Summer Reading 2017: Fantasy Edition

Upon realizing that summer was already halfway over (*gasp!*), I decided it was time for a summer reading list. But I didn’t want to waste my time on just any book–I wanted books that were unforgettable.

Thankfully, the internet is full of knowledgeable people. I asked the fantasy-lovers of reddit for their favorite book. They answered with dozens of their favorite stories. Using some of the highlights, I concocted a “Grand Summer 2017 Reading List” …that I’ll hopefully finish before summer 2018. It includes both nostalgic childhood-favorites and beloved tales discovered in more recent years.

Without further ado, here are the titles. Continue reading “Summer Reading 2017: Fantasy Edition”

Japanese Souvenirs

Some souvenirs from my time in Japan

Just a couple months ago, I got back from a year-and-a-half stay in Japan. It was an amazing experience, one that I could never sum up in a simple blog post. But I did want share a couple souvenirs I brought home and the stories they hold.

Souv_Pikachu

Continue reading “Japanese Souvenirs”

The Baboons of Mars

Young Jasper finds a pyramid hidden on the Martian landscape.

by Esther Davis

No one ever wanted to play catch on Mars.

Nine-year-old Jasper trudged across the red sandscape, grumbling under his breath about boring adults and stupid baby sisters. Dad promised a game of catch. Why’d the colony’s generators have to break down today?

Katy couldn’t play, ‘cause she wasn’t even a year old. Nibbles the Hamster couldn’t play, because he got loose and chewed through the generator’s main electrical wire. Dad said they could cremate the hamster tomorrow, after he fixed the colony’s power supply.

Continue reading “The Baboons of Mars”

Leaving Out the Parts that People Skip: 3 Ways to Write More Exciting Fiction

Elmore Leonard said to “leave out the parts that people skip” when you write. Read 3 ways to do just that.

Nothing better than a good book. Nothing worse than a boring one.

How do you write those exciting books that readers love? There’s a whole lot more to it than fits in a blog post, but three important tips will help you follow Elmore Leonard’s advise and “leave out the parts that people skip.”

https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterhacks/4474421855/in/photolist-7PozJp-J83wgp-dWudis-og2Waz-8tg4VY-ComK6-99ULgu-Us6ZQN-8MVYfc-2iZSdC-hi4oA-2oadkC-9wjGjC-z6pcz-eiDuNJ-d2aXSo-8DFBf3-4opkKW-PZmWU-nKkXaL-9yM1p3-5bRCWE-5cXQXV-9NCKHD-3aU7yE-8s4PDi-4Zsg4Y-4XGZtq-4mY6nH-fbNGSb-7TtvJE-7xWWxL-6FfP8X-xrzT4-djixNF-njmTn-yePbY-6bJ9Qf-6snYp8-eAeJx-5kcBiR-63V11-5jmw5T-sEkBd-6owbY9-8pUqqL-CWx5n-4Za12G-EUzVU-8kTvTL/

 

Continue reading “Leaving Out the Parts that People Skip: 3 Ways to Write More Exciting Fiction”

Servant of the Tiger

“Can I see your scar?”

by Esther Davis

“Can I see your scar?”

Makoto’s slender fingers brushed his palm. Outwardly, Ichirou remained calm, gaze still fixed on the white and orange coy fish drifting in the shallow pond below. But Ichirou’s breath caught in his throat. Electricity built on the flesh of his excited heart. This energy could’ve cast a dangerous spell in battle.

Ichirou turned to face her while his free hand fell in his pocket. His fingers grasped the cold ring hidden inside. “I call it a scar, but it’s a bit more than that.” Continue reading “Servant of the Tiger”

Releasing Aug 1st – A Dog, 3 Cats, and a Dragon

A Dog, 3 Cats, and a Dragon–a collection of short stories by Esther Davis–will be available for purchase August 1st, 2017. This book contains twenty science fiction, horror, dystopia, and fantasy pieces, including several new, never-before-published stories.

UPDATE: A Dog, 3 Cats, and a Dragon now on Amazon

Cover For A Dog, 3 Cats, and a Dragon by Esther Davis

“Why do we read? To taste new worlds. Worlds of magic and wonder, of fear and suspense, and of the secret chambers of the human heart. Whether it wanders the far reaches of the galaxy or hides in our neighbor’s basement, this creature called fiction ensnares our minds and teaches us truths real life never could. Continue reading “Releasing Aug 1st – A Dog, 3 Cats, and a Dragon”

A Dog, 3 Cats, and a Dragon, coming soon

Time travel, ghosts, and cranky pet dragons–all crammed inside one cover! I’m excited to formally announce my first book, A Dog, 3 Cats, and a Dragon.

Cover For A Dog, 3 Cats, and a Dragon by Esther DavisTime travel, ghosts, and cranky pet dragons–all crammed inside one cover! I’m excited to officially announce my first book, A Dog, 3 Cats, and a Dragon.

This year, I’m publishing a short story collection. A Dog, 3 Cats, and a Dragon will feature several original stories as well as over a dozen of my previously published works, including “Scars”, “Summoners”, “The Day the Ocean Died,” and “The Nowell Trilogy”.

I’ll keep you updated as publication nears. Stay tuned!

Also, don’t forget to check out my new sketch–“Servant of the Tiger”–posting on May 16th. As always, thanks for reading!

Nearer, My God, to Thee—Japanese-English arrangement

Japanese & English arrangement of the hymn “Nearer, My God, to Thee”

arranged by Esther Davisphoto-by-esther-davis

(translation at bottom)

Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee!
E’en though it be a cross
That raiseth me.
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee! Continue reading “Nearer, My God, to Thee—Japanese-English arrangement”

Drogg

“Hide!”

Klon’s voice rasped as he shouted to his wife. But she didn’t duck beneath the stone table or make for the cellar. Instead, Jini stepped next to him at the window, cradling their child in her arm. “They broke through the defenses, didn’t they?” she asked, emotionless.

High above, violet lightning flashed across the billowing fumes of poisonous clouds.

“Let’s go.”

by Esther Davis

"Risen From The Skies" by Mohammad Hossein Attaran
artwork by Mohammad Hossein Attaran

“Hide!”

Klon’s voice rasped as he shouted to his wife. But she didn’t duck beneath the stone table or make for the cellar. Instead, Jini stepped next to him at the window, cradling their child in her arm. “They broke through the defenses, didn’t they?” she asked, emotionless.

High above, violet lightning flashed across the billowing fumes of poisonous clouds.

“Let’s go.” Continue reading “Drogg”