Tag Archives: Realm

Second Children Are Easier

April 2, 2025 By in Realm Tags: , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

I’ve been told repeatedly that second children are easier. As the mother of an only child, I must assume that’s true. Perhaps I’ll have the privilege of witnessing this phenomenon when I have grandchildren.

While being a grandmother is one of the highest goals on my life list, the statement about second children is the lead-in for what this blog post is actually about. For, you see, I have birthed another type of child. One that took me eight years to incubate, so to speak, until it was ready to be presented to the world.

I’m talking about my first novel, Realm. Oh, how I fretted and paced and cried over that book while making it reader-worthy. BookBaby, through whom I published Realm, was with me every step of the production process like a publishing doula. Many of the encouraging e-mails I received from them had the subtle message, “Breathe, just breathe. You’re doing great. We’re almost there.”

I can laugh about this now even though the memory of presenting Realm to the public was not unlike placing my beautiful newborn on a table and saying, “Okay, people. Tell me what’s wrong with my perfect baby.”

There were pre-publication blog posts, cover reveals, teaser videos, and a book launch party that satisfied me as much as my baby shower. It really was spectacular, but hey, I’m not bragging. Grandma just wanted her first child’s first book to come into this world with a bang! And we did have such fun that day. The memory still brings a huge smile to my face when I relive every special moment.

Realm was well received at every book signing, and Realmers, fans of the book, were incredibly supportive. I advertised on social media throughout the first year with posts tailored to the month, especially if a major gift-giving holiday occurred. It was so much fun passing these milestones with my first novel.

One of the best parts was taking a small break from writing as I basked in the glow of my first publication. But as Realm gently aged, I returned to writing because I had a desire to satisfy and a longing for another baby. I mean novel.

It turns out that the story I began in Realm wasn’t over. In fact, in many ways, it had just begun. What an exciting fact to discover! I had more energy and creativity within me just bursting to come out. Such a blessing from Adonai, especially when He had already answered my prayers concerning Realm.

And so, slowly, another written work began to take shape. The funny thing is that I always knew the story even before I believed it would become a reality. There were no big announcements, no pre-publication activities, and only a handful of people even knew of its existence. Still, it was no less special in my heart than Realm.

But it has been a whole lot easier this time around.

Don’t get me wrong; I have had a couple knee-jerk moments where my primary beta reader had to give me a hearty shove between my shoulders via a text message. He’s really good at that, which is probably why I admit to him when I’m freaking out about something.

The thing is, I might have forgotten to mention to everyone asking, “When is your next book coming out?” that it’s right around the corner. Literally any day now. Maybe any moment. BookBaby has been working on it for several weeks, and that was after the years of initial creation, four beta readers and my editor combing through it, and two additional read-throughs by me.

I don’t love this novel any less, but I can’t pretend it isn’t a second child. I’m a lot calmer this time around with fewer panic moments. Sure, I questioned my parenting—I mean writing—behind the scenes as my husband can attest, but balancing those few down moments with the multiple pleasant surprises I’ve had with this book has added to my writing experience in a positive way.

I’ve learned quite a bit too. And I’ve grown as a parent—writer! I’ve grown as a writer. Anyhow, this analogy has been enjoyable, so without further ado, I present to you . . .

Yeah, if you want to see the cover of my new novel, you’re going to have to like and share this blog post. I’m thinking at least one hundred hits across all my social media should just about do it. We can’t let the second child feel unappreciated, now can we?

Journey on, Realmers!

To the Drawing Board

May 16, 2024 By in Realm Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

Writers daydream and not just about their current WIP. We always have another story in the back of our mind vying for attention at the front of our mind, ideas for a terrific blog post, sometimes an article, or at the very least, a great response to something we saw on social media.

One of our favorite things we like to fantasize about is having our novels made into movies. I believe this is because so many of us think in images as we translate these pictures to the page, so naturally, we could envision them on screen. I’m pretty sure one of my blog posts addresses the truth that not every book needs to be made into a movie, and I’ll stand by that conviction, but I’ll also admit that I dream about seeing any one of my novels as a movie.

