Hey there! I am absolutely thrilled to share with you the incredible journey that awaits you in the upcoming release of my novel, I REBEL, the second book in the Nanoverse Series. Circle the date: November 7th.
I REBEL is more than just a sequel; it's a continuation of a story that I hold close to my heart. The journey of Mazz, our steadfast protagonist, continues as he faces challenges that demand his transformation into the true protector of the multitude of nanos who find themselves in hiding from The Chosen. As more individuals and families become refugees, Mazz will test his resolve to be a protector rather than perpetuating the cycle of violence. I promise you that his journey will keep you on the edge of the next page.
As an author, I can't help but smile when I think about the chaotic flow that led to I REBEL’s final form. Expanding on Mazz's story has been an absolute joy. His world and actions came easily compared to book one. I worried that I’d fall back on the same phrases and stick to known features of the Nanoverse. It turns out that I had nothing to fear. Ideas and turns of phrase wove themselves into the book as if of their own will. That isn’t to say it was easy, because it was not. I simply mean that the world kept maturing with new levels of intricacy that revealed themselves to me rather than came from a plan.
You might be wondering if I REBEL can live up to the high bar set by I NANO, which boasts a 4.7-star rating. The answer is a resounding yes! Why? Because I had the incredible opportunity to pen two intervening books since I wrote I NANO. The experience of putting a keyboard to document keeps honing my skills and training my creativity. CLEARER VOICE In I REBEL, Mazz's voice is sharper, more distinct, and more compelling than ever. As one beta reader put it, he has classic, “Mazzisms,” meaning the way he thinks in odd pseudo-words and unique turns of phrase. Here’s an example: [spoiler alert] “All the practice I’ve had at jaw-dropping pays off, with me achieving a world record at hanging low.” TIGHTER WRITING Not surprisingly, the wording, descriptions, and scenes are more sophisticated. Note that I didn’t say they were “sophisticated”, simply closer to the the goal. It took effort to not sacrifice readability while leveling up my game. After all, I intend the Nanoverse Series to be an easy young adult read, not a thick and heady brain bender.
COMPLEX PLOT With each book I write, I learn tricks to improve my plots. Red herrings. Foreshadowing. Motivations. I understand the values of my characters better, so I know how they’ll respond when the world changes around them.
CAST OF CHARACTERS I REBEL isn’t only Mazz’s story. I wove the growth and challenges that face Naren, Scar, Camila, and others into the story, giving it a richer experience. Friends fight. Enemies talk. Lovers quarrel. After all, what are the real divers of adventure and hardship if not shared through the bonds with others? PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Transformation isn’t only a thing that happens on the page. Compared to the years over which I wrote my first book, I’m more confident about my writing and my chronically ill self. I underwent my own metamorphosis. I came to terms with my new phase of life, as limited as it may be. Not surprisingly, this affects my writing in many ways. Greater mental and emotional strength helps me figure out when to write and when to put it down. It is easier to view my writing as an accomplishment, not just a coping mechanism. Ironically, with a less glitchy mind, while writing, it became easier to connect with Mazz’s glitchiness. THE COVER Let's talk about the first impression, which means cover art. Whether we like it or not, people judge books by their covers and names. Fortunately, I enjoy graphic arts. When the words won’t flow through me, visual creativity can be a great outlet. It took at least fifteen hours to come up with half a dozen concept designs, then another five to ten to improve on my favorite. Coming up with a single cover for a standalone novel has few constraints. The sequel comes with constraints from the first novel, which narrows the possibilities, which makes it easier because there are fewer options, and makes it harder because you have to carefully match the aesthetic already laid out. I REBEL’s cover mirrors I NANO’s. Norm versus shockknite. Right facing vs. left facing. Blue nanites vs. purple. NO AUDIOBOOK While I have a deep connection with narrated novels because I have eye problems and dyslexia, you won’t hear a spoken version of I REBEL because I NANO didn't garner enough downloads to justify the hefty cost. Maybe someday I’ll be famous and people will clamber for it. Hehehe. THANK YOU Let me take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to you, my readers. Your support, feedback, and enthusiasm have been a constant source of inspiration. As I prepare to release I REBEL, I'm still on the lookout for ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) readers. If you'd like to be part of the journey before the official release date and provide valuable feedback, please reach out. SNEAK PEAK Finally, a little sneak peek into the future: Book 3, named I IGNITE is already in the works and set to be released at the end of 2024. So, once you finish I REBEL, get ready to take the next leap in the Nanoverse Series.
[spoiler alert] “She is the definition of intoxicating. Lavender and honey. Fierce and powerful. Glowing like the goddess that she is. For the first time in ages, I am at peace. There is nothing to fear, nothing to hate, nothing to distract me from my true purpose, to serve her.” The release of I REBEL is a milestone I can't wait to share with you, and I hope you'll enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. It's a story of transformation, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of individuals facing incredible challenges. Together, we'll embark on this thrilling adventure, and I can't wait to see where it takes us. Thank you for being a part of the Nanoverse journey!
As always, I appreciate your support of self-publishing and indie authors. In the name of putting myself out there, here are a few of my works.
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