Authors

No Victor lasts forever.

Victor thought he won when he became the Hero. He thought he won when he took over the DFZ. He thought he’d made himself untouchable.

He’s wrong.

Lola isn’t the sad little monster she used to be. She has a plan, she has allies, she has more magic than she ever dreamed possible. Killing one blood mage should be easy with an entire fairy kingdom at her fingertips, but Victor didn't make himself a god by playing fair, and his bag of tricks is far from empty. Taking him down will require everything Lola and her friends can bring, but if there’s one thing Lola’s always been, it’s determined. No matter the cost, no matter what it takes, she will see this through.

To the bloody end.

Get your copy now in ebook, KU, print, or audio!This was an extremely satisfying book to write. I don't think I've ever enjoyed wrapping a series so much. It's epic, it's awesome, and I cannot wait for you to read it in ebook, print, or KU or listen on audio, cause they're all out today!

Thank you so much for coming with me on Lola's journey. This wasn't the sort of story I ever thought I'd write, but when the book needs to happen, it needs to happen, and I'm very glad this one did. I hope you enjoy this series as much as I do and that you'll join me for what comes next.

And speaking of what comes next...

This is going to be a very exciting year for new releases! Lola's series is done, but I've got a brand new Urban Fantasy set in a brand new world that I think you're really going to enjoy.

The first book will be called HELL FOR HIRE and it's all about a team of demon mercenaries who get hired by a witch. There's tons of action, mystery, ancient Sumerian sorcery, a loveable snarky cast, a know-it-all talking cat, magical sword fighting, and overall hijinks in modern Seattle. It's just the BEST. I'm so in love that I'm already working on the draft for book 3. It's THAT GOOD, and as soon as I have a cover, you will be seeing a lot more of my new favorite thing. This is the most fun I've had with a series since Heartstrikers, and I just know you're going to love it.

So yeah, gonna be a lot of reads coming in 2024. :) As always, mailing list gets first dibs on everything, so sign up if you're not already and keep an eye on your email box, 'cause it's going to get wild!

Thank you again so much for being my reader/listener. You are the reason these stories exist, and I hope you'll come along with me for many more novels to come. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and please enjoy TO THE BLOODY END!

Yours always,

Rachel AaronMother of Dragons Bethesda's Unpaid Intern
TO THE BLOODY END is the third book in the DFZ Changeling trilogy. If you're new, start from the beginning with BY A SILVER THREAD. I promise you won't be sorry!

No Victor lasts forever.

Victor thought he won when he became the Hero. He thought he won when he took over the DFZ. He thought he’d made himself untouchable.

He’s wrong.

Lola isn’t the sad little monster she used to be. She has a plan, she has allies, she has more magic than she ever dreamed possible. Killing one blood mage should be easy with a fairy kingdom at her fingertips, but Victor didn't make himself a god by playing fair, and his bag of tricks is far from empty. Taking him down will take everything Lola and her friends can bring, but if there’s one thing Lola’s always been, it’s determined. No matter the cost, no matter what it takes, she will see this through.

To the bloody end.

Preorder Now!Happy 2024 everyone!

I've got a lot of good books lined up for y'all this year, but first... The end is nearly upon us! The third and final book in Lola's epic quest to punch Victor in the face comes out on February 2, 2024 in ebook, print, KU, and Audible audio book! Hooray!!

Mailing list subscribers have already seen this (not on the list yet? Sign up now! It's free, there's no spam, and you get first dibs on everything!) but here's the cover for TO THE BLOODY END featuring the art of the amazing Luisa Preissler! I love the torn up Hero poster behind her and the glowing crown on her head (which IS in the book, and it's GREAT!).

This series has been a wild ride and I'm so pumped for you to finally read the ending. It's one of the most exciting and strange final battles I've ever written. I think you're going to really like it, so if you haven't already, please preorder the book or add it to your KU to read list so you don't miss out!

This is hopefully just the first of many books I'll have for you this year. I don't want to overshadow Lola (poor little changeling has been through enough) but I've got a brand new Urban Fantasy in a brand new world involving witches launching this summer, and it is SO much fun! Mailing list people will be getting everything first, so sign up if you haven't yet, and I promise you'll hear all kinds of cool things from me soon!

Thank you again for being my fans. I couldn't do any of this without you!

Yours sincerely,

Rachel AaronMayor of the DFZ
TO THE BLOODY END is the third book in the DFZ Changeling series. If you're new, start from the beginning with BY A SILVER THREAD! I promise you won't be sorry!

Standing up to Victor was only the beginning.

Three weeks ago, Lola put her soul on the line to save her sister and stop an abusive blood mage from making himself a god. But while she managed to derail the worst of Victor’s plans, the rest of the world still sees her old master as the hero. To make matters worse, the Nightmare King Alberich has entirely escaped his prison and is now leading the Wild Hunt on a rampage of fear and chaos across the skies of Europe.

With Alberich playing the villain, it’s only a matter of time before Victor convinces all of humanity that his abusive magic is their only hope. Lola’s not about to let him get his dirty hands on that kind of power. But while she’s free to fight him, Simon and the Black Rider are still trapped under the blood mage’s boot. Lola will have to break them both out before she can take Victor down, but her former master’s plans are far from finished. He’s playing a game none of them can predict for a prize no one yet understands, and once all of his pieces are in place, the future of the world will hang on the edge of a golden sword.Get Your Copy Now!Hooray! It's here! WITH A GOLDEN SWORD is out today in eBook, KU, print, and audio!

