Cover Reveal
I'm really excited to reveal the cover for THE RISE OF THE WITCH today! This book is the first YA (Young Adult) Fantasy book I've written. Actually, I'm still in the process of writing it, but I'll make the deadline for sure as I've put myself on a very strict schedule, and I outlined the story ahead of time, which is not something I typically do. I'm more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants type of writer, but I've found, at least in this case, that I do actually like having a guideline and path. That's not to say I don't make changes along the way. I absolutely do. Especially when the characters demand action or switch directions on me without warning.
While I’ve enjoyed reading YA for some time now, I never thought about writing it. I mean, I’m in the tail end of my 40s. What do I know about how teens and young adults feel? Quite a lot, actually. I know it because, like you, I survived those years. All the heartache, the disappointment, the angst, the hope, the laughter, the relationships, a series of firsts… And I remember how it all felt. Most days, the occasional aches and pains aside, I still feel young on the inside. I often look in the mirror and think who the hell is that? I’m sure many of us do.
If you read my previous blog post, you’ll remember that I’m on a journey of self-discovery, and part of that journey includes trying new things and not holding back. Hence my current genre and the writing of THE RISE OF THE WITCH.
The premise for this tale is something I'm super passionate about: Acceptance and Equality. There is WAY too much ugly and hate in our world, and I really try to do my part to combat it on a personal level by treating everyone with kindness and respect until they prove themselves undeserving. And then, it's only after I've considered the many possibilities for why the person could be acting in a negative way that I either cut them out of my life or distance myself as much as possible. I always try to remember that I don’t know what’s truly happening in their life or what they’ve endured in the past. But there are only so many free passes in my back pocket, you know? I do not let fear or differences dictate how I treat anyone, unless, of course, I'm fearing for my life!
Allow me to share the blurb for Ailynn's story.
Elemental witches have been oppressed and controlled for untold millennia by jealous humans who fear the power of their blood. Even those witches who believed in purity were persecuted, as mixed-element babies were killed, tested, and experimented on in a desperate attempt to keep their powers at bay.
Laws and regulations have been implemented to keep the Elementals from truly blending, to keep Fire from marrying Water, Air from uniting with Earth, but these laws cannot stop hearts from connecting. Love knows no boundaries and sometimes rules are broken for a greater purpose—to allow a being of power and chaos to be born into this world.
I am Ailynn. And I am that being—the first chaos witch. Birthed with the combined power of all five elements, I stand with the resistance against those who would seek to keep us apart.
I will not be caged. I will not be silenced. I am here, and I will not be forgotten.
If you like stories with witches with some hatred, persecution, violence, revenge, romance, first love, power, hope, chaotic beauty, lots of magick, and of course a victory or two in them, you're gonna love this story.
And here’s the cover!
Isn’t it pretty?
THE RISE OF THE WITCH releases June 21, 2023. Pre-order links will be available soon, and I'll be sure to share them!
Cover design by Evernight Designs
Until next time, folks! As always, comments are welcome, meanness is not.