Author: Joshua A. Mercier

Square Peg, Round Hole

Joshua A. Mercier

Square Peg, Round Hole

OFTEN writers are told to trust the process, to let the story unfold naturally, and to listen to the characters as they guide us through their journeys. Yet, despite this sage advice, there are moments when we find ourselves grappling with a stubborn plot point or a character arc that just won’t seem to cooperate. It’s akin to trying to fit a square peg into a round hole–frustrating, time-consuming, and ultimately, counterproductive.

In my own writing journey this past week, I encountered instances where I was trying to force a storyline to conform to my initial vision, only to realize that it’s like swimming against the current–exhausting and futile. The truth is, trying to shoehorn a square peg into a round hole not only impedes the creative process but also robs the story of its authenticity and vitality.

BRING HIM HOME

I spent several hours this week outlining, scrapping, and re-outlining countless scenarios to coincide with what I had already plotted. In my original outline, I was trying to weave together several existing parables and mythologies to strengthen the base familiarity of my series, a trick in Speculative Fiction to help readers associate with themes or threads within the story so that disbelief is more readily and easily suspended.

Originally, the backstory I had plotted out involved three brothers, loosely paralleled with the Biblical brothers Cain, Abel, and Seth, and interwoven with the Prometheus myth and Garden of Eden—an undertaking, I know. I would get one or two threads to work and the other would fray from the tapestry. At one point, I had the brothers in Israel, by the Sea of Galilee; at another point, I had them in the Greek Isles; and before I finally decided to let the characters talk to me and tell me their story, I was trying to force them to tell the story from Denmark. And none of these backstories worked because they ultimately weren’t meant to.

Now not every writer from Maine needs to base their stories there—and I am leagues away from having Stephen King’s talent—but why not have the story set in Maine. It’s mystical and majickal, a bit treacherous and rugged, with some of America’s oldest histories and oldest tales… I sat back in my chair and decided to bring it home. Literally. And by doing so, I changed the locale of the entire story (from Boston to Downeast Maine) even if only by 360 miles or so. 

THE THREE BROTHERS

ONE of my favorite areas of Maine is its Downeast coastline of sea caves and high cliffs, islands and inlets, all dotted with lighthouses to warn incoming sailors of the dangers of its jagged shores, a literal beacon of light to ward off darkness and disaster.

I decided to move the timeline of my backstory further into the future than the outlines I scrapped; although there’d still be generations between the backstory and the main plotline, putting centuries between them just to fit the original outline that, well, honestly didn’t fit, made no sense at all and only left plotholes and a heck of a lot more research for me to do—research that theoretically would never make it into the story if only with slight references. It started feeling contrived, forced, hammered into a spot it wasn’t meant to go. It started to feel like overbuilding.

As I did the research of migrations to the Downeast area, it all started falling into place. Instead of making my outline fit to a time or place, I first found a place and then the time when it would all fit. While I still had to find the exact size round hole for it to fit, I was no longer working with a square peg.

Eventually, three McKenna brothers were sparked into creation, fitting the world to which they were born versus being born into a world in which they didn’t fit.

RORIK "ROOK" MCKENNA, AGE 16
RIORDAN "RORY" MCKENNA, AGE 15
ROONEY "RUNE" MCKENNA, AGE 12

CONCLUSION

SO, why do we persist in this futile endeavor of forcing? Perhaps it’s because we’re afraid to deviate from our meticulously crafted outlines or reluctant to let go of our preconceived notions of how the story should unfold. We cling to the familiar, even when it’s clear that it’s not serving the narrative. But here’s the thing–writing is a fluid, organic process. It’s about being open to inspiration, allowing the story to evolve naturally, and embracing the unexpected twists and turns along the way. And sometimes, that means being willing to abandon the square peg in favor of the round one.

In my experience, some of the most compelling moments in storytelling arise when we let go of our preconceptions and allow the characters to drive the narrative. It’s about relinquishing control and trusting in the creative energy that flows through us, guiding us toward the story’s true essence. So, the next time you find yourself struggling to make a square peg fit into a round hole in your writing, take a step back. Reassess the narrative, listen to your characters, and be open to alternative possibilities. Remember that writing is a journey of discovery, and sometimes, the most profound insights come when we surrender to the flow of creativity.

In the end, it’s not about forcing the story to conform to our expectations but rather about embracing the beauty of serendipity and allowing the narrative to unfold in its own time and in its own way. After all, the round peg may lead us to places we never imagined possible, enriching the story and our writing journey in ways we could never have anticipated.

