You made it to stop number 31! Well done. (You’re almost home.)
Just discovered the hunt? Start at Stop #1, and collect the clues through all 33 stops (in order) then enter to win one of our top 3 grand prizes!
- The hunt BEGINS with Stop #1 at Lisa Bergren’s site.
- If you’re lost, go here.
- The hunt is BEST VIEWED using Chrome or Firefox as your browser (not Explorer).
- It is open to INTERNATIONAL entrants.
- PRIZES include 3 sets of all 32 books, $500 in Amazon gift cards and many authors are offering additional prizes!
- There’s NO RUSH to complete this hunt—you have ALL WEEKEND. So take your time and read the unique posts along the way; we hope you discover new authors/new books you might want to learn more about!
Submit your ENTRY for the GRAND PRIZE at Stop #33 (back on Lisa’s site) by Monday night (4/25) at midnight mountain.
I have the pleasure of introducing you to my friend, Jill Williamson. I met Jill way back in the dark ages of spring 2007 when both us were wondering if we’d ever get published. Then we ended up having our first novels come out around the same time, so it’s been fun to share the journey together. Here’s the cover of Jill’s latest novel and what it’s about:
The gods are angry.
Volcanic eruptions, sinkholes, ground shakers–everything points to their unhappiness. At least that is what the king of Armania believes. His son, Prince Wilek, thinks his father’s superstitions are nonsense, though he remains the ever dutiful First Arm of Armania.
When a messenger arrives and claims that the town of Farway has been swallowed by the earth, the king sends Wilek to investigate. But what Wilek discovers is more cataclysmic than one lost city. Even as the ground shifts beneath his feet, Wilek sets out on a desperate journey to save his people and his world. But can he do it before the entire land crumbles?
Now, without any further adieu, I’ll Jill take it away with her insight on …
What Makes Epic Fantasy Epic?
According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word “epic” stems from the Greek word “epos,” which meant “poetry in heroic verse.”
Epics were a type of poetry that often dealt with action and grandeur of traditional or historical interest. Epic poetry was recited aloud, to entertain an audience with the exploits of a specific hero and the nation that hero represented.
Epic fantasy novels are not simply about a hero and his quest. They’re about a world, the people in it, and a conflict that rises up and threatens to forever change that world. Here is a list of elements that I believe every epic fantasy should have.
10 Must Haves in Any Epic Fantasy
1. Incredible Worldbuilding- The world is different from our own—and cool.
2. A Map- One the reader keeps flipping back to look at.
3. Massive Scope- The story takes place all over that map!
4. Massive Stakes- The world as the characters know it is being threatened.
5. A Complex Plot and Subplots- I’m talking soap opera complexity here. There is a lot going on.
6. A Large Cast- Readers should grow to love the huge cast of characters. Think: Lord of the Rings.
7. Magic- Oh yes. There should be magic.
8. A Showdown- The entire book often leads to a massive clash.
9. The Feel of History- Like epic poetry once did, epic fantasy should feel like it’s telling a major part of history.
10. Breaks the Mold- Epic fantasy should attempt to break the mold in some way. For years Tolkien was the mold and everyone copied him. People still do. But part of writing epic fantasy is to try and do something different. Something no other author has tried. It’s a chance for an author to take a risk—just like the heroes he or she creates.
I tried to do that with The Kinsman Chronicles. I wanted to write a true epic fantasy with a Christian worldview. I wanted to tell an allegory that was pre-Christ. I paralleled my story with that of ancient Judah and Israel. And I sought to tell the epic tale of how my kings led their people back to following He Who Made the World.
Have you ever read epic fantasy? If so, what are some of your favorites? Share in the comments.
Jill Williamson is a chocolate loving, daydreaming, creator of kingdoms, who writes weird books in lots of weird genres like fantasy, science fiction, and dystopian. She blogs for teen writers at www.GoTeenWriters.com. Visit www.JillWilliamson.com to learn more about her books.
Thanks, Jill! You can order Jill’s book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD or at your local bookstore.
Almost time to get on to the next Stop on Jill’s blog …
… but before you go let me entice you to sign up for my newsletter by letting you know if you do, you’ll be entered into a drawing for one of three copies of
Book of Days, my second novel and the one most personal to me as it was the way I dealt with my dad’s battle with Alzheimers.
