The story behind Alaire

For those of you who have read through chapter eight of Cursed with Power, you may recognize this name: Alaire Sencler.  Even if you haven't met him, don't worry there's never spoilers and we're solely talking about how he came into the story.

In the first draft of Cursed with Power Alaire was not in the story.  Not once.  I discovered this for myself the other day.  To be honest, I was horrified when I realized he wasn't in the story.  Mind you it was a first draft, but I felt the story was lonely without him.

I do remember how Alaire entered into the novel, however.  I was working on a fighting scene and in my mind I couldn't think of a realistic way for Celestria to live.  I had to decide who could save her; Leal, who at that time already left, could come "out of the blue" and rescue her or... A new character.  You already know by now what I chose.

Alaire discovered Celestria in a way that no one else could.  He listened to her secrets, he offered her comfort, and he expressed feelings for her.

This picture is property of: michellemonique of DeviantArt

By this point you're thinking, "Yadayada, when did this turn into a love story?"  It's not.  Alaire and Celestria have a unique relationship in the book, and that's why now I just can't imagine the story without him.  Ultimately, the connection I made with Celestria would not have happened if it had not been for Alaire.

"There's a lot that I want." He said. He smirked as he said it like he knew he was pushing my patience.

Here's a secret... Shh, don't tell.

One day you will hear about a woman. She will be tortured, beaten, and bruised in the street until you save her. Either you save her or she will die, and I assure you her death will lead to a war in which no one can be victorious.

Her name is Celestria Hale. No matter what you think of her, how you feel about her... She can never be yours.

You have been given a gift, much similar to mine, and you too must have foreseen this. I forbid you from having Celestria; destiny forbids it. Protect her, shelter her, care for her, but nu you cannot love her.

The choice is yours: live with her and never love her, or let her die because of your cowardice. 

Today I spent a lot of time working with what you read above, and I'm considering writing it into the Magicians series.  

When I wrote it I had the chills just thinking about never being able to be with the one person you love.  And for the person this letter was address to, that's exactly what he was faced to accept.

Coming Next: It's time to talk about chapter two of New Life.  I'd also like to answers questions including:

• Why wasn't Alaire in the first draft of the story?  Who/what inspired you to include him in the story?
• Dark magicians, frightening visions, foreseers, healers... Where did this come from?
• Cursed with Power might be getting published?!  

Later on: There's exciting news about Cursed with Power.  Looks like the book might be getting published soon, so I'll be sharing with you the news I receive.  Questions?  Requests?  Give me them all; I'm ready for anything!

"There's a lot that I want." He said. He smirked as he said it like he knew he was pushing my patience.

Revision of: Great Evils, chapter 1

Great Evils

Cursed with Power

For those of you who have read Cursed with Power, it's most likely you made it past chapter one.  You might be wondering what I can possibly be talking about at this point when the chapter is done.  Let's make it brief then, shall we?

"Great Evils" is the first chapter in Cursed with Power that originally seemed to "tell" instead of "show."  The original version of the chapter actually had a biography feel to it.  Celestria narrated past events that had already occurred --Dyanna's leaving, Aunt Ilena's death, etc.  When I rewrote the entire book it changed to Celestria walking through her house having flashbacks of what happened, but all the same it felt too... too dull.

A few nights ago something finally clicked.  In the new revision I've brought together the flashbacks, and instead of Celestria walking through the house and grieving over her sister's absence she lives it.  She tells an account of the story from how it happened.  When the second chapter, "Dark meets Light," comes about it has been three weeks since Dyanna left for the battle she never returned from.

There you have it, and I decided while I'm working on New Life I will also be posting about originals and "official" versions of chapters from Cursed with Power.  Later this week I'll hopefully be sharing chapter two of New Life with you.  Until then, head over to read the new revision of "Great Evils" and let me know what you think.

"There's a lot that I want." He said. He smirked as he said it like he knew he was pushing my patience.

A man and his horse

When we think of a horse and its owner we generally think of the bond they share.  Some owners are extremely loving and caring of their horse, while others are unfortunately brutal and careless.
In Cursed with Power there were not as many scenes of Alaire and Vinur as I had hoped for, but I do believe that because of the way they were a "team" together brought on a new addition to Alaire.  (For those of you who haven't read CWP Vinur is Alaire's horse.)

With a story where your MC cannot or is not willing to trust new people, it can be difficult to find the answer to that problem.  What is it that will gain their trust?  With CWP this definitely was a question that came across multiple times, and I wanted to talk about in more detail so for those writers out there this can be a first hand account of how you can come to resolve problems involving trust.
Celestria could not trust anyone with how everything in her life had changed.  Her lover left her, her sister died, and she was forced to leave the only home she knew.  When Alaire walked into her life there was a question of how they could trust each other.  However, Alaire had an advantage no other character had.  He saved Celestria's life, and in return she had no reason to doubt his desire to help her find a haven or answers to the questions they both desired.  By the time chapter 12 came about and Celestria met Alaire's horse, she was quick to realize the horse's closeness to his owner.

