Shadows of Myst

Today I've been busy with writing about the Royal Seer. Since this is a bit of a prequel it's been interesting so far in how the word of Myst has developed in my mind for when I wrote the Royal Assassin. I've discovered that the Royal Assassin takes place over 100 plus years from this story and much transpired between these two stories that actually brought a lot of change in Myst.

The Royal Assassin is also more about Reis and Shadowen with Myst being a backdrop in a way. It's still very relevant and yet it's more the story of them and how they will effect Myst.

The Royal Seer shows more an insight into Mystics and Nightelves and their day to day life,their relationships, views and the Royal Court. Not everything is cut and dry and much that happens in this story sets the wheels in motion for Myst. Although since I know even more about the back story that takes place over 1000 years before this one. I gather I could write that at a later date.

Each book in this series will however focus on certain individuals and Reis being in each story at some point. He's a key element to the series and why he's so important really won't be revealed until perhaps the last book The Forgotten Assassin.

Anyway I'm having fun writing today. :)

Writing to Readability

I'm constantly reading not to mention writing, but I also read books and articles about writing. I ran across a book on how to write. It had examples and exercises on writing. There was an example of instead of writing in past tense to write in present tense. I really took this small lesson to heart.

I started analyzing my writing and other writers. I have noticed that most fiction I read is actually written in the past tense. So naturally when I began to write, I write in the past tense. However after writing twenty pages and decided to change it to present tense... Wow what a difference it made. Not only was the mere act of changing it tedious and annoying, it really opened my eyes to my writing. I was amazed how writing in present tense really does draw the reader in. You are in the action now.

A example: He ran to the store. -vs- He's running to the store.
"I'm through with you!" He shouted. -vs- "I'm through with you!" He shouts.

Now those are two very small sentences and some can tell a difference right away while others can't. However when you begin to put all the sentences together. That's when you truly see the difference.

I'll use one of my favorite author's as an example of past tense.

Example past -
He stood in the kitchen doorway, one hip leaning lazily against the wall as he watched her. Nicoletta was dressed in a simple skirt and blouse, her hair on top of her head in some intricate knot. A few tendrils had escaped, falling in silky waves around her face. Her eyes were large dark and filled with dancing mischief as she teased the cook and one of the guards. Her small feet were bare, and her mouth was lush and inviting.
-vs-
Example present -
He stands in the kitchen doorway, one hip leaning lazily against the wall as he watches her. Nicoletta is dressed in a simple skirt and blouse, her hair on top of her head in some intricate knot. A few tendrils escaping and falling in silky waves around her face. Her eyes are large dark and full of dancing mischief as she teases the cook and one of the guards. Her small feet are bare, and her mouth is lush and inviting.

Now I'm not an expert, just something I read, observed and am trying to change in my writing. I'm not telling my favorite author who is selling best sellers out there she's doing it wrong. I mean, c'mon now, she's doing something quite right to have best sellers out there!

However this observation in my writing leads me to believe that by using the present tense form is one of the reasons why those who have read The Royal Assassin can't put it down. They are easily drawn in because of the style of writing, the ease of words used, and it's actually a pretty good book. I catch myself reading it again and I'm the one who wrote it. Yes, I look at a few things I'd change, but the story itself pulls me in and the other on top kinda cinches it.

I highly suggest if you write in past tense, to try changing to present tense and look at your work and decide which grabs you more.

Book Reviews for The Royal Assassin

I received another 5 star review for the Royal Assassin! Yea!
I was so thrilled when I was getting ready for work yesterday morning I woke up my daughter and told her! I then proceeded to tell everyone at work! So this makes the fourth 5 star review! That's so amazing! It excites me to read and hear everyone who has read the book tell me what a "turn pager" it is. It's also thrilling to know, male and female alike, like/love it.

The one thing that is slightly annoying is that amazon.com and amazon.uk are not actually linked in a way to show the reviews together. People who review it on UK and post will not show up on the US version and vice versa. It's a bit of a real shame because I have two 5 star reviews on US and one in UK which makes a total of three on amazon for same book, but no link on either page to show the other.

So in my excitement to share. I'm going to put the links here, until I can update my webpage.

