It's Official

Officially on Amazon.com as a paperback and eBook! Also I wanna give a huge thanks to Alex Cavanaugh for hosting me on his blog today so be sure to check that out!

Also for my little launch party, it would mean so much to me if you all could help, at least write a little post tomorrow or play the game Two Lies, One Truth! All you have to do is post a picture of my book cover, link to my paperback or eBook, then write two lies and one truth either about yourself, a character in your story, or a character in your favorite book/movie.

Whomever guesses the answer correctly (which one is the truth) on my blog or Alex's will be selected as a candidate to win a signed copy of either From the Ashes (book 1) or The Inferiors (book 2). Your choice.

So here goes.

CHARACTER: Liam Rodan
Age (as of book 2): 17

1. I used to be best friends with my worst enemy
2. I'm a player, I live for the game
3. I'm a hopeless romantic

So only one of these is true, can you guess which one?

Spread the word and sign up here:

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1. Imagine Today-Kathy

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I will pick a winner a week from today!

Love,

Jess

Release Day!

Dearest friends,

My book release will be on Monday, September 18th, so I'm having a big release party on Tuesday, September 19th! And it wouldn't be a party without your help.

So I'm holding a blog hop, yay!

If you want to participate, all you have to do is post a picture of my new book cover (The Inferiors) and tell the world a little bit about me (I'll send you details). Now the fun part is, you're going to post two lies, and one truth. Because in The Inferiors there are a lot of times where Jaina, my MC, discovers the truth and some lies about people she thinks she knows.

It can be about you, or one of your favorite characters in one of your stories, or even in a book you've read.

Sooooo here's the signup list, it would mean so much to me if you helped me out on September 19th!

Thanks guys!

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1. Imagine Today-Kathy

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Love,

Jess

IWSG – Book Release

Today is the first Wednesday of the month, so you know what that means…

Insecure Writer's Support Group day!

I've been missing the blogging world lately, and I feel bad I haven't been able to visit all of you who still follow me! But between college, friends, boys, and writing, things have been quite crazy lately. In fact, I even stopped writing for a bit.

DON'T JUDGE ME.

It wasn't intentional, it just became difficult to balance school, a social life, and writing. And I used to be more of an introvert, but sometime in the past year that changed. I know because my best friend and I took the Myers Briggs 16 Personalities Test a few weeks ago.

And extroverts need more social human time than introverts, generally.

So I wasn't writing much, spending time with other humans.

Over the summer, I started writing again. Well, editing actually, since it has been taking me forever to finish my second novel.

But now, my moment of victory has arrived!

I have completely finished The Inferiors, and as of September 4th, it has been published! I have not yet made it available on Amazon.com or any other distributor because I'm trying to set up a release party for the official release date, which is on Monday, September 18th.

So coming to why I'm insecure this month, I'm really nervous about my book release. Apart from the normal fears (what if people don't like it? Will they like how the story continues?) I really don't know how to market my book.

There's a guy I've been friends with for the past year, and he didn't even know I'd written a book until about a month ago. It's not something I talk about really, it's just something I love to do.

The biggest fear I have this month is for September 9th. I ordered 50 copies of my first book, and they're supposed to get to my house on September 8th. But I have this local author festival thing at my library on the 9th, and if my books don't come I'm going to be there with no books to sell. So…that's quite nerve wracking.

Anyway, I'd like to thank Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting the IWSG every month! Click here to visit more people in the IWSG!

Thanks everyone!

P.S. I'm going to be posting this week about a blog hop for my release party, so stick around!

–Jess

The Inferiors

Hi guys!

So I have some pretty big news.

Life has been absolutely crazy, I think you can tell by how long it has been since I last posted. But I have successfully finished my first year of college, had lots of amazing adventures this summer, and finally finished my second novel!

And by finished, I don't mean I finished writing it.

I finished writing it, editing it, and it is almost ready to be published! The only thing I'm waiting for currently is for the proof to get here, and then I can click the publish button!

I can't believe it's been four years since I was last published, but it's better late than never!

I'm so excited to officially release my book cover, front and back :)

I'm really gonna try to get back into the blogging world. Of course college makes everything hard, but let's be honest if I have time for a boyfriend as well as a job and then I'm able to do some writing on the side, I'm sure I can fit in some time to blog with you guys again.

Hope you guys are having a lovely day!

Jess

How Do You Find Time? –IWSG Post

Hello friends!

