Why I Write Fantasy–Brains 2 Books Cyber Convention 2018

This post appears as part of the “Brain to Books Cyber Convention & Book Expo Fantasy Book Tour”…

Running from April 6th through April 8th 2018 this online book event brings readers and authors together for a weekend of books, and book related events.

Learn more here

Why I Write Fantasy by Dove Winters

Imagine looking into the sky and seeing a giant on a flying motorcycle descending to the ground to deliver the Chosen One to his new home. Or watching as a fae queen lifts her hand to her enemies and burns them to ash from the inside out. Or seeing an epic battle fought against an army of orcs. These are all events you will only see in fantasy novels, and they’re the reason I write fantasy. There are plenty of books about the Real World, the world our bodies inhabit daily, and many of those books are great. But fantasy books take place in those secret worlds of the mind, those uncharted spaces in the heads of writers that fantasy books give us a glimpse into.

Fantasy books take us to new worlds, never before seen, with their own sets of rules, ethics, and people. Anything can happen, within the rules of the realm. Magic can be a source of life or a danger to all. Mythical creatures can thrive. Planets can have personalities, animals can talk, and anyone can be a hero. There are no limits to what a fantasy world can include.

Writing, as well as reading, is an escape for me. Creating fantasy worlds and realms and characters is a more satisfying escape for me than abiding by the rules of the Real World.

Most fantasy involves some sort of magic or paranormal aspect, as is the case for my trilogy, Ember of the Planet. In that trilogy, the planet Otera is a living being with thoughts and feelings, even the ability to place her thoughts and feelings in a human form if she desires. The main character, Ember, is chosen as one of her representatives and can use her energy to do things like create weapons and heal people. But that’s only the beginning of what she can do, as Ember finds out through the books!

But fantasy doesn’t necessarily have to have a magical aspect to it. As in the case of my Knight Heir Series, the setting is the kingdom of the Knight Heirs, but the characters are human for the most part. There are no magical powers or mythical creatures. But the characters don’t have to be strict humans, either. Since it’s a fantasy world, strange things can happen, within the rules of the created world, as is the example of Evelina in The Laundry Maid. She rescues a wolf who has lost one of his legs and they have a special bond.

Of course, fantasy has many different sub-genres, depending on the type of story it is. All of mine have romance aspects, because I live in the belief that, even through magic, orcs, or the paranormal, love conquers all.

Would I suggest that you write fantasy? Absolutely! It’s a great way to stretch your imagination as you work on world building, character building, and exploring any magical or paranormal elements you may wish to include.

Here at the Brains 2 Books convention, you’ll find a lot of new fantasy titles to read, and I encourage you to give them all a try! But fantasy isn’t all that you’ll find here, so be sure to check out the other genres as well!

 

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The Wind of Chicanery

The Wind of Chicanery is now live on Amazon! Pick up a copy of Ember of the Planet for 99 cents (until March 8th) and you’ll be ready for book two! I hope to have book three done by the end of the year or around this time next year. Book three has some epic battles and a holy-skies-I-can’t-believe-that-just-happened moment, so don’t miss it!!

Here is an excerpt from The Wind of Chicanery:

Ember peeked through the gate and saw that Otos was right; the doorway led to a corridor that branched off in two directions. A maze.

“Having second thoughts?” Aaron asked, making Ember jump. She straightened.

 

“No. I don’t think we should all march in there. Maybe if we just sneak in we can get back the crystal and not even have to face the woman. But we’ll need to get past the maze and we’ll need to be able to sneak in without being seen.” Ember had a hand on her chin as she spoke. All eyes turned to Levrin.

“What?” he asked, looking rightfully afraid.

“I think it’s time for you to earn your keep,” Aaron said. Ember swatted him away.

“Your skills as a thief might just be what we need,” she clarified.

Levrin scratched the back of his head, ruffling his red hair, his eyes looking over the maze ahead of them. “I don’t know, lass. This is a little more than what I’m used to.”

Aaron’s sword, already drawn, pointed at Levrin’s chest. “Then why are you here?”

Ember swatted him away again, placing herself between them. “Look, Levrin, you were brave enough to volunteer to escort me through Hoa. I can’t ask anymore of you than that. Give me any advice you can about it and I’ll go.”

Levrin’s face twisted, his hands going to his hips. He let out a long exhale of breath. “I can’t let you go in there alone, lass. You’re right. I’ve broken into many a residence to steal things. If I’m turning over a new leaf as an honest man, I may as well use my talent for good. I’ll go with you.”

Ember smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. “Good. The three of us will go, then. The rest of you stay behind, watch the horses, and watch for any signs of danger.”