Review on Barnes & Nobles Nook -
5 star review -
Anya Villalta -
Love this book! The book is well plotted.....the characters are so well written you feel as though your are there right along beside them. They make you laugh and cry feel sorrow and anger. Shireen Nemnich seems to be able to captivate the reader as she weaves her spell around you, and it seems almost as if the magic she writes about is actually real.

Review on Amazon UK -
5 star review -
S. Kopycinska "Manuqa" -
I have just finished reading this book and I have to say it was absolutely thrilling! The story swept me up immediately and I desperately wanted to know what happened next. The World of Myst is innovative, captivating and well thought through. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.

Review on Amazon US -
5 star review -
Lars Lansink
I must admit that at first I was a bit disturbed over the first person form that the story is being told in, but that disturbing feeling lasted for about two pages and after that I was just in need of more information regarding the world of Myst, its magic and people.

Few books have kept me as spellbound as this one has and I it was with mixed emotions that I turned the last page, knowing it would be a while before I got to learn more about Reis and the destiny of Myst.

Thank you Shireen, for a very entertaining and different adventure.

5 star review -
jeffery m. johnson -
I find this book hard to review. I do not want to give away the story line. It has action,love and magic and above all a bond of protection for family.

The story is gripping and the action keeps you on the edge, not wanting to put the book down. I had to stop myself from reading as to make the story last. The AUTHOR HAVE A WONDERFUL IMAGINATION FOR FINE DETAIL. (DON'T STOP READING) Awaiting the next book.

MR JMRJ.


This this amazingly exciting or what???

Book Review

It's been a week since my first book review of The Royal Assassin. The book review was held at the retirement community that I work in and it really went well. There was about 30 people who showed up and I sold 9 books! Yea me!

I am still very excited over it. I had so much fun. I was super surprised and excited that one of the residents daughter was there and she had bought my book on Nook for her phone and she read it! I'm amazed at trying to read a book on a phone. But she said she did and that she really loved it. She bought a paperback that day! Exciting!

She was able to tell everyone about it and how much she enjoyed it. Which was great! But it was pure delight on my part to talk with her about it. I truly enjoy talking about my writing and the characters.

It's also with great relief that she thought what I wrote wasn't graphic but very tasteful. So I'm once again relieved, because there is two sexual scenes and it was important for me not to get so bogged down into details making it graphic, but making it the magical experience that it was. She helped to validate that!

The books came in and they look great. I delivered them all on Friday. One of the residents I delivered to had started reading right away and by after dinner she had almost completed chapter one. I'm so thrilled! It's been wonderful so far that everyone who has started the book, do not put it down. They keep reading until done. I've had such great reviews that all I can say is that I hope there is more!
To order the paperback and or kindle version you can go here to Amazon to purchase on Nook

The Royal Assassin (Shadows of Myst)

It's been amazingly exciting to finally publish The Royal Assassin, which is first to be released in the series Shadows of Myst. I have absolutely adored being able to discuss with a few people who've read it and loved it. That has to be one of the biggest highlights of all this so far.

To listen to the enthusiasm of reading and discovering this rich inviting world of Myst that I created is excellent. I fell in love with Myst as it began to filter through my mind and now to listen to others who share this love is beyond anything I can honestly express.

Reis and Shadowen are quite the pair. There are obstacles they must face together to reach the pentacle of their love. It's at times an emotional read because there is much tragedy they must get through, and much is yet to come in the next few books. Yet I tried to leave you with a sense that it will not matter. They must survive this and if I've written it correctly then you should feel that no matter what, they will.

I've written a small excerpt the other day that I feel adds a certain element about Myst that may not be known right away. I plan to have this on the back of the paperback that is about to be released through a different publishing venue.

Shadows of Myst is a series dedicated to Mystics and Nightelves who live within the confines of the magical land that the Goddess Mysteria of Shadows created with her consort Darkness. Each story takes you deeper into this rich and mysterious land of Myst that only a Mystic and Nightelf can truly understand.

Mystics must wear veils to protect the innocent of their bewitching eyes. It is said however to look into the eyes of perfection is what truly bewitches. But Mystics long have known it is their shadows that one succumbs to. One must be strong in magic to not feel the call of the shadows.

