December 31, 2012 by Angela Wallace

2012: A Year in Review

When the calendar year turns another slot, people look ahead to making a new start. They set resolutions or goals, planning to make the coming year even better than the last. I’ve got some major career goals for 2013, in both publishing and interpreting, but right now I want to take a moment to reflect. For me, it’s not just another year down, but also another year older (although I keep waiting for the birthday when I suddenly feel like an adult, lol). I don’t believe in wiping the slate clean for a new year and forgetting about whatever disappointments and failures bogged you down the last time. I believe we can learn from those let-downs and be better for it.

That isn’t to say 2012 was a bad year for me; on the contrary, it was a good one. And I can’t believe it’s over. It seems like not that long ago I was looking back on the accomplishments of 2011 and making plans for 2012, and yet it also seems like forever ago the things I did.

I published three books this past year: Dry Spell, Dreamwalker, and Earth Tones. With each one I’ve grown in my craft and I hope to continue growing, bringing you better and better stuff. One of the major ways I’ve grown is by having honest feedback. I’ll admit to you all that when I pulled Dreamwalker out of the dusty file folder to publish, I thought I’d cast this seven-year-old piece of writing to the world. Several people previewed the book beforehand, but only one person took the time to point out to me how it was so far from ready. I yanked the book and reworked it, working my butt off. If that meant embarrassing myself by not making my publishing date, so be it, because in the end everyone benefited from a better story. Honest feedback is hard to take, and equally, if not more, hard to give. But I will be forever grateful to that person.

I also attempted to write a book that failed. Some of you might remember when I talked about writing a character with all the same health problems as me. It seemed like a good idea, but after 41,000 words and coming to the edge of the climax, it flopped, or rather I did. But you know what, I don’t have to publish each and every word that I pen. Maybe someday I’ll go back to that story, when I have some emotional distance from that character’s pain and heartache I know all too well.

The experience did lead me to my current work in progress, the sequel to Dreamwalker. I’ve mostly published urban fantasy, even though I started my writing passion years ago as a straight fantasy writer, and I find my love for that angle rekindled. I’m not abandoning the Elemental Magic series, but you’re going to start seeing a little more variety from me in 2013.

Speaking of which, if you haven’t signed up for the newsletter yet, you might want to. I’ll be bringing in the new year with an exclusive sneak peek of my next book, Dreamstealer. Don’t miss it!

And you have to check this out: Dreamwalker is being featured in a Mad Libs style game over on Jen Kirchner’s blog. Go give your word suggestions and come back Friday to see how the scene plays out!

Happy New Year!

Fiction In My Backyard

When I write an urban fantasy book, I have to pick a setting from our world. Several factors go into that decision: climate, geography, a place I find interesting. I have yet to write a book set in my own city (though I’m considering it for the fire book), but even though the locations I’ve written about so far have been exciting new places to me, they’re in some people’s own backyards.

I recently met a woman on Twitter from Grays Harbor, WA, the setting for Elemental Magic. She was intrigued with the book mainly for its setting, and has even been blogging about it on a local community blog. (I find the Twilight/Forks comparison quite flattering.) As for some of the details I got wrong about the city, I blame Google Maps.

Even though I have yet to write a story set in my own backyard, I do get excited when I find a book taking place in it. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many for the South Bay in California. San Francisco seems to be the go-to city. Close, but not close enough for me to feel a connection. I did read one book that took place in Fremont, which I was super excited about since I did grad school there, but the characters never left the office building the entire book. :-/

What is it about stories set in our neighborhoods that get us excited? Is it the chance to see if the author gets the details right? Is it the feeling that hey, someone’s paying attention to our little corner of the world? Or is it the sense that whatever supernatural story is playing out on the pages, we’re a part of it, simply by association?

Have you read books set in your town or city? How did you feel about them? I love hearing from you!

If you missed it yesterday, be sure to stop by Rebecca Enzor’s blog for the Earth Tones My Little Pony!

