The Story Behind The Lightbound Saga by S.G. Basu

 

 

 

The Story Behind The Lightbound Saga

By S.G. Basu

Writing a book, a book series, and eventually having a full-time career as a writer was never a plan or a dream. I have always been an avid reader and an imaginative child, and I had once dreamed of being an astronaut. But a writer? What? No!

I was a happy, content telecommunications professional with a job I loved and a young family that demanded all my attention when the writing bug bit me out of nowhere. Well, I should not say it was out of nowhere. Here goes the story behind the story: I was hooked on an anime show at the time, and its ending (specifically, the arcs for several characters) was a huge letdown for me. I felt robbed of a perfect conclusion and was so upset that I stopped watching the show (to this day, refuse to watch, read, or hear anything about the show). However, after spending a few weeks stewing over what was, in my opinion, an unsatisfying ending, I realized a few things. While I had the right to be upset, the writers wrote their story and ended it as they saw fit. The only way I could have an ending I wished for was if I was a writer, writing my own story. That was when I decided. I was going to write my own story. 

So off I went, planning and plotting. Since I knew the arc I wanted for the protagonist, the characters came first. Then I went looking for a plot and setting. The plot came to me one winter day. I was driving to work one early morning and the low sun caused too many gridlocks and delays. I reached late, missed half of a meeting, and let’s put it this way, the sun was not in my good books that day. That evening, when I was driving back, it was dark, cold, and blustery. I sorely missed the sun, its light, and its warmth. And I suddenly wondered what would happen if one day the sun was to suddenly disappear. Voila, that became the central premise of my plot.

Two other long-time interests also played a part in how this series was shaped. First was my love for Enid Blyton’s boarding school stories and my love for a circle of friends. Having been a boarding school kid myself, it was sheer joy bringing to life the camaraderie of a group of friends. I have always been a fan of multi-realm games so it was only natural to incorporate three distinct worlds into my story as well. 

Armed with the characters, the premise, and the setting, I went on playing, and very soon, I was looking at a five-book series with an ensemble cast. Before I knew it, I had embarked on a career (still part-time for years to come) as a writer and writing my first (and always my favorite) book series, The Lightbound Saga.

 

 

13-year-old Maia is a land-dwelling Solianese living on the planet of Tansi. She has been raised by her doting grandfather. Her mother, Sophie, supposedly deceased, is accused to be a traitor who fought for the Xifarians who have subjugated Tansi. Loathing her family’s history, Maia has put herself into self-exile, vowing to steer clear of the temptations that led her mother astray. But when she is drafted into a peace summit by the Xifarians, she must walk into Xif, the planet she has always wanted to avoid. Here she meets loyal teammates Kusha, Dani, Nafi, and Ren, as well as Miir, their Xifarian team mentor who is as accomplished as he is temperamental. As Maia and her teammates thwart a plot to harm the underwater settlements on Tansi, she also discovers that her mother, Sophie, was not what she seemed. Sophie sacrificed herself to save Tansi before the Xifarians could destroy the Tansian system.

Maia visits the Jjord nation in their underwater colonies on Tansi. More of Sophie’s secrets come to light while she is in the colonies as well as more of the Xifarians’ plots to rebuild the dark heart of Xif. As Maia’s link with Sophie becomes apparent, Maia soon finds herself in the crosshairs of the Xifarians who kill her family and send her running for shelter across the dead lands of the Solianese. Chased by the Xifarians, Maia barely manages to stay alive with the help of her teammates.

While on the run across Tansi, Maia meets a mysterious man who unlocks a power within Maia. When her mighty Xifarian foes corner her, Maia unleashes the power on them, overpowering everyone, including her former mentor, Miir.

Maia struggles with her newfound power. The team is on the verge of fracturing when Maia reveals she might have killed Miir. Meanwhile, the R’armimon, an ancient and powerful enemy of the Xifarians, are on the way to the Tansian system, seeking vengeance from the Xifarians. On finding this, the Xifarians grow desperate to resurrect the dark heart that would enable them to leave the Tansian system. Maia narrowly escapes the Xifarians’ trap with a mysterious ally but her new alliance takes a toll on her friendships.

Maia is alone and hopeless but she forges on to regain the trust of her teammates and tries to convince the Tansian leaders of the impending threat of the R’armimon fleet. With help from her allies, Maia continues to uncover more of Sophie’s past. Together with her friends, Maia rushes to find the artifacts needed to thwart the R’armimon as the massive Execution Fleet of the R’armimon appears next to Tansi.

