Welcome to our stop along the Hearts in Exile tour, hosted by Page Turner Book Tours...
Today, we have a great post by Mysti Parker..
About Mysti Parker:
Mysti Parker (pseudonym) is a full time wife, mother of three, and a writer. Her first novel, A Ranger's Tale was published in January, 2011 by Melange Books, and the second in the fantasy romance series, Serenya's Song, was published in April 2012. The highly anticipated third book, Hearts in Exile, has already received some great reviews. The Tallenmere series has been likened to Terry Goodkind's 'Sword of Truth' series, but is probably closer to a spicy cross between Tolkien and Mercedes Lackey.Mysti's other writings have appeared in the anthologies Hearts of Tomorrow, Christmas Lites, and Christmas Lites II. Her flash fiction has appeared on the online magazine EveryDayFiction. She has also served as a class mentor in Writers Village University's six week free course, F2K.
Mysti reviews books for SQ Magazine, an online specific publication, and is the proud owner of Unwritten, a blog voted #3 for eCollegeFinder's Top Writing Blogs award. She resides in Buckner, KY with her husband and three children.
A Ranger's Tale (Tallenmere #1), Serenya's Song (Tallenmere #2),
Hearts in Exile (Tallenmere #3)
Series: Tallenmere (stand-alone)
Title: Hearts In Exile
Series: Tallenmere (stand-alone)
Author: Mysti ParkerGenre: Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: Melange Books
Formats Available In: All eBook formats and Print
Release Date: June 3, 2013
Publisher: Melange Books
Formats Available In: All eBook formats and Print
Release Date: June 3, 2013
Blurb: Somewhere, hidden in the waters of the Southern Sea, lies an island unlike any other. Within the amber glow of its pyrogem-laden cliffs, legend says the very heart of the dragon god Drae keeps the island, and its occupants, alive. Loralee Munroviel, daughter of Leogard's High Priestess Arianne, had no idea what she would face when she arrived by boat ten years ago and was left alone in exile. All she knew about Draekoria's inhabitants was written in one tattered notebook. Now, her life revolves around keeping Drae's descendants happy. Never in her life did she imagine being a Dragon Keeper.Captain Igrorio Everlyn, known as Sir Robert to his unit of Holy Paladins, has faced his share of hell, battling the evils of Emperor Sarvonn's tyranny and the dark god Tyr's abominations. But none of that compares to the ten years of hell he's been without Loralee, presumed dead. One freak storm changes everything. Now the two of them must fight to re-establish the delicate balance of the island before the dragons take things into their own hands.
Through it all, they discover the secrets that kept them, and their hearts, exiled for a decade.Amazon USA
Amazon UK
Have you ever wondered what it takes for an author to convincingly write a character of the opposite sex? Well, I can’t speak for male authors, but I can tell you from my perspective as a female author that it’s not an easy task. Here are two ways to make a male character authentic:
1. Get Back to Basics: We are hardwired to have our own distinct personalities, and those usually fall into some sort of gender-specific qualities. While, of course, these traits can vary greatly from individual to individual, in your “typical” man or woman, you’ll find some generalization to be pretty universal.So in writing a male character, I keep in mind that he’s more likely to concentrate on hard facts, strategy, and the most effective methods of reaching his goals as opposed to the feelings involved. Even though he can, and does feel strong emotions, he’s more likely to suppress those feelings until he’s alone or with someone he can trust.
Here are a few more basic generalizations I’ve learned over the years: Men tend to value respect over love. They are often very insecure, but hide it well. They feel a burden to provide and protect. They want to be desired sexually by their mates, and they respond strongly to visual stimuli. (Think of all the times you’ve punched your mate in the arm and said: Quit looking at her!)
A couple of resources I recommend are Christian publications, but give very good insights into your “typical” male psyche. The first two also offer insight into a woman’s psyche. Ignore the marriage advice unless you need it and concentrate on the traits of each gender:
His Needs, Her Needs by Willard F. Harley
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn
2. When in Doubt, Ask: If you’re married or have a significant other, ask him to read your male POV scenes and dialogue and see if he finds them authentic.
When I wrote Serenya’s Song, I relied greatly on my husband’s input to get a conversation right between Jayden and his friend Zephyrus. It was quite an emotional situation (from my perspective), with Jayden apologizing for having a fling with Zephyrus’s current wife many years earlier. When Bryan read it, he was quick to point out: “No, guys would never be that open about it.” He really helped me work down the conversation until both men said everything they needed to say without really dredging up all the dirty details and emotions women (like me) might focus on.If you don’t have a significant other, then ask a male friend or critique partner. You might even go farther than that and ask males of specific occupations for their feedback, depending on what you’re writing. If you’re writing in the GLBT genre, ask a homosexual male for his perspectives.
These tips would also likely serve you well if you’re a male writing from a woman’s perspective. But, whatever you do, don’t just wing it and assume you know how to write the opposite sex. As with most anything you write for publication, do your best to get reliable feedback and research from the proper sources. You may be writing complete imagination barf (otherwise known as fiction), but if it doesn’t wear the cloak of authenticity, your readers will call your bluff. Write smart, and channel your inner dude or dudette when needed!
