 I LOVE an audiobook! They became a bit of an obsession for me once the pandemic started. Though I generally try to read a book a week, I discovered that with audiobooks I can read 2-3 books a week. There's just something special about hearing the characters come to life that is so soothing. Oral storytelling is the oldest storytelling tradition, after all. It stirs something in the soul. Which is why I am THRILLED to announce that Listening Library will be doing the audiobook edition of Heroes of Havensong: Dragonboy. Behind the scenes, I've been talking with my audiobook's producer, senior editor, and narrator, and I think you are all seriously going to blown away by the quality of this recording. Speaking of narrators, I am THRILLED to introduce Mark Sanderlin, the voice of Heroes of Havensong! He's so talented, with the ability to do so many voices. You can learn more about his work here. Listening Library will be doing the audiobook, and it is available for pre-order NOW: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/695558/heroes-of-havensong-dragonboy-by-megan-reyes/ I will post updates (and hopefully samples!) as I have them.
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 It's HERE! The GORGEOUSLY STUNNING cover! Honestly, I've had this beauty on my computer for months and months, but I've had to wait until TODAY to share it with the world (publishing rules are that an author waits until the book is available for preorder before the cover is revealed). My official cover reveal was with the awesome Mixed up Files blog, and it includes an interview with me and the extraordinarily talented illustrator, Ilse Gort. You can check out the reveal and full interviews here, but I wanted to share the first question:  Q: Tell us about the characters we see in this beautiful cover art. A: Yay, I’m so happy to introduce you to them! My story has four main characters, each with their own POV chapters, and I’m so thrilled they all made it onto the cover. Blue is a stable boy who is later transformed into a dragon in order to save the world. The book begins with his story, which is where the title, Dragonboy, comes from. He’s a young, teenage dragon who hasn’t yet lost his feathers (I mean, how cute is that?)! He’s very sweet, shy, and has a bit of a struggle adjusting to his new life as a dragon. River is a (very reluctant!) dragon rider, who happens to be super afraid of heights. Her lifelong dream was to become the Lead Harvester (magic gardener) for her village, but that was all ruined when she was accidentally chosen as Blue’s rider. River is incredibly clever, confident, and tends to take things a bit too seriously. Wren is kind, curious, and… a little clumsy sometimes. She’s a magic human who is supposed to be bound to her Magic companion (note the little purple cloud of light on the cover), but she forgets the words to the binding spell, and her Magic runs away! Naturally, this gets her into all kinds of trouble, including traveling to the Mainland–enemy territory–to find it. It’s probably worth noting that Wren’s Magic is a character all its own. It has a spunky personality and causes all kinds of trouble–but it’s also super adorable. Shenli is a Mainlander (a direct enemy of Wren’s people) who is taught to hate all things magic and dragons. He’s 50% charming, 50% cranky, and his family seems to be saddled with never-ending bad luck. He is a soldier boy with many secrets, and he’d do anything to save his mother and little sisters–including partnering with Wren in order to prevent a war. The question is–where do his true loyalties lie?   Sveta working on the final draft of The Land of Haven map I have SO appreciated all the love Sveta Dorosheva's been getting this past week as I've given little hints of the map. As many of you have noted, her work is out of this world gorgeous. You can check out some other maps Sveta's created here. And I have a surprise for you all! Sveta was kind enough to answer some interview questions! I thought you'd appreciate a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a brilliant illustrator. So pull up a chair, cozy up, and enjoy the interview. 😊 (And don't worry, I haven't forgotten about the grand finale of this blog post! I've saved it for last!) Interview with Sveta Dorosheva MR: Hi, Sveta! Thank you for taking the time to chat. I'm a big fan of your work, and I'd love to hear about your career as a map illustrator--can you share how you got started and what has your journey been like? SD: I never specialized on maps in particular. I have been working as a commercial illustrator for about a decade now. And since my graphics are mostly narrative, I did a lot of art for books, including my own. A couple of years ago my agency sent me an enquiry for a fantasy book map (it was "King of Scars" by Leigh Bardugo), and frankly, I took it for regular reasons of a freelance artist (big publisher + okay budget + the subject matter sounds like something I could do well). I later learned just WHO and WHAT I was illustrating. And it's a good thing that I didn't know at the moment - responsibility for "creating something great" always makes the work worse! Anyway, the map turned out lovely, and after that map commissions just kept coming. Which, frankly, was a shock - I never knew maps were popular in books!  