What had happened to him? The horse nudged his head; its eyes looked almost human with the sympathetic way it observed him. Slowly, I extended my arm over Alaire and held two fingers against his neck. There was a pulse, yet his breathing was faint. As I withdrew my fingers I realized the horse was staring at me; almost glaring at me. The look it gave me seemed human, and it was enough to make me think twice about the animal. It had appeared out of nowhere, but there it was standing loyally by Alaire's side.
“He’s not really much to fret about, you know.” I said, though the joke did not make me laugh.

This scene not only helped Celestria realize how Vinur felt for Alaire, but it was also the beginning of how her feelings were developing for him.
Having a "sidekick" or "partner" for your MC helps move the plot along and bring in realistic emotion.  So remember when he/she comes into the story, there needs to be a reason for them to be trusted.  Whether they have a loyal animal by their side, their life is put at risk, they fall in love, etc. etc... It needs to be something.

We may certainly see Vinur again in the story.  If you'd like to read the chapter where Vinur is first introduced --assuming, of course, you've already read the chapters before--take a look at it: here.  As always, if you have a favorite scene you'd like me to post up from Cursed with Power send me an email or leave a comment.

"There's a lot that I want." He said. He smirked as he said it like he knew he was pushing my patience.

New life Chapter 1

O N E

Make Me Smile

In the first chapter of New Life, we meet again with Léal Irvine.  Though it is a different time since when Celestria's story began, he goes through his day as any ordinary man would.  He attends service and all seems well, but of course that is before he hears that Esmour desires a meeting with him.

Léal meets the beautiful and charming Rahela, who seems all too good to be true.  With her fancy clothes, cheerful smile, and optimistic attitude what's not to love?  However, Léal seems struck by her beauty and personality and lets his guard down.  In no time at all shocking news is revealed to him; however, Rahela is not likely to disappear any time soon.  When Esmour explains the new arrangements it becomes evident that neither of them will be able to doubt each other.  Though they know nothing about each other and are in every way strangers to one another, Rahela and Léal may have to learn to trust one another.

Either trust or love, but it cannot be both.

He walked away the instant I raised my hand to comment on his remark. Rahela came in from behind and smiled at me. I smiled back at her without thinking, and then I remembered how I had acted earlier. Perhaps Mama had been right when she said I did not seem like myself, but everyone was acting different. It felt like there was something changing; however, I could not assure myself that it was anything positive. “Pardon me for my actions in the church. I assure you I did not mean to startle you,” I said. Rahela blinked steadily, as if waiting for something more. Unaware of the time, I glanced over to the window but the shades were drawn back and a candle was lit on the bureau. Night had crept upon me without my noticing. Rahela giggled. “Pardon you? My, you certainly are the gentleman.”

New Life has reached 5k; it'll be another 5,000 more before it can go public on inkpop.  If you want a notification of when it is posted or you'd like to suggest it be posted on inkpop let me know: email.  For now enjoy the updates!  More are on the way.

"There's a lot that I want." He said. He smirked as he said it like he knew he was pushing my patience.

A Greater Destiny

Just another thought, but again this is the third book in the series so it may be a while before I can determine which cover fits best.
On another note, I've been considering whether A Greater Destiny should be the third book.  It's difficult to explain without giving away any spoilers, but for now it is fine where it is in the series.


"There's a lot that I want." He said. He smirked as he said it like he knew he was pushing my patience.

Not without you

If I do not return, I want you to find someone else.


Nu.


Nu? Why not?


Because if the world turns bitter enough to take away everything I care about and love, to tear my heart out of my body, and I lose you in a way I can never be with you again... I rather be alone.

"There's a lot that I want." He said. He smirked as he said it like he knew he was pushing my patience.

New Life Prologue

Prologue

There are mornings when you wake up and wonder what went horribly wrong.  For Esmour that morning came all too soon.

A shocking new secret is taken away never to be found again, and someone must pay the price.  In the town of Celvont there are few who know of it.  Miles away from Esmour's home, Léal is asleep without any recognition of what occurred the night before.  

In the morning it will be the first day of July; as well as the first day of a new beginning.  In the new world there are no rules.  Survival is essential, life is not guaranteed, magic roams in the shadows and daylight, and there is nothing more powerful than power itself.  Magic, weapons, secrets, knowledge, love... None of it means anything without the power to control it.

Esmour told him there was no end.  Perhaps he was right, but then again no one ever knew what to think of Esmour.  Maybe he was a mad man, or maybe he was the wisest of them all.

If someone endangered your life, what would you do?  How do you save yourself from a fate that seems sealed?

Read the first book in the Magicians series:

CURSED WITH POWER

Read it online: here
"There's a lot that I want." He said. He smirked as he said it like he knew he was pushing my patience.