#lyraselene

[herbookishthings]

QOTD - what was your last 5 star read, and why? . Right now, I’m reading The Tethered mage (as you can see in my bio) and I’m loving it! As soon as I finish, I’m diving into this gorgeous book. All my friends are raving about it, and I know I’m going to love it! . Today, I’m excited to partner with @ireadya to share more about Amber & Dusk!  It’s a beautiful debut from @lyraselene that weaves a lush and dangerous story of secrets, sacrifice, and star-crossed love. To read an excerpt from the book click on the link in my bio! Summary: Sylvie has always known she deserves more. Out in the permanent twilight of the Dusklands, her guardians called her power to create illusions a curse. But Sylvie knows it gives her a place in Coeur d'Or, the palais of the Amber Empress and her highborn legacies.  So Sylvie sets off toward the Amber City, a glittering jewel under a sun that never sets, to take what is hers. But her hope for a better life is quickly dimmed. The empress invites her in only as part of a wicked wager among her powerful courtiers. Sylvie must assume a new name, Mirage, and begin to navigate secretive social circles and deadly games of intrigue in order to claim her spot. Soon it becomes apparent that nothing is as it appears and no one, including her cruel yet captivating sponsor, Sunder, will answer her questions. As Mirage strives to assume what should be her rightful place, she'll have to consider whether it is worth the price she must pay.  #AmberandDuskTour #AmberandDusk #IreadYA #LyraSelene #storygramtours #booklove #coverlove #flatlay #bookaesthetic #booksandtea #readersofig #reading #yalit #goodreads #igreads https://www.instagram.com/p/BrbBkTHn_KZ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=tg6ul1mgzabw

[pufflekittehreads]

December 2019 Anticipated Releases!

December 2019 Anticipated Releases!

I couldn’t find many books releasing in December which either I, or I knew some of you guys were looking forward to, but I hope you like the list I put together.

Children Of Virtue And Vengeance – Tomi Adeyemi. 3rd.

After battling the impossible, Zélie and Amari have finally succeeded in bringing magic back to the land of Orïsha. But the ritual was more powerful than they could’ve imagined,…

[sylvilel]

I’m really very happily surprised about this. • Owlcrate has been doing overall much of the young-girl-caught-at-court-concept lately. There is always the promise of political conflict and war, but it always falls short, as if the writers are afraid to get their hands fictionally bloody. • But Lyra Selene isn’t afraid to pay the price that revolution costs, and in this story hope and wonder and magic wars with darkness, despair and pain, almost on a psychological level. • The characters and their relations feel pretty authentic. I like that Sylvie is pictured as ambitious and proud without there being made excuses for it. She is angry and she is stubborn and she makes mistakes, with no little consequence. • Selene’s prose is a bit flowery, but I can live with that because the rest is so good. This might actually be a new favorite. • • • #AmberAndDusk #LyraSelene #yabooks #yafantasy #fantasy #fantasybooks #bookreview #bookish #booklover #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booknerd #magiciseverywhere #adventureawaits #magic #bokelsker #bok #ungdomsbok #boktips #bokanmeldelse #lesehest #lesing #books #reading #bookphotography #hobbyphotographer #settersofnorway #englishsetter #engelsksetter (ved Alsvåg) https://www.instagram.com/sylvilel/p/BvFTs07HSoU/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1thopzs1siwzh

[lilnightmusic]

My book is off to readers. Now it’s time to tackle my growing TBR, including this stunning book. ⚜️ There’s a part of me that wants to turn off my brain and watch the food network instead, but I’m maintaining self control. For now. ⚜️ What are you reading this Sunday? ⚜️ #amberanddusk #lyraselene #pmglablove #yafantasy #bookdragon #booknerdigans #lovetoread #booksofinstagram #bookgram #bookishlove #fortheloveofbooks #becauseofreading #readersofinstagram #bookoftheday #bookstagramfeature #bookfeaturepage #lipstick #igbeauty #photooftheday #makeupjunkie #lipsticklove #beautycommunity #bookflatlay #slaytheflatlay #ireadya #discoverunder10k #literatureandlipstick https://www.instagram.com/p/BuR522ZHd_G/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1uydkwiy5v953

[mothergamerwriter]

Hey 👋🏾 hey hey and happy #Saturday! 🧡 🧡 🧡 🧡 🧡 ——— Am I the only one who walks into #barnesandnoble and grabs a book simply for the cover? I can’t be...right??!?? Lol I picked up this copy of Amber & Dusk yesterday because the cover was like “yassss girl”. Hehe 😜 Anyways, for today’s #QOTD what’s the last book you bought because you had instant #coverlust? ———— 🧡 🧡 🧡 🧡 🧡 🧡 🧡 🧡 🧡 🧡 🧡 🧡 #bookcommunity #booksofinstagram #bookstagrammer #bookphotography #bookish #scholastic #lyraselene #amberanddusk #bookstagram #books #booknerd #bookobsessed https://www.instagram.com/p/BsivdBnHhnj/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=pu3512c0xsm1

