Picture This: Scenes from Behind the Doorway

Hi Skyborn Warriors!
I've been having fun on my  Facebook Author Page these last few weeks, posting snippets of scenes from the book and matching them with pictures I bought from Deposit Photos. I never realized how the perfect images can help the written word become even more magical! Here are a few examples:

She’d found the book in the attic before they had moved. Her father kept it in an old box he had been lugging around forever. Finding it was like discovering a secret passageway into the ancient crypts of the pharaohs … By the looks of its broken binding, yellow pages, and faded ink, no one would miss it. All but forgotten—but to her, it awoke a memory she could not yet place. ~excerpt from A Doorway Back to Forever: Believe.

“Welcome, Skyborn Traveler. This is the Doorway Back to Forever. Beyond its threshold lies the Kingdom of the Morning—a parallel realm where magic flourishes…your Awakening is now. Pass through this portal and learn your true story—the magic inside you is waiting to live again. Or walk away, and this entrance will disappear. The choice is yours.” ~excerpt from A Doorway Back to Forever: Believe

“I think that composition has more life to it than you’re willing to see, more answers than you realize.” He stood up and motioned for her to do the same. “Why don’t you go finish it and see where it takes you?”

“Where it takes me?” Robyn said, confused again over his riddles. “How can I finish a story that isn’t real—a story I know nothing about?”

Mr. Fischer squinted deeply as he smiled. “Oh, you’d be surprised how a simple composition can write itself, if you give it a chance.”
~ excerpt from A Doorway Back to Forever: Believe

Kit cleared her throat again. “I don’t mean to interrupt, but I want to remind you that while you both have a personal mini snow-globe, I don’t. And apparently, the bad guys know this fact. I know you two are in the middle of your Skyborn reunion, but I’m still scared as all get-out.” ~ excerpt from A Doorway Back to Forever: Believe.

That whiff of cinnamon came on strong again, and something touched Robyn's right knee. She looked down and smiled. The last slice of cinnamon bread, toasted and buttered, was sitting on her leg. Her gaze darted over to see Cam with a playful grin on his face. He bounced his eyebrows twice, got up, put his bowl in the sink then headed out. Robyn mouthed a tiny "thanks," wrapped the present with a napkin, and hid it by her side. ~excerpt from A Doorway Back to Forever: Believe.

Robyn lowered her head. "I want to join, really. But I'm afraid I can't fight."
Gabriella lifted Robyn's chin. "You can stand. And every great warrior begins by taking a stand."

Take a stand. Join Robyn with the Skyborn warriors as they travel beyond the doorway back to Forever...

And there you have it. Several short snippets to ponder. Enjoy. 

If Harry Potter visited Narnia...

...he'd get there through A Doorway Back to Forever. Find out about the magic and the message.

Allegorical fantasy has a dual purpose--first to entertain and second to teach. (Some may argue the order, but that is for another blog!)

A Doorway Back to Forever: Believe is first a fantasy--a journey of two families that discover the magical power they were born with, the royal family that beckons them home, and the madman that wants them dead. It takes the two families to a wonderful realm beyond Earth where magic is real. They learn of their connection to this mystical world and the power they have to bring magic back to Earth, if they have the courage to believe. This is the magic.

But it's also more--it's filled with lessons of life, spiritual symbolism that may speak to those who are in tune with what it has to say. The readers are challenged to think deeply--not only about the characters but about themselves--what trials do they face, what voices tempt them to falter, what song sings sweetly in their heart to bring them back on the right track. This is the message.

I've enjoyed writing this book. If you enjoyed reading it, would you recommend it to a friend? Please do! That way they can catch the magic and the message too!

One Month Old Today! What has my book been doing?

Today is the one month anniversary of my release, and it has been an exciting month!

What has happened so far? We had a party to celebrate, we went on a virtual tour, and we've had some awesome reviews. Here are some of the highlights:

1. The Party:

Loving The Book Launch did a phenomenal job to welcome my new book. Everyone that "attended" the online party said it was a blast and a half. This meant the world to me--seeing faces and names of people from all over the country, people I've known forever, people who have been mentors to me, and people I've never met--I couldn't have been more happy with it all. I really felt connected, and I especially felt a lot of love and acceptance, both from the writing and reading communities. Thank you all so much!

2. The Tour:

What another great idea--going on tour without leaving your house! Loving the Book handled this virtual tour, setting up blog posts with about fourteen different bloggers. I also received five reviews from five different bloggers connected with the tour, each one favorable and informative. To date, I have 33 reviews on Amazon, one is a 4-star, the rest are 5-star.

