The Sword Keeper — excerpt 8

Master Ivanar looked Tamuna in the eye, putting both hands on her trembling shoulders. “We must go south, to the kingdom of Aramand. You’ll be safer there.” “But what if Araste gives chase?” someone asked. Ivanar turned to face the room. “We’ll split up to confuse him. I’ll travel to the coast and alert the… Continue reading The Sword Keeper — excerpt 8

Late September update

I am not a pleasant person to be around when I’m struggling to finish a difficult book. Me: There’s just not enough time in the day. Dad: I know how you feel, son. Me: I don’t think that you do. You’ve never been self-employed. Later… Me: I need to quit my job. Dad: But Joe,… Continue reading Late September update

The Sword Keeper — excerpt 7

“Hey! Where do you think you’re going?” Nika stopped at the farmhouse gate and sheepishly turned to face his father. “To the tavern,” he muttered, hoping that was an acceptable response. “Why, boy? The tavern’s closed.” “Sopiko said she still needs me.” And Tamuna’s been sick all day. His father jabbed the pitchfork into the… Continue reading The Sword Keeper — excerpt 7

The Sword Keeper — excerpt 6

Tamuna swallowed again, shooting a nervous glance at her aunt. I’m sorry for all this, she wanted desperately to tell her. Please, forgive me. “Well?” “Y-yes,” she stammered. “Yes, I did.” The man’s eyes narrowed, and he withdrew his hand from her shoulder. For a moment, she wondered if he thought she was lying, but… Continue reading The Sword Keeper — excerpt 6

Trope Tuesday: Childhood Friends

Friendship comes in a lot of flavors. In The Sword Keeper, Tamuna’s most loyal friend (and arguably a deuteragonist of the book) is Nika, the stable boy at her aunt’s tavern. Where Tamuna initially refuses the call to adventure, Nika jumps at the call, quickly catching up to her (which is good, because the call… Continue reading Trope Tuesday: Childhood Friends

Beginning of September Update

It’s September, my favorite month of the year! Maybe I’ll revisit that post in a blast from the past or something. So many reasons why September is awesome. Things are going well on the writing front. I’ve switched up my daily routine to make more writing time, and it’s working well so far. My alarm… Continue reading Beginning of September Update