“Be careful, Princess. If you need to, call out and we’ll come in fighting,” Kol said.

Galeran and Nerisa echoed his sentiments, but Aaron leaned against his sword.

“I didn’t volunteer.”

“I didn’t ask.” Ember threw him a look before heading to the gate with Levrin. Obviously amused, Aaron joined them.

The gate wasn’t locked and slid open without a sound. Ember produced her sword and Levrin his ax as they stepped through the grass into the start of the maze. Ember chose to go left.

The high stone walls were covered in mossy vines, some with flowers, some with thorns. They kept to the center of the path, ever alert of their surroundings, Ember choosing the way as they reached each corner. They were starting to relax a little when they reached the first dead end. Ember pushed a hand through the mossy wall, but it was stone and firm.

“We’ll have to turn back and go the other way. We should mark our path somehow so we don’t go around in circles,” she said, turning her back on the wall to talk to the men.

Aaron nodded in agreement. “We could be in here all day if that happens. We can mark the stone where we’ve been. Maybe cut off some of the vines.”

Ember agreed and had just taken a step when the vines behind her reached out and grabbed her arm. –The Wind of Chicanery

Oh, my! I wonder what’s going to happen next!

If you want more information on this book and a chance to win a copy of one of my works, don’t miss the cyber convention in April! Happy reading everyone!

 

 

 

 

Cover Reveal! The Wind of Chicanery

 

Ember Oheada has reached Hoa and her quest for answers is well-underway. Otera has set up a trail for her to follow, but at each stop there’s a test; the planet wants proof that she can be a Guardian and Healer. Relying on her crew to help her through, Ember will battle grass serpents, the terrifying Uxu, and other surprises along the way. But as the relationship between Aaron and Ember deepens, their path will take unexpected turns that could change everything. Either way, their journey will end in Ocrose, when Ember will draw her bow and finally see the Pathfinder’s face—but what will they see when the hood is finally removed?

Coming soon to Amazon!

Why I Write/Brains to Books Cyber Convention 2018

Recently I was tasked with answering the question why I write. It’s a question often asked of writers; I’ve answered it more than once, usually in just a few simple words.

The truth? Writing is part of who am I. It’s what I do. It’s how I breathe. That may sound dramatic or romantic, but the reality is, it’s not always easy.

Writing is the reason I get up in the morning. It’s what I do at night in my head while I’m falling asleep. It works its way into my dreams. I often find myself adding saidisms in my head to real-life conversations. Do I like you? You may inspire a hero. Piss me off? You may inspire a villain. The whole world is a story; we’re all characters, we’re all following our own plots. I’ve just been chosen to act as narrator.

A writing persona makes Real Life relationships hard. Those who come into my inner circle have to deal with the fact that there are multiple worlds in my head with people constantly demanding my attention. If I go days without writing, I get irritable and have trouble concentrating. The voices in my head sometimes get too loud for me to ignore. I’m always distracted. When things in life get too difficult I often find myself retreating into a fake world. I don’t party. I don’t socialize a lot outside of my house. I’m a homebody. Yes, I like you and want to be your friend, but I’d rather be here writing than going to that gathering of people you want me to go to. If you can understand that, then we’ll get along fine. Otherwise, I’ll probably be disappointing you a lot.

It sounds lonely, but really, it’s not. I’ve lived through some exciting adventures, albeit in my head. I have quite a few friends, even if they’re not visible to others. I have fallen in love several times and will again someday. In Real Life, I’m quiet, shy, and easily ignored. But in my other lives, I’ve saved millions, I’ve conquered villains, and I’ve lived loudly.

Do I sound insane yet? If you answered no, you’re probably a fellow writer. Because you know exactly what I mean.

I consider myself honored to have this affliction. I’m never bored; I always have something to do. I have a passion for something in life. I have never once woken up and thought, Gee, I don’t feel like writing today. I don’t want to do it anymore. I always want to. Always. Every second of every day. I wouldn’t give up writing for anything.

In one of my favorite movies, Inception, a man looks around a room of sleeping people and asks if they go there every day to sleep. The answer? They go there to be woken up. The dreams they dream have become their reality. Real Life is where I reside. My stories are where I live.

And really, who are you to say otherwise?

So, friends, if I haven’t yet scared you off and you’d like to take an adventure with me, check out my works, and join me at the Brain to Books Cyber Convention, April 6, 7, and 8 on Goodreads and other platforms! I’ll be posting more about it as it gets closer. I look forward to seeing you there! 🙂

The Can’t Wait for Spring Blog Hop!

Welcome readers!

