Dear Reader,
If you’re new here because of the giveaway, welcome! My name is M.H. Elrich and I am a YA Christian Fantasy author of books with heart pounding adventures, unique world building, and sweet romance. I hope you’ll stick around to learn more about my stories, but if not, you can unsubcribe at anytime.
The school year has begun for me, and with it, the craziness of balancing both writing and teaching! Yet, I can’t stop going forward because I have so much excitement to share with you. Strap in, and enjoy the ride to the very end.
First, an announcement:
Michael won the paperback book set! I hope you enjoy it and treasure it alongside your other book trophies.
On to the News!
1. My short story, “Mrs. Fairy Godmother’s Therapist” is a part of H.L. Burke’s anthology, It’s Dangerous to Grow Alone!
After experiencing therapy myself, I felt inspired to write a story about a therapist trying to help a spoiled Fairy Godmother get the help she needs. It was one of those stories that God really gave me the idea, and it is set in a world similar to Shrek 2. Just imagine if fairy tale creatures, Princesses, and such lived in Hollywood, and you’ll get a good idea of where Sophie (my main character) and Mrs. Fairy Godmother, live. It’s glitzy, it’s glamorous, and it’s a heartfelt and humorous story that was a joy to write.
2. Why You Should Be Excited about Lavanna’s Journey
1. New, fleshed out characters, including:
a. Lavanna: the oldest daughter, adventurous, cocky, and fiercely loyal to her family and friends.
b. Garel: the only child, oldest of the group, easily humored, more skilled than he realizes.
c. Amalia: the second daughter, deaf, skilled healer/herbalist, eager to prove herself.
d. Torrance: the oldest son, has OCD, flighty, but skilled in tactics, logic, and mathematics.
e. Mayumi: a twin of someone I cannot name, middle-aged, fierce, tough, and conflicted about who she serves.
f. Akira: the ninja nun with a backstory and a secret that will surprise you.
2. Reappearance of old characters, including:
Etania and Keyel (Throughout the story)
Zaden (POV Character!)
Bayanna and Cam (Bickering Couple)
Jakin (Brief Appearance)
Werdna (Throughout the story)
Cephas (Throughout the story)
Gwen (Brief Appearance)
Xavier (Brief Appearance)
Tamar (Brief Appearance)
Indira (Brief Appearance)
3. Seafaring Adventure like The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Look at the pretty map! If you look closely, you’ll get some spoilers for what will happen along the journey, but let’s just say that I threw every obstacle I could at our poor party of travelers. All they’re trying to do is rescue their parents, but of course, nothing ever goes to plan, does it?
4. Asian-inspired world building like Saints and Monsters and The Dragon’s Flower
Every time I see this image, I think of Mayumi (described above), as well as Akira (the ninja nun). Both are Asian in appearance, skilled in combat, and mysterious. The layout behind this woman is what Naha Island sort of looks like. I also incorporate my favorite things from Asian culture (like kimonos, rice, and seating). Of course, there’s still elements of my world, too, like the Alephari lanterns (which are basically light crystals inside of a metal box).
I hope you’re getting as excited as I am for Lavanna’s Journey. Next month, I will provide a snippet and announce a publishing date! Read to the end to vote on the snippet.
Book of the Month
My Review:
A wonderful clean medieval YA fantasy book!
After finishing this book, all I can say is wow, what an adventure. From the very beginning, Dawn captured my attention with Princess Lyric and her companions.
Although Lyric is immature at first, she quickly matures through a series of unfortunate circumstances, and becomes a more likeable and relatable character. She reminds me of Yona of the Dawn if any of you have read that Manga. Anyway, I absolutely loved getting to know her and hope to continue the series to discover what happens to her.
This book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but there are definitely plot threads left to be resolved. Not only are the plot and characters well developed, but there is a variety of unique people groups, a mysterious dark and evil magic, and other great elements of high fantasy within these pages. The worldbuilding is fantastic. I highly recommend this book to people who love YA high fantasy.
Content Warnings: One young man tries to force himself on Lyric. Nothing is described, but her terror is definitely evident. There is also an implication another character is being sexually harassed, again not described. PG-13 level violence and action/adventure. Light alcohol/drug usage. Mentions of God, but more clean than Christian Fantasy.
Which snippet should I include in next month’s newsletter?
A. Sign Language
B. Sirens
C. Gambling
D. Attack on the Lehrlings
Until Next Time,
M.H. Elrich