Purchase Information for Series

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Tb71xt

S.G. Basu is an aspiring potentate of a galaxy or two. She plots and plans with wondrous machines, cybernetic robots, time travelers and telekinetic adventurers, some of whom escape into the pages of her books. Although she’s an engineer by training, writing has been her passion since childhood. Her other loves include extra-hot lattes, fast cars and binge watching sci-fi movies.

Find out more about the futuristic worlds she creates at sgbasu.com. She can also be reached at sg@sgbasu.com.

Books by S.G. Basu:

The Lightbound Saga series (YA Dystopian Science Fiction)

Maia and the Xifarian Conspiracy

Maia and the Secrets of Zagran

Maia and Regency Protocol

The Lightbound Saga 3 Book Bundle

The Firefly League-A Lightbound Saga novella

Elementals-The Serial Thriller (Paranormal Science Fiction)

Population Morpheus (Near Apocalyptic Science Fiction)

Jumpers (Paranormal Thriller)

You can visit the author’s website at www.sgbasu.com or connect with her on Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.

 

 

 

The Story Behind The Shadow of Atlantis by Wendy Leighton-Porter

 

The Shadow of Atlantis

By Wendy Leighton-Porter

Before setting off on my new career path as a children’s author, I was a Secondary School (ages 11-18) teacher of French, Latin, and Classical Studies for many years. I always dreamed of writing a book one day but, with a busy teaching career, I never seemed to find the time. Years later, when I no longer had the excuse of being too busy, one day it suddenly hit me (during an international flight) that I should stop procrastinating and do something about making my dream a reality. As I began to ponder what I should write, an idea popped into my head out of nowhere… and it wasn’t the plot for just one book, but for a whole series! By the time the aeroplane landed, I’d worked out exactly what I wanted to do.

My jumping-off point was influenced by the advice of “write about what you know”. Although no longer in the classroom, I still wanted to educate as well as entertain, so I set out to create a story filled with adventure but one that would also give young readers the opportunity to learn something new. With a background in teaching Classical Studies, I decided to begin my time-travelling journey in the Ancient World and my first three books are based on well-known tales from Greek mythology. Everyone has heard of the legendary lost city of Atlantis, so it seemed like a good place to start. There is plenty of history for young readers to learn in this story, as well as a section at the end of the book where they can find out more information.

I originally had a literary agent and an independent publisher for my first three books, but the publishing company folded before anything went to print and the agent changed careers. Luckily, I still had the rights to my work and so, along with a group fellow authors who had also been with the same agent, we decided to band together as Silver Quill Publishing, a co-operative through which we all self-publish. It seems to work for us!

James and Isabel Lancelot have disappeared in mysterious circumstances, leaving behind their children, 10-year-old twins Jemima and Joe. Nobody has a clue what’s happened to them, except for the family cat who was the sole witness to their disappearance. Using the portal of an old book – Shadows from the Past – the couple have travelled back in time but, having left behind the key to bring them home, they are now trapped somewhere in the past. With their parents missing, the twins are sent to live with their Uncle Richard, a professor of ancient history and archaeology, where they soon befriend their new next-door-neighbour, Charlie, a super-brainy boy who is the same age as them.

At the start of the school summer holidays, the three children decide to investigate the old book that had belonged to the twins’ father. Finding the book locked, they’re unable to open it until Jemima discovers she has the key. It was on her mother’s necklace, left abandoned on the attic floor after their parents’ disappearance. And there’s more… The children find a small pouch inside the wooden chest that contained the book and, inside the pouch are four golden charms shaped like owls.

With the book unlocked, an astonishing series of events begins to unfold. The youngsters hear whispering voices carried by a strong breeze that comes out of nowhere and then, a strange cloud fills the room. Through the mist, they see tantalising glimpses of an ancient city. Joe is the first to discover that if they step inside this cloud it will take them to another place. Jemima is surprised to hear her mother’s voice calling to her, reminding her to pick up the all-important key. Then, holding Max, her beloved Tonkinese cat, in her arms, Jemima follows the two boys into the mist. Arriving in the lost city of Atlantis, the children are astounded to find that it was no myth, but a real, historical place. And so their adventures begin…

It doesn’t take them long to realise the owl charms are mini translation tools, enabling them to communicate with the Atlanteans, but when Jemima attaches one to Max’s collar, the large cat begins to speak. The children can’t believe their ears, especially when Max tells them the truth about their parents’ disappearance. The twins are overjoyed to learn that their parents aren’t dead but simply lost in time, and now their quest begins in earnest. They must find and rescue James and Isabel, searching throughout the pages of history. But, first, the youngsters have an important mission – to warn the people of Atlantis about the disaster that will soon destroy their city. Will they succeed? And can they find their way back to the safety of their own time before it’s too late?

