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

Insecure Writer's Support Group Day!

Today is the first Wednesday of the month, meaning that it's time for Alex Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Support Group. The purpose is to share insecurities, and encourage other writers who are insecure. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. This is a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

So what am I insecure about this month?

Well, I'm really close to finishing my second novel. It's almost completely edited, I have about 70 pages to go before I'm ready to send it off to my editor.

This novel is the sequel to From the Ashes. It's called The Inferiors. What I'm most worried about is the fact that my writing has changed so much since I published From the Ashes. It's like I'm a completely different writer now, and I don't want to disappoint my readers. What if they don't like the new twists my story takes?

It's changed a lot from the first draft, and of course, I want it to be perfect.

Of course, I'm a realist so I know The Inferiors can't ever be perfect, because there is no such thing! (Unless you're talking about someone you love.)

In the end, the thing I'm really insecure about this month is: how will people react to The Inferiors when it's published?

What are you insecure about this month?

Thanks for visiting today!

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU!

–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

F is for…

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

Since none of my characters in my book have a name that starts with the letter F, I have a good excerpt for today from my book.

F is for…

From the Ashes

"Read it," he orders.

"It's the spark that keeps you moving,

The final rope to which you hold,

Hope is a lie, because in the end,

There's only the dark and the cold.

Take from others all you prize,

Through fire you'll prevail,

The sacrifice for victory

Is the same, should you fail.

When lies have finally burned away,

For revenge the silence cries,

When flames of rage have torn us down,

From the ashes, we shall rise."

The words make me shiver. There's an uncomfortable silence after I finish. Azad touches my shoulder and helps me to my feet.

"You know what they're asking for?" Marco asks.

Azad nods. "There's only one thing it could be."

My worst fears are confirmed. My blood runs cold in my veins and I shake my head, backing away from Azad. "No," I say. "No, that's not what it means."

Azad raises an eyebrow. "That's all it could mean, Jaina. This is what the IA demands. We must show no mercy."

***

Thanks for stopping by today everyone! Yesterday I didn't get around to sharing my favorite posts for yesterday, so here we go today!

1. Bean Grower and other F names
2. Found
3. Stormy's Epic Adventurous Quest Journey – F

Comment and leave a link to your blog so that I can check it out! Don't forget to check out other A to Z Challenge Participants here, and make sure to stop by my new blog about life, love, history, science, and all sorts of random things, My Unofficial Guide To Everything.

Have a wonderful day :)

–Jess

E is for… (+ IWSG Post)

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

E is for…

The Emperor of the Imperial Alliance

The first Emperor of the Alliance was a war hero who helped unite many of the star systems following The Great Stellar Wars. He came into power in the year 0, according to the ASW (After the Stellar Wars) calendar. His name has been long forgotten, yet the people of the Alliance refer to him as The One True Emperor. The Emperor had a half-brother, Varyn, who was promoted to the commander in chief of the IA forces.

The Legend of The One True Emperor:

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 that could be. In the moment of Darkness, he saw the jealousy of his half-brother. Upon seeing this, The One True Emperor saw to it 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 powers 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.

After the Emperor's death, popular culture would say that the soul of The Shadow Hunter would go on to serve every Emperor born of the First Emperor's bloodline. The First Emperor created The Trials and put in place a strong government, and a senate for the people of the IA. He brought upon an era of glory to better the economy, the worlds, and the people. To this day, in the year 327 After the Stellar Wars, his legacy lives on. All hail The Emperor of the Imperial Alliance!

***

As you can see, I kind of wrote this as propaganda for the Imperial Alliance, the oppressive government in the From the Ashes trilogy. This is the history and legend of the Emperor and his legacy across the centuries.

Also, today is IWSG post day, so here we go really quick

I'm honestly super insecure about being able to finish the A to Z Challenge right now. Like…I have some of my posts pre-written, but I have no idea what I'm going to write once it gets to the letter Q, I have not thought that far! No one's name starts with a Q in my story, so I'm seriously going to have to figure this out quickly. That's my biggest insecurity for this month! What's yours?

