I woke up this morning incredibly grateful that God enabled this book to exist. Thank you to everyone who has supported my writing through prayers, encouragement, and telling people about my books.
This is my twelfth novel, and each one holds a special place in my heart as I think about the characters who came to life in my mind, and the themes that challenged my heart.
Where did the idea for Dream of Kings come from? I had noticed so many “reimaginings” of familiar stories (Alice in Wonderland, Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Pride and Prejudice, etc.) in recent years. I also admired Francine Rivers’ take on Hosea set in a different time and setting in Redeeming Love. One of my favorite Biblical accounts is that of Joseph, so I used that as my jumping-off place. From there I imagined an epic fantasy setting with kingdoms in conflict, a woman facing injustice, and God’s hand shaping mercy for her and her people. Then I let the story take unexpected turns.
I hope you enjoy this adventure! Available anywhere books are sold, including HERE.
Preorder gift? Yes please! Some of my followers have appreciated the devotions I’ve been writing for various devotions books the last ten years. Others read my novels. Here is a way to enjoy both! If you have preordered the hard cover version of Dream of Kings, just fill out this form and you’ll receive a FREE 30-day digital devotion book. “Devotions for Dreamers” explores various people in the Bible who experienced unique dreams and offers application for our lives today. If you haven’t preordered Dream of Kings yet, order it today. The preorder gift is only available until the book releases on October 11th.
I’m so excited for readers to meet Jolan the Dream Teller, and explore her fantastical world, and meet the other intriguing characters she meets on her adventures.
The Future Never Sleeps
In the glacial nation of Norgard, Jolan the Dream Teller serves every seeker, whether peasant or high lord. Though she loves using her gift, she struggles to navigate the corrupt and dangerous court and the jealousies of the Guildagard.
When an old man’s nightmare imparts a dire warning, Jolan realizes her entire nation is in danger. But before she can sound the alarm, she is betrayed by the guilds and sold into slavery in a rival kingdom far to the south. As a slave in a foreign land, at first Jolan can’t see beyond her singular focus: return home to warn Norgard of the coming calamity. After facing new dangers, making new friends, and forgiving old wrongs, she must fulfill the purposes the Provider has set before her.
Only then can she face a decision that could cost her the man she loves, her calling, and her freedom—all to save a people who abandoned her.
Introducing Dream of Kings! The past few years, as my Dancing Realms series was releasing, I began work on a new epic fantasy novel. Inspired by Biblical accounts, as I often am, I developed a new story world and a character who found herself trapped in a place she didn’t belong.
I’m over the moon excited to share the amazing cover of Dream of Kings, and let you know about this new tale:
Dream of Kings
The future never sleeps
In the glacial nation of Norgard, Jolan the dream teller serves every seeker, whether peasant or high lord. Though she loves using her gift, she struggles to navigate the corrupt and dangerous court and the jealousies of the Guildagard.
When an old man’s nightmare imparts a dire warning, Jolan realizes her entire nation is in danger. But before she can sound the alarm, she is betrayed by the guilds and sold into slavery in a rival kingdom far to the south. As a slave in a foreign land, at first Jolan can’t see beyond her singular focus: return home to warn Norgard of the coming calamity. After facing new dangers, making new friends, and forgiving old wrongs, she must fulfill the purposes the Provider has set before her.
Only then can she face a decision that could cost her the man she loves, her calling, and her freedom—all to save a people who abandoned her.
You can PREORDER the limited edition hard cover NOW, to ensure you get a copy. The book will release in October.
I read a terrific article at Lorehaven about the new film West Side Story. I agreed with so many of the thoughts, especially the way the writer Marian made a case for musicals fitting within the fantasy genre. Her terrific article also brought back fond memories. Be sure to check out her article.
Way back in 1981, I was choreographing for various musical theatre productions in the Twin Cities. I had a ball working on an ambitious production of West Side Story that was performed in a parking lot, with real cars driving into the set, and actual fire escapes on the side of the building that provided the backdrop of the staging. But rehearsing outdoors held some unexpected problems.
During tender moments, actors slapped frantically at attacking mosquitos. Dangerous pratfalls from fire escapes onto hidden mattresses kept my heart in my throat. But strangest of all, one night as I was working with the Sharks and Jets on the choreography for the rumble, we were interrupted by a police car bursting through the barriers and into the parking lot. We all froze as a K-9 unit pulled up as well, and a police officer stepped out. He looked around our motley group of performers, shaking his head and chuckling as he realized the mistake. I was tempted to have the cast start singing “When You’re a Jet” to prove they weren’t actual gang members. Apparently someone in a neighboring high rise saw the realistic street fighting and called the police.
The mixup brought us some great free press, and the show was one of my all time favorites. So when I went to see the new film, I was a little nervous about this new interpretation. I told my daughter, “If they take out the snapping fingers in the opening number, I’m walking out.”
I was delighted that the iconic snapping remained, as did the energy and spirit of story, all the wonderful music, and both a tribute to the original choreography along with wonderful new additions. My daughter and I had fun analyzing all the improvements, as well as a few things we thought worked better in the earlier film.
Most of all, the movie reminded me how I view the world. For me, it makes perfect sense that at any time people should break out into song, dance in the streets, and hear the orchestra swell.
How about you? Do you ever hear swelling orchestra music at emotional moments in your life? Do you see pieces of furniture as possible props for a dance number? Do you sing in the rain or spin with open arms to the hills that are alive with the sound of music?
My love for musicals threaded through both my fantasy series. The Sword of Lyric series includes music and songkeepers. The Dancing Realms series focuses on how dance can both express our heart and change us. If you love music or dance, I think you’ll enjoy both series.
I’m so stunned and grateful. Last night’s Christy Awards was a lovely evening of inspiration and terrific speakers. It reminded me of how much my life and faith walk has been shaped by authors of novels over the years–even more so than non-fiction. Their stories encouraged and challenged me. It’s a huge honor to be part of this amazing family of writers.
I’ll confess that when they read the first line of Forsaken Island, there was a roaring in my ears and a disoriented confusion, and if not for my hubby and daughter cheering, I would have forgotten to turn on my camera and mic and accept the award.
This was especially sweet because I was able to dedicate this to my mom. She taught me to read at a very young age and instilled a passion for books that led me to becoming a writer. She recently went ahead to heaven, and being able to acknowledge her was a very tender gift to me.
Thank you to everyone who has supported my writing over the years!
Today a number of authors shared their tips for writing speculative fiction at the Novel Rocket blog, and I was honored to be included. It was interesting to read the great advice from many different perspectives. I had to smile as I read thoughts that could appear contradictory. “Include important story-world details.” “Don’t bog down the story with too much detail.” It reminded me of my first writer’s conference, where I eagerly took notes on everything, then felt overwhelmed and confused.
The true challenge of writing in any genre is finding the best balance. Stay within the expectations of the genre, yet try something fresh. Keep the pace cracking along, yet give the reader time to breathe. Let your reader discover the rules of your story-world in the midst of action, but do have clear rules.
And while you’re sorting out how much to “show” and when to “tell” or how much description, dialogue, and narrative summary to weave into a scene, remember to PLAY.
Joy is a much better atmosphere for creativity than fear of breaking a rule.
I grappled with many speculative fiction issues when writing The Restorer. Today you can grab The Restorer free on Kindle and see what you think of the writing choices I made to tell the story. Enjoy!
