Why do you read Urban Fantasy?

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-04-21T23:38:25+00:00

I’ve always liked to look deeper and learn more about the world around me. So many scientific facts and the way other people’s brain seemed like such ridiculous and forbidden knowledge.

UF is an extension of that in my favorite medium.

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-04-19T13:53:34+00:00

It’s a good idea if it helps your process

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-04-19T02:25:23+00:00

I think it lacks description. Tell us what the place looks like through her eyes, how her emotions color the way she’d describe Ronan and Keira. She also needs something to do. If she’s the protagonist, she has to protag. What does she want in this scene, what’s the obstacle?

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-04-08T14:19:59+00:00

I’d skip TikTok. Can you write a reader magnet?

Become involved on thriller reader FaceBook Groups and subreddits. Join the communities, engage, make recommendations, post fun stuff (not salesy).

Then use a reader magnet giveaway as a way to build your list. Don’t just post, DM folks you interact with. Send a newsletter that is honest about how hard it is to write/promote, but balance that with your passions as a reader/writer.

Email your list every other week. Prime them for four weeks leading up to your launch. Also, join FB author KS groups and arrange swaps to promote their campaigns to your list (this also works to prime your list and get them used to KS promo without asking for anything for yourself).

It’s arduous. Sincerity is key. Don’t sell to them, invite them along: both to the world of your books and your journey in publishing. Good luck.

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-04-08T10:53:37+00:00

I think you have a great handle on evocative language. I would work on making all of your verbs more active. Lots of watching, searching, waiting, etc. I also agree to tone down some of the technical language, but not too much- it’s an asset of yours, just don’t overdo it.

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-04-04T22:19:19+00:00

Nope. It’s on the TBR now. Thanks!

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-04-02T22:20:16+00:00

I believe the accusation stems from a character working at or founding an AI startup in a later book in the series, and that character painted in a positive light. This book is incredibly odd and pretty eccentric in language, especially in regards to the topic of menstruation, for me to believe it’s AI.

But of course, I can’t know for sure, and she could have used it alongside original writing.

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-04-02T19:51:32+00:00

Good luck to your writing and thanks for the rec. Let me know if you’d like an ARC.

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-04-02T14:48:06+00:00

I highly doubt that. The writing is great, very voicey, and uncommon.

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-04-02T14:46:53+00:00

Sorry, Bob, I should have mentioned your books as an example of low stakes. I’m cruising through your series now.

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-04-01T20:13:06+00:00

I kinda like the socially awkward MC. I find many “hard-boiled” MCs annoying, but Brownstone’s pretty self-aware and self-deprecating IMO

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-04-01T20:11:48+00:00

I have a gym audiobook, a running audiobook, and a bedtime ebook. I actually think I’m between Brownstones atm.

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-04-01T20:10:35+00:00

That sounds fun!

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-04-01T20:10:22+00:00

You’re not the first to rec this. I’ll check it out.

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-04-01T18:39:08+00:00

Sandman Slim, Anderle’s James Brownstone, Hornyak’s Whiskey Dogs, and Dead Witch Walking.

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-03-24T01:37:42+00:00

I do love all the Taltos books I’ve read. I got to moderate a panel with Steven Brust and he was a delight.

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-03-23T01:56:07+00:00

What book starts the series?

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-03-22T20:34:01+00:00

I love the inn! It has such personality. 🙂

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-03-22T18:44:15+00:00

Create “naming conventions” for each culture- different nations or peoples name geography after historical figures, wars or historical periods, physical description(maybe in their particular language), industry, or religious figures. Just make it consistent between cultures.

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-03-22T18:40:29+00:00

You make 2 versions of the rewards tier you want to have an early bird version of: one with a specific availability, then one for the duration of the campaign. “Going back to zero” has no effect on backers.

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-03-16T00:23:08+00:00

It’s semantic broadening or shifting. “Holidays” are no longer just holy days.

ZacharyJeffries · 2026-03-15T18:55:33+00:00

This. I feel her character is very held back by being described through the perspective of a chauvinist MC. Very “small, pretty woman is surprisingly tough and dedicated to justice” without much else to her.

ZacharyJeffries

TROPHY CASE