Struggle

Welcome back!

I realize it's been over a month now since my last post, so I'm sorry about that! This isn't going to be a normal post, but then again, what is normal?

Recently, I've discovered that my motivation to do much is gone. It's literally vanished since I started writing my latest novel, and I believe my inner critic had a big part to play in it.

Writing may turn out to be the easiest part of the job in the end, but it's still pretty tough. Especially when you're writing something that you're really not that into in the first place. Though it's good to challenge yourself, I feel that you should find something you are passionate about, and blossom in it. If you don't love your project, you're only feeding the fire which is your inner critic.

I know my work is far from perfect. I've had to learn when to stop tweaking things, and let my work go out into the world, where people can either love it or hate it. I can handle the mixed reviews for my Witch In The Woods trilogy, because no matter what anyone else thinks, I love it! That's the thing that matters.

Desolation has been a struggle for me. A dream I had awhile ago inspired me to write it, but I never expected it would be this hard on me. I've struggled to figure out why, but I knew the answer longer than I thought I did.

This book isn't my style. It's the chaos of modern day which I've always longed to escape from. The magic and freedom is dead, and in it's place are the aliens wielding the weapons that destroyed the peace. (Sounds pretty cool in a literary sense, but this isn't what I strive for.)

As I try to continue with my work, my inner critic rears it ugly head.
"You've never written a book like this before. It's not going to be any good. You're going to disappoint everyone. They think you should be finished by now, and be publishing five or more books a year. Once it's published, you're going to wish the world swallows you whole."

My inner critic has been harsh, and made me go through a full week (And some day here and there) where I lost myself. Not just in my writing, but in my life. It had me questioning everything. I found that stressing over something else gave me a break from stressing over my book.

I know it's okay to put the story down, and work on something else for a while, but I couldn't get myself to do it. I'm still working on it. I can't stop.

Honestly, I think the reason is that I've told people that Desolation would come out this year. Sure, it's only April, I have plenty of time to get it done, but people keep asking, "When will you publish it?" I don't want to let anyone down, but I don't know when. My inner critic only takes that as more fuel.
Would they think less of me if it's not ready when they want it?

Getting to talk about this with a close friend made me realize that I'm just one girl. One imperfect human, and that's okay. So I asked myself, when did I let other people be in charge of me? (My inner critic included)

What they think shouldn't matter to me. What my inner critic says is nothing important. I will not write this book to please anyone, but I will not stop, either. I'll keep fighting this battle, and I will come out on the other side. It may not be beautiful, or amazing, but I will finish this. Why, you ask? Because I need to keep writing this book for myself.

If any of you struggle with similar things, just know that you are a strong person, and can make it through this. You just need to find what truly matters to you.

*My Chemical Romance moment:

I don't want to make it. I just wanna.

Thanks for reading!
*All pictures found on Google images*

In the mood for a fantastic read full of witches, magic, and surprises?

Then please, feel free to check out my books on these great sites!

Witch In The Woods trilogy on Amazon

Witch In The Woods trilogy on B&N

Witch In The Woods on CreateSpace

Witch In The Woods on Smashwords

Don't forget to like my Facebook page, and follow me on Twitter and Goodreads to stay updated!

My author page on Facebook

@ann_bunker on Twitter

Taylor Ann Bunker on GoodReads

The Holidays and Characters

Hello readers,

It was the most wonderful time of the year, and I had absolutely no motivation to start writing my next book, nor get this blog post out on time. I blame Christmas... And now procrastination, because I wanted to get this post out last year.

I was just too excited for the holidays! So I had decided to take a little vacation and enjoy the festivities. However, I also wanted to stay productive as well.

As you know, my book Witch in the Woods was included in a couple giveaways, (I'm counting that as staying active) and I decided to seize my bout of procrastination/no motivation, and turn it into a time of "Relaxed Productivity".

Here's my story: right after Halloween, I started working on my latest project 'Desolation', which will be a Young Adult/New Adult, fantasy/sci fi novel.

Well, I had hit a road bump... It felt more like a flat tire. This is COMPLETELY different than my beloved Witch In The Woods series, and I did not like my characters for this new writing project. The characters I did like were better suited for another story, that I might write in the future. I had a problem on my hands.

That is my conclusion, at least it worked pretty well for me. I took my time creating these new characters, and guess what? I actually like them! The key: I didn't just hit my head against the wall for hours trying to come up with characters. I managed to stay sane by taking it easy and letting them come to me. I can work with these people. I took my time, and got to know them gradually. Because of them, writing this book is a fun thought once again. These characters are much better suited for this story.

I fully plan on keeping you all updated on this writing project and the characters. That's all I have to say for now, but before I end this post, I'll leave you with this update: I already have nearly 20,000 words in the rough draft! It's a scary and exciting experience, and is completely different from Witch In The Woods! So when the time comes, expect a different writing style and everything! ;D

Thanks for reading! Write on, and read more indie books!

Please check out my books on these great sites!

Witch In The Woods trilogy on Amazon

Witch In The Woods trilogy on B&N

Witch In The Woods on CreateSpace

Witch In The Woods on Smashwords

Don't forget to like my Facebook page, and follow me on Twitter and Goodreads to stay updated!

My author page on Facebook

@ann_bunker on Twitter

Taylor Ann Bunker on GoodReads

The Eye of Divinity!

Good day, readers!

I have recently read a book called, 'Knights: The Eye of Divinity' by Robert E. Keller. It is the first in a series, and you can find it for free on Amazon if you are interested.

It is about a young boy named Lannon who lives in a valley with his sick, crazy father and ill-tempered mother, before three knights arrive looking for new recruits. By sight, they see that Lannon is scrawny, and is not knightly material. But then they discover that Lannon has a gift; one so powerful and rare, that it could save the kingdom of Dremlock from the goblins and the Deep Shadow, which threaten to destroy the legendary kingdom. Lannon possesses the Eye of Divinity. (I was very relieved when Lannon was recruited, because his father was bipolar and his mother liked to complain about how she is the only one who works. This was the best thing that ever could have happened to boy.)

The knights take Lannon back to Dremlock to become a squire, and learn how to unlock the Eye in order to save the kingdom. Along with his friends, Lannon discovers that not even Dremlock in safe from the Deep Shadow, which has infected the hearts and minds of those around them, making them question if anyone in Dremlock can be trusted.

I know it's a good book when it engages me enough to suddenly start talking to the characters, as if I am their conscience that they never listen to. "That's not a good idea Lannon, don't do it... You did it! Why didn't you listen to me?!" Meanwhile my mom is sitting next to me on the couch, probably thinking I'm insane.

My favorite characters were Furlus and Taris, the tower masters and two of the three knights that recruited Lannon. I envisioned the dwarf and wizard as the Gimli and Legolas duo in this series.
Cordus, the third knight, and also the Lord Knight, would probably be Aragorn.

I give this book four out of five stars, and I cant wait to read the next in the series. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy.


Thanks for reading my book review! I know you all are probably wondering about my own book, and how it is coming along. My mom and I are a little over half way through the editing. We would have been almost finished with it by now, but this last week was pretty crazy! However, we should have it done sometime in the next week!

Before I leave, I thought I would inform you all that next week I will put up another post, revealing the cover art as well as the release date for Clearly's Corruption! The wait is almost over! See you all next time.