WITH A GOLDEN SWORD is the second in Lola's trilogy, but since I've been on a crazy writing binge, the third book, TO THE BLOODY END, is already written and up for preorder! This means the series will be complete Feb of next year, which I'm pretty sure is some kind of record for me o_o. I've just been on fire for this series and I can't wait for y'all to see where it goes.

Thank you all so much for coming on yet another DFZ journey with me! I hope you check out the book, have a great week, and I'll talk to you all again when the next book is on the horizon. Until then, please enjoy WITH A GOLDEN SWORD!

Yours always,

Rachel AaronCat Endangerer Loving Author
WITH A GOLDEN SWORD is the second book in the DFZ Changeling series. If this is the first you've heard about it, start from the beginning with BY A SILVER THREAD! I promise you won't be sorry!

"Exquisitely trademark Rachel Aaron. Immensely readable & instantly engaging, with new characters that you can't help loving. The inclusion of fairy lore just leveled up the already fascinating world of the DFZ. So good, so fun!"- TS Chan, Novel Notations
In the world’s most magical metropolis where spirits run noodle shops and cash-strapped dragons stage photo-ops for tourists, people still think fairies are nothing but stories, and that’s exactly how the fairies like it. It’s a lot easier to feast on humanity’s dreams when no one believes you exist. But while this arrangement works splendidly for most fair folk, Lola isn’t one of the lucky ones.

She’s a changeling, a fairy monster made just human enough to dupe unsuspecting parents while fairies steal their real child. The magic that sustains her was never meant to last past the initial theft, leaving Lola without a future. But thanks to Victor Conrath, a very powerful--and very illegal--blood mage, she was given the means to cheat death.

For a price.

Now the only changeling ever to make it to adulthood, Lola has served the blood mage faithfully, if reluctantly, for twenty years. Her unique ability to slip through wards and change her shape to look like anyone has helped make Victor a legend in the DFZ’s illegal-magic underground. It’s not a great life, but at least the work is stable… until her master vanishes without a trace.

With only a handful left of the pills that keep her human, Lola must find Victor before she turns back into the fairy monster she was always meant to be. But with a whole SWAT team of federal paladins hunting her as a blood-mage accomplice, an Urban Legend on a silent black motorcycle who won’t leave her alone, and a mysterious fairy king with the power to make the entire city dream, Lola’s chances of getting out of this alive are as slender as a silver thread.Get your copy now!The wait is finally over! BY A SILVER THREAD comes out today in ebook, KU, and print!
Hold up, Rachel, where is the audio book?I'm asking the same question. It was supposed to come out today, but it's trapped in Audible's review process and no one will tell me why. I'm working on the problem right now and I promise I will send another email as soon as it's available, which will hopefully be very very soon. Come on, Audible, get it together! 

For all of you who read books with your eyes, the ebook and print editions are out and ready to enjoy. If you preordered a copy, thank you! The book should already be on your Kindle. If you prefer KU, you're also ready to go! Head on over and click the button to start enjoying the story. I hope you love it as much as I do!
But wait, there's more!As I mentioned in the last email, I've been on fire for this story, and the fire has paid off. No more waiting forever for a sequel. The next book in the DFZ Changeling series, WITH A GOLDEN SWORD, is already written and will be out on October 2!

Why the long wait if it's already done? Well, as you'll see, the book has no cover yet or anything else. Writing is only the first step in a long process of making a quality book. But the novel is finished AND there's a sneak preview of the first chapter in the back of book 1! So if you love BY A SILVER THREAD, which I very much hope you will, rest assured that the rest of the series will be coming out swiftly. 
Can I read this book if I haven't read any of the other DFZ stories?Yes! Just like MINIMUM WAGE MAGIC, I wrote BY A SILVER THREAD to be an entry point for new readers. You don't need to know anything about the DFZ to enjoy it, but if you are a fan of my other series, I packed in a lot of goodies for you to enjoy. It's a win/win for everybody!
As always, thank you so so much for being my readers and listeners. I hope you love BY A SILVER THREAD as much as I do!

Yours always,
Rachel AaronChronic Magical City Endangerer 

 

Return to the DFZ with a brand new series, introducingBy A Silver ThreadIn the world’s most magical metropolis where spirits run noodle shops and cash-strapped dragons stage photo-ops for tourists, people still think fairies are nothing but stories, and that’s exactly how the fairies like it. It’s a lot easier to feast on humanity’s dreams when no one believes you exist. But while this arrangement works splendidly for most fair folk, Lola isn’t one of the lucky ones.

She’s a changeling, a fairy monster made just human enough to dupe unsuspecting parents while fairies steal their real child. The magic that sustains her was never meant to last past the initial theft, leaving Lola without a future. But thanks to Victor Conrath, a very powerful--and very illegal--blood mage, she was given the means to cheat death.

For a price.

Now the only changeling ever to make it to adulthood, Lola has served the blood mage faithfully, if reluctantly, for twenty years. Her unique ability to slip through wards and change her shape to look like anyone has helped make Victor a legend in the DFZ’s illegal-magic underground. It’s not a great life, but at least the work is stable… until her master vanishes without a trace.

