I have a very diverse cast in my novel, but I didn't want to create all new names that simply sound like ones from the cultures each person in my book is based on. Instead, I chose names that came from our world! Despite that, only one or two of the characters have common English names, with the rest having Japanese names, one Germanic, and one is actually a Romani name.
However, one of the characters does break this tradition. She has a parent from two different cultures, and no matter how hard I searched for a name none of them seemed to work. Instead, while looking for names I created an entirely new name for her based on a few names I found that had similar names and sounds to them from the base languages. Her name is Isashi.
Other names in my Story
Kuzunoha - Japanese
Himiko - Japanese
Richard - British
Deckard - Germanic
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Monday, February 11, 2019
Hunter's Reveal; Part 2
The full name for this book is Hunter's Gambit, Book 1 of the Kitsune-Ken Series. Kitsune-ken is a game they play in Japan and its a lot like Rock, Paper and Scissors over here. There are three positions. If your palms are flat against your legs, you have chosen Lord (more correctly Lord translates to Village Head, but lord is faster for my purposes here). If your hands are up to your temple with your index and middle fingers extended and the rest closed (like fox ears), you have chosen Fox. If you keep your hands up in between (making it look like you're holding a rifle), then you have chosen Hunter. The Lord beats Hunter, because the hunter is the lord's loyal vassal. The Fox beats Lord, because the fox can lock the lord into an illusion that he can't escape from. The Hunter beats Fox, because he has a gun and therefore a way to kill the fox before they can ensnare the hunter.
Here is a video of some people teaching the game to a few people. I am none of the people in this video, I simply grabbed it as a fun example of how to play, because sometimes you need to see to understand it.
I chose this as my series name since it seems as though the main characters of my book interact in this way with each other. One always beats the other and some are always coming out on top of certain situations. And while the characters are people, not a game and therefore it doesn't always work, it does make me smile to imagine my characters growling at each other and then frowning and holding their hands out, ready to play their own version of Rock, Paper, Scissors to decide who is right.
Here is a video of some people teaching the game to a few people. I am none of the people in this video, I simply grabbed it as a fun example of how to play, because sometimes you need to see to understand it.
I chose this as my series name since it seems as though the main characters of my book interact in this way with each other. One always beats the other and some are always coming out on top of certain situations. And while the characters are people, not a game and therefore it doesn't always work, it does make me smile to imagine my characters growling at each other and then frowning and holding their hands out, ready to play their own version of Rock, Paper, Scissors to decide who is right.
Saturday, February 9, 2019
Hunter's Reveal; Part 1
Today we're going to talk music lists!
I have been making music lists for my all my books for years. Each book tends to have its own set of songs. However, since I get bored easily, I tend to choose over 100 songs. Despite my boredom, most novels in the same series tend to share songs. To cut down on my whole list, I'll share a song that connects to them. While these songs don't define the characters, they are my go-to songs when I'm trying to get into the characters POV.
I have been making music lists for my all my books for years. Each book tends to have its own set of songs. However, since I get bored easily, I tend to choose over 100 songs. Despite my boredom, most novels in the same series tend to share songs. To cut down on my whole list, I'll share a song that connects to them. While these songs don't define the characters, they are my go-to songs when I'm trying to get into the characters POV.
Kuzunoha
Richard
Deckard
That's it for today. Please come back tomorrow for some more tidbits about Hunter's Gambit and make sure you're back on Friday for the Cover Reveal!!!
Friday, February 8, 2019
Japan-Inspired Fantasy Novels; Part 2
Today in this sequel post, we're talking about stories that use Asia as a storytelling conduit, whether they are written by Asian writers or not. While there are hundreds out already and more coming out every day, they do tend to be overshadowed in the West. I can understand why... people tend to fall back on what they've always known and if you've never jumped into Asian storytelling before, they can be a bit difficult to understand. There is a reason their anime, manga and television shows always seem weird to us. They have different tropes and different ways of telling their stories than a Western storyteller would. While I find this difference fascinating, especially since I write in what I consider a mixture of both Eastern and Western styles, I know that most people would be snoring by the end of the first paragraph, so I'll spare you and simply say if you're interested in the subject, take a look at this Reddit discussion (I found the first five or so comments give a good primer into the most obvious differences, though I haven't read all eighty-five yet, so I can't guarantee that it stays decent the whole way through). Instead, I will limit myself to suggesting a few of the books that I have felt really stand out and should be read by everyone. This set is going to be in the fiction and urban fantasy genres with the more traditional type of fantasy stories coming in the next installment.
