Thursday, October 17, 2013

Guest Post and Giveaway: Kat Bastion + Forged in Dreams and Magick


Today I'm pleased to hand the blog over to author Kat Bastion who's popping in to talk a little bit about the writing of her newest adult paranormal romance novel, Forged in Dreams and Magick. She's also generously offering up a paperback copy of the book to one lucky winner, so be sure and check out the bottom of the post for all the giveaway details. Welcome to Supernatural Snark Kat!

Electrifying a Scene: Tension in Forged in Dreams and Magick 

When I imagined the scenes in my paranormal romance novel, Forged in Dreams and Magick, they burst into my mind and flowed onto the page, full of energy and passion, chemistry sizzling.

How does an author bring the exciting adventure to life for the reader?

By creating tension.

Which would you rather be a passenger in?

A McLaren rocketing down the Autobahn, pushing Mach 1, careening to avoid a projectile hurtling toward the windshield while you white-knuckle grip the edge of the dashboard?

Or an aged Volvo sedan whose check engine light laughs aloud as the accelerator defies its purpose, your ride coasting to an unremarkable stop?

You got out of the Volvo, banished the bland experience, and hitched a ride in the sexy, dangerous McLaren, didn’t you?

Tension manifests both internally and externally in a compelling story. The internal conflict powers our ability to get to know the characters, enabling us to feel their roller-coaster emotions. External hazards lay the obstacle course that our hero and heroine must journey through to make it to the other side.

Their adventure along the way is the amazing story.

How does an author craft such an elusive, but critical, component?

The outer layer of any gripping novel is the exhilarating plot, along with the character’s corresponding goals, motivation, and conflict within its framework.

When we peel away a layer of our powerful onion, each chapter should have a goal at the beginning, challenges our characters face getting there, and either a positive or negative resolution.

The deeper layers break the chapters down to their scene, the paragraphs within, and the sentence structure holding everything together.

And then there are the words…

Well-chosen words have immense power. Why use sentences to explain what a character feels, if a few delectable words plunge you there in one heart-wrenching gasp?

One can even create tension in a title. Take this blog post.

The title originally began as “Tension in a Scene,” which was my topic. Okay. While a good start, it felt like our Volvo. I escalated to “Charging the Scene” and graduated the experience to maybe a Ferrari or a Porsche. I wanted a thrill-ride title to capture your interest, though, and transformed it into “Electrifying the Scene,” and here we are.

Writing style also plays a critical factor in creating a page-turning adventure. During the editing process, I rearrange, restructure, break apart and reshape sentences until I feel the conflict coming through.

The best way I’ve found to incorporate tension into every dimension and facet of a story is to dig deep into the emotion of the characters. What’s at stake? How important is their goal, and what are they willing to risk to get it? When is the best time to throw the worst event imaginable at them? Will they discover who they are when severely tested? Where will the journey lead them and how will they grow?

One final word of advice: Be sure to give your readers plenty of smooth-coasting moments along the journey in between the harrowing twists and turns to give them a chance to breathe.

Now that you’ve had a peek into how I weave tension into a story from the height of the plot down to the power of a single word, I encourage you to experience the journey yourselves by reading Forged in Dreams and Magick.

I hope you have an electrifying adventure!

• • • • • • • • • • •

KAT BASTION


Kat Bastion is an award-winning paranormal romance writer, poetic warrior, and eternal optimist who loves getting lost in the beauty of nature.

On a never-ending, wondrous path of self-discovery, Kat throws her characters into incredible situations with the hope that readers join her in learning more about the meaning of life and love.

Her first published work, Utterly Loved, was shared with the world to benefit others. All proceeds from Utterly Loved, and a portion of the proceeds of all her other books, support charities who help those lost in this world.

Kat lives with her husband amid the beautiful Sonoran Desert of Arizona.


• • • • • • • • • • 

FORGED IN DREAMS AND MAGICK


Isobel MacInnes wakes up in present-day California, lunches in medieval Scotland, and by ten days’ end, falls in love with a man and his country, only to lose them in a heart-wrenching twist of fate . . .

Found in the arms of her second soul mate . . .

Forced to balance the delicate strands of time between two millennia . . .

Shocked by revelations rewriting the very foundations of history . . . of everything.

Isobel, a rising-star archaeology student, is dropped into two ancient worlds without warning . . . or her permission. Her fiery spirit resists the dependency thrust upon her. Amid frustration at her lack of control, she helplessly falls in love. Twice.

She struggles to adjust to the unimaginable demands of two leaders of men—a laird in the thirteenth-century Highlands and a Pict chieftain in a more ancient Scotland. Isobel transforms from an academic, hell-bent on obtaining archaeological recognition, to a woman striving to care for those she loves, and ultimately . . . into a fearless warrior risking everything to protect them.



