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4.5.7
Writer of #Fantasy / #RomanticFantasy
Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea
My Author Website: https://www.sarahjhoodlet.com
~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~
Alt Text for:
Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat.
Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
We're nine days out from the release of After the Awakening! 🥳
Between now and March 24, I'll be posting one "out of context quote" from the book each day. I did this with Convergence of Connection, and had so much fun!
Without further ado, here's today's quote!
#Books #Quote #TeaserQuote #OutOfContextQuote #fantasy #FantasySeries #RomanticFantasy #FantasyBooks #ComingSoon #Reading #Readers
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
#WordWeavers 14Mar—Is selling your work for money important to you when you write?
Buckle up.
It's not *why* I write, no. But to say that selling my stories, and thus making money, isn't important is also incorrect. In fact, I'd say it's incorrect for most of us.
Because while we might not write for money, the validation of sales and readership IS important to us. You can't tell me it's not.
1/3
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
#WritersCoffeeClub 13Mar—Talk about an experience where you consulted an expert for a piece of writing.
I...don't think I've directly consulted an expert.
I've been getting massages for 20 years (chronic migraines), and used that experience to develop a character in book 3. That's less consulting and more relying on my own interpretations.
Aside from that, though, I can't think of anything.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
#WritersCoffeeClub 11Mar—Does your work reflect your morals? How so?
Of course. I wrote it; it's impossible to remove my morals from it completely.
I don't make it obvious—at least, I try not to. But there are things I highlight, such as respect (esp. toward women), forgiveness, and kindness. Occasionally, I'll show these things by having characters *not* be moral (e.g. being disrespectful). Sometimes, that's more effective.
I'd be more worried if writing didn't reflect the author's morals.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10Mar—How informal is your prose? Is there a limit to informality?
I think it depends on the POV narrator. Some are more formal, while others are more relaxed. My editor noticed this, too, especially in book four (where there are 11 POVs).
Generally, I think my prose is relaxed. It reads easier, using common vernacular with the occasional $20 word or phrase thrown in. But like I said, some characters are more relaxed than others.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
#WritersCoffeeClub 9Mar—Do you prefer to write complex, intricate plots, or more straightforward ones?
Each book in The Way of the Wielder series has its own plot(s), plus the series-long plot intricately woven into that. Each MC also has their own plot arc, many of which weave together at some point(s) or another. In book one there are two MCs; by book four there are five, but 11 total POV narrators, all working toward one goal.
I like big plots and I cannot lie. 🤷♀️
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
The pre-order for After the Awakening (ebook) is now live! 🥳
This book will be released on March 24, 2026.
Pick up the first three books in The Way of the Wielder series now, and preorder the finale today!
US Link to TWOTW series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYDPLBZ7
US Link to preorder After the Awakening (other marketplaces in comments): https://a.co/d/0exd4vsb
#Books #Fantasy #Reading #Series #FantasyBooks #SelfPromotion #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
#WritersCoffeeClub 7Mar—What have you given up in order to write?
My soulless corporate PR career, and it was the best decision I've ever made.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
#ScribesAndMakers 6Mar—How do you choose a title for your book?
It depends.
Sometimes it's the first thing that comes to me. Other times, it comes while I'm drafting. Once (with my middle grade story), I changed the title in editing.
My next series will be 8 books, and I already know each one's title. They follow a pattern, and tell a story in themselves.
There's no one way, except that I'll never force it. The title is very important, and when it's right, it's right. Not a moment before.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
#WordWeavers 6Mar—If you have several stories, which one should a new reader start with? If not yet published, what other works might your readers enjoy?
In a little over two weeks, I'll have five books published. Four are in the same series, one is a middle grade (ages 9-13) story.
Older audiences should start with The Way of the Wielder, although Mission Aboard the Longfin is a fun adventure for anyone. Younger audiences should only read Mission Aboard the Longfin.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
#WritersCoffeeClub 5Mar—How do you make sure you don't leave plot holes?
By reading my novels 17 times. 😅
Joking aside, that's why I outline. While putting the shell of the story together, I'm able to see the flow and determine if there are holes anywhere. Occasionally, I'll encounter a plot hole while drafting, although that happens less frequently these days.
