All posts by Shannon Barczak Books

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Isle of night, Isle of Skye Book One, Much Ado About Nothing

Editing, Formatting, and Random Thoughts.

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I made a vow to update my blog more regularly and I am determined to do so!

I have been editing and reformatting Isle of Sky, book one, all week. It still, even after being professionally edited (HA! That’s a story for another day) needs tweaking.  I am finally on the process of reformatting, which I actually do enjoy, and I hope to have an updated version out soon.

I have to be honest, I am having fun rereading the story. It’s been quite some time and even though, this process is tedious, it’s also been a bit more of a motivator for me.

I think, as authors, we are always so immersed in our current projects, that we almost forget our other, older stories. I find myself remembering writing my first book and being overwhelmed with joy and terror.

So much has happened since I first wrote Isle of Skye. Not only personally, but also professionally. I am a lot more confident in my writing and also more comfortable in my own skin, if that makes sense.

I encourage all other authors who follow me, to sit down, and reread your work. It is truly an amazing experience. Not only can you make some tweaks, but you can also just take a moment to relive that joy.

And laugh about how insecure and terrified you might have felt when you finally finished.

I will admit though, I still do have doubts and insecurities about my writing. When I publish a book now there is a moment when I am almost paralyzed with fear. It’s not something that we authors talk about much. We try to convey this confidence that our book is the best ever as we try to sell it to not only our faithful readers, but new buyers as well.

I think you have to be always questioning your work and also, you have to be hungry in a sense. If you lose that edge, what is the point? Where does the satisfaction come from? Writing a book is a feeling like no other. There’s always that one review that makes your toes curl and your heart skip a beat. You can have dozens of bad reviews, but all it takes is for one to have you skipping through the rest of your day.

So, that’s it. That’s what’s going on in my world. Rediscovering, re-imagining, and refocusing.

Now, it’s time to finish book one and go on to book two. Isle of Night.

I will only ever admit this once.

But it’s one of my favorite books I have ever written.

Shhh…don’t tell anyone.

 

~Shannon

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SeppinRek, Silver Shadow, The Lost Elf, Upcoming Books

Upcoming Books & Update

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“Where have you been?”

“What have you been doing?”

Well, let me tell you…

Oh…and one more thing I have to share…

 

Yes, two new books are coming!

I suppose I should explain a bit of the backstory on these two stories. Last year, my sons, who own SeppinRek, asked me to write a book for one of their characters. Not only did I come up with a story for the Silver Shadow, but I also created an entirely new character and amazing new world for their comic book novel series.

And so The Lost Elf was born.

They are not full length novels. They are both short stories (about 150 pages). They are connected and I have to say, I had so much fun writing them.

I fully believe, with all my heart, that my readers will enjoy them. Are there some connections to previous novels? Yup, but I still don’t think you have to read all of the SeppinRek titles to enjoy these two books, especially The Lost Elf.

I will let you all know when they are both released and I sincerely hope you will give them a shot!

They are a bit cleaner than what I normally write. A few curse words, some violence (okay, a lot with Silver Shadow-what he does to a would be rapist will make any woman cheer and every man cringe), and sadly, I was given the rule of no sex-insert sad emoji- but I think the stories are rich enough in detail to make up for that.

What else is going on?

I am currently in the tedious process of reformatting most of my older books and I am also in the process of redesigning my website, and older book covers.

I know what some of you are thinking. I have received a few emails asking me when Rafe’s story is going to be available. I realize the charming alcohol swilling vampire is everyone’s favorite and yes, I agree his story needs to be told.

It will and soon, I promise. I have already begun writing Hattie’s backstory in my head and I also have my chapter outlines mostly done.

Stay Tuned!

 

~Shannon

 

 

 

Upcoming Books

January Blog Post

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January, Calendar, Month, Year, Day, Date, Week

Happy New Year!

I just realized that we are already halfway through the first month of the year. I vowed that I would post more on my blog this year and I am going to keep that promise!

So, what’s been going on at Shannon Barczak Books?

Well, quite a bit actually.

I am so excited to share with you that I am writing my second short novel for my sons’ comic book company, SeppinRek, and boy, have they entrusted me to not only introduce a new character, but an awesome story. I really think that readers of my work will enjoy the book because it focuses on magic.

Yes, I get to introduce magic into their comic universe and I am running with it. The character itself is definitely a bit dark (Wait until you read what I did to be a would-be rapist…my boys cringed) and I have embraced this vigilante with open arms. I love writing him, but what I am really enjoying is twisting the tale towards magic…and of course, a great love…who just happens to be a powerful, beautiful Elf.

Yup, right in my wheelhouse.

I am going to dive into her story right after and I am thrilled to be doing a project that is a bit different. It’s also been fun which I desperately needed after writing Wings of The Warrior. That book put me through the emotional wringer and I needed a break.

The next series I am going to be writing, featuring everyone’s favorite alcohol swilling vampire Rafe, will be Seeds of the Damned. The book is in development and I have chapter outlines started for the story. I have decided to make Hattie’s quest for her freedom quite a trial, but it should be fun and I can’t wait to share more details with you in the future.