Today I'm participating in Alex Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Support Group, so be sure to check out other posts like it.

Maybe you can tell from the language I'm using to write this post, or maybe not, but I am exhausted. It's 10:30 AM on a Wednesday morning, and I've already taken a psychology class from 8 to 9:15 today. Sure, it's only one college class, but Monday's and Wednesday's are my lazy days.

Tuesday's and Thursday's, that's another story. I'm on campus from 8am to 4pm.

The homework isn't too bad, it's just a ton of reading. I'm enjoying all of my classes, even the math. Though, the math homework is pretty terrifying.

I'm also officially getting hired today!

So while all of these things are great, "how do you find time to write in your busy day?" you ask.

Well…

I've edited four pages over a week.

So…to fully answer your question, I have to say that balancing writing and my new schedule are becoming extremely difficult. Don't worry, I'm not the kind of person to give up something I love just because it's hard. I'm definitely not going to be taking any writing breaks or go on hiatus (though my absences from blogging seem to make it look that way).

One of my biggest weaknesses is time management. Ever since college started, I've been doing a lot better with it, but it's still not good enough. How do I balance class, homework, real work, writing, and still maintain a healthy social life while making sure I eat enough and get enough sleep?

The answer: I don't know.

At least, I haven't figured it out yet.

How do you find time to write in your busy day? (Hopefully you're doing a better job than I am!)

–Jess

BE PROUD OF YOURSELF

Hello my lovely friends!

I'm so sad that I've gotten so out of the loop with blogging. With The Inferiors coming out in September-ish I should really post a lot more and visit people, things are just getting so crazy!

Examples:

ONE: I had to take my driving test three times in the past three weeks before I passed. The first time was just cause I sucked. The second time was because of a super mean lady, who didn't even let me finish my test. The third time, I finally passed because I took my test in a totally different place. So, the three weeks before I passed my test were filled with me driving everywhere so that I could pass. (I'm writing about this in detail on my other blog within the next few days).

TWO: I've been looking for a job. Well, more than looking. I've applied to a couple places, had a few interviews, and it seems that my luck might be changing for the better in that area. I'll emphasize it seems.

THREE: I'm starting college on the 29th! It's just at the local community college, but I'm so excited. I'm taking a few really cool classes, and I can't wait to get started.

So those are just three out of many examples on why I haven't been here. I know everyone hates excuses, so I'll try to make this the last time I ever make excuses for not blogging! The point is, it's been super hard to get editing done.

Though, I do have some VERY exciting news.

The book cover for The Inferiors finally came in.

I have no words to describe it. It's just perfect.

I haven't set up a cover release date YET. But within the next few days I'll have it all set up. So, stay tuned.

Overall, I just have to say: I am so proud of myself.

I hope that doesn't sound cocky to say. I honestly never think it's cocky or egotistical to be proud of oneself. So yes, I'm very proud of myself. And all of you should be proud of yourselves too for everything amazing you've done, and don't feel too humble to share it!

Question of today: what's something you've done recently, big or small, that you're proud of yourself for?

Have a lovely day everyone!

–Jess

IWSG Post… :(

Hi guys. Sorry I'm late posting today, but I've definitely been feeling a bit sorry for myself. It's really stupid and silly, but I've been very insecure.

First and foremost, I finally took my driving test today to get my license aaaaand…I failed.

Literally, I failed both parts of it.

I know it has nothing to do with writing at all, but I've been pretty upset about it since I took the test. Luckily, Ohio law says that I can take it again one week from today, which I'll be doing. So yes.

Anyway, it isn't just the driving stuff that's been making me feel insecure.

My wonderful, amazing editor, Nicole Zoltack is looking at The Inferiors right now. I've already started the publishing process on CreateSpace and they're in the process of creating my book cover, and that's freaking me out just a little bit too.

They created my cover for From the Ashes which turned out really great…

But I've just been incredibly anxious because I'm supposed to get it any day now. I've found myself refreshing my email over and over again like a crazy-clingy obsessive girlfriend (I sort of am though, ask my boyfriend haha).

So yes.

I want the cover to look really good but also have similar features to From the Ashes so that it ties in to the series. And I'm also nervous about getting my final draft done, once my editor sends my manuscript back to me. Oh lordy.

Anyway, that's what I'm insecure about this month.

How about you guys?

Visit other IWSG posts here. Thank you Alex Cavanaugh for hosting this!