To Getting Lost in the Writerlust,

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Joshua A. Mercier

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World Building Series: Navigating the Power of Majick—The Importance of Limitations & Boundaries

Joshua A. Mercier

World Building Series: Navigating the Power of Majick—The Importance of Limitations & Boundaries

IN the enchanting realms of fantasy literature and folklore, majick often reigns supreme as a force of limitless potential and wonder. From spells that defy gravity to incantations that summon mythical creatures, the allure of majick knows no bounds. However, within these fantastical worlds, a crucial element often overlooked is the concept of limitations and boundaries that govern majickal abilities. Today, let’s delve into the intricate balance between the awe-inspiring power of majick and the necessity of setting clear constraints to enrich storytelling and world-building.

THE ESSENCE OF LIMITATIONS:

MAJICK without limitations is akin to a river overflowing its banks—an uncontrolled force that can lead to narrative inconsistencies and diminished suspense. Limitations, whether imposed by inherent rules of magic or societal norms within a fictional world, add depth and realism to magical systems. They force characters to grapple with challenges, make strategic choices, and undergo personal growth, all of which drive the plot forward and engage readers on a deeper level.

Consider iconic examples such as J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, where majick is governed by strict rules and limitations. Wizards and witches must master spells through study and practice, wand movements must be precise, and certain magical feats require innate talent or knowledge of ancient incantations. These limitations not only ground the fantastical elements in a sense of believability but also create tension and excitement as characters navigate the boundaries of what is possible.

RESPECTING BOUNDARIES:

IN addition to limitations, the concept of boundaries in majick plays a crucial role in defining ethical and moral dilemmas within a narrative. Just as real-world societies establish laws and norms to regulate behavior, majickal societies or individuals in fiction must navigate ethical boundaries to prevent misuse or abuse of power. This thematic exploration adds layers of complexity to characters and storylines, exploring themes of temptation, redemption, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Take, for instance, the classic tale of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. The One Ring symbolizes ultimate power, yet its corrupting influence highlights the dangers of unchecked majickal abilities and the importance of respecting boundaries—even when wielding immense power for noble purposes. Characters like Frodo and Gandalf exemplify the struggle to resist temptation and maintain integrity in the face of overwhelming majickal allure.

Balancing Wonder and Realism::

ULTIMATELY, the importance of limitations and boundaries in majick extends beyond narrative cohesion—it fosters a deeper connection between readers and fantastical worlds. By establishing rules and consequences for majickal actions, authors invite readers to suspend disbelief while maintaining a sense of wonder grounded in relatable challenges and dilemmas. This balance between the extraordinary and the plausible is what breathes life into majickal realms and keeps readers eagerly turning pages, eager to explore the next enchanting revelation or harrowing trial.

In conclusion, while majick in literature and storytelling dazzles us with its endless possibilities, it is the careful crafting of limitations and boundaries that elevates majickal narratives from mere escapism to enduring works of art. Whether traversing Hogwarts’ hallowed halls or embarking on epic quests across mythical lands, let us cherish the nuanced interplay between boundless imagination and the structured framework of majickal rules—a testament to the timeless allure of fantastical storytelling.

Happy Scribing!

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Joshua A. Mercier

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Restoration & Relaunch

Joshua A. Mercier

Restoration & Relaunch

AFTER much deliberation, while browsing through the original Bearded Scribe Blog, I have decided—against what I initially stated in earlier posts—to restore a great deal of posts from there to the new site for posterity and reference.

Looking through the multitude of Book Spotlights alone that appeared on the site, I’d be stupid to turn my back on the content that was the foundation for this new site. There are so many great titles that were reviewed by The Fellowship of Scribes, and to not have that library of content on the new site when I can still view it on the original blog still would be asinine…

So, over the course of the next few weeks, I will be reaching out to the old team to see if they would like to be a part of the restored site; for those that don’t, I will be posting their spotlights as the admin account for posterity, with a link back to the original post on The Bearded Scribe Blog.

This will also help re-establish the depth of history this site actually has, and broaden the titles featured on the site versus just the brand new stuff.

If you are an avid Speculative Fiction reader and would like to read the latest books coming onto the market before they make their way to the shelves in the form of Advance Reader Copies (ARCs), then please feel free to fill out the form HERE to be considered.

Until next time—Happy Scribing!

