Lina J. Potter's Blog
April 3, 2019
A Thank You Note..
Today First Lessons rose through the ranks and hit the 74th position on the Amazon Best Sellers Rank! And my Amazon Author Rank has reached #295. Thank you, my dear readers, for your lovely support.
So, the book was not written in vain.
All of my sleepless nights writing, my back pains, my tears shed from harsh criticism, were not for nothing.
Thank you. These are the only words that come to my mind.
I love you very much and I hope not to disappoint further.
You can check out my video here:
Yours sincerely, Lina
So, the book was not written in vain.
All of my sleepless nights writing, my back pains, my tears shed from harsh criticism, were not for nothing.
Thank you. These are the only words that come to my mind.
I love you very much and I hope not to disappoint further.
You can check out my video here:
Yours sincerely, Lina
March 21, 2019
Sherlock Holmes in A Medieval Tale
Why is Lily telling Sherlock Holmes stories to teach the children to think about the who, what and why of any situation?
In what way can detectives instruct us?
It so happened that I fell in love with Doyle’s narratives of his iconic detective Sherlock Holmes back in childhood. Around the age of seven, maybe even a little earlier ... yes definitely, before the age of seven. Before school, I remember my father recounting The Hound of the Baskervilles.
At first, I was scared. Then it became interesting.
Yes, Mr. Holmes is a genius. But what about his back story?
It turns out that the perfect crime does not exist. There is always something not taken into account. But why? After all, Stapleton is not a stupid man! All the things he knew about biology, chemistry, history, what ideas he came up with... Speaking of Stapleton, was he not the schoolmaster? And he is the one making blunders supposedly?
Making blunders where?
In the portrait, on observation, on family resemblance. And more of course, but these are the blunders that struck my imagination. It turns out that there are so many interesting things around us! If only you attentively observe, compare, draw conclusions ... Sherlock Holmes� main talent was to deduce important conclusions from small, often seemingly unimportant, clues.
As a matter of fact, Sherlock Holmes existed not only in fiction but also in reality. Let him be called a little differently; Professor Joseph Bell, a famous surgeon. Sherlock Holmes was real, or at least to some extent he was!
It turned out that what was once a bedtime story to me is no more than fiction. But is there a cue in it?
Observation - reflection - evaluation - conclusion! Is this formula equally true for science and for daily life?
Apparently, yes. And again, Holmes' rigorous mathematical thinking. You never know what they say! You never know what they are trying to convince you!
Watch, compare, calculate - and the result will surprise you and the others.
Who said detective stories can't teach us anything? Recreational mysteries with characters and situations inspired by real life that invite its readers to take part in it and enhance mental stimulation.
Extra knowledge is never superfluous. You simply never know what, when and how you might need it. Excess knowledge does not happen. Nowhere. And there is an opportunity to learn something everywhere.
And maybe this is what Aliya’s/Lily’s character is all about. Learning� If anything, I, Lina J. Potter, am still learning every day.
In what way can detectives instruct us?
It so happened that I fell in love with Doyle’s narratives of his iconic detective Sherlock Holmes back in childhood. Around the age of seven, maybe even a little earlier ... yes definitely, before the age of seven. Before school, I remember my father recounting The Hound of the Baskervilles.
At first, I was scared. Then it became interesting.
Yes, Mr. Holmes is a genius. But what about his back story?
It turns out that the perfect crime does not exist. There is always something not taken into account. But why? After all, Stapleton is not a stupid man! All the things he knew about biology, chemistry, history, what ideas he came up with... Speaking of Stapleton, was he not the schoolmaster? And he is the one making blunders supposedly?
Making blunders where?
In the portrait, on observation, on family resemblance. And more of course, but these are the blunders that struck my imagination. It turns out that there are so many interesting things around us! If only you attentively observe, compare, draw conclusions ... Sherlock Holmes� main talent was to deduce important conclusions from small, often seemingly unimportant, clues.
As a matter of fact, Sherlock Holmes existed not only in fiction but also in reality. Let him be called a little differently; Professor Joseph Bell, a famous surgeon. Sherlock Holmes was real, or at least to some extent he was!
It turned out that what was once a bedtime story to me is no more than fiction. But is there a cue in it?
Observation - reflection - evaluation - conclusion! Is this formula equally true for science and for daily life?
Apparently, yes. And again, Holmes' rigorous mathematical thinking. You never know what they say! You never know what they are trying to convince you!
Watch, compare, calculate - and the result will surprise you and the others.