[ireadergosumveritas]

Jan. 6th: Amber & Dusk & Purple #ocpower . Who’s read Amber & Dusk by @lyraselene ? . #owlcrateexclusivecover #yalit #amberanddusk #lyraselene #youngadultbooks #book #purple #owlcrate #bookstagram #booksandflowers https://www.instagram.com/p/BsUM7eBnBSo/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1t0nrf2ar9ocx

[booksnfeatherz]

🍁Do you'll enjoy doing group read along? . This is the first time I'm attempting to do this hosted by @owlcrate for the December book of the month Amber & Dust by Lyra Selene . #photochallenges #ocpower- Amber and Dust and purple . #subscriptionbox #owlcrate #owlcrateunboxing #bookbox #amberanddust #lyraselene #booklover #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #indianbookstagrammer #booknerd #bookstagramtogether #igreads #booksofinstagram #bookstagramindia #igersmumbai #igersindia #bookreader #bookstagramfeaturesindia #ilovebooks #booklove #booknerdigan #bookporn #bookphotography #bookaddict #mumbaibookstagram #bookstagramfeature (at Mumbai, Maharashtra) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsTJg-DnTS0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=109hfpw7pw1yp

[valepatrick93]

December OwlCrate Box! 💙 #OCPower #OwlCrate #unboxing #owlcrateunboxing #caraval #stephaniegarber #readingplanner #bookplanner #candle #marissameyer #lunarchronicles #christmasdecorations #christmastree #booklover #bookstagram #instabook #bookadict #amberanddusk #lyraselene #necklace #picoftheday #photooftheday #winter https://www.instagram.com/p/BsPz3Jznu1E/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=2fekzbw77ve0

[lyraselene]

This post originally appeared at Spellbound Scribes.

As I once more begin the arduous process of drafting a new manuscript, I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the mechanics and architecture of story-telling. Of course there’s no right way to tell a story, but there are certain elements that must be in place for a story to be effective. And–if we’re starting at the beginning–the first thing we have to think about is, well, the beginning.

No pictures???

It’s no secret in the publishing industry that the beginning of a manuscript is of the utmost importance. To agents, to editors, and to potential readers alike. The first 250 words…the first page…the first chapter. The opening of a book is what introduces your work to your reader, and, if all goes well, draws them in and makes them keep reading. But what exactly is supposed to be going on in this crucial stage, and how do we as writers make that happen? While there’s no perfect way to do it, here are some of the things I think are absolutely necessary to nailing the perfect first page.

1. Start with action. Okay, this needs a little clarification. By action I don’t necessarily mean a sword fight or a horse race. By action, I mean something needs to be in the process of happening. The fancy literary term is in media res, or in the middle of things. Something is being revealed. Something is going terribly wrong. Someone is in trouble. There must be a sense that something is happening, and will continue to happen.

Another way of putting this: don’t lead with extensive backstory or a detailed explanation of who and where and why. These things are important, but a paragraph of exposition on your first page may just kill your reader’s desire to continue past that first page. Lead with action; the rest will follow.

Who? Get it?

2. Introduce your main character. Have you ever read a book that began with something happening to someone, and then it turned out that character was not, in fact, the protagonist of the story? I have, and I always feel a little cheated. Your readers are going to assume that the first person they meet is your main character. So let them meet him or her. And remember, first impressions matter.

Meeting your protagonist is the first point of connection for your reader. Whatever assumptions they make right off the bat might just stick with that throughout the story. So make that first impression count, and give them a sense of who your character is and what motivates them.

Me, pretty much every day.

3. Show us your world. When they open that first page, readers are latching onto any and every detail that will give them a sense of setting and place. What do the characters look like? What are the surroundings? How is it similar to what the reader is familiar with, and how is it different? Without details to bring the scene into focus, the reader might feel a little lost, as though the action is happening in a vacuum.

The challenge here is painting a picture…without going overboard with descriptions. Just like explanation and backstory, too much description on the first page may bore and alienate your reader. Give your reader a sense of place without resorting to a paint-by-number.

4. Give us a hint of voice. Your potential reader needs to know what makes your story different from all the others out there, and why they should read yours. That means that the style and voice that makes you unique and sets your book apart from others needs to be immediately apparent. Is your POV character always making cracks regardless of the situation? Do you rely on muscular active prose? Whatever makes you stand out, include it in the first page. Let your hard-won craft shine!

Sound hard? IT IS. Welcome to the big leagues! While there’s no perfect way to open a manuscript, keeping these points in mind will help you begin your amazing story in a way that will have readers clamoring for more!

What do you like to include on your first page? What do you like to see on other writer’s first pages? Leave your thoughts below!

[alliewander]

I joined the crate game late.. I was online looking for new books to read when I found an article on #UnicornCrate. No not sponsored or whatever but I honestly couldn’t be happier. I ordered this (past) box last month. I liked the them that they were going with so I got it. I did get a few more things like a candle, a flag, and a few other things. One of those things being a Book (sleeve) protector. I can honestly say that besides the book I have never been more excited! lol I have wanted to read this book for some time now. I do have a few others on my list before I get to #Amber&Dusk. I have heard nothing but great things but im excited to read it none the less. Please share what y'all are reading! I love adding more to my List!