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Joshua A. Mercier

MEET JOSHUA
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Writer’s Unblock

Joshua A. Mercier

Writer’s Unblock

ABOUT a month and a half ago, I decided to bite the bullet and start writing again. I had been postponing doing so for years because I know myself—I can get pretty single-minded in my focus, and it’s hard to break from writing when you’re in a groove, hard to stop thinking about the story as you’re trying to complete other tasks. So while I didn’t have actual Writer’s Block, I was blocking myself from writing because I was afraid of it consuming all of my free time.

Yes, I know. BAD WRITER! How could I continue to call myself one if I refused to actually write? And it’s rather funny that what “unblocked” me was a logo design project for a client with my Graphic Design endeavor, FORGE. One of the options I presented to the client was a logo for Wonderspark—I am forever grateful that the client went with DreamQuest, because I kept staring at the logo I presented for Wonderspark and a whole story started to unravel.

And haunt. And pester. And then the characters started presenting themselves, and it got to a point where I could no longer avoid them or the story they wanted me to tell. Little by little, I started doodling and scribbling. Notes. Character descriptions. Place inspirations. Plots. Subplots. And at that point I realized I needed a better way to organize my notes and doodles and scribbles.

As if to answer me, the Universe gave me a well-placed ad for a software I had yet to hear of—Plottr. As I learn the program better, I hope to offer tutorials on how to best use it, but in the meantime, it’s a great tool for plotting out your story—either using pre-made templates or your own. You can organize characters, settings, notes, research, etc—all in one place, which can easily be exported to Scrivener and other writing tools.

GETTING back into has been both exhilarating and frustrating—exciting because it’s been a long time coming, but a bit difficult getting back into the flow due to the long hiatus I took. It’s like taking time off from the gym (I may have done that, too… SSHHH!), and when you get back to it, muscle memory eventually kicks in, but not without the soreness. It’s like rekindling a long-lost passion, rediscovering a part of yourself that may have been neglected amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Whether it’s journaling, crafting short stories, writing a poem, or tackling that novel idea that’s been lingering in the back of your mind, returning to the written word offers a sense of fulfillment and creative expression that few other pursuits can match. It’s been cathartic and has definitely elicited a fair amount of smiles lately, like a missing part of me has returned, one that has been wandering and lost and has finally spotted the porch light through the thicket of trees, beckoning it to return home. I’m excited to share my progress as I write my new series, delving into the exciting venture of plotting with Plottr (I can’t rave enough about this program!) and finally knocking out the manuscripts scene by scene.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PLOTTR

PART of me hates that I am not revisiting old projects, dusting off half-finished manuscripts or abandoned notebooks, and breathing new life into them. Unfortunately, the chance to reconnect with characters and stories that have been waiting patiently for their voices to be heard will have to wait a bit longer. For now, I am moving forward with a new project, a 7-book, YA Urban Fantasy series called Echoes of Eden, which is a re-imagining of the Prometheus myth. Sometimes the newness of building a new world, embracing the blank page and exploring new ideas, letting creativity flow without constraints or expectations, is a lot less daunting than re-visiting a world you more or less abandoned—the guilt alone can create focus blocks.

Echoes of Eden follows twin protagonists, Asher “Ash” & Ember McKenna, who navigate everyday conflicts most teenagers face while also facing more other-wordly conflicts, such as stumbling upon a dimensional rift, discovering a hidden world of magic, and uncovering their family’s hereditary ties to a secret society of artifact hunters and protectors. The series is intertwined with themes of Light versus Dark & Good versus Evil, pulling from ancient myths & stories of the Garden of Eden, the spark/fire of Creation, and even the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.

I soft-plotted the story arc, which (at the moment) stretches over seven books; it will change as I write them, of course, but at least I have a route planned even if I decide to take a different path to the same destination. You might say it’s a bit ambitious, but I wanted to give myself room for the story to develop and grow at a good pace without feeling rushed to cram it all in fewer.

The first book, Wonderspark, opens up just before a mysterious stranger shows up at the McKenna residence. Summer plans with their parents are cancelled as they are called away for an impromptu dig in the Pyrenees, and the twins, Asher and Ember, are forced to spend the summer with their grandparents on the quaint island town of Willowycke. When their parents go missing, their stay with their grandparents is extended.

