I Don't See it As Amazing?

Mia and I recovering

Repeatedly over the last year I have been told that I am strong and amazing.  Oddly, I don't see myself that way.  I see myself as doing what must be done to live, to write and to have shelter.   As I look back over the year, I see triumph over struggles, but it doesn't seem all that miraculous to me. It was just what I needed to do to live.

I was asked to write out what a typical day for me was like in the last year.  I will write up two because it was either one or the other.   I was either chemo sick or traveling.  I know that my fans have been crazy for the next book and my publicist suggested I share these two schedules to create an understanding.  

Latest Review for Bloodmines!

5.0 out of 5 stars 
Refreshingly Original 
By Dale Rutherford 
on November 15, 2015 
Format: Kindle Edition 

Thanks for this review Dale!

This is the third novel in the series and the story has not faltered in its originality and continuity. The character development is well mastered, bringing forth enough details to create a clear mental image without bogging down the storyline to the point of distraction... Bravo. I enjoyed reading this novel series immensely. Thanks Cheryl for creating such a captivating and original story 😀

  

http://www.amazon.com/Bloodmines-Cheryl-Matthynssens-Blue-Dragons-ebook/dp/B00RNFSZQG

Author Update!

Let's see where I was last at. ...

I have done some live writing of other parts of the world that The Blue Dragon's Geas is set in. Please let me know if you wish me to keep writing up these snapshots.  I will be happy to do so if they have value to all of you.

Health:  Finished Chemo.  Unfortunately, part of healing is getting nerve feeling back in ends of fingers which makes typing slow.  This is slowing down the fourth book.

Fourth Book:  By a popular vote, Pseudo-Dragon won for the title of the next book.  I am currently about 14 chapters into it. It will probably be as large as Blackguard at this rate.  A lot of small loose ends get tied up and woven back in. Henrick's secret is revealed.  And.. well you will have to read for other things.  I know one fun chapter to write was Luthian in a mage battle.    I will have a teaser out at the end of the month for this book.

Transitions of a Writer

When I started writing, I really just wanted to see if I could publish.  I wanted to see my name on a book.  I hadn't written much since I had graduated College some 20 years earlier.  It is horrible how such drilled in skills slowly deplete over time.  I didn't think I needed an editor.  I didn't think I needed a proof reader.  After all, I was an English Major.  The twenty years or the fact that once you have read a work over and over to the point your brain sees what should be there were totally lost on me.

I was happy with the two or three sales a day.  People were reading me.  Then suddenly, my book took off in the UK.  People willing to forgive the lack of a proof reader were giving it high ratings and even those pointing out the need of editing were still liking the story.  Amazon gave a stipend to quickly get it into audio.  Unfortunately, by the time that it sunk in and I had read enough other blogs from writers that I needed an editor, Amazon had whisper-synced the audio.   So over time I am finding errors that won't take it off whispersync like homophone errors.  

Audio Book Just Released for Bloodmines!

Okay... for those of you who gave ideas. I will have the free codes soon.  Send me an email at dragonsgeas@gmail.com and I will send out the free code as soon as I can.  For my one input that shared he was deaf, I have something special for you but you need to contact me with an email.

Book 3 - Bloodmines audio is special because it is the debut of Jimmy Moreland for ACX narrations. It is also the first book that has physical face to face dragon conversations.  Jimmy did a great job in giving each dragon their own voice and that sense of largeness.  I hope you will love it as much as I did.

Currently it is only out on Audible but will soon be out on i-tunes as well. You can find it here:  http://www.audible.com/pd/Sci-Fi-Fantasy/Bloodmines-Audiobook/B00UU1MFRK

If you have never listened to a book from audible before, then you can actually listen to this free as your gift for becoming an audible member.

May your week be inspired and may your dreams be filled with kindly dragons!

Latest Review for Bloodmines on Amazon!

4.0 out of 5 stars carole, March 18, 2015
By
Carole E. - Verified Purchase
This review is from: Bloodmines: Cheryl Matthynssens (The Blue Dragon's Geas Book 3) (Kindle Edition)

Great third story. Cannot wait to see where the next one leads us. Alador is coming of age with the help of his dragon deep inside him. It is a wonderful world that Matthynssens has created. One of dragons, magic and family intrigue. Oh may the next installment be soon on the horizon. The book was a fast read as it moved along with rapid fire excitement, cool characters, intrigue, and explanations of events that are crisp, to the point that will move the story alone. Great story thanks

Magic Scorned Releases on Audio - Have Free Copies to Give Away!

I attempted to step out of my comfort zone; wrote and released a crossover fantasy with some erotica.  Carlie Quinn was generous enough to narrate it and it has released on Audible.  I have some free copies I can give away to interested listeners.  If you would like a copy, the only request that I have is to go to Audible.com afterwords and give an honest review.  Even if you did not like it, please be honest.  I use such reviews to improve and so I am totally okay with what was good and what needs improvement.   I know that Carlie would appreciate any feedback as well. 