PURCHASE LINK:  Amazon 

After teaching French, Latin, and Classical Studies for almost twenty years, Wendy’s career took a new direction when she turned to her first love – books – and decided to devote herself to writing children’s fiction. With the old adage “Write about what you know” in mind, when she first came up with the idea for her series of time-travel adventures, she jumped head-first into the ancient world of classical history and mythology which formed the backdrop for her first three books. As the series moves forward in time, she sets each story in historical periods that have always fascinated her. Although no longer in the classroom, she seeks to entertain her young readers, to engage them, to foster a love of reading, but also to educate. As she takes them on a thrilling journey into the past alongside her three young time-travellers and their talking cat, Wendy hopes that her love of history, myth and legend will rub off on them along the way.

Website: https://www.wendy-leighton-porter.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WLP_author

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WendyLeightonPorterWriter

The Story Behind Guinevere Trilogy by Cheryl Carpinello

 

Guinevere Trilogy

By Cheryl Carpinello

My Writing Start

My writing career started in 1980 with an entry level position with Cardiff Publishing, which published trade journals. I worked my way up to Managing Editor of Satellite Communications magazine. After five years of writing feature articles, editing, and doing some

freelance work, I followed my first love and finished my teaching degree. For the next 26 years, I taught high school English including writing/reading and yearbook. During this time, I honed my writing and editing skills as well as guiding young writers.

Over the years, I wrote a couple novels which will never see the light of day. The main reason: I wasn’t excited about the genres. After working with readers, reluctant readers, and non-readers at the high school level, I decided I wanted to write stories for elementary/middle school students in hopes of catching the reluctant readers and non-readers early in their schooling.

It wasn’t until I was close to retirement that I discovered my writing niche. Teaching allowed me to explore deeper the writings and authors from times long past. This was where I fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval worlds and discovered the mystic pull these same worlds, particularly Arthurian Legend, had on my students and many adults.

And so, I set my books—the Guinevere Trilogy and The King’s Ransom (Young Knights of the Round Table)—in the days of King Arthur. Aimed at upper elementary and middle school—ages 8/9-12—these tales allow readers to experience that time period through the eyes of peer characters. Today, I pair these books with Medieval Writing Workshops in the schools. It’s so rewarding when teachers point out students—who typically did as little as possible in class—involved in developing their own stories and writing their own poetry. This is what the Arthurian Legend does for people.

I’ve since branched out into Ancient Egypt with the publication of Tutankhamen Speaks and Sons of the Sphinx. While still focusing on reluctant and non-readers, these books are aimed for ages 14 & up. Currently in the works, my 5-book series The Feathers of the Phoenix set in the ancient worlds of Atlantis, Pompeii, Iceland, Celtic Britain, and, once more, Egypt, will bring more ancient tales to my readers.

My Publishing Journey

I’ve done both small press and Indie publishing and been successful with both, but I now am a proud Indie author.

When my first story Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend was ready to go, I sent out the usual letters to agents and publishers. While waiting for replies, I attended an SCBWI conference in the fall of 2008. At a panel of agents and publishers, one of the publishers told our group that any books they acquired in 2009 would be scheduled for publishing in 2012. That’s right, 2012.  That panel session was a turning point for my writing. I didn’t want to wait three years to have a book in my hands that I could use with reluctant young readers, my target audience. So, I made the decision to self-publish.

Additionally, I developed Medieval writing workshops for students in grades 3-6 with Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend as the textbook. In 2009, I published Guinevere with Outskirts Press for a cost of $1000 and started conducting Medieval Writing Workshops in elementary schools and with the Girl Scouts in the fall of 2009. Had Guinevere been acquired by an agent/publisher, I would not have been able to do that.

Being an Indie author is not for the faint of heart. It is a lot of hard work beyond the writing, but it is also very rewarding.

 

GUINEVERE: ON THE EVE OF LEGEND

Princess Guinevere dreaded her upcoming thirteenth birthday. It signaled the beginning of her official role as the Lady of her father’s castle.
No more adventures in the forest with Cedwyn. No more explorations outside the castle walls. No more excitement. No more danger. No more fun.
Cedwyn—her companion for as long as she remembered—viewed her circumstances differently.
A Medieval coming-of-age story relevant today.