I’ve paused in my writing to search for actors and actresses in the appropriate age range and those with similar features and height requirements. But recently, my thoughts on seeing Realm, in particular, made into a movie took a slightly different turn. It started when I played my Studio Ghibli playlist as background music while writing. And now I must make a small confession.

I grew up watching Speed Racer, Marine Boy, Kimba the White Lion, Star Blazers, Battle of the Planets, Voltron, and Robotech. These are the American names for shows we called cartoons before we knew there was such a thing as anime. It was fine when I was very little in the ‘70s, but as a teen in the ‘80s, I knew better than to be open about my love for cartoons/animation.

One good thing in this whole tale is that I married a man who grew up watching and loving the same cartoons I did. We were closet anime fans together. And then one day, I was old enough to openly watch cartoons again, or maybe I finally grew beyond caring what anyone thought about my love of anime. I remember cautiously using my son as cover for watching Studio Ghibli movies.

I tell you all this because I can see the influence anime has had on my writing. I wanted characters that reminded me of the ones with whom I fell in love during my youth. So, I created them, most specifically, in Realm. Which brings me back to my new fantasy regarding my novel.

While I can absolutely see Realm as a movie at the theater, my novel as a series would have more time to capture all that the story involves. Even better, as an anime series, the characters and places could be drawn exactly as they are described and as I imagined them. I’m talking exceptionally high-end anime with all the best voice actors and actresses. What a dream!

I would, of course, need to be involved with the production because there are certain points that I insist be maintained, but I’m no tyrant, and I would yield to those bringing my story to life for all the adults who grew up watching anime. After all, I understand translating from the page to the screen requires certain tweaks.

Also, I have music in mind for the series that went into the creation of Realm as a novel. I’d like to shine a light on these musicians because I’m a huge proponent of providing opportunities, lending a hand, and giving other artists shoulders to stand on. I know you’d come to love these songs (with and without words) as much as I do. You’ll be singing or humming them long after the credits have rolled.

Maybe one day, when you least expect it and the Lord’s timing allows, you’ll come across a movie poster, trailer, or commercial for a new show called Realm. Hopefully, you’ll have read the book first and joined the ranks of the Realmers. Until then, let’s keep dreaming.

The Common Thread

April 25, 2024 By in Books, Movies & Music Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

I’ve extolled the success of the recent book signing in which I participated, but I really must shine some light on the amazing authors who brought their own special brand of joy to share among fellow writers and customers alike. I’m sure after you read our author bios that you’ll be able to tell what drew us together so closely.

Betty Kulich, an Associate Pastor for 20 years at Redeemer’s Church, serves as Director of Woman’s Ministry for Harvest Preparation International Ministries, is the 2021 CIPA Fiction Award Winning Author of The River, and a featured author in four devotional anthologies (three for Guideposts). She is the author of The Mask: A Historical Fiction Novella for the Ohio Literary Trail Mix as well as a Guideposts short story on angels. Betty has an MS in Education from Ohio State University.

Deborah Edmisten is a wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandma to five beautiful grandchildren. She has been passionate about reading and writing since she was a young child and has developed that passion into an award-winning ‘tween time-travel trilogy, two award-winning children’s chapter books, and multiple novels for adults across several genres. Her aim in writing is to weave stories that entertain while also causing readers to reflect deeply on life.

Sea of Red by Deborah Edmisten

Dianna Caraballo is an Ohio native, mother of twins, and grandmother of five. She currently holds a minister’s license and has been a businesswoman for thirty-one years. Writing is her biggest passion along with inspiring and encouraging good works in other as well as speaking about God’s love. Her written works include Women Were Designed for Greatness, Too – Biblical Truths Every Woman Should Know & A Little Drink of Water: A Devotional of Spiritual Awakening. She is currently at work on a third book.

HL Gibson, a native Ohioan, is a lifelong lover of books and storytelling. She credits her mother for instilling her passion for reading, which led her to cultivate a vivid imagination as a writer and inspired her to finally put her stories on the page. As a member of the Beth Tikkun Messianic Fellowship, her faith plays a significant role in crafting her fiction. HL has a vast and growing personal library, loves tea and classical music, and is a self-proclaimed bourbon snob. She is married with one son and five high-maintenance cats.

