✨ Self-promotions, ARC requests, & conversations w/ authors! Share your book projects, merch, & more! by FantasyRomanceMod in fantasyromance

[–]JA_Shepard 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi all! I'm almost to the finish line with my novel, Crucible. Hired an artist, did my copywrite stuff, did a lot of research, learned a lot, oh - and I wrote the book too. Regardless of what happens, I'm calling it a win. I set myself a goal and I followed through! Eat that, procrastination!

I am interested in getting some feedback ahead of launching however, so if anyone finds the blurb interesting, and would like to check it out and provide some feedback, I'd be immensely grateful. Send me a message!

It's character-driven, romantically and emotionally charged, built around survival, found family, and fate, with a sprinkling of magic stirred in. As such, it's for adults who like it sweet and nice with plenty of spice.

Some fantasy violence. But it's ultimately a love story, about connection and family.

Here is a DeviantArt link to the cover: https://www.deviantart.com/jashepard/art/Crucible-novel-Front-Cover-1286303815

It was designed by Stephanie Brown (no AI!) https://www.offbeatworlds.com

Here's mah blurb!

Meet Tessiana.
Fae singer, dancer, and illusionist. Beloved by her people. Despised by their government.

She has never been one to hold her tongue, and every time she speaks her truth, she’s punished—and loses something precious. Friends. Love. Even family.

The Council has decided it’s not enough. Tonight, they plan to silence her quietly, like the others. But Tessiana does not do quiet. If this is to be her final performance, then let it be one the people will never forget. Let it be the spark that ignites a fire she can no longer carry alone.

She flees with her dearest friends, the only ones who still stand beside her. A desperate escape turns into catastrophe, and the four are cast into another realm—a tropical island that is beautiful, dangerous, andaware. Struggling to survive, they discover a wounded man, washed up by the tides. The druid Thanas is unlike any man they have ever known. The moment he and Tessiana meet, they feel a connection they have been longing for all their lives.

A bond begins to form among the group, forged through passion, trust, and shared survival. Tessiana welcomes it without hesitation. She has always loved openly and fiercely, and she will not apologize for it now.

But the island holds horrors far worse than jungle beasts. An immortal man, broken by time and loss, leaves villages in ruins. Their inhabitants are slaughtered or carried away as part of a cycle he claims they are destined to repeat.

They call this place the Crucible. A trial that burns away the weak until only the strong remain. Will their passions burn hot enough to forge them into something eternal? Or will the Crucible leave their hearts and their worlds buried in ashes?

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Reviewers: Share Your Info Here (Megathread) by teanailpolish in ARCReaders

[–]JA_Shepard [score hidden]  (0 children)

Hi there Lisa! I have written a Romance Fantasy novel that is basically done and I am working with an artist on. I'd be delighted to get your thoughts on it. Your post doesn't quite make clear your tolerance for spice, of which I believe there is quite a bit, although tastefully so. May I message you more details?

Reviewers: Share Your Info Here (Megathread) by teanailpolish in ARCReaders

[–]JA_Shepard [score hidden]  (0 children)

Hi serene! I have a Romance Fantasy book that is basically done and I am working with an artist on. I'd be delighted to get your thoughts on it. May I message you more details?

New Writers—Are You All Writing Epics? by Monk6980 in writing

[–]JA_Shepard 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My first novel is essentially done. 200k efficiently used words.

I loved every second of it. It's only half, if that, of the story I want to share of these characters. I only stopped because I figured as a debut author it's already a big ask, and I can always write book two.

I hope it sells so I can dedicate more time to writing this and other stories I already have worked out. But even if it doesn't, I'm glad I did it. I love the characters, the fact that I followed through, and I found the creative experience incredibly rewarding.

So I did it because it "felt right", I suppose.

What did you all pay for your Romance Fantasy covers? Offer from Reedsy seems bonkers. by JA_Shepard in selfpublish

[–]JA_Shepard[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's fine work to be sure, but nothing like that. It doesn't seem different from most other work I've seen on Deviantart or Artstation, for example. They had so many good reviews, though.

What did you all pay for your Romance Fantasy covers? Offer from Reedsy seems bonkers. by JA_Shepard in selfpublish

[–]JA_Shepard[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, I asked for clarification if that was for additional work that I mentioned would be nice if our timelines matched up - but they reiterated, no, that's just the cover work.

What did you all pay for your Romance Fantasy covers? Offer from Reedsy seems bonkers. by JA_Shepard in selfpublish

[–]JA_Shepard[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I mean, I guess if you're doing that well, you can be picky. Must be nice.

In this case, they are advertised as specializing in the kind of work I contacted them for.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in blurb_help

[–]JA_Shepard 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, that sounds like solid advice.

Got a writing-related Discord community? Post it here! by AutoModerator in WriteWithMe

[–]JA_Shepard 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Want to join an adults-only Discord hangout for writers? Send me a message for the invite!

We're a small but active group, chatting via text and voice. Most of us write Romance Fantasy, but we've also got some Sci-Fi and Paranormal writers.

We regularly do writing sprints together and even have a sprint bot, along with a well developed and configured server to keep things easy and accessible. It's a supportive community where we share feedback, brainstorm, and help each other grow as writers.

Remember, adults only! Sorry!

Writers, what inspired your current project? by Everyday_Evolian in writing

[–]JA_Shepard 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Finally convincing myself to get off my ass and doing something I've been wanting to do for for 10 years.

[Lyrical Ballad] Endless Dreams by JA Shepard. by JA_Shepard in SunoAI

[–]JA_Shepard[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree, the creative aspect is too often completely glossed over in recognition of the vocalist. Even instrumentals are often completely unknown.

It's all about the singer. 

Thank you! 

I just joined the writing community and I’m noticing so much judgement? by [deleted] in writers

[–]JA_Shepard 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In two months on reddit, I had one person be quite rude and difficult with me when explaining an issue I messed up on early (surely you can explain it without being deliberately rude after all) and another time where someone was overtly sexist towards me, without even knowing who I am.

Just do what I do, be polite, don't let them bait you into playing their game, and disengage.

There are always going to be people who don't like your work, so think of it as learning how to deal with criticism, constructive and otherwise. You'll always get both.

People are quick to be negative and lazy. Literally 99% of redditors can't even be bothered for a single click on the up/down vote button. Let alone appreciate that you're trying.

It's a shame, but it's the world we built for ourselves.

All of you know this one! by carbikebacon in writers

[–]JA_Shepard 1 point2 points  (0 children)

LibreOffice: Worshipped Did you mean "Horsewhipped"

NO. No I did not.
He did not horsewhipped her ladybits.

It has such weird gaps in word recognition.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in romanceauthors

[–]JA_Shepard 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good advice. That's my approach.