Who said detective stories can't teach us anything? Recreational mysteries with characters and situations inspired by real life that invite its readers to take part in it and enhance mental stimulation.
Extra knowledge is never superfluous. You simply never know what, when and how you might need it. Excess knowledge does not happen. Nowhere. And there is an opportunity to learn something everywhere.
And maybe this is what Aliya’s/Lily’s character is all about. Learning� If anything, I, Lina J. Potter, am still learning every day.
March 5, 2019
Soon: A Medieval Tale #6
I am half-way through book 6 and I just realized that the longer the story evolves, the more Lilian grows on you!
At this pace, I think that the book will be out sooner than expected. Can't wait to share it with you.
At this pace, I think that the book will be out sooner than expected. Can't wait to share it with you.
February 25, 2019
DID YOU KNOW?
Audiobooks add a new dimension and layers of understanding to a written story. That's why we have been investing ourselves in the narration of A Medieval Tale.
The narrator Tiffany Morgan has truly done an outstanding job.
Tiffany is known for her roles in popular shows such as The Vampire Diaries, Walking Dead, Nashville, The Mist, Army Wives, and many others . Through her voice, Lily's story comes to life!
Audiobooks 1-3 are available on Audible.
Hope you will give them a try.
Warmly,
LJP
The narrator Tiffany Morgan has truly done an outstanding job.
Tiffany is known for her roles in popular shows such as The Vampire Diaries, Walking Dead, Nashville, The Mist, Army Wives, and many others . Through her voice, Lily's story comes to life!
Audiobooks 1-3 are available on Audible.
Hope you will give them a try.
Warmly,
LJP
February 18, 2019
Character discussion: Lilian
I was surprised by the many reviews addressing the change in Lily's personality in book 4, claiming that she was out of character here. I suggest that we discuss her character development throughout all 4 books.
We should also not forget that the first three books are set in Earton. Earton is one thing, whereas the capital is another. The Countess is in charge in Earton, nobody can order her around. The capital, however, is a political minefield, requiring extreme caution. That is why she is behaving differently in books 4 and 5, purely also because she is at an audience with King Edward.
I also agree with PTSD and depression. She has a delayed post-traumatic stress syndrome after realizing that she is stuck in this world forever. Before, she didn’t ponder her situation much. She had to climb out of a hole and get everything up and running. But after sorting it out, she starts thinking about finding her place� And she starts acting out. She’s not made of iron; it’s hard not to waver.
I consider her character development throughout the 5 books in the following way:
In First Lessons (A Medieval Tale, #1) , she is in a bit of a jam. She gathers courage from the mere thought of her parents.
In The Clearing (A Medieval Tale, #2) her sole purpose is to get settled, and she is working on it.
The idea dominating Palace Intrigue (A Medieval Tale, #3) is mainly "how did I manage to get so many enemies? Anyway, it’s fine since the estate of Earton is ready to live in.�
In The Royal Court (A Medieval Tale, #4) she realizes that the capital is a mess too.
The Price of Happiness (A Medieval Tale, #5) is more about “ready or not, here I come, you can't hide.�
For more character and topic discussions, visit my Facebook author page @linajpotter and/or A Medieval Tale Reader Group on Facebook.
Warmly,
Lina
We should also not forget that the first three books are set in Earton. Earton is one thing, whereas the capital is another. The Countess is in charge in Earton, nobody can order her around. The capital, however, is a political minefield, requiring extreme caution. That is why she is behaving differently in books 4 and 5, purely also because she is at an audience with King Edward.
I also agree with PTSD and depression. She has a delayed post-traumatic stress syndrome after realizing that she is stuck in this world forever. Before, she didn’t ponder her situation much. She had to climb out of a hole and get everything up and running. But after sorting it out, she starts thinking about finding her place� And she starts acting out. She’s not made of iron; it’s hard not to waver.
I consider her character development throughout the 5 books in the following way:
In First Lessons (A Medieval Tale, #1) , she is in a bit of a jam. She gathers courage from the mere thought of her parents.
In The Clearing (A Medieval Tale, #2) her sole purpose is to get settled, and she is working on it.
The idea dominating Palace Intrigue (A Medieval Tale, #3) is mainly "how did I manage to get so many enemies? Anyway, it’s fine since the estate of Earton is ready to live in.�
In The Royal Court (A Medieval Tale, #4) she realizes that the capital is a mess too.
The Price of Happiness (A Medieval Tale, #5) is more about “ready or not, here I come, you can't hide.�
For more character and topic discussions, visit my Facebook author page @linajpotter and/or A Medieval Tale Reader Group on Facebook.