Favorite A to Z posts of the day:

1. (to be added shortly)
2. (to be added shortly)
3. (to be added shortly)

Thank you all for visiting! Today, I will add to this post my top 3-5 A to Z "E" posts, so don't forget to comment and leave a link to your blog so I can visit you! Don't forget to check out more IWSG posts, other A to Z Challenge Participants, and my new blog which needs some new followers: My Unofficial Guide To Everything.

Have a lovely day!

–Jess

D is for…

My A to Z Challenge theme is: Characters from my From the Ashes trilogy!

D is for…

Dragon

My name is Altair Kasev. My mother committed suicide before I can remember, my father never told me why. I lived with him for some time, and then I was transferred to the Gifted School of Virana. The first few years were a blur, but I remember being friends with Liam and Jaina. They were my best friends. When I was 8, I discovered I had a stranger power. I didn't know how to use it, it would just take control of me now and then, making a mess of things.

It was because of this and my nightmares that I was sent away. I don't know where it was, somewhere near Virana I presume. I missed my father, I missed Jaina and Liam. They gave me medicine, and used what I can only describe now as a torture device. When I was 11, my father came to free me, and he took me home.

I was moved to a new school where I met my best friend, who would later become my worst enemy. Azad Viraak. He helped me train to be the best warrior in the school, and in the end, he became jealous. His sister, Rasha, fell in love with me.

My father would bring me home from school each summer. I never trusted the Masters at the Gifted Schools, I never really agreed with anything the Imperial Alliance did either. When I found out my father was part of the Resistance, at first I felt slightly betrayed. Yet as time went on, I began to respect him for that. I joined him, and during each summer, I would carry out small missions for the Resistance.

My last year in school with Azad, I did something terrible. I cannot admit to it, not here, not now. It's what caused me to hide behind this name, Dragon. I know I was justified in doing what I did, I couldn't put the Resistance or my father or Jaina in danger. But there are times when I know I did wrong. I was so wrong. I fear that the Darkness has consumed my soul.

***

This is the story of Altair (Dragon) Kasev! Thank you for visiting!! Also, my favorite D posts of the day:

1. D is for Dream
2. Drive Through
3. Disease

I only picked three posts for today that I liked because today is super busy, but leave a comment and a link to your blog and I may highlight your post tomorrow! To visit more A to Z Participants click here! And don't forget to check out my new blog My Unofficial Guide To Everything. I hope you have a lovely day!

–Jess

C is for…

Day three of the A to Z Challenge. I am still alive! :) My challenge theme is characters from my trilogy From the Ashes. So, let's get to it!

C is for…

Cal Indera

I was born in the year 352 After the Stellar Wars. My mother, Nhadya was a servant to the Empress of the Alliance, as was my father. I was told he died before I was born, though no one cared to mention how he died. My mother and the Empress were close. Best friends, you could say. Empress Lakari was like a second mother to me, and in a lot of ways, I was much more like her than my birth mother.

When I was 16, I was sent away. No one said why, that was just the wish of the Emperor. I didn't complain, though I wish I had, looking back on things. I was sent to work in a Reconstruction Camp in Vera Kaas. The Great Stellar Wars damaged many cities that are now under the tyrannous rule of the Alliance and that's what the Recon Camps were for. Rebuilding what was lost in the war. It was hard work, but when I was 17 I met the love of my life, Sarin. She was a year older than I, but she didn't know her last name. She was beautiful, she had the darkest brown hair and the most beautiful blue eyes. The sapphires in the royal palace did not compare to the blue of her eyes.

We were married when I was 21. She was 22. And several years later, we had a child. Sarin died in childbirth. Devastation doesn't come close to describing the pain of losing my wife, but my daughter Amara gave me more to live for. She changed everything for me. I wanted the best for her, so I tried to get her into a Gifted School, but they would not accept her. She was proclaimed an Inferior, as was I.

She had a fire in her I had never seen in anyone else. She knew she was meant for more. Amara was very unpopular with the local security, she tried escaping camp more than once before the age of 11. When she was 13, we were sent with a new Recon group to Rellyne. We were needed to build an IA outpost. The natives of Rellyne put up a fight now and then. Once, the Alliance forces started to open fire on village children. I stood in front of the troops and they stopped.

