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Archive for the ‘Joy in the Journey’ Category

I write fiction.

Now there’s a phrase I didn’t think would ever pass my lips. I’ve dreamed about writing a bestselling novel, but what writer hasn’t? I even went as far as outlining a novel at a workshop I attended a few years ago, but it was only to appease the speaker. I filed it under “writing misc.” and forgot about it. I have spent the past few years whining about not having enough time to blog, and working on piddly projects here and there. Until a few months ago.

I know this lady in my writer’s group who is always sharing opportunities for contests, anthologies, conferences, and such. She’s a writer/editor and probably submits more than anyone else I know. One day she cornered me and asked when I was going to write a story for her. With a polite smile, I kindly told her that I don’t write fiction. We chatted for a few minutes and I finally admitted that the time travel anthology she was working on intrigued me, and I did have an idea for a short story based on something that has puzzled me most of my life. I shared my idea and she said, “Write that!” So I did. Sort of. A few weeks after the deadline, I found out my story was accepted. I went to work on my edits and resubmitted my story. I was thrilled when it was also chosen as the 2nd story in the book!

From the intro:

What makes this collection unique is that an object must directly or indirectly be responsible for the [time travel] journey. The approach taken by all twelve writers is both as different and as diverse as the authors themselves. Several are from other countries. Several are brand new. Several are already published…it is family friendly. The editor wanted parents to be comfortable allowing their child or teenager to read these stories without fear of offensive language or sexual content. That being said, sit back and enjoy a trip through time via odd devices. It will be well worth the journey.

Time Traveling Coffers (WolfSinger Publications) released last week just in time for Mile Hi Con here in Denver. Last Sunday I joined my editor, publisher, and a few of my fellow authors in a reading, panel discussion, and book signing. We had a small but gracious audience and I received lots of encouragement and advice. I couldn’t cram all the story details into my limited 6,000 word count for the anthology, so I saved  a lot of it for the novel I’m writing. I hope others love my idea as much as I do.

Now that you know the story behind the story, here’s how you can buy it!

Print Edition is priced at $12.95
Ebook is priced at $5.99

Here is the link for Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Time-Traveling-Coffers-Dana-Bell/dp/1936099373/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350073188&sr=8-1&keywords=Time+Traveling+Coffers

 

Smashwords offers all available e-book formats.

(Save 50% by using coupon code WB94A when you order by 10/31/12)

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/243987

 

This is the link for create space:

(Save 25% by using coupon code 9HW5GHYR when you order by 11/31/12)

https://www.createspace.com/4021532

 

I also have limited e-book copies I can offer for anyone who would like to read and review the book on their blog. Email me if you’re interested.

 

I didn’t get to do this in the book, so special thanks to:

Dana Bell for asking me to write outside of my box, and accepting my first story.

Benny Nowell and Karen Stonecypher for thinking through the plot with me and being my head cheerleaders.

Paula Moldenhauer, Kordee Rose, and Don Hillson for their invaluable critiques of my SFD, asking me the hard questions, and keeping me encouraged and on track.

Will Rees, and Max, Zoe, and Pete Nowell. I was glad my kids were as excited about my story as I was. :)

 

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I have adamantly described myself as a nonfiction writer, but back in May, a friend challenged me to branch out and write (and submit) my first short story ever. I am honored that it was chosen to be published in a Science Fiction/Fantasy anthology due out this October. My story is titled The Locket and will appear as the second of twelve stories in the book Time Traveling Coffers edited by Dana Bell. It is being published by micro-press, WolfSinger Publications. I’ll post a link when the website for the book is up and running.

I had so much fun getting to know my characters and developing the story that I got a little carried away and had trouble cutting it back to the required word count of 6,000 words. Though the short story is completed, I am now working on the full length novel which will have a different title.

 

 

This is a time travel story about Remi, an eighteen year old girl who with the help of a locket, learns the truth about her unique heritage.

My name is Nikalas Nowell, and I write fiction. :)

Stop by and celebrate with my other friends taking the drawing challenge:

Don at Expatriatism

Zoe at Welcome to Zoe’s World

Max at The Hero Chronicles

Freebie at Free To Be Too Much

Girl at GirlyGeeky

 

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My life has been a series of turning points, so it took me awhile to decide what the biggest one has been so far. I slowly traced who I am and my current life back to its inception at York College. I was seventeen when I received my acceptance and scholarship letters. They were the apex of my dismal senior year. I counted the days until my friend Erin’s parents pulled into my driveway and loaded up my life for the long drive to York, Nebraska. I wasn’t able to look back for a long time.

 

I quickly made friends, double pierced my ears as a sign of independence, immersed myself in college life, boys, music, and…oh yeah, my studies. I met men and women who shaped and challenged me. I fell in and out of love. I formed friendships that have endured to this day. I played fast pitch softball with an amazing team of girls. I sang my heart out and performed in plays with some of my favorite people on campus. I stayed up half the night playing cards. I skipped chapel as many times as allowed without serious repercussions. I served on the Student Council and as a social club president. I perfected the egg burger with cheese during my work-study in the student center. I discovered there was more to my faith than what I had preached at me as a child. I worked hard and played hard. Then I met and married my amazing husband.

I wasn’t born at York College, but that is where I came to life. I honor that here with my drawing of the big water tower that passersby see on their way to Lincoln or Grand Island on Interstate 80. Oh how I love that landmark. :)

My kids are still deciding what their turning points are, but go read the nostalgic turning points of my friends:

Don at Expatriatism

Freebie at Free To Be Too Much

Girl at GirlyGeeky

 

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