats!
Nichole White at The Pen and Parchment

That's all I can think of. Sorry!

God bless,
Brian

I've Got A Blog Award!

My first blog award thanks to Becki Badger over at Being Becki! Thank you, Becki! The award is the Sunshine Award.

The rules of this award are that I have to post ten things that make me happy and then pass the award on to more bloggers.

Here are my ten things:

1 - Reading (duh!)

2 - Writing (again, duh!) LOL

3 - Playing the piano

4 - Going for walks

5 - Listening to music

6 - Supporting young writers and authors

7 - Art of all forms

8 - Watching TV with my family

9 - Worshipping my Savior and King

10 - Blogging

And here are my tagged bloggers:

Katelyn Shear over at The Life of A Teenage Writer

Hazel Ann over at The Radical Measure

Allison Perdue over at Allison's Bookish Life

and Ellyn Gibbs over at Ellyn Gibbs

God bless,

Brian

Character Interview #4 - Jacob "Jake" Caleb Russell

Character Interview #4 - Jacob “Jake” Caleb Russell

Jake Russell - Starcrafter and one of four rules of Talora

Welcome back for my FOURTH interview with another one of my male main characters, Jake!

Me - Hello, Jake. We’re all very happy to have you here today

Jacob Russell - Is this going to take long?

Me - Uh… I don’t know. It could if you’re difficult. You’re not going to be difficult are you?

JR - I don’t really want to be here. The only reason I am here instead of trying to save my people is because Alicia and Hannah convinced me that it might be good to help me cool down. I can’t make any promises. I’ll answer your questions, then I’m gone.

Me - Fine then. First question: How old are you?

JR - That’s a dumb question.

Me - Just answer it.

JR - Fine. I’m eighteen going on nineteen. Happy?

Me - Very. What is one word you would use to describe yourself?

JR - I’m a doer. I like to take action and worry about the consequences later.

Me - Sometimes that’s a good thing, sometimes it’s bad.

JR - Well, that’s me.

Me - How was your life affected when you stumbled into Paragon?

JR - It was affected mostly positively, but it took me a while to open up. At first, I thought that it was all a freak show; I’d even suggested that it was a medieval reenactment or movie set, but it’s kind of hard to deny that something exists when it’s staring you down and holding a sword to your throat.

Me - Haha, that does make it hard. What was your emotional and mental and even physical (I guess) reaction to finding out that you have these… powers and that you aren’t a human, but a Starcrafter, an ancient race.

JR - I was confused.

Me - Please, explain further.

JR - Well, you know how in movies the people that are different think of themselves as freaks and they want nothing more than to be normal?

Me - Yes.

JR - Well, I didn’t know if I wanted the powers at first, but then I realized that they are what define who I am. I AM a Starcrafter. That’s what I was meant to be.

Me - Interesting. How do you think Trand - God - changed your life?

JR - At one point, He faced me with a choice. I can either jump - take a leap of faith - or I can walk away and be who I wanted.

Me - What did you choose?

JR - If I chose to walk away then I doubt I would be here talking with you today. I’d most likely be lost. Really lost.

Me - What is your weakest point?

JR - Uh… I guess it’d be that I feel like I can do things on my own and don’t need anyone’s help.

Me - What’s your strongest point?

JR - That’d have to be that I am a fighter. I don’t take things lying down.

Me - That must be really useful in your battle against Darkness.

JR - *smirks* YOU of all people should know.

Me - I do, but they *juts finger toward audience* don’t.

JR - Whatever. Anything else?

Me - Yes. What do you think would’ve happened if you’d never stumbled upon Paragon?

JR - I’d probably be dead in a ditch somewhere. OD’d on drugs.

Me - Wow. So you and David both, huh?

JR - Yes, but you knew that already.

Me - Shush. Okay, last question: Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

JR - I see myself ruling my people with an iron fist, yet a tender heart. I see myself raising a family with the love of my life.

Me - And who might that be?

JR - Sorry, I already answered the last question. *smirk*

Me - Must you be so disagreeable?

JR - Yes… I must. ;)

Me - Okay, fine. Bye! Maybe we can bring you back here for another interview when the series is done, or maybe when I get a movie deal! ;)

JR - Or not.

Tune in next time for an interview with Nienna.

Feel free to post any questions you may have for Jake in the comments below!