Warmly,
Lina
February 7, 2019
Character discussion: The Earl
Your Excellency, Jerisson�. Earl of Earton.
What kind of person is he?
I am tempted to say: "Nothing special, really. Like all people � complex and ambiguous." And... caught in a difficult situation!
Imagine planting a flower. A beautiful, pretty rose. You have to leave your home, say, for one week. You return, and there it is. A sundew. Yes, one that is trying to devour you. It is kind of the same for Jess.
And how will a person behave in such a situation? I would be scared. And so is the Earl of Earton. With the one exception that he bravely rushed into battle.
Who could have imagined that a physician from the twenty-first century would happen to be teleported into the body of wimpy and whiny Lilian? Is it a case of possession? Possibly. But an alien from the future? Rubbish! Absolutely nonsense.
So, how should one relate to Jess Earton? If you ask me, not any different than to an ordinary person who got into a difficult situation but managed to get out of it with dignity.
At first, he was in shock, then he denied everything, then he was horrified, and then, for the sake of his daughter Miranda, he humbled his temper.
And for that, he earned great respect.
Because showing normal human reactions, he managed to make the right decision at the right moment. He had the strength and wisdom to do so.
Is it good or bad?
"He is just a man" , I am tempted to say again. With his advantages and shortcomings.
For more character and topic discussions, visit my Facebook author page @linajpotter and/or A Medieval Tale Reader Group on Facebook. Stay in touch, Lina
What kind of person is he?
I am tempted to say: "Nothing special, really. Like all people � complex and ambiguous." And... caught in a difficult situation!
Imagine planting a flower. A beautiful, pretty rose. You have to leave your home, say, for one week. You return, and there it is. A sundew. Yes, one that is trying to devour you. It is kind of the same for Jess.
And how will a person behave in such a situation? I would be scared. And so is the Earl of Earton. With the one exception that he bravely rushed into battle.
Who could have imagined that a physician from the twenty-first century would happen to be teleported into the body of wimpy and whiny Lilian? Is it a case of possession? Possibly. But an alien from the future? Rubbish! Absolutely nonsense.
So, how should one relate to Jess Earton? If you ask me, not any different than to an ordinary person who got into a difficult situation but managed to get out of it with dignity.
At first, he was in shock, then he denied everything, then he was horrified, and then, for the sake of his daughter Miranda, he humbled his temper.
And for that, he earned great respect.
Because showing normal human reactions, he managed to make the right decision at the right moment. He had the strength and wisdom to do so.
Is it good or bad?
"He is just a man" , I am tempted to say again. With his advantages and shortcomings.
For more character and topic discussions, visit my Facebook author page @linajpotter and/or A Medieval Tale Reader Group on Facebook. Stay in touch, Lina
February 1, 2019
Upcoming book 6 in A Medieval Tale
I've been thinking about writing a sequel to the 5th book in A Medieval Tale for a while now, and I feel like it's time now.
Characters are persistent in dictating their stories to the writers, as I explained once some time ago. However, I couldn’t stop but wondering� Is there any character in the A Medieval Tale universe that you would like to read more about?
Characters are persistent in dictating their stories to the writers, as I explained once some time ago. However, I couldn’t stop but wondering� Is there any character in the A Medieval Tale universe that you would like to read more about?
January 23, 2019
Intimacy and explicit language
Morning, dear friends!
Following several reviews on the question of intimacy and romance in A Medieval Tale , I shared my opinion about it!
You can read an overview here:
With Friendship,
Lina
Following several reviews on the question of intimacy and romance in A Medieval Tale , I shared my opinion about it!
You can read an overview here:
With Friendship,
Lina
January 21, 2019
Fatshaming in A Medieval Tale
Dear friends, good morning!
Regarding body weight and image, Lilian's story is autobiographical to some extent. In order to read my thoughts on this, please visit the following link:
I am not fat phobic. I respect and value deeply every body type and every woman's sense of self-worth.
With Friendship,
Lina.
Regarding body weight and image, Lilian's story is autobiographical to some extent. In order to read my thoughts on this, please visit the following link:
I am not fat phobic. I respect and value deeply every body type and every woman's sense of self-worth.
With Friendship,
Lina.
January 2, 2019
Happy New Year!
Hope you had a great NYE with your loved and loving ones, dear friends!
How to start the new year better than winning free eBooks?
Enter my giveaway for First Lessons (100 books) and Half-Demon's Revenge (10 books).
How to start the new year better than winning free eBooks?
Enter my giveaway for First Lessons (100 books) and Half-Demon's Revenge (10 books).