[inu206-blog]

I am so excited for this months Uppercase box. The December box includes .... ❤Amber and Dusk by Lyra Selene (Signed) ❤Amber and Dusk art print ❤Narnia tree ornament from Juniper and Ivy designs ❤Ladies of lit 2019 Calender What is your favorite item in the box? #bookaholic #booknerd #bookgeek #booklove #bookspics #bibliophile #bookworm #igbooks #bookishfeature #bookstagram #goodreads #bookish #readtoinfinity #uppercasebox #uppercase #lyraselene #amberanddusk #narnia https://www.instagram.com/p/Brf8ENunEGX/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1xtlew53d8h3z

[ttawoabw]

So after seeing the book and necklace (and the planner) the @owlcrate team included in their December ‘Power of Illusions’ box I knew I needed to get my hands on a box so I snagged one when they released them in the past items store and here we are!  Contents: 👑Queen Levana (Lunar Chronicles) candle by @flickthewick 👑The Crown’s Game ornament by @juniperandivydesigns 🎪The Night Circus magnet designed by @inkandwonder.designs 🎪Caraval inspired tote designed by @stellabookishart 📚Reading Planner (that isn’t dated so I can use it whenever I choose) made in collaboration with @bluestarpress 📚Monthly collectors pin (which as of 2019 will be enamel pins instead of buttons) – not pictured because I forgot about it.. Whoops. King of Fools Sampler BOOK OF THE MONTH: 📚 📚Amber & Dusk by @lyraselene this is an exclusive cover (which is beautiful) and is signed, it also came with a lovely amber pendant necklace too (the combo of the book and necklace is why I wanted this box!) . . #TTAWOABW #TheTroublesandWoesofABookworm #bookblog #Bookblogger #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookaddict #yareads #iloveya #Bookworm #booksubscriptionbox #unboxing #subscriptionbox  #bibliopile #bookdragon #books #yabooks #bookish #reader #yalit #booknerd #owlcrate #powerofillusions #flickthewick #inkandwonderdesigns #stellabookishart  https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs863RVHxYC/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1vbhq103rwgcw

[sylvilel]

For the first time in my life, I am about to read a book where the main charachter has a similar name to mine, and it is only the second book I have come across with that feature. • I just hope this girl lives up to it😎 • Do you often come across MCs with your name? • • • • #Amber&Dusk #LyraSelene #adventureawaits #magiciseverywhere #owlcrate #moominmug #slumreteppetunni #booksandcoffee #bookish #booklover #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #coffeeholic #bokelsker #bok #lesing #lesehest #ungdomsbok #ya #yabooks #yafantasy #fantasy #fantasybooks #bookphotography #hobbyphotographer #booksandnature #sylvilel (ved Vik) https://www.instagram.com/sylvilel/p/BuOn13mn84Y/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=u415t5wmb34q

[lilnightmusic]

A host of pretty things. ⚜️ I can’t wait to sit down with Amber and Dusk. Serious cover love and the description has me hooked. ⚜️ Mothership V by @patmcgrathreal is my most reached for palette. It’s super versatile for glam and natural looks. Her shadows beat all. I’ve tried a lot, and I keep coming back to this one. ⚜️ Likewise, PMG glosses are just so good. New shades out in February, and minis are now out with Sephora! This Pale Gold gloss looks good on everything. ⚜️ #patmcgrath #pmglablove #lyraselene #amberanddusk #mothershipv #bookdragon #booknerdigans #lovetoread #booksofinstagram #bookgram #bookishlove #fortheloveofbooks #becauseofreading #readersofinstagram #bookoftheday #bookstagramfeature #bookfeaturepage #lipstick #igbeauty #photooftheday #makeupjunkie #lipsticklove #beautycommunity #bookflatlay #slaytheflatlay #ireadya #discoverunder10k #literatureandlipstick https://www.instagram.com/p/BsdkK6Ln0Sd/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=qsygq74ya33y

[sleeponrooftops]

IT’S HERE! 🔥❄️ . I forgot to take a picture before I left this morning, and I think it’s hilarious to pair this fiery desert book with New England’s current snowy atmosphere. . I am over the moon to finally have this in my hands! I can’t wait to return to this world of magic and politics! . #maryreads #amreading #reading #readersofinstagram #books #bookish #bookreview #booklover #bookworm #bookdragon #bookstagram #diamondanddawn #lyraselene #snow @lyraselene https://www.instagram.com/p/B5sdYsCAItl/?igshid=3au1kas5104q

[hollymbryan]

Ahh, thanks so much @scholasticinc! So thrilled to have @lyraselene's DIAMOND & DAWN in my hands! 😍😍 #amberanddusk #diamondanddawn #scholasticbooks #scholastic #december2019 https://www.instagram.com/p/B0ZVPYLgaIK/?igshid=1ppphr9tseas2