The story picks back up three years later; Ash & Ember lead seemingly ordinary lives until a chance encounter with a mysterious rift thrusts them into the hidden world of magic. As they navigate newfound abilities and uncover family secrets, they discover their pivotal role in the age-old battle between light and shadow. With the help of their grandparents and a band of allies, the twins embark on a thrilling journey to uncover the truth about their parents’ disappearance and unlock the secrets of the Wonderspark. But as dark forces gather and ancient prophecies unfold, Asher and Ember must harness their newfound powers and embrace their destiny before it’s too late. The fate of both worlds hangs in the balance, and only they can unleash the true magic of the Wonderspark.

Over the course of writing (but without giving too much away), I hope to share some of the world-building—settings, mythos, characters, et cetera—as I build it, as it builds itself. It’s been nice re-entering the writing world with tools I didn’t have before—like the aforementioned Plottr, Scrivener, and even Artificial Intelligence.

Now I know there are a lot of naysayers of AI, but before you jump to conclusions, know that I am not using it to actually write the manuscript, but instead using tools like Midjourney, where I can feed in descriptions and have the prompts spit out beautiful renderings of my characters so I can upload the images into the other tools and reference them frequently while plotting and writing. And, let me tell you, seeing life breathed into my characters who normally only live in the written word and in my mind, makes the world that I am building more tactile. More tangible. More real. And living within it becomes a lot easier, which makes writing within it that much more believable because it’s no longer just in my head.

AS a treat, I am going to reveal the renderings of the two main protagonists of the series, Asher Rune McKenna and Ember Reign McKenna. The first of each set is how I initially described them into the prompts of Midjourney, which is how they look at age 13 in the opening chapter of the first book; the second of the set is how they look three years later when the second chapter opens. I was blown away at not only the precision at how my descriptions were executed, but also the character continuance of the characters being fraternal twins, and in seeing the aging process to my description while still keeping the physical features of the younger character in mind.

Asher Rune McKenna
Asher @ Age 13
Ash @ Age 16
Ember Reign McKenna
Ember @ Age 13
Ember Reign McKenna
Ember @ Age 16

Until next time—Happy Scribing!

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Joshua A. Mercier

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Part Four

Joshua A. Mercier

NEW BEGINNINGS

Part Four

IN the depths of adversity lies the potential for remarkable transformation. Imagine having everything you’ve built, cherished, and relied upon suddenly crumble before your eyes. It’s a devastating experience that shakes your core and tests your resilience. Yet, amid the wreckage, there exists a glimmer of hope—a chance to rise anew, like a phoenix emerging from its ashes. The journey of rebuilding after loss is not just about reclaiming what was lost; it’s a profound evolution of the self, a testament to human strength, and a story of resilience that inspires others to persevere in their own challenges.

When I finally decided to scrap what remained of the old website, it still sat dilapidated for quite some time—mainly I just wanted to remove the redirect, so once I did that, I wasn’t sure what to do with it. Now that I scraped away the old layer of paint and sanded it down to the bare bones, how could I possibly not only restore but also renovate something I had built without the pain and guilt of starting from scratch and forgetting what existed before.

Maybe I could build it better? I mean, with my experience building websites with my other business, FORGE, I had found better tricks and tools over the years, including the very powerful website builder and WordPress plugin, Elementor, which offers a very robust selection of WYSIWYG widgets and templates. When I had the website running before, it was a huge amount of coding on my end behind the scenes, so the new tools I’ve learned have definitely made the restoration much easier, cleaner, and faster.

SINCE the last time the website and blog was up and running, I have been in Sales & Marketing, Branding, and the Promotional Products Industry professionally, giving me a better idea of brand standards and aesthetics, which aids me in creating a clean, user-friendly site that fits within the brand design-wise. I pulled inspiration from the logo, which I considered also renovating now that I had also learned Adobe Photoshop and honed my graphic design skills; ultimately, I felt the crest was still a great icon and moniker for the brand, even if I do eventually tweak the font used for the name (for which I am still currently pondering options).

I have always preferred darker websites, which I’ve found make the colors and images pop more and the text easier to read. Perhaps it’s just me, but I opted for a darker website yet again as a hat-tip and continuance of the previous site (which was dark grays and browns with pops of orange), this time pulling the colors from the logo itself. In the branding world, chartreuse is trending right now, and really pops against the black of the website, so it seemed like the perfect choice.