God bless,
Brian

Character Interview #3 - Hannah Rose Clement

Character Interview #3 - Hannah Rose Clement

Welcome back for interview number three! Today I will be interviewing Hannah.

Hannah Clement - One of four rulers of Talora

Me - Hannah! Welcome!

Hannah Clement - Thank you.

Me - How are you this fine day?

HC - I’m… okay, I guess. You?

Me - Me? I’m fine. Why are you just “okay”?

HC - I’m tired. It’s been a long week, with the bat attack and all. That and trying to find the artifacts that can save them.

Me - I see. I suppose I should get onto the questions?

HC - Yes.

Me - That wasn’t a question.

HC - I knew that. ;)

Me - Haha. Uh-huh. How old are you?

HC - I’m eighteen; the same age as the others.

Me -  What is one word you would use to describe yourself?

HC - I guess I would describe myself as… perky. Haha.

Me - Really?

HC - Yeah. I may not be showing that side of me right now - because I’m sooooo tired - but I am normally VERY perky. Also, dependable.

Me - What do you think about everything that’s happened to you these past two years?

HC - Honestly, it’s all been so amazing. I’m so grateful to have had the nails ripped out of my past and been planted in a new situation with new people and a new life.

Me - I know this next question is kind of personal, but I asked the others. They said I HAVE to ask you the same question; it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t.

HC - I understand. What is it?

ME - What is your biggest regret? Your deepest, darkest secret.

HC - Wow… That is REALLY personal…

Me - …

HC - Did Alicia and David answer that one?

Me - Yes, they did.

HC - I guess I have to then… When I was little *deep breath* my uncle would abuse me, if you catch my drift.

Me - Oh, my. I’m so sorry.

HC - *nods* Thanks.

Me - So stumbling into Paragon was really a blessing for you, then.

HC - Yes. *tears up* You’ve no idea how wonderful it is to be around people who love you and care about you.

Me - What is the hardest part about coping with the fact that you are actually human, unlike your friends.

HC - Sometimes I feel like I’m less important than they are, but lucky for me I have Trand constantly reminding me of my own destiny. Though it may be different than theirs, I have my own path that I must travel.

Me - What is your weakest point in your personality?

HC - I feel like I have to fix everything. I’m a perfectionist.

Me - What’s your strongest point?

HC - Because of what I’ve been through I’ve always been a protector, but even more than that I think that I’m a servant at heart.

Me - What do you think would have happened to you if you had never found Paragon?

HC - I probably would’ve ran away from home. In fact, I was planning on it when all of this happened.

Me - Really?

HC - Yeah.

Me - Okay. Last question. Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

HC - I see myself doing everything I can to be a servant and a protector of my people, family and friends.

Me - Thank you for enduring all of my questions.

HC - Thank you so much for having me here today.

Me - I hope that we can bring you back again sometime in the future. Bye!

Tune in next time for an exclusive interview with Jake.

Feel free to leave any questions you may have for Hannah in the comments below. She’d be delighted to answer them for you.

God bless,
Brian

Character Interview #2 - Alicia Katherine Hayes

Character Interview #2 - Alicia Katherine Hayes

Alicia Hayes - Seer

Welcome back for round two of the interviews! Today, I will be interviewing David’s twin sister Alicia.

Me - Welcome, Alicia, to Shattering the Darkness. How are you today?

Alicia Hayes - I am fine… I guess… *blinks*

Me - What’s wrong?

AH - Nothing. I’m just having a hard time coping.

Me - Coping with what, exactly?

AH - The way book two is going. I don’t know if I can do it.

Me - I know it’s hard, but you’ll be find.

AH - *nods* You had some questions you’d like for me to answer?

Me - Yes. Starting with how old are you? What’s your favorite color? What do you like to do?

AH - Whoa, slow down. Uh… I’m eighteen, I like red and black, I enjoy reading and playing sports - namely soccer.

Me - Interesting. We already know what school you went to before all of this happened, Tigard High School in Oregon. The same school as your brother.

AH - Nods. I’m not much a fan of school, though. David is more academic than I am.

Me - Interesting. How did you take all the changes that I put you through in book one: stumbling into Paragon, finding out that you aren’t even human? What was your reaction.

AH - At first, I was really scared. I just wanted to get back home, back to my mom and dad, but then the realization that this is who I am meant to be just overwhelmed me to the point where I was willing to do anything for Trand - God.

