Life After a Series

Self-publishing is a constantly changing animal.  When I first wrote Outcast and the Blackguard, it seemed easy to market.  But as I was writing the final books of The Blue Dragon's Geas, the marketing dynamic changed.  Tactics I was using to sell 400 books a day suddenly fell flat.  When you self-publish you have to both write and then sell the books.

When Fallen Tiers, the last book, was finished I set about marketing the series.  So far, I haven't found a new magic solution to put me back at 400 books a day but it is still relevant on Amazon.  I can get it to number one when I give it away but that kind of  defeats the purpose of selling your work.

I then turned my attention to a book on the journey of fighting cancer.  If I Told You, Would You Listen will be out soon.  It is written to not only cancer patients but also to family, caregivers and professionals.  It is my message of hope so that others can fight with a sense of peace, something I have learned on my way.  I am four years into my cancer journey and felt I had a lot to offer to those at the beginning of their fight.

Now my attention is returning to Death's Door.   It will be a spin-off of the series with more focus on Jon than Alador.  The premise is that souls are starting to turn away from Death's Door and the Goddess of Death has tasked Jon her High Priest,  to figure out why.  Of course with all my books, there are other plot lines and the typical twists to make it a Dragons' Geas novel.

The other project I have been working on and am just now completing is that I opened a life coach business.  CreateGoodLiving.com opened a couple of weeks ago.  As many of you know, I am trained first and foremost as a counselor with a specific focus in cognitive behavior therapy and addiction.  Since I prefer to write rather than punch a clock, I have found myself missing helping others find success in their own lives.  Life coaching is something I can do around chemo and writing making it the perfect business to round out my daily life.  When coaching others, I find myself reminded to do my own activities to keep inner peace and balance.  You learn best by teaching after all.

I believe that is everything I wanted to update you all on.  I know I fell silent there for a bit as I became hyper-focused on writing the cancer book and opening my business.  I also know many of you have contacted me about that spin-off novel. I promise you, I am still working on it.  Talk to you all soon, may fantasy fill your days and bring joy to your life.

A Video Blog

I thought I would share this video I made!  It really shares a lot of my own personal beliefs and insights.

Death's Door

Well, the book is making progress.  Initial beta test reads are positive and the cover is done.  Writing with cancer and other challenges continues to be difficult but not impossible.   I am curious though. How many of you are interested in a story about the baby Latiera?  I have had a few ideas after this book is finished about her teenage years.  Being the first half-dragon on her planet, there are opportunities abounding in this particular area.  Let me know what you think. 

Meanwhile, here is a look at the cover for Death's Door!

Life After a Series

Anyone following my blog, well they know my story.   They know about the July 2014 diagnosis of cancer, the fire that ripped through our hobby farm and the many surgeries.  All happening as I wrote the Blue Dragon's Geas Series.  I had to have a lot of push and support to get the last book out.  After the last period was placed and then the mis-release on Amazon were all resolved.  I just walked away from my computer.  The relief to finish the story before cancer finished me was a huge weight off my shoulders.

I moved to Minnesota to attend the Mayo clinic.  My health has been on a constant return to somewhat of a normal day to day that is manageable. I live with great friends who have made me part of the family.  I have learned to live in a new place with a new cultural approach to life.

Then it happened.  The story started to nag at me.   Where did Jon come from? What happened to Nightmare?  What about the baby?  Did anyone else know about Levielle's magic?  What about all the other Gods?  Why were they so absent?

Poke. Poke. Poke. Poke.

Guess what?  I have picked up my pen.  Jon's story needs told.  A lot of these questions need answers.  I can't leave it alone.  Death's Door is now in progress.  I should have it finished in two months to begin the editing process.  That is why I am reaching out to my readers.  What questions did the series leave you with?  I don't promise to answer them all in this book.  (Maybe future ones)  I will try to answer as many as fits the story-line I am writing.

So while I have been fairly silent over the last year.  I am here to say today, "I AM BACK!"