With only a handful left of the pills that keep her human, Lola must find Victor before she turns back into the fairy monster she was always meant to be. But with a whole SWAT team of federal paladins hunting her as a blood-mage accomplice, an Urban Legend on a silent black motorcycle who won’t leave her alone, and a mysterious fairy king with the power to make the entire city dream, Lola’s chances of getting out of this alive are as slender as a silver thread.By A Silver Thread is the first in a new, stand-alone DFZ series set right after the end of Opal's series. There are cameos from old favorites and a brand new cast of charming, sinister fairies you'll love to hate.
Coming out May 2, 2023!Preorder Now!What is this? A new DFZ novel so soon? 

Yes, we are back in everyone's favorite city with a brand-new cast and a whole host of horrifying new problems. It was not my intention to start a new series until the Mary Good Crow books were done, but this idea would not let me go, so here we are.

I am so, so excited for y'all to read this book! It's got everything we love about the DFZ, but from an entirely new angle. It's action packed, and I think the magic is some of the coolest I've ever written. I had an absolute blast writing this book... and the sequel, which is already with the editor. What, I told you I was on fire! I just couldn't stop writing, and now you get more books. It's a win-win!

So does this mean the Western books are on hold? Absolutely not. I'm writing the third Mary novel as we speak. So yes, I am writing two series at once, but given how crazy I've been for these books, it definitely won't be long before they're all in your hands. I've already got two more launches lined up for this years, and next year should be at least two. It feels so good to be writing again after the Covid downturn. I can't wait to share everything I've been working on with you!
By A Silver Thread will launch in all formats (print, audio, ebook, and KU) on May 2. You can preorder the ebook now or wait until launch day for all the formats. Just don't forget to order, because you're going to want to read this book. Thank you so much for being my readers. I can't wait to see how much you'll love Lola's story! 

Yours with extreme enthusiasm,
Rachel AaronMother of Dragons Bethesda's Unpaid Intern

 Just an update to post this really fun interview I did with Tales After Tolkien! Check it out!

 Today's the day!

When Mary Good Crow came out of the crystal into the arms of her sister, the last thing she wanted was another fight. But war is coming to the Great Plains. With crystal on their side, the Lakota are poised to annihilate the town of Medicine Rocks, forcing Mary to choose between the friends she’s finally found and the family she’s always longed for.

When Rel Reiner accepted her father’s dark bargain to save Josie and the others, the last thing she expected was to survive. But there’s more to the Reiner’s magic than ghosts and bones. Magic Rel will have to embrace if she ever wants to walk in her own skin again.

When Josie Price left the crystal mines one step ahead of death, the last thing she intended to do was quit. But the wolves in town are circling, and with the crystal going crazy and the cavalry riding to war, just finding a way to protect her people might cost her everything she came to Montana to build.

Three women divided by a war none of them wants. But Josie, Mary, and Rel have always been strongest together, and with the world’s magical future on the line, “together” might be the only way anyone survives.

Get your copy now in ebook, audio, print, or KU!

I can’t tell you how excited I am for y'all to read this book! I'm sooo proud of this ending and this series as a whole. If you haven't tried out THE LAST STAND OF MARY GOOD CROW yet, I hope you'll give it a go! This series has been such a wild ride, and I really hope you enjoy it!

This is the first launch for what I hope is going to be a very busy 2023. I’ve got a new DFZ series I’ll be announcing soon along with other fun stuff, so if you're not already subscribed to my New Release Newsletter, I hope you'll come over and say hi! Subscribers always get first dibs on the good stuff, I never share your info, and I only send out emails when I have a new book. No risk, just awesome, so I hope you'll join in!  

Thank you so much for all your support over the years. Enjoy THE BATTLE OF MEDICINE ROCKS, and I’ll see you soon with a new story!

Yours with a hat tip,

Rachel Aaron

Return to the magical West forThe Battle of Medicine Rocks!
When Mary Good Crow came out of the crystal into the arms of her sister, the last thing she wanted was another fight. But war is coming to the Great Plains. With crystal on their side, the Lakota are poised to annihilate the town of Medicine Rocks, forcing Mary to choose between the friends she’s found and the family she’s always longed for.

When Rel Reiner accepted her father’s dark bargain to save Josie and the others, the last thing she expected was to survive. But there’s more to the Reiner family’s magic than ghosts and bones. Magic Rel will have to embrace if she ever wants to walk in her own skin again.

When Josie Price left the crystal mines one step ahead of death, the last thing she intended was to quit. But the wolves in town are circling, and with the crystal going crazy and the cavalry riding to war, just finding a way to keep going might cost her everything she came to Montana to build.

Three women divided by a war none of them wants. But Josie, Mary, and Rel have always been strongest together, and with the entire world’s magical future on the line, “together” might be the only way anyone survives.

 The second book in The Crystal Calamity, coming out February 1!
Preorder Now!What's better for the new year than a new book? How about several new books?

I've been writing like crazy and should have a lot of new titles coming for you all this year, but this first one is a doozy. THE BATTLE OF MEDICINE ROCKS is the sequel to THE LAST STAND OF MARY GOOD CROW and has (I think) the best ending I've ever written. I'm super proud of how it came out and cannot wait for y'all to read it on February 1! 

Even better, we've finally managed to line up all formats to release simultaneously! Whether you prefer ebook, print, or audio book, they all release on the same day. It's everything, everywhere, all at once, and really pretty to boot! Seriously, the print version is gorgeous.