ALTHOUGH selecting the palette was the easy part, now came the painstaking task of sorting through archive.org to get screen captures of the old site to reference as I rebuilt. I took note of the structure—where it worked and where it didn’t, where it flowed well and where it got a bit cumbersome. I jotted down the features I wanted to keep and the features that could be scrapped. By the time I finished perusing the archive, I had a better idea of how to rebuild better, more dynamic, and more user-friendly—I am hoping the new site reflects that, even as it’s being rebuilt. Of course, there was the desire of wanting to recreate some of the content—who knows, I still might add some of the great book reviews back in over time.

ONE of the things that I felt was the most cumbersome—something I originally thought to be one of the most dynamic features of the old website—was the menu, so I dissected and simplified the menu so that it is more user friendly on mobile viewing (something I honestly never worried about with the old site). Now, the main site has its own menu, with options that bring you to the main landing pages of the website: the about section, the blog section, the podcast section, the publishing section, and the services section— each of these sections has its own menu once you visit the landing page, making the menu (especially on the mobile side of things) simpler and more streamlined.

I hope y’all enjoy the new design and functionality of the website. If you have any suggestions to improve its design or content, I am open to all feedback.

Until next time—Happy Scribing!

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Joshua A. Mercier

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Part Three

Joshua A. Mercier

NEW BEGINNINGS

Part Three

IN the tapestry of human emotions, few threads are as intricate and delicate as the decision to part ways from a relationship that once held our heart captive. Just as a skilled artist might contemplate each brushstroke, so too must we contemplate the rhythm of our heartbeats when faced with the crossroads of moving on or holding on. This poignant juncture calls forth a symphony of emotions, each note resonating with the harmonious struggle of bidding adieu to the past and heralding the advent of a new beginning.

When I left my ex, I felt like I was closing a chapter, and I was scared what that meant… What if my next chapter wasn’t as good, as meaningful to my whole story as the one I was closing? What if I’d made a mistake? Despite how toxic our relationship had become, what if I was walking away from the person I was supposed to be with… what if I never found someone else who supported me with my writing aspirations?

All these questions ricocheted inside my head as my house faded from view and I drove to Atlanta to my friend’s house, who had graciously offered her guest bedroom temporarily until I found an affordable place of my own. About 15 minutes into the drive, my head quieted as the noise of the questions was replaced with the sound of the music blaring from my car radio—until about 10 minutes before I arrived at Jessie’s house.

With my doubt dissipating, my courage slowly made its appearance just as the lights of Atlanta made theirs into my sights, my thoughts shifted… What if this next chapter is the best of my life’s story—what if this moment changes my life so pivotally that I finally find the happiness and love that all of us deserve?

IT is in these moments of heart-wrenching contemplation that we realize the profound beauty inherent in the very essence of change. The decision to walk away from a relationship is an acknowledgement of the evolving chapters of our lives, and a testament to our resilience in the face of the unknown. It is akin to a protagonist of a novel bravely stepping away from the familiarity of their setting, daring to venture into uncharted territories. In this embrace of uncertainty, we cultivate a renewed sense of self, untethered from the confinements of yesterday’s narrative.

The allure of a new beginning lies not merely in its novelty, but in the tender possibility of growth it holds. Just as a budding flower breaks free from the constraints of its bud, so too do we unfurl our potential as we walk away from the shores of our past. The prospect of transformation becomes our muse, igniting the creative sparks within us. We reimagine our identity, envisioning the narrative arcs that might unfold in the blank pages of our lives.

In the realm of literature, countless tales have woven the intricate fabric of this decision. Characters from classic novels to contemporary stories have grappled with the weight of similar choices, each finding their own path towards new beginnings. Just as a character’s evolution captivates readers, so too does our journey as individuals fascinate those around us. Our stories are chapters of a narrative that constantly evolves, drawing connections between our past and the fertile ground of possibility that stretches before us.

THE difficult road definitely led to a beautiful destination—one of introspection and self discovery, where self-doubt has been replaced by confidence and courage to tackle anything without the same fear I was burdened with in my last chapter. Looking back, it was actually this blog and the path it led me down that kindled that courage to leave in the first place. I think the accomplishment of compiling, editing, and publishing Twice Upon A Time, seeing it in print, and holding it in my hand was like holding a missing key to a door I had to—despite the fear and the pain that it stirred—unlock and open… and eventually close behind me.

This next chapter for me, so far, has been somewhat of a fairytale, if I am being honest. I found not only someone who supports and loves me, but someone who communicates with the honesty and compassion that’s needed for a successful, happy, and lasting relationship. We share similar goals and dreams and actually built a music event production company together from the ground up.

