A Writer Mom’s Reflections: Heartache and Hope

By Natasha Hayden
May 15, 2015

Natasha as Mama.

Mother’s Day is a special day, of course, a day to receive little tokens of appreciation from our children or to tell our own mothers how much they mean to us. But I’ve discovered, as a mother of five-plus years now, that there can be a bit of sadness about the holiday, too. Sometimes that sadness is because our mothers are not near or not even on this earth anymore. Sometimes it’s because certain hard memories are associated with the day or simply because we’ve been disappointed in the past. Often it’s because of our wants: our petty desires or our deep longings, both.

Mother’s Day comes with all these complicated emotions because it celebrates something that is life-changing and all-encompassing. Evidence of such change in my own life was that when I became a mother, I found I had a hard time writing stories about anything else, processing my reality through fiction. For example, I once wrote a story about a spy mother leading a double life (like Amira in Jaysynn’s story, though I cannot claim authorship of that); it contained bits of reality from my own life (not the spy part, sadly!). The short story I did write for CotW is also about a mother, one with regrets.

The story I am hesitantly sharing with you in this blog is one far more personal than those. I wrote it more than five years ago, during a time of my life when Mother’s Days were dismal, when the deep longing of my heart was to be a mother and when more than two years of trying ended in two miscarriages. It depicts pretty much what happened to me the first time I was pregnant, with only names and minor details changed (or cut for modesty’s sake). I wrote it to remember, and I give it to all the mothers who grieve and all the mothers who were meant to be but aren’t. It’s not happy. It’s not meant to be. It’s meant to make a connection, to let you know, if you have experienced loss or emptiness, that you are not alone. And while another happy, commercialized holiday passes us by, let’s be real a minute. Life–motherhood being just one aspect of that–is tough, and sometimes you just need someone else to shoulder the load a bit and hold your hand while you cry.

[Disclaimer: The story linked here may not be for everyone. It contains details straight out of my journal and is occasionally mildly graphic, from doctor’s exams to bathroom scenes. I believe I have censored the most offending sections and apologize if it is not enough. Read at your own discretion.]

Perhaps this seems like a strange story to share with you, our readers at Children of the Wells. It’s not that we relish telling depressing tales (right, Nick?). We’re more about reflecting all of life, ups and downs, about shining hope into the darkest night. As you read, you will find sadness, even despair, but we want our stories to reveal a way to live through and beyond it, something I’ve noticed the modern story often lacks. We aim to strike closer to the truth, which isn’t about attaining an ideal or fatalistically accepting what life hands you. Whether you read my personal story, linked above, or the fictional stories we create for CotW, you will find honesty, raw and aching but also beautiful, hopeful. A mirror of motherhood, I think, but also a reflection of the daily struggle of life on Earth.

The ‘Dream Cast” for a Jaysynn Movie

By Nathan Marchand
May 7, 2015

Believe it or not, I’ve been meaning to write this blog for several weeks, but it kept getting delayed by either computer problems or book releases or what not. Anyway, hello again, Wellsians! (Okay, not my best attempt at creating a name for our fanbase).

I decided I’d have a little fun with this blog. When I studied professional writing with Dr. Dennis E. Hensley at Taylor University Fort Wayne (where most of us Children of the Wells creators met, by the way), he suggested that fiction writers should “cast” their characters, i.e. select photos of actors they could see playing the character(s) if their story was made into a movie. I’ve done this with several of my projects over the years, and it’s helped me to keep an image of the character in my mind (I’m a visual person, anyway).

It shouldn’t surprise you that I did this when I wrote The Fall of the House of Kyzer, which I’ve talked about before. However, since then with the help of Tim (who created several new characters), I’ve “cast” most of the major players from the first trilogy of Jaysynn novellas. It won’t take you long to notice a bit of a pattern with my selections (as in, a nerdy one). Also, these are only how I (and Tim) see the characters. You are free to picture them however you like.

So, without further ado… (more…)

Call of the Watchman Is Here!

Let’s keep this short and sweet:

Jaysynn Book 4 – Call of the Watchman is now available for your reading pleasure.
Click this to get to the book page.
Tell all your friends.