You can sign up for my newsletter on the right hand side at the top of this page. Just tell me in the comments that you’ve signed up. Thanks!
Now it’s time for your next clue. It’s: SHORT. And you’ll get to Jill’s blog here.
Comments 200
Already a subscriber.
Was already signed up, so I updated my info. Would be very interested in reading your books. Thanks for taking part in the scavenger hunt!
I subscribed to the newsletter.
Hi Jim, I like your tagline on your website “Live Free” – Freedom is an important topic for me too – not only freedom in Christ, but freedom in practice in our country. I think we met before at a writer’s conf but not sure. But thank you for participating in this scavenger hunt. It was really great to meet so many new authors by these pages. Blessings,
Carmen
Author
Thanks, Carmen. Yeah, if there’s one theme to my life is I want to see people more free. Did we meet? Might recognize each other if we were in person. 🙂 These scavenger hunts are great, aren’t they?
I was already subscribed. But I updated my preferences. 🙂
Author
Doesn’t it feel good to get updated? 🙂 Thanks for entering, Gena.
I subscribed to your newletter.
Author
Glad you entered the giveaway, Karen!
I subscribed!
Author
Woo hoo, Hannah! Thanks for entering.
Subscribed!
Author
Yes! Thanks for entering, Erin.
I have recently become interested in some of the fantasy fiction. I just subscribed to your blog and newsletter.
Author
Love it, Sharon! Thanks.
I signed up. Always looking for something good to read and share with others!
Author
Love hearing that, Melissa! Thanks for entering the giveaway. 🙂
I signed up for your newsletter.
Author
Love it, Lisa! Thanks for entering.
I signed up for your newsletter. Thanks!
Author
Thanks, Sharon!
I just signed up for your newsletter! Thanks for the giveaway!
Author
So welcome, Dana! Thanks for entering.
Already a subscriber. YaY! We made it to your stop through the path set before us! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
Author
Yes! You did make it! 🙂 Thanks for entering and stopping by.
I am signed up for your newsletter. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!!
Author
You’re so welcome, Bonnie! Thanks for entering. 🙂
Well, signed up for your newsletter, but never received final email confirmation, so I do not not if you received it? Tried it twice – and it’s not in my spam/junk folder.
Thanks for the opportunity. 🙂
Author
I’ll make sure you’re signed up, Susan! Thanks for entering and stopping by!
Thank you for the giveaway opportunity! I’ve subscribed to your newsletter!
Author
You’re welcome, Hannah! Thanks for entering the giveaway. 🙂
I signed up for your newsletter. Nice to see a Washington writer.
Author
Nice to see a Washington reader! 🙂 Thanks for entering, Sue.
I’m already a subscriber. Thank you for this opportunity for your wonderful giveaway.
Author
You’re so welcome, Barbara, thanks for stopping by!
Signed Up!
Author
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Jackie!
Signed up, Jim. Loved your comment about being 28-years-old being trapped in an older man’s body. Same thing happened at our house!
Author
I’m guessing you’re 28 years old too! Thanks for signing up and entering the giveaway. 🙂
I was already signed up. I love these scavenger hunts!
Author
I do too, Jeanine! Thanks for being a subscriber. 🙂
Thanks for participating in the scavenger hunt and giving us a chance to win your books! I was already a subscriber but updated my account!
Author
You’re so welcome, Carla! These hunts are fun, love ’em.
Signed up 🙂
Author
Great, Amanda! Thanks for entering.
Signed up for your newsletter.
Author
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Tina!
Just signed up. Thanks!
Author
Sweet, Shanetta. (Love your name.)
I signed up for the newsletter. Thanks for the giveaway.
Author
Thanks for entering, Stella!
I just signed up for your newsletter.
Author
I’m glad, Rachel!
I subscribed! Thank you so much!
Author
No, Kathleen … thank YOU so much. 🙂
I just signed up for your newsletter. I am looking forward to reading your books!
Author
Love hearing that, Laurie! Thank you.
Book of Days sounds interesting with the topic it deals with. I signed up for your newsletter.