Cheryl Matthynssens - Author update!

Wow, so much has happened since I started this blog so let me see if I can catch you up!

Health wise:  I have my last dose of chemo on March 17th- 19th.  It looks like I am kicking it into remission.  I will be glad not to be sick every other week as this major impacts everything I do including writing and publicity.

Since starting chemo, I have still been able to put out two novels and one children book.  Magic Scorned (very adult), The Bloodmines and Once Upon a...Wait!  I can't wait to see what I can do full time when I am not having chemo.  Hopefully this thing will stay in remission.

A Blog Interview with Amy Metz

Amy Metz is the author of a humorous southern mystery series. Murder & Mayhem In Goose Pimple Junction was her first novel, and it was re-released in September 2014. Heroes & Hooligans in Goose Pimple Junction, released in December 2014, is Book 2 in the series.

She started a blog in the hopes of helping other authors promote their work. In the South, She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, where they have a campaign called, “Keep Louisville Weird.” That’s simply a catchy way of saying support local business. McDonald's and Applebee's are everywhere, but it’s the local businesses that give a city uniqueness and flavor. Local businesses are usually small businesses, with limited capital and resources. Not unlike indie authors.

So she started her own campaign called, “Authors Are Weird Too.” Everybody has heard of John Sandford, Michael Connelly, and Patricia Cornwall. They’re doing just fine on their own, thank you very much. But it’s the new authors, especially the new indie authors who need support. She hopes to do that with her blog.  You can find my interview with Amy below.

A Blue Million Books: Featured Author: Cheryl Matthynssens: About the book: Bloodmines is Book #3 in the Groundbreaking series The Blue Dragon's Geas.

Bloodmines on Countdown

It has been a month since release and to celebrate, I have put Bloodmines on Countdown.  It will go from .99 to 1.99 to 2.99.  This is only in the U.S. at this time.   I have one scheduled for the U.K. at the end of the month. So far, Amazon does not allow countdown in other countries. I am not sure if this is due to complications in taxation and accounting or why.

It has been a great month with some great feedback.  I have it in audio production and the new narrator is very good at character differentiation.   I look forward to writing more for you and a wonderful year in 2015.  So far, it looks like it will be Cancer free.

Bloodmines: Cheryl Matthynssens (The Blue Dragon's Geas Book 3) by Cheryl Matthynssens  Link: http://amzn.com/B00RNFSZQG

Corrected Error in Formatting

Thank Goodness for Honest Reviewers!

About a week ago, I had updated the e-book version of Bloodmines on kindle. Apparently, and by my fault, (still don't know how)  I ended up with a duplicate of Ch. 16 and no Ch. 17.   Needless to say, much egg is on my face.

I have asked Amazon if they can send everyone who purchased or borrowed the book the updated copy.  I don't know if this will be possible.  In the short week it was up with two ch. 16s and no Ch. 17, I sold about 500 copies.  If you received one of these copies, please email me at dragonsgeas@gmail.com and I will send you the missing chapter. 

However, I am very hopeful that Amazon will just send out or let you know that  the version has been updated.  

My sincerest apologies to my fan base.  This is an error that will not happen again.  

Yours in creativity,
Cheryl Matthynssens

Bloodmines! - Giving away 5 signed copies!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

 Bloodmines

 by Cheryl Matthynssens

 Giveaway ends January 31, 2015.
 See the giveaway details at  Goodreads.

Enter to win


DON'T FORGET TO VOTE FOR BOOK FOUR TITLE!

Bloodmines is out on Kindle! - First Three Chapters Preview!

Since Amazon has a look inside option that shares these three chapters, I saw no harm in doing the same here.  Enjoy!  I will start Book 4 in about two weeks!  Happy New Year Everyone!

Bloodmines

Bloodmines Finalized and 10 Things I Learned This Year!

Two days from the end of the year, Bloodmines has been sent to the Publisher for final review of the format changes. Depending on this review, Bloodmines will release either tomorrow night or on New Year's Day!

I am hoping later today, to be able to do a cover reveal.  I am waiting for my illustrator to make some final tweaks of her own.  The team that works with me has worked very hard to help me meet my -by year end goal.  

My beta readers have all reported back and the consensus is that this is better than Book 2.  I hope this is true for all of you and not them just being kind.  However, a couple on my beta team are pretty critical so I feel fairly confident in their reviews and feedback.

I did use some of the ideas presented by readers.  So once I get all the publication formalities finished, I will be connecting with those readers that gave input and getting an address to send a signed copy.  

It has been a wondrous year.  It is hard to believe that at this time last year, I was just figuring out how all the publishing hoops work.  Here are some things that I learned this year.

