I want to thank and welcome fantastic YA author, Christina Weigand for sharing her personal experiences on writing a book series. Christina is showcasing her fantasy series Palace of the Twelve Pillars Series with us on my blog today. So let’s get this spotlight rolling…
Where did you get your idea and inspiration to write Palace of the Twelve Pillars Series, Christina?
I’m not sure where the idea for the original book came from. I was taking a writing course and the assignment was to write a short story. For some reason I thought it would be cool to write about a boy who woke up one morning to discover he was a wizard and a prince instead of a farm boy. When I wrote the story it was too much of a story for a short story, so I thought I would write a novel. As I wrote that novel I discovered that the story I wanted to tell was not just about that boy, but who his family was and how he came to be in the place he was. And then the boy’s parents and grandparents took over the story and the trilogy was born. And that farm boy’s story doesn’t actually start until the third book in the series.
Some of the best ideas are hatched from writing courses or workshops. How many books are
you planning to write in this young adult fantasy adventure series?
Currently there are three books in the series. And they cover the generation before the farm boy. Since his story begins in the third book I sense that there are more stories to be told about his generation. Someday in the future there may be more books.
That’s great news! Keep’em coming, Christina! How long did it take for you to start and finish each book from Palace of the Twelve Pillars?
It was ten years total for all three books. The first one Palace of the Twelve Pillars: Book One probably took the longest. The first draft took about a year but that wasn’t consecutive months, because it got put away for a couple of months time as I was struggling with the plot. The second and the third books Palace of the Three Crosses: Book Two and Sanctuary of Nine Dragons: Book Three didn’t take quite as long. I would say probably about six months each, although Three Crosses took a hair longer because the characters changed things up a little bit on me. Originally I thought that story about the farm boy would be the third book until his father and uncle took over the story and I realized the farm boy was only part of the story and there was a complete other story that unfolded in the second book, with changes rippling through the third book as well.
Don’t you love it when characters take over your story? What are some of your favorite book series, Christina?
Bryan Davis has a wonderful series, Dragons in Our Midst that I love. My granddaughter and I just finished the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. It was the first time I read the whole series and we both loved it. There are so many others, Terry Goodkind, Wayne Thomas Baston, and Donita K. Paul just to name a few.
Do you have any advice for other writers striving to write a series?
If possible try to write them in chronological order. If you write the way I do and that’s by the seat of my pants it can be difficult to keep everything in its proper place if you write out of order.
Know and love your characters, because you will be with them a long time.
Be prepared for unexpected turns in the story.
Unexpected turns? I thought that was normal in writing a story! Great advice. What’s next for Christina Weigand the author?
The dragons from my books have come to Earth with a crucial mission from the Creator. They arrived here at the end of Jesus’s ministry on Earth and will team up with a group of humans to spread and protect God’s people.
I wish you all the best with your plans, Christina. Okay, here’s one for me, since I’m writing a time travel series—IF you could time travel into Earth’s past, WHO would you love to meet, and WHY?
The time of Jesus. I would love to meet Him, to travel with Him, to learn from Him and then help the dragon’s spread God’s love in the world. And it would make writing this new series so much easier.
Palace of the Twelve Pillars Blurb:
The Peace Summit was in shambles, the prince kidnapped.
When the rival king realizes he kidnapped the wrong prince, hostilities escalate. Loyalties to each other and country are tested for the twin princes of Crato, Joachim and Brandan.
Joachim, captive of King Waldrom, faces deception and betrayal as he struggles to find his way home. Brandan, at home with a father focused on rescuing Joachim, wrestles with his own demons as he searches for his place in the world and the favor of his father.
Torn from the safety and peace of their childhood, they are thrust into a world where bonds of family, brotherhood and roles as heirs to Crato are tested. Through war, spiritual journeys, death and marriage, will they choose the path of good or evil? Who can be trusted, as the world they know slips into a whirlpool of chaos?
Palace of the Three Crosses Blurb:
Brandan and Joachim survived the war, but can their relationship and their countries survive the aftermath.
Brandan and Joachim have returned from the brink of Hell, but everyone questions if they are truly healed and one with Asha.
As each prince tries to readjust to life, they must face the funeral of their father and their missing mother.
They each take on the responsibility of ruling a country with new wives by their sides, but can they and the countries survive the trials that will ensue because of their choices?
Sanctuary of Nine Dragons Blurb:
Joachim banishes Brandan to prison island of Hyogo. His infant son, Prince Airyn disappears from his cradle. A chain of events is set in motion that will pit brother against brother, friend against friend, parents against children as Brandan and Joachim struggle for control of their sanity and their very lives.
With Brandan declared dead and his son missing Joachim sinks into despair and anger, where those close to him fear he may never return.
Is Brandan really dead and if he is, who is manipulating the Mantion and enemies of Crato?
Can Maeve save her country and her husband from the tentacles of evil pervading the land?