Author
Yeah, I believe it brings a great deal of hope to people, Patty. Thanks for signing up for my newsletter!
Signed up for your newsletter. Thanks for being part of the scavenger hunt. so much fun.
Author
It is, isn’t it, Judi? Thanks for signing up!
I subscribed–thanks for participating in the hunt, and for the bonus giveaway!
Author
You’re welcome, Lynda, and thank you!
I am already a subscriber 😊 thanks doe participating in the scavenger hunt and giving us an opportunity to win some great books!
Author
So welcome, Crystal! Thanks for being a subscriber. 🙂
Just subscribed. Thanks for participating at this lovely Scavenger hunt! May God bless you a lot today.
Author
And may He bless you even more, Janka. (Cool name.)
Subscribed
Author
Sweet!
I signed up.
Author
You’re awesome. 🙂
I am already signed up to receive your newsletter, thanks for being part of the hunt!
Author
So welcome! Thanks, Mary.
subscribed
Author
Love it.
I’m signed up to your newsletter.
Author
Wonderful, Kaylene!
I am already signed up. Thank you!
Becky
Author
Then I already like you. 🙂
Delighted to have signed for news updates – thanks for your generous offer!
A total fan of Rooms .
Author
Ah, that makes me feel good … still my favorite. Blessings.
Just subscribed.
Author
Great, Carolyn!
Signed up!
Love that you use so many of your personal experiences in your books.
Author
Thanks, Patty. 🙂 And thanks for signing up for the giveaway!
I have just signed up for your newsletter! I am excited to “get-to-know” your books. I cracked up when I read that you have a sweat shirt that says ” be careful or I’ll put you in my novel”!!! I LOVE it!
Author
You make me smile, Emily. Thanks for signing up!
Signed up and can’t wait to check out your books.
Author
Ah, you’re making my day, Jamie. 🙂
I just subscribed to your newsletter!
Author
I’m glad, Cheryl!
Hi there, I’m already a fan and get your newsletter. Thank you so much for being a part of the “hunt”. I really look forward to them and have a lot of fun.
Author
Nice to hear that, Shirley. They are fun!
Wow, mention Lord of the Rings and I’m hooked! Can’t wait to read King’s Folly! I love that genre and will certainly be watching for it if it’s not out and getting it if it is.
Subscribed to the newsletter and look forward to any info you may have to send me.
Author
Thanks, Sherylette. Love your name, by the way.
My fatherinlaw died from Alzheimer’s, thanks for writing this book & being part of the scavenger hunt!
Author
So you understand, Penny. Thanks for mentioning that.
I subscribed.
Author
Glad to hear that, Linda!
I am already a subscriber. Thanks you!
Author
Fun to hear that, Sharon!
I signed up. Thanks.
Author
Thanks, Ellen!
I’m all signed up already! 🙂
Author
So you’re already awesome, huh? 🙂
I signed up.
Author
Thanks, LaKeisha!
Lord of the Rings and Narnia, hands down! I signed up for the newsletter.
Author
Glad to hear that, Dani!
I signed up!
Author
Thanks, Victoria!
I’m already subscribed. Thank you!
Author
Then I already like you. 🙂
Jim, I am looking forward to reading your books. You sound like someone I would want to be friends with. Alas, I am way down here in Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plain. I have been to your beautiful state, though! I am a new subscriber to your newsletter. Thank you for the chance! p.s. I am sorry about your Dad’s Alzheimer’s . . . I am a retired registered nurse and have taken care of patients with that evil disease. God bless you.
Author
Love that, Debbie. I bet we would be friends. So you understand more than most about what Alzheimer’s can do. Bless you too.
I just subscribed.
Author
Glad you entered, Martha!
I’ve signed up and can’t wait to read your book. It sounds positively intriguing. Thank you for participating in this scavenger hunt.
Author
Thanks for entering my book giveaway, Carolyn!
I signed up! I look forward to learning more about you and your books! Thanks!
Author
Nice to hear that, Becky, and thanks for entering the giveaway!
Oh, I signed up for your newsletter.
Author
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Cindy!
Wow, I need to read this book! I have read LOTR, of course, Narnia, The Sword of Truth (long epic fantasy!) and started two others.
