Author: Esther Davis

Reign of Judges: Title of Liberty

Captain Moroni—“a strong and a mighty man…whose soul did joy in liberty and the freedom of his people.” When enemies from both home and abroad threatened to destroy that freedom, he rallied a war-torn nation to stand fast and defend their homeland. 

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The tale of Captain Moroni (pronounced mo-ro-nigh) comes from The Book of Mormon, a book with 120 million copies worldwide, 5th best-selling book of all time, and the “4th Most Influential Book in America.” And now, Darin Southam—an experienced writer, actor, and director—wants to take it to the big screen.  

Southam’s Reign of Judges: Title of Liberty Kickstarter campaign has already raised over $120,000 for a short concept film. He intends to make Captain Moroni’s story a full-blow war epic. But first, to raise the needed multi-million dollar budget, Southam is funding a short concept film via Kickstarter with a minimum goal of $150,000. If he can raise above the minimum goal, the money will go towards making the concept film just that more epic.  Continue reading “Reign of Judges: Title of Liberty”

A Tale of Two Planets

by Esther Davis

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“Observation” by Jason Levien

“Girl, you really need to stop growing so much greenery. It only attracts more vermin, you know.”

Earth floated in silence, with more dignity than Mars ever mustered in the face of Venus’s taunts.

“How about another meteor? It took out your lizard problem. Or maybe widen your orbit a bit and freeze them. That worked for Mars.”

Mars felt his core trembling. The roots, the fishes, the pattering feet—it had felt so…alive.

Venus’s scoff still rang in his mind. Planets shouldn’t be alive.

If only he had ignored Venus. If only Mars were more like Earth.

“Earth, honey, you look horrendous. Even worse than poor Mars did. Those stone tumors can’t be healthy.”

“They’re cities!” Mars snapped before he could hold back the words.

“Cities?” Venus’s voice dropped to a venomous tone. “You let them get intelligent? You know what happens next, sweetie?” Venus asked Earth. “They fly off you and come to infect me!”

Earth continued orbiting in silence.

“I swear, the year I see vermin buzzing off of you, I’ll have Sun burn them up. Every last one.”

An infection? Mars studied Earth for a moment, letting Venus’s words weigh on his mind.

Earth caught his gaze, suspicion radiating from her globe. Mars jerked away, pretending to scrutinize his moons instead while containing his excitement.

Mars could have life again. Continue reading “A Tale of Two Planets”

When “Just Write It” Doesn’t Work

“Just write it,” they said. “It’ll get easier once its on paper,” they said. Fine. You’ll just write it. But their advice isn’t working. Everything you write sounds like junk.

Time to dump your failed manuscript off the nearest bridge.

Or maybe you can hang onto that “failed manuscript” a moment longer, because I have a secret: Everyone’s first draft sounds like junk. Quit thinking that you’re some special failed-case. You can still be a great writer!

Writing is a process. “Just write it” is the first step, not the last. Once you understand the process, you can turn your “failed manuscript” into a story to be proud of.

Continue reading “When “Just Write It” Doesn’t Work”

Tall Tale TV: Scars

Scars: Narrated by Chris Herron – A war hero leaves the military a haunted man, forgoing his broken body for mechanical avatars, but in doing so becomes exactly what the military needs.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6nP5moTlng&w=560&h=315]

Artwork by Mohammad H. Attaran – https://mhattaran.artstation.com/

Thank you Chris Herron for the fantastic narration! Make sure to subscribe to Tall Tale TV on Youtube or sign up for his weekly mailing list.

Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed “Scars” check out my book, A Dog, 3 Cats, and a Dragon, publishing next week. You can also subscribe above (or below for you mobile users) and follow me on Twitter / Facebook / Instagram.

Within Paper and Ink

by Esther Davis

Amid the raging battle, the book—not the carnage—captivated my mind.

For years, I’d trained in the ancient art of incantations. I’d conquered armies with a conjured tiger fighting at my side. Father entrusted the enchantment of the Imperial Guard’s armor to my care. Yet never had I created an item so powerful as this book.

It terrified me.

That morning, I’d slid the paper doors shut around me, boxing myself in with our family shrine. Heart pounding, mind racing, I fell to me knees on the bamboo matting. The weaved mat dug into my bare shins.

I spoke not, for fear Father would hear my words. If my ancestors truly cared, they’d read the pleas through my tears.

Help me, my heart begged. This sacrifice…I can’t. Show me another way.

I knelt in silence, already knowing my answer. I must finish what I’d started.

I must defeat the Shadows. Continue reading “Within Paper and Ink”

B-4 Free on Amazon Kindle

Can you believe that in 8 days A Dog, 3 Cats, and a Dragon comes out?! I might be a bit excited. (What? No, that wasn’t me that you saw shooting off fireworks and dancing on the rooftop last night…)

Anyway, as a finally countdown to A Dog, 3 Cats, and a Dragon‘s release date, 1 of the 20 short stories–B-4–is free on Amazon Kindle this week. Make sure to download your own copy and tell your friends.

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B-4 on Amazon Kindle (free July 24th-28th)

Also, make sure to check back in tomorrow for another my July short story. You can subscribe above (below for you mobile users) or follow me on Twitter / Facebook / Instagram.

Two-Week Countdown

A Dog, 3 Cats, and a Dragon releases in less than 2 weeks! I always hoped to publish a book, but never expected it to happen so soon. Thank you to my readers for all the support! I couldn’t have come this far without you.

In celebration, I’m sharing a sneak-peek at 4 of the 20 short stories in A Dog, 3 Cats, and a Dragon. Make sure to download the two Kindle ebooks while they’re free (“Summoners” this week and “B-4” next week). If you enjoy a story, please share it with a friend and/or leave a review.

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“Summoners” (free on Kindle July 17th-21st)

 

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“B-4” (free on Kindle July 24th-28th)

 

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“Scars” (available on T. Gene Davis’s Speculative Blog)

Continue reading “Two-Week Countdown”

Why Writers Should Never Quit: 3 Lessons from Aesop’s Fables

Frustrated at writing? Find some motivation from Aesop’s Fables.

Face it, writing is hard. Some days are frustrating. Others, out right impossible. But those are the days when you need to hit the keyboard (hopefully to type, not smash it to bits) and keep trying anyway because someone out there is waiting for your story.

Every piece you write is like planting a tree. At first your orchard looks like just a few twigs in the ground. But one day, you’ll have a fruit-laden forest.

On those days (or weeks, or months) when writing looks impossible, remember these 3 age-worn Aesop’s Fables to help you keep writing. Continue reading “Why Writers Should Never Quit: 3 Lessons from Aesop’s Fables”

Thank you!

Four weeks from now, “A Dog, 3 Cats, and a Dragon” releases. But if your feeling impatient, you can get a sneak peek !  “Summoners”–1 of the 20 short stories–is now on Kindle.

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Read “Summoners” on Amazon Kindle.

I need to send a huge “Thank you!” to you, my readers. “Summoners” is my first eBook, and I couldn’t be more excited. Your support made it possible.

It would mean the world if you could post a review on Summoners. Anything helps. And if you like the story, share it with friends!

Thank you again and have a fantastic week!

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Esther Davis writes family friendly science fiction and fantasy. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or subscribe to this blog. Keep an eye out for A Dog, 3 Cats, and a Dragon, publishing August 1st.