Christina Weigand’sa writer, wife, and mother of three grown children and a teenage daughter. She is also Nana to three granddaughters. She lives with her husband and youngest daughter in Pennsylvania. Currently, she’s working on fantasy novels and inspirational writing. Through her writing, she strives to share the Word of God and help people to realize the love and mercy He has for everyone.
When she’s not writing, she’s lectors at her Church and volunteers to help young people develop a love for reading and writing. Jesus fills her home with love as she shares Him through her writing.
Buy Links:
Connect with Christina:
Book Review: The Gates of Atlantis: Book 6 Battle for Acropolis by Mikey Brooks...
Magic is dying. And it’s up to 13-year-old Talon and his foster sister Hattie to save magic…and Atlantis at the same time. Oh…my…Poseidon! Brooks had me hooked from the get-go. This middle grade read is the sixth book in The Gates of Atlantis series, and it doesn’t disappoint your taste buds if you love adventure, fantasy, and fair play. Brooks has created a world where magical beings, human animal hybrids, and humans come together to save not only Atlantis’s fate, but Earth’s fate as well. Non-stop action and plenty of surprises are the main ingredients to this well done story. Whether you’re looking for your next book series to read, or a new author, Battle for Acropolis may just be your ticket to a world that will put a smile on your face, and take you on a journey you’ll never forget.
Here’s the Blurb:
Thirteen-year-old Talon is in trouble…again. He didn’t mean to burn down the school library. It just happened. Things like that always happen to Talon. His life is a mixture of the weird and bizarre. No one else he knows can shoot fire from their hands or cause an earthquake…but he can. Every night the same dream haunts Talon: the destruction of an underwater city. He hasn’t a clue what it means but he feels like fate is trying to warn him. It’s not until he runs away with his foster sister Hattie that he discovers his trouble-making powers and strange nightmare are connected. Together they are the key to saving magic…to saving Atlantis.
And… here’s my Endorsement:
Things are not what they seem in Mikey Brooks’ Battle for Acropolis, the last installment of The Gates of Atlantis series. And trust me—it’s a GOOD thing! Kids of all ages will love this fantastical adventure that will make them believe that in coming together and acting as one, we can accomplish great things. Well done, Mr. Brooks!
~ Sharon Ledwith, author of The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis
Buy Links for Battle of Acropolis:
About Mikey Brooks:
Mikey is a small child masquerading as an adult. On occasion you’ll catch him dancing the funky chicken, ABC Adventures: Magical Creatures and Bean’s Dragons as well as the middle-grade fantasy-adventure series The Dream Keeper Chronicles. His art can be seen in many forms from picture books to full room murals. He loves to daydream with his three daughters and explore the worlds that only the imagination of children can create. Mikey has a BS degree in English from Utah State University and works full-time as a freelance illustrator, cover designer, and author. As a member of the Emblazoners, he is one of many authors devoted to ‘writing stories on the hearts of children’. He is also one of the hosts of the Authors’ Think Tank Podcast. You can find more about him and his books at: http://www.insidemikeysworld.com/.
singing like a banshee, and pretending to have never grown up. He is the author/illustrator of several books including the best-selling
Delve into a land steeped in magic in this Tween/Teen Fantasy Series by Christina Mercer
Book 1-Award-Winning
ARROW OF THE MISTTerror strikes the Celtic inspired kingdom of Nemetona when barbed roots breach the land and poison woodsmen, including 15-year-old Lia’s beloved father. Lia embarks on a quest to the forbidden land of Brume to gather ingredients for the cure. She relies on her herbal wisdom and newfound gift as a tree mage through a land of soul-hungry shades, trickster creatures, and uncovered truths about her family.
"Ancient magic and herbal lore mark this engaging, fast-moving fantasy with a botanical bent. Lia, 15, is a winning heroine, discovering and wielding her magical gifts. Well developed characters, elegant dialogue, trickster creatures, exciting scenes of mystic battle and intriguing riddles stir up a powerful potion that will charm readers." -
Publishers Weekly
Book 2 In
ARMS OF ANU, Lia and Kelven battle through a land of tyrants, war and magic. Can Lia escape the foes who ensnare her? Will Kelven’s love withstand the darkness taking root inside Lia? Is freedom too high a crown to reach, or will they forever remain in the hollows?
"Excellent fantasy story for preteens and teens. Explores a Celtic-style world of magic, with a little romance, through the eyes of both female and male protagonists."
-Indie-Visible Collective
Christina Mercer is an award-winning author of fiction for children and young adults. She enjoys life in the foothills of Northern California with her husband and sons, a pack of large dogs, and about 100,000 honeybees. For more about her and her writing, visit
www.christinamercer.com
5 Stars
Mark Simon Smith
Sir Nathan and the Quest for Queen Gobbledeegook: A Somewhat Silly Story
Queen Gobbledeegook has gone missing and it is up to Sir Nathan, the Hero of Mariskatania, to find her. Along the way he meets all sorts of odd folks, including pixies and wizards and a hulking creature named Mazy that likes to knit. The land of Mariskatania is a colorful one, filled with bright Jubb Jubb Trees and fuzzy, blue Hobnobber Squirrels who spend all their time looking for a snack guaranteed to poison them.
