stalker

16
Jul
2020

Behind the Books | Striking Distance: A Kira Brightwell Short Story

[Original version of Striking Distance]

Whenever I start writing a new character or series, an origin story starts to grow in my mind as the character starts to flesh out, to explain aspects of their personality, skill set, reactions to particular situations, etc. When I decided to start writing this self-made, reluctant problem-solver for hire, Kira Brightwell, in her first novel, Split Decision, I knew I had a couple of big questions to answer.

Why would anyone think to hire Kira–a young woman with no formal training or police connections–to help with an abduction case? Why would Kira be motivated to take a lead role in that kind of situation?

Yes, by the start of Split Decision, Kira has spent three years training in MMA. So that makes her a badass, but hardly a crime expert.

…But what if she had a personal experience involving abduction? What if that event revealed skills and tenacity Kira never fully realized she had, and shaped her life going forward in ways she could never imagine? Continue reading →

Posted by Jacquelyn in Behind the Books, 0 comments
18
Jun
2020

Behind the Books | Legends of Lasniniar: Possession

Sometimes it feels like somebody’s watching me…

 

Several years ago, I decided to challenge myself to write and release one new short fiction piece a month for an entire year from my World of Lasniniar epic fantasy series. Up until this point, I had only written two or three shorts in the series that took place between the novels. But now I was back to working a day job at the local bookstore. I figured a bunch of shorts would be more manageable as I got my job/writing balance worked out again, while still giving me a push to get things out.

This ended up being a huge growth period for me. Lasniniar is a large place, and even at the time when I started this project of shorter pieces, the existing books spanned thousands of years of history. I had a TON of potential characters and places/events to explore, without the obligation of making a novel out of it. Continue reading →

Posted by Jacquelyn in Behind the Books, 0 comments
04
Jun
2020

Free Fiction Feature: Legends of Lasniniar: Possession

Legends of Lasniniar Possession cover

Golvanyar lurks within the Wood Elves’ village, in a time before the moon and sun. He watches from the shadows.

His specialness keeps him apart from the rest of his tribe, aside from his mother. Until he finds Iadrawyn. Golvanyar knows they share a connection from the moment he first spots her from afar. Nothing can shake his conviction.

But not even Golvanyar realizes how far that conviction might take him.

In the richly-imagined World of Lasniniar series, “Possession” focuses on an event from the elves’ sprawling past—an event that forever changes Golvanyar, and starts Iadrawyn on the path to becoming a woman of legend.

Now, you can read it for free on this site for one month only. This short story by award-winning author Jacquelyn Smith also comes in ebook and paperback format—both on its own, and as part of the Light Chasers Lasniniar Collection.

You can find “Possession” at your preferred online retailer here, or buy it direct from the author. You can find retailer links to the Light Chasers Lasniniar Collection here, or buy it direct from the author.

 

Legends of Lasniniar: Possession

Jacquelyn Smith

This story will be available for free for one month only. If you missed this one, check out the current Free Fiction Feature here.

Continue reading →

Posted by Jacquelyn in Free Fiction Feature, 0 comments