–Jess

Y & Z…END OF THE A TO Z CHALLENGE

My A to Z Challenge theme is (was): characters from my trilogy, From the Ashes.

Y is for…

Years

So many years have passed since the rise of computers in human society that it is sometimes referred to as The End of Ancient History. The story of how the Imperial Alliance rose to power goes something like this.

Ancient History – The beginning of civilization, lasting to the dawn of the age of technology

The End of Ancient History – Humans build a space station on the moon, which marks the end of ancient history.

World War III – The Earth and humanity plunge into the Third World War. This creates chaos. Nuclear weapons are used once again, and many people die, creating many areas that are inhospitable. The war is short.

Formation of The Global Alliance – Every independent nation on Earth decides to join a global senate. The nations become like individual states.

The Age of Terraform – Humans begin to colonize Mars, then venture out to moons of the gas giants. They learn to terraform. They also discover faster means of communication between planets and moons, and faster ways of traveling by experimenting with different sources of power.

The Second Age of Exploration – Humans discover the first signs of life on other worlds. The hyperfield is discovered, which is a faster means of transportation, similar to the idea of using a wormhole to travel.

The Great Flood – Back on Earth, the ice caps have been melting for centuries. Because of widespread ignorance, the people of Earth don't try to preserve the environment, which results in the ice caps melting completely down the permafrost. This creates a mass panic on Earth.

The Second Age of Enlightenment – Humans discover another race of intelligent life on another world. These intelligent "aliens" point humans in the direction of other intelligent or semi-intelligent races, spread here and there around other star systems.

The Treaty of Planets – Each planet with intelligent life on it signs a treaty with humans so that they do not declare war on each other. They all learn from each other and technology progresses quickly for everyone.

The Galactic Alliance is born – People (which is the term now used for all intelligent life) decide on creating a form of government for all of them to participate in. Yet after 400 years, the Galactic Alliance grows corrupt.

The Century of Darkness – Without a government, there is widespread panic and fear of war breaking out anywhere or everywhere.

The Great Stellar Wars – Groups of terrorism fight for power among cities, continents and even star systems. The group that won replaced the Galactic Alliance with the Imperial Alliance.

Every year in the Imperial Alliance is based off of a full 365 day Earth year. The years are measured in ASW (After the Stellar Wars).

***

Z is for…

Zorin Viraak

I am a lost soul. I died before I knew my son, Dezar too well. I was killed in a street fight. I had my own business, I ran from poverty and from the life my parents had. I wanted to do better. So I did my best.

I met Anya in a crash. Her transport had smashed into mine and injured me badly. She and her mother lived alone together, and over the few weeks, they took care of me. I fell in love with Anya very quickly. I married her, and we were so happy together. There is a lot I could tell you about, about how difficult my life was, but it was beautiful. Every moment was worth it because of Anya.

She made every day worthwhile.

My life was short, but complete.

***

I know I'm a day late, but HAPPY END OF THE A TO Z CHALLENGE!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE WHO MADE IT OR EVEN PARTICIPATED!!

Have a lovely day :)

–Jess

X is for…

My A to Z Challenge theme is: characters from my trilogy, From the Ashes.

X is for…

Xana Devyn

I struggle to breathe, but no air reaches my lungs. Warmth fills my chest, and I choke on the blood. Yes, it's blood, I am drowning in my own blood. My lungs convulse, I know I'm in pain, but I don't feel it. It's like I'm watching it happen to someone else.

I know my eyes are open, but I can't see.

I feel like I'm being torn in into a million pieces, but it is beautiful in the strangest of ways. Warm light flickers onto my eyelids, and I wake in my bed on Virana. Everything is glowing a little bit, like it isn't quite real.

I see Liam for the first time. He annoys the shaav out of me, but I smile at the sight of him.

Something happens, and that fades away to meeting Jaina. Then it switches again. I'm in the kitchen making cookies with my friend. The smells, the feel, everything is so real and beautiful.

By the stars, my life is beautiful.

***

I hope you liked this little except today, couldn't write too much about her. Spoilers.

Have a lovely rest of the day!

More A to Z Participants HERE.

Don't forget to check out my other blog, My Unofficial Guide To Everything. Also, From the Ashes is on sale for 99¢ in the Kindle Store, so make sure to check it out!

–Jess

V & W are for…

My A to Z Challenge theme is: characters from my trilogy, From the Ashes.

