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Showing posts with label Champion of Valor series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Champion of Valor series. Show all posts

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Nicole Zoltack - What Inspires Her

All writers need inspiration. Without inspiration, there's nothing let to write. So where do I turn to for inspiration? I take a nap.

On a more serious note, I have had some awesome dreams that have given me ideas for stories. Once or twice, I've even dreamt about my characters and worked through plot points that way. Some of my dreams are really out there - remember I write fantasy!

I'm also inspired by movies and books and TV shows. I love to people-gawk. Life in general is inspiring to me.

So now I'm inspired to write a new story idea. My next step is to sit down at my computer and just type. Sometimes my idea is just a character and I learn the story as I type it. Other times, it's a scene. Or it could be just the basic idea of a plot. Regardless, I am definitely not a plotter. I write like I read, I want to be surprised by the ending. If I were to plot out the ending (which I have done for a few stories) then I get bored with it (and those said stories - never finished 'em).

Now as a panster, I can write like crazy when the muse inspires. I think the most I ever wrote in one day is 6K. But do I have suffer from writer's block? Personally, I hate that term. I never consider myself as having writer's block. For one thing, I am usually working on more than one project at the same time so if I'm stuck on one, I just work on the next one. But I never find myself completely empty of ideas, I never have nothing I can write.

So that's my writing process. I sit and type and work on multiple projects. My advice for aspiring writers - sit, type, and work on projects that you love. It doesn't matter if you can't write every day. Write when you can. But even if you can't write every day doesn't mean you can't still work on your story. Always think about it - your characters, the next scene, etc. That way, when you do have time to write, you'll never stare at a blinking cursor and a blank Word document.

Check out Nicole's new release!
The Mystical Conch Shell of the Sea has been stolen, and it's up to Selliki, the selkie, to get it back. Selliki sets across the continent of Alethereia to find Arnhem, and Gabrael, the mage she loves. Selliki knows that no union between a selkie and a human have ever had a happy ending, but neither can ignore their feelings. Each night, they experience terrible, real dreams that show how doomed their love is.

The final war between Speica and Arnhem is threatening the entire world. Lucifer has aligned himself with Speica and wants nothing less than to bring about the Apocalypse before its time. In the last battle, cowardice is revealed, promises are broken, and many people die. Trolls fight icthyocentaurs, dwarves armed up against the Drow, angels against demons. Only one kingdom will prevail; that is, if the world doesn't end.

Purchase from Desert Breeze Publishing!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Nicole Zoltack's Kingdom of Arnhem- Book Three: Champion of Valor


Blurb:

The Mystical Conch Shell of the Sea has been stolen, and it's up to Selliki, the selkie, to get it back. Selliki sets across the continent of Alethereia to find Arnhem, and Gabrael, the mage she loves. Selliki knows that no union between a selkie and a human have ever had a happy ending, but neither can ignore their feelings. Each night, they experience terrible, real dreams that show how doomed their love is.

The final war between Speica and Arnhem is threatening the entire world. Lucifer has aligned himself with Speica and wants nothing less than to bring about the Apocalypse before its time. In the last battle, cowardice is revealed, promises are broken, and many people die. Trolls fight icthyocentaurs, dwarves armed up against the Drow, angels against demons. Only one kingdom will prevail; that is, if the world doesn't end.

Excerpt:

Varun fixed her with a stern stare but did not argue the point.

I hope the Speicans will not know how to use the Conch Shell.

Varun shook his head. I'm afraid with their evil and treacherous ways, they will figure out a way to harness its power. But on to other matters, what did you learn from Tara'zai? Did you locate her brother? Naida thought she saw him the other day.

Tara'zai and Ven'jo are missing. I spoke with Mika'la instead.

The selkie leader closed his dark eyes. Then the Conch Shell might not even be somewhere within the ocean. He swam in a tight circle and then shored up beside her. You must go. Join the war, find the Conch Shell. I trust you to find it if it is on land. The rest of us shall remain, rebuilding our city, readying our army, and searching for the Conch Shell down here.

But...

Isn't this what you always wanted? A chance to see if you and that magical man could ever work out?

Selliki stared at the broken sand tower a few feet away. Marriages between selkies and anyone but their own kind ended disastrously. No female selkie had ever been able to give up her true nature to live with complete happiness on two legs. Not without constantly yearning for the sea. In every case, the selkie spouse abandoned their marriage and returned to the sea. In every case. Selliki knew the risk, but she also knew the calling of her heart, and she loved Gabrael. Even so, she shivered. This task would require her to be away from the water for much longer than she had ever been before. She fixed her gaze upon her leader. I will do as you wish.

Good. May the water be gentle in your passing.

And let the water save you from our troubles. Selliki flipped on her fins and swam away. She approached Naida, one of her closest friends. I have to go. Varun has a mission for me.

Compassion swam in Naida's eyes. Will you be able to see Gabrael at least?

Yes, but I must leave now. Tell everyone I'll be back as soon as I can.

I will, and be safe, Selliki. Naida used her strong tail to lift a portion of the broken sand wall.

Selliki watched the other selkies, her people, work to rebuild their underwater domain. Her entire body screamed to help them, but she had no choice. She had to do as Varun bid her. She ignored the confused looks some of the other selkies threw at her and swam toward the surface.


Manufacturer: Nicole Zoltack
ISBN: 978-1-61252-035-3
Length: Plus Novel
Category: Fantasy/Inspirational
Sub-Category: Young Adult
Rating: Sweet
Photography/Artwork: Jenifer Ranieri
Release Date: May 1, 2011
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