Hey all!
Hope you had a happy Thanksgiving! Just wanted to let you know that I have created a new and improved website/blog : https://beccajfox5.wixsite.com/author
I will no longer be updating this website/blog on WordPress but I’d love to keep my subscribers so, if you have a minute, please click on the link above and subscribe to the new blog for further updates, short stories, poems, musings, and random thoughts. 🙂
Thanks for reading! See you on the other site.
Back in 2017, while my epic fantasy novel Asta and the Barbarians was in the process of being published by Tirgearr Publishing, I was also taking some creative writing classes at my community college. In my Intermediate Fiction writing class, I was challenged to write a short story every two weeks. It was difficult but also tons of fun to brainstorm and create so many stories in such a short amount of time. Some were always destined to be short stories; others I felt deserved to be expanded upon but it wasn’t the right time.
After Asta and the Barbarians was published, I began working on a romance novel titled I Dare You to Stay With Me which I ended up self-publishing, and then I quickly began preparing my science fiction/fantasy novel The Andromeda’s Ghost to be published through BHC Press. This year, I self-published a book with my sister, a urban fantasy novel titled Death’s Curses. While finishing up with Death’s Curses, I was also communicating with BHC Press because they are in the process of getting The Andromeda’s Captain (book two in The Andromeda Chronicles) ready for publication. And after Death’s Curses was published, I raced through the end of The Andromeda’s Crew (book three in The Andromeda Chronicles) after which I decided to dive headlong into the complex world of book marketing. I’ve been snatching free ebooks, and signing up for free webinars as well as relatively inexpensive marketing classes as I come across them. I’ve been emailing reviewers and organizing advertisements and other promotions for my books. I’ve scheduled cross promotion with other authors through my newsletter and social media accounts. It has been exhausting, but necessary to grow my audience and get my name out there.
With The Andromeda’s Crew in the hands of my beta readers, I can’t do any more work on it. At least, not until I get their feedback. In the meantime (because I don’t know how to be idle) I’ve moved on to the next project on my list, the short stories I created back in 2017! Whenever I had writer’s block while working on projects from 2017 up until now, I would go back to one of those short stories specifically. I shared it here on the blog at one point; back then it was titled A Match Made in the Hollow. Slowly but surely, I’ve built upon it until, just last week, I finished it. It’s not a short story anymore but a 130 page novella titled Jessa and the Lost Goddess.
This is the first installment in a series of novellas which are companions to Asta and the Barbarians. These novellas are set in the same world as Asta and the Barbarians but focus on different characters. All of these characters are chosen for a specific task by one of the Heavenly Masters (gods and goddesses) that were introduced in Asta and the Barbarians. In the last novella of this series, these new characters will meet up with Asta and her friends in order to help them achieve a very specific task. While Asta’s story was set on the Island of Holger, these novellas will be set on the “mainland” which was mentioned often in Asta and the Barbarians but never expanded upon. I’ve had numerous fans ask for a sequel to Asta’s story over the years and I’m so excited to finally be able to do so. I sincerely hope I can live up to your expectations or at least entertain you for a little while. 😉
Tirgearr Publishing produced Asta and the Barbarians so they get first dibs, but they can choose not to publish this series. If that happens, I’m going to self-publish these so no matter what, you will get to read these very soon! I’ve submitted a synopsis and an overview to Tirgearr Publishing and am waiting for their response now.
More news to come!
When I was eighteen years old, facing my high school graduation, I also faced an uncertain future. I lived in California–not the nice, beachy part of California but a small rest-stop-of-a-town in the middle of the desert, right on the border between Mexico and California. The economy was terrible; people who had jobs weren’t quitting or retiring. People who didn’t have jobs were flooding the only community college in the area, making it nigh impossible for kids right out of high school to get the classes they needed. I felt a little stuck, unsure what was coming next for me. I also wanted a car (back then a car equaled freedom and not an insurance bill and endless gas payments) but my parents weren’t wealthy enough to get me one. They told me they’d pay for half but I needed a job in order to raise the other half of the payment. Thankfully, my grandparents (who lived in Phoenix, AZ) offered to house me for the summer. My uncle said he could get me a job at the corner deli where he’d gotten his first job.