That's how I died. I was executed by Lucius Marris. He made my 15 year old daughter an orphan. I pray she finds forgiveness in her heart.

***

This is the sad story of Cal Indera. If you have read From the Ashes, Cal Indera is not written into the story, seeing as he dies long before Jaina, my main character, is born.

Also, my five favorite posts of the day are…

1. The Child and the Prophet
2. Catch The Moment
3. Change
4. Boredom
5. Confessions

Thank you for visiting everyone! Check out more A to Z participants here! Also, I'm starting a thing where I'm posting links to my 5 favorite A to Z posts for the day, so leave a comment with a link to your blog so I can read your post!

–Jess

B is for…

Today is the second day of the A to Z Challenge! The fact that I'm even writing this post is crazy, because I didn't think I'd make it past day one. Anyway, in case you didn't stop by yesterday or for my Challenge Theme Reveal, my theme is: The A to Z of From the Ashes (my trilogy.)

B is for…

Barys Tazrin

I don't know when I was born. Genetic testing has revealed I was approximately 28 when I married my wife, Zera. She was not a beautiful woman, but I didn't marry her for her looks or even out of love. Truth be told, I married her because her family had money and status. I wanted to give my future children a better life than I had as a child.

Zera gave birth to my son, Raval in the year 376 After the Stellar Wars. He was the light of my life, and I gave him everything. We moved into the Crystal City as a family. I worked for the Imperial Alliance government, I got my son into a good school. I don't know what it was that made him join the Army when he was 18.

I didn't live to see the great and terrible things he would do, I didn't live to see his courage and his influence on the Alliance.

***

This is the slightly uneventful story of Barys Tazrin. He's actually not written into the story, but his son, Raval, becomes very important.

Thanks for visiting everyone! Check out more A to Z Participants Here! Also, I'm going to start giving a link to my 5 favorite A to Z posts of the day starting tomorrow. Leave a comment so I can check your post out!

Leave your A to Z post links in the comments and I'll come visit you!

–Jess

A is for…

April 1st!

Happy April Fools Day, everyone! Not only is it April Fools Day, but it is the beginning of the A to Z Challenge. My theme for the A to Z Challenge is: characters from the From the Ashes series!

So, what is A for, you ask?

Azad Viraak

As of today, I still know very little of my early life. I was born in the year 405 After the Stellar Wars. I know my father's name was Dezar Viraak, but I hardly remember him. My mother was not my birth mother. Her name was Ana, but I can't recall her last name. She gave birth to my sister, Rasha.

Rasha and I were taken away from our parents when we were young, I must have only been four or five years old. We were taken to a gifted school, one of the best in the Alliance. Rasha was a few years younger than me, so I would always take care of her when I wasn't in class. I remember that a lot of the kids in my class would make fun of me, since I was older than most of them.

It was hard to make friends until I met Altair Kasev. The fact that I used to consider him a friend disgusts me now. Yet as much as I hate to admit it, once, we were friends. We trained together nearly every day for the glory of the Alliance, for the glory of the Emperor. That is until I discovered his secret. He was not and would never be true to our nation and our Emperor.

My sister fell in love with him. And that's what killed her in the end.

I don't know where he is, or how I will find him, but I will find him. I don't care about what happens after. Altair destroyed the only kindness, the only good I had in my life. And he must pay for that.

This is what I live for. It's what I'll die for, and I will fight forever for my revenge.

***

This is the story of Azad Viraak, thank you everyone! Check out more A to Z Challenge Participants here!

Leave your A to Z Challenge post links in the comments and I'll come to visit you! And don't forget to check out my new blog, My Unofficial Guide To Everything!

–Jess

IT'S ALMOST APRIL

Okay, I am honestly freaking out a little bit because it is almost April. And I signed up for the A to Z Challenge for the first time in like four years. I have no idea how this is going to work out.