Oh, I suppose I could give you a little more. How about the cool cover?

And maybe the back cover copy, even though it’s at the link above as well?

Once, Jaysynn Kyzer traced the skyline of Thyrion in the guise of the Watchman, aiding those oppressed by the Thyrian regime. Now, witnessing the abuses of the popular uprising known as the Defiant, the Watchman returns to convince people there is a third choice besides an old tyrant or a new one. But does a small band of idealists stand a chance against the brutality of the Defiant? And what can a new magic based on trust do against the remnants of a world based on power? Jaysynn and his companions don’t know, but they’re about to find out.

There it is. Download it now.

Have You Heard the Watchman Call?

By Nick Hayden
April 23, 2014

Hello, everybody!

Not Nick Hayden.

(Hi, Doctor Nick!)

You may have heard rumors that Children of the Wells is finally publishing another novella. Well, you’ve heard right! In the next week or so expect the release of Call of the Watchman, book four of Jaysynn’s storyline.

In preparation for its release, I thought I’d conduct a short interview with the author (meaning myself). Here we go!

~~~

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview, Nick.

Oh, you’re quite welcome. I always have time for you. You’re one of my favorite people.

Aw, shucks! Thanks. So, this is your first Jaysynn story, correct?

That’s true. I’ve written two Bron & Calea books, but this is my first foray into Jaysynn’s world–except for that short story in Destinies Entwined. If you haven’t read that, you should.

And no, this is not as depressing as The Well’s Orphan. Because, as we all know, nothing is that depressing.

I’m glad to hear that. In that same note, how was writing about Jaysynn different than writing for Bron & Calea?

The thing with both Bron and Calea is that they’re intense characters. They make a decision and move relentlessly in that direction. Jaysynn’s not like that. He’s uncertain. He’s searching for his purpose.

The Well’s Orphan is an exercise in extreme focus on one character, one mindset. Call of the Watchman forced me to juggle a number of different characters, which is a lot of fun. Tim introduced so many wonderful characters in New Wells Rising (Amira, Mic, Gunny), including some that didn’t make his final draft. I had a chance to introduce those characters as well. Daveer in particular was a blast to write.

Exciting! So, what’s this book about, then?

Glad you asked! Let’s start with the back cover copy:

Once, Jaysynn Kyzer traced the skyline of Thyrion in the guise of the Watchman, aiding those oppressed by the Thyrian regime. Now, witnessing the abuses of the popular uprising known as the Defiant, the Watchman returns to convince people there is a third choice besides an old tyrant or a new one. But does a small band of idealists stand a chance against the brutality of the Defiant? And what can a new magic based on trust do against the remnants of a world based on power? Jaysynn and his companions don’t know, but they’re about to find out.

One interesting aspect is that most of this book jumps two months into the future. There’s a lot of change that happens in that time, some of it subtle, some of it vital to the plot, and it starts Jaysynn upon his quest to take back Thyrion–somehow.

Any last words?

Read Call of the Watchman! There are battles! There’s magic! There are long monologues by an entertaining new character! Above all, if you want to see how Jaysynn begins to take up his role as true ruler of Thyrion, dive in.

~~~

Thank you, Nick, for that lovely interview! And thank you, readers, for putting up with it. Expect Call of the Watchman soon!

A Peek Ahead

by Timothy Deal
April 14, 2015

When thinking about this week’s blog, I briefly considered writing a recap of Jaysynn’s adventures thus far from the outlandish perspective of Claw, a young boy who will make his debut in our next novella. However, I quickly realized Claw’s introduction would probably be better served through that story itself and I don’t want to steal the thunder from its author, CotW veteran Nick Hayden. So instead, let me share some more tantalizing tidbits about Jaysynn #4 – including its title – and the current status of Children of the Wells in general.