I’d visited my grandparents before, for up to a week every summer. But this was different. This would be for an entire summer. I’d never been away from home, without my parents, for that long. It should’ve been scary, the prospect of moving. Instead, I felt at peace. I just knew in my heart that this was what I was supposed to do. A little voice said, “Go.” So I did.
I spent that summer working, holed up in my room writing, or attending my grandparents’ church. It was enormous compared to the church I grew up in, which had 50 regular attenders at the most. This new church had a college group, which I eagerly began to attend. With so many people who had grown up in the church together, it was hard for me (the new kid, the socially awkward introvert with terrible self-esteem) to make friends. Still, I persevered because that certainty in my heart of hearts remained. I knew God wanted me there. So, instead of going back to California after the summer was through, I stayed in Phoenix.
It was hard. Sometimes I’d come back from college group, face plant into my pillow, and cry myself to sleep because I was so discouraged and lonely. Sometimes, I’d come home from a long shift at work, lie on my back on the floor, and prop my feet up on my desk because my ankles were so swollen. Sometimes, I’d wonder what my purpose was for being there. I wondered if things were ever going to get easier.
I got progressively more involved with my church. I volunteered in the nursery. I volunteered in the mid-week children’s Bible program. I started singing in the choir. I saved my pennies and finally bought myself a car, a tiny Dodge Neon that was my pride and joy. I moved out of my grandparents’ house, into a flat above an older couple’s garage. The garage was separate from the house so I had my privacy and independence. I got a new job at Chipotle, started community college.
That was hard too. My bosses quickly learned that I was fast and efficient, so they put me in the back. I labored over a giant stove and a grill, sweating constantly, burning myself constantly, slicing and dicing and marinating and washing enormous piles of dishes and scrubbing floors. It was the most physically demanding job I’d ever had. Sometimes, I had to work nights and came home after midnight. Only to wake up early the next morning and rush off to class. I didn’t have a washer or dryer in my flat. I had to go to the laundromat once a week. I still remember doing my homework as I waited for my laundry to be done, all the while keeping my eye out for suspicious characters.
Things at church got a little better; I made a handful of friends at least. Then I met the man who would later become my husband. We dated, got engaged, and married all within a two year span. We moved into a tiny apartment. I got a new job working as a receptionist for my church. While it wasn’t physically demanding, it was mentally taxing. Dealing with all sorts of people who came through the door, looking for financial assistance, looking for counseling, looking to help organize various events, looking to sell me something; it was exhausting. But sitting for hours and hours at a desk, waiting for a phone to ring, also provided me with endless time to write. I completed multiple manuscripts while fulfilling my receptionist duties. I also had time to do homework and finished my schooling while working there. I’ll always be thankful for that time in my life.
But then I transitioned into writing and being an author almost full time, which proved to be hard as well. Despite how diligently I tried to have a social media presence and promote my books on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest, despite keeping up a blog and sending out a monthly newsletter, despite writing and rewriting my books to make sure they were the best versions of themselves, I wasn’t making any money. I read articles, I consulted other authors, I used free and paid online promotional services, I made Facebook and Bookbub ads, I even did some cross promotion with other authors. Nothing. Worked. It was so incredibly frustrating! I started questioning whether it was worth it, being an author. But the voices in my heart and mind, the voices of my characters and my loved ones and my inner child, couldn’t be silenced. So I kept trying.
Three years later, we welcomed our son into the world. Becoming a mother brought on new challenges. Breastfeeding a premie proved to be impossible; he was struggling so much to gain weight so I resorted to pumping and bottle feeding. Those were scary days and endless nights as we tried to figure it all out. Thankfully, we did. One day, we weren’t just surviving anymore. We were living, having created a new routine to incorporate our little one into our lives. It was a beautiful time. Until I had to go back to work. I left my precious boy with my grandmother and a friend of the family while I worked from 8AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday. For a whole year I balanced work, writing, and motherhood. Little sleep, little time with my baby, little time with my husband. I longed for the day when I could be at home full time. Just when I thought I’d finally gotten used to being a working mom, we found out we were going to have another baby. And it was made very clear that I couldn’t keep working.