3. The Opportunities:

I set up a Facebook page called Friends of A Doorway Back to Forever: Believe, and received many requests to join. This will be a launching pad for the rest of the series and supplemental material for home schooling, Family Home Evening Lessons, and teaching values and faith to children. Now that April's Camp NaNo is wrapped up, I can concentrate on giving you, the reader, just what you were hoping for--more news about what's beyond the Doorway!

4. The Response:

I'm so thrilled now that many of you are reading the book! Here are some of the things that verified readers have been saying:

From Bill Paliwoda: Excellent book for kids with important life lessons most kids can identify with. The author draws the reader into the story and develops the characters fully. Unlike many books where the characters kind of all blend together until you're not certain who is who, the author's construction of the characters ensures the reader can readily identify who is who. Handles the multiple simultaneously occurring events in a clear manner that will allow kids to follow the story line without confusion.

From Nansi Krauss: What an enchanting read! From the very start, Nanette's writing style drew me in. We get to know the main characters very easily. The setting comes alive with the author's ability to set the scene - great descriptive narrative! The book is aimed at a junior high audience, but that should be no barrier for any adult. The book speaks to things we all relate to - believing in something bigger than yourself, standing up to bullies, finding true blue friends, the regular conflicts of family life, and summoning the courage to do what you know is right, even if it's difficult. These themes may be in the forefront of a teen's life, but they remain with us throughout our lives. This book will reconnect adults with those important themes. Most importantly, it's written so well that it takes the reader on a wonderful journey. I could hardly wait to see what happened next!! My only regret is I finished it so quickly and now I have to wait for the next chapter to be published! I highly recommend this book to all that appreciate a well written story with beautiful scenes that transport you to a world where courage, friendship, loyalty and faith in what's right and just matter more than anything else!

From Karen McKown-Arano: Great read, very enchanting.
I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.

This book is aimed at 10-13 year olds, but is not childish in anyway. I am far from Middle School and enjoyed it. Robyn and Kit are two 12 year old girls who have both had strange senses awaken in them. Robyn sees visions and Kit hears voices having conversations. When Kit's family moves to town to escape frightening disappearances and arrests of family friends, Mr. Fischer, an elderly neighbor, introduces her to Robyn. Both girls are excited to have a best friend but are afraid to discuss their magical sense because it is a criminal offense to even talk about magic.

Telling any more of the story line would include spoilers, but there are magic doors, police actions that are reminiscent of the Nazis, demon-like creatures, a king and prince who have C. S. Lewis type connotations, and lots of lessons for the girls (and the reader) including how to treat others, standing up against prejudice, learning about your own weaknesses and strengths, and dealing with envy and anger.

From Donna K. Weaver: From the very beginning I found these two girls engaging, and I really felt for them. That time of life--twelve and thirteen--can be such a formative one as we're starting to step away from our parents and trying to find ourselves and our own view of the world. And then to find that there's more to that world than you'd had any reason to dream of?

Awesome! And scary.

This tale is very much a story of good versus evil--and trying to decide which is which. It's full of action and creative worldbuilding and standing for something, of taking risks for what you believe. Even facing your fears.

And there's nothing like having to save the world while you're at it.

The main characters are on the younger side of YA, but the story doesn't read like a kid's book. There're plenty of endearing characters, touching scenes, and breathtaking action. I'm looking forward to the next book!

(Thanks to all the thirty-three reviewers! You can read the rest by clicking here.

Now, the last thing I want to do is give spoilers, so if you wish to purchase your own copy, do so HERE!  And do it soon, so you'll be on board with future posts! Happy Reading!!

So What Happens at an Online Book Launch Party?

Two weeks until my book, A Doorway Back to Forever: Believe, comes out on Amazon.com, and I think I’m finally believing it myself!  The Official Launch Party, scheduled for that evening, from 7-9 EDT, will be a blast and a half! I’m excited to have eighty-five people “going” and forty-six “interested” so far.

Some of you have been asking what happens at a book launch party. Well, here are some things that will, and won’t happen:

What won’t happen:

1.      I won’t be doing book signings at the launch—sorry! The book is only available online so far, which means you can’t get it at a book store yet. And since the party is online, we won’t physically meet anywhere. Since you checked off “going” or “interested” the party is now scheduled as an event on Facebook. Make sure you go to the official page on March 29^th to actually be “at” the party.

2.      There won’t be dance music—but you can play your own music if you’d like! Put on some epic soundtrack during the party. I suggest something with a driving theme like Pirates of the Caribbean or Robin Hood, or something with a haunting melody like The Hobbit or Harry Potter. Anybody remember the music from Hook? That would work really well too!

3.      You don’t have to dress up. You can even attend in your jammies. It’s not being Skyped so no one will see you, or me, for that matter. Hmm…which jammies shall I wear?