Map for Leigh Bardugo's "King of Scars" MR: I know your illustrations span many different kinds of projects (including your own published books!). What do you find is unique to map illustration? What are the particular joys and challenges? SD: I am a big fan of antique maps and spend weeks in online museums and libraries to study them (and a couple of days in the Vatican map corridor:). From our standpoint in time, all antique maps are fantasy - fabulous beasts, unknown lands, creatures and monsters... They tried to convey the feel of a different world. That's something I try to do in my maps too. Creating the mood of a different world is the fun part. The challenging part is the actual map construction - what's where, composition, fitting it all on a spread, attending to the right placement, relation, proportion, distance, keeping things out of the book's gutter, etc. Also, this is a point when I need to try and get into the author's head and SEE the major locations. What are they like? Even if they are fantastic, they still have some type of epoch and culture references, mood, character, scenery, etc. That's why I asked you so many questions:) Thank you for taking the time to answer them all! Most of the things I learn about the world I am mapping out don't make it to the map for clarity and lack of space, but they are indispensable for me - if I am clear about the world, the relevant mood weaves itself into every detail, decor and overall style.  MR: Can you share about your experience working on the map of Haven? SD: I like it when the author has a draft, well thought through, which you had and which I found very helpful (you could show it, by the way, if you want to - to illustrate the process). That saves me the excruciating part of actually orienting in space - my guilty secret is that I am awful with actual maps, they lose me in a new city in no time at all! After we went through all the questions about the world, all I had to do was render it in a style and manner, particular to this invented world. I often use the frame to hint at what's inside the book (key characters and objects, magical creatures, and overall genre). First I usually do a detailed pencil draft for everyone to agree on and make the necessary changes, and then go on to the final artwork. I draw by hand. This particular map was done with a usual black pen 0.5 on bleedproof paper for comics:). The drawing is always larger than it will be in the book - in this case, A3.  Here's the sample map I sent for Sveta to work off of MR: Can you tell us about some other projects are you working on right now? SD: You'll be shocked, but I have two more book maps in the works. 😊 And a book cover (it's a mystery novel). MR: Lastly, how can authors or agents contact you if they're interested in working with you? SD: My agents are at www.illustrationx.com/contact or hello@illustrationx.com, or you can contact me directly if you just have a question or would like to talk - sveta.dorosheva@gmail.com MR: Thank you so much, Sveta! Everyone, you can find Sveta online on her website, Instagram, and Etsy. Also, I highly recommend her gorgeously illustrated book, The Land of Stone Flowers: A Fairy Guide to Mythical Human Beings , which is absolutely as whimsical and adorable as you'd imagine. And now, |
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Blue is from the kingdom of Gerbera, in the Southern Realm of Haven.
He works as a stable hand for the king. If it were up to him, he'd spend the rest of his life working with horses. In fact, do you notice the Gerberan castle has some fun equestrian details? That's because of Blue!
River
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River grew up in the hidden village within Dragon Mountain. Her people grow dragons using magic and her job, as a Harvester, is to grow magical crops.
Wren
 Wren is a magic human from the island of Meraki. Her people are natural enemies with the Mainlanders. Her father is the Dragon Master who works with the island dragons on the southern tip of the island. Wren's mom, who has since passed away, used to call Wren "Dolphin." As a fun detail, can you spot the pod of dolphins swimming near her home? |  |
Shenli
 Shenli is from a small village in the Coastal District in the Mainland. His village is known for their fishing skills, and if you look closely, you'll see evidence of that on the map. :) Early on in the book, Shenli is forced to serving as a steward for Chancellor Cudek, and spends much of his time working in the castle. |   |
As you can see, the Haven map is not only gorgeous, but full of fun details. I cannot wait for you all to read Dragonboy (book 1 of the Heroes of Havensong series) to discover more fun details hiding within the map. 😊
I love a good fantasy world map.
Like, love.
Ever since I was a kid, I've been drawn to maps in books. Even now, if I book has a map, then I'm already doubly excited to read the story that goes with it. I spent a lot of time studying each geographical landmark and village name. A good map gives you a sense of the story and helps you imagine the author's world in your mind.
So when I learned that Random House Kids was publishing my children's fantasy novel, one of the first things I wanted to know was if we could include a map.
The short answer was... no.
​There simply wasn't the budget to hire a illustrator.
But I didn't give up.
I first tried to draw a map myself, but that didn't end up working out (for many reasons I won't get into here).
So I looked into hiring someone. My agent gave me a list of illustrators, and as soon as I saw Sveta Dorosheva's work, I fell instantly in love. (I mean, seriously. See for yourself).
Sveta was an absolute dream to work with. We had many conversations about my book and the tone of the map (magic fantasy!) and she asked about the details of different locations and creatures in my story.