So when our daughter was born, I quit my job at the church. I became a full time mom, just like I’d always wanted. But that was hard too. Being stuck indoors all the time with two babies, one of which was very gassy and colic-y, was taxing on my mental health. I went through post-partum depression, started questioning my ability to be a good mother and wife, struggled with anger and hopelessness, could hardly put words on a page. Fortunately, that season–like the others–did eventually pass. God was good and provided for our financial needs until I was in a better place, mentally, and able to work again. A friend of ours told us about a remote job opportunity through the company he worked for and I prayerfully submitted an application. I was hired maybe two months later.
Baby girl still wasn’t sleeping through the night and learning my job responsibilities took time, so it was another sleepless season for me. But I was thankful for the opportunity to help provide for the family and determined to do this job well. After all, it had been an answer to prayer. It took time to grow accustomed to the new routine, to balance work with writing and book marketing, and motherhood and being a homemaker and wife. There are days when I still get overwhelmed, frustrated, and discouraged, and I start to wish things weren’t so hard.
But life has always been hard, hasn’t it? Just in different ways. And with every new set of challenges comes a new type of joy, one provided by my gracious Heavenly Father. I can look back with gratitude and celebration, look forward with confidence despite the unknown, because I know wherever I go, whatever I face, whatever I do, He will always be there.
My new adult urban fantasy novel, Death’s Curses, is going on a blog tour (hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions) from August 16 – 27th. What does this mean? It means that for the next 12 days my book is going to be highlighted on 13 different blogs. I’m including the tour schedule as well as links to each host blog because you’re going to want to tune in and enter the rafflecopter contest! A random visitor will be selected to win a bookmark, a custom made candle inspired by one of the characters in the book, and an ebook copy of the book itself (US participants only — Sorry, UK, but I’m too broke to mail anything to you!).
Why am I doing a blog tour? Well, for one, because I’m running out of creative ways to spread the word about this book without sounding like a used car salesman. But also because I’m excited to give this custom made candle away. I met this gal through Instagram and, right from the beginning, she was a joy to work with. I could tell she cared about her craft and her customers. She gave me a list of colors and scents that I could play with in order to create a candle for each main character in this book, Charlie, Esmeralda, and Jasmine. Then she sent me short Instagram reels during each step of the creation process, asking questions to be sure I was satisfied with my order. The candles came out great! Each scent is unique and portrays each character perfectly. I kept one, I gave one to my sister and coauthor, and now I’m giving the last one away to one of you!
So I hope you get a chance to visit one of these blogs and enter the contest this week! If you can, please leave a comment. I’ll be visiting these host blogs too and will answer any questions you might have. I’m looking forward to the chance to talk to my readers. 🙂
As promised, here’s the tour schedule:
8/16: Westveil Publishing
8/17: Becoming Extraordinary
8/18: Romance Novel Giveaways
8/19: All the Ups and Downs
8/20: Literary Gold
8/20: FUONLYKNEW
8/23: Welcome to My World of Dreams
8/24: Dawn’s Reading Nook
8/25: Hope. Dreams. Life… Love
8/25: Fabulous and Brunette
8/26: Kit ‘N Kabookle
8/26: Sadie’s Spotlight
8/27: Christine Young
Hi everyone!
For those of you who aren’t following me on social media, my ebooks (In the Dark and Asta and the Barbarians) are 50% off through Smashwords for the entire month of July. To get everyone hyped, I’ve been using Instagram Stories to share excerpt readings from these two books. I update my Stories every Thursday morning, alternating from In the Dark to Asta and the Barbarians. I posted the final excerpt reading for In the Dark today and plan to do one more reading of Asta and the Barbarians next Thursday. I’ve also posted two excerpt readings on Youtube so no one has to miss out, but if people like the idea of tuning in every Thursday on Instagram, I’d be more than happy to continue doing readings until I finish Chapter One of each book. My publisher, Tirgearr Publishing, has given me permission to post that much. Let me know in the comments if anyone would be interested in that.