V is for…

Dezar Viraak

I used to feel guilty about murder. I was 14 when I first killed a man. He was a general with a weakness for alcohol. I didn't do it for money, I did it for revenge. He killed my mother.

I never intended to make murder my career. I was on the run from the law, working at a bar. I was 15, but I looked 18 and had a fake ID, and the owner of the bar liked that I worked hard. That's when Jamal Tel found me, and threatened to expose my true identity. We came to an agreement, if I could assassinate his political nemesis within a month, he'd pay me 10,000 Imperial Ariks. Seemed worth it.

These days I don't take a job that pays less than a million.

I completed the job in less than a week.

I had a steady job of assassination after that from many different customers. Don't know how they found me, I never asked.

If you had known me back then, you would have seen that I wasn't the killer type. Then again, no one in their right mind is. Now I do it for the money. It pays well, keeps food on the table, and helps me support my two children and the woman I love.

I don't feel guilty about it anymore. Not at all. Maybe it's a coping mechanism, but through all the madness, and all the blood, I found someone I love. Her name is Ana. Can't imagine why she loves me, she knows what I do.

Now I have a daughter and a son. My children and Ana are everything to me.

***

W is for…

(Since nothing starts with W, I'm just doing a little excerpt from Book 2, The Inferiors.)

We take the lift downstairs in silence. When we reach the bottom, I walk through the lobby and out of my apartment complex. He follows close behind me as I lead us into the pale light of the late morning.

My apartment is built on the outskirts of the Crystal City Plaza. It's a large expanse of area paved with white Tarnoshian marble. Ever few meters or so, there are gardens that line the fountains where strange, unfamiliar birds hop around and bathe in sunlight. They're smaller and more colorful than any of the birds I had known on Virana. Their songs are more intricate, and they sound more like wind chimes than birds.

Things were so different back home.

The air is more stale, the gentle breeze less…real. There is not a breath of disorder, and it makes everything feel so wrong.  

***

I hope you enjoyed my post for today!

Don't forget to visit other A to Z Challenge Participants, and my other blog, My Unofficial Guide To Everything, where I wrote a "breakup letter".

Also, From the Ashes is on sale for 99¢ this week, so make sure to check that out too!

Have a lovely day :)

–Jess

U is for…

My A to Z Challenge theme is: characters from my trilogy, From the Ashes.

U is for…

The Uncharted Lands (and the rest of the world)

This is the Earth as we know it.

This is the Earth after The Great Flood, after the plague. After World War III, IV, and V. This is the Earth, our home, after the Century of Darkness, after the Great Stellar Wars. This is the Earth in the year 426 After the Stellar Wars.

***

This is my map of what the world would look like in From the Ashes. (I know it's not super realistic, just bear with me!) Thank you for visiting today everyone!

Don't forget to check out other A to Z Participants here, and make sure to look at my other blog My Unofficial Guide To Everything.

Also, the Kindle edition of From the Ashes is on sale for 99¢ this week, so make sure to get a copy!

Have a lovely day :)

–Jess

T is for…

My A to Z Challenge theme is: characters from my trilogy, From the Ashes.

T is for…

The Shadow Hunter

The existence of The Shadow Hunter has long been debated throughout the history of the Imperial Alliance. The myths and legends that surround the the name are extensive and some are beyond belief, yet the general story goes like this.

The One True Emperor had risen above humanity. His eyes had been opened by the power of Darkness and Light, and in that moment he saw all that ever was, and all hat could be. In the moment of Darkness, he saw the jealousy of his half-brother. Upon seeing this, The One True Emperor saw that Varyn must die. And so it was done. Yet in the moment of Light, The One True Emperor saw all Varyn's life before him, he saw that he should pity him, he saw that Varyn needed love. The One True Emperor's power transcended the physical world, and he brought Varyn's soul back from what lies beyond.

The Rule of Life and Death was broken, the soul of Varyn was not meant to return. It happened that only those who looked for Varyn could see him. He was the shadow of a cheated life, and he became the symbol of Death. His life was owed to The One True Emperor, and so he took the lives of those that opposed His Holiness. Henceforth, he would be known as The Shadow Hunter.

The truth about The Shadow Hunter remains a mystery. Some say that after the passing of The One True Emperor, The Shadow Hunter lost his power and was sent back to death with his half-brother. Others say that the spirit of The Shadow Hunter lived on forever, throughout all time. Some even say that the sprit of The Shadow Hunter uses his power to consume the souls of others, using human bodies as a host for a lifetime.