I also have new book covers I want to help design for my earlier books and I also want to reformat them, so…yeah, it’s going to be a busy year. I want to thank those that have reached out to me on Facebook, Twitter and email. You’re kind support means the world to me.

A quote from one of the most influential authors of my childhood to help us all this new year…

new year quote new

 

~Shannon

 

Browse and Buy Books, Wings of The Warrior

Wings of The Warrior is Released!

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I am beyond thrilled and excited to announce the release of Wings of The Warrior, book three in The Huntress Chronicles.

You can download or purchase the print version below.

Blurb:

The epic and stunning conclusion to The Huntress Chronicles!

Sloane Bowman came to Charleston, SC to start a new life, but what she found was so much more than she could ever imagine. Her entrance into this exciting world has already been quite eventful. She has trained to embrace her natural huntress Greek roots, slayed various monsters, gone into the boughs of hell to save her fierce vampire lover, and now she has been captured by the vicious demon of chaos.

Cristiano will stop at nothing to bring her home, but time is running out and the hope that Sloane will come through this ordeal unscathed is lost in one brief, horrific moment.

Cristiano and Sloane will both have to walk down a path of unspeakable violence and insanity as they fight not only Mania, but a battle within themselves. Their love is tested at every turn. Can they ever be who they once were, or will all be lost as the deeds from their past darken their lives forever?

 

 

 

 

Free or Reduced Kindle Promotion

Free Book Weekend! Wings of The Fallen & Wings of The Brave

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Because it’s almost Christmas and because Wings of The Warrior, the third book in The Huntress Chronicles is being released, I have decided to offer, for the first time, Wings of The Fallen and Wings of The Brave for free!

You can click on the links below!

 

 

Upcoming Books, Wings of The Brave, Wings of The Fallen, Wings of The Warrior

Wings of The Warrior Release Date

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WoW

It feels like forever but I am happy to announce that the third book in The Huntress Chronicles, Wings of The Warrior, will be released on December 20, 2018!

I am polishing up the final edits right now and I must admit this book was extremely emotional for me to write. I don’t want to delve into the story too much right now but it definitely pushed me to the limits. I think as a writer, we inevitably, get wrapped up in our character’s story. Their thoughts and feelings are intertwined with our own and when you are writing violence and insanity, it can get quite overwhelming.

I cannot wait for you to read the conclusion of Sloane’s and Cristiano’s story. I can tell you though they will be back in the next series.

That’s all the hints I’m giving to you right now!

 

~Shannon

The Writing Process, Upcoming Books, Wings of The Brave, Wings of The Fallen, Wings of The Warrior

Wings of The Warrior Update: Dreams vs. Reality

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I had a dream…well, more like  a daydream filled with hope. I had a goal to publish the third book of this series, Wings of The Warrior: The Huntress Chronicles III  on October 31, 2018.

You know…twenty-two days from now?!

Unfortunately, what I did not plan on was the effect this book was going to have on me. It’s hard to explain without giving away the plot of the third book, but the emotional toll that writing this story has taken me by surprise.

I didn’t realize when I wrote out the chapter outlines just how much more darker this book was than perhaps I had originally planned. I’ve been following my outline, but like most stories, I am a slave to the organic nature of storytelling which occurs when you start the writing process. No matter how many hours that you have spent planning your book, sometimes it can take on a life of its own.

The story has evolved into something so much more than I had originally thought. When you have to visualize and then write violence and insanity, it wears on your soul. I am physically exhausted after writing almost every chapter. It has been cathartic though in a strange, twisted way.

But it has been a slow process. I wish I could churn this book out in a few weeks, but that is not going to happen. Not only is it a strain on me, but I am not rushing to finish a book just to meet a deadline. My readers deserve more than that and as a writer, I want this story to be the best that I can produce.

There’s also a set-up factor involved as well. I have stated previously that this is just the start of a nine book series and I have to sprinkle in those little seeds (That’s a huge hint by the way for the next series title!) for my readers and get them excited for what is to come.

I suppose I am writing this blog post more for myself than anyone else. I don’t know why this book is pulling me apart at the emotional seams.  Maybe because it’s not really from my main character’s point of view (another hint) and I have to describe what is happening from entirely different prospective, but it also has to make the reader aware of what is going on with the heroine.

Does that make sense?

As I sit here now, almost three-fourths of the way through Wings of The Warrior, I have realized that this series has put me through the wringer. I have experienced every type of emotion writing these three books and I don’t regret that one bit.

I hope that my readers enjoy this story because I am putting my heart and soul into this one. It’s all laid out there for the world to read. I’ve always said that I write for myself. I am amazed and grateful when people write and compliment me. Your kind words mean the world to me and I assure you, I am writing this book as quickly as possible.

I am now shooting for a Thanksgiving weekend release and I promise, pinky swear, that I will try and update the blog more!

~Shannon