Teaser from the soon to be released book - The Bloodmines

  Here is a short excerpt from the soon to be released Bloodmines.  There was a problem in edit that slowed down the release but it will still be out before the end of the year.  Still shooting for before Christmas, but to be honest it may not make it.



   Alador took a measured breath and continued to speak slowly.  “I am as much Lerdenian as I am a Daezun and I am a Guldalian.  I cannot trust my father and wish no further association with him other than as necessary. It is time that I accepted my circumstances.” Alador took a deep breath. “If you don’t mind, please get out of my head. It is taking everything I have not to lash back at the intrusion.” Alador had been careful to make sure every word was truth.

     Luthian looked a bit taken aback and sat back.  He released the spell of seeking and eyed his nephew.  “And if I asked you to cast the storm spell in Daezun lands?”

     Alador knew this was what Luthian wanted most and chose his answer carefully.  “If I felt it was for the greater good of the people in the long run, I would cast your spell.”  His soft answer held an edge of doubt.

     “Are you sure?” Luthian pressed.

     “I would have only one request.  I would make it as your nephew and not a member of your guardsmen.” Alador’s eyes dropped in deference.

     “Curious.  What would that be?” Luthian sounded genuinely surprised.

     “I would ask that you not make me cast it in a way that would harm Smallbrook.  Despite my casting out by the elder council, my siblings and my mother still reside there.  They did not reject me and I wish no harm to them.” Alador knew he was daring to show a bit of weakness, but he had hope that Luthian would grasp it as a way to manipulate and manage his nephew.

     “And if I agree to this, that never will I ask you to harm your family you were raised with, then what?” Luthian’s tone held a triumphant edge.

     Alador bowed low as he spoke, both arms out wide, palms towards Luthian. “Then I am ever your servant to command.”

Bloodmines - Update!

To those of you that write, you will know what I mean when I say that this novel took on a life of its own.  It is turning out to be much longer than I wanted, and yet I and the editor agree that what I have written needs to remain.  I guess that just means the series will be a bit longer than the four books I had originally mapped out.

I posted in October that I was taking input from readers on what they would like to see in the next book. I am pleased to say that some of the readers will be getting free copies of this novel as I did incorporate some of the requests and ideas.  I may still incorporate more of them in the next novel.
I have loved my reader interactions through email, Twitter, Goodreads and here.  It makes writing so much more fun to have the feedback, even the negative feedback.

As many of you now know, I had quit my job to write full-time.  Excited by the huge sales, great feedback and reader interaction; I gave my notice at work.  But things did not go as planned and so I had to back-step.  A diagnosis of cancer led to almost immediate surgery, followed by some unforeseen complications.

 I am my own publicist and so I lost momentum and sales, despite good reviews, began to drop.  I was unable to put Bloodmines out when I had originally planned as I lost almost six weeks to just being very ill.  I do not share this for sympathy.   I am six doses into chemo.  I have continued to write despite days were the cold cramps ones hands into claws.  (A strange side effect of the chemo I am on)  Today, I finished Bloodmines.  I am proud to have written this novel in the face of severe sickness, travel, and many telling me to just give up and deal with cancer only.  I also achieved the 50k goal for NaNoWriMo2014.  A goal I was determined to make.

I think that giving in and being "sick" is the worst thing I could have done.  It would have been easy to lay in bed doing nothing and watching T.V. or sleeping.  Don't get me wrong, there have been many days in bed, but with my laptop and hand warming.  I want to beat cancer as badly as Alador wants to complete his geas.

Book 3 is now in edit! It is written.  When the editors get done with their red pens, we will proof and release!

Some things to expect in book 3 without giving too much away:
Dragons in person - not in dreams!
Better explanation of the Geas Stone as requested by readers
Magic

Anything more would give to much away. I hate spoilers.

I love you all! You make each day at my computer a joy.
Cheri

Preview From Bloodmines!

Please note, this teaser is unedited and may change in final copy!

     “By the gods, what have I done to earn that look?” Henrick asked, his eyes narrowed as he assessed his son.

     “Where do I start? Let’s start with the fact you brought Mesiande here which puts her at risk for Luthian finding out. Let’s add to that, you knew about Luthian’s breeding program and were an active participant in it.” Alador’s pain began to fuel his accusations. He pulled Mesiande closer bringing a gasp of surprise from her. “Let’s keep adding to that. You are out in Daezun lands on Luthian’s bidding and are as much a spy as you are a lying conniving bastard. Lastly, you used magic on my mother to ensure you were chosen in the circle.” Alador’s last bitter accusation snapped out. “How many siblings do I really have, Father?”

     Sordith’s gaze snapped to Henrick at the last question. Genuine interest written on his face as he stepped sideways away from Henrick.

     Henrick’s mouth had dropped open and his face had paled as Alador bit out each accusation. When Alador stopped, he stepped forward. “Son…” he began.

