Michele Carpenter and I are over at Renee’s Mother Daughter and Son Book Reviews talking about the differences between starting the narration work on a new series and the challenges of continuing a book series. I hope you’ll join us!
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Blog Tour Stop: The Giants of Zaria Fierce
Good morning everybody! I’m over at Natalie’s blog, Book Lover’s Life, talking about the giants we meet in the Zaria Fierce Trilogy. I even share how to dress up like one if you’re so inclined. See you there!
I’m so very excited to share with you, Natalie’s review of Zaria’s first adventures via audio book. Here’s a sneak peek:
Plot wise, it was really fast paced and interesting. I loved the lore behind the world and the author really brought the land to life through her vivid descriptions. I had no problem visualising the place and creatures. I also loved the sheer variety of fantastical creatures that are featured. We have a bit of everything!
Michele Carpenter Reads Live from Zaria Fierce
Want to watch Zaria’s narrator in action? Take a look! Michele Carpenter went to Bobby Ray Elementary and performed a reading from Zaria Fierce and the Enchanted Drakeland Sword. How cool is that? I loved watching it and you will, too.
Conquering Stage Fright at an Open Mic
As my name was closer to being called, butterflies erupted in my tummy, dancing and fluttering and twisting round and round. Why was I nervous? I’d read my book in front of strangers before, hadn’t I? What makes this any different?
The difference I believe is the situation. At a book reading, the audience had come to listen to me specifically. They wanted to learn more about me and my work. At this semi-informal stand-up mic event held in a friend-of-a-friend’s home it was different. I really only knew three people there and the event was a gathering of other friends sharing their poetry and songs. Would they really want to hear me, an interloper on the scene?
Then my name was called. I got up. I brought my book to the front. I said hello. I introduced the book and I started reading. I was reading aloud a scene I hadn’t practiced having realized in the middle of the event that my fifteen minute selection was too long for the program. So here I was, sitting on a chair, in front of a mic, holding a flashlight over my book and reading.
Luckily for me it was a scene I’d heard many times over as this was the scene I’d given as an audition piece for prospective narrators. I knew what I needed to do when – laugh, pant, shout. My shaking hands steadied, my heart rate returned to normal, and the story flowed. My friend recorded me at this event, and although I look a bit like a floating head that would fit right in at Hogwarts, I assure you I was fully present.
Lessons I Learned:
- Nerves come from thinking you’re unprepared. When you realize that the words you’re sharing are your own and that you do know them, everything falls into place as easily as breathing.
- Strangers are patient and interested. There’s no need to be nervous, because whether they’re at your book reading or open mic event, everyone is there to hear something they hadn’t heard before.
- These strangers are also amazingly talented and you’ll hear things you hadn’t before, too! There were singers, poets, and even another author at the event. Mingle and talk to everyone and you’ll make new friends and have a good time.
Overall, it was exhilarating and it was fun. I look forward to the next coffee house and poetry night where I may find myself.
Blog Tour: Folklore and World Building of the Zaria Fierce Trilogy
Raise your hand if you would like to learn more about the ellefolken race in the Zaria Fierce books. (Raises both hands!) I’m over at Brenda’s fabulous Log Cabin Library blog discussing world building and Norwegian mythology. Join me to learn more about Hector, his father, and his son, plus check out some artwork from the series and other artwork that inspired scenes in the books.
Brenda has also reviewed the first book in the Zaria Fierce Trilogy, and she had this to say:
Very quickly I was able to relate to Zaria, having been an Army brat and moving just about every four years growing up. I’m sure most people would’ve thought I was shy back then too. Like Zaria, I spent lots of time reading and dreaming up adventures. I especially enjoy that Zaria doesn’t stay this shy and quiet girl, and begins to develop confidence in herself, offering her opinion, fighting off wolf attacks and develops stronger friendships with Geirr, Filip and Aleks.
Update – Brenda now has her review for book two live!
I like how the action begins quickly and Gillett brings the reader up to speed on the plot, no time is wasted in getting these friends off on another adventure through the Norwegian countryside. Oh and that setting, it’s one of the most enjoyable things in reading Gillett’s stories. All the lovely rich details of each of the magical kingdoms, each place is unique and highlights the depth of her imagination.
Blog Tour Stop: Author Interview at Mom Read It
Hi everyone! I’m over at Mom Read It with Rosemary doing a fun author interview. We talk about fantasy books, Norwegian mythology, and folklore. Please join us!
Rosemary also had a chance to review the first two Zaria Fierce books. Here’s a sneak peek of what she said:
The stories are written and illustrated in a manner that recalls fantasy and adventure stories I read as a kid. The black and white fantasy sketches are beautiful and creepy – I love the white stag and the deliciously creepy Olaf – and brings a lot of imagination to the page.