I  can't wait to hear from all of you.

Best wishes
Cheryl Matthynssens
Creator of the world of Vesta

Elder Dragon Wisdom

Shared through Deviant Art Link
http://fav.me/d55xvth

Your finest hour, the fulfillment of all you hold dear, will be that moment on the field of battle when you have worked and fought your heart out and lay in exhausted triumph.

Elder Dragon Wisdom

http://fav.me/d8o493z

All dragons shared are through deviant art share options!

Amaum,

Do not run from truth.  Do not deny truth.  For it is the truth we run from that is most likely to  become our reality. Fear breathes life into falsehoods while courage can often mitigate truth's true impact.

Alador's Journal

It is day six of the siege of Laleport.  It is a four tiered city with a rich trading system with coastal villages.  Most fish, bone and the region's own sirroot, a bland starch for cooking, comes through this city.  They refuse to open their gates to my retinue.  They have sent messages that they will not be ruled by an unclean bastard despite his claim to the blood of many High Ministers.  

I am frustrated.  I know people are dying within.  The dragons have been making strafing runs almost hourly, though without pattern.  The city is burning in areas that have combustible components.  The Council tier has been reduced to rubble and still the gate has not been opened.  The third tier bridge link has been dropped, though my own stone mages have seen to  solidification of the structure.

Henrick offered to take the dragons in and open the gates himself, but I have forbid it.  The city must come to its knees on its own terms.  As the days pass, however, I am beginning to reconsider.  If the sight of dragons working with my army has not moved them to compliance, it seems that little will.

Stone mages created lines of earthen trenches and ramparts to provide protection for the army and to help secure lines into the city.  It doesn't stop the mages from bringing in supplies by magical means.  They likely have support from other tiered cities also refusing to bow to my authority.  

What good is being King if you must force others to kneel at your feet?  I know innocent people have to be injured or starving.  If the trench opens, I will attempt to work with Laleport's Trench Lord.  So far, even he is holding fast.

It is decided then, as I write.  I will allow Henrick to enter with the dragons and open the gates.  Obviously, the city warehouses and mages are working successfully to prolong this siege.  I cannot afford each city to take this long.  

Alador's Journal

I am not sure about writing this journal, but Nemara assures me that all Kings should have a proper reflection of their thoughts as a liege.  I have searched diligently but have been unable to find one written by Luthian's hand.  

I had planned to see Luthian's manor torn down, but I am being pressured to keep it or put a palace in its place.  I do not wish some cold drafty palace built just to prove I am King.  If I am to be a King, I will be known for who I am and not what I display.  Therefore, I will see to keeping Luthian's Manor.  It is in need of a great deal of repair.  Between damages from the battle and the fight that we had in his office, it is not in a state I want Latiera to reside within.

Henrick informed me today that Amaum has finally awaken. He had fallen during the battle.  I was distressed to hear of Pruatra's fall and now I find out that he is blind in one eye.  I cannot help but wonder if my presence in his family's life has not brought about its downfall.  If my thoughts wander to such things, how can his not?  He must blame me for all he has lost.  I asked Henrick of the matter, but he dismissed me with humor.  I think he lied.  I have learned that Henrick uses humor to fall behind when he cannot create a handy lie.

I cannot afford Amaum to be an enemy.  I will go to see him as soon as I can learn his location or barring that, arrange a meeting through Henrick.  I must know the state of these affairs.  

The people remain uneasy at the now frequent appearance of dragons in the sky.  Due to bloodmining, dragons had become infrequent sights in the Grand Isle's skies unless it was at a great distance.  Now, it is not uncommon to see one circling the city lazily.  To be honest, it is like the dang things are appearing simply to take a closer look at the city rather than it being in their flight path.  I begin to wonder if they might now also just enjoy stirring up the city. 