• • • • • • • • • • 

GIVEAWAY

Kat is offering up a signed paperback copy of Forged in Dreams and Magick today, to enter just fill out the Rafflecopter below! Giveaway is international. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

76 comments:

  1. Sounds great... Can't wait to read it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a wonderful guest post! I love getting authors' insights into what makes good writing, and creating tension is so difficult to do well. Forged in Dreams and Magick sounds wonderful, sort of an Outlander feel to it. Definitely want to check it out! Thanks for sharing :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too Lauren, it's always fun to see their various processes and approaches to storytelling, it's like a little peek behind the curtain.

      Delete
    2. Thank you, Lauren! I love sharing insights. Creating further tension while editing is something I LOVE doing. {grins}

      Many reviewers have commented it's like Outlander and beyond. I hope you do check it out and enjoy the adventure!

      ~ Kat

      Delete
    3. Hey now, Jenny...No more peekin' ...

      {tugs on my curtain} ;)

      Delete
  3. Thank you so much for this interesting post and even more for the international opportunity to win! Really thank you! i still have this book on my wishlist ( since the first time i heard of it) and a signed copy would be fabulous so thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Kat's being hugely generous with her giveaway, a huge thank you to her for that!

      Delete
    2. Hello, Miki! Yes, I remember! You're welcome, and good luck!

      And you're welcome, Jenny. It's important to me to include readers worldwide. <3

      ~ Kat

      Delete
  4. I love how the author says she creates lulls for a false sense of complacency. That's tricky, but oh-so smart! It's so cool to see how different authors tackle different tricky tasks. Great feature and guest post, Jenny! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed, I could read posts like this all day and just absorb everything authors say like a sponge:)

      Delete
    2. Hello Melissa! Yes, I do create the lulls. More to be sure my readers have a chance to breath without requiring oxygen tanks to do so. With the scorching love scenes, fire extinguishers are already highly recommended. ;)

      Delete
  5. Of course I am inherently worried about there being two soul mates for this girl! But I love adult PNR and historical settings. I also really love this author's essay on tension. Especially the interplay between tension and characters' emotions, and the need to include moments of smooth sailing within that. I'm amazed at anyone who writes a book and imagining all of this careful work that goes into the process awes me even more. Great post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I go in phases where I just devour one particular genre for weeks and weeks, and historical romances (particularly those set in Scotland) are a phase I always enjoy going into again and again!

      Delete
    2. Thank you, Lauren! I'm glad you loved the post. Yes, the two soul mates is a tricky thing. One not taken lightly but very needed for this character and story line. Many reviewers have commented that it is not a traditional love triangle and not really a love triangle. Which is true. However, it is the heroine's struggle with her circumstances and how she rises above the challenge which helps her discover who she truly is and grow into the person she's meant to be. Should you decide to brave the story, I'd be interested in your thoughts!

      ~ Kat

      Delete
  6. That was an interesting guest post. I definitely got a feel of her writing from that.
    The blurb for this book sounds confusing but at the same time really interesting. Thanks for sharing, Jenny! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm definitely curious too Nick, I want to see how this whole two soul mates thing works out:)

      Delete
    2. So glad you're both curious, Nick and Jenny. I can't wait to hear your thoughts! I hope you enjoy the adventure!

      ~ Kat

      Delete
  7. I haven't heard of this story or the author but I loved the way she explained the process. Okay that two soul mates thing is not really appealing but everything else sounds interesting. Great post! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too Tanja! I'm not a writer myself, so I love learning about their writing processes:)

      Delete
    2. Thanks Tanja! Yes, the two soul mates is a very tricky thing. It made writing for the book both complex and rewarding, delving deep into her struggles and their struggles, resulting in her discovery of purpose and her growth as a person. Should you decide to read the story, I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

      ~ Kat

      Delete
  8. You had me at medieval Scotland...definitely intrigued by this book. Thanks for the great giveaway. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Always yes to Scotland Christina!

      Delete
    2. Christina and Jenny, I am right there with you. Permanently swooned in Scotland! <3

      ~ Kat

      Delete
  9. Thank you so much for having me here today, Jenny! And thank you to everyone joining us and for all of your wonderful comments.

    Yes, Forged in Dreams and Magick is a truly unique story. Should you decide to give it a try, I hope you enjoy the adventure!

    Be sure to buckle up for the roller-coaster ride. And...some scorching love scenes...

    {sends fire extinguishers instead of book marks} ;)

    ~ Kat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy to have you on Kat!!!! Thanks for such a fabulous post and giveaway:)

      Delete
    2. You're most welcome! :)

      ~ Kat

      p.s. ~ Look at me. I'm finally wearing my shoe again! {points my toe in a verra Vogue pose} ;)

      Delete
  10. You had me at highland! I have this obsession with Irish or Scottish lads! AHH! There accent gets me every single time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ME TOO SAVY! I fall for the Irishmen and Scotsmen every time.

      Delete
    2. So scandalously dangerous, right? Just listening to them is pure seduction...