First off, long-time readers may be surprised we’re talking about the next Jaysynn book already. After all, it’s been about a year since the last Bron & Calea story, The Well’s Orphan, was released. Rest assured, more of this series is coming soon and when it does, it will certainly make up for lost time. Based on writer (and April Fools prankster) Greg Meyer’s reports, Bron & Calea #4 will be the longest Children of the Wells story to date and we’re excited for what he has in store. Fans of Bron (which really should be everyone reading this) will definitely enjoy this one.

But while we wait for Bron & Calea #4, Nick is almost finished with the next installment of Jaysynn’s story, which will be released in a few short weeks! Its title: Call of the Watchman.

In this novella, Jaysynn’s movement grows after he reveals the Watchman’s presence to the anarchist group, the Defiant, and their leader General Korab. But unlike the powerful and violent Defiant, the Watchman’s band is still small and comprised of children, elders, and misfits. Jaysynn and his inner circle – including Kyrie, Mic, Amira, and Gunny – must figure out how to shape their ragtag followers into a force for good while still grappling with their recent discoveries about magic.

The world of Children of the Wells continues to grow with Nick’s novel, and I’m as excited for you to meet the new characters introduced in his book as I am to continue the story of Jaysynn and his crew. In addition to Claw, you’ll also meet his silent brother Hunter, a dashing fellow named Daveer, and a brooding young sidekick for Gunny called Deryn. Oh, and you’ll also experience more of General Korab who you caught a glimpse of in my book New Wells Rising. If you couldn’t tell before, Korab’s not a nice guy.

All in all, you’re going to be in for an exciting read with lots of the great character moments you can expect from Children of the Wells and healthy dose of action as befitting a Jaysynn story. Keep an eye out for Call of the Watchman later this month!

Children of the Wells Video Game Kickstarter–Coming Soon!

April 1, 2015

Friends,

I have the distinct pleasure and honor to announce the pre-announcement of the Children of the Wells first ever Kickstarter campaign for not one, but TWO indie video game projects! I, along with the other members of ChildrenoftheWells.com, have been hard at work brainstorming and planning out this huge and exciting endeavor which can be funded for the paltry sum of $10,000.

These will be all-new, canon stories featuring additional adventures of Bron & Calea, and of Jaysynn.

“One of my favorite aspects of reading comic books are when storylines span multiple books,” explains project writer Greg Meyer. “I love buying issues of series I have no interest in or face the risk of being completely lost in the story I’m currently reading. I want to bring that same kind of thrill by mixing books with video games. If you want to know what’s going on in the books, you have to play the games.”

When the project was first tossed around, we jumped at the chance. I mean, how hard can it be to make a video game? I made one on my calculator in High School, and technology has only grown since then.

We’re not only making two video games, but their styles will be completely different. That’s right, two different experiences for the CotW fan!

Actual screen shot!

Jaysynn Quest Go! is an RPG that harkens back to those magical days of our youth, spending hours in front of the television on Saturdays clicking buttons to attack with a sword instead of straining our arm! We’ve studied the classics of the genre, from SaGa Frontier to Quest 64, even going all the way back to that NES gem Hydlide. Spend endless hours getting lost in first-person dungeons, getting into random battles every two steps, and trying to wrap your head around our incomprehensible battle system! Best of all, we’ve removed save points and instead allow you to input passwords. Now you never have to worry about the game battery dying ever again! As for the plot, follow Jaysynn as he traverses the trap-filled labyrinths of Lord Dracon’s tower to rescue Kyrie from the power-mad villain and finally marry her. Can Jaysynn survive the monsters below and defeat Mecha Lord Dracon X to save her? You’ll have to play it and find out! And remember, it’s canon.

Bron & Calea and the Gooey Select is based on the wacky and fondly remembered adventure games of the 80’s. Follow our heroes as they attempt to solve who’s been turning former Select into pink goo. Solve complex and intricate stage puzzles that will require hours upon hours of endless pixel clicking and item combinations. Did you collect the ketchup packet, ball of lint, and dodecahedron from the room you visited twenty hours ago but can’t revisit? No? Better restart your game and start all over again!

Stunning old-school graphics!

Our Story Designer Greg Meyer is hard at work writing out the game scenarios. Based on what we have, it should take 400 hours for you to complete just one of the two games. Now that’s a ton of content! Think of the value you’re going to get if you choose to support our Kickstarter program!

