Hello, wonderful readers and aspiring writers, it's hard to believe it's already June! For me, these past few months have been a whirlwind of transformation. As many of you know, I have officially retired from my long career, stepping into the exciting—and sometimes daunting—world of full-time writing. It's been an incredible journey of rediscovering my creative rhythms, finding new quiet hours when inspiration strikes, and learning to chase the stories that live in my head with renewed passion. The blank page feels both exhilarating and terrifying in entirely new ways when it becomes your full-time companion! This month, I'm thrilled to share some exciting news about upcoming releases, a special giveaway, and invaluable insights into the craft of writing that will ignite the creative spark in your endeavors.

The moment you've been waiting for is almost here! Shadow Awakening, the first book in my epic Young Adult fantasy series Shadow & Shade, is officially launching in July! I can't wait for you to dive into this world of magic, mystery, and the deep bonds that form when everything is at stake.

Mark your calendars and keep an eye on your inbox next month for:

• Exact release date announcement

• Pre-order links and special launch pricing

• Details on how to get your signed copy

🎁 July Launch Celebration Giveaway!

To celebrate this monumental launch, I'm hosting an exclusive giveaway featuring:

• Signed copies of Shadow Awakening

• Exclusive Shadow & Shade merchandise

• A sneak peek at future projects

• And maybe a few magical surprises...

🏛️ Unlock Your Family's Story: Ancestry Legacies

Beyond fantasy realms, I continue my deeply rewarding work of helping families preserve their legacies. Retirement has given me more time to dedicate to this passion—assisting individuals to weave together their unique family narratives.

Transform Your Research into Legacy

• Scattered Ancestry.com information? Let's organize it.

• DNA results waiting for context? Let's connect them to stories.

• Family memories that need preserving? Let's craft them into lasting literature.

Imagine creating a beautiful book you can pass down through generations, filled with the lives, journeys, and moments that led to you.

Timeline: These labor-of-love projects typically take 6-8 months, depending on the complexity and scope of your family.

Learn more: www.shadowandshade.com

✍️ From Idea to First Draft: Your Literary Journey Starts Here

Many of you have asked the same crucial question: "How do I pull this brilliant idea from my head and turn it into an actual first draft?"

The secret isn't magic—it's plotting and structure. This isn't about stifling creativity; it's about building a sturdy framework that allows your story to soar.

Think Like an Explorer

Plotting is like drawing a map before embarking on an epic quest. You know your destination and have outlined the major landmarks along the way. The structure becomes the skeleton of your story, ensuring it can stand tall and carry the full weight of your narrative.

🎯 Mini-Lesson: Mastering the Three-Act Structure

Let's break down the foundation that supports countless successful stories:

Act I: The Setup (Beginning - 25%)

• The Hook: Grab your reader immediately

• Character & World Introduction: Who is your protagonist? What's their normal world?

• Inciting Incident: The event that shatters normalcy and launches the journey

• Call to Adventure: The invitation (or force) into the main conflict

• Crossing the Threshold: Committing to the adventure, leaving the familiar behind

Act II: The Confrontation (Middle - 50%)

• Rising Action: Escalating challenges that force growth and change

• First Pinch Point: Reminder of the antagonist's power and what's at stake

• Midpoint: Major turning point that raises stakes even higher

• Second Pinch Point: Another crushing reminder of the antagonist's strength

• All Is Lost: The protagonist's lowest point—when hope seems impossible

Act III: The Resolution (End - 25%)

• Dark Night of the Soul: Reflection, gathering inner strength, finding new inspiration

• Climax: Ultimate confrontation where the protagonist applies everything learned

• Falling Action: Immediate aftermath, tying up loose ends

• Resolution: The new normal—how has the world changed?

Your Support Makes All the Difference Once the new book launches, honest reviews on Amazon or Goodreads are incredibly valuable. You don't need to write an essay—just a few heartfelt sentences about what resonated with you help other readers discover new stories. Whether positive or constructively critical, reviews fuel the creation of more books for you to love.

📚 Find all my books at www.amazon.com/author/desire4fire

Children's stories, paranormal fantasy, and blank journals—there truly is something for everyone!