What do you think happened?

***

Don't forget to visit other A to Z Challenge Participants, and don't forget to visit my other blog, My Unofficial Guide To Everything.

Have a lovely day!

–Jess

R and S are for…

My A to Z Challenge theme is: characters from my trilogy, From the Ashes.

R is for…

Raval Tazrin

My parents were Superiors. I was born and raised in the Crystal City, and I enlisted in the IAA (Imperial Alliance Army) when I was 18. I was sent to Rellyne to quell rioting and reconstruct a city overrun in the Great Stellar Wars.

A man disobeyed the law. He was outside camp after hours. He was giving food to children, but he was arrested. His sixth offense was the same as the rest, and after that, he was sentenced to death. The other officers didn't care that he had a daughter.

He was executed by Lucius Marris, a man who thought he was my friend. I was ordered to help with the murder. I was the one who kept Cal Indera in place while Marris raised the gun to his head.

When Lucius Marris pulled that trigger, he changed the course of history.

Because that trigger was pulled, Cal's daughter became an orphan at the age of 15.

I fell in love with her.

Because of that single gunshot that echoed across the land, because of the blood spilled that day, much more would follow. And the nation would go to war.

***

S is for…

Sarin Indera

I died in the year 378 After the Stellar Wars. I was 27. I never had the chance to go to a proper school while I was alive. But I found something better.

I found love.

I married the love of my life, Cal, when I was 21. He was 20. We lived a hard life in the camps, but we had each other, and it was beautiful.

I died in childbirth, but I got to see my daughter and give her a name.

A name that would one day tear down this corrupt world we live in. A name that would change the world.

***

Thank you all for visiting today!

Don't forget to visit more A to Z Challenge Participants, and check out my other blog, My Unofficial Guide To Everything.

Also, From the Ashes is on sale for 99¢ in the Kindle Store for a week, starting Monday, April 25! So make sure to check that out too :)

Have a beautiful Friday :)

–Jess

P and Q are for…

My A to Z Challenge theme is: characters from my trilogy, From the Ashes.

P is for…

High Prince Savran

I was born in the year 401 After the Stellar Wars as High Prince Savran, to Emperor Dehkran. I never respected my father. To those who betrayed him, he was merciful. He was too kind. My mother was the only one I ever respected or ever loved. Here name was Leya.

She was killed in a bombing aboard an aircraft. She was killed by The Phoenix, the woman who lead the Resistance.

When I was 11, my father died and I became Emperor. The passing of my father was an event I cherish. Though I would not be handed all my power until I was 16, I made the most of my time, plotting vengeance on the woman who ruined my life.

***

Q is for…

Questions & Answers

Since there are no characters in my story that have a name that starts with the letter Q, I've decided to do a little Question and Answer session with one of my characters. The character I will be interviewing is: Rasha Viraak.

Rasha, will you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born in the year 410 After the Stellar Wars. I was sent to the Gifted School in Manincia, a land once known as Azia. I was sent along with my brother, Azad. We were very close, for all our lives. I died in the year 425, so I was 15 years old.

How did you die?

I'd rather not go into it.

Your brother, Azad, thinks that you were murdered. Is that true?

As I said, I would rather not go into the details of my death. What I will tell you is that my brother is not evil. He never was, and never will be. He's in pain, you see. I was the only person who was really there for him always, and he lost me. He blames others for it, and seeks revenge.

Do you think he should seek revenge?

No. Those who commit crimes against others or themselves will pay for the damage they do. The universe will come around to them and give them the punishment they deserve. Revenge is unnecessary. His quest for revenge will never be fulfilled.

You were in love with Altair Kasev. Are you still?

It matters little what I feel, now that I am dead. The only effect I have on the physical world is what people make of my memory. But for the sake of this interview, yes. I am still in love with him, and I hope he knows that. And I hope he will someday forgive himself.

Forgive himself for what?

He blames himself for my death.

Should he?

Not at all. He did what had to be done, and that is all I can say.

***

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

Don't forget to visit other A to Z Participants here, and my other blog, My Unofficial Guide To Everything.

Have a lovely day!

–Jess

M, N, and O…(so sorry guys!)

Sooooo I have been busy and stressed the past four days…a lot of crazy stuff going on that I'd rather not dive into. But at least for now, my stress has died down a bit. So anyway, here's M, N, and O!