On Leap Day 2020, Emerich and I took our own leap and married each other at the Punta Borinquen lighthouse in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, high on a cliff overlooking its western shores, surrounded by family and friends—literally a week and a half before the COVID lockdown, which only made our bond stronger, our relationship healthier, and our dreams for our future even bigger—and in 2022, after both of us had spent nearly two decades in Atlanta, we packed up our belongings and relocated to Tampa, Florida.

Until next time—Happy Scribing!

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Joshua A. Mercier

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Part Two

Joshua A. Mercier

NEW BEGINNINGS

Part Two

THE amazing thing about new beginnings is that, like endings, they sometimes happen when you least expect them or even when you’re opposed to them happening at all.

In 2016, a few months after ending things with my ex, I decided to move from the suburbs back to the city of Atlanta—I was thankful the car was mine and it took me far away from one sunset and toward my life’s next sunrise.

Other than for work, I never truly got to experience the city before because I worked in the nightlife scene of Atlanta (since nearly day one of living there)—and I definitely hadn’t as a single man, so the move back to the city was a lot to adjust to all at once.

I was able to connect with acquaintances I had known for years, who soon became good friends now that I was actually able to cultivate the friendships. As opposed as I was to any sort of romantic relationship, I eventually (but reluctantly) accepted some offers for dates, and some of them became a bit more than friends.

After leaving a 14-year relationship, the last thing I wanted was to even enter the semblance of one, so I became, admittedly, a bit of a player, dating upwards of 6-7 guys at one time—no doubt as a way to protect myself from getting too attached. As much as I tried to protect myself, however, there were a few who made me drop my guard enough to let them in beyond what I wanted to, one more than the rest.

LET’S back up just a little bit, though… When I first moved from Michigan to Atlanta, Emerich (pictured with me) became one of my bar customers and was one of the first people I met in my new city. As with all of my bar patrons, though, I wasn’t allowed to develop any sort of meaningful friendships because of a jealous partner, so he and I were only acquaintances. We knew very little about each other… just enough to keep up the occasional conversation about our lives.

Shortly after our meeting, Emerich started dating Henrique (Kike), the man who would become his partner of 8 years and who also became an acquaintance and regular bar patron alongside Emerich; their relationship ended in 2012, shortly after I was let go from my job at the bar and around the same time I started my blog The Bearded Scribe. I found this out after taking another bartending gig later in 2012, where Emerich became one of my regular bar patrons once again.

Because my ex (at least not at first) didn’t work with me at the new gig, I was able to chat a bit more with my customers, get to know them a bit more without the constant worry of being accused of being unfaithful, and in that time I got to learn even more about Emerich and his life story—yet just a little bit more. Had you told me then that this man would (SPOILER ALERT) become more than just a friend, I would probably give a good chuckle—not because there wasn’t a connection, but because—even despite the abuse (or perhaps due to it)—I never saw a life outside of one with my ex.

EVEN despite feeling that connection in 2016 when Emerich and I first re-connected—so much so that I (more or less) ran out of the bar shortly after our interaction—I wasn’t ready for it. He’d stopped me by grabbing my arm as I was passing by, on my way to look for my friends. Now, I have always been an empath, intuitive, and sensitive to energy, and when his hand touched my arm, I literally felt a surge of energy hit me, and I was bombarded with flashes of memories of a life with him I hadn’t yet lived… and now you know why, once our conversation ended and I told him that I still had to find my friends (who had already left, as it turns out), I literally left out the back exit and went home.

As luck—or fate—would have it, when I moved back to the city, my apartment was literally down the street from his. I only knew this because of his proximity to me on one of the gay dating apps. Even though I would see his face pop up in the grid, I purposely withheld from connecting with him on the app; my scars and my heart still needed to heal, and I wasn’t ready for the visions I had experienced that night in the bar.

One fateful night, however, about a month after that first one in the bar, Emerich found me on that aforementioned dating app. He didn’t know it was me when he messaged—my photo was selectively cropped to prevent my ex (or his friends) from harassing me—but I knew exactly who he was and used it to be a bit playful, using his name (with the correct spelling from years of looking at it on his credit card at the bar!), which freaked him out a little bit. When I revealed my identity, he said that I had made his night. I swallowed my fear and we made plans for a date later that week.

Until next time—Happy Scribing!

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Joshua A. Mercier

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Part One

Joshua A. Mercier

NEW BEGINNINGS

Part One

IT’S hard to believe it’s been almost 8 years since I was forced to put The Bearded Scribe Press on a very unwanted—but inevitable—hiatus. With the blog and the publishing company, I had finally found my creative outlet, and then all at once, I was forced to give it up.