Of course, no Kickstarter project is complete without rewards! Here’s what we’ve planned so far for our wonderful and amazing donors:

$1) A dollar? Really? And you’re expecting a reward? How dare you, you cheapskate.
$10) Autographed CotW ebook of our choosing.
$30) All of the CotW ebooks, signed by just one of our authors.
$50) An ebook and one of our old T-shirts with that pizza stain that won’t come out.
$500) An eBook and a vial of our tears.
$10,000) All expense paid trip to exotic Indiana.*

Note: Contributor is responsible for airfare, lodgings, and food during duration of trip.

We sincerely hope you consider pledging something to our Kickstarter. With your help, we can create a truly revolutionary experience.

Thank you,

The Children of the Wells Staff

Please support us. Please.

Visiting Nick Hayden’s ‘Isle of Gold’

by Nathan Marchand
March 24, 2015

My apologies, dear readers, for this late blog. There are a couple reasons for this. First, my family has been dealing with the death one of my uncles. This, among other things, aggravated the second reason: it delayed my reading of the book I wanted to write about for this good reads blog. I very much wanted to discuss this particular book because 1) it’d been sitting unread on my shelf for too long, 2) it’s an amazing piece of literature, and 3) it keeps things in the Children of the Wells family.

That book is The Isle of Gold by none other than our very own Nick Hayden.

The tagline for this book says, “He sailed into unknown seas to discover wonders, women, and wealth. Now all he wants is a drink of water.” Some may think they’ll be getting a Pirates of the Caribbean-esque adventure story or perhaps a fantastical take on Robinson Crusoe. In truth, it’s a bit of both. It begins with a shipwrecked sailor—who has a silver arm—awaking on the beach. He explores the island to quench his extreme thirst only to discover a beautiful living statue of a woman whose curse he tries to lift.

While it’s full of fantastic creatures and characters, this story is more about philosophy than plot. The narrator, much like Nick himself, is always espousing and evaluating ideas. He asks questions, but he doesn’t always answer them. In the hands of most writers (perhaps even me) this might’ve been a simple, straight-forward, though creative, adventure story, but Nick elevates it to what is arguably literary fantasy. Many plot points, characters, and settings are rife with symbolism. Someone could easily re-read this book just to mine the plethora of multilayered ideas. Like most classic literature, these ideas are understated and must be discovered through careful reading.

The style reminded me of C. S. Lewis and to a lesser extent J.R.R. Tolkien. Lewis because of the densely layered philosophies and ideas injected throughout. The story itself is very Lewis-ian. Perhaps equal parts Perelandra and The Great Divorce with some Narnia sprinkled on top. Actually, it might be more accurate to say it draws from Till We Have Faces. The prose itself is beautiful and articulate. However, there aren’t many big and/or obscure words to daunt some readers. Like Tolkien, Nick in this book takes small words and fills them with meaning. The protagonist speaks frequently of “the Sea,” often comparing it to a woman, and the wonders he’s seen traveling it. A simple word—“Sea”—is given a greater significance than any polysyllabic word. Only great writers can accomplish such feats.

What’s more impressive is he does this in only 60 pages. You read that right. I didn’t forget a “0.” This book is a breezy read that can be finished in one sitting.

Yes, I’m fanboy-ing Nick writing this. Nick is also a friend. More people should read his stuff. Nick is a gifted writer, but he’s a terrible promotor. So, I’m doing him a favor by endorsing this book. I’m an admitted shameless self-promotor, but often I use my powers for the good of others. 😛 (This isn’t the first time I’ve done this for him.)

So, when you finish reading Nick’s next Children of the Wells novella, go buy this book! You’ll enjoy the journey.

Greg’s Shelf Gives Sanctuary to The Outcast of Redwall

By Greg Meyer
March 14, 2014

When I found out that this month’s theme was Good Reads, I decided to take a look back at one of my most cherished fiction worlds: the late Brian Jacques’ Redwall series. When Brian sadly passed away a little over four years ago, he left readers with a whopping twenty-two books in his beloved series, a true testament to his deft skills as a teller of tales.