GUINEVERE: AT THE DAWN OF LEGEND

Ancient Stones. Mystical Stones. Autumnal Equinox.
Down upon a wide plain the yellow orb shines strong.
Racing side by side, the two laughingly ride.
A mist descends. The laughing stops.
A dangerous Medieval tale of two friends. Of a loyalty not often seen.

GUINEVERE: THE LEGEND

Fiercely loyal, Cedwyn always rushes to Guinevere’s defense. Stubborn to a fault. Always there for her. A future Knight? His one and only hope. A hero? Not what Cedwyn strove for, but it sought him.

Guinevere rarely thinks with her head. Just the opposite. Thinking with one’s heart: a recipe for trouble. And trouble finds Guinevere, all too often. Stubborn, she refuses to abandon those depending upon her. Even when ordered by her father, the king.

And so these two—both on the edge of Legend—barrel forth in this deadly dangerous and riveting Arthurian adventure.

PURCHASE LINK:  Amazon 

Cheryl Carpinello taught high school English for 25 years. During that time, she worked with numerous students who didn’t like to read for a variety of reasons. However, she discovered that even the most reluctant readers became engaged in the classroom and in reading when she introduced units on King Arthur and the works of ancient world writers. Upon retiring, she set out to write fast-paced, action-filled stories in these setting to encourage young readers to read more. When not writing, you can find her reading, spending time with family, and traveling.

Cheryl’s books:

Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend (1)

Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend (2)

Guinevere: The Legend (3)

Guinevere Trilogy ebook only

The King’s Ransom (Young Knights of the Round Table)

Sons of the Sphinx

Tutankhamen Speaks

Grandma/Grandpa’s Tales 1

Grandma/Grandpa’s Tales 2

CONNECT WITH LEE: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

The Story Behind Adelita’s Secret by Christopher Cloud

Adelita's Secret

When I started laying the storyline groundwork for Adelita’s Secret I had no idea that the story would move into the realm of fantasy.  Short of Harry Potter, I had never read fantasy, and had never written fantasy. But that’s where 17-year-old Adelita took me.  Adelita is strong-willed and curious, and it was her inquisitive nature that brought her to the attic of her home on that cool autumn day and changed the genre of her story from young adult to young adult/fantasy.  

Adelita was in the attic searching for her mother’s golf clubs. My original thought was to have Adelita stumble on a stack of old Mexican newspapers that were stored in an attic footlocker. If she read the stories detailing the bloody Mexican Revolution of 1910-1920 she might feel a sliver of understanding of her heritage—Adelita is ashamed of her Mexican roots. 

I didn’t know until she opened the footlocker that she would find the diary of her great grandmother. And I didn’t know what she would find in that diary until she picked it, dusted it off, and began reading. I wasn’t sure what would happen next. She read the first page of the diary and recited aloud the first entry: “El viaje largo a la libertad empieza hoy.” Adelita doesn’t speak Spanish, and she had no idea was  just said, but in the next instant her great grandmother appears, and Adelita’s Secret takes a giant leap into the world of fantasy.     

Read Chapter 1 – 4 on Amazon

Title is available at Amazon kindle or paperback

Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble

About Adelita’s Secret   

Lost in a superficial world of materialism and social status—and ashamed of her Latino heritage—seventeen-year-old Adelita Noé is loved by two men, two men separated by a hundred years and vastly different stations in life. One man owns little more than the shirt on his back. The other, a poet at heart, is heir to a vast fortune. Their love for Adelita serves as the backdrop for the Latino girl’s quest to better understand herself and her Mexican roots.

Adelita’s Secret tells the story of a teenage Latino girl who has lost her moral compass. She is ashamed of her Mexican heritage. Quite by accident, she finds a diary written by her great grandmother. The diary provides a portal for Adelita to travel back in time. She finds herself immersed in the Mexican War of 1910, a war pitting Mexican farmers against the corrupt land barons. Adelita joins the soldaderas, a band of warrior women, then meets and falls in love with a Mexican soldier, Diego Santiago. Her love for Diego serves to bring Adelita closer to her Mexican roots.  

About Christopher Cloud

Author Christopher Cloud

Award-winning author Christopher Cloud writes middle-grade and young adult novels. He began writing fiction full time at the age of 66 after a long career in journalism and public relations. Chris graduated from the University of Missouri in 1967 with a degree in journalism. He has worked as a reporter, editor, and columnist at newspapers in Texas, California, and Missouri. He was employed by a major oil company as a public relations executive, and later operated his own public relations agency. He created the board game Sixth Sense in 2003. Chris lives in Joplin, Missouri, and enjoys golf and hiking.

Visit Christopher Cloud’s website

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