Without getting too detailed on the reasons, I was also forced to make another hard decision as well: to walk away from a 14-year relationship—a toxic one, sadly, with a level of perniciousness I kept hidden from the world, perhaps in hopes (or maybe denial) that it would one day change. As much as we tried to make it work, however, at the end of the day, we were not bringing each other the happiness we both deserved, the happiness everyone deserves.

Although we could no longer make it work as a couple—or, unfortunately, even as friends—I will forever be grateful for the support my ex gave me in my writing endeavors. I think, other than it logistically not being able to fit it in my schedule anymore, this is the reason I found it hard to focus on writing after the break because writing reminded me of my ex (and my failed relationship).

Coincidentally, and funnily enough—well, truly not as funny as it was frustrating—someone hacked into the website (about 3 months after the breakup) and created an automatic redirect to a porn site, as if the universe was trying to nail home even more the fact that I should put my writing on hold. Even though I still technically owned the domain name, I could not log into the website or do anything to fix the issue. After a month or so of trying with GoDaddy to correct the issue, I gave up, and the site sat dormant for about a year and a half after. Every now and again, for a few years, I tried to log in and make a backup of the data, but I had no luck saving the data without also saving the redirect. Even GoDaddy had no luck and told me my best bet was to wipe the site completely and do a fresh re-install of the theme and plugins—this, however, meant losing all the pages and blog posts I spent years creating with my team.

I held off in doing so, not wanting to let go of the hard work and proof, much like I held off on making that hard decision to finally leave a relationship I put so much hard work into, trying to make it work, and that takes us directly to the lesson I learned in the process.

Sometimes the work required to repair something that is broken isn’t worth it. Sometimes it’s about trusting in your gut, in God, that the new beginning that awaits you was the reason it all had to end in the first place. While the new beginning of The Bearded Scribe Press is still a little bit in the future, I’m excited for the adventure.

Until then, I’ll share my own personal new beginnings that have happened since the forced hiatus in 2016, so stay tuned for my updates.

Until next time—Happy Scribing!

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Joshua A. Mercier

MEET JOSHUA
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New Beginnings

Joshua A. Mercier

New Beginnings

In the realm of speculative fiction, where imagination knows no bounds, there exists a powerful symbol of renewal and transformation: the phoenix. Much like this mythical bird, we often find ourselves navigating through cycles of creation, destruction, and rebirth, both in our stories and in our own lives.

As we relaunch our speculative fiction writing and publishing blog, we are reminded of the phoenix’s enduring symbolism. Just as the phoenix rises from its own ashes, so too do we rise from past endeavors, ready to embark on a new journey filled with creativity, inspiration, and endless possibilities.

In the world of storytelling, new beginnings offer a canvas for infinite exploration. It’s a chance to delve into uncharted territories, to weave narratives that defy expectations and ignite the imagination. Whether it’s crafting tales of distant galaxies, magical realms, or dystopian futures, each new story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of imagination to transcend boundaries.

But new beginnings aren’t just confined to the realms of fiction. They also hold profound significance in our personal and professional lives. They mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, inviting us to reflect on our past experiences, learn from our mistakes, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

As we embark on this new chapter of our speculative fiction journey, we invite you to join us in celebrating the magic of new beginnings. Let us harness the spirit of the phoenix, rising from the ashes of the old to soar to new heights of creativity and storytelling excellence.

Follow this post for the series of posts linked to it as I re-cap what’s been happening in my life for the past few years as The Bearded Scribe Press was on a break. Whether you’re a seasoned writer, an aspiring author, or simply a lover of speculative fiction, we welcome you back to our blog, relaunched & reimagined. Together, let’s explore the vast expanse of the imagination, where every ending is just the beginning of another extraordinary adventure.

Until next time—Happy Scribing!

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Joshua A. Mercier

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Book Spotlight: Spirits (Sparks Saga, Book Two) by R.S. McCoy

Joshua A. Mercier
***Originally posted on The Bearded Scribe on July 28th, 2014.***

Book Spotlight: Spirits (Sparks Saga, Book Two) by R.S. McCoy

Bonjour, Beardies!

It has been far too long, so please forgive my absence…

Today, however, I have a special treat, and it’s not just my return from the depths of non-existence.