Nightelves born with the magic of darkness lived upon the surface but a war long since forgotten by many brought them to live under the surface to serve Mystics. A servitude that some despise and some who have had the memory of war stamped in their soul are grateful to serve.

Corruption has long since been infiltrating Myst. Will the two races that are bound together by more than Myst and magic survive this insidious parasite? When the final blade is drawn and the final spell cast will there be anything left? Will it even matter? Only the shadows of Myst know.

When I first began writing this series I felt it was perhaps under Paranormal romance, because of the magic and such. But now I realize that it fits better under Fantasy. Yes there is a lot of romance in it, but I think it shines out on both accounts. So if you're into Fantasy you will be drawn into it because of all the fantasy elements. If you're into romance, you will NOT be disappointed.

Celebrating

Yesterday my book The Royal Assassin came in the mail. OMG it was way too cool! It was perfect, exactly how I wanted. Talk about thrilling! Also as my daughter pointed out, what a great valentines gift! Exactly! Happy Valentines Day to moi!

To hold the Royal Assassin in my arms at long last!

Tonight we went out and celebrated with some great friends who are very supportive. We had a blast and to know this is just the beginning is fabulous!

Anyway, back to writing tonight!!

Oh forgot updated with my twitter

Lots of love and joy and happiness to everyone!

Website

I finally got my website worked out yesterday. Wooo Hooo! Of course I still have a lot of content to add or even it out or something. Oh well, I'll get there at some point.

With my website I decided to just be me with it. I mean it is my “authors” website more or less, but I thought it would be cool to add some stuff about me that may not be typical, especially since I'm so not typical.

One thing I added was a few tidbits about what music I listened to while writing The Royal Assassin and some small trivia info. I know when I look at an author's page I'd love to know some odd facts about them or the book.

Anyway it's up and now I'm working on finalizing The Royal Seer.

Synopsis for The Royal Assassin

Reis, the Royal Assassin to the Royal House of Darkness and Shadow had waited for Essence, the Heir of the Chalice to grow up and become his wife only for her to be taken away by Phantom another Heir of the Chalice to be his consort.

Reis petitioned the Royal House but the Royal Advocate stood on the side of Phantom and Reis lost her. He was given compensation however in the form of being allowed to train one of their children to be an assassin for the Royal House and or a consort if he so chooses.

Reis has no idea when he grudgingly visits Phantom and Essence to give his congratulations and inspect their children he would be blessed with a vision of the goddess Mysteria. He is shocked yet relieved when Mysteria whispers for him to claim their daughter Shadowen to train and be his consort.

Reis now must wait for her to grow up and come into her magic so his claim will be sanctioned in the Royal House. But he has no idea how furious Phantom is or the lengths he will go through to keep Reis from his new consort. Once Reis fully comprehends the obsession Phantom has for his daughter, the true Heir of the Chalice, he vows not only to train her but also to protect and cherish her for eternity as his consort.

Characters

I absolutely love how the characters come alive in my head. A fellow writer friend of mine shared a conversation together about how the characters some time expresses themselves in our head.

I was telling him while I was writing The Forgotten Assassin, the character Reis was the bad guy the whole first half of the book. I was planning on him being bad and I was writing that he was bad although he never actually appeared in the book. He was only mentioned by other characters. Just as soon as I introduce him he came straight out inside my head and said "Hey I'm not the bad guy here. Look how wonderful I started out. I'm not bad I'm great." Next thing I knew he was telling me his story and I knew I had to tell his side of the story and there was just no way I could do this in this book. So I began writing his story right away, which is the Royal Assassin.

When my friend and I were discussing this we both laughed because I truthfully do hear their voices in my head. They speak dialogues with other characters and this is what flows through my head. I see them and even feel their emotions sometimes when they go through certain situations. It happens while I'm writing while I'm walking in the store driving in the car. Every place.

We joked around because if you told someone you hear voices in your head they would seek out professional help for you. However you tell another writer and they nod understandingly. Because they hear their characters speak in their heads too.

So we aren't crazy - we're writers!