Mystic Hero – SOLD!

04/10/201409/04/2014 | Casey Wyatt

Hey everyone!

I know I’ve been quiet these last two weeks, but I’ve been busy.

With what, you say?

First, I finished Lachlan’s Curse and sent it to my trusty readers.

And second, I sold Mystic Hero (Book 3: The Mystic Series) to Soul Mate Publishing. For those of you reading the series, this is everyone’s friendly neighborhood pawn shop owner, Devlin Ward’s story.

I have no set release date as of yet, but I expect it will be Fall 2014.

In the meantime, here’s the blurb:

A wise Satyr always pays his debts. Pawn shop owner Devlin Ward isn’t stupid. When Karma appears on his doorstep to cash in an old favor, he can’t refuse. It’s a simple request – accept a delivery and keep it safe. Unfortunately for Devlin, the “package” is a sullen teenage oracle who insists that he locate the Feather of Truth. Or else.

A promise is a promise. Mary Swain, aka Ma’at, Goddess of Truth, honors her word. For the first time in centuries, she’s finally free of her debts. And she wants a new life, preferably away from Mystic, where every quaint shop and cozy restaurant is a reminder of her unreliable ex-boyfriend. Finally, she’s leaving and nothing’s going to stop her.

Until fate steps in. When Devlin approaches her with the oracle’s dire warning and a frazzled plea for help, she can’t resist the temptation of a new adventure or his quietly sexy allure. Despite his best efforts to feign indifference, she knows Devlin is attracted to her too. He claims to have deep, dark secrets that even the Goddess of Truth can’t pry out of him. Or can she?

That’s all for now. Time to start my next novel – Over Easy.

Be A Big Meanie!

09/20/201309/18/2013 | Casey Wyatt

I’m happy to report that Mystic Hero finally crossed the 60,000 word mark. That means the end of the first draft is in sight! Unlike the previous books in the series, Devlin’s story is a bit different.

He’s got issues. Big ones. And just like in real life – everything that can go wrong, does. We Scribes have mentioned a few times the importance of being mean. And I totally agree with that. The most satisfying tales always involve some emotional pain and the eventual triumph over that pain.

Normal people generally steer clear of conflict. And most people don’t enjoy watching others suffer. At least not in real life (and I know the glut of reality shows probably says otherwise), but I think the big exception is in entertainment. Movies, TV, books – they would all be booooring if there wasn’t some kind of challenge to conquer.

And really, in fiction, we have to be extra tough on our characters. One of the things I realized so far about Devlin’s journey is that I wasn’t being hard enough on him emotionally.

Sure, it was easy to throw bad guys his way. Since I write paranormal, they are often extra weird or super creepy. But I also realized that I was shying away from his substantial internal demons. And that is short-changing the reader. I know when I pick up a romance I want to go on an emotional ride with the hero and heroine.

How does one overcome this problem?

1. Don’t let your characters have what they want. At least not until the very end. Dangle the prize in front of them and take it away a few times. Again, think emotional stakes. What will they lose if they don’t change?

2. Make them earn the payoff in the end. This means, the character has to suffer. They have to doubt themselves, question their choices and reach a low point (or two or three) before they can transform.

3. Bring them to their darkest place and throw in their worst fear in for good measure. And I don’t mean lock them in a dark room. Not unless your hero or heroine has a phobia of the dark and the only way to save the day is to overcome that fear.

4. If you get stuck – ask yourself again – how can I make things worse for this character? Never better. At least not until the very end

One caution – There’s a fine line between being too sappy or preachy (no one wants to read an ABC After School Special – at least I know I don’t!) and creating an emotionally satisfying and believable experience.

What are your tips for character “bashing”? And what books do a great job of torturing the poor hero and heroine?

Mystic Ink is #Free – 9/14 and 9/15 Only!

09/14/201309/12/2013 | Casey Wyatt

Now’s your chance to snag a free Kindle e-book of Mystic Ink!

To read the first book in the Mystic series for FREE, click here.

Enjoy!!

Kitties Do Love Boxes

05/17/2013 | Casey Wyatt

Today, I’m a the 7 Scribes sharing my view on preliminary character development – Getting to Know You in the Most Shallow Way Possible By Casey Wyatt.

And in other news, the final edits for Mystic Storm are done and handed in. If all goes as planned, the book will be out by the end of May. Yay!

I hope you have a wonderful Friday. I leave you with – my kitty in a box. Isn’t she cute?

What’s It All About?

05/10/2013 | Casey Wyatt

Writers, can you sum up your story in a sentence? And I don’t mean an elevator pitch – Your Journey Starts Here by Casey Wyatt.

I’m almost done with final, final edits to Mystic Storm! I hope to send them back to my editor before the weekend is over. Another gorgeous sunrise from my backyard.

Is Timing Everything?

04/19/2013 | Casey Wyatt

Today at the 7 Scribes I contemplate the role of luck vs. hard work and timing – What’s Luck Got to Do With it?

Stop by and weigh in!

Mystic Storm – Coming Soon!

02/01/201301/29/2013 | Casey Wyatt

After all the blood, sweat, and copious tears, I’m happy to announce that Mystic Storm will be coming soon to Soul Mate Publishing. I don’t have an exact release date yet but the book should come out in 2013. For a sneak peek, click here.

And while you’re visiting my bookshelf, I’ve also added a first look at Misfortune Cookie as well.

Also, today at the 7 Scribes, my thoughts on goals and dreams. Stop by and share your thoughts.

In the meantime, the lovely lighthouse in Stonington Point CT.

My How Things Have Changed . . .

01/25/2013 | Casey Wyatt

I never thought I’d sound like one of my grandparents by saying things like, “when I was a child, blah, blah, blah.” Yup, well, today I am at the 7 Scribes – Eyes Wide Open. Drop by and offer your “when I was young” story.

Also, it’s not too late to enter my Goodreads Giveaway! One lucky entrant (US residents only) will win a paperback edition of Mystic Ink. Don’t wait! The giveaway ends midnight EST, January 31st.

Celebrate Paper! Mystic Ink Goodreads #Giveaway

01/18/201301/17/2013 | Casey Wyatt

To celebrate the release of Mystic Ink in paperback, I’m giving one copy away through Goodreads. The giveaway begins January 18 and ends on January 31st.

If you’re interested – enter here. Open to US residents only. Terms and conditions of the giveaway are listed over at Goodreads. Winner chosen by Goodreads.

Also, today at the 7 Scribes, my guest is Meggan Connors – Saucy Pirate Wench. She’s sharing an excerpt from her new release – Jessie’s War.