Anyway, last week I was in North Carolina for Spring Break (even though I'm not even in college). It was spring break for my siblings, so that was nice. We got to visit some cool places and see the ocean, even though it was freezing cold.

We also got to visit Roanoke Island.

If you're American or English, you probably know the story, but if you'd like to know a little more about it, I wrote a whole post on it on my new blog which is less about writing and more about a lot of random stuff, My Unofficial Guide To Everything.

This week has been so busy and a bit stressful, so I apologize for this post being so short! I love you all, and I hope you have an amazing day :)

–Jess

A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal!

My dear readers, before we get going, I'd like to make a few announcements. First of all, I have officially started a new blog! I'm not entirely sure why I started it, but I have a feeling I will be posting there more often than here. If you would like to check it out, here is a link My Unofficial Guide To Everything, and if you enjoy it please follow me!

Secondly, I apologize for posting so late today, but I'm on vacation in North Carolina so I've been a bit busy relaxing.

Now I'd like to present to you, my A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal!

And my theme is…

A short guide to: From The Ashes

For those of you who don't know me, From The Ashes is my first published novel (the sequel is on the way). So my theme is going to be all about my book so you can get a little sneak peak of the world and the characters.

Visit other participants in the A to Z Theme Reveal here.

Are you participating in the A to Z Challenge? If so, what is your theme!? Don't forget to check out my new blog My Unofficial Guide To Everything.

Have a lovely day :)

Jess

Throwback Thursday – Rory

Lately, I've been doing a lot of reflecting on my past. It's not nostalgia, it's more just remembering things because I've felt like it. Maybe it's like trying to make sense of it all, in an attempt to piece together how I got from 'there' to 'here', and how I got so lucky.

So, I've decided to start a Throwback Thursday thing. Okay, I know it's already a big thing on social media, especially for teens. But I realized a lot of people that I know who blog don't really say much about their past. So…I guess this is a way to learn about me and that's it haha.

So today, I just wanted to do a little throwback to my 17th birthday.

My 17th birthday was my second best birthday so far. (The best was my19th).

September 15, 2013 was the second best birthday for me because that was when I got Rory.

(Rory at 8 weeks old)

My sister and I named him after Rory Williams from Doctor Who. He was only eight weeks old when we adopted him, and even though he caused trouble sometimes, he was a really good puppy.

In February of 2015, I was admitted to a hospital for malnourishment and I was in a full day treatment program for four months. Things were hard, but no matter what, Rory seemed to be able to tell whenever I was sick or not feeling well, and he was always there to help.

(Rory sitting in my lap)

He's almost three years old now, but he's still the best dog I could ever have wished for. He's still a bit suspicious of my boyfriend sometimes, but they get along now.

Do any of you have a dog? What's your story?

–Jess

IWSG – I'm Trying

Today is the first Wednesday of the month, meaning today is the Insecure Writer's Support Group day! I have not participated in this in years so I'll try and make sure this post doesn't turn into a novel.

I'm actually a very confident person. I don't always show it, and sometimes my "being humble" can come off as insecurity. I used to be insecure about my looks and that sort of thing, but I think that's normal when you're in your younger teenage years.

At the age of 19, I love myself very much. I'm not being self-centered, or trying to brag, that's just the honest truth. I know I'm not perfect, but I love how I look and who I am. And anyone who doesn't like me for who I am can get out of my life. (There's actually a hell of a lot I had to go through to get to this point, but I feel like that's not really relevant to this particular post.)

Despite all my confidence in myself, that has not yet translated over to my writing. Let me say, I'm not a 'timid' writer. I let all my words come straight from my heart or my soul or wherever words might come from. But when I'm getting ready for publication, my whole story seems to turn into a huge mess. I find myself thinking, "What the hell is this? Who turned my beautiful story into this crazy nonsensical disorder?"

As of yet, I have not found a solution, so…I mean I was going to try and make this post a bit hopeful, but I guess this part isn't haha. Not yet anyway.

The second part of this post is that I'm also a bit insecure about getting back into blogging. It's been so great being able to post here again, and see what everyone has been up to, but as I've mentioned in the past couple posts I wonder if I'm just shouting out into the darkness. Is anyone listening?