She sent me the initial sketch (which I loved) and over the next few weeks, she sent pictures of the final map in progress. Amazingly, she draws everything by hand!
She sent me the initial sketch (which I loved) and over the next few weeks, she sent pictures of the final map in progress. Amazingly, she draws everything by hand!
As you can see, her attention to detail is out of this world. The final version of the map absolutely took my breath away.
I can honestly say that it's the most beautiful fantasy world map I have ever seen.
And I can't wait TO SHARE IT WITH YOU!
I'm actually giving a map reveal sneak preview to all of my newsletter peeps, so if you'd like to join in on the fun, you can sign up here. Also, you'll get updates and announcements on Dragonboy, my debut novel, as we approach publication day.
In the meantime, stay tuned for more map gorgeousness! ;-)
I'm going to have some very book-shaped news coming soon!
I'm sitting here blogging right now to try to take my mind off the fact that my mother-in-law is losing her battle with brain cancer. She's been fighting for over 10 years now and this past month has been the worst.
In the darkest times I turn to my faith, my loved ones, and reading. Reading has always been a beautiful escape. So, to take my mind off The Sad Things, I decided to share what I've read so far this year and what's next in my TBR pile.
Here we go.
My recent January reads:
In the darkest times I turn to my faith, my loved ones, and reading. Reading has always been a beautiful escape. So, to take my mind off The Sad Things, I decided to share what I've read so far this year and what's next in my TBR pile.
Here we go.
My recent January reads:
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I'm currently reading
I'm a huge Lisa McMann fan and I was SO STOKED to get this ARC. Honestly, it's just what I need right now. I'm about a fifth of the way started, and I'm already loving these five kids. Lisa is a master at creating lovable characters coupled with an irresistible premise! Can't wait to see where this adventure leads.
What's next:
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I would LOVE to hear what you've been reading (or plan to read) lately!
This is not an comprehensive list, but here are some of my top favorite reads from this year.
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BONUS AWESOMENESS!!!
This year I also got to read my soon-to-be-published friend's book: SIR CALLIE AND THE CHAMPIONS OF HELSTON.
Holy smokes, it was one of the most beautiful, hilarious, and gut-wrenching middle grade fantasy books I've ever read.
I can't WAIT for all of you to meet SIR CALLIE in 2022 (book cover yet to be revealed--stay tuned)!
Holy smokes, it was one of the most beautiful, hilarious, and gut-wrenching middle grade fantasy books I've ever read.
I can't WAIT for all of you to meet SIR CALLIE in 2022 (book cover yet to be revealed--stay tuned)!
Up Next...
My TBR pile is massive, but here's what's up next for January 2022 :
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I have such a love-hate relationship with revisions, as I imagine most writers do. After all, it's such a feat just to finish writing a book. A writer spends months, or even years, working on their beloved manuscript. Finally getting to type THE END is about as good a feeling as taking a family vacation to Disneyland.
But the truth is it's not really THE END. Because your work isn't done. And as far as what happens next?
The dreaded REVISIONS process.
This looks different for every writer, and it can definitely feel overwhelming. After much trial and error over the years I've come up with a 5-step process I've found really helpful. I do want to note that there's something that happens between THE END and REVISION TIME, and that's gathering feedback. With a newly-completed manuscript, I send it to 2-3 critique partners to get their overall thoughts. An author with an editor would get notes in form of an edit letter.
Either way, once you get the feedback, I recommend taking a week or so to let their words and ideas settle. Absorb what you find helpful and shake loose anything that doesn't land with you. Once you have all of these notes/ideas you agree with, then it's time to :
But the truth is it's not really THE END. Because your work isn't done. And as far as what happens next?
The dreaded REVISIONS process.
This looks different for every writer, and it can definitely feel overwhelming. After much trial and error over the years I've come up with a 5-step process I've found really helpful. I do want to note that there's something that happens between THE END and REVISION TIME, and that's gathering feedback. With a newly-completed manuscript, I send it to 2-3 critique partners to get their overall thoughts. An author with an editor would get notes in form of an edit letter.
Either way, once you get the feedback, I recommend taking a week or so to let their words and ideas settle. Absorb what you find helpful and shake loose anything that doesn't land with you. Once you have all of these notes/ideas you agree with, then it's time to :
STEP 1
Consider this step the brainstorming phase.
After I organize feedback notes, I open a new Word doc and group everything into categories. These usually look something like: Characters, World-Building, Pacing/Momentum, and Miscellaneous.
Underneath each category header, I make bullet points of all the things I want to work on in the next draft. When it's all done, it looks something like a checklist. I'll often copy/paste directly from the edit letter if there's something specific I want to make sure to tackle.