Realm by HL Gibson

Marrissa Saunders, wife of Blaine, is the Founder and Pastor of Sister Talk LTD, started in 2014 as a welcoming space for women to grow into the person God intended them to be. Her down-to-earth personality helps her relate to multiple generations, ultimately drawing them closer to Christ. She received her certification in systematic theology, is an author of two Christian books, and most importantly, is a Child of God. Marrissa’s testimony of regaining her eyesight from an autoimmune diagnosis encourages others to rekindle their faith in the Lord and to never underestimate the power of prayer.

A Little Talk With Jesus by Marrissa Saunders

Through God’s grace, Michael has overcome the odds by succeeding after serving five years in prison. It was in prison that God touched his heart and gave him a special love for the broken, downtrodden, and incarcerated. Michael knows firsthand the day-to-day struggles of incarceration and has dedicated the rest of his life to helping those in prisons, jails, and juvenile centers. He is the father of three beautiful girls whom he loves dearly. Making memories with them, playing his bass guitar, serving in the community, and hanging out with friends is how he enjoys spending his free time.

Broken & Restored by Michael G. Parker

When You Take Your Shabbat & Shalom With You

April 22, 2024 By in Realm Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

Saturday, I had the privilege of being in the company of five faith-filled authors from different walks of life and different walks with Adonai. These amazing folks wrote in a variety of genres. One author, Deborah Edmisten, is a dear friend I met in a local writers’ group. Three others, Betty Kulich, Michael Parker, and Dianna Caraballo, I’ve met at previous events. And Marrissa Saunders was the new girl on the block, but she fit in with this group so seamlessly, it felt as if we’d known her forever.

Kern’s Home & Garden & Christian Bookstore hosted their Spring Open House, and the above-mentioned friends and I, all local authors, participated. This is the third such event that I’ve attended at Kern’s, and I must say the word I kept hearing yesterday was “magical.”

The greenhouses were a small glimpse into what Eden must have looked like, and truly, Adonai walked among us. A sweet Spirit pervaded the day as we authors came together in love and friendship. I am blessed to have these writers in my life.

The best part was when some of the authors had the opportunity to pray with patrons. And that’s when it hit me. Every writer present brought rest and peace with them yesterday as they ministered to the individuals who approached their respective table. The unseen hand of Adonai directed each person to the correct author, who in turn reached out to customers via their writing. HaShem was glorified repeatedly, and I knew this to be true when the people who conversed with us were so open about their faith and needs.

If you weren’t able to visit with us yesterday, fear not! The books written by these wonderful writers are still available, and if you’ll bear with me and stay tuned, I promise to make it easy for you to locate their books. Until then ~

Baruch HaShem!

We’re Gonna Have a Good Time

April 18, 2024 By in Realm Tags: , , , , 2 Comments

Hello, Realmers! If you missed my Tuesday post, Celebration at Realm Central, then head on over to find out what the excitement is all about. And once you do, come on out to the Kern’s Home & Garden & Christian Bookstore Spring Open House between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM to get in on the celebration.

Realm turned one this past Tuesday, April 16, 2024. I cannot begin to tell you how exciting and humbling that is all at once. The best part is that I’ll be in the presence of five faith-filled authors as I celebrate the anniversary of my first novel’s publication.

These wonderful writers will also be signing their books for purchase. The first one hundred guests to attend the Spring Open House will receive a complimentary gift bag, and drawings for a Bible, a signed Willow Tree figurine, an Inis fragrance gift bag, a hanging basket, and an herb garden round out the fun!

Support local authors, shop small business, and be rewarded generously for doing so.

See you Saturday,

HL Gibson

Celebration at Realm Cental

April 16, 2024 By in Realm Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

Exactly one year ago today, I gathered with family and friends to celebrate the launch of my first novel, Realm.

When the idea for Realm first came to me, I held the concept loosely because it had a sci-fi element, and I didn’t write sci-fi. But I mentioned the story to my mother and expounded on some plots points and character construction that I thought would make the tale interesting, and she was hooked. She encouraged me to begin writing, at least to see where it would take me.