Me - Yes, in-your-face-proof tends to convince people. *wink*

AH - Haha. Yeah.

Me - How did you feel when you realized your powers?

AH - I thought it was really cool, though I felt bad for Hannah because of… Well, you know.

Me - *nods* What would you say is your biggest regret?

AH - That’s kind of a personal question, don’t you think?

Me - Yes, but this whole ordeal is set up so that the readers can get the opportunity to know you better.

AH - But do I absolutely have to answer this question?

Me - I’m not going to force you, but it would be nice. We would all appreciate it.

AH - *sighs* Fine, I’ll answer. I think that my biggest regret is that I was a jerk to my family. My mom, dad, and David.

Me - Thank you for answering the question. What would you say is your greatest fear?

AH - Losing David, Hannah, or Jake. They’re my life. They keep me going.

Me - That’s nice. What do you think is your weakest point? The part of your personality that is weaker than the others?

AH - I say things before thinking about them. I tend to not care right away what I say, until after the damage is done.

Me - Okay, what is your strongest point?

AH - I’m a defender and a protector. I’m loyal to the point of death.

Me - That’s very interesting. Where do you think you’d be if you had never stumbled into Paragon?

AH - I don’t know where I’d be. I would probably be getting lower grades in school, dating some loser who only wants one thing. All I know is that had I not came to Paragon, then my life would definitely be different… and not for the better.

Me - I see. Last question. I know this interview was shorter than David’s, but I didn’t want to seem repetitive.

AH - That’s fine. I have to get back to the expedition anyway.

Me - Okay. Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

AH - I HOPE I see myself continuing to serve my God with all of my heart, mind and soul, I see myself being a great leader among my people. I see myself utilizing my abilities to better Trand’s kingdom and destroying the darkness forever.

Me - That’s awesome! Well, thanks for joining us today.

AH - No problem.

Me - We hope to see you again soon! Bye!

Tune in next time for an interview with Alicia’s best friend, Hannah Clement!

Feel free to ask Alicia any questions you have in the comments below.

God bless,
Brian

Note: I know, I know. Two posts in one day. Shame on me. ;) I just had so much fun doing the first one that I just had to go ahead and do the next one. ^_^ I hope you all enjoyed both. I will be writing several more.

Character Interview #1 - David Joshua Hayes

CHARACTER INTERVIEW #1 - David Joshua Hayes

    Hey, everyone! Welcome to my first character interview with my main character for my novel Paradox and my current work-in-progress, Eclipse. I will be separately interviewing each character for not only my benefit, but also yours! Today, I will interview David Hayes.

Me - David, hello! How are you?

David Hayes - I’m fine. You?

Me - I’m well. Thanks for asking. First question - to help us get to know you a little better: how old are you?

DH - I’m eighteen, though I was sixteen when I did my first project, Paradox.

Me - Did you enjoy working on book one of The Starcrafters’ Saga?

DH - I did. It was definitely interesting getting to know everyone, though I already knew my sister, Alicia, fairly well. The details and world-building was amazing!

Me - *grins* Thank you! What school do you go to?

DH - I go to Tigard High School in Oregon. Or, rather, I did, that is before I stumbled into Paragon.

Me - Uh-huh. Who is your best friend?

DH - Jake. We’ve been pretty close all of our lives, but I think our little adventure in Paragon brought us closer.

Me - Interesting. Had the story turned out differently and you hadn’t gone to Paragon, where do you think you’d be right now.

DH - … I’d probably be dead.

Me - Oh? Why’s that?

DH - I don’t like to talk about it.

Me - I know that it must be difficult, but it might help if you get it off of your chest.

DH - *sighs* Fine. If my life had kept going the way it was, then I probably would’ve ended up overdosing on drugs, or worse, been shot to death.

Me - Oh, my…

DH - *nods* Next question, please. I’m kind of in a hurry.

Me - What’s the rush?

DH - You of all people should know. You are, after all, my boss.

Me - I may know, but the audience does not. Please explain.

DH - Fine. We’re trying to find six artifacts in order to - once again - save Talora from ultimate doom.

Me - Interesting.

DH - Next question, please.

Me - Fine. How did you take the news that you were a Starcrafter and not even a human?