A while back, I spotlighted the first book of The Sparks Saga, an exciting new series by RS McCoy. The book, also titled Sparks, was phenomenal. After reading the 5-star book, I was so happy that RS McCoy stumbled upon the blog and requested a review. There was one hiccup, however. Although a top-rated book for me, the editing was lacking. Luckily, RS McCoy agreed to my pleading that I edit it for her. I couldn’t let such a great story suffer the stigma of a bad editor.

With that said, I also edited Spirits, the subject of this Spotlight. Let it be known, however, that I show no bias to either book given my involvement—my involvement was a direct response to my absolute love with this series and not the other way around, and I can’t wait to give you all the juicy details. And by details, I mean Gems—not spoilers.

PURCHASE FROM ONE OF OUR #affiliatelinks BELOW:

{—PREMISE—}

LARK DAVIES sleeps in a gilded palace and eats the finest foods, but he would trade it all to change that one night. Unable to use his talent for mind-reading to prevent a series of murders, Lark’s dreams are ravaged by gruesome memories. Robbed of sleep and slowly losing his sanity, the devoted lover and expectant father can only watch as his life continues to spiral out of control.

Whispers of invasion threaten what little peace their new life might have offered. Khea, the new queen of Nakbe–and his only light in the night–declares human sacrifice to be a necessary component of the island culture, forcing Lark to assert his disapproval. For the first time, the unifying bond he shares with her isn’t enough to keep them together.

With his mentor at his side, Lark’s only hope to stand against the queen and avert a future of death lies in his unexplored ability to manipulate physical elements of the world. The two men search out the spirits that control water, fire, and wind in hopes of ending two thousand years of violent traditions before rival nations invade.

{—GEMS FOR WRITERS—}

1. World Building...

PERHAPS you are thinking I always choose this Gem. In part, you’d be correct. But only if the book warrants it. World building is my passion–if you cannot build a believable and enticing world, most likely you cannot fully conceive the story you are writing. It’s often said that writers are often off in their own little worlds, and there’s a reason for that: they are. Most great writers submerge themselves into the worlds they are putting to page.

MCCOY has not only created a wonderful world in her series, but the individual regions that make up the world as a whole are worlds within themselves. Each has its own culture, its own history, and its own struggles, all of which McCoy describes beautifully. She truly delves deeper into the Nakben culture in writing Spirits, and we as readers feel as much a part of the world as Lark, Khea, and Avis.

2. Magical systems...

IN the first book of the series, Sparks, we learn that individuals carry a spark, a light which makes them special and allows them to manipulate elements or creatures or something less tangible (such as thoughts). In Spirits, McCoy explores the reason behind the sparks and truly incorporates lore and legend within her magical system to account for the transcendence of the magical abilities. We learn more about the gods and goddesses of the world and their role within the system. This makes the magic not only seem believable, but also possible.

3. Characterization...

THIS might sound cliché, but McCoy‘s characters truly leap from the page–most into your heart. As a reader, you connect with the characters on a level that you do in everyday life–at least I did. From the amorphous green fog to the unlikeliest of friends found deep in the Silver Springs, each has a distinct personality you grow to love–or, in some cases, hate. The human condition and its complete range of emotions are not lost with McCoy She incorporates almost the entirety of its span, and believably so.

4. ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLES...

WHILE editing Sparks, I commended McCoy for incorporating same-sex love within her Nakben nation, but I did not mention it in my spotlight of the title. Her continued mention of this in Spirits—and her obvious support of the existence of love in its many forms—cannot be ignored any longer. I must outwardly and openly commend her for it. Literature is often at the forefront of cultural norms, so hopefully her expression of same-sex love as something normal–even mundane–will open the eyes, hearts, and minds of other readers, too.

{—RATING—}

{—CONCLUSION—}

IF you haven’t yet picked up the first book of this wonderful series, do so now! It’s not only about magic, it’s about life, love, loss, and looking at the world through another’s eyes. It’s about learning about the magic and power within yourself. It’s about friendship and connection to the world around us in a way which we as humans have lost.

I can’t wait for the third installment of this series, and I’m gloating in the fact that, as its editor, I get to see it before any of you. 😉

Until next time—Happy Scribing!

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Joshua A. Mercier

MEET JOSHUA
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***Spirits (2014), by RS McCoy, is published by and copyright RS McCoy.

***Per FTC Regulations: I received a free Advance Reading Copy (ARC) from the author and was not compensated in any way, monetarily or otherwise, for this review.

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