Let's start with the first two that just about everyone has read.
Originally written as a series of blog posts, the story gained international fame when it was picked up by a publisher. Since its first publishing in 2007, it has sold over a million copies in China alone and been made into a movie. Adding to the mystery is that the author's name Ai Mi is a pen name, meaning that nobody knows who the actual author is. Those interesting factoids aside, the story tells a poignant tale of innocence and love during China's cultural revolution between 1966 and 1976. The main character, Jingqiu, is a young girl sent for "re-education" in the countryside. While there she meets the young son of a high-ranking military official. Their love can't happen, yet they can't stay apart, even before love blooms. When I finished reading it, I actually cried. Despite the translation making the story seem a bit wooden, this is a book that will make you feel for the main characters lost in a changing world. If you aren't one of the millions who have already read this book, pick it up.
Let's start with the first two that just about everyone has read.
I realize that I will probably take some flak from purists for putting this book on the list. While it is in no way an actual representation of the life of a Geisha, it is a beautifully written story and I will say that I enjoyed it much more than Geisha, A Life, written in response by Mineko Iwasaki (the geisha Arthur Golden spoke to and based his story very loosely on) & Randy Brown. I think that this is due to the story being told as a story and not as a memoir. Chiyo/Sayuri is an active force in her story and her life, even when she's outwardly calm and talking about how she has no power in her own life. On the other hand, Mineko's story is very realistic but she as a person is passive and I found her real-life memoir much less to my taste. On the other hand, I fully admit that I don't generally read memoirs as a genre and if you tend to prefer them, then you may prefer Geisha; A Life to Memoirs of a Geisha. However, it still makes my list as a well-written love story that I think is an engaging surface view into Japan during the early twentieth century.
I discovered this book randomly through an Amazon ad or something mid-last year and I was drawn in by the cover. Still, I didn't buy it, and just sort of hovered around it until November last year. I visited my husband's work for a day and ran out of books to read. That one had recently come up on my list again and it was on sale, so I grabbed it and started reading... and couldn't put it down. I think it took me all of a day or two to read it and within moments of finishing it, I had picked up the next two. The main character, Emi, is the chosen of Amaterasu, the sun goddess of Japan and the one to which Japan's royal family supposedly trace their family roots to(I've included the link to her Wikipedia page here, as I find Japanese mythology incredibly interesting). Unfortunately, Emi's life changes when she saves the life of a kitsune and discovers that being the chosen of Amaterasu may mean giving up her life to the goddess. The series is an urban fantasy that kept me entertained and hooked the entire ride. In addition, the author has put 2-3 pictures in the book, showing the characters. It was a really nice touch, and something I'm hoping to do with my books one day (though probably not with my first few)
I discovered this book randomly through an Amazon ad or something mid-last year and I was drawn in by the cover. Still, I didn't buy it, and just sort of hovered around it until November last year. I visited my husband's work for a day and ran out of books to read. That one had recently come up on my list again and it was on sale, so I grabbed it and started reading... and couldn't put it down. I think it took me all of a day or two to read it and within moments of finishing it, I had picked up the next two. The main character, Emi, is the chosen of Amaterasu, the sun goddess of Japan and the one to which Japan's royal family supposedly trace their family roots to(I've included the link to her Wikipedia page here, as I find Japanese mythology incredibly interesting). Unfortunately, Emi's life changes when she saves the life of a kitsune and discovers that being the chosen of Amaterasu may mean giving up her life to the goddess. The series is an urban fantasy that kept me entertained and hooked the entire ride. In addition, the author has put 2-3 pictures in the book, showing the characters. It was a really nice touch, and something I'm hoping to do with my books one day (though probably not with my first few)
I picked up this novel when I happened to get lucky and see the cover at the 2016 When Words Collide convention. I started reading it soon after and pretty much couldn't put it down. This novel doesn't quite fit in with the other novels in this list for one main reason; it doesn't take place in Japan or any part of Asia. Instead, it takes place in Toronto, Canada. The main character, Tori, is a first-generation Canadian haunted by the death of her elder brother, trying to come to terms with not only his death but her own guilt over not wanting to follow the path her well-meaning parents have set for her while trying to understand who she wants to be. I won't say anymore so that I don't spoil the ending, but I will say go out and buy this one. This is a book that does not get enough love considering how incredibly well-written it is. The twist at the end of the story isn't surprising, but it hits hard, almost like a physical punch to the gut and the catharsis at the end of the book brings everything to a close brilliantly. If you haven't already, this book is one to pick up.