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I hope you enjoyed your visit and come back for more! You can subscribe using RSS, Twitter, or Facebook. And if you want to ensure you don’t miss any new releases, you can sign up for the newsletter!

October 26, 2012 by Angela Wallace

Trick-or-Treat! Two Books, Five-Day Freebie Dash

Here’s a Halloween treat for you!

Free for Five Days Only!
Friday October 26th – Tuesday October 30th

What Evil Lurks Behind These Words

Elemental Magic—A sunken ship holds a magical secret many would kill for.

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Souled—Would you sacrifice everything you love for power and control?

Download your free copies today! And spread the Halloween cheer by telling your friends!

Let the wicked come out and play…

And some pumpkin fun, including a Cetus pumpkin, the sea dragon from Elemental Magic!

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Be sure to stop by Tameri Etherton’s and Alina Sayre’s blogs today for a fun author chat with me about my new release, Earth Tones.

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October 15, 2012 by Angela Wallace

Best Job Ever

I happen to be living two great jobs as it is: writing and publishing my books, and sign language interpreting. But I have always thought it would be awesome to be the person who gets to name colors. Paint chips, crayons, nail polish. There may not be new colors in the strictest sense, but old shades are constantly “revived.” And really, what is Perky Pink supposed to look like, except pink? And those giant boxes of crayons don’t say “Green 1,” “Green 2,” etc.

So that’s what I would love to do.

Firestone Orange
Bruised Purple
Sandstone
Spiderweb Gray
Werewolf’s Eye (yellow)

Hmm, I could make a whole batch of “Fantasy Crayons” with colors geared toward that genre. Muahaha.

What do you think would be the best job ever? Ice cream taster? Ice cream flavor inventor? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

When a little boy was asked what he thought the best job in the world was, he replied, “Garbage man because they only work one day a week.”

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Enter to win a paperback copy of Earth Tones on Goodreads! Giveaway ends this Friday, the 19th, at midnight!

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September 17, 2012 by Angela Wallace

PonyFest12 Entry—Cetus!

It’s time for PonyFest 2012! Last year Rebecca Enzor hosted a contest on her blog for writers and authors to submit custom pony designs based on their novels. Lots of creative characters were posted and then people voted for their favorite. The winner’s drawing was then made into a real custom! The contest was so much fun, Rebecca has decided to make it annual. Visit her post for the rules if you want to participate! And be sure to come back in October to visit other participating blogs and vote for your favorite!

Last year I submitted Phoenix Feather, which came in second. This year I’ve got a brand new pony—Cetus from Elemental Magic!

Cetus is a sea dragon from the Mediterranean, though in the book he’s been sleeping off the coast of Washington until a sinister alchemist awakens him to go on a rampage. He’s not all bad though; he befriends the main character, Aileen, and she works to save him from the evil alchemist’s influence. This pony’s got the serpentine cutie symbol, colors of the deep ocean, and some scales on his legs.

The silhouette against the backdrop of stars was tall and thin, at least compared to the width of a whale. That wasn’t to say it wasn’t incredibly large. It loomed at least seven feet over the top of the ship. Keenan swept the spotlight over it, and I caught a flash of teeth bared in a menacing sneer and bright, blue-green scales. Eyes glowered gold with the reflection of the light… Hot breath spewed from its nostrils into the chill air. I supposed it most closely resembled traditional renditions of Chinese dragons: its body was definitely serpentine and lined with spicules. Two tusks sprouted from the back of its head, and it seriously looked like it had two whiskers of a mustache, except they were more like the spines of a lionfish. Its eyes were hardened and possessed a chilling intelligence that even the smartest dolphin didn’t have.

Sunken treasure guarded by a sea dragon. Sure, no problem.

You can read about Cetus in Elemental Magic on Amazon!

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September 12, 2012 by Angela Wallace

Earth Tones Cover Reveal!

I am so thrilled to be announcing the cover reveal for Earth Tones, the third in my Elemental Magic series. It was designed by Tara at FantasiaFrog Designs. Isn’t it amazing?! I love her work.