This process can take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the amount of "problems" I'm trying to fix.
Consider this step the brainstorming phase.
After I organize feedback notes, I open a new Word doc and group everything into categories. These usually look something like: Characters, World-Building, Pacing/Momentum, and Miscellaneous.
Underneath each category header, I make bullet points of all the things I want to work on in the next draft. When it's all done, it looks something like a checklist. I'll often copy/paste directly from the edit letter if there's something specific I want to make sure to tackle.
This process can take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the amount of "problems" I'm trying to fix.
STEP 2
On to the hardest step-- REVISE!
This is where I open up my manuscript in Scrivener (which I use to write all my books). I copy/paste my bullet-point notes (from my checklist) into each chapter. Example, if I have a character who needs to take more risks, I would copy/paste the phrase "Character A- take risks!" at the beginning of each chapter where that character appears.
This can take awhile, but I find it incredibly useful. Once I'm done adding all my checklist bullet points, I then have each chapter peppered with notes. It puts me in a good headspace (not to mention it keeps me focused on my revision goals) to dive into the actually revisions.
This part of the process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. It depends what kind of deadlines I'm under and whether or not I'm in the creative zone. And while this step is inarguably SO MUCH WORK and will--at some point--make you want to pull your hair out, hang in there! Your hard work will pay off and your story is going to thank you for it.
On to the hardest step-- REVISE!
This is where I open up my manuscript in Scrivener (which I use to write all my books). I copy/paste my bullet-point notes (from my checklist) into each chapter. Example, if I have a character who needs to take more risks, I would copy/paste the phrase "Character A- take risks!" at the beginning of each chapter where that character appears.
This can take awhile, but I find it incredibly useful. Once I'm done adding all my checklist bullet points, I then have each chapter peppered with notes. It puts me in a good headspace (not to mention it keeps me focused on my revision goals) to dive into the actually revisions.
This part of the process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. It depends what kind of deadlines I'm under and whether or not I'm in the creative zone. And while this step is inarguably SO MUCH WORK and will--at some point--make you want to pull your hair out, hang in there! Your hard work will pay off and your story is going to thank you for it.
STEP 3
This is definitely the easiest step. :) After weeks or months of actively pouring your heart and efforts into revisions, I find it immensely beneficial to walk away from it. I try to take at least a week where I'm not thinking about my story at all. I might work on another project or take time to pursue other interests.
After my time away, I'm able to come back to my story with fresh and eager eyes. Which leads to the next step:
This is definitely the easiest step. :) After weeks or months of actively pouring your heart and efforts into revisions, I find it immensely beneficial to walk away from it. I try to take at least a week where I'm not thinking about my story at all. I might work on another project or take time to pursue other interests.
After my time away, I'm able to come back to my story with fresh and eager eyes. Which leads to the next step:
STEP 4
With fresh eyes, I reread the entire story--and NOT on the computer. This is my favorite part of the process because I get to see how all my hard work has paid off from Step 2. :)
I prefer to read on the kindle, but I know other authors who like to print their manuscript and read it. Either way is fine, as long as you have a way to take notes/highlight as you go. As mentioned above, I do not recommend re-reading on the computer. Allow your eyes to read your wonderful words in a new way. It's amazing how different the story feels when you experience it on a new medium.
This part of the process usually takes me a day or two--depending how much time I can hole myself away from my kiddos. :)
With fresh eyes, I reread the entire story--and NOT on the computer. This is my favorite part of the process because I get to see how all my hard work has paid off from Step 2. :)
I prefer to read on the kindle, but I know other authors who like to print their manuscript and read it. Either way is fine, as long as you have a way to take notes/highlight as you go. As mentioned above, I do not recommend re-reading on the computer. Allow your eyes to read your wonderful words in a new way. It's amazing how different the story feels when you experience it on a new medium.
This part of the process usually takes me a day or two--depending how much time I can hole myself away from my kiddos. :)
STEP 5
Once I've finished reading, I go through all my highlights/notes from my kindle and transfer the changes to the manuscript. I'll also take this time to do a "whole project search" for words or phrases I overuse or inconsistent character name spellings. I'll make sure my chapter numbers are in the right order. That my font size and paragraph spacing is correct. Basically, I'm cleaning up everything best I can.
This part of the process usually takes my 2-3 days. And when it's all over... (see bonus step):
Once I've finished reading, I go through all my highlights/notes from my kindle and transfer the changes to the manuscript. I'll also take this time to do a "whole project search" for words or phrases I overuse or inconsistent character name spellings. I'll make sure my chapter numbers are in the right order. That my font size and paragraph spacing is correct. Basically, I'm cleaning up everything best I can.