The sub-heading, A Somewhat Silly Story, is by no means false advertising Mark Simon Smith has crafted a clever tale that produces 
laughter, groans, and everything in between. Silly it is. The creatures he has invented include Tinker Toads, MechaMonkeys, Licorice Lambs, and Hobnobber Squirrels, to name a few. Each has interesting and sometimes hilarious traits.
Silly does not stop with the weird, strange, and often nice creatures he comes into contact with while on his quest to find the missing queen. Sir Nathan takes off riding his trusty steed Tupolev, a talking horse.
“You want me to climb a tree?” asked Tupolev in a shocked voice.
“Why would you think I am any good at . . . oh, right.
I forgot I’m a squirrel now. Sorry.”
I enjoy silly movies with slapstick in them . I equally enjoy clever, creative, and silly books like Sir Nathan and the Quest for Queen Gobbledeegook: A Somewhat Silly Story. I think this is a good book for reluctant readers. The story is easy to follow, fun to read, and will brighten the spirits of anyone who reads it.
There are illustrations scattered throughout the book. These black and white line drawings are a great compliment to the story. If you have never seen a MechaMonkey, Pixie Sisters, or a giant Warlock’s Assistant, Derek Gebler’s art will help you imagine the unimaginable. His illustrations are clean, clear representations of the author’s unique brain.
Unfortunately, there are not enough of these wonderful illustrations in the book. I would have liked to see one at the beginning of each chapter, if only to help me visualize what is going on his the author’s brain when creating his characters.
Sir Nathan is one of those books that sparks the imagination. Many books are clever, others are creative, and some are fun. Sir Nathan and the Quest for Queen Gobbledeegook is all three.
For those that like to read chapter books, one chapter at a time, as the nightly bedtime story, this book will have your kids mesmerized, wanting to know more. Their dreams will be pleasant, not nightmarish, since even the evil creatures have a good side. Girls will like this book as equally as boys will. When your child has devoured the book, and willing to part with it, sit down and read one of the better new children’s authors debuting in 2012.
Book 2: Sir Nathan and the Troublesome Task: Another Somewhat Silly Story is now available in paperback!
Sir Nathan and the Quest for Queen Gobbledeegook: A Somewhat Silly Story
Author/Illustrator: Mark Simon Smith website FB blog
Illustrator: Derek K. Gebler website
Publisher Platform: CreateSpace
Release Date: March 9, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-4700-5906-4
Number of Pages: 223
Ages: 8 to 12
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The Scepter of Salvation, Book 1
Princess Talamaya turned 18 in the human kingdom of Damar, just like her twin brother. Only when she comes of age, she must wed the king's choice. When her brother comes of age, he's allowed to sit on the council. But everything changes when a wizard pits beast and man against each other in Inherian--all because of the loss of the Scepter of Salvation and she must return it to their kingdom.
Princess Talamaya and her friends, Lady Kersta and Lady Mexia, must retrieve the Scepter of Salvation when her brother is poisoned.Visions plague Talamaya of a world beyond her own, of a destiny she has to fulfill.
But the barbarian king is also after the scepter, and the black-hearted wizard who is trying to gain control will do anything to keep them from retrieving it.
She must free a knight from his madness.
Help a female dwarf escape from the dwarven mines.
Aid an Amazon fighting the Dark Elves.
Rescue even the barbarian king.
Save a crusty old dwarf from the wolves of Elan Pass.
And outwit the dark wizard once more.
Above all else, she must always take the path of righteousness.
Which is much easier said than done.
Here is the old cover!
And here's the new cover for book 2, The Mage of Monrovia!
Mexia has already done much more than most school- trained mages when she and her companions had gone in search of the scepter of salvation. But now one of the apprentices of the evil wizard they had destroyed, has stolen his spell book and plans to take up where he had left off, and she has to try and stop him.
Mexia believes the only way for her to defeat the mage is to become school trained like he was with the eventual goal of becoming a high wizard--the first of her kind in Inherian. But the current headmaster denies her entrance because she's a woman. Though if she can get the former headmaster's recommendation, she may attend.
And that's the beginning of the trouble.
First, there's the wizard.
Then, the immovable headmaster.
And then, the circle of misfortunes.
It all goes downhill from there...
One of the fun things about Indie publishing is that we can change the cover if we want, and I've wanted to do this for a long time, so what do you all think? Top one is the new cover, the bottom is the old cover...
I've also reduced the price for a short time from $4.99 to $2.99 for each book!
B & N
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