Levielle and I have began taking an assessment of what cities are refusing to submit to my authority as King or even as High Minister.  After the coronation, we will begin the campaign to bring the rest of the isle under one single rule.  If I leave these rogue cities, I cannot be assured that bloodmining will not continue under the legal protection of the nearest Minister. 

On another note, my mother has been quite humorous.  Radney actually sought me out to beg that I remove her from the kitchen before the manor staff quit.  I found the whole situation quite amusing.  I refused, of course, for my mother is happiest in a kitchen.  He is just going to have to figure out how to work around her.  He hasn't mentioned it again and food continues to be served to the table so some truce must have been reached.

Elder Dragons' Wisdom

http://fav.me/d2rttbv
Picture provided through above Deviant Art Link

Amaum, you cannot go through life skipping the awful parts without losing what makes it worthwhile.  The bad that happens makes us appreciate the good, the amazing and the love we feel precious.  When you have a risk to lose what you value, your value in it increases. 

Elder Dragons Wisdom

http://fav.me/d23ty3r

Dragon shared through deviant art's share link url above.

Do not be quick to anger.  Even an elder dragon can fall to folly.  Let patience and tolerance become a virtue in the longlife.  You never know when you will be in need of such grace from those that surround you.

Elder Dragon Wisdoms

Do not give yourself completely to your leisure. Yes, a soaring flight, a long hot soak, a nap for a month or two, these are all wonderous things. But if these things are all you do, you will soon find your hoard greatly diminished.

Elder Dragon Wisdom

http://fav.me/d5aub9w

Shared Via link above supplied by deviant art

We are immortal in the eyes of man, but this is untrue.  We can be felled by arrow and sword as any other creature.  Sadder still is the one who ages due to deserting their ideals.  To lose enthusiasm is to wrinkle the very soul.

Elder Dragons Wisdom - Day 15

http://fav.me/d75tcsu

Shared Via link above supplied by deviant art

Do not make promises lightly, for they are the heralds of your reputation.  Every promise broken lowers you in the eyes of your kin, your flight and even the world at large.  You have no greater bond than your word.

Elder Dragons Wisdom - Day 14

http://fav.me/d37001f

Shared Via link above supplied by deviant art

The color of your wings nor the type of breath weapon you employ does not set you above any other dragon.  If you wish to be revered, let it be for wisdom and careful thought.  We are all the same in the Gods eyes and if you forget it, do not whine to me when they remind you of it.

Alador's Journal as King- Livewrite

I have had multiple requests to continue the story of the Blue Dragon's Geas, you can find the series on Amazon.  I hope this journal will help fill the void until the next book is written.  Let me know your thoughts, including are these of value to you?

It has all happened so fast  Once the wounds I obtained from Luthian were healed, time became a swirl of confusion.  There was a coronation to plan, fortunately Sordith and Henrick were happy to head that up.  They didn't really ask, but I am not complaining.

I cannot help but reflect on the evening of the celebration.  First there was Mesi.  She had cornered  me as I was taking Latiera to her crib.  I love her.  I will always love her.  But, when she told me she could not stay in Silverport, I knew it was truth.  My heart wrenched to hear those words.  I knew I could never return to Smallbrook to live as I had grown up.  I am a powerful mage.  I am still a half-breed.  Now, I am conqueror and King.  There is no return for me.

Sordith pointed out that Nemara would be more accepted as Queen.  I do love her as well.  It is not with the deep longing that has driven me to protect Mesi, but rather as a close friend.  She has been there for me.  She found Rena's egg and brought it back to me.  I can count on her to be there when I need her.  I do believe that I will follow Sordith's advice and make her my Queen.  Everyone treats her as if she already is so it would be more of a formality.

Elder Dragon Wisdom - Day 13

http://fav.me/d9g7t88

Work above shared through deviantart link listed

The Gods did not give you intellect to sit in your cave and dream of bigger caves and treasure.  The Gods gave you a mind and strong wings to find these things yourself.  To sit and dream of what you want rather than work to create it is foolish.