Many moons ago, RaeLea and I started a website called "Live, Laugh, Prepare!" We used it as a medium for compiling our personal evolution journey as we attempted to make sense of life's mysteries. Over time, we realized that while constant improvement is one of our shared passions, we didn't want to necessarily be known as self-improvement-guru-wannabes. We adore sharing our knowledge with others, but who are we to tell others "this is the right way to live"? There are enough life coaches in the world who don't have their own lives in order; we don't need to add to that noise! So we've … Click to Read More »
Latest Journal Entries
FraeLea Conversations #15 – This Old Studio
You already know us as storytellers, but did you know that we're also amateur carpenters? Emphasis on the word "amateur." Join us for our first "field trip" video! Transcript for FraeLea Conversations #15 Frank: Alright. Six foot-four. RaeLea: OK. Hi, I’m RaeLea and this is Frank, and welcome to This Old House. Frank: Actually, I think that might be trademarked so we better not call it that. RaeLea: You think so? Frank: Yeah. RaeLea: Ok, well how about welcome to FraeLea Conversations? Frank: That’s better. RaeLea: That’ll work. Frank: That’s better. So where … Click to Read More »
FraeLea Conversations #14 – The Fantasy Subgenres
RaeLea and I write fantasy stories, specifically fantasy set in modern-day North Dakota. How we define fantasy and the various subgenres therein is the subject of our latest FraeLea Conversations video. Transcript for FraeLea Conversations #14: R: Hi, welcome to FraeLea Conversations. I’m RaeLea and this is Frank. In the previous episode, we were talking about our brand, Genuine Modern Fantasy, but what exactly is fantasy? It’s a question that we’re going to answer today. Right, Frank? F: Yes, we are. R: Will you tell us about it? F: It didn’t sound like you were … Click to Read More »
FraeLea Conversations #13 – Genuine Modern Fantasy
Our slogan is “Genuine Modern Fantasy” — but what the heck does that mean? That just so happens to be the question we answer in today's episode! Transcript for FraeLea Conversations #13: R: Hi, and welcome to FraeLea Conversations. I’m RaeLea and this is Frank. Well, today we’re going to talk a little bit about our logo. I know I’m biased but I have to admit I love the logo you designed for us. I know it’s weathered, a little distressed. Well, it’s gritty, a little bit like our writing. F: Well said. R: Well, our brand says ‘Genuine Modern Fantasy’, would you mind … Click to Read More »
FraeLea Conversations #12 – Ember’s Advice
I’m not a mystical sort of person, but sometimes there are experiences like this one which make a person wonder. But you know what? I'll take good advice, however it chooses to present itself! Transcript for FraeLea Conversations #12: R: Hi, and welcome to FraeLea Conversations. I’m RaeLea and this is Frank. So, Frank, you recently had a story-telling obstacle and you found the solution in an unusual place. Tell us a little bit about that. F: Okay, well, dreams are usually something that are only interesting to the people who dreamt them. I think in this case, this was one that you … Click to Read More »
FraeLea Conversations #11 – Stumbling in Public
It’s uncomfortable to acknowledge and a little more serious than we tend to get in our videos. In today’s episode of FraeLea Conversations, we talk about our unscheduled hiatus from writing, and the importance of persistence. Transcript for FraeLea Conversations #11: R: Hi, welcome to FraeLea Conversations. I’m RaeLea and this is Frank. It’s been a while since you’ve heard from us. At this time, we’re going to offer a little explanation. Frank, our last FraeLea Conversation was three months ago. Can you explain a little bit about where we’ve been in the last few … Click to Read More »
Ascending Mage Series Descriptions Updated
At last, we've finished writing the book descriptions for each of the first five books in the Ascending Mage series! You can find the descriptions on the Books page. … Click to Read More »
Day drinking is okay, if it’s done in the name of research
When the villain decides that a Rusty Nail (with extra Drambuie) is his drink of choice, that can mean only one thing: afternoon cocktail at the author's keyboard. I don't do this because I want to, I do it because I HAVE to. It's how Genuine Modern Fantasy gets created. As a side note: the writing process for Ascending Mage 3: Buried Truth has officially commenced. Our Alpha Team members will receive the first chapter for their review, shortly. … Click to Read More »
FraeLea Conversations #10 – Cover Reveal(s)
Watch as we reveal the cover art for the first five novels in our Ascending Mage series! And as always, we are flawless in our delivery. Right? Transcript for FraeLea Conversations #10: F: Hi, and welcome to FraeLea Conversations. I’m Frank and this is RaeLea. Today we’re going to do a cover reveal. R: Actually, five! F: Five covers revealed. Cover reveals? R: Covers revealed? F: Cover reveals? Let’s go with cover reveals. Alright, we’re going to do five cover reveals. R: We’re writers. F: Let’s go with that, then. It’s for our Ascending Mage series which we’ve been … Click to Read More »
Advice for Creatives from Ira Glass
I get stuck in a gloomy creative rut sometimes. Often it's because I'm just not happy with the quality of my prose. I'll edit and revise and re-edit ad nauseum, knowing that I'm not measuring up to my own standards. It's a deeply frustrating place to be, that rut. Talking with some of my creative friends, it turns out that's not so unusual. We know in our heads what the scene looks like, but translating that to the written word takes a great deal of effort. I like to think of it is a sort of alchemy; transmuting ideas into books. Alchemy doesn't always come easily. In fact, it rarely … Click to Read More »