📖 Exclusive Sneak Peek: Shadow Awakening Chapter Excerpt

The Stormbreaker pitched hard beneath me, its groaning timbers barely holding against the fury of the Aquillian. Rain came in sheets, slashing the deck. Wind screamed like a thing alive. I gripped the rail, salt stinging my eyes, boots slick with seawater. Mage Lights flickered along the rigging—ghostly blue orbs fighting to hold back the dark. All they really did was show us how bad it was. The ocean wasn’t water anymore. It was rage. Another wave slammed into us. The deck tilted. A warrior flew past me, slamming into the mast with a crunch. I didn’t check if he got back up. Where there had once been a hundred ships, I could only see a scatter of lights, less than half. Possibly lost… gone. Swallowed. I hoped not. “Hold fast!” Manick’s voice pierced the roar. He was at my side, soaked to the bone, face streaked with salt and fear—but steady. Always steady. Aster fought his way over, coat whipping like a flag. “This storm’s not natural! Dark Magic’s behind it—I feel it!” He wasn’t wrong. Silverfang vibrated in my grip; its magic was off-kilter. The blade knew. This wasn’t weather. This was a weapon. Lightning split the sky—white-hot, blinding. And in that flash, I saw it. A wall of water. No. A mountain. The wave rose from the sea like it was summoned from the deep—a black tide streaked with sickly violet light. Hundreds of feet tall. It blocked the horizon. Then darkness again. No one spoke. Even the sea stilled as if it were waiting. Then came the sound. A deep, guttural roar—impossibly vast. It wasn’t thunder. It was older than thunder. It was death. And it was coming for us. I tasted bile. Around me, men drew blades like they could cut the sea. Some prayed. Some wept. We all waited for the end. And I thought of her. Sage.

*What happens when dark magic turns the very sea into a weapon? Will our heroes survive the supernatural storm, or will they succumb to forces beyond their control?

Find out in Shadow Awakening - coming July 2025!

Except by (Desire4fire June 2025)

🎵 Behind the Scenes: Creating Epic Scenes with Sound

Writing intense scenes like the storm battle you just read requires more than just sitting at my desk. To truly capture the atmosphere—the tension, adrenaline, and magic—I often turn to music as my secret weapon.

Before diving into epic battles or emotionally charged moments, I'll put on instrumental cinematic music - Epic Music Mix. Think sweeping orchestral scores, dramatic percussion, and soaring melodies that instantly transport me into the world I'm building.

My Musical Writing Process

I've been dabbling with piano since before I was a teen, and while I'm no professional, I genuinely love playing for pure enjoyment. Sometimes, sitting at my Yamaha keyboard and letting my fingers find a melody can unlock a scene or reveal a character's hidden emotion.

I even write original songs! Music composition and lyrics by Gloria Sanders-Williams - the song is sung by family members dedicated to my mother, which makes this piece all the more special. If you're curious about this musical side of my creativity, check out my piece "Butterfly" on SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/gloria-sanders-1/butterfly

Music and writing feed each other in beautiful ways—both are about rhythm, emotion, and telling stories that touch the soul.

📝 Your Daily Writing Challenge

For the next 30 days, spend just 15-30 minutes each day focusing on one structure element. Choose something like "Inciting Incident" or "Midpoint" and free-write about it for your story idea. Don't worry about perfection—get your ideas down. You'll build your entire plot piece by piece!

Need more guidance? Search for "three-act structure for writers" or "plot outlines for novels" for extensive resources.

💝 Thank You for This Journey

Your support means everything to me as a full-time author. Whether you're:

• Purchasing my books (children's, fantasy, paranormal, or blank journals!)

• Leaving thoughtful reviews

• Sharing my work with friends

• Engaging with these newsletters, you're helping me live my dream and bring more stories to life.

Do you know someone who'd love these writing tips or fantasy adventures? Please share this newsletter! New subscribers can join our community at www.shadowandshade.com

• Hey Subscribers! If you bring on a new subscriber, have them mention you to receive a gift from me!

📬 Stay Connected

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.shadowandshade.com

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/desire4fire

Music: www.soundcloud.com/gloria-sanders-1/butterfly

Until next month, keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep believing in the magic of stories.

Warmly,

Gloria Sanders-Williams

P.S. July is going to be EPIC—you won't want to miss what's coming!

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