Whatever format you fancy, I really, really hope you enjoy this new entry in the Crystal Calamity. I know Western fiction isn't everyone's thing, but if you haven't given book 1 a try yet, I hope you'll give me a shot. And for those of you already in the know, I can't wait for you to read what comes next. It's gonna be a blast! 

Thank you as always for being my readers and listeners, and I hope you enjoy THE BATTLE OF MEDICINE ROCKS!

Yours with a respectful hat tip,

Rachel Aaron 

 

 

"Brimming with imagination, wonderful characters and captivating magic. "

- Novel Notions

The long awaited day is finally here! The fantastic audio book of my newest novel, THE LAST STAND OF MARY GOOD CROW, officially goes on sale today!

If you already own the ebook, you can pick up the audio edition for super cheap! Who said audio books had to be expensive? I get paid the same either way, so there's no reason not to get yourself a deal!

I think Naomi Rose-Mock did a fantastic job with all the characters. I really hope you'll give it a try. Thank you as always for being my readers (and listeners!), and I hope you'll enjoy the audio edition of The Last Stand of Mary Good Crow!

Yours always,
Rachel

 It's time! 

Hungry darkness, haunted guns, tunnels that move like snakes--the crystal mines of Medicine Rocks, Montana are a place only the bravest and greediest dare. Discovered in 1866, the miraculous rock known as crystal quickly rose to become the most expensive substance on the planet, driving thousands to break the treaties and invade the sacred buffalo lands of the Sioux for a chance at the wealth beneath. But mining crystal risks more than an arrow in the chest. The beautiful rock has a voice of its own. A voice that twists minds and calls unnatural powers.

A voice that turns men into monsters.

Mary Good Crow hears it. Half white, half Lakota, rejected by both, she’s forged a new life guiding would-be miners through the treacherous caves. To her ears, the crystal sings a beautiful song, one the men she guides would gladly burn her as a witch for hearing. So, when an heiress from Boston arrives with a proposition that could change her life, Mary agrees to push deeper into the caves than she’s ever dared.

But there are secrets buried in the Deep Caves that even Mary doesn’t know. The farther she goes, the closer she gets to the voice that’s been calling her all this time. A voice that could change the bloody story of the West, or destroy it all.

"Possibly the best alternate historical fantasy that you will read."- Fantasy Book Critic

Get your copy now!

It's finally here! The first book in my new series is out today in ebook, print, and Kindle Unlimited! HOORAY! 

We're recording the audio version right now, so hopefully that will be available quickly as well. I'll send an email as soon as I have a date, so make sure you're subscribed to my New Release Mailing List to get all the info on, well, new releases! (And nothing else. Trust me, I hate spam as much as you!)

Thank you all so much for being my readers, and I hope you love Mary's story!

Yours always,

Rachel Aaron

 It’s been a while, but I’m back with an new novel in an new world! Get ready for…

Deadwood meets Lord of the Rings in this Epic Fantasy of the West!

Hungry darkness, haunted guns, tunnels that move like snakes--the crystal mines of Medicine Rocks, Montana are a place only the bravest and greediest dare. Discovered in 1866, the miraculous rock known as crystal quickly rose to become the most expensive substance on the planet, driving thousands to break the treaties and invade the sacred buffalo lands of the Sioux for a chance at the wealth beneath. But mining crystal risks more than an arrow in the chest. The beautiful rock has a voice of its own. A voice that twists minds and calls unnatural powers.

A voice that turns men into monsters.

Mary Good Crow hears it. Half white, half Lakota, rejected by both, she’s forged a new life guiding would-be miners through the treacherous caves. To her ears, the crystal sings a beautiful song, one the men she guides would gladly burn her as a witch for hearing. So, when an heiress from Boston arrives with a proposition that could change her life, Mary agrees to push deeper into the caves than she’s ever dared.

But there are secrets buried in the Deep Caves that even Mary doesn’t know. The farther she goes, the closer she gets to the voice that’s been calling her all this time. A voice that could change the bloody story of the West, or destroy it all.

Coming to eBook and Kindle Unlimited on JUNE 1, 2022! Print and Audio release coming soon! 

Preorder your copy now!

Hello everyone!

I know it’s been a while since we left Opal in the DFZ. Like everyone else on the planet, I got kicked down pretty hard by the pandemic. But sometimes being forced to step away from your work means space gets made for something different, and wow, is this different.

THE LAST STAND OF MARY GOOD CROW is a story I’ve been wanting to tell for a long time. We’re talking crazy magic, giant battles, haunted guns, messed up family situations, sky-high stakes, and (of course) a giant cast of fun, hot-mess characters all set against the epic backdrop of the Great Sioux War, which ends veeeeery differently than the real one. (Don’t worry, Custer still dies.)

I realize historical Western feels like a pretty big jump from Urban Fantasy, but this is a Rachel Aaron book through and through. If you liked my other series, I heartily encourage you to give this one a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

You can read a sample right now over on my website. The eBook and Kindle versions will be out on June 1, 2022 with print very soon after. For those who prefer audio books, we’re recording right now, so it won’t be too long of a wait. I’ll send another email to let you know as soon as the audio version is available.