DH - At first I was scared, but then I started to realize that it was cool and that this - right here and now - was and is my destiny. I was destined to be redeemed from my past and set on the path to a better future.

Me - Huh. What would you say is your strongest point? What is your most overwhelming part of your personality, the part that makes you who you are today?

DH - I would say that my strongest point is that I have a willingness to be a leader and to protect those I love.

Me - Interesting. And your weakest point?

DH - Do I really have to answer that?

Me - Yes.

DH - Fine. In that case, doubt.

Me - Really?

DH - Yeah. I still struggle with doubt, even after all that I’ve seen and done, after all that Trand - God - has shown me and done for me. The doubt is still there, trying to grow.

Me - I will see to that.

DH - *nods*
Me - Are you prepared for the changes that are in store for you in Eclipse?

DH - In some ways, yes; and in others, no.

Me - Remember, the audience hasn’t read book one, so your answers cannot be too revealing.

DH - Okay. I’m excited about moving on with the story, but I’m also scared about what is going to happen next.

Me - I see. Last question, I promise. Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

DH - I see myself fervently and ardently serving Trand with all of my heart. I see my family together again, and I see Paragon restored fully to its former glory under Trand, and I see the Darkness shattered.

Me - *smiles* Thank you, David, for joining us today for this interview. I know that some of the questions were tough and that you have things that you need to do.

DH - Thanks for having me. I really enjoyed doing this.

Me - Maybe we can do this again sometime.

DH - That’d be nice.

Me - Bye! *waves*

Tune in next time for an interview with David’s twin sister Alicia!

Feel free to leave any questions you may have for David in the comments below!

God bless,
Brian

"Everneath" Giveaway

Sierra Abrams over @YearningToRead is having a giveaway for a signed copy of Everneath by Brodi Ashton, as well as a bookmark and guitar pick.

I get 25 entries for writing this post. :)

God bless,

Brian

Book Cover of the Week - Week #2

Hey, all! It's time for the Book Cover of the Week! *holds for applause and cheering*
I'm sure your ready to see this week's cover revealed. What will it be? I guess you will just have to find out!

This week's cover is...

Wayne Thomas Batson's and Christopher Hopper's Curse of the Spider King

Congratulations, Sir Batson and Sir Hopper, on winning my weekly Book Cover of the week award!

God bless

Brian

"Code of Silence" by Tim Shoemaker - A Book Review

TELLING THE TRUTH COULD GET THEM KILLED. REMAINING SILENT COULD BE WORSE.

    When Cooper, Hiro, and Gordy witness a robbery that leaves a man in a coma, they find themselves tangled in a web of mystery and deceit that threatens their lives. After being seen by the criminals - who may also be cops - Cooper makes everyone promise never to reveal what they have seen. Telling the truth could kill them, but remaining silent means an innocent man takes the fall and a friend never receives justice. Is there ever a time to lie? And what happens when the truth is dangerous? The three friends trapped in a code of silence, must face the consequences of choosing right or wrong when both options have their price.

    From the first page, I was caught up in the action, mystery, intrigue and suspense that lined the pages of this wonderful book. Not only is the cover awesome, the story itself is incredible. Code of Silence is itself a lesson on situation-al ethics. It asks the question that all of us have probably asked ourselves: "Is it okay to lie when the truth could have disastrous consequences?" This book answers that question.

    Not only are the characters unique and realistic, they're also relate-able. You can't help but view the sides that each character takes. This book takes you on an emotional journey like none other that I've read. There are ups and downs, happy and sad moments, fearful and lighthearted ones.

    There was no language whatsoever. Graphics - the owner of Frank 'n Stein's is beaten severely and left in a coma, presumed dead. Inappropriate content - none.

    I commend Mr. Shoemaker on creating a story that I could not put down and I can't wait to read more of his work! I recommend this book to... well, anyone!

5 of 5 stars

God bless,

Brian

Writing Realizations

    Today, I came to a sad realization for the plot of book 2 that I've been ignoring for some time. It caused mental and emotional turmoil for me. I don't want to put it into The Eclipse, but I know that there is no getting out of it. I hate to see this element leave, but it is time for me to say goodbye.

    Most of us have moments like this when writing. We're forced to take out characters we love or put in elements that we don't want. There's no changing the path that our plots are predetermined to follow. From the moment we start that first sentence, we've set in a motion a chain of events and circumstances - many of them well beyond our control.