     “Don’t ever call me that again,” Alador hissed.

     Henrick put both hands out to his side in a placating manner. “You have been listening to Luthian. You know how he twists things.”

 “Deny one of them," Alador challenged.  "Deny you were sent by your brother. Deny you knew of his breeding program.” He counted them out on his fingers. “I dare you to deny that you used magic the night I was conceived.” He met his father’s horrified gaze. Alador’s face was red with his anger and it only fueled the pain in his skull.

     Henrick’s mouth opened and closed like a fish. He searched Alador’s face. “There is more to all of this than you know…”

     Alador cut him off. “I knew you couldn’t deny it.” He forced himself to sit up, drawing Mesiande behind him as best he could. “I will ask one last time, how many siblings do I have?”

     Henrick’s hands fell to his side in defeat. “I don’t know,” he admitted softly.

     “Get out! I don’t want to see you ever again.” Alador’s eyes darkened as he fought back the cold rage he could feel threatening to consume him.

     Henrick stared at him for a long moment then turned on his heel to stride out of the room. He slammed the door behind him so hard that some of the soot on the opposite wall drifted to the ground.

Author Update

I have really loved interacting with those of you who write me or post on the blog.  I find it a complete joy that others are enjoying the world I created and the story within it.  I know many are anxiously waiting for Bloodmines and I am making progress on it.  I hope to complete it during the November writing challenge and my editing team is hot on my heels ripping apart each chapter.  The goal is to try to have it out before Christmas.

I had hoped to get more feedback on Magic Scorned but I think many don't want to publically post their opinions of a book with erotic content.  I may not continue that series if I do not hear more.  It was fun to write and I enjoyed the journey with Jaxon and Cassie.  I am still working on a paperback version of this kindle story.

I recently released a third children's book called Once Upon a...Wait!  It is based on my daughter when she was young.  There were always at least "two" waits at story time. I am really proud of Rebecca's growth in illustrations and she continues to create dragons that are not scary to small children.  

The dragonologists.com website launched and is doing very well.  There are more stories on that blog along with contests and other such items.  I found the tasteful article on dragon mating very helpful. The black bar on the side is a menu bar.  Some have missed that.  

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Once Upon a...Wait

by Cheryl Matthynssens

Giveaway ends November 30, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Currently, I am offering a signed giveaway of the new children's book to get some basic reviews and to promote an adorable book.  

Thank you to everyone that has encouraged me to keep writing.  I am loving every minute of it and have realized this is what I have always wanted to do.   Remember, independent writers have no publicity office behind the scene.  You can help these writers by: continue to write to them, post reviews and tell others about them.  It helps them to stay motivated to write.  I have read more than one independent writer whose work I would have never looked at if a friend or another author hadn't pointed them out. 

A Brand New World for the Author!

I have not written here for a bit.  I have been inundated with things in my job, home life and publicity. Even as I write, our County is on fire.  There were some concerns yesterday it was going to move north and with that would come the possibility of evacuating our wild farm.  It really puts in perspective what is really important to you when you know you are going to have to put an entire life into one truck.  I discovered that really, my laptop for writing, my phone for communicating, pictures and albums and a few mementos from the children's childhood were the only things I felt had to go into the truck.  Everything else, I can live without.

I do wish to put an end to a rumor that I have heard.  The fire was not started by Keensight or his kin. Lightening was responsible.  I do wish to set that straight.  Keensight would never put me in danger. I have total faith in this.

I have given notice at my job.  I will work 3/4 time through October 2nd and then will take the scary leap to full time writer.  I am excited, seeing a dream come true.  But I am also terrified as my well being and future will now be 100 percent relying on my own drive and creativity.   Knowing that you now have to treat something you love as a job does move it slightly but in the long run, my mind is writing all the time.  I just have to watch procrastination.  This will be a brand new course in my life; a brand new world if you will.

I have been asked when Bloodmines will be out.  I am shooting for mid to end December.  It is amazing to look back and realize I have put two novels out in ten months and will soon be putting out a third. If I meet the goal, It will be three in a little over a year.

Currently, I am working on listening to the proof for the audio of The Blackguard.  The kindle version continues to hold top 40 of Sword and Sorcery, it's predecessor - Outcast, holding in the top 20.  The Blue Dragon's Geas continues to be highly well received with a 96% approval rating between Amazon review and Goodreads.

I am also in the process of creating and launching the Society of Enlightened Dragonologists.  It will be a centralized location to find information on dragons, art of dragons and stories of intelligent dragons full of magic, life and wonder.   It will give those with a love for creative dragon art, rather written or artistic to support one another.  It will give those that love dragons a go to place for new art and stories.  It is an exciting project.   The website as of August 1, 2014 will be dragonologists.com.
Until then, we are gathering together at the following blog:  http://enlightened-dragonologists.blogspot.com/