New Year, New Cover
The new year is upon us and everything old is new again. In this blog I'll be touching on how an updated cover on an older book can give it fresh life.
Why do I write?
If you joined my newsletter, I give an answer to this question. Its based on a simple need to create stories that started when I was very young. But let's go a step further...why do I still write even when it's become harder than ever to get readers to find my books? Even the man who inspired me to be an author, Dean Koontz, has said that breaking in as a new author is much harder these days than it was for him. So, why keep doing it?
The definitive answer to that is because I can't stop. I've actually tried. I thought a couple of my last books were my final ideas. The well had gone dry, my Muse left town, and I was done. But the ideas kept coming from random sources and I am compelled to fulfill them.
That doesn't really tell you why though. It's because writing is my passion. I love creating worlds, and stories, and I especially love creating characters. So, within that creation is when I am most juiced. Going back and reading what I've come up with surprises me sometimes. And that's the fun of it. There are also those readers who do find my work and enjoy it.
When I'm at conventions and I get people come up to me to tell me that they liked the story or characters and describe certain scenes, that is equivalent to an actor getting a response from a theater crowd. We create to entertain...at least I do. So, I can't stop writing and I'm proud of the work I've done.
My first book
The first book I ever finished writing was a story about two women from different social circles who get thrust into the sport of gladiator games. The book is called The Crescent and the idea came from a documentary I saw narrated by Xena herself, Lucy Lawless, about the truth archeological discovery of ancient remains that wound up belonging to a female gladiator. Not only was this woman a champion, she was revered. They could tell by the markers around her grave. I found the story compelling enough to turn it into a book.
The Crescent was self-published back when that wasn't cool to do. It's seen a few changes over the years but recently I went back and changed the cover design. It turned out so well that I've become excited about The Crescent again after fifteen years. We've been trying to get this story made into a TV series or movie for many years now. Hollywood is not my lane, but I still feel like this story is compelling enough to be told in a visual manner. It's just really hard getting all the pieces in place.
That said, I would love for you to give my first love a read and let me know what you think about it. You can find The Crescent on Amazon or Barnes and Noble!
Synopsis:
In a violent time where respect was taken at the tip of a sword, and gladiators were the rockstars of their era, two women will stake their claim in a sport of death dominated by men to fulfill their respective destinies.Nadja the slave girl, as sensuous as she is savage, captured and forced into training to become a gladiator. She fights hard and well, intent on attaining a long sought freedom. Liza, the Queen, as passionate as she is powerful, married into royalty but her adventurous spirit leads her down the path of the gladiator. Mindful of her husband, the King she shields her identity and fights in secrecy.Two goals, one victor. They are a parallel of ability and a paradox of style...who shall succeed?
"Original Cyn" Cynthia Vespia writes fantasy novels for deviant minds. This blog is dedicated to all things fantasy, writer wellness, and my author journey.
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