Thank you as always for being my readers/listeners! Y’all are the ones I write for, and I just can’t wait for you to start THE LAST STAND OF MARY GOOD CROW!

Yours always,

Rachel Aaron

They say family always sticks together, but when you’re your dad’s only lifeline and the whole world—humans, dragons, and gods—wants you dead, “family bonding” takes on a whole new meaning. My name is Opal Yong-ae, and I’m in way over my head. I thought getting rid of my dad’s bad luck curse would put things back to normal. Instead, I’m stuck playing caretaker to the Great Dragon of Korea. That wouldn’t be so bad if he wasn’t such a jerk, or if every dragon on the planet wasn’t out to kill him, or if he were my only problem. Turns out, things can always get worse in the DFZ. When a rival spirit attacks my god/boss to turn the famously safety-optional city into a literal death arena with Nik as his bloody champion, I’m thrust onto the front lines and way out of my comfort zone. When gods fight, mortals don’t usually survive, but I’m not alone this time. Even proud old dragons can learn new tricks, and with everything I love falling to pieces, the father I’ve always run from might just be the only force in the universe stubborn enough to pull us back together. Get your copy now!

And thus Opal's journey comes to its grand conclusion! The final book in the DFZ trilogy, NIGHT SHIFT DRAGONS, is out today in audio and ebook! Some of you have already gotten your copies and binged, and I can't thank you enough!

I hope you all love this story as much as I loved writing it. Opal has been one of the most fun characters ever to write, even if she did leave me craving pancakes. Thank you for going on this journey with me! You are the best readers a writer could have!

For those wondering what's next, I'm working on a brand new series in a brand new world! You'll all get the details as soon as I'm sure the project will actually fly, but please know this is NOT my last book in the DFZ. I've already got a great idea for another book, so don't worry. We're not done with the dragons yet!

Again, thank you so so much for being my fans. Your enthusiasm and enjoyment is why I do this. Enjoy the book, and I'll be back soon with more!

Yours always,

Rachel Aaron Mother of Dragons Bethesda's Unpaid Intern
NIGHT SHIFT DRAGONS is the third book in the DFZ series. If you're new, start from the beginning with MINIMUM WAGE MAGIC! I promise you won't be sorry!

While we can certainly be forgiven for not seeing our personal wounds as jewels, our most powerful wounds often have as many facets and hidden depths as an exquisitely cut gemstone. They are sharp, with hard edges that not only reflect back light but distort it somewhat.

As writers, we know that our character’s wounds are some of the most fertile ground for creating a rich, fully realized protagonist. But before we can explore this with our characters, we have to understand it ourselves. And because we have all been wounded in some way—and those places are always tender—it can be uncomfortable to look too closely.

In order to use our characters’ wounds to full effect, we need to understand that wounds aren’t simply an attribute to be filled in on a worksheet. They are the rocket fuel for our character’s backstory, the backstory that drives their motivation and colors their world. It must be deeply organic to that character and so intricately woven into their emotional DNA that it distorts the way the see the world and themselves.

While everyone’s wounds are uniquely theirs, they are also universal in that they’re something we all share.  What differs is their nature, how we carry them, and the many—often unexpected—ways they shape us and our behavior.

Because of course the impact of any given wound isn’t limited to that initial injury. I was reminded of that last week when I was out walking and twisted my ankle. It was nothing serious, but by the time I’d limped around favoring it for a day or two, everything else was out of whack as I contorted my body to accommodate the injury.

Emotional wounds are just like that, only worse by orders of magnitude.

Even when we know our character’s painful past, we often don’t use it to full effect. We don’t manage to weave into the very essence of who our character is—because make no mistake, wounds fundamentally shape us, especially those incurred in childhood when we are so defenseless. With wounds of the heart or soul—the ones that violate some deep fundamental part—it is the repercussions of that initial wound that create the most scarring. The blame, the self-doubt, the suffocating shame, all serve as a way to cut us off from our core self.

Emotional neglect, a betrayal, a rejection, a lie, are all painful enough, but often become the lens through which we see ourselves. We accept that rejection. Believe that lie. Justify the betrayal due to something fundamentally flawed within us rather than the betrayer. Or worse, we don’t see it as a betrayal at all, but simple evidence of how flawed and unlovable we really are.

The emotionally abandoned child believes they are undeserving of love.

The abused believes they deserve the abuse, that love will always hurt and often comes coated in shame.

The child of addicts learns to fundamentally mistrust the safety and stability of the world around them.

The child raised in a religion that vilifies all human behavior will inevitably see themselves as sinful and unworthy.

Any kind of abuse—emotional, physical, sexual—is often the starting point for a long, twisted, distorted journey from our true selves. And our worldview takes shape around that bad information we’ve deduced because of it.

One of the biggest challenges we face as writers is how to hook our reader emotionally and forge a connection in those first few pages without becoming the literary equivalent of the stranger in the checking line, blurting out every gory detail of the drama of their lives without even having been asked.

The secret, I think, is to show or hint at the character’s contortions and defense mechanisms that have sprung up around that deeper wound. As readers, we’re trained to look for clues and hints, so we’ll spot those coping mechanisms and be intrigued—we’ll want to know why.

So as writers, we need to ask ourselves: In what ways does our character limp through the world? How do they favor that wounded place inside? What distorted belief do they cling to with both hands?  What ways do they disassociate from parts of themselves that brush too closely to that wound? In what ways do they wear their wound like a chip on their shoulder, insisting to the world it has made them tough, impervious to future wounding?