    I'd tell you what the realization I came to is, but as River Song of Doctor Who says: "Spoilers, sweetie."

    What plot twists have you point in your writing that you weren't entirely happy about?

God bless,

Brian

Book Cover of the Week!

So, I've started a weekly post theme for every Sunday and it is called "Book Cover of the Week".

Welcome! I hope you enjoy this weeks lucky winner!

And this week's is...

Precisely Terminated by Amanda L. Davis

God bless,

Brian

"Precisely Terminated" by Amanda L. Davis - A Book Review

I know, I know. It's about time, right? I just finished it this morning. :D
I'd first like to applaud Amanda for publishing her book and writing such a wonderful piece.

    When I started Precisely Terminated, I found it refreshing to be reading a Christian dystopian piece. You rarely find books like that.
    I found the beginning exhilarating and it immediately drew me into the story and I was forced to sympathize with the wall slaves, the Seen, and most of all Monica.
    For the first one-hundred pages, I couldn't put the book down, but as things started to cool down in the plot-line, I managed to put it down, sometimes a week at a time. Now, I personally do not believe that this is a fault of the author. She did a great job in articulating this book. The fact that I was able to put it down rests solely on my shoulders.
    As shocking as it may be, I wasn't in the mood to read. *pauses for shocked gasps* I know, I know. Shame on me, but it's true. This also rests on the fact that I was busy preparing my book to be sent into the Munce Group 2012 Writing Contest with Westbow.
    Now down to the nitty-gritty. Language - none; inappropriate content or innuendo - Monica takes a bath is as "inappropriate" as this book gets; violence - mild: Monica loses parts of her fingers, stumbles across a skeleton, is man-handled by a Noble named Gerald, deaths of those whose chips Monica receives are described, though in little detail, etc...;
    I fully recommend this book to lovers of clean, Christ-centered, dystopian/fantasy.

5 of 5 stars

    Congrats, again, Amanda Davis!

God bless,
Brian

Inspiring Daring: Tributary by Lisa T. Bergren ~ A Review and GIVEAW...

Inspiring Daring: Tributary by Lisa T. Bergren ~ A Review and GIVEAW... Rachelle Rae at Inspiring Daring is having a giveaway for Lisa T. Bergren's novella Tributary. check it out!

Blog's URL is reverting to its original URL: MUST READ

www.jointhestarcrafters.blogspot.com THIS IS THE NEW NEW ADDRESS. Due to too many complications with authorbrianmcbride.blogspot.com, I will be changing it back, though the title of the blog will still be Shattering the Darkness: The Author Blog of Brian McBride. The look of the blog will remain the same, only the URL is changing.

God bless,

Brian

Un-official Paradox Book Trailer

    I have (finally) created the unofficial book trailer for Paradox book one of The Starcrafters' Saga!

Here it is! Enjoy!

God bless,

Brian

Changes to the Blog

    NEW BLOG DOMAIN: authorbrianmcbride.blogspot.com
    I've decided that now that I am getting closer and closer to publishing my book, that I will change this blog from just a writing blog to an author blog. The title will be changed, as will the domain name. This post is to inform you of such. The new title will be Shattering the Darkness: The Author Blog of Brian McBride.
    The reason, you ask? Because Shattering the Darkness represents every project I have and will work on. Good versus evil, light versus darkness, God versus Satan.
    I have created the banner already! Here it is!

    So what do you guys think?
    Also, the new address is www.authorbrianmcbride.blogspot.com

God bless,
Brian

Christian Fantasy or Just Fantasy Written By Christians?

    This is a question that plagues a lot of fantasy-fiction writers, like myself. We have to decide what message we want to send and if we want it to be explicitly Christian or just fantasy with Christian morals and messages.
    For Paradox, I chose to write explicitly Christian, though not in a preachy way - save for a short "church" scene, which may be removed at a later date. Why did I choose to write that way? Mostly because I felt that's what I should write, but also because it fits the theme of the book, which is destiny. Without God, we have no destiny, therefore, God came into the picture.
    Now, this doesn't mean that I prefer Christian Fantasy over just Fantasy, it just means that that is what I chose to write with at that time. For some Christian writers who write just Fantasy, like D. Barkley Briggs, author of The Book of Names, Corus the Champion, The Song of Unmaking, The Ravaged Realm, they way they write really works for them and they are still able to portray their Christian message of hope, salvation, redemption, etc...
    I personally like both, and, depending on Paradox's reception, I might continue to write Christian fantasy. However, I do have some regular fantasy novels planned, so if you were worried that I would continue to write explicitly Christian, you can fret no longer. That doesn't mean, though, that I won't write anymore Christian books. Just for your information. ;)
    Anyway, what do you prefer? Christian Fantasy or just Fantasy written by Christians?