I have four more books to do but unfortunately, those won't be coming out next week as I have a surprise for you all... Drum roll, please.........
I'll be revealing my cover on
FEBRUARY 15th!!!!
You'll finally get to see my beautiful cover and find out when the novel itself will be released! Keep an eye here over the next week! I'll be sharing little tidbit posts about the book all week to get you as hyped for the cover release as I am! Also, if you have any questions, please ask them here or on Facebook and those questions may show up in a post here as well!
Friday, February 1, 2019
Japan-Inspired Fantasy Novels
My novel that's coming out soon has a very diverse cast, some of which have come from my world's version of Asia. I did this, not because I felt the need to check off a box, but because I love reading stories that take place outside of Canada and usual medieval fantasy locations. Not-Medieval-Europe is a great location to place your stories, but there are other world locations that you can draw on. Of those other locations, Asia (and its fantasy equivalent, Not-Asia) is my favourite. I love the culture, the stories, the myths and I'm always hungry for more.
The first one up is Across the Nightingale Floor. I read this book way back in May of 2014, but despite its popularity, it never clicked with me. Its been years, but I remember that the book relied too heavily on tropes. Add that to the fact that I hated both of the main characters and it just didn't jive with me. Still, I know that a lot of people liked it, including one of my favourite authors, Jay Kristoff, so it clearly had somethings going for it.
I picked up Ink in August of 2015 after meeting the author at When Words Collide. I held off on reading the book for months worried about having to tell a friend that I didn't enjoy their book. Finally, I couldn't put it off any longer. And I couldn't believe I had been so worried. This urban fantasy is about a girl whose mother dies and she's sent to Japan to live with her great aunt. She meets a boy in school who can manipulate and create things out ink! The story comes across very naturally and I loved the voice of this book. It was a brilliant book and within days of ordering it, I had put in a pre-order with Indigo for the unreleased sequel. Plus, look at that cover. You can't go wrong with something that pretty.
Every year, I pick up one book on based on nothing but "that cover is gorgeous and I don't know the author". This was the first one that I did it with, and probably why I continued with the practice. Stormdancer drags you through the mud in a steampunk-inspired medieval Japan and just when you think your heart can't take anymore, it yanks it out and squeezes until it bursts in front of your eyes. I loved every minute of it and eagerly picked up every new installment as it came out. It was amazing. Grab it!
I found Kitsune-Tsuki at When Words Collide a few years ago and eagerly squealed. When the polite girl behind the counter asked me where I'd seen the book before I admitted that I had found them on Goodreads and had been disappointed to not find them in my local bookstore, but I hadn't gotten a chance to buy them online yet. Laura was that store owner, and I'm pretty sure that I said I'd pick them up tomorrow, got about two tables down before I convinced myself that I didn't want to arrive tomorrow and have them all sold already, and picked them up that night. While the whole series rocks, I found the first book the weakest, probably since I'm less fond of the conceit of the book perspective. Despite that, the characters, plot and themes of the book resonated and I loved it. That said, I loved the second one, Kitsune-Mochi, even more, since it didn't have that particular writing style. I still heartily suggest reading both. Laura Vanarondonk Baugh is a master of her craft and her writing pulls you into the story hard and fast, immersing you in a gorgeous world of humans and oni that always feels too short when you invariably finish reading it.
