Book IV Cover preview

Normally I post completed cover art, but I decided to post what I have so far for the front cover of Book IV of The Legacy Incarnate: Incarnate Key.

For some reason the picture looks gray
on blogger...

As you can see, it's just line art right now.  I use GIMP to illustrate my book covers, and I used a lot of paths on the buildings.  I also incorporated some symbolism relevant to the story and the world of Libera in general.  If you're familiar with the Chronicles of Libera, can you spot the symbolism?

I also base the cover art for this series off of a scene in the story.  By the point of this scene, the characters are pretty worn out, physically and emotionally, but they have each other to lean on soon before the greatest trial Sabra must face in this nocturnal city.

Some of you may have noticed I haven't posted any Strange Blessings serials lately.  I've been caught up in another short story project, which has been uber fun to write, and that I may post here on the Lair. (It's a fan fiction, so I may need the permission of the original creator of the world before posting  it on this, my promotional and authorial website.)

Revision has gone very well on Book II of LI: Incarnate Dream, and I've been teaching myself how to keep consistencies in mind, and to look back at key points in a manuscript so that the story flows well.  I'm nearing the end of the third revision.  The adventure of formatting and completing the one-piece cover art are soon at hand!


Currently reading:

• Our Lost Constitution, by Mike Lee
• Shadow Hand, Book 6 of Tales of Goldstone Wood, by Anne Elisabeth Stengl
• Fellowship of the Ring, by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Doctrine & Covenants, published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, '' ''

What are you currently reading?

Book Review: Dragonwitch

Dragonwitch by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I had picked up this book a while back and tried to read it, but life happened and I had to put it down. I wish I had finished it sooner, because then I would have remembered more from Starflower, but oh well.

I have one word for this book: haphazard. I wish I didn't have to say that about this book, seeing as the previous four in the series were well-done in terms of writing, story, and characters. However, I really struggled with Dragonwitch, and it didn't live up to the expectations I had gained from the four first entries of Goldstone Wood.

As I normally do with my lengthier reviews, I'll break my review down into characters, plot, setting, and writing.

Spring Update

To be honest, I actually hate
Facebook, but I use it anyway
partly for promotion.

Recently I've had a great aversion to social media, so don't be surprised if I don't post much on Facebook or Twitter or wherever else I'm connected.  Probably the most news you'll see of my authoring is if you visit Xenithar's Lair directly.  I apologize in advance if that causes any inconvenience to my readers.

Anywho, I've continued work on Book II of The Legacy Incarnate: Incarnate Dream.  It's exciting to be nearing the end of my revision.  I think there will always be things that need changing or fixing, but for any artist, you have to come to a stopping point if you want yourself and others to stand back and enjoy your creation.

Also, I've come up with an art design for the front cover of LI Book IV.  It's going to be a black and white palette, and will be the first cover to explicitly feature two main characters instead of just Sabra.  Once I have finished it, I plan on sharing it with y'all.

For my readers, is there anything in particular you would like me to post more about?  Sometimes I'm low on post ideas, even though I try to keep the Lair updated.  Do you want to know more about my characters, stories, writing, or do you want any advice or tips on writing?  Let me know in the comments, and thanks!