Nita Young doesn’t know if she has a future with college sweetheart Keenan Donovan—two star-crossed lovers of opposing elements—but she invites him up to Alaska to see if Earth and Water can rekindle their old flame.

When a series of wild animal attacks strike the inhabitants of Yakutat, Nita has to put her romantic plans on hold. Mangled bodies are turning up, and a mysterious black panther has been spotted in the woods. Fur, scales, and a venomous bite suggest the cat is supernatural in origin—and evidence indicates that someone not only summoned it, but is using it to target those Nita cares about. It’s the perfect murder weapon: no fingerprints, no evidence. And in a town this small, the killer is someone she knows.

Nita’s strength will be put to the test as she faces losing her friends, her town, and the man she loves.

Add the book on Goodreads!

Earth Tones official release date is October 20th.

I also want to give a big thanks and shout-out to those celebrating the cover reveal with me on their blogs this week.

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August 27, 2012 by Angela Wallace

New Species of Coral Discovered?

In a follow-up on the case of the missing Allegro, new evidence suggests the ship was transporting a rare, or previously undiscovered, type of coral. A large chunk of the sparkly white deposit was discovered on the body of the dead crewman found at sea. While official statements from Mr. Irons’s public relations office declare coral a valuable commodity worth stealing, suspicious events surrounding its discovery only bring up more questions.

Though authorities are trying to keep it quiet, a lab technician transporting a piece of this coral to the Undina Research Center for further tests inexplicably pulled off the road, abandoned his car, and plunged into the ocean. Since this is not California where surfer dudes with low IQs would do just this kind of thing for kicks, the police are understandably perplexed. The man likely would have drowned were it not for a Good Samaritan who happened upon the abandoned vehicle.

The lab tech is currently under a 72-hour suicide watch. Our esteemed reporter managed to sneak into the hospital to speak with Mr. Darnell, whose wild ramblings revolved around a beautiful song he felt compelled to find the source of. Some might jump to the conclusion of sirens or mermaids, mythological creatures said to lure men to death with their singing. (Children, take note: Disney got it wrong.)

We have another theory: drugs. It was obvious the man was high out of his mind. Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident. The next day, the medical examiner was found floating in the harbor. He hadn’t bothered to take off his tie or suit jacket before his swim, and sources say the original piece of coral had been in his office.

So, is this undiscovered species of coral valuable for its scientific discovery? We can be sure there will be quite a contest to see who it will be named after, though how the scientists at the URC will come to that determination is uncertain—they could resort to Rock, Paper, Scissors for all we know. Or perhaps Mr. Irons, who is hardly the biologist type, is interested in more recreational—and profitable—applications for the coral as the new LSD.

This report comes to you from the Examiner, where everything deserves a closer look.

Curious about the adventure? You can read how it all turns out in Elemental Magic.

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August 20, 2012 by Angela Wallace

Nereids

The Nereids are sea nymphs of the Mediterranean. It was said there were fifty of these daughters to Nereus and the nymph Doris, and they lived with their father in an underwater dwelling. These young and beautiful maidens were also part of Poseidon’s retinue. They either had lovely blue hair, or striking golden hair, depending on what you read. Individually, they are also said to represent various aspects of the sea: foam, brine, currents, shores, etc. Unlike some mermaid and siren myths, the Nereids gave aid to sailors and fishermen and were therefore worshiped in port towns.

Nereid riding Sea Bull via/ wikipedia

Art often depicts them riding various sea creatures, from dolphins to sea monsters such as Cetus. In addition to having power over the sea, they inherited the ability to shape shift from their father.

Thetis is the most famous and sometimes called the leader of the Nereids. Peleus sought her for a bride and managed to capture her. She changed shape repeatedly, becoming water, fire, a lioness, and a serpent, but still Peleus held fast and did not let her go. So, she finally consented to marry him. Later, she gave birth to Achilles.

For more information and images of the Nereids, you can check out theoi.com.