God bless,
Brian
   

Great News!

    Most of you know that I have entered a contest with Westbow Press. Well... I just got a call from one of the reps today. He said that Paradox sounds very interesting and like something that would fit really well with their publishing house. We went over all the details, publishing packages, what other houses I'm looking at, word count, how far along I am, book covers, platforms for marketing, etc...
    It is very exciting when you talk with someone who is interested in publishing your book for you, and now I believe that Westbow is a definite possibility, whether I win the contest or not!
    I've never answered what you would call a "business phone call" before. This was my first time. I feel pretty confident that I successfully represented myself in a proper manner.
    Have any of you ever had something like this happen to you?

God bless,
Brian

"The Dreamers" by Oliver Dahl - A Book Review

Sam Kullen is a Dreamer. Every night he dreams, and he lives each one. Together, the Dreamers must stop Malfix from taking over the Dream Realm, and Earth itself. The Dreamers also have the ability to control events on Earth through their dreams. Sam and the Dreamers must prevent Malfix from controlling things... for the worse.


Okay, I actually finished this book a couple of days ago. I just am now finally getting around to reviewing it.
    First off, I must commend Oliver Dahl for his wonderful writing skill and ability to catch a reader's interest from the start.
    I'd love to say that this book was perfect, but it's not. No book is.
Though the vast majority tend to be very enjoyable, they're not perfect. Each book has its quirks, as does The Dreamers.
    I don't like to beat people down, so I'll make this quick then move onto the good points.
    The story seemed to move a little fast, but that is just my opinion. For others, it could move at a perfect rate. I, on the other hand, prefer my stories to be a little more fleshed out.
    Another point to note was that there seemed to be quite a bit of mild language that I didn't expect. "Cr*p" is used, as is "fre*k*ng"; the phrase "h-e-double-hockey-sticks" is used in place of "h*ll"; the abbreviation "P.O." is used in place of "p**s*d off".
    On the other hand, the story was fantastically written, the characters were great. The plot was great and I commend Oliver Dahl for writing and successfully self-publishing his masterpiece, The Dreamers.
    All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will most definitely return to it someday.
    I recommend The Dreamers to anyone 10 and up, who are interested in a fascinating young-adult science fiction novel written by a fellow teenager.

God bless,
Brian

(Please, do not take offense by anything written in this review. This is my honest opinion and should not be judged as fact. Also, any offense is unintentional.)

New Things

I know that I canNOT be the only one here who loves finding new things; bands, books, authors, blogs, friends, websites, etc...
    I would like to share some new things with you.

    NEW THING #1
    I am now a fan of the band Fireflight. This is all thanks to the folks at The Sharpening Stone, a random blog that I stumbled across through another blog.

    NEW THING #2

    I have just placed two orders for a Knight's Dagger and a Crusader Chivalry Knight's Sword. This is thanks to the job that I am blessed to have.

    

    NEW THING #3

    I have been introduced to the wonderful and exciting world of author Estevan Vega. This is thanks to those who run Ted Dekker's Facebook page!

    NEW THING #4

    I have been introduced to the wonderful world of The Dreamers, thanks to Oliver Dahl, the creator of the novel.

    NEW THING # 5

    I have been given a chance to enter into a Westbow Press contest and have my book published for free IF I win. This is thanks to my grandmother, Esther Seaton Dummer (author of Elusive Faith and Bedrock Faith) for sharing it on Facebook.

    Most of us love new things, do we not? We love the feel and the SMELL of brand new books when we open them, when we look upon their covers. We love to pop a CD into our CD players or computers and listen to never-before-listened-to songs. We love to buy new things; clothes, books, etc...

    You'll notice, that for each new thing I listed, I had someone to thank for each thing.

    So what are some new things you've done, got, and who do have to thank for those who gave you/introduced to you those new things?