And, since I didn’t have another story swirling around my brain, demanding to be brought to life, I set to work. I’ve mentioned before that I’m a plotting-panster, so without an outline, I pounded away at the laptop, and Realm began to take shape.

I credit everything that Realm is to Adonai alone because, as I said, I didn’t know what the story was going to be until I typed it. Even though I had a few plot points and characters, Realm literally unfolded every time I sat down to work on it.

The story was going well until I reached a point where I had to decide what kind of story, exactly, Realm was going to be. There were elements of science, but as my brilliant beta reader soon discovered, it wasn’t about the science. I wasn’t interested in creating an alien aspect for my novel even though it was set far in the future. Clearly, Realm isn’t true sci-fi or science fantasy.

There are some people my protagonist meets who aren’t humans, and he meets them when he’s not on Earth. Still, those points weren’t the crux of my story. So, what kind of book is Realm? Into which genre should it be placed?

The deciding factor for Realm happened when I needed to build a world for these special people. However, more than their world or their physical appearance, I realized it was extremely important to define the way these off-worlders led their lives. And that’s when it hit me.

Why shouldn’t the Realmers believe in the one and only living God?

I’ve read a couple books that attempted to create a new belief system or borrow tenets of true faith and blend it with their own creations, and in both cases, it was done quite poorly and to the point of distraction. I didn’t want that for Realm.

So, I set about forging a relationship between the Realmers and the One who, in their language, they call the Liabish Tag, or Infinite One. And that’s when the writing really began to flow!

I always wanted Realm to glorify HaShem alone. That was my goal for publishing, and that is why Realm is the success it is even though its genre isn’t one hundred percent accurately depicted by the labels I was required to attach to it for the sake of marketing. Realm is the type of book that must be experienced, and then I leave it up to the individual to decide what genre they read.

It may seem strange to some people to use fiction as a mode of conveyance for El Elyon’s truths, but words have long been a favorite medium of El Shaddai, and I’m humbled and honored that He bestowed upon me the ability to imitate Him in my creative endeavors by also using words. Think parables, if you’re still not convinced.

Last year, I chose to launch Realm after Pesach because I didn’t want anything to distract my loved ones from keeping one of Adonai’s most holy moedim, i.e., appointed times. This year, I’m privileged to be celebrating the one-year anniversary of Realm in the week leading up to Passover. Baruch HaShem for His perfect timing yet again.

This past year, I’ve enjoyed the book signings I was blessed to attend, but even more, the friendships that were established because I stepped out in faith, turned everything over to God, and wrote a book that glorified my Savior.

Haven’t traveled through the Realm yet? Fear not, dear readers. It’s never too late to become a Realmer. Come join us! We’re a good bunch of people all on the same journey toward a glorious conclusion.

Baruch haba b’Shem Adonai!

With much love,

HL Gibson

Spring is Upon Us

April 11, 2024 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

Spring in Ohio has been glorious this year. The cherry trees are absolutely stunning, and the rains are washing the earth to a new level of freshness and beauty! I love this time of year with its unpredictable, broody skies and sunshine that bursts forth at any given moment. What a great season.

Then, there was the eclipse this past Sunday, which once again reminded me of Adonai’s splendor. I know His miracles are with us every day, and I am forever grateful. There are times, however, when HaShem says, “I’m glad you’re enjoying my handiwork. Now, watch this.”

So, on the author work front, I got knocked off my writing/editing course last week when the Gibson Household was required to hunt for a new vehicle. It’s always a tense time between me and the husband when a new vehicle must be sought. We both want it over quickly, and we want a reliable mode of transportation that we can afford, but while he wants the first one we view to be the one we buy, I’m often the voice of reason that comes across like a parent saying “No!”

Fortunately, we’ve learned a few things during our thirty years of marriage, namely communication, and we bridged the gap of our expectations. Then we doused our conversation with a heavy dose of prayer, and the result was the purchase of the third vehicle we found. It’s a beauty, and Will loves driving it. But not as much as I love watching him drive it. Heart happy!