The books tell the tales of a world full of talking animals going on fantastic and dangerous adventures, singing humorous ditties and barrack room ballads, and devouring delicious and mouthwatering feasts. Every story in the Redwall series focuses on the events concerning Redwall Abbey, a sanctuary for beasts that live around Mossflower Country. Mice, squirrels, otters, hedgehogs, hares, shrews, and badgers live in harmony together and stand up against the injustice performed by vermin such as crafty foxes, rotten rats, and sneaky stoats and ferrets. Heroes are born, villains lay siege, weapons clash, and good beasts fall, all in the name to protect the Abbey from the clutches of evil.

Whenever people talk about the Redwall series, they usually talk about the first book—Redwall. Now, Redwall is a great book. In fact, if you’ve never tried Redwall, but would like to get into the series, I’d recommend you read it first. But when all discussion focuses on the first two or three tales on the series, the rest languish in the shadows. Well, not today!

Here’s a secret: you can jump into almost any of the books without worry about losing the overall story. Many of the books are self-contained, with only a few that have suggested prerequisites. While my choice does have a preceding book that you should probably read (Mossflower), I’m still going through with my recommendation. That book is The Outcast of Redwall the eighth Tale of Redwall, and one of my personal favorites.

Sunflash & Skarlath photo from Redwall.wikia.com

“Each of us is born to follow a star, be it bright and shining or dark and fated. Sometimes the paths of these stars will cross, bringing love or hatred.” – Rillbrook the Wanderer, in the opening to The Outcast of Redwall.

Thus begins the epic tale of The Outcast of Redwall. Just as the narrator intones, the paths of a young badger with a golden stripe and a cruel six-clawed ferret named Swartt Sixclaw cross and entwined until one can defeat the other. Swartt has cruelly bound and enslaved the badger, whom he calls Scumtripe, for as long as the badger remembers. He once had a different name, a home, and loving parents, but they’re just a dream at this point. The badger isn’t an amnesiac, but like us, we forget who we are sometimes in terrible trials.

But not is all lost, for a wayward young hawk named Skarlath crashes near Swartt’s camp, half frozen to death from a snowstorm. The ferret has Scumtripe guard the hawk for his morning breakfast, but the desperate badger has other plans. Scumtripe revives Skarlath from his frozen condition and Skarlath in turn frees the badger from his long constraining bonds. Taking a massive limb from a tree, the badger fashions it into a mighty mace and seeks his revenge upon the camp of his mocking captors, slaying some and ruining the left paw of Swartt Sixclaw. The badger and ferret swear oaths to one day kill each other before the badger and Skarlath make their escape. Skarlath and the badger become the dearest of friends, with Skarlath christening the badger with a new name— Sunflash the Mace!

Sunflash and Skarlath spend the next few seasons gaining a name for themselves, defending the weak beasts of Mossflower country and scattering vermin wherever they go. After a near-death experience, Sunflash dreams of his family and accepts his destiny to rule the mighty mountain fortress of Salamandastron. But Swartt Sixclaw isn’t twiddling his claws waiting for Sunflash; he’s busy gathering an army of vermin and becoming a powerful warlord. Sunflash and Swartt haven’t forgotten each other, and the day will come when the two meet for the final time in the field of battle and blood.

Caught in the middle of this conflict are two beasts at Redwall Abbey. Swartt’s infant son Veil was lost in a failed battle in the woods of Mossflower and taken to Redwall to be raised by the peaceful beasts of the Abbey. There, the young mousemaid Bryony decides to adopt the infant as her son, loving him as if he was her own. But as the lad grows, Veil becomes more and more like his father, stealing and lying to others, despite Bryony’s attempts to steer him in the right direction.

When Veil is caught trying to poison one of the Abbey beasts, the brothers and sisters of Redwall choose to banish Veil, making him the titular “Outcast of Redwall.” But a mother’s love is not easily broken, and Bryony follows after her son, and the two head straight towards the final deadly conflict between Sunflash the Mace and Swartt Sixclaw.