My A to Z Challenge theme is: characters from my trilogy, From the Ashes.

M is for…

Shirez Melohem

I was born in the year 377 After the Stellar Wars. My father was the Prince of Earth of the Imperial Alliance. When I was 7, I was sent to the University of Public Affairs. I didn't see much of my parents. They were strict, and I liked school more than I liked them. I was married when I was 26. My wife-to-be was Nalia. She was 25. It was an arranged marriage, and neither of us were in love. She was beautiful, and when I became the Prince of Earth in my father's place, she was a perfect royal.

You want more? By the stars, I need to be careful. You aren't recording this, are you?

Of course, many of us had heard of the Resistance movement. To some, the idea brought fear, and to others, rage. To me? It brought me hope. I knew the Alliance was corrupt, most forms of government are. Yes, I found hope. So I searched for them. I wanted a part of it. Why, you ask? I wanted to make history.

No, I can't continue there. That is all I will say about the Resistance, that is all I can say.

My son was born in the year 408 ASW. At that point, he gave me more hope than I had ever known. I wanted a future for him, a good life. Nalia wanted that too, I know that. She loved him dearly. A year later, she killed herself. It was an overdose. I can't say anything else. If I say much more, there's a chance I won't be alive much longer. Thank you, now please leave.

***

N is for…

Niri Ranos

The fact that you'd like to know about me makes me concerned. I like to stay quiet, I just get my job done. Who do you work for? Really, I don't understand why this is necessary. Yes, I work for Draco Haidryn. I'm his personal hit-man. Listen, I'm done with this, I don't see why you need to interview me. I'm out.

***

O is for…

Seth Onan

You know I can't tell you much, but I'll say everything I can. I was born in the year 408 ASW. My mother, Lossa, ran away from my father after I was born. She brought me with her. I can't go into what happened after, but she put me into a Gifted School where I would later meet Kavi Agni. I admit, it wasn't hard to fall in love with her. We entered the Trials together, with Jaina Indera and Dragon as our leaders.

***

I'm sorry I had to post so much today, I hope you enjoyed these little excerpts about the characters! I'll try and get around to everyone who comments today, and hopefully a few more.

Don't forget to check out other A to Z Challenge Participants here, and my other blog My Unofficial Guide To Everything.

Have a wonderful day!

–Jess

L is for…

My A to Z Challenge theme is: characters from my trilogy, From the Ashes.

L is for…

Liam Rodan

I was born in the year 410 After the Stellar Wars. I was placed in the Gifted School of Virana, one of the best in the Imperial Alliance. The island of Virana is beautiful. A jungle island, once known as Indoneeshia. I don't know if that's the correct spelling of it, we only learned about the names of pre-history countries for a short time.

I had two best friends as a kid. Altair Kasev and Jaina Indera. Altair was 8, he was taken away. Jaina and I were only 6. No one knew what happened to him.

I fell in love with Jaina when I was 14. I think she fell in love with me too, but I was too afraid of it. Just the whole idea of love was terrifying. I didn't feel ready, I didn't feel like I could do it. But when I finally thought I had the courage, when I finally got the chance to show her, she met Dragon.

I know he is dangerous. It isn't just that I'm in love with her, and I'm scared Dragon will steal her away. I can tell what he's doing. I can tell he's seducing her, and I know it will only bring her pain. I have to save her, I honestly need to save her. I just don't know how.

***

This is the short introduction of my favorite character to write in my story. Liam. He is by far my favorite character to write, and definitely the most fun. Thank you for visiting today!

Don't forget to visit other A to Z Challenge Participants, and my second blog, My Unofficial Guide To Everything.

Happy Thursday!

–Jess

K is for…

My A to Z Challenge theme is: characters from my trilogy, From the Ashes.

K is for…

Kavi Agni

I was born in the year 410 After the Stellar Wars. I'll admit, I don't play a large role in the future, not that I can imagine anyway. I don't mind. I was given a mission a long time ago, and I never thought it would get this far. Sometimes I doubt myself, sometimes I wonder why the hell I singed up for this in the first place.

My best friend is Jaina Indera. She doesn't know the truth yet, but she will. There will be no hope for freedom if she stays on her current path. I need help, I need serious help with her, I can't change her mind on my own.

***

Thanks for visiting today everyone! I'm so sorry for posting so late again, today has been so busy. Don't worry, in the fun way!

