WEP Challenge & Predator

Predator

Nella squeezed her eyes shut and opened her mouth slightly. She couldn’t make a sound, not even the sound of a breath.

Her blood roared through her veins and every muscle strained to move. Run. Get away. Go!

But there was nowhere to go. Nowhere to run.

Adrenaline surged and bounced around inside, making her fingers twitch where they hugged her knees into her chest.

No movement. No sound.

Air in, air out.

Slow the breathing. Slow the blood. Slow the brain.

She had to listen, had to hear. But the white noise of panic filled her head.

In and out.

Nella squeezed her toes and relaxed them. The quietest way she could think of to use up some of the adrenaline-fuelled energy.

Slowly, the panic flashes behind her eyes receded and the white noise ebbed. She only hoped it wasn’t too slowly.

She opened her eyes a slit and then a little more. Blackness surrounded her. She couldn’t see. No one could see.

Could it see in the dark? Could it smell her fear and her panic? Were her tiny breaths audible?

A scrape cut the air.

The smallest of sounds. The largest of threats.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Curl the toes, relax. Look. Don’t move.

Blood raced again. Air thickened and refused to process.

Another scrape.

Nella squeezed her lips together. Pressed down hard.

Her breathing quickened and tears built in her eyes.

When light blazed around her, into her, through her, Nella released the scream.

But the predator was the only one who heard.

***

Tagline: When there's nowhere to run

***

The WEP Challenge for this month is The Scream!

You can join the challenge until October 22. We'd love to have even more writers participating!

There are so many ways to interpret a prompt and the WEP writers always produce entertaining stories!

We're asking writers to include a short tagline/blurb with their stories. But, we'll write one up if you struggle to find one or forget!

Looking forward to the entries!

Tyrean Martinson & NEXUS

My friend Tyrean Martinson has released the 2nd book in the Kayatana series releasing and it is so much fun!

I love the world-building in this series!

One piece of that fun world-building is awak. This is a beverage the characters drink often - similar to coffee here on earth. Or tea for me!

Tyrean:

If you enjoy science fiction, you might have noticed a tendency for writers to give a unique twist to one of Earth’s favorite beverages: coffee. In The Rayatana Series, the beverage “awak” is like a mixture of coffee and tea with similar stimulating properties. In fact, Amaya is a bit nervous about drinking it when she first is introduced to it because she isn’t sure if alien foods and beverages are going to work for her. There’s an answer to this dilemma presented in book one, and if you haven’t read it yet I don’t want to spoil it for you. 

When I came up with the idea for “awak” as a hot beverage, it was in homage to all the other science fiction beverages. Consider Blue Milk, Romulan Ale, Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters, Klah, and other beverages from the story worlds you’ve enjoyed. Would those books be the same without the entertaining, sometimes humor-filled details of the beverages your favorite characters drink? 

What’s your favorite science fiction beverage or food? 

Tyrean's mentioned 2 of these beverages that I'd like to try!

Of course, we couldn't have a list without Romulan ale from Star Trek. Over the ST universe, Romulan ale is infamous for its power and the power of the hangover it induces. Don't think I want the hangover, but I'd like to try at least a sip!

If you've read Anne McCaffrey's PERN series, you know they drink klah. Made from tree bark and flavoured with cinnamon (or the PERN equivalent of cinnamon anyway), this one would be fun to try!

How about you? Any beverages from SF land that you'd like to try? Which series/author has world-building you adore? Any other fans of the Kayatana series?

Book Blurb:

Amaya is supposed to bring peace to the galaxy. Which is tough when she’s being held for crimes against the Neutral Zone. Her imprisonment is on her own ship with her own crew. But close quarters create tension.

Honestly, her role as Rayatana is a mess.

She may never get to use her powers for anything good. Not if her teacher continues to keep secrets, and not if her powers keep harming others. Putting her mother in a coma should put her in prison, but she has a mission. She wants to bring peace to her people. She needs to become the Rayatana.

 Nexus: The Rayatana Book 2 is available October 4, 2021 for all online, retail, and all ebook platforms. Published by Tyrean Martinson with Wings of Light Publishing, LLC. Young Adult - Science Fiction/Adventure/Sweet Romance. ISBN for Kindle: 978-1-7357695-5-4,ISBN for  Paperback: 978-1-7357695-6-1, and ISBN for EPub: 978-1-7357695-7-8.