Thanks for taking part in the hunt! This has been fun finding new authors to read.
I just signed up for your newsletter.
Author
Thanks for entering, Jennifer!
I’m already a subscriber! Thanks for having a stop on the scavenger hunt! 🙂
Author
Welcome! And I entered you anyway, Rebecca.
I don’t read much fantasy, but have read Tolkien. I’ve read another or two but can’t think of them right off. I have signed up for your newsletter. My husband is more of and epic fantasy reader.
Author
Thanks, Beth. I wouldn’t call my fiction fantasy. More like contemporary novels where some fantastical things happen in them. Guessing your husband would like them.
Signed up! Thanks for hunt!
Author
Very welcome, Lisa. You’re entered! 🙂
I’ve just signed up!
Author
Great, Sara!
I am already a subscriber. Thank you for being a part of the hunt!
Author
Still going to enter you in the giveaway!
I’m already a subscriber. Thank you for hosting a stop on this great scavenger hunt!
Author
Very welcome, Jasmine. FYI, I’m going to enter everyone that is already a subscriber who has commented, in the drawing.
I’m in!
Author
Love it, Glenda!
Just signed up.Thanks for being part of the scavenger hunt.
Author
Welcome! Thanks for signing up for the giveaway.
I signed up! 🙂
Author
Woo hoo! I’ll announce the winner early next week. 🙂
Hi!
I signed up for your newsletter!
I am looking forward to reading your book
“Book of Days”.
I’m a CAREgiver and work with many seniors who have Alzheimer’s.
Thank you for sharing your experiences.
-Becca
Author
Great, Rebecca! I think Book of Days will truly give those going through Alzheimers and their friend’s and family a significant amount of hope. You are doing powerful work with these people.
I signed up.
Author
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Una!
I signed up for your newsletter. Thank you for the extra giveaway.
Author
You’re welcome, Gail, thanks for entering!
just signed up
Author
Nice that you entered, Alecia!
I signed up for your newsletter!
Author
Thanks for entering, Emily!
I signed up
Author
Thanks, Paula, I’ll announce the winner early next week!
Signed up for your newsletter!
Author
My wife’s middle name! Thanks for entering, Kay.
Just signed up for the newsletter
Author
Wonderful, Angela!
Subscribed!
Author
Thanks for entering, Faith!
I subscribed!
Author
Thanks for entering, Connie!
I signed up for your newsletter.
Author
Thanks for entering, Melissa!
Signed up for newsletter! 🙂
Thanks!
Author
I’ll be doing the drawing early next week, Shelly. Thanks for entering!
I am already a subscriber
Author
I already like you. 🙂
Signed up.
Author
Great, Kim!
I signed up, thanks for giving us this chance!
Author
You’re very welcome, Megan! Thanks for entering.
I signed of as a subscriber 🙂
Author
Nice, Karis! Thanks for entering.
I signed up!
Author
Thanks, Nicole!
I’m a subscriber. Thank you for participating in the scavenger hunt!
Author
You’re very welcome, Caryl!
I signed up.
Author
Thanks, Tima!
Just signed up! Thanks for being a part of the scavenger hunt!
Author
So welcome, Jennifer. Thanks for signing up.
I singed up
Author
Thanks, Brian!
I’ve been a subscriber for some time. 🙂 In fact, I believe you know my friend Jo Ann Fore and her hubby. 😉 Thanks for this giveaway!
Author
Love hearing that, Tina. Yes! Love those guys.
I signed up. I started reading The Chair a couple of days ago. Very interesting book.
Author
Glad you’re liking it, Edward!
Signed up for newsletter. Would love the chsnce to read your books. I especially would like to read about Alzheimer. My mom died from complications due to this illness. It is a sad and horrible way to leave this earth.
Author
It helped me a great deal to write Book of Days. It was my way to make peace with my dad passing from the disease. I’m sorry to hear about your mom, Deana.
Your books are on my list to read. I can’t wait!!
Author
Love hearing that, Jonathan!
I signed up to receive your newsletter.
We have your books in the church library.
Author
Wonderful, Janet!
Signed up!
Author
Thanks, Pam!
Signed up for newsletter.
Author
Love that, Kim!