These excerpt readings were actually my publisher’s idea. It’s not something that’s done very often and they wanted to try something new so they suggested it to all of their authors. I was apprehensive at first because I’m camera shy but also a bit self-conscious about how I read. Despite that, I thought I should try. I’ve never gone to a live reading; for one, I never know when and where they’re happening and, once I do find out, it’s always somewhere far away from where I live. I think it would be awesome to be able to watch a video of one of my favorite authors reading an excerpt from their book for FREE so I thought I’d at least give you guys the option.
I hope you get the chance to check out my Instagram Stories or at least watch one of the readings on Youtube. If there’s enough of an interest, I can read from my other books and share them on Instagram too. 🙂 Remember, the Smashwords ebook sale will be over in 9 days so grab a copy of whichever book strikes your fancy while they’re only $2.49!
My child, you are so precious to me.
You were created because of a dream, one born out of the love your father and I shared. I carried you in my womb for nine months. I experienced physical sickness and pain. I worried about you so much, I ached inside. I prayed that God would protect you from all the hurt and disappointment and grief I experienced in my youth, all the while knowing deep down that pain would be a necessary teacher in your life. I watched you on the screen during every ultrasound, in awe, in humility, in shock. How could I be in charge of this little person, this precious, helpless, impressionable person? Flawed creature that I am, I knew I would make mistakes. And the very thought terrified me. Still, I determined to do my best. Because I love you, my child.
Little One, you are so fragile.
I watched your mother give birth, helpless to ease her pain, unable to shoulder even an ounce of that burden. But I held her hand and I cheered her on when she thought she had given all that she could. And, together, we welcomed you into this harsh, demanding, unforgiving world. We brought you home, rearranged our lives around you. We made a promise as we stood over your sleeping little form. We would do everything in our power to make you feel loved. We would create a safe haven for you, a home you would always want to come back to. We would give you every good thing that was in our power to give and teach you every good thing our parents taught us, maybe more. We were just children ourselves, still learning what it meant to be adults. But we wanted to do our best for you. Because we love you, Little One.
My child, be patient with me.
I know it seems like I say “no” more than I say “yes.” But it’s only because there is so much out there that can hurt you and I’m afraid. I trust God can keep you safe, but I also understand that He will allow certain things to come into your life in order to shape you. Certain things that I would do everything in my power to help you avoid. I see only what’s right in front of you while He sees it all. It’s so hard to guide you down this dark road with only the light from my very dim headlights to show us the way. It’s so hard for me to let go. Sometimes I think I’m doing well, while other times I’m so sure I’m an absolute failure as a mother. But I’m doing my best. Because I love you, my child.
Little One, listen to me.
There’s so much I want to teach you, so much I’ve learned that I’m sure will benefit you. Why do you scoff and turn away? Why do you insist on doing things by yourself? Don’t you trust me? I’m trying to help, to give you the knowledge I wish my father had given me, to ease your way through this life. I’ve looked forward to teaching you since the day you were born. Please, don’t rob me of this. I want you to become a good, smart, resourceful, person and this is the only way I know how. But I can’t help you if you don’t let me. Can’t you see I’m doing my best here? I love you, Little One.
My child, forgive me.
In my exhaustion and desperation, I’ve made poor choices. Our lives are not simple; sometimes our circumstances only serve to bring out the worst in us. And I’m sorry. I’m truly sorry. You deserve someone better as a mother but you got stuck with me. Please, don’t shut me out. Every moment we spend together is priceless. I promise I’m still trying my best. I love you, my child.
Little One, understand me.
I never knew fatherhood would be this hard. I struggle to discipline you. I struggle to find common ground. I struggle to express myself in a clear and healthy manner. Only now am I realizing that my father had the same issues I’m having now. He never taught me how to overcome this because he never figured it out himself. But maybe he was just trying his best too. No matter what happens, never doubt that I love you, Little One.
My child, you are amazing.
I know it’s only by the grace of God that you flourish. You have your vices, you have your flaws, but you are also talented and smart and brave. And I’m so proud of you. Soon you’ll be venturing out on your own but I’ll be here for you whenever you need me. It’s still hard for me to let go, I’ll admit. But I’ll do my best to give you the independence you’ve always wanted. Because I love you, my child.
Little One, you’ve come so far.