Other marvelous news includes a visit from our grandbaby, the most wonderful child to walk the face of the earth. We had him on a Tuesday and Friday, and we packed every moment with great activities including tickle fights, playing Candy Land, visiting with the cats, reloading the Dunkin Donuts card, arts and crafts, visiting the park with a new friend, and, of course, a trip to Culver’s, his favorite restaurant. We’re already looking forward to his next visit.

Back to writing, I must admit that I’ve set my work aside because I am invested in beta reading and editing my primary beta reader’s first novel. It’s a great story, and although I’ve mentioned it before, I must do so again! The story is one he told his children when they were small, and the love alone with which it is infused makes me long for the day that the world can share in the tale, especially when so many readers are begging for great stories that simply entertain without promoting political or social agenda. Stay tuned for updates on that front.

Now, please don’t think that I’ve abandoned my writing altogether. Again, the above-mentioned activities are why you’ve received Quotation Station posts for a couple weeks. The second installment in the Realm universe is currently in the hands of my primary beta reader. Once again, we’ve traded works to make the most of our time and abilities. But I’d also like to mention that doing so truly is an investment . . . in people.

During the years (and I don’t recall how many exactly) that he and I have beta read/edited for each other, an amazing friendship blossomed and spilled over to include spouses, dinners and celebrations at each other’s homes, and a depth of relationship expressed by genuine caring during the highs and lows of our lives. That type of connection goes far beyond simply having someone read your WIP. Invest in people, and your writing will flourish because writing should be about more than getting your own work published.

Now for a surprise, Realmers! I’ll be attending the Kern’s Home & Garden & Christian Bookstore Spring Open House on April 20, 2024, 9 A – 4 P, where I’ll have copies of Realm for purchase. I’d love nothing more than the opportunity to personally inscribe your copy of Realm, so please, come on out to meet me. Already own Realm? Well, I’d still love to visit with you, so stop by to say hello!

Six local authors will be joining me and will also have their books available for purchase. In addition, the Kern’s greenhouses will be stocked to bursting with flowers, trees, vegetables, and herbs. All the new home décor will be on display inside the store. The first one hundred guests receive a complimentary gift bag, and there will be drawings for a Bible, a signed Willow Tree figurine, Inis fragrance gift bags, a hanging basket, and an herb garden.

This is one occasion that you don’t want to miss. Shop small business, support local authors, and be rewarded generously for doing so. I’ll see you there!

Quotation Station

March 29, 2024 By in Quotation Station Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

Shabbat Shalom to all the

creatives making great art!

My heart is stirred by a noble theme;

I address my verses to the king;

my tongue is the pen of an expert scribe.

~Psalm 45:2

On August 7, 2019, my friend, Brenda, read the verse above and immediately contacted me to let me know that it reminded her of me because I’m a writer. I was so honored that I wrote the date in my Bible with a notation of its significance. I tell you this because it was during a time when I didn’t think, believe, or trust that Realm would ever be finished let alone published. And yet, here I sit as a published author who has grown significantly during the production of Realm as the entire process brought me into a closer walk with Adonai, the greatest Artist ever!

PS – I probably don’t need to tell you that I cried when Brenda called me with this verse, and I’m tearing up now at the memory. Baruch HaShem!

Just Another Thursday Update

February 29, 2024 By in Realm Tags: , , , , , , 2 Comments

If you didn’t read the title of this blog to the tune of “Just Another Manic Monday,” then go back and do so immediately because this won’t be one of my weird Thursday updates if you don’t!

Okay, Realmers, now that we have that out of the way, allow me to update you on what’s happening here at Realm Central. We’re stuck.

You know I’ve been editing, and according to my own report, it’s going very well. And then I hit Chapter 25a, or as I like to call it The Wall. And it may not even be the twenty-fifth chapter by the time I’m finished editing, but right now, it has a Post-it flag bearing the indicator 25a.

My current WIP isn’t coming together in the same fashion my previous novels have, and that’s okay. There’s a lot more blending of short scenes that are required based on which character has what knowledge about the situation. Still, I’m trying hard not to have chapters comprised of nothing but a few paragraphs.

On the other hand, if the perspective, details, and timeline require that the scene be written but also make it awkward to attach the passage to a previous or following chapter, then I find myself in a quandary about how to proceed.

