Tag Archives: Realmers

Get Blown Away with Cosmic Dust

June 2, 2025 By in Cosmic Dust Tags: , , , 2 Comments

It’s finally here, Realmers! The long-awaited second book in the Realm series, Cosmic Dust, is now available at BookBaby in the Bookshop, available in soft- or hardcover for your reading enjoyment.

The journey continues . . . or has it just begun?

Jogo is the ambitious youngest son of a herdsman in the Realm, eager to prove himself to his father and brothers. When given the responsibility of delivering animals for trade to another Clan, his headstrong personality, along with a prank by his siblings, leads him into a dangerous encounter with sojabosne that results in being sent through the portal to Earth.

But this is just the beginning of a journey that will change his life forever—and perhaps his people as well.

Meanwhile, alone on Earth and pregnant, a troubled young woman named Melanie is searching for someone to love and to love her in return. When she meets a charming, charismatic young pastor named Lucien, she thinks she has discovered a place to belong . . . but her problems are just beginning.

Together, Jogo and Melanie hold the key to each other’s survival. But their friendship means much more to the people of the Realm: the discovery of their most sacred artifact and the secret to a vision that will reunite the disbanded Group of Four that seeks its return.

Gripping and emotionally resonant, Cosmic Dust introduces readers to new corners of the compelling world of Realm, answering questions even as it leads them to far more revelations about its universe.

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!

Summer Vacation

June 7, 2024 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

Hello, Realmers! Perhaps you’ve noticed that I haven’t been hanging out on my blog very much lately and intermittently on social media. That’s because my summer is ramping up already even though it’s technically not summer yet!

For this reason, I’ve decided to take off for the next three months. I have quite a bit going on as I continue to write and edit for myself as well as my primary beta reader, who is so close to finishing his novel. I’m really excited for him. And, since I want to be a good servant and invest in other people, I’m going to step back and focus on those I love.

That’s not to say that I don’t love you, Realmers, because I do! But as I’ve said before, if I must choose between a well-written blog post or brilliantly written novel, I’m going to choose my novel every time.

So, I’m wishing you a lovely Shabbat Shalom. Stay creative and work happy. I’ll see you in September.

With much love, HL Gibson

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.

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

Words Count

February 26, 2024 By in Realm Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

Hello, Realmers! If you’ve been with me for the last few posts, you know I’ve stepped back from writing to undertake some serious editing. I knew for a few chapters that I needed to do so, but I was trying to finish my current WIP before I conducted any edits. I had heard or read several years ago that this was the best way to proceed so that I didn’t become bogged down in edits, which might prevent me from ever completing my WIP as I spun my wheels fretting over changes.

I am so glad I overcame my fears in that regard and didn’t take the advice.

What I found as I returned to the beginning of my current WIP is a couple structural errors, which needed to be smoothed out so specific details and certain plotlines would be accounted for. There was much as the author that I knew but hadn’t been conveyed in such a way as to ensure my reader picked up on important points without me spoon feeding the story to them.

All the plotters are nodding knowingly and thinking this is why we outline our story. But if I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to write as I created my story, how could I have outlined it? And I certainly wasn’t interested in “finding my groove” as I have heard many plotters say, which to me interprets as “I write the same story over and over again, which makes plotting that with which I am familiar quite easy, and all I do is change the names to fool people into thinking it’s a new story.”

I know that sounds harsh but stick with me because I’m honestly not criticizing plotters. If plotting works for you, do it. It just doesn’t work for me because if I’m going to spend time writing, it’s going to be toward the actual WIP and not an outline that I know I’m going to change and/or from which I’ll stray anyhow. Exploring the rabbit trails is an exciting part of the writing process for me.

This entire scenario prompted me to look up a favorite quotation that has been attributed to Flannery O’Connor and goes something like “I Do Not Know What I Think Until I Read What I’m Writing.” However, and this is a sidebar to the point of my post, it appears that Flannery wasn’t the only author, or perhaps even the first author, to express that she needed to write her thoughts down and, dare I say it, edit her writing to reflect what she actually meant?

Follow the link above to find out how many other authors expressed this same sentiment regarding their writing. You might be pleasantly surprised to find out that you’re not alone. But here’s the thrust of my blog post. Do something toward your writing as often as you’re able.

If word count works for you, then set a goal and write toward it. If accountability works, then let someone know how you’re progressing so praise or guidance can be offered. Maybe writing for a set time on a set day is your thing. Great! Find whatever works to keep you writing and remember that editing is a part of this process.

The thing I would warn you against is beating yourself up when a goal isn’t met.

I like to achieve a thousand words during a writing session, but I hold that goal loosely. I have sat for an entire day and only banged out three hundred mediocre words, but I stood up from my laptop with the understanding that something was better than nothing. And there are times when I’ve had an hour while dinner cooked, and I cranked out sixteen hundred brilliant words that I couldn’t believe came from my brain.

And there are days that I don’t write at all because I need to read, relax, tend to friends and family, fulfill obligations, etc. These are also good days because I recharge my energy and refuel my thought process.

Writing is hard but writing is worth it. Will I return to my WIP today or will this blog post be the only thing I create? Right at this moment, I honestly couldn’t say. There’s a cup of tea and the desire for a nap vying for attention over the great chapter edit which surfaced last night right before bed. Fear not, Realmers, I wrote it down.

Quotation Station

February 16, 2024 By in Quotation Station Tags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Shabbat Shalom to all those

laboring to enter His rest!

Hello, Realmers! Things are hopping at Realm Central as I continue to write and edit another installment in the Realm universe! Please don’t think that I’ve forgotten you, dear friends. Nothing could be farther from the truth. There will come a time, one of Adonai’s choosing, when the publication process will begin, and it is then that I will return to posting during the week about all the things you’ve enjoyed in the past as well as new things to report!