What are you insecure about this month?

–Jess

Feeling Sorry For Myself :)

I feel like blogging has become kind of awkward for me. I think it's because I feel like I fell off the face of the blogging earth for a little while, and now I'm back, which is great, but I've missed out on so much and the blogging earth has just continued on revolving without me. I have no idea what's going on these days.

Like David Powers King has a book out now, I don't know how long it's been available for, but it looks really cool!

A lot of other people have stopped blogging completely, or taken long breaks like I have, and a lot of the old blogs I used to visit aren't active anymore. Some don't even exist.

For those of you who have continued blogging, I feel like I'm that one friend who disappeared for three years, and then came back expecting everything to be the same but now people hardly recognize me.

Basically, this is me feeling sorry for myself that no one is reading my posts anymore. My plot for world domination seems to have been put on hold for now, seeing that I barely have an audience, but oh well! I'm hoping that changes very very soon.

Anyway, I've signed up for the A to Z Challenge this year, and I'm really excited. Since the world has continued on without me, I probably don't need to give you a link for it, but just in case, if you haven't signed up for the challenge yet, you can sign up for it here: Blogging from A to Z April Challenge

Any ideas on what your A to Z Challenge theme will be about this year?

–Jess

MY SECOND BOOK IS PUBLISHED!!

Sooooo I have some kinda big news. If the title didn't give it away, yes. I finally got my second book published!

Sadly, no, it's not The Inferiors, the sequel to From the Ashes.

It's actually a completely new book, a short eBook in fact that I wrote just in time for Valentine's Day. It's not fiction, more of a 'how to' guide.

It's called How To Get A Guy To Kiss You!

It's a book aimed at young adults, middle school through high school aged girls, so if you know anyone who could use this book, please feel free to share this!

The biggest reason why I wrote this book wasn't just to explain "how to get a guy to kiss you", I also touched a bit on the subject of self confidence. Because to me, being confident in yourself should come before you get into a relationship, and I've noticed how confidence can also effect the quality of a kiss.

I've had friends with very low self-esteem who want to be in a relationship just because they want to feel wanted. And in the end, their relationships become destructive and they end painfully.

I think I'll touch upon this again in another blog post soon, but I'm actually really exhausted right now and I'm not thinking straight!

Anyway, please check it out if you'd like on Amazon.com. Here's another link for it: How To Get A Guy To Kiss You! by Jessica McKendry

I hope you have all had a lovely weekend!

Happy Monday!

–Jess

HELLO AGAIN

Dearest readers,

Today is a really really big day for me. If you hadn't guessed already, it's because YES. This is the first blogpost I've done in a little over a year!

So for some catching up…HAPPY NEW YEARS (like twice?). And some crazy shit has been going on. Like if you're in America, is anyone else asking why Trump is running for president?

And honestly, I really have missed you all.

I'm going to do my best to start posting again, at least once a week if not more.

I'll also have you guys know that I'm kinda starting up a bit of an editing business…I actually wouldn't go so far to call it a business, more of a hobby that will make me a little bit of money. I won't be charging much, though price will depend on word count and quality of writing. (So if you're in your first draft, I'll charge more than if you're closer to your final draft.) I'm also totally cool with just looking at a chapter or two (or as many as you like) if you want.

Keep in mind, I'm a 19 year old, but I definitely have more of youthful mindset. So if your book or story is intended for young adults, I'm happy to give you an idea about how your audience might receive your book.

ANYWAY. If you'd like me to take a look at something just email me at violingirl4036@gmail.com. Yes, that's still my email address, I don't know when I'm going to change it.

Also let me thank Nicole Zoltack for helping me come up with how to set a price and everything, she's an amazing editor. She edited From the Ashes for me at a great price, and I'll be having her look at The Inferiors my second novel once I've finished editing it.

ANYWAY YES I'M BACK SO PLEASE TELL ME HOW YOU'RE ALL DOING AND HOW MANY OF YOU ARE STILL ALIVE OUT THERE!!!

Peace

–Jess