Friday, January 4, 2013

Back to Writing

For the last few months, I've been taking a sort-of break from my writing to focus on editing my Epic Fantasy, Soulbound. I'm still not done editing, but I need something to supplement the stress and focus it takes to edit something 600+pages long (don't worry--it's double-spaced), so I am getting back into writing with some new projects.

Since I can't really force myself to write something outside of Inrugia (the planet Soulbound takes place on), I am planning a children's series of fairytales that take place on the same planet. They will take a little longer to finish, as I will be illustrating them as well as writing them, but I already have an idea for the first book. The fairytales will be from Inrugia as opposed to being a bunch of rehashed Grimm or other Earthly tales, and will be a way to bring a younger audience into the world of Soulbound.

I've also been considering a Middle Grade or YA series, but that will come later, once I have about 10 books done for the children's series. I'm super excited, because I feel this will not only help me get back into writing, but will keep the interest flowing for my characters (both from me and from potential readers).

Another project I'm going to be working on is something a high school friend of mine, Cameron, is working on with me. We're co-penning a three-book series about a prince and princess. The first book is entirely in his realm and is about the princess, and mine is (guess what!) about the prince. We've been outlining and planning this book for over a year now, and our goal is to have the first draft of the first two books done by June. Can we do it? Heck yes!! More on this project as I go--I'm not sure what he wants to share with readers before the release, and what he wants to keep under wraps.

So, to all of you writers out there, keep writing!

Thursday, January 3, 2013

The Silver Sphere

Many other YA manuscripts at this time focus on a female lead falling for some paranormal one-thing-or-another, but Dadich's Silver Sphere stands on its own ground because of his fresh, new take on what can define a YA Sci-Fa (Sci-fi Fantasy). Join Shelby on an adventure to the wondrously dangerous world of Azimuth, and battle with her against the horrific evil of Malefic and the Nightlanders as she and her fellow Kin learn about their destiny and their link with the ruling body of Azimuth. She and the other Kin struggle to survive in this treacherous landscape as they search for a way to free their links and restore order to Azimuth before Malefic and his armies turn their blood-thirsty gaze upon Earth...for if Azimuth should fall, Earth is not far behind.

The manuscript is close to me because of the time I've spent working alongside Mr. Dadich as an editor. A year ago, I was introduced to him by an agent, and since then, the story of Shelby and the other Kin has resonated deeply with me. Dadich is the first author I've met in person while working with, and I hope to again with his coming sequel, the Sinister Kin.

Since his debut with Evolved Publishing, Michael has written a short story and begun outlining the Kin series, and many of his readership praise his unique characters, epic battle scenes, and creativity. The world of Azimuth should not be ignored, and should adventure come knocking at your door, do not forget the Kin, for...you are needed!

I cannot recommend The Silver Sphere enough, as it takes you on an adventure that re-imagines what YA Fantasy can really be--minus the vampires, zombies, etc., that litter the market today. If you want a YA manuscript that's fresh, I suggest checking out Dadich's Silver Sphere.

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I've been writing since first setting pencil to steno pad at age 8. A year later, I began developing the world of my current series-in-progress, and even created its title, The Silver Sphere. Now, with the support of years of experience, those early maps and back stories have progressed into what I hope is a fresh and entertaining take on the classic young adult fantasy adventure.

Despite my frequent escapes into parallel worlds, I root myself firmly in my very real family and community. When not pacing the yard maniacally after every few pages of writing, I spend as much time as possible hanging out with my studly 9-year-old son and my inspirational wife Jenna. I also coach several local youth sports teams in Beverly Hills, and alternate between yelling at my two crazy Corgis and hiking with my trained German Shepherd.

For more, join me in my favorite fantasy worlds, from Lord of the Rings to the creations of C.S. Lewis, Anne McCaffrey and Terry Brooks. Even more importantly, stop by and say hello on my Facebook page at AuthorMichaelDadich, tweet me at @MichaelDadich, and stalk my website at http://www.thesilversphere.org.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Review of Cora Flash by Tommy Davey

Cora Flash is a curious and witty eleven-year-old girl, who in the first book of the series, Cora Flash and the Diamond of Madagascar, must solve the mystery of the missing gem. Despite her age, Cora doesn’t rely on anyone else to give her answers—she seeks them out herself, and in doing so, makes friends for life, such as Abby, a college-age girl who is a whiz at research and a fantastic friend, and Calvin, a silly puppy who will do anything to keep Cora safe and help her solve mysteries.

In the first novel, Cora is on the way to visit her uncle Andre in the town of Topaz Mountain. She’s on her first train ride alone when the diamond goes missing from another passenger’s luggage, and from there, it’s nothing but Cora trying to figure out what happened and why. I don’t want to spoil the ending, but if you’re looking for a book to enjoy with your young ones, think Cora Flash! She’s the next Nancy Drew, the new Boxcar Child, and in league with the best mystery-solving children to date!

The second novel, Cora Flash and the Mystery at Topaz Mountain, picks up after the first, so the sense of continuity is strong. Personally, I hope to see this continue with the rest of the series. At Topaz Mountain and her uncle’s hotel, a ghost is causing problems! Meanwhile, a nasty man is trying to buy out Uncle Andre’s land so he can build a strip mall and super highway. Even with the help of Abby and Calvin, can Cora save her family’s hotel and keep her uncle from selling? Who the heck is this ghost anyway? And how many flavors of ice cream can Cora really love before she gets tired of weird flavors, like popcorn and s’mores?

I rate the Cora Flash series five stars. Why? Because it’s fantastic, fun to read, and keeps everyone interested. Your children will love it, and even if you don’t have kids (like me), you’ll enjoy Cora’s loving character and how responsible she is.

Novel Publicity Blog Tour Notes:

Wanna win a $50 gift card or an autographed copy of Cora Flash and the Diamond of Madagascar? Well, there are two ways to enter...
  1. Leave a comment on my blog. One random commenter during this tour will win a $50 gift card. For the full list of participating blogs, visit the official Cora Flash tour page.
  2. Enter the Rafflecopter contest! I've posted the contest form below, or you can enter on the tour page linked above.
About the author: Tommy Davey spent his youth writing mystery stories and plays, and watching reruns of Three's Company until every line of dialogue was permanently burned into his memory. When not writing, he enjoys traveling to favorite destinations including New York City and Paris, which he plans to feature in future stories. He lives in Toronto, where he was born and raised, with a Norfolk Terrier named Calvin. "Cora Flash and the Diamond of Madagascar" is his first novel. Connect with Tommy on his website, Facebook, Twitter, or GoodReads.

Get Cora Flash and the Diamond of Madagascar on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

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