And why are these characters indelibly scarred by these events, when others might brush them off or take them in stride?

I believe the answer to that last question is that because for some, the psychic soil has been well prepared and cultivated—their soil broken down and covered in so much manure before the wound even shows up—that the individual is supremely susceptible to the final blow.

But what about characters who don’t have a tragic or traumatic event in their past?  What about lesser, garden variety wounds? The kind we acquire from the simple life lessons of growing older or growing up? Because the majority of the time, these shaping wounds are incurred early in life—either in our childhood, teen, or early adult years.

These less traumatic experiences still shape us, although to what degree will vary widely from character to character and will depend on things like the psychic equivalent of adrenaline, momentum, individual pain thresholds, and how cultivated the soil was.

We all have memories from our childhood, of playing with other kids, either on the playground or in the neighborhood, then taking a fall, skinning our knee or scraping an elbow. Chances are we bounced right up and kept on going, utterly impervious to any pain. At least until it was time to come inside and wash up for dinner. THEN we could feel that sucker throbbing and stinging.

Science has also shown that pain thresholds within the same person vary depending on how stressed our systems are. When we are under chronic stress, our body produces a lot more of some chemicals and fewer of others. The reformulation of our brain chemistry intensifies pain response—both physical and emotional.

So even if the story you’re writing does not involve characters with large traumatic wounds in their past, common everyday wounds can be equally fertile ground for deepening character.

• Why does a character have a gambling problem?
• A shopping addiction?
• Why are they terrified of clowns? Cats? Blimps?
• Why do they feel the need to be perfect?
• So competitive?

Each of those behaviors could be fueled by either a traumatic wound or a common every day one. It is the tone and theme of your story that will decide which it should be. Or rather I should say, it is the nature of your character’s wounds that will determine the tone and theme of your story.

We are often our own worst enemy—there is no denying that. Many writers feel that their character is his own antagonist, and that is likely true. Our desperation to avoid acknowledging our wounds, to avoid awakened that old pain and our deeply held beliefs about the nature of that pain are often an enormous component of getting in the way of our own happiness. It is hard and scary to look that deeply inside and reorient our world view, even it if ultimately frees us. It is scary to be thrust back into the same powerlessness and vulnerability we had in that moment. That is why we need stories to show us how.

Some of our character’s most transformative moments will come from facing those wounds, freeing themselves from the weight of them, and beginning the healing process. And of course, the stories we write aren’t about the wounds—but how we can overcome them.

We need stories to show us that being wounded or broken doesn’t lessen our character’s—or our own—humanity in any way. It is, in fact, what make us deeply human. The best stories show us that having been wounded doesn’t mean we are less than, or broken beyond repair, or unworthy. Instead, they illuminate all the different shapes wounds can take and the many different paths to healing that await us, if only we have the courage to look.

Do you know your character’s defining wounds? Can you brainstorm three to four ways these wounds create behaviors that readers can see on the page?

 

(Originally published on Writer Unboxed April 13, 2018)

Hey everyone!

This post is a little different from my usual. First up, NIGHT SHIFT DRAGONS is still coming out May 5 in audio and ebook, so hooray! But I'm not actually here to talk about my books today. I'm here to talk about yours.

In addition to being wonderful people with amazing taste in fiction, I know a lot of you are also writers/creative types. Or maybe you just like reading books! Whatever your passion, the last few months have probably been really, really hard on you. I know they've been suck for me, and I'm lucky enough to have a job that keeps me at home all the time anyway.

Staying creative and productive is always hard, but never so much as in times like this. That's why I've teamed up with a bunch of other writers for CONQUERING THE WRITING BLUES, a free online writing conference about staying productive and inspired even when the world is falling apart. There are 25 interviews with a new one emailed out every day starting tomorrow plus a ton of free writing books and other goodies.

Just to be clear: this is a totally free project. I make no money off sign-ups. I just feel very passionate about this topic and wanted to do something to help combat the despair I see in my writing communities. To this end, I've also written a free essay on my website on the same topic called Shining On When the World Is Dark that you can read right now, no extra anything required.

Soap box! I am on you!

Anyway, if you're feeling down and in need of some inspiration, or if you just want to hear a bunch of really cool writers and publishing industry people talking shop, give CONQUERING THE WRITING BLUES a try. My interview goes up this Sunday, and you can see all the other writers on the main site. I just hope you have as much fun listening I had doing the interview, because creativity and writing are my favorite topics ever. Seriously, do not get me started I will talk FOREVER.

Thank you so much as always for being my readers. You folks are the ones who keep me going more than any others when times get tough, and I appreciate you more than words can say. Thank you SO MUCH and see you May 5 for Opal's final book!