In Elemental Magic, Aileen begins having visions of her deceased mother. She chalks it up to stress, until an encounter with a sea dragon—Cetus to be precise—has her questioning if perhaps her mother wasn’t human like she thought. And if she’s the half-daughter of a Nereid, what does that mean for her?

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August 13, 2012 by Angela Wallace

Whispers of Magic

My eyelids fluttered open. In the blackness of my room, the clock digits glowed a dull green of three o’clock. I crawled out of bed and stepped into the hall. The nightlight from the bathroom cast a soft hue across the floor as I crept past my parents’ bedroom toward the living room. The sliding glass door didn’t make a sound as I eased it open and slipped outside into the backyard. What could have compelled a seven-year-old to steal away in the dead of night? What but the faintest stirrings in my soul whispering, “Come.”

I walked into the grass, bare feet brushing against the cool carpet. I stopped and leaned my head back to look straight up. The moon was a bright gleaming orb right above my head, the sky a brilliant shade of ocean blue in the waves of its illumination. And around the moon was a perfect ring of light with the moon dead center. It looked like a circle of white mist, though no other clouds graced the night sky.

I’d never seen anything like it, and haven’t since that night. I’ve never forgotten it though, nor the feeling that I had been woken for a reason, drawn outside to share a secret wonder with the One who held my heart. “Come, see what I made for you.”

Photo by Jesse757 on Flickr CC license, http://www.flickr.com/photos/jesse757/

Have you ever seen a sunset paint the clouds in the shape of a blazing eagle? Or a vertical rainbow in the middle of the sky, with all the colors tinged in ruby red? Or columns of golden sundust in a haze of thunderstorm dark rain? I have. Each time I stopped and marveled. And a subtle stirring in my heart whispered, “Come see what I made, just for you.”

There is magic and enchantment in the world, if we are only willing and eager to see it. Turn off the computer, the TV, the iPhone. When was the last time you felt something stir deep within your soul, a quiet prompting that said, “This way, off the beaten path,” or “Look up,”? When was the last time you listened? There are whispers of magic waiting to share their secrets with an open, searching soul, waiting to take your breath away.

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July 30, 2012 by Angela Wallace

Treachery on the High Seas

A body was discovered at sea by the Coast Guard yesterday. Though the identity has not been released, inside sources say the forty-year-old man was a crew member of the cargo ship, Allegro, which went missing three days ago.

Official statements say they can’t be sure what caused the ship to disappear and stop transmitting GPS coordinates, though anything from a malfunction to bad weather has been hypothesized. Before getting caught and thrown out of the morgue, our esteemed reporter managed to glimpse the body of the crewman recovered from sea—perhaps officials would like us to believe a stray bullet simply hitchhiked through a windstorm. Stranger things have happened.

Pirates seems a plausible theory. We approached the owner of the ship, Christophe Irons, to ask what would be valuable enough to steal. The Fortune 500 businessman has holdings in oil, textiles, and is quite the avid collector of rare and priceless artifacts. He also owns several states and a couple islands. Unfortunately, Mr. Irons declined to comment. It begs the question: what is he hiding? We can only speculate that perhaps he sunk his own ship for the insurance claim. That, or there’s more to this pasty, Eastern European than meets the eye.

In any case, salvagers have been arriving in droves, all drooling over the imagined treasures to be found on the missing Allegro. Many of the men, after a few beers, were happy to share their theories: gold bricks, Chinese terracotta army soldiers, rare jewels or pearls. Some of the more unusual theories included Pandora’s box or the Holy Grail. One man hoped to find a captive magical creature. (No more beer for him.)

Though Mr. Irons’s PR representative made it clear that Mr. Irons wants his rightful property returned to him, his lawyers won’t have much luck against salvager’s law: finder’s keepers. One wonders just what is on that ship that he wants back so badly.

This report comes to you from the Examiner, where everything deserves a closer look.

Curious about the adventure? You can read how it all turns out in Elemental Magic.

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