The holy artifact bonded around Marisylia Malludar's neck gives her incredible physical and magical powers—at a price. The bloody piece of vein is consuming Marisylia's body inch by inch, her skeletal hands and feet only the beginning of a slow death. A cruel sorceress and her assassins are on the hunt for Marisylia to steal the artifact. Religious fanatics, volatile and unstable in their blind faith, also seek her to exploit the vein’s most dangerous purpose—liberating the erratic Creator of the World, Lysielle, from her 1,000 year incarceration.
With the vein the key to Lysielle’s freedom, Marisylia must use her abilities to survive long enough to find Lysielle first. Then her most grim challenge awaits—deciding if the Creator has truly repented for attempting to destroy all life. To achieve global peace, Marisylia must discover faith in the unpredictable Lysielle or rely on her own instincts to set the world’s fate.
Excerpt
Marisylia blinked and rubbed milk out of her eyes, but the mob wasn’t finished. A stiff hand shoved her from behind and she stumbled against the table. Unfinished slices of pie and rolls of bread pelted her.
With nowhere to hide, she dove into the horde and tried to shove her way out. Most of the people only yelled insults as they let her pass. Others bumped her roughly with their shoulders, tried to trip her, or pushed her around so she bounced back and forth between pairs of hands.
One woman caught Marisylia and carefully steadied her. She peered into the woman’s eyes, one friendly person amid the riled swarm. The lady smiled softly, then suddenly spit into Marisylia’s face.
When the saliva splattered her cheek, Marisylia stopped caring why the citizens acted like this. Whether due to fear of the religious power, worry that it would infest Three Fingers, or simply senseless anger, none of it mattered anymore since the time to quit had arrived.
All of her determination to succeed had been ripped to shreds by the crowd. Each hand that shoved, every object that struck, drained her enthusiasm. Her devotion to the religion had drowned in the woman’s spit. It was all too much. Marisylia didn’t have Milick’s iron skin or Shri Lilyn’s boldness. She had nothing, only the desire to run away and forget everything.
Interview
Your military career has influenced you as a writer?
-Hello Edgar, I appreciate your time and many thanks for hosting. My military career did have some influences in my writing. I’ve been lucky to travel the world, so seeing many different cultures, cities, and meeting people helped to create the world in my novel. There are also some elements in the story that reflect real life, such as the side effects of war and how certain beliefs bring out the best and worst in people.
What inspired you to write Tears for a World?
-This novel started out as just a hobby. Since I never had time to write, publishing a manuscript was never something I took seriously. Completing the story in bits and pieces was fun for me when I had a few minutes; it was just something to do. But as the story grew and I put forth more effort, I realized I truly wanted to complete the novel after so many years of writing short stories and just messing around.
How long does it take you to write a book?
-Would you believe it took 12 years to finish Tears for a World? Not only did this include typing the last word, but also having the manuscript go through several necessary rounds of editing. The novel took so long to write because of constant military deployments and a hectic work schedule. When I finally felt satisfied that the manuscript was ready, I couldn’t believe so much time had passed. But the good news is that the second book in the series is already finished and I’m well into writing the third.
Where’s your favorite place to write?
-There’s nothing fancy about where I like to write. I’m a bit old fashioned, so a nice quiet room at the computer desk is where I feel comfortable. It’s convenient because my dictionary is within arm’s length, and I can use Google to do research when I write. I know people who like to write in bed, or laying on the couch or floor, but a good old desk is fine for me.
What are you working on next?
-My novel is part of the Lonely World Trilogy. The second book in the series, Tears for Love, is already completed and just going through some light edits. The cover designer is also working on the art for the cover. Hopefully we’ll see a summer release. After that, the third book Tears for Life should be well on its way to completion.
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way?
-There were a few books that fascinated me as a child. I remember reading A Wrinkle in Time in school and how enthralled I was at the story. The Gunslinger (Dark Tower 1) by Stephen King was also one I read probably 10 times. And The Book of Three was what started my love of the fantasy genre.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Have a good editor. A professional editor will do amazing things with your work whether you realize it or not. Do your research when looking for an agent, publisher, or marketing opportunities. There are many “author mills” or “vanity presses” out there to avoid; look up the terms if you are unfamiliar with them. Most of all be patient, which I tell myself all the time because that is something I’ve never had!
Any last words?
-Never forget that writing should be fun, and in the end, you are truly writing for yourself. Some folks get wrapped up in the business side of things and they stop enjoying themselves when picking up the pencil. Your work will sound uninspiring and rushed if you are thinking about publishing as quickly as possible. Relax and remember how you first grew to love writing in the first place.
Thanks...
Alexander Fernandez was born in Santa Monica, CA and grew up in Rancho Cucamonga. Currently serving over 20 years in the United States Air Force, he lives with his wife Helem in Rocklin, CA.
Alex has been writing fantasy stories since early childhood for both school and for pleasure. He hopes to make a lasting emotional impact in his readers. He thrives in the exhilaration of creating memorable characters and adventures that become a part of the reader’s life.
Author Links:
Giveaway
Alexander Fernandez will be awarding a $30 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour, and a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn host.
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