Yours,
Rachel Aaron

They say family always sticks together, but when you’re your dad’s only lifeline and the whole world—humans, dragons, and gods—wants you dead, “family bonding” takes on a whole new meaning.  My name is Opal Yong-ae, and I’m in way over my head. I thought getting rid of my dad’s bad luck curse would put things back to normal. Instead, I’m stuck playing caretaker to the Great Dragon of Korea. That wouldn’t be so bad if he wasn’t such a jerk, or if every dragon on the planet wasn’t out to kill him, or if he was my only problem.   Turns out, things can always get worse in the DFZ. When a rival spirit attacks my god/boss with the aim of turning the famously safety-optional city into a literal death arena with Nik as his bloody champion, I’m thrust onto the front lines and way out of my comfort zone. When gods fight, mortals don’t usually survive, but I’m not alone this time. Even proud old dragons can learn new tricks, and with everything I love falling to pieces, the father I’ve always run from might just be the only force in the universe stubborn enough to pull us back together.
NIGHT SHIFT DRAGONS comes out in  Audio, Ebook, and KU on May 5!  Preorder your copy now! 
I know it's been a hard few months for everyone and I'm sorry this took so long, but the wait is finally over. NIGHT SHIFT DRAGONS, the grand conclusion to the DFZ trilogy, comes out in audio, ebook, and KU on May 5!

Yes, that's Yong on the cover. Yes, they look like a K-Drama. Yes, Opal has a crickety crazy scheme. Yes, there's food. Also ambitious spirits, Heartstriker cameos, Nik's past finally revealed, and tons more! I crammed in pretty much everything you could want from a DFZ book, and it's all coming your way in less than a month!

And for those of you who prefer to listen to your books, the audio is releasing the same day as the ebook! And for you peeps who like paper books, I've got good news for you too! Print editions for MINIMUM WAGE MAGIC and PART-TIME GODS are done at last and will ALSO be launching on May 5!

*happy dancing*

Thank you all so much for going on this roller coaster of a series with me. I am so darn happy with how this book came out, and I hope the conclusion of Opal's story will bring you as much joy as it's brought me. Thanks you so much as always for reading and listening and being your awesome selves. I hope you'll add this last book to your lists, and I can't wait for you to read the story!

Thank you as always, and stay healthy!

Rachel Aaron Introverted Cave Dweller Social Distancing Champion
NIGHT SHIFT DRAGONS is the third book in the DFZ trilogy. If you're new, start from the beginning with MINIMUM WAGE MAGIC! I promise you won't be sorry!

 

Hoping to find an ally from the convent, Sybella instead discovers yet another initiate who has been misled and misused by the former abbess of Saint Mortain. But with long held secrets exposed and allegiances revealed, Sybella must form an uneasy trust borne of desperation to combat enemies at the French court who would have them branded as traitors and heretics.

Some mistakes cannot be fixed—that is Genevieve’s growing fear. Though she may have been a fool, she is no coward and will do whatever it takes to set things right and ensure her Queen’s—and Sybella’s—safety. It will take all of Genevieve’s strength of will and cunning, along with Sybella’s willingness to embrace her growing power. But even that may not be enough.

Plans fail, fragile loyalties are tested, and bridges burn in this riveting conclusion to the Courting Darkness duology. Here, the Daughters of Death finally embrace the full depth of their power—and try to make whole that which has been broken, including themselves.

 

Want to read more? You’re in luck! My publisher is providing an e-sampler of the first eleven chapters. I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing it! (And if you get so excited that you feel like pre-ordering the book–be sure to save your receipts! There will be a pre-order gift. Details coming soon!)

Leylia’s secret could unite them all or lead them to an eternity of undeath. After the loss of Bastion, everyone who’s not a zombie has holed up in FFO’s sole remaining safe haven: the lowbie town of Windy Lake. But the undead armies never rest, and it’s only a matter of time before the Once King’s forces come to crush what’s left of life in this world. But Tina, James, and the rest of the players are facing a crisis of their own. After so long in this world, their human bodies are dying on the other side. If they don’t find a way home soon, they may have nothing to go back to. With time running out in two worlds, Tina and James face a horrible choice: do they spend their final days looking for a way to get back to their old bodies, or join the NPCs to fight for their new ones. But just when things look impossible, James learns a secret that might change everything. Only one catch: to pull it off, they’re going to have to fight one raid boss no one, not even Tina, has ever beaten. The Once King.  Get your copy now in ebook, Kindle Unlimited, or Audible audio! All adventures have to end sometime, but wow, have we got an ending for you! The final book in the Forever Fantasy Online trilogy, THE ONCE KING, is out today in ebook and Audible audio edition! HOORAY!

What is SB hiding? What did Leylia tell James? Can the Once King even be beaten? Just how OP are Stonekin anyway?!?! I hope you're ready to find out, because we are at max DPS, baby! (Details per second.)

Terrible jokes aside, it's been a hell of a ride! Travis and I can't say how proud and happy we are to finally give you the book we wrote this whole series to reach. THE ONCE KING is my personal favorite of the trilogy, and I really hope it will be yours too! Thank you so so much for reading and listening, and we both hope you love the story!

(And if you haven't read the FFO series yet, now's a great day to start! Pick up the first novel in ebook, audio, or on KU and see what all the hype is about! Even if you're not a gamer, I promise you won't be disappointed!)

Thank you for being the best fans ever, and I'll see you soon for the final DFZ book, coming early next year! Keep reading!

Yours always,
Rachel Aaron and Travis Bach Hoarders of Epic Loot
THE ONCE KING is the third book in the FFO trilogy. If you're new, start from the beginning with FOREVER FANTASY ONLINE for some GamerLit that's actually lit!

Introducing THE ONCE KING! Available in ebook and audio November 12!

