Today I am honored to feature Esther T. Jones, Author of Tedenbarr of Have Lath and Thorunn. You can read my review of Tedenbarr of Have Lath here, and be on the look out of my comprehensive ARC review of Thorunn prior to its release date of May 20th!
Esther been creating stories since she was a kid, and really started writing them down when she was about 10. In her teen years she got serious about learning the craft, and hasn’t stopped since, going on to publish her debut novel Tedenbarr of Have Lath as well as her newest novel, Thorunn, coming out on 20th. Outside of writing, Esther loves gardening, cosplay, and music (as she is a flutist and pianist).
Why did you choose indie publishing?
Creative control! It’s fantastic working with editors and beta readers, but ultimately (unlike traditional publishing), it’s up to me to decide what I want to include or cut from the final product, and I love that.
Who is your favorite author and/or book?
I still really love the Redwall series, because of the rich descriptions, the nuanced characters, and the ability Brian Jacques’ works have to take you to a completely different world. Recently though, I’ve been loving everything by Jeff Wheeler, and I’m currently enjoying his “Harbinger” series.
What is your writing routine like?
I don’t really have one right now, haha. I’ve just started working on a new WIP (a portal fantasy about a lost princess), and I’m just aiming to get in around 1000-2000 words a week. When I’ve got the first draft down I’ve probably be a little more methodical about it, but since I’m a pantser, I need to have ample time to think about my story between writing sessions so that the words can flow when I sit down to type.
If you could give one piece of advise to your past-self about writing, what would it be?
Please, please read books, of all genres and types! It’s the most important part of being able to write well.
Do you want to give a shout out to anyone in particular?
I want to say thanks so much to my amazing cover artist Don Jones, who was awesome during the whole process. The cover for Thorunn turned out beautifully!
Can you give us an out-of-context spoiler to get us excited for Thorunn?
At one point, Kenton’s best friend Bo finds himself hurtling off a mountain on a makeshift hang-glider, trying to escape from the murderous, pterodactyl-like Chsaa-Rhee before they can stab his eyes out.
Thorunn is available for pre-order now! Check it out!
Follow Esther T. Jones
Books
Adventure! Treachery! Danger on the High Seas! After months of forced servitude aboard a cargo ship en route from the Kingdom of the West, all Tedenbarr wants is to return to his beloved home. But when a brutal pirate attack leaves Tedenbarr stranded on the far shores of the Eastern Kingdom, Tedenbarr must embark on an arduous and harrowing journey from East to West with only his wit, and will to survive against the many trials that beset him along the way. Faced with danger from land and sea, foreigner and country-kin, Tedenbarr’s travels promise to take him through perilous, lonely mountains, across vast, thirsty deserts, and into the very heart of a city poised on the brink of civil war. Only time will tell if Tedenbarr can succeed in his quest to return to Have Lath, and finally reunite with his friends, family and the woman he left behind.
Nine years ago, Skytown soldiers brutally murdered Kenton’s family. Now those same men aim to return and destroy Kenton’s hard-won, idyllic life amongst the peaceful shifter people of the Hinnom Forest.
Meanwhile, Laine Riven–dragged from Earth to Thorunn against his will–is stuck navigating an unfamiliar school, his jerk of an uncle, and the rising threat posed by the Outpost Terrorist.
When their paths clash amidst tragedy and betrayal, Kenton realises he and his best friend Bo may have rushed headlong into a situation too impossible to fix.
Time is running out as frix season closes in, and their only shot at victory hinges on outrunning the seasoned bounty hunters, savage creatures, and unpredictably violent weather trying to kill them every step of the way.
Currently, I am not accepting any more applications for Feature Friday. Follow me for updates regarding when I will be reopening the application. Until then, signing off.
E.S. Barrison
E.S. Barrison 