Book Links:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BMHPQ1X

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09BMHPQ1X 

Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09BMHPQ1X 

Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09BMHPQ1X 

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1105272 

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/nexus-the-rayatana-book-2/id1586906824 

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/nexus-the-rayatana-book-2 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4248677708 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/nexus-the-rayatana-series-book-2-by-tyrean-martinson 

Official Author Bio and Links:

Tyrean Martinson is a word hunter. She forages for words both sweet and tart in the South Sound of Washington State. An eclectic writer, she writes speculative fiction, contemporary and historical fiction, short scripts, devotions, writing books, song lyrics, and poetry. She has been a fencer (long ago), a kickboxer (for a short minute), and an action-movie fan. Tyrean is a life-long book lover, a Christ follower, and walker. Once upon a time, she was a Girl Scout who sang too loudly, and now she’s a podcaster and praise team member. Since childhood, her imagination has been swept away by fairy tales, science fiction, tales of overcoming the odds, and redemption arcs.

Tyrean’s Writing Spot Blog: https://tyreanswritingspot.blogspot.com/ 

Tyrean’s Tales: https://tyreanstales.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyreanmartinson/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TyreanMartinson 

Tyrean’s Tutoring Website Words Take Flight: https://words-take-flight.com/

The Conflict Thesaurus Conflict Challenge (+Giveaway)

I don't know about you, but I get a little excited when a new writing guide comes along. Today I get to spill the news that The Conflict Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Obstacles, Adversaries, and Inner Struggles (Vol. 1) has hit the shelves. 

This guide is about that killer ingredient our stories need: Conflict. It shows you exactly how to use conflict to raise tension, create a fresh story premise, and pull readers in. The guide also dives into over 100 conflict scenarios and how each can be endlessly adapted to challenge a character inside and out. Problems, Moral Dilemmas, Ticking Clocks, Obstacles, No-Win Scenarios...this book is plot brainstorming in overdrive!

I'm part of Angela & Becca's Street Team for this release, and we have an important question to ask you: 

Can You Survive Danger as Well as Your Favorite Protagonist?

Sure, it's easy for you to use conflict to torture your characters and make them struggle,

but what if it's you in the hot seat instead? Will you make good decisions, or bad ones? 

It's time to find out by taking the Conflict Challenge! I dare you to become the protagonist in a special story Angela & Becca have created. And heads up, if you survive, you win some pretty cool stuff! 

GIVEAWAY ALERT

While you're at Writers Helping Writers taking the Conflict Challenge, make sure to enter The Conflict Thesaurus celebratory giveaway, too. But hurry - it's only on for a few days. 

So, take the challenge...if you dare. And don't forget to come back and let me know how you did against Camp Deadwood! 

***

Then Conflict Challenge is so much fun! I have to admit I took the adventure twice and let's just say, I'm not always the bravest person!

***

My thoughts on this new thesaurus.

In a word: Fantastic!

I'm a romance writer and I love happy endings! In real life, I've been a teacher for more than a couple of decades. I'm great at defusing conflict and alleviating stress.

But as we all know, every good story needs conflict. The better the conflict, the better the story, and the better the happy ending! Cue stress for this mediator personality.

Angela and Becca have created the Conflict Thesaurus and it is magnificent!

In this thesaurus, a wide variety of conflicts are described. For each, the thesaurus lists examples, minor complications, potentially disastrous results, resulting emotions, possible internal struggles, negative traits that may worsen the situation, impact on basic needs, positive traits to help the character cope, and positive outcomes.

In short, everything a writer might want to know!

Looking to strengthen your writing? You won't go wrong with any of the books in this series, but the Conflict Thesaurus might just be your favourite!

How about you? Do you love new resources for writers? Any other fans of this Thesaurus series? How are you at coping with conflict?

IWSG & Lines in the Sand

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. He, his clones, minions, friends, and fellow authors make it an amazing event every month.

Purpose: To share and encourage. 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. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!  

***

October 6 question - In your writing, where do you draw the line, with either topics or language?

Interesting question.

My hard lines in the sand don't involve sex or language. You'll find both in my novels. I write heart-warming romantic suspense with good people who earn happy endings. Some cursing and a steamy scene or two included. Those are normal parts of everyday life for many people.

My hard lines in the sand are around other issues:

• kids will not be harmed
• diversity will be celebrated in all its beauty
• anyone who is racist will be a villain
• science will be believed
• Good will always triumph over Evil
• people will learn to accept and love themselves
• love will be caring and kind and generous
• people will overcome tragic backgrounds
• created families will have your back
• love will always find a way

How about you? Any hard lines for you as a reader or writer?