You became your own person right under my nose. Stand tall but stay humble. There’s much to be thankful to God for. We had some bumps along the way; sometimes I felt like bopping you upside the head, but I’m glad I did my best for you. I love you, Little One.
Mom, Dad, I used to think you were so exasperating.
There was a certain comfort in the circle of your arms but the allure of the outside world was so very strong. I couldn’t wait to break free. But the truth is? I didn’t know what you were going through. I couldn’t understand how you felt. I could only see my side of things and I lashed out at you when I felt wronged. I can’t say how sorry I am for every angry or hurtful thing I said to you. Because I have a kid now and I’m learning that I don’t know anything about this incredibly gratifying, yet equally impossible task that is parenthood. Looking back, I can see that you were only doing your best. Thanks for that.
I love you both.
Editing for Death’s Curses is finished! I’ve gone over my editor’s comments and have applied some minor changes. It’s done! Now, I’m working on all the formatting involved to make the paperback and ebook look and feel like books that were traditionally published. It’s not hard work but it is time-consuming. I have even more respect for all of the wonderful people involved in this part of the publication process.
I’ve set a publication date for June 1st so anyone who is currently in possession of an eARC, please be prepared to post your review during that week. Anyone who posts a review will be receiving a custom made bookmark as a thank-you.
ARCs are still available to anyone interested in a free ebook in exchange for an honest review on Amazon or Goodreads. I have epub, mobi, and PDF versions.
In other news, the ebook and paperback will be marked down for a limited time after publication because it will be participating in the Kindle Storyteller Contest. So, if you’d rather wait until after publication to get a copy of this book, it’ll be on sale until August.
Proud to announce that The Andromeda’s Ghost has been chosen to be featured in BHC Press’s curated list of Discover These Must-Reads!
BHC Press uses Bookshop.org as their online store because of its mission to help independent booksellers. Each purchase at Bookshop benefits independent bookstores. As of today, they have donated over $11 million to local bookstores in the US. They also recently launched in the UK in November of last year and have already donated over $1 million to UK bookstores. There are plans to launch Bookshop in Canada and Australia soon, and Europe following that. Please support local bookstores by shopping at Bookshop.org.
To see the full list of these Must-Reads published through BHC Press, click here.
Edited to add: The Andromeda’s Ghost ebook has been selected to participate in Barnes & Noble’s 2.99 and Under Ebook Sale for the month of May! To celebrate this, BHC Press will mark down the ebook in all their other retailers. What does this mean? It means the ebook for The Andromeda’s Ghost will be on sale for $1.99 from Saturday, May 1st – Saturday, May 29th! If you haven’t gotten a chance to read it yet, next month may be the perfect time!
This week, I heard back from Lucy Felthouse, my editor. She said she’s more than halfway done with her edits on Death’s Curses! This is the same talented lady who edited In the Dark and Asta and the Barbarians for me (published by Tirgearr Publishing) so I know she’s going to do a great job.
Once I receive the manuscript back from her, I’ll look over her edits and make necessary changes. Then it’s formatting time, where I make the manuscript look and feel like a real book. Amazon then creates a print proof for me, a physical copy of the book, that I can review. And once that’s approved, this book will finally be published! I’m aiming for the end of May/beginning of June but I’ll keep you guys posted.
ARCs are still available to anyone interested in a free ebook in exchange for an honest review on Amazon or Goodreads. I have epub, mobi, and PDF versions ready.
Just wanted to let you all know that I’ve taken a break from Twitter in order to devote more time to connecting with readers through Goodreads. I log on once a week to post on some discussion boards and answer reader questions. If anyone wants to connect, you can find me here.
Hey everyone!
So sorry I’ve been MIA for the past few months. Life has gotten the best of me but I haven’t been idle! Here is the long-awaited cover reveal for Death’s Curses:
This beautiful cover was created by the talented Cora from Cora Graphics. I’m completely in love with it! As usual, Cora captured my and my sister’s vision for this cover perfectly and we’re so excited to showcase it to you guys!
These are the three main characters of the book Esmer, Jasmine, and Charlie. The story alternates between their three points of view. This is the first book where I alternate between more than two characters and it was so much fun to head hop!