I am Dove Winters, YA fantasy author of the new trilogy Ember of the Planet and two books in the Knight Heir Series.

My question for the keyword: What is the first name of the main character in my newest book? (Hint: It’s in the title of the book!)

Want to win a free ebook? Then play a game with me! You can find me on Facebook     and Goodreads . Follow me on one or both of those two sites, then find the character name in the pinned post on Facebook or in the blog on Goodreads. Put that in the comment section of this post and I’ll pick a winner from those listed for one of my ebooks! You just need an email address to accept the ebook from Amazon.

As I am getting ready to release the second book in my trilogy, I’d like to bring you all to the world of Otera! Otera is a living planet, proud of the creatures that walk her skin, especially the two she chooses to act as her Healer and Guardian. The Healer is like a conduit, someone who keeps the planet’s energy flowing and thriving, who makes sure everything is growing and healthy and well. The Guardian protects the Healer using weapons and energy provided by Otera herself. Those chosen are given wrist cuffs printed on the skin, purple flowers and vines for the Healer, vines and thorns for the Guardian. This marks them as chosen by the planet and is the connection to the planet from where they access the energy.

In Ember of the Planet, a mysterious being known as the Pathfinder does something no one else ever has: he kills the Healer and Guardian and steals Otera’s energy for his own use. With the Pathfinder’s threat hanging over them all, and the planet slowly dying from the destruction he caused, Otera chooses a savior with a surprise: she gives the chosen one both the Healer and Guardian’s abilities.

Chosen by the planet to save them all, eighteen year old Ember Oheada finds herself in unfamiliar territory. After the disappearance of their parents when the Pathfinder took over, Ember and her sister Ashla have spent three years trying to pick up the pieces of their lives when Ember’s fate is suddenly sealed. When the Pathfinder takes her captive, Ember is sure her life is going to end. But he can’t kill her; not when the planet has thrown him the curve of two identities in one person. Wanting to know what the planet is planning, the Pathfinder sends Ember on a quest to figure out exactly who she is–and how he can safely destroy her without destroying himself.

After training her to use the gifts she’s been given, the Pathfinder sends her off with Aaron, his personal guard and second, to make sure she fulfills her mission and returns. Their journey will take them to the continent of Hoa, and will take Ember far from everything she knows. Her only choice is to rely on Aaron, until they meet some new allies who promise to help her along the way. But a run-in with some pirates looking to exact revenge on the Pathfinder themselves may end their journey before it begins.

Book two, The Wind of Chicanery, picks up where book one leaves off, as Ember, Aaron, and her new crew journey across Hoa to seek out answers from a mysterious woman. Along the way they encounter dangers such as grass serpents, the terrifying Uxu, and mist creatures born of the Pathfinder’s darkness. But the most dangerous part of it all may be the ever-deepening relationship between Aaron and Ember, a forbidden attraction that could change everything. Whatever happens, their journey will end when they return to the Pathfinder, and his identity is finally revealed. But whose face will they see when he finally removes his hood?

I hope you’ll check out Ember of the Planet! Thank you for reading my blog page, and I hope you’ll continue to follow me for updates on future books! Happy reading, everyone!

Virtual FantasyCon 2017

The FantasyCon is live!!  Head to the Reader’s Corner to check out all the links to the authors participating and win some cool prizes!

https://www.facebook.com/VFCReadersCorner/

My booth is giving away two free ebooks at the end of the week, so be sure to check it out as well!

https://www.facebook.com/events/487375501615008/?active_tab=discussion

The pinned post is a truth or lie game across multiple booths. Find out how to play in the Reader’s Corner. Good luck and have fun at the convention!

 

Giveaways!

I’m hosting an Amazon giveaway of two free ebooks of Ember of the Planet! Only requirement is to follow me on Twitter (and of course to have an email address for Amazon). Sign up here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/f.html?C=RNOTE2AA1ZDP&K=1WOHSE0WUHODJ&M=urn:rtn:msg:2017100415512066e308bbec894d2eae30545718d0p0na&R=1ZYXYUPSUKJID&T=C&U=https%3A%2F%2Fgiveaway.amazon.com%2Fp%2F9c4a488688807508%3Fref_%3Dpe_1771210_134854370&A=ZHKWSMAKES1CYY3UCLDDMHJBQMQA&H=FLVIYJ9D6GOQVHX4JNLMCKKSBZ8A&ref_=pe_1771210_134854370

I am also giving away two free paperback copies of Ember of the Planet via a Goodreads giveaway which starts tomorrow Oct. 5th, so if you don’t like ebooks, this is your chance! Sign up here: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/257451-ember-of-the-planet

 

Good luck to all who enter! 🙂