Veil Sixclaw photo from Redwall.wikia.com

What makes Outcast of Redwall one of my favorite books in the series is that the story follows Sunflash’s journey from his life as a slave to him taking his rightful place as Badger Lord of Salamandastron. Almost all of the Redwall books take place over a season or two, giving the reader only a small window of time for the book’s cast. However, The Outcast of Redwall acts more like a chronicle of the lives of Sunflash and Swartt Sixclaw, detailing their differing rise in power. Normally, Redwall villains are at the height of their power when they first appear. Instead, Swartt experiences a type of villain’s journey, going from a small time rover to the leader of a vermin army.

Sunflash makes for an interesting hero as well. The badger is headstrong, almost single-minded in his quest for vengeance against the ferret. This leads to moments where Sunflash makes poor decisions, endangering himself and causing others to come to his rescue. The young badger has a lot to learn, and we experience Sunflash’s triumphs and failures, his joys and his deep sorrow. Sunflash’s journey from Scumtripe to Badger Lord is an exciting and dramatic read, making it one of the very best tales in a series well known for its high adventure.

I first read Outcast back in 2010, already having read quite a few Redwall books during my first trip through the series. While I enjoyed all the books I had read up to that point, Outcast stuck with me, mainly due to Sunflash himself. Watching Sunflash rediscover who he is and travel headlong to his destiny struck a chord with me as I worked through discovering who I was as a writer. Likewise, Sunflash’s close friendship with Skarlath reminded me of the unbreakable friendships I had forged in my life, and the sacrifices we’ve made in helping each other. Though the roads of life can take us in opposite directions, those bonds remain strong through the mire and trials this life brings.

If you’re looking for a book to read during a stormy spring day, I can’t think of a better book than The Outcast of Redwall. So come with me to the land of fearless Badger Lords, bloodthirsty warlords, and tranquil Redwall Abbey and dive into the adventure today!

Eulalia!

Natasha’s Shelf is Exploding with Good Reads!

By Natasha Hayden
March 5, 2015

This month we are blogging about some of the latest and best of what we’ve been reading, which is right up my alley. I review just about everything I read on my blog natashasshelf.blogspot.com, though I am behind by about three books. Of the last five books I’ve read, I’ve rated four of them four or five stars. They’ve been so good lately I’ve just kept reading without reviewing, so some of these reviews are making their first appearance here before my blog. I think my reading thus far this year has been varied enough (though, admittedly, still mostly young adult fiction) that there ought to be something below that appeals to you. (more…)

“A Good Man” – A Vac Flash Fiction

by Nick Hayden
February 21, 2015

For the next few weeks, we’ll be publishing flash fiction stories that examine small, emotional moments in our characters’ lives that don’t fit in the normal narratives. We hope you enjoy!

~~~

A Good Man

Read more about Governor Vac in our first collection!

“Delia Coonhill is asking to see you, Governor.”

Governor Vac looked up from his papers. He was a man not often shocked, but the soldier’s announcement had elicited an emotion very near that. “Send her in.” He gathered up the reports and stored them in a drawer. Delia Coonhill might be the wife of his former Head of Intelligence, but she wasn’t cleared for the information on the reports.

In walked a diminutive, round-faced woman in a simple black dress adorned with a few white frills. Though nearly forty, she still looked like a child, with those dimples and big eyes. Her gait bore a weariness that betrayed her face.

“Good evening, Governor.”

He stood and pulled a wooden chair from the corner to the front of his desk. “Sit, please.”

“Thank you.”

She sat lightly, on the edge of the seat. She clutched a bottle of some sort of liquor to her chest. Vac had last seen her at the funeral, a week ago. He had offered a few words of condolences. Besides that, they had not spoken. They rarely had.

“I brought you this.” She extended the bottle to him. He took it, examining it. Her husband was dead in his service. He did not trust the contents.

“What is it for?”

“Drinking, usually.” She did not smile, but her eyes glimmered briefly. (more…)

After the Cataclysm took our magic,
how do we rebuild?