writing – Esther Davis

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”

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”

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.”

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

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

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

arranged 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!”

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

“Let’s go.” Continue reading “Drogg”