YA Sci-Fi/Fantasy Author. Current WIP: Retelling of the Hebrew Legend of David
I work full-time at a public library in Georgia, and I am a part-time student earning my Masters in Library and Information Science through Valdosta State University’s online program.
I have worked on a total of four novel projects before my current WIP (two fantasy, one mystery, and one sci-fi). My first novel to go through the complete drafting/revision/querying process was my YA sci-fi novel SYNDROME, which I shelved in Spring 2018.
I started working on my current WIP in 2017 while I was also working on SYNDROME, finished the rough draft in May 2018, finished Draft 2 in November 2018, and I’m currently going through my finer edits. Though THE SHEPHERD KING is largely historical with regard to ancient Hebrew culture, it definitely bridges the gap into fantasy.
My non-writing hobbies include reading (obviously), painting, crocheting, and sewing my own cosplays. I’m a major sci-fi/fantasy nerd. Fandoms include, but are not limited to:
-Books: Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Lunar Chronicles, LotR
-TV Shows: Firefly, Star Trek (all series), Doctor Who, Merlin
-Movies: Star Wars, Sky High
-Videogames: Skyrim, Portal, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Overwatch
Fave romance tropes: friends to lovers, dancing/ball scenes, yelling that turns into confessions/kissing, forbidden romance, anything Austen-inspired
Other faves: found family, big casts (6+ main characters), retellings, pirates, anything in space (especially with alien species/cultures), multicultural fantasy
Fave authors: Meg Cabot, Claudia Gray, Marissa Meyer, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Wayne Thomas Batson, Jessica Day George, Beth Revis, Gail Carson Levine, Cornelia Funke, Rick Riordan, Alexa Donne
I am not a good fit for:
-erotica or explicit sexual content
-horror
-anything with too much gore
When the High Priest anoints DAVID to be the next King of Israel, the shepherd obeys the summons of his god—even though the throne is already occupied. The possessed KING SAUL attacks all who threaten him, but when David enters his court, his lyre-playing enthralls the king’s demon.
CROWN PRINCE JONATHAN conceals his father’s madness, maintains peace among the tribes, and repels the Philistines that threaten to enslave, torture, and slaughter the Israelites.
Both David and Jonathan believe they are destined to be Israel’s king, but David conceals his prophecy even as they develop a deep friendship. If Israel remains under Saul’s rule, the tribes will be too disorganized to meet the Philistine threat and Israel will be lost. Neither of them wants to see Saul dead—but the mad king would kill anyone who tries to take the throne.
King Saul inhaled the smoke from the sacrifices. Despite his full stomach, he salivated over the rich aroma of roasting ox. The crackling flames were loud enough to cover the sound of his soldiers’ revels, and even the sound of King Agag’s whimpering. Heat blistered against Saul’s face, but he did not want to move away.
I. Am. King.
For a moment, he listened to the men around him. He had invited the leaders of the twelve tribes—the tribes that he had united—to celebrate with him, and they reveled in the honor. On the other hand, General Abner and Prince Jonathan were speaking in soft undertones. This had not been the prince’s first battle, but it had been the longest—over a week on the Amalekite border—and instead of taking the opportunity to relax, both of them were discussing strategies for the future. Not for the first time, he wondered if it had been a good idea to make his own brother the general of his army.
Bah. He wouldn’t let their seriousness spoil his mood.
It wasn’t until the soldiers fell silent that he turned away from the blaze. Doeg, the captain of Saul’s guard, gripped the hilt of his sword and turned to face something outside of the firelight. The king narrowed his eyes as the crowd of Israelite warriors parted for a lone figure. The man was dressed not in armor, but in robes—yet despite his priestly garments, a sword gleamed at his side.
Saul stiffened. What was he doing here?
Though this is a fairly by-the-books historical retelling (with just a few supernatural elements), I am usually a much more speculative writer. Science-fiction and fantasy are my go-to genres. My next planned project is a Firefly-like space sci-fi, and I also have some exciting ideas for both a Renaissance fantasy and a Regency murder mystery. I’m definitely open to more retellings as well.
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