What will happen:

1.      You will go to the Official Launch Party page. There you will see posts pop up from my launch team, Loving the Book They are in charge of running the party. They will post snippets about the book, the characters, the author, and even some excerpts from the book.

2.      The posts will offer challenges for you to reply, and the best answers will win prizes. Some of the prizes offered will be print and eBooks, donated by some author friends of mine, gift cards, key chains and bookmarks. I’ve participated in some of these parties before, and it’s fun to watch what people are saying. It makes you feel like you’re actually connected to the world through the internet!

3.      Make sure you refresh your page to keep up with each new post.

4.      I will be eternally grateful for your support. I can’t begin to explain what this stage of my life means to me. My dream has come true, and this is only the beginning of a fantastic journey—not only for me, but for those readers who are looking for a good story that summons inner courage, offers hope, and brings them home with honor. 

Final Proof Arrived for Review

It's Here!

This is the final proof of my book. I cannot believe I'm holding it. But the picture doesn't lie!

I got it late last week and literally carried it around with me all day. After all, it's a story that's been inside of me for a long time--it does feel almost like the arrival of a baby!

Once it passes review, I can get this baby up on Amazon pre-sales.  I am looking into the best way to handle the launch. There will definitely be one on social media, and perhaps a local launch near my home.

In any case, the planning is moving forward and I'm beyond ecstatic!

Thank you for all your support!

Nanette

Countdown to launch!

HI Skyborn Warriors!

If you are reading my blog, I am promoting you to the status of Skyborn Warrior! You are committed to being a part of this adventure, and I thank you for your dedication. I couldn't have gotten this far without you.

I am waiting to hear back from CreateSpace for my final printed draft of Believe. And while I'm waiting, I'm juggling fear, stress, and excitement like those guys who juggle a chainsaw, bowling ball, and an egg. It's driving me crazy!! *deep breaths*

My inner self is telling me this will all work out. This was meant to be. This is what I'm supposed to be doing. But my outer self has chewed my fingernails down to the nubs. I'm told this is normal, (well, maybe not the fingernail thing) so at least I know I'm not alone. *more deep breaths*

So, here is the countdown:

1. Once I get the final print draft back, and I decide it looks pretty, I will
2. Set the book up on Amazon pre-sales at a discount so that people can
3. pre-order the book and get ready for the
4. Launch Day!

I am looking for a launch team to help me with the Launch Day. If you are on board with this project, if you are as excited as I am about this book, and if you are willing to help me, you should join my  Skyborn Warrior Launch Team. What does that mean?

Skyborn Warrior Launch Team:

1. Let me know you want to be on the team--reply to this blog, email, etc.
2. Pre-order the book
3. I will send you a pdf of the first few chapters to review ahead of time!
4. Be ready to post a review on Launch Day to Amazon.com
5. Join my Facebook Group for A Doorway Back to Forever: Believe and be part of the Launch Day celebration.

I'm still working on the logistics of Launch Day, but I know there will be some fun give-away items, interviews, information about the series, and maybe other things I haven't even thought of yet! So stay tuned in.

I will send a special email with the pre-order information and the Facebook Group.  I'm looking at possibly late March or mid-April for the launch date.

Thank you for your patience, your love, and your willingness to be a part of my team!
 *big sigh of relief*

A Doorway Back to Forever: Believe --The evolution of a cover

What an experience! I've got a super awesome cover design, created by the team at CreateSpace, but the evolution of it was pretty fun. I first searched for an image from a website that I wanted to use as a base. Here is a screen shot of the doorway which I liked.

I purchased the image, and sent it along with a sketch I made of a sunburst:

I requested they put the sunburst inside the top arch of the door, with a castle inside the sun.
Simple enough request...and this is what they came up with:

For some reason, they put the sunburst outside of the archway, and the castle in the top crowning rays...*smiles* So I called the wonderful team at CreateSpace and asked for a do-over! They were happy to comply. This was their solution:

I loved the way they set the sunburst and castle above the opening of the door. But I wanted a few more changes. I felt the cover was too busy the way it was laid out, so we moved the endorsement to the back, moved the title up top, took out the subtitle, and maneuvered some of the wording and images on the back and the spine. After a few color enhancements, I finally settled on this:

In this version, the doorway pops a bit more, and the word, BELIEVE, is redder in color. I like the way the entire presentation is less busy. It seems to convey the fantasy-style I'm looking for.
It was a fun process to go through, and I really enjoyed the steps taken to create it. What do you think?

I'm in the process of approving the interior, meaning the printed portion of the book. Once it's done, I'm going to set a launch date, probably mid March. I will be setting the book up for pre-sales at a discount in a few weeks. Be on the lookout for my invitation for you to be on my Skyborn Warrior Launch Team! You'll receive some added perks, to be announced!

 It's finally happening, people. Can you BELIEVE it??