Tag: romantasy

  • New (To Me) Author Book Rec: Rose in Chains

    New (To Me) Author Book Rec: Rose in Chains

    Book recommendation! šŸ“ššŸ¤“šŸ”„ Finding new (to me) authors is like Christmas morning as a child: a wonderful, magical, cherished moment. Julie Soto’s writing and storytelling is inspired in Rose in Chains. Romantasy is all the rage right now, but she managed to create a magic system that feels fresh and deep. And the tension, longing,…

  • Writing ā€œThe Endā€ on Draft 1 of Romantasy Book 2!

    Writing ā€œThe Endā€ on Draft 1 of Romantasy Book 2!

    7 months. 457 pages. 119,643 words. The first draft of Romantasy Book 2 is officially complete! This story is truly an epic romance, bursting with battle magic, telepathic animal guardians, and unexpected found family. I especially enjoyed developing the setting for this book, which celebrates the joy of reading: an ancient, archival library. And what…

  • Hitting 104K Words this Swim Saturday

    Hitting 104K Words this Swim Saturday

    It’s another swim day! Such a gorgeous, sunny morning, I’m glad I put a pep in my step to arrive at the pool before the kiddos, so I could get my 3,000 yards in. Is it terrible that my favorite part of a morning swim is the floating I do afterwards? 🤣 Time to get…

  • Wielding Medieval Weaponry at FCRW

    Wielding Medieval Weaponry at FCRW

    Every month, First Coast Romance Writers (FCRW) hosts an educational workshop, and today, our presenter was Scott West, a history buff who shared his knowledge of Medieval and Renaissance weaponry! We had a fabulous meeting, learning from his expertise and having the opportunity to wield actual swords, daggers, war hammers, spears, and shields. He even…

  • Writing Poetry for Romantasy Book 2

    Writing Poetry for Romantasy Book 2

    The heroine in my Romantasy Book Two is a war caster: a master swordswoman, bullseye hitting archer, and stealthy huntress. She struggles to read—the runes seemingly twist and flip on the page no matter how hard she consentrates—and she must face her worst nightmare while protecting the kingdom: a poetry reading. So here I am,…

  • Romantasy Book 2 Milestone:  200 pages/ 53K words

    Romantasy Book 2 Milestone: 200 pages/ 53K words

    Mischief has all eyes on me because he’s a glutton for attention, but ALSO because it’s time for another mini celebration. As of today, I hit 200 pages/ 53K words in my work in progress: Romantasy Book 2!! I’m so thrilled by how this sequel is coming along. If I keep this current pace—fingers crossed!—I’ll…

  • Page Count Milestone in Romantasy Trilogy Book 2

    Page Count Milestone in Romantasy Trilogy Book 2

    Time for a mini celebration! I have officially hit 100 pages / 26,506 words in Book 2 of my romantasy trilogy! Mischief is thoroughly impressed with my word count, LOL. This book is writing slower than book 1, but I’ve been a bit distracted by anticipation. Book 1 is out on submission with publishers! Keeping…

  • Writing Race: 62K Complete & 28K More Remaining in Two Months!

    Writing Race: 62K Complete & 28K More Remaining in Two Months!

    I’m officially in a writing race with my younger self! In 2019, I wrote Beyond the Next Star in record speed (for me), clocking in a first draft at 89K words in five months. I officially hit 62K words in my WIP in only three months! Who thinks I can finish the first draft of…

  • The Art of Multi-Tasking: Writing, Reading & Tanning

    The Art of Multi-Tasking: Writing, Reading & Tanning

    Today was my first pool day of 2024! I love my community pool. The only thing that can compete with the sun, surf and sand of a perfect beach day is floating around my pool. I wrote in my WIP, finished another Ilona Andrews novel, and relaxed, all while working on my tan. šŸ˜Ž I…

  • Writing to Walking Ratio | Getting Rid of the Keyboard

    Writing to Walking Ratio | Getting Rid of the Keyboard

    The rough draft of my new romantasy book is pouring out of me faster and with less forehead pounding against the keyboard than ever before, partly because I’m so excited about the story and characters, but mostly because there’s less keyboard to pound. I’ve been writing during my daily walks. Turns out, I can sprint…