***

I recently took this pic of the first 9 books in the Bloo Moose series. It gives me a thrill to see them like this. A dream I'm not sure I ever truly believed would become a reality. Thanks to everyone who's supporting me along this joyous journey! It's not a journey I could have ever travelled alone!

***

My friend Lynda Young has a cover reveal today!!

Cling to God: 365-Day Devotional

Link for ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HBMG3L8

Take advantage of the pre-order and pick up your ebook for only $2.99 The price will go up after launch.

Or, if you’d like to join my review team, I’ll send you a free copy. Just leave your email in the comments.

Blurb:
365 days of inspiration and Bible wisdom to lighten your heart.

365 devotions to bring you peace in uncertain times.

365 ways to Cling to God.

This special book is a year-long journey with inspirational messages and uplifting scripture. It includes short Bible-based teachings that will encourage and refresh. It is faith-building and thought-provoking with reassuring reminders of God’s love. 

A great companion for individual worship or for group Bible study.

The perfect gift book or personal keepsake that will be cherished for years to come.

Start each morning with Cling to God to brighten your day and draw closer to God.

Author Bio:

Lynda R. Young accepted Jesus into her life in her early teens and has been active in her faith ever since. She has written multiple Christian articles and other inspirational non-fiction, given Bible-based talks, and is always looking for other ways to encourage and uplift. She is also an author of fantasy novels, an editor, game developer, artist, and dabbles in photography and all things creative. She lives in Australia with her sweetheart of a husband. You can find her here: Blog, Twitter, Goodreads

http://lyndaryoung.blogspot.com.au
https://twitter.com/LyndaRYoung
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5832201.Lynda_R_Young

***

Beautiful cover, Lynda!!! Many congratulations!

NEXUS is here!

 My buddy Tyrean Martinson's book NEXUS releases today!

This is book 2 in the Rayatana series and it is fabulous. The incredible story continues with more fascinating world-building. Here's my review!

This is a terrific read!

The world-building is incredible with a fascinating array of characters, settings, and technology. All of that creates a wonderful backdrop for Amaya's powerful story. As the story opens, Amaya and her friends are facing a trial for violating the laws of the Neutral Zone. Amaya has to learn who to trust, who to listen to, and how to believe in herself.
You'll find yourself caught up in the magic of the story in no time. A fabulous read!

Congrats to Tyrean!!!

Book Blurb:

Amaya is supposed to bring peace to the galaxy. Which is tough when she’s being held for crimes against the Neutral Zone. Her imprisonment is on her own ship with her own crew. But close quarters create tension.

Honestly, her role as Rayatana is a mess.

She may never get to use her powers for anything good. Not if her teacher continues to keep secrets, and not if her powers keep harming others. Putting her mother in a coma should put her in prison, but she has a mission. She wants to bring peace to her people. She needs to become the Rayatana.

 Nexus: The Rayatana Book 2 is available October 4, 2021 for all online, retail, and all ebook platforms. Published by Tyrean Martinson with Wings of Light Publishing, LLC. Young Adult - Science Fiction/Adventure/Sweet Romance. ISBN for Kindle: 978-1-7357695-5-4,ISBN for  Paperback: 978-1-7357695-6-1, and ISBN for EPub: 978-1-7357695-7-8.

Book Links:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BMHPQ1X

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09BMHPQ1X 

Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09BMHPQ1X 

Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09BMHPQ1X 

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1105272 

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/nexus-the-rayatana-book-2/id1586906824 

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/nexus-the-rayatana-book-2 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4248677708 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/nexus-the-rayatana-series-book-2-by-tyrean-martinson 

Tyrean Martinson is a word hunter. She forages for words both sweet and tart in the South Sound of Washington State. An eclectic writer, she writes speculative fiction, contemporary and historical fiction, short scripts, devotions, writing books, song lyrics, and poetry. She has been a fencer (long ago), a kickboxer (for a short minute), and an action-movie fan. Tyrean is a life-long book lover, a Christ follower, and walker. Once upon a time, she was a Girl Scout who sang too loudly, and now she’s a podcaster and praise team member. Since childhood, her imagination has been swept away by fairy tales, science fiction, tales of overcoming the odds, and redemption arcs.

Tyrean’s Writing Spot Blog: https://tyreanswritingspot.blogspot.com/ 

Tyrean’s Tales: https://tyreanstales.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyreanmartinson/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TyreanMartinson 

Tyrean’s Tutoring Website Words Take Flight: https://words-take-flight.com/  

Have you read the Rayatana series? What kinds of world-building do you enjoy?