That said, when I found this article from World Weaver Press called 8 Japan-Inspired Fantasy Books by Non-Japanese Writers who mostly get it Right I had to check it out. I figured I would know a few, but knew that I would find other books on it to read. I ended up knowing five of the eight, which was awesome and disappointing. After all, knowing them makes me well-read. On the other hand, it also means less new books to check out. Overall, I agreed with the books on the list that I knew, barring one which I read, but never got into.
But I wanted to talk about more books than just the ones in this list, so I decided to make a few blog posts highlighting my favourite Asian inspired novels. Today, I'll talk about the ones on this list that I've read and why I think you'll like them, but I plan to have at least one more post talking about my other favourites.
The first one up is Across the Nightingale Floor. I read this book way back in May of 2014, but despite its popularity, it never clicked with me. Its been years, but I remember that the book relied too heavily on tropes. Add that to the fact that I hated both of the main characters and it just didn't jive with me. Still, I know that a lot of people liked it, including one of my favourite authors, Jay Kristoff, so it clearly had somethings going for it. 
I read Daughter of the Sword in June of 2017 and loved it. The story follows a police detective in modern day Japan. When a priceless sword is nearly stolen, she gets assigned to the case. This story was great for taking you into modern day and historic Japan and keeping you interested and invested the entire time. I loved Mariko and the other characters. If you're looking for an urban fantasy set somewhere other than the USA, then travel to Tokyo with this book.
I picked up Ink in August of 2015 after meeting the author at When Words Collide. I held off on reading the book for months worried about having to tell a friend that I didn't enjoy their book. Finally, I couldn't put it off any longer. And I couldn't believe I had been so worried. This urban fantasy is about a girl whose mother dies and she's sent to Japan to live with her great aunt. She meets a boy in school who can manipulate and create things out ink! The story comes across very naturally and I loved the voice of this book. It was a brilliant book and within days of ordering it, I had put in a pre-order with Indigo for the unreleased sequel. Plus, look at that cover. You can't go wrong with something that pretty. 
Every year, I pick up one book on based on nothing but "that cover is gorgeous and I don't know the author". This was the first one that I did it with, and probably why I continued with the practice. Stormdancer drags you through the mud in a steampunk-inspired medieval Japan and just when you think your heart can't take anymore, it yanks it out and squeezes until it bursts in front of your eyes. I loved every minute of it and eagerly picked up every new installment as it came out. It was amazing. Grab it!
I found Kitsune-Tsuki at When Words Collide a few years ago and eagerly squealed. When the polite girl behind the counter asked me where I'd seen the book before I admitted that I had found them on Goodreads and had been disappointed to not find them in my local bookstore, but I hadn't gotten a chance to buy them online yet. Laura was that store owner, and I'm pretty sure that I said I'd pick them up tomorrow, got about two tables down before I convinced myself that I didn't want to arrive tomorrow and have them all sold already, and picked them up that night. While the whole series rocks, I found the first book the weakest, probably since I'm less fond of the conceit of the book perspective. Despite that, the characters, plot and themes of the book resonated and I loved it. That said, I loved the second one, Kitsune-Mochi, even more, since it didn't have that particular writing style. I still heartily suggest reading both. Laura Vanarondonk Baugh is a master of her craft and her writing pulls you into the story hard and fast, immersing you in a gorgeous world of humans and oni that always feels too short when you invariably finish reading it.
Have you read any of these books? What about any of the others from the original article? What did you think of them? Personally, I'm looking forward to picking up the Tiger Lily story.
