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.

Twitter-Summoners

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!

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.

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”

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”

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!

Thank you to my readers

Konnichi wa minsan! Hello!

I don’t have a fantasy story for you today sadly, but I did want to say a few words. The last 18 months I’ve let this wonderful invention called a computer auto-post a steady stream of sketches and short stories in hopes they could enrich someone’s day. Just this week I returned to WordPress and Twitter and finally saw the responses to my writing. I’m blown away. Thank you so much for your kind words! A writer is nothing without her readers, and I’m so grateful to have such wonderful people reading my work.

Now for a bit of explanation: I put writing on hold for a 18-month trip to Japan as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Yes, Japan does have paper and ink–and computers as well–but so that I could focus on missionary work I temporarily suspended work as an author. I’m so grateful for my time in Japan. I met many lifelong friends, had the amazing opportunity to learn the Japanese language, and saw God’s all-encompassing love manifest each of those 567 days. Japan taught me lessons that I could learn no other way.

Now that I’m home I will resume writing. I’ll continue posting sketches on this blog and work towards completing my novel. Stay tuned! Thank you again for all the support. Reader-tachi ga daisuki da yo!