      ~ Kat

      Delete
  11. What a fun guest post! I love getting an inside look at how authors write tricky scenes. Plus the book gets major points in have a setting in Scotland.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It seems like we all have a thing for Scotland. WIN!

      Delete
    2. Thank you, Rummanah! I like sharing inside looks. :)

      And yes, we should form a club. #ScotlandRomanceAddicts

      Delete
  12. I love that the author really considers the characters when trying to create tension in the storyline.
    What a really insightful post!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I think it's wonderful you share a portion of your proceeds with charities to help those who've lost their way. michelle_willms@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I couldn't agree more Michelle!

      Delete
    2. Thank you, Michelle. I feel very fortunate for being able to do what I love, and want to share that good fortune first. In this way, I can involve everyone to make a difference in causes that are truly in need to be able to help others. <3

      Delete
    3. And Jenny! I meant to thank you too, Jenny! :)

      Delete
  14. Replies
    1. Ohh... I do like that you like time-travel. {grins}

      ~ Kat

      Delete
  15. I don't know how I feel about there being two different men since I tend to get attached and am often jealous on behalf of the characters, but I do love time travel, even when it confuses me.
    Also, I'm usually playing it sage, so I'm an old Volvo kinda gal, but that McLaren sure sounds alluring. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maja, I had two beta readers in texts each fighting for their different man! It has happened with reviewers too. Which makes me feel like I accomplished the depth of characters needed with each man. It makes for some angst filled moments as each struggles with the circumstances, but the characters grow from the challenge. The heroine most of all.

      And yes, I'm a usually play it safe but take the occasional thrill ride. :)

      ~ Kat

      Delete
  16. Yes, I admit I did get out of that car toward the McLaren... :D I love the way this post was written so yea, you have me even more curious about this book. Hm... now where is that McLaren guy...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad to have sparked your curiosity, Melissa. {grins}

      I just now realized the chosen super car sounds verra Scottish...

      {rolls McLaren off my tongue with a touch of brogue}

      ~ Kat

      Delete
  17. I don't know what a McLaren is but I want the really, really fast one! Dangerous and sexy always appeals whether a man or a car.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary, I'm with you. Dangerous and sexy. Fast and smooth. And McLaren is one of the most desired super cars. My hubs has properly educated me. He was beyond thrilled when I surprised him by using car analogies in this post. {laughs}

      ~ Kat

      Delete
  18. Yep I abandoned the Volvo for better options! Can I have those shoes they are way cute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha! I adore these shoes! Wore them the other day. And the photo was taken by a professional photographer who got down on the ground to take the photo of mine and hubs sexy black lizard-skin boots. The full black and white photo is on my www.talktotheshoe.com blog header. :)

      ~ Kat

      Delete
  19. Aha! See, I needed to log in with my Google account to see my shoe!

    #TechChallengedKat

    ReplyDelete
  20. This book sounds interesting. I love books set in medieval Scotland with highland lairds. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Xia! I hope you get a chance to read it!

      Delete
  21. I love stories where the fates decide to screw around with someones life just because they can.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love those stories too. {grins}

      In real life, we have life-changing events that shake up our world. It's in those moments where our strength is tested and who we truly are is discovered.

      Thank you for your comment, NoraA! I hope you get a chance to read the adventure!

      Delete
  22. Thanks for the wonderful guest post. This looks like a very special book and to have it set in my own ancestral Scotland makes it even more relevant to me. Thanks for offering a copy for giveaway, I'd love to win it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome, Scott. I hope you get a chance to read it and you enjoy the adventure. Good luck!

      ~ Kat

      Delete
  23. This book sounds AMAZING! This is such a great guest post as well! It's true, a few word changes can make things SO much more interesting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Candace! I hope you have a chance to read the story!

      ~ Kat

      Delete
  24. I love books that are intense and breathtaking. There's nothing that I dread more than boring plot lines and bland characters, so it makes me very happy to hear that Kat puts so much thought into creating intense and thrilling scenes that will pop off the pages of her books. And I love that shoe *winks* ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello, Evie! I love those kinds of stories too. They capture, enthrall, and take our breath away. Thank you for the shoe compliment. They are my favorite. :)

      ~ Kat

      Delete
  25. Time travel and a Highlander? Sounds great to me!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Melissa! I hope you have a chance to read to the story!

      ~ Kat

      Delete
  26. This book sound awesome! Thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, BookRockGoddess. Very cool name, by the way. I hope you have a chance to enjoy the adventure! Good luck!

      ~ Kat

      Delete
  27. That was wonderful thank you. Very interesting to read through. I had to laugh; my parents have a Volvo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Mary. I'm laughing so hard right now. I should have asked, "Are there any Volvo owners in the audience?" ;) I'm sure theirs is a very exciting Volvo. :)

      ~ Kat

      Delete
  28. That was a great guest post. Makes me want to read your books!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jannifer! I hope you get a chance to!

      ~ Kat

      Delete
  29. I´m so excited to get to read this book!

    ReplyDelete