Friday, January 25, 2019
Crazy Times
You know I thought that January would be stressful due to me not having a job. Instead, I'm actually pretty glad that I haven't had one. While the money would be good (and I am looking, don't worry about that), I have gotten mildly sick and then my tendinitis started acting up. I've been out of writing commission for nearly a week and a half now. On the other hand, that doesn't mean that I haven't been working. I have gotten my cover for Hunter's Gambit done, and spent hours upon hours upon hours trying to figure out how the heck Ingramspark works. It took a while, but I finally got my file up to their standards.
Which does mean that in exciting news, I have my print copy on the way! As soon as I've received it, I'll be putting in a full order for my novel release. I should be putting out a full reveal for February 15th with the release date, cover reveal and all that fun stuff. If you want a signed copy, keep your eyes out for the reveal!
In the meantime, take a look at this picture I painted a few days ago. Its of a tan hua flower. They were so gorgeous in Crazy Rich Asians, that I had to try using my inks to draw one. And what weird crazy stuff have you accomplished since 2019 began?
Monday, January 14, 2019
A Busy Start to the New Year!
Its been two weeks of panic and fussing and I am proud to say that I not only made it through but that I also have something to show for it. Yes, the date when I reveal everything is nearly here!!!
It all started on the first day of the new year. I'd managed to finish editing my novel on the 30th, which meant that I could finish the year with one goal 100% done. I was feeling pretty damn good about myself until I realized that to order my cover I had to have a few things figured out. Little things, like a back cover blurb and the size of the cover, so that I could let my cover designer know. Silly little me, I'd simply thought that I would simply need to tell her the size... only to realize that I needed page count to figure out how thick the book would be, as well. Which all worked well until I realized that I was counting my book as an 8.5" x 11" manuscript. Which led to learning how to resize my paper on MS Word; and how to add margins; and what size margins to use; and how to add headers and footers; and a cover sheet; and write acknowledgements and dedications and... well everything! Except, the headers and footers part... after I had bashed my head on that one for days, one of my friends, Calvin Jim, offered to do that part for me. I did finally figure out how to section it enough to put in chapter links so when I put it up on digital it will have the bookmarks to the first page of each chapter and section.
What does this all mean? Well, it means that I have a cover being created and in two to three days, I will be ordering my print copy. After I get my print copy and have made sure that it looks good, I'll be able to set a date and start doing fun stuff like arranging cover reveals, asking good friends to say something about its release on their sites and ordering in a box of physical books for those who want them... and well all that stuff.
Basically, keep an eye out. I should have a release date ready for you guys in a few weeks at the most (depending on shipping).
How have your first two weeks of 2019 been? Worth it so far? Or do you wish you could have just stayed in bed for all of it? Let me know in the comments below.
It all started on the first day of the new year. I'd managed to finish editing my novel on the 30th, which meant that I could finish the year with one goal 100% done. I was feeling pretty damn good about myself until I realized that to order my cover I had to have a few things figured out. Little things, like a back cover blurb and the size of the cover, so that I could let my cover designer know. Silly little me, I'd simply thought that I would simply need to tell her the size... only to realize that I needed page count to figure out how thick the book would be, as well. Which all worked well until I realized that I was counting my book as an 8.5" x 11" manuscript. Which led to learning how to resize my paper on MS Word; and how to add margins; and what size margins to use; and how to add headers and footers; and a cover sheet; and write acknowledgements and dedications and... well everything! Except, the headers and footers part... after I had bashed my head on that one for days, one of my friends, Calvin Jim, offered to do that part for me. I did finally figure out how to section it enough to put in chapter links so when I put it up on digital it will have the bookmarks to the first page of each chapter and section.
What does this all mean? Well, it means that I have a cover being created and in two to three days, I will be ordering my print copy. After I get my print copy and have made sure that it looks good, I'll be able to set a date and start doing fun stuff like arranging cover reveals, asking good friends to say something about its release on their sites and ordering in a box of physical books for those who want them... and well all that stuff.
Basically, keep an eye out. I should have a release date ready for you guys in a few weeks at the most (depending on shipping).
How have your first two weeks of 2019 been? Worth it so far? Or do you wish you could have just stayed in bed for all of it? Let me know in the comments below.
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