Two nights ago, I wrote the last words on “Unbound”. Friends… it’s done! It needs revisions, of course, but the story is written.

One year and five months of tears and heartache (and laughter), and being honest with my own flaws, and pouring into these beautiful flawed superteens. (There are five new characters since Unmasked, and I can’t wait for you to meet them!) It didn’t end the way I expected, but somehow I think this is even better.

Stats:

• 9,938 words (7000 longer than Unmasked’s 2961)
• sequel to Unmasked
• Modern superhero fantasy short story (but not focusing on the superheroics)
• “In a world of masks, who do you trust?”
• Emery takes a risk to hone her abilities, leaving Jana and Carter behind. But it may cost her more than she bargained for.

I’m not sure yet if this will be indie published like Unmasked. I’m considering expanding Emery’s story into full books, since I think they could have a chance in traditional publishing. So if you want to read Unbound, please contact me. I will have opportunities for beta readers — a good way to read it soon if you’re eager!

So, what would you like to know about Unbound (or Unmasked)? Ask me anything, although I reserve the right to answer in ways that avoid spoilers 😉

It’s October 23! Which, if you’ve been following the news, you’ll realize that today is the launch date for Jaye Erro’s Unmasked and Other Stories.

HOWEVER.

We are still waiting for Amazon to sync the links between the paperback version and the Kindle. And I would rather be able to give you one specific link for your convenience, rather than two different ones that each link to a particular version.

So stay tuned, because in the next 24 hours, the official link to Unmasked and Other Stories is going live!

Welcome to Character Soul week, the third week of Bethany Jenning’s #WIPjoy month on social media! This week explored, as suggested by the title, deeper into the soul of the main character, or MC. Are you ready for a glimpse into Cassandra Hart’s story?

Day 15: What genre of art, music, or poetry (or all 3!) describes the MC?

Cass is hard to pin down, with a kind introversion reminiscent of classical music but an underlying fierce strength more akin to pop artists like Demi Lovato. It all depends on whether she’s working and what the situation calls for. The closest a musical genre can come is probably the versatility of film scores.

Day 16: The MC’s happy place

I can’t tell you her true happy place; that would be a spoiler (and it’s something Cass herself still needs to come to terms with). But she would say it’s either curled up in an armchair with a blanket and a good book, or anytime she’s helping people in the world of Story.

Day 17: A line about grief or longing

Some of the deepest grief is caused by loss — except for the fact that Cass doesn’t do grief. Whether or not that’s healthy… well, that remains to be seen.

Day 18: Who “gets” the MC best?

There’s several who seem to get Cass to some degree, but the one who gets her best is probably her fellow Guardian Vera. Vera’s kind but common-sense style connects well with Cass’ focused confident personality.

(If you’re curious about the photo below, these are lemons from a garden I visited in Italy, which I picture as Vera’s home country. Plus it just seems to reflect Vera’s warm sunny personality.)

Honorable mention, though, goes to Marcus. Sometimes he seems to understand Cass better than she does herself.

Day 19: Most misunderstood character

Cass and Marcus tie for “most misunderstood”. Marcus is misunderstood because of a label placed on him by others, while Cass is misunderstood because of a label created and maintained by herself. In both cases, the labels do become them to some degree, but it was not who they were originally. And this can only lead to a split identity. It’s when the two come together that things get really interesting… because they each are the reason the other one has been labeled, and the source of getting misunderstood.

Art by Azaria Durant

Day 20/21: Characters from other books (or TV/film) that could be best friends with your characters

Cass fits so well with everyone (being a Guardian that she is) but is close friends with no one. To really be best friends, she’d need someone who could keep up with her. I feel like Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon or Stella Bridger and Charlie’s team from The Italian Job (2003) might be a good fit. They’re bold, quick, and see the world through a lens of discovery and innovation.

I’m thrilled to announce that the cover has been revealed for Jaye Erro‘s short stories anthology! Officially titled Unmasked and Other Stories, this unlikely mix of short stories comes together in themes of growing up, finding yourself, and most of all — hope. Written by young authors, it features:

• a brokenhearted not-so-superteen
• a sci-fi retelling of the biblical story of Ruth
• a girl with a key to two worlds
• a weary old man in a winter land

And now for the cover!

Isn’t it beautiful? 😀

I’m so excited for this anthology to be released! Not only will it contain my first published work, “Unmasked”, but 100% of profits goes toward Sheaves for Christ charity, which supports foreign missionaries, houses homeless children, and more.

Let me hear from you! In the comments, tell me your favorite genre to read, and I’ll tell you which story in Erro’s anthology you may like best. What do you appreciate in a story?

Welcome to the second week in Bethany A. Jenning’s and S.D. Grimm’s #WIPjoy month over on social media. This was Story Power week, going deeper into the heart and soul of the novel, and how it connects back to the author. Read on for my week in review!

Day 8: If you could give each reader one thing along with this book, it would be…

Besides a map, it would be art by someone like the talented Laura Hollingsworth. Her work for Shannon Messenger’s Keeper of the Lost Cities is amazing. My world and characters are vivid, but I don’t have the artistic ability to make them come to life (outside of words, that is). I would love to be able to have illustrations so others could see them as well.

Day 9: Your ideal review might say…

I would love to hear that my story meant something to the reader, that my story is more than just “junk food”. As a writer with several alpha readers who critique as each chapter is finished, I’ve seen so many different reviews. The ones like “I FREAKING LOVE IT. I LOVE IT SO MUCH I CAN’T EVEN” make my author heart overwhelmingly happy, but the reviews that detail how much it meant to the reader (and why) are the ones that keep me going. God gave me this story for a reason, and it’s a true privilege to find out what those reasons are.

Day 10: A line about effort or triumph

Unfortunately I can’t tell you much about this line from Story-Keeper. That would spoil a great part (in my humble opinion as author… 😜).

Day 11: Something your MC (main character) sees as a weakness but is really a strength

This one’s a trick question, because Cass doesn’t think she has any weaknesses. She’s always been more than capable of handling things. If she had to answer, she’d probably tell you that her weakness is her inexperience as a Guardian of Story. But if she were really real with herself, her answer would be her past. I can’t tell you how those are her strengths though — that would go spoiling the story.

Art by Azaria Durant

Day 12: How is your antagonist like you?

My antagonist and I sometimes cling too much to tradition, have a strong sense of duty, and are driven by a desire to to correct injustices.

Day 13/14: How does writing this WIP make you stronger?

It makes me a stronger Christian, as I watch story details inexplicably click into place, unplanned. God is writing this with me.

It makes me a stronger writer, as my alpha readers help me realize my flaws and strengths. I am learning and growing with every chapter.

It makes me a stronger person, as writing Cass’ character convicts me about my own constant struggle with trust and vulnerability. My past does not define me.

Photo by Melanie Campbell