Hi everyone. Today I am featuring A.R. Stern's new released book "Scion of a Swan." Dive into a exclusive guest post and book details. Check out the book details and find out how to purchase your copy today. Happy reading :).
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Driven by vengeance and the mystery of her bloodline, a morally gray woman wielding powerful magick becomes the newest target of the feared Shadow People.
What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?
Before I even started creating the outline for Scion of a Swan, I spent about a year doing research on anything I could find regarding magick, spellcraft, astral projection/Etheric plane, Wicca, and even Voodoo. Not everything I write in the series can be taken verbatim per the beliefs of magick, as I still wanted to maintain an element of fiction and not limit myself to a strict guideline. Voodoo was much harder to find information on as it is a very secret and tight-knit religion. The last thing I wanted to do for either belief was wrongfully portray, or insult, its peoples and deities. Since there was so little knowledge out there on Voodoo, I strayed further from it and used it more as a small sub-plot rather than a major role in the story as I had originally planned.
What do you think about the current publishing market?
Some might not agree with me, which is understandable, but I find that the same plots, characters, and stories are constantly getting retold. If they know it sells, that’s all the big name publishers want. Which is fine if your focus is on money and not the story. Personally, I prefer finding those rare gems where they shy away from the mold. Not to say that I don’t still read what is popular, I do, but there’s something alluring about breaking from the norm.
Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
Books have been my passion since I was in elementary school. I actually struggled a lot with reading growing up, but once I grasped it I never let go. My favorite genres are definitely (dark) fantasy and romantasy, but I’m starting to fall in love with horror and psychological thrillers. I like to mix it up and switch what genre I read every few books or series to keep it interesting and continue expanding my knowledge of the genres. As of lately, I’ve really been enjoying time-travelling novels which I was always afraid to read for some reason.
Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?
I prefer to write with music. No words, I haven’t mastered that yet, but anything with string instruments, especially violin and cello, really gets my creative juices flowing. Dark and dramatic orchestral music is my go-to. I have a writing playlist that is ever growing with this type of music. I found it enhances my writing drastically and allows me to think freely.
Advice they would give new authors?
This isn't an industry where you will make money. This is an industry that focuses on community and passion, at least that’s what I believe. I used to struggle with this myself, but you CANNOT look at other authors as competition. Look at them with respect and awe and build a relationship based on mutual respect and support. You don’t always need to understand what another person writes, but you can appreciate that they are doing what most don’t out of fear of failure.
Also, write what you want. Don’t let anyone or anything tell you otherwise. If you don’t enjoy what you write, then why are you doing it in the first place?
What’s one thing you found surprisingly difficult on your writing journey?
Besides the whole marketing and sales aspect, which is quite the challenge with a wicked learning curve, getting reviews has been a huge struggle for me personally. Even if you can sell your book, if you don’t get reviews, it’s very difficult to encourage others to purchase it without you standing there pushing your craft. This goes for ALL arts, not just writing. Whether you sell books, art, music, own a business, or anything else that relies heavily on the public for support, leave a review, or at the very least, rate the product. This world will give you every reason to quit and doubt yourself, and as creators, we have to support one another in whatever shape possible. Reviews and ratings go a long way. Your words hold weight.
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Scion of a Swan
Age of Shadows Book 1
by: A.R. Stern
Genre: Dark Urban Fantasy
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BLURB:
Shadows thirst for the living. She starves for the truth.
Descending from a long line of witches, Daire Delacroix has been practicing magick since she was a witchling, and with the gift to see all magick, her gifts are unparalleled. But when Daire’s mother suddenly falls ill only to perish without a valid diagnosis, Daire grows vengeful and bitter for answers.
Half a year after her death, Daire reintroduces herself into the witch community to celebrate her first Wiccan holiday without her mother. When the Shadow People make an appearance and attack at one of the most renowned Wiccan sabbats, Daire's world starts to fall apart once again.
Now with the Shadows growing violent and haunting Daire, she is determined to destroy them and protect what remains of her family. The deeper she searches the more secrets come to the surface, along with the truth about her mother’s death and her lineage.
Nothing will stop her from unveiling the truth—even when it means walking the line of right and wrong.
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A.R. Stern
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A. R. Stern is an indie author from Minnesota, blending dark fantasy, horror, and new adult elements in her writing. Her current series, Age of Shadows, showcases her unique style and she plans to explore different genres in upcoming novels.
Stern is an emerging author who began writing in elementary school. With several novels in her past, she now focuses on developing new ideas and refining her craft, eager to share her unique stories with readers.
In her spare time she is an avid reader of all genres, cruises on a Harley with her husband, and spends time with her pets. She also takes pleasure in cooking and the art of sourdough baking.
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This sounds like a good read. Thanks for sharing.
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