Leylia’s secret could unite them or lead them to an eternity of undeath.
After the loss of Bastion, everyone who’s not a zombie has holed up in FFO’s sole remaining safe haven: the lowbie town of Windy Lake. But the undead armies never rest, and it’s only a matter of time before the Once King’s forces come to crush what’s left of life in this world.  But Tina, James, and the rest of the players are facing a crisis of their own. After so long in this world, their human bodies are dying on the other side. If they don’t find a way home soon, they may have nothing to go back to.  With time running out in two worlds, Tina and James face a horrible choice: do they spend their final days looking for a way to get back to their old bodies, or join the NPCs to fight for their new ones. But just when things look impossible, James learns a secret that might change everything. Only one catch: to pull it off, they’re going to have to fight one raid boss no one, not even Tina, has ever beaten.  The Once King. Pre-order your copy now! 

I know it took forever, but the third and final Forever Fantasy Online book is finished and coming out in audio and ebook on November 12!

I hope you're ready for answers and boss fights, because wow did we pack a lot into this book! Travis and I are both super happy with how we ended the series, and we can't wait (CAN'T WAIT) for you all to read it!

As you can see, the ebook is already up for preorder, but the audio edition should be releasing on November 12 too! Print is in the works as well, so whatever version you like, you'll get! Thank you to everyone for sticking with us through this crazy love letter to MMOs, and we really hope you enjoy THE ONCE KING!

See you again on launch day, and until then, keep the DPS high!

Yours always,

Rachel Aaron and Travis Bach Keepers of DKP Benevolent Loot Council
THE ONCE KING is the third and final book in the FFO series. If you're new, start from the beginning with FOREVER FANTASY ONLINE. We promise you won't be sorry!

Finally! A little under a month after the ebook release, the second novel in my DFZ trilogy, PART-TIME GODS is now out in audio book from Audible.com!

Life in the magical mess of the Detroit Free Zone is never easy. When you're laboring under the curse of a certain prideful, overbearing dragon, it can be down right impossible.    My name is Opal Yong-ae, and I'm a Cleaner. Thanks to the supernatural bad luck that turns everything I do against me though, these days I'm more of a walking disaster. Getting rid of this curse is the only way to get my life back. Unfortunately, dragon magic is every bit as sneaky and deadly as the monsters behind it, and just as hard to beat.   But I've never been one to take her doom at face value. Cornered doesn't mean defeated, and in an awakened city that rules herself, dragons are no longer the biggest powers around. Get your copy now on Amazon or straight from Audible.com!
My narrator Emily Woo Zeller did an amazing job as always. Also, if you already bought the ebook, the audio edition is only $7.49 on Amazon, which is a steal.  It's a great production, and I really hope you'll give it a try! Thank you as always for being my readers/listeners, and I hope you love this next chapter in Opal's story! Yours always, Rachel

What is this? A new DFZ novel?!

Ta daaaa!
No, this isn't a cover reveal or a pre-order announcement. The second DFZ novel, PART-TIME GODS, is legit out. Right now. Today. 

Check the blurb:
Life in the magical mess of the Detroit Free Zone is never easy. When you’re laboring under the curse of a certain prideful, overbearing dragon, it can be down right impossible. My name is Opal Yong-ae, and I’m a Cleaner. At least, I used to be. Thanks to the supernatural bad luck that turns everything I do against me, these days I’m more of a walking disaster. Getting rid of this curse is the only way to get my life back. Unfortunately, dragon magic is every bit as sneaky and deadly the monsters behind it, and just as hard to beat. But I’ve never been one to take her doom at face value. Cornered doesn’t mean defeated, and in an awakened city that rules herself, dragons are no longer the biggest powers around. Get your copy now in ebook and Kindle Unlimited! 

So why the surprise drop? Well, if you follow me on Twitter, you already know that our entire family just up and moved from Georgia to Colorado! It was a super happy adventure, but, as with all good adventures, the rest of my life kind of fell apart during the move, including the launch schedule for this book. 
-_-

But I wasn't going to let a small thing like my entire life being in boxes keep a sequel from you guys! PART-TIME GODS was ready to go, so I said screw it, we'll do it live! Just think of this as my own, much smaller, much less organized version of a Beyonce Lemonade drop. Happy summer of books, everyone!

EDIT: AUDIO BOOK UPDATE!! Wow, you guys love audio books! The outcry for an audio release date has been fierce, and I don't blame you a bit! I just heard back from Audible that the production schedule for DFZ 2 was actually delayed due to schedule conflicts with my narrator, Emily, and I was never informed. 

Oh well, mistakes happen, but the good news is that I've confirmed the audio edition will come out on July 2, 2019! That's less than a month away!! Not what I wanted, obviously, but it's not too bad.

In the meanwhile, the book is out in KU and ebook right now! I hope you love this surprise trip into the DFZ as much as I loved writing it, which was a LOT. It's a super fun sequel, and I can't wait for you to read it!! 

As ever thank you SO MUCH for being part of my crazy dragon world. I couldn't do any of this without you! Thank you for your patience, and I hope you enjoy PART-TIME GODS!

Yours with many books,
Rachel Aaron High Priestess of Detroit DFZ Clean-up Crew
PART-TIME GODS is the second book in the DFZ series, which is set in the same universe as my Heartstrikers books. If you're new, start from the beginning with NICE DRAGONS FINISH LAST or MINIMUM WAGE MAGIC. I promise you won't be sorry!