Through it all, they discover the secrets that kept them, and their hearts, exiled for a decade.Amazon USA
Amazon UK
Dude, Where’s My Voice?
By Mysti Parker
Have you ever wondered what it takes for an author to convincingly write a character of the opposite sex? Well, I can’t speak for male authors, but I can tell you from my perspective as a female author that it’s not an easy task. Here are two ways to make a male character authentic:
1. Get Back to Basics: We are hardwired to have our own distinct personalities, and those usually fall into some sort of gender-specific qualities. While, of course, these traits can vary greatly from individual to individual, in your “typical” man or woman, you’ll find some generalization to be pretty universal.So in writing a male character, I keep in mind that he’s more likely to concentrate on hard facts, strategy, and the most effective methods of reaching his goals as opposed to the feelings involved. Even though he can, and does feel strong emotions, he’s more likely to suppress those feelings until he’s alone or with someone he can trust.
Here are a few more basic generalizations I’ve learned over the years: Men tend to value respect over love. They are often very insecure, but hide it well. They feel a burden to provide and protect. They want to be desired sexually by their mates, and they respond strongly to visual stimuli. (Think of all the times you’ve punched your mate in the arm and said: Quit looking at her!)
A couple of resources I recommend are Christian publications, but give very good insights into your “typical” male psyche. The first two also offer insight into a woman’s psyche. Ignore the marriage advice unless you need it and concentrate on the traits of each gender:
His Needs, Her Needs by Willard F. Harley
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn
2. When in Doubt, Ask: If you’re married or have a significant other, ask him to read your male POV scenes and dialogue and see if he finds them authentic.
When I wrote Serenya’s Song, I relied greatly on my husband’s input to get a conversation right between Jayden and his friend Zephyrus. It was quite an emotional situation (from my perspective), with Jayden apologizing for having a fling with Zephyrus’s current wife many years earlier. When Bryan read it, he was quick to point out: “No, guys would never be that open about it.” He really helped me work down the conversation until both men said everything they needed to say without really dredging up all the dirty details and emotions women (like me) might focus on.If you don’t have a significant other, then ask a male friend or critique partner. You might even go farther than that and ask males of specific occupations for their feedback, depending on what you’re writing. If you’re writing in the GLBT genre, ask a homosexual male for his perspectives.
These tips would also likely serve you well if you’re a male writing from a woman’s perspective. But, whatever you do, don’t just wing it and assume you know how to write the opposite sex. As with most anything you write for publication, do your best to get reliable feedback and research from the proper sources. You may be writing complete imagination barf (otherwise known as fiction), but if it doesn’t wear the cloak of authenticity, your readers will call your bluff. Write smart, and channel your inner dude or dudette when needed!
Contact Mysti:
Blog: www.mystiparker.blogspot.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mysti-Parker/103786449704221
Available NOW @ http://www.melange-books.com
A Ranger's Tale, Tallenmere #1
Hearts in Exile, Tallenmere #3
Book Tour Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/519253418129437/You can find Hearts in Exile at these links:
Melange Books (Print, PDF, & HTML): http://www.melange-books.com/authors/mystiparker/heartsinexile.html
Amazon (Kindle): http://www.amazon.com/Hearts-in-Exile-Tallenmere-ebook/dp/B00DEJZ8UG/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_1_YS4D
B&N (Nook): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hearts-in-exile-mysti-parker/1115836058?ean=2940044592223
Smashwords (all e-formats): http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/326723
All Romance E-Books (PDF & HTML):https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-heartsinexile-1225822-153.html
Hearts in Exile, Tallenmere #3
***Tour-Wide Drawing***
Buy one copy (print or electronic) of Hearts in Exile at Melange Books, Amazon, B&N, Smashwords, or All Romance E-Books, and you'll be entered into a drawing to win this BIG prize pack:
Dragon Necklace, I ♥ Dragons Tote Bag, This Gal (or Guy) Loves Dragons T-shirt, Hearts in Exile Notebook, $10 Amazon Gift Card, and set of three signed playlist postcards.
Dragon Necklace, I ♥ Dragons Tote Bag, This Gal (or Guy) Loves Dragons T-shirt, Hearts in Exile Notebook, $10 Amazon Gift Card, and set of three signed playlist postcards.
To enter, just purchase a copy of Hearts in Exile from any of the online retailers above, and email your receipt to ME at this email: mystiparker@yahoo.com. Drawing to be held on August 1, and it's open worldwide!!!
Book Tour Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/519253418129437/You can find Hearts in Exile at these links:
Melange Books (Print, PDF, & HTML): http://www.melange-books.com/authors/mystiparker/heartsinexile.html
Amazon (Kindle): http://www.amazon.com/Hearts-in-Exile-Tallenmere-ebook/dp/B00DEJZ8UG/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_1_YS4D
B&N (Nook): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hearts-in-exile-mysti-parker/1115836058?ean=2940044592223
Smashwords (all e-formats): http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/326723
All Romance E-Books (PDF & HTML):https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-heartsinexile-1225822-153.html
Thanks for hosting me again Stephanie!!
ReplyDeleteMysti, this is great. It's a problem I've had, too, and your tips are very useful.
ReplyDeleteJoyce/Mum
I'm so glad you found it useful, Joyce! I love to write things that others can benefit from. :)
Delete