Introduction
This week, we are opening a new section in the blog. A detailed post featuring new authors who want to talk about their books, difficulties regarding publishing and writing a first novel, as well as tips and advice for writers to publish their first novel.
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I’m sure you will enjoy our first interview with Cortney, who has recently published her first romantasy book and is an expert marketer and social media manager.
Onto the post!
Table of Contents
Author: Cortney L Winn
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Published: 2024
Pages: 483
Spice level: Open doors ( explicit scenes)
Synopsis
Heiress to the Zarr throne, Nizzara has always been able to perceive spirits better than the average caster. She enters a deadly tournament to win the freedom to choose her own suitor. As she competes, sheās determined to win without succumbing to the addictive magic she channels or taking a life in the duel ring.
But when she finds herself outmatched, Nizzara must make the choice she wanted to avoid, or lose her life in the process.
Dagen, the last King of Zarr, was killed by Nizzaraās father ten years ago. Now a half-ghostāable to phase between his human and spirit formāDagen is stuck in another realm, hunting wretched souls. When his keeper offers him a chance to reclaim his freedom and his kingdom in exchange for Nizzaraās pure soul, Dagen takes the deal.
Thereās only one catch: she must freely give it to him by the tournamentās end or his own soul is forfeit.
Cortney L. Wynn
Cortney L. Wynn is the new debut author from Vesselless. She is a 'diet Coke enthusiast' and loves to keep her readers updated with ingenious posts on Instagram. Additionally, she provides advice to new writers on how to market their books on social media.
"They hurt you, they dieā
Q&A with Cortney
Hello Cortney! So nice to have you here in the blog! Tell us about what inspired you to write Vesselless
Hi Alessa!! Im so happy to be here!!Ā
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The book that sparked the first fragment of Vesselless was Serpent & Dove. I loved the witches, the dual POV, and the enemies-to-lovers romance! I started writing chapter one and stepped away for about a year.
I came back with lots of ideas and multiple POVs. I reduced the story down to two POV’s and saved the others for book number two.
What do you consider the most challenging aspect of publishing your first novel?
I would say battling with perfectionism.Ā
Even with Vesselless, I went through twelve beta ( early ) readers hoping to achieve perfection. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t exist.
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I’m grateful for every one of my early readers because they’ve helped me shape my story into one I am proud to put out into the world. But realizing that perfection has a different meaning to everyone has helped me let go of this idealism that held me back.
What are some tropes you think readers may enjoy in Vesselless?
Definitely enemies to lovers, he falls first and alpha female!.
Some micro tropes: “This is what a first kiss should feel like” and : “he has gauged ears“
Why did you decide to mix fantasy with contemporary elements?
Because I was really tired of castles and horses. I wanted castles and sexy race cars! It scratched this itch for me to break the norm.Ā
Contemporary had become a little boring to me, and fantasy was beginning to get repetitive as well, so I combined them!
"I wrote a Castle with Sport Cars because I was tired of traditional castle vibes"
Do you have any advice for authors attempting to write their first book?
Certanily!
- Don’t be afraid to let go of your first novel. An insane amount of authors never publish their first attempt, but don’t let that statistic keep you from writing. Your first book is what makes future novels possible.
- Get feedback!! We are extremely blind to our own work. Find a writer’s group and share feedback with each other.
- Beta read for other authors. It makes you see common errors and opens your eyes to why something does or doesn’t work helping you apply that to your own book.
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Vesselless spice level
Vesselless is a NA romantasy the likes of Fourth Wing.
it has a full two pages open door scene and lots of tension and banter through all the book.!
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Vesselless notable quotes
This are some quotes that were highlited by early beta readers and that I’m sure will get you excited about this new romantasy release!!
Sometimes, I wonder if anyone else understands what it's like to feel both unconditional love and such deep hatred for the same personā
"It's always been about your soul. His lips almost curl into that smirk. I just didn't think keeping it safe would be harder than stealing itā
I'll never force you to do anything, but I will challenge you. I caress her cheek with shadow. Because you have to live. I'll accept nothing else.
Books similar to Vesselless
Frequently asked Questions:
Yes. Vesselless will be a trilogy with two novellas.
Vesselles has one explicit open door scene . the spice is complementary to the plot.
Vesselless heroine, Nizzara, heiress to the Zarr Throne,Ā enters a deadly tournament to win the freedom to choose her own suitor.
Dagen, the last King of Zarr, was killed by Nizzaraās father ten years ago. Now a half-ghostāable to phase between his human and spirit formāDagen is stuck in another realm, hunting wretched souls. When his keeper offers him a chance to reclaim his freedom and his kingdom in exchange for Nizzaraās pure soul, Dagen takes the deal.
Vesselless was released on the 24th of March and is available on Kindle Unlimited. You can get it here