As you wind down your creative process in anticipation of Shabbat, remember to say a prayer for the peace of Jerusalem and the swift return of Yeshua HaMashiach. Shalom Aleichem!

Quotation Station

February 9, 2024 By in Quotation Station Tags: , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Shabbat Shalom!

“Most of the things we need to be most fully alive never come in busyness. They grow in rest.” – Mark Buchanan

Greetings, Realmers! Another week of editing occurred, so stay tuned for an update on that front. Otherwise, there isn’t much to report. I wish you rest and peace this Shabbat. Baruch HaShem for the sunshine in my neck of the woods. I hope you’re enjoying beautiful weather where you are. And now I must investigate the noises coming from my garage, which indicate my son the welder is out there creating who knows what!

Haiku, Cut, Paste

February 1, 2024 By in Realm Tags: , , , , , , , , , , 5 Comments

Hello, Realmers! It’s time for another weird Thursday post, but at least I have something to report.

If you follow me on Facebook, you’ll know that my poet friend, Cat Russell, challenged me to ten days of writing haiku. She said I’m doing a good job, but I’ll be the first to admit that I’m no poet. It’s an artform that is beyond me, and often, I just don’t understand it.

I learned the 5-7-5 technique of haiku in grade school, and if you take the time to read my poetry, you’ll see I never advanced past grade school haiku. I’ve been using lovely fonts and backgrounds in my posts as a distraction from all the mediocre poems. I think it’s working.

If I didn’t already have other writing goals to achieve, I’d devote time to learning poetry, although I believe poetry is better when it comes naturally. And honestly, I don’t need another hobby right now, which is why I’m also not pursuing jewelry making.

As for my writing, I keep editing my current WIP, and I haven’t finished it yet. Plotters are pulling their hair right now and screaming, “If you would have outlined your novel, this wouldn’t happen.” Yes, it would because while the overarching story has been in place from the beginning, it’s the details I’m working out. But hey, if plotters are so good that they can anticipate such details from the onset, then more power to them and their outlines.

My eyes went buggy from having so many chapters open on the laptop that I reverted to the printed page. And then, in joyful glee, I went to work with my Post-It flags. Everything is color-coded with notes. I’m even creating a timeline to double-check myself.

I find sifting through the pages is easier, so laugh all you want but hold a few chuckles in reserve for when I tell you that I’m prepared to literally cut and tape certain passages as I edit. I’ve done it before when I needed a visual for the large portions of text I moved. I’m a very tactile person, and while working on my laptop is my preferred method when writing, sometimes a writer must do whatever is necessary to keep moving forward.

I believe that’s everything to report currently. I’ll keep you updated on my progress, so stay tuned, Realmers!

January at Realm Central

January 25, 2024 By in Realm Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

The bleak days of January are upon us, and even though it looks as if I’ve abandoned my loyal followers, nothing could be farther from the truth. I will admit that this month has been a little off, but I finally managed to find my groove.

I completed the holidays basking in the glow of fond memories as well as the welcome relief that arrives once they’re over. That’s not to say that we didn’t have a wonderful time celebrating with friends and family, but let’s not pretend the holidays aren’t a lot of work.

I slipped into January and the new year on quite a high, and I assumed I’d channel that into my writing. In all honesty, I absolutely have no idea what knocked me off course to the point that just this past week, I sat myself down and commenced working.

But January has been full of good things, so don’t think I haven’t been productive.

First, my primary beta reader and good friend, Doug Nelson, is very close to completing his first novel. I’m so excited to be beta reading for him because I absolutely love the concept of his story. I don’t want to give it away, but permit me to say that it’s a labor born of love for his children, who are now adults, and the novel has its origins rooted deeply in a tradition he started with them when they were just pups!

Second, I’ve acquired a little writing mentee, AKA protégé or mentoree. She’s adorable, vivacious, and brilliant. The connection came somewhat out of the blue, but when offered the prospect of working with this wonderful young lady, I welcomed the opportunity. Now, I look forward to our bi-weekly meetings where we brainstorm, write, and edit, and I have the blessed occasion of giving back and paying it forward all at once. Baruch HaShem for young writers coming up through the ranks!

Third, I’ve been asked to work with the sweetest little fella to prepare him for kindergarten. I’d forgotten how fun teaching ABCs and writing can be as my own precious son is a young adult. The best part is the relationship I can see budding between me and the preschooler. And I’d be fibbing if I said I wasn’t developing a deep affection for the little guy.

Lastly, I’ve received several requests for the next installment of Realm. Perhaps I’m naïve, and please don’t interpret this as false humility, but I was rather shocked and not a little pleased to hear such comments. Truth be told, the next book has been written for well over a year. Here’s the thing: I don’t do anything fast, and I can’t be pressured into making a move until I sense the time is right, which, admittedly, is a small part of me getting my act together but also a large part of seeking HaShem’s guidance.

All of 2023 was devoted to Realm. I also have a goal of finishing the third installment of the series before moving toward publication of the second book. Then there is my involvement with my friend’s novel and whether or not he’ll publish this year, and if so, when. It’s important that he receives the attention and support I was blessed to enjoy during the publication of my first novel, Realm.

In closing, you can see that while the writing has been slow in coming, and is more like editing at this point, I have been productive during January. Keep in mind that the writing life isn’t something that produces measurable results for everyone to see, which is why there have been three Quotation Stations in a row and nothing in the way of a new post until this one coming to you at an odd hour on a Thursday.

Still, I’m excited to see what Adonai brings into my life this year, overall and in writing. As always, my novel is available at BookBaby in hardback and softcover. If you haven’t journeyed through the Realm, you’ll need to do so before the second book arrives.

Until then, stay tuned, Realmers!