So, after several days of edits and re-writes, what did I do? I made stollen. You heard me right. When one creative outlet develops a log jam, I step away and channel my energies into something equally creative and no less satisfying. I mean, c’mon—I’m going to eat delicious, homemade stollen in about ten minutes with a cup of tea.

And speaking of tea, and poets for that matter, I spent yesterday (an official writing day for me) at the home of my sweet friend, Cat Russell. Time spent with Cat is always an amazing recharge, and our conversations are interesting. She introduced me to my first experience with display tea (also known as blooming tea), and although I forgot to take a picture because I was so impressed with the art of the process, I thoroughly enjoyed my cup of tea and the flower that emerged in the glass teapot.

Here’s a photo from the Internet to give you an idea of what I had the pleasure of experiencing. The best part was that my husband gave me a glass teapot for Hanukkah, and while I thought it was unique and pretty, I didn’t realize it had a specific purpose. But then I don’t think he did either.

Check out Cat’s poetry, books, and blog at Cat Russell ~ Writer, Reader, Bibliophile Extraordinaire.

As for me, I’m refueled with tea and stollen, so it’s back to put “another brick in The Wall” or perhaps remove one or two. Or a whole row of them. Where’s my sledgehammer?

Checking In from Realm Central

February 21, 2024 By in Realm Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

Hello, Realmers! As I looked at my blog today, I saw three Quotation Stations in a row just as I knew I would, and that’s when guilt prompted me to compose a post that wasn’t a brief wave in passing. So, as I sit here consuming a strawberry banana smoothie while classical music plays in the background, let me tell you what’s been happening here at Realm Central.

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I paused in my writing to edit my current work in progress. I’ve heard this isn’t the best way to do things, that one should complete the work before editing, that I should have outlined my novel so this didn’t occur, but that’s not how I work. Like so many writers who came before me, I must start writing even the barest sliver of an idea before I can see where it’s going to take me.

Fortunately, as I worked through the details of my storyline, I found things that I, with my store of authorial knowledge, assumed had been clearly conveyed in my manuscript. I reworked certain passages to make sure what needed to be expressed was present without spoon feeding the story to my readers. I’m pleased with how these sections became sharper, and very soon, I’ll resume writing.

One exciting thing I’d like to share with you, Realmers, is the opening of Ohio Tea Co. at their new location. If you haven’t discerned by now that I have a passion for tea, you must visit the Tuesday Tea section of my blog. Ohio Tea Co. is featured there quite heavily as they are not only local but also one of my favorite places to procure amazing teas. If you can’t visit, then be sure to order something from them. You won’t be disappointed. I’m still thrilled at having been the first customer in the shop the day they opened. Congratulations once again to Ohio Tea Co.

Other brief updates include a lovely Valentine’s dinner enjoyed with our dear friends, Doug and Jeanette Nelson. Doug is my primary beta reader, and Jeanette handled much of the marketing for Realm. We ate like kings at Café Anatolia, visited Frank’s Hebrew Bookstore, shopped at Legacy Village, and finished the day with cocktails and cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory.

I’m still working with my young writing mentoree as well as the little fella I’m helping prepare for kindergarten. Truly, I am the one blessed every time we meet. What started as an exercise in paying it forward has blossomed into the sweetest relationships. I love these kids!

The weather is improving in my neck of the woods, but having lived here all my life, I know this is simply Fool’s Spring. Still, getting out to walk in the sunshine really gets my creative juices flowing, which means the sooner I complete my current WIP, the sooner I get to publishing the second in the Realm universe. There’s usually an increase in posts during this time as I don’t have a major work of my own to concentrate on, so stayed tuned.

One thing I am looking forward to doing is beta reading for my beta reader! He’s very close to printing his edited first version, and then we’ll spend some time poring over the whole manuscript again. Reading for someone else is such a unique experience, and I highly recommend finding a beta reader who can work one-on-one with you from the beginning of your story through to the end.

Not sure how to go about the beta reading process? Read How Do Beta Readers Work? from my editor, Kori Frazier Morgan of Inkling Creative Strategies. The next step will be to introduce Doug to Kori. I know the writing/working relationship will produce great things.

That just about sums up my life at the moment. Have a great day, Realmers.