This part of the process usually takes my 2-3 days. And when it's all over... (see bonus step):
After step 5 is completed, it's time to CELEBRATE!
Revising a manuscript is not for the faint-hearted and you should be proud of all you've accomplished! It's time to pull out your favorite pint of ice cream or pour yourself a glass of your prefered beverage--you've earned it!
Revising a manuscript is not for the faint-hearted and you should be proud of all you've accomplished! It's time to pull out your favorite pint of ice cream or pour yourself a glass of your prefered beverage--you've earned it!
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Images from lisamcmann.com
It's been awhile since I've written, so I thought it would be fun to do a #FridayReads post.
For the past several months, I've been reading through Lisa McMann's amazing UNWANTEDS series AND the UNWANTEDS QUESTS series.
You guys, I cannot recommend these books enough. If you are a fan of MG fantasy/adventure, promise me you'll check out the first Unwanteds book like... yesterday! Great for ages 10+ (even 8+ for kids who can tackle a full-length novel).
These books have everything.
Adventure, friendship, first-crushes, love and loss, super fun magic, talking stone statues, whimsy, courage, and... did I mention adventure?
Trust me-- you won't be disappointed! And with 7 books in each series (total of 14 book!) you'll get to spend time in these books for a good long while. :)
The Stats
10 years
200+ rejected queries from agents
6 books
Signed with my agent - 2020
Book Deal - 2020
200+ rejected queries from agents
6 books
Signed with my agent - 2020
Book Deal - 2020
The Story
I signed with my agent in early 2020 (one the absolute best moments of my life!). By the end of February, we were ready to submit my book to editors. I was fully of hope (and dread) as I stepped into the world of Going on Submission (that is, my book was sent to a handful of editors who work for book publishers).
And then, two weeks later, the world shut down.
With COVID-19 officially reaching the United States, it felt as if everyone's world collectively turned upside-down. Needless to say, my submission--along with the rest of the publishing industry--was put on hold. While we did hear back from a few editors over the next few months, it was mostly radio silence. (To pass the time, I wrote my next book!)
In the summer of 2020, my agent and I decided to rework my manuscript based on editorial feedback. I worked with the fabulous Kate Sullivan (New Leaf Literary & Media's in-house editor) through revisions then we sent my book back out on submissions in the fall.
And that's when the Fates came together and birthed a miracle.
And then, two weeks later, the world shut down.
With COVID-19 officially reaching the United States, it felt as if everyone's world collectively turned upside-down. Needless to say, my submission--along with the rest of the publishing industry--was put on hold. While we did hear back from a few editors over the next few months, it was mostly radio silence. (To pass the time, I wrote my next book!)
In the summer of 2020, my agent and I decided to rework my manuscript based on editorial feedback. I worked with the fabulous Kate Sullivan (New Leaf Literary & Media's in-house editor) through revisions then we sent my book back out on submissions in the fall.
And that's when the Fates came together and birthed a miracle.
For realz.
I fully believe that finding success as a writer comes down to 3 things:
1. hard work
2. perseverance
3. luck
And after 10 years of pursuing a career as a writer, luck was finally in my corner.
I fully believe that finding success as a writer comes down to 3 things:
1. hard work
2. perseverance
3. luck
And after 10 years of pursuing a career as a writer, luck was finally in my corner.
It just so happened that in the fall of 2020 editor extraordinaire, Liesa Abrams, was making a career change. After maintaining an immensely successful book list at Simon & Schuster, Liesa started a new journey at Random House--specifically to launch a new imprint: Labyrinth Road. During this transition, my agent decided to send Liesa my book to see if it was a good fit for the new imprint.
I've been a fan of Liesa's from afar for years. I knew she was the editor for the Keeper of the Lost Cities series (my favorite book series EVER!) and she has a reputation in the publishing world as a phenomenal editor.
So I could not believe when I got the call from my agent that Liesa LIKED MY BOOK! The next day, I was on the phone with Liesa to talk about the book and I instantly connected to her ideas/thoughts. Then came the OFFER OF PUBLICATION. I couldn't believe it--I was getting emails from Random House!
Fast forward to today. Liesa and I have worked through several rounds of revisions on my manuscript and I am still in complete awe that I get to work with her. She is kind and brilliant and my characters are so much better off because of her suggestions and feedback.
So... what's next?
My book will be published next year (date TBD) and I could not be more excited!
Stay tuned for more details :)
Author
Wrangler of 4 boys,
and writer of fantastical
fiction for children.
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