Don't forget to check out more A to Z Challenge Participants here, and my new blog, My Unofficial Guide To Everything.

Have a wonderful day!

–Jess

J is for…

My A to Z Challenge theme is: characters from my trilogy, From the Ashes.

J is for…

Jaina Indera

I thought I knew who I was. I thought I knew what I wanted. I was to live for the Alliance, to win the Trials for the Alliance. I thought it would make my life better. That we would be happy if we could win.

They didn't tell us the cost. They didn't tell us what it would be like, what we would have to lose in order to win. I am so small in this infinite universe, I am lost.

I am so lost in this everlasting darkness that surrounds my soul.

I was never meant to write history, and yet this is what I have been asked to do. I have to honor her life, her sacrifice. Our lives were based on lies, and I have to make it right.

I will die to make it right.

***

Again, I'm sorry I'm so late today! It was so hard writing a perfect part for Jaina, since she is my main character. I hope you like her though!

Don't forget to check out other A to Z Participants here, and check out my new blog, My Unofficial Guide To Everything (a follow or comment would be much appreciated) where I posted today about anxiety. 

Have a lovely rest of the day!

–Jess

H & I are for…

My A to Z Challenge theme is: characters from my series, From the Ashes.

So I missed posting on Saturday, and now I'm late posting for today, so here go H and I together today.

H is for…

Draco Haidryn

Where and when I was born matters little. I'm a self made man, and I'm rich as hell. And I'm probably the closest to royalty you'll ever get. Have you noticed my confidence? Good. It's my best quality. I'm trusted with incredibly top secret information as well. I know my ways in the Imperial Alliance. You want to know more about me? Come inside my mansion and we can talk.

***

If you couldn't tell, Draco Haidryn is a pretty boring person, and he's really just all about money and sex. Yeah, super boring. Now on to the next one.

I is for…

The Imperial Alliance

The Imperial Alliance is the most powerful nation thus far in the history of mankind (and a few other species of humanoid too). It rose from the ashes of The Great Stellar Wars, and the Emperors, past and present, lead the nation. When the nation was founded, monarchy and democracy were bound together, giving rise to the leadership of the Emperor, with suggestions from the senate.

Alliance rule is strict, and those who oppose the ideals of the Emperor tend to disappear. It is for the safety of civilization, to prevent a war as horrific as the Stellar Wars from ever happening again. The Alliance does all it can for the people. The people are assigned jobs according to genetic makeup and personality. A lucky few children can enter Gifted Schools to create a better future for the Alliance and humanity in general.

***

Sorry for being so late today, and having to post H and I together! You can definitely say I put this together last minute, so forgive me lovelies.

Dont' forget to check out other A to Z Participants here, and my new blog My Unofficial Guide To Everything, where tomorrow I will be posting about ways to channel or reduce anxiety and stress.

Have a wonderful rest of the day everyone!

–Jess

G is for…

My A to Z Challenge theme is: characters from my series, From the Ashes.

Since no one in my series has a name that starts with a G, I'm gonna improvise a little on this one and give you some backstory today. Without further ado…

G is for…

The Great Stellar Wars

103 years after the fall of the Galactic Alliance, The Century of Darkness came to an end, and The Great Stellar Wars began. The democracy was overthrown, many of the well renowned senators and governors were brutally murdered. Individual worlds and systems were fought over by bands of terrorists and gangs.

For 75 years, there was bloodshed and destruction in all of the systems that were once part of the Galactic Alliance. Historical monuments were destroyed, as were large cities. Many small villages were spared.

A group of revolutionaries spoke up and gained power. They rallied their home system to unite to fight against the anarchy that was poisoning the rest of the star systems in the once great Galactic Alliance. They united the star systems, created strict laws so that what happened to the Alliance could never happen again.

The Imperial Alliance was born. In the IA, they created the ASW calendar. Many cultures and civilizations had been destroyed or nearly destroyed during the Great Stellar Wars, and so a new calendar to track the years was created. Year 0 was the year the Stellar Wars ended and the Imperial Alliance began.

***

Sorry I'm so late today, I didn't sleep well last night, and things have been a bit crazy. I'll try and get around to as many people as I can today, starting with the people who comment.

And don't forget to check out other A to Z Participants and my new blog My Unofficial Guide To Everything which is about a lot of random stuff.

Have a wonderful day!

–Jess