I also use beta readers, but by then plot holes are mostly resolved. Betas are mostly for character and world building checks.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
#WordWeavers 4Mar—When was the last time your MC lied? Why?
Emery doesn't really lie, but there are times when she doesn't reveal the whole truth. She does this several times throughout Rise of Iron, mostly because what she's experiencing is unprecedented, and it may get her killed if others know.
Vince also doesn't reveal the whole truth, but for different reasons. His class (Lead) is often feared/respected for the wrong reasons, and he hasn't felt the need to correct them... Until Emery.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
In preparation for our trip to Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein in May, I'm brushing up on my German!
I took German for 4 years in middle/high school, but stopped in 10th grade. I haven't spoke much beyond pleasantries in the 24 years since, but now that I'm taking lessons again, I'm surprised at how much I remember.
Anyway, I have a handful of German/German-speaking mutuals. If you post something simple, I might try to engage.
Ich verstehe ein bisschen Deutch. 😃
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
#WordWeavers 28Feb—Would you like to meet any of your characters? Would you tell them who you are?
Perhaps not the antagonists, but I'd love to meet all of my MCs. I consider them good friends, and would happily spend time with them.
I don't think I would outright tell them who I am. If I did, I fear it would spoil the authenticity of who they really are or how they normally act. But I bet some of them would figure it out, specifically the scholars.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
#ScribesAndMakers 27Feb—Splat?
I've used many sound descriptions in my novels. Whoosh, clunk, clang, clink, drip, slosh, even a couple of "heehaws" in my WIP. But never splat.
I use splatter in After the Awakening (to describe blood on someone's clothes), but not splat. TBH, I don't know if I would. It feels...icky.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
“In seriousness,” [Jameson] continued in a gentler tone, “I believe you get what you give in this world, Emery. Kindness is the greatest gift we can give to one another. Kindness, peace, and love. Life’s too short for anything less.”
—excerpt from my WIP, Rise of Iron
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
#ScribesAndMakers 25Feb—Would you stream your creative process/the creation of your work? Why or why not?
Stream myself... staring off into space while I listen to my characters talk? Or me closing my eyes to immerse myself in the setting while I type? That would be incredibly boring.
The outlining process might be more interesting. I pace around my office, jotting ideas on my whiteboard and looking up things on my computer. But then there could be spoilers...
You know what? Nah. I'm good.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
#WordWeavers 25Feb—How is light created in your book? Candles, electricity, magic, or what?
Because the magic system in this world is metals based, there is basic electricity. I don't really go into how it's generated, although I suspect I will in... *checks book summaries document*... book six.
They also have portable lanterns. I imagine them being oil powered, but I haven't mentioned what kind of oil. That may come up in... book four or five.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Today’s the day, my friends…
I present to you, the cover of After the Awakening!
Isn’t it gorgeous? 😍
In today’s blog post, I go into more detail about what this cover includes. For those who haven’t finished Convergence of Connection, I’ll spare you the details here. But if you have read book three (or if you don’t care about spoilers), check out my blog post:
https://sarahjhoodlet.com/blog/after-the-awakening-cover-reveal/
Enjoy! 💗
#CoverReveal #books #fantasy #RomanticFantasy #WritingCommunity #Writing #IndieAuthor
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
Writer of # Fantasy / # RomanticFantasy Reader of All Genres, Cat Mom, Mental Health Advocate, Lover of Tea My Author Website: https://www. sarahjhoodlet.com ~I'm just off in my own imaginary worlds, creating magic and unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.~ Alt Text for: Avatar: A black & white image of a smiling woman wearing a large floppy hat. Header: Cover of the four books in The Way of the Wielder series.
#WritersCoffeeClub 24Feb—What's your greatest challenge in fleshing out your setting?
Being overly descriptive.
My stories play like a movie in my head. Sometimes, I'll close my eyes and let my mind's eye scan the landscape while I'm writing. This is deeply immersive, but it can lead to scenes being described in too much detail.
I don't worry about this while drafting. You never know where descriptions will be needed. But in editing, I'll remove what's unnecessary.