The manuscript is now in the capable hands of Lucy Felthouse who edited my ebooks In the Dark and Asta and the Barbarians. Since Death’s Curses is so long, it’ll take several weeks if not a whole month to be edited. My sister and I have gone over it so many times I’ve lost count; I’m confident there will be very little work that will need to be done after our editor takes a look, but it never hurts to have another pair of eyes on a project this size. We want it to be as polished and professional as any book produced by a traditional publisher. We still don’t have a definite publication date but I will keep you updated as things progress.
There are also ebook ARCs available in mobi, epub, and PDF if anyone is interested in a free book in exchange for an honest review on Amazon or Goodreads!
Mom, I need you
I’m a newborn babe and everything is scary
Loud sounds, strange smells, bright lights
But I know your voice
And in its soft melody I find peace.
Mom, I need you
My gums hurt, I bumped my head, I’m hungry
Can you make it all better?
Mom, I need you
I’m a toddler exploring the world around me
But I don’t know how to be careful
Won’t you teach me?
Mom, I need you
I’m starting school and I’m a bundle of nerves and excitement
You’re sure I’ll make friends? You’re sure it won’t be too hard?
Mom, I need you
The world outside our home is so harsh
Kids are mean, teachers are demanding
Won’t you remind me who I am?
Mom, I need you
I didn’t make it into the soccer team but all my friends did
How do I deal with this rejection?
Mom, I need you
I have a crush but they don’t even know I exist
What do I do?
Mom, I need you
I’m starting high school and I’m terrified
How am I going to survive these next four years?
Mom, I need you
I just had a big fight with Dad
I know he loves me and I love him too
But I’m starting to feel like a grown up and he still treats me like a kid
Will I ever be an adult in your eyes?
Mom, I need you
I just got dumped for the very first time
My heart feels like it’s slowly dying
How will I ever get over this?
Mom, I need you
My friends aren’t who I thought they were
I feel so stupid and lost and alone
How will I ever trust anyone again?
Mom, I need you
I made a mistake, a big one
I don’t want you to be disappointed in me but I don’t want to hide things from you either
Can you forgive me?
Mom, I need you
I’m graduating high school and I have no idea what I want to do next
Did you ever have this problem?
Mom, I need you
I want my own money and more responsibility
But I’ve never been on my feet for this long
And working with other people is frustrating sometimes
Why is being an adult so hard?
Mom, I need you
Exams are coming up
My professors want more from me than I think I can give
I miss being home
Can I quit college?
Mom, I need you
I’m getting married but I still feel like a kid
Can you tell me everything is going to be okay?
Mom, I need you
We had our first big fight
I don’t want to lose this person I love so much
But I don’t think I’m wrong either
How can I make things right?
Mom, I need you
I’m having a baby of my own and there are so many changes up ahead
I miss when things were simple
Can’t things go back to the way they used to be?
Mom, I need you
This baby won’t let me sleep
My body hurts, my house is a mess, I’m so utterly exhausted
And on top of that I still have to go back to work
Can you help me?
Mom, I need you
My baby is sick and I don’t know what to do
Should I take them to the hospital?
Mom, I need you
My baby seems to need me all the time
I want to rest, indulge in old hobbies, have a quiet moment with my husband
Will I ever get to do what I want?
Mom, I need you
My baby is starting school
Time’s going by too fast
How can I make it slow down?
Mom, I need you
My baby is having a hard time making friends and finding their niche
What words of wisdom and comfort can I give them?
Mom, I need you
My baby is making decisions that I don’t agree with
I want to be a good parent but I don’t want them to get hurt either
What should I do?
Mom, I need you
My baby crashed our car
It’s going to be a while before we can buy a new one
Can I borrow yours in the meantime?
Mom, I need you
My baby is all grown up and leaving the house
I’m so happy but also very sad
Is this how you felt when I was going off to college?
Mom, I need you
I’m enjoying all this free time with my husband but I also miss my baby
Isn’t this what I wanted? Why can’t I just be happy?
Mom, I still need you
The wrinkles in your face are deep and your eyes are misty
But your voice works just fine
And in it’s soft melody I still find peace.
Fan of the Fiction 
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