Jessica Ann Disciacca's Blog
April 24, 2024
Why I Write,,,
From a young age, the arts have always captivated me. I truly believe people are born with the soul of an artist if that is your calling. Whether it was music, film, dance, literature, or fine art, no matter what path I chose, art seemed to always find its way back into the forefront of my mind.
As a child, I wasn’t your typical loud, obnoxious, get into everything sort. I remember sitting back and watching those around me. How they interacted. The way they used their hands and facial expressions to tell stories or react to those around them. I can recall taking in the scenery around me. Enjoying nature, especially during the summer and fall seasons. The colors always captivated me and the sense of peace the quiet provided was unequivocal.
The world of fantasy was something that was ingrained into me from the start. I am not sure if I even had a choice to whether I liked this genre or not, but it now has become a center stone of my life. My father was the first to introduce me to this fascinating and entrancing universe. Star Wars was and still remains my first love.
When The Phantom Menace hit the big screen when I was 9 years old, I wanted so desperately to be Queen Amidala. That Halloween, guess who I was? I remember dreaming about being in the scenes, fighting with lightsabers, and having a power and skill set that set me apart from all others. Though some of you may be shocked by this, I never wanted to be on the side of the light. I was always fascinated with the dark power and all the freedoms it seemed to possess.
When I was old enough to read the fan fiction novels in the Star Wars universe, I dove head first into the dark side and all the fun and alluring power the complex characters seemed to acquire. This is where my love for the morally gray characters probably started.
As time went on, Harry Potter captivated me through the world of witchcraft and magic. Anne Rice and her world of vampires and magic was not far behind. This is where my love of incorporating history into my own stories came into play. I admired how Rice researched her content and subject matter in order to foster those connections with her readers and the real world, linking fantasy to reality.
As a teen, Twilight, Charmed, Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Buffy, Angel; all of the classics inspired me to write… and so the journey began when I was 16.
As time progressed, I set my love for writing aside, focusing on choosing a career path that would financially support a family. After sifting through multiple degrees and programs, my love for fine art won out. I had a natural talent for drawing. After four years of honing that talent and falling head over heels in love with ceramics, I graduated with a fine arts degree. My desire to help support and protect children was my next driving force, leading me into the world of education.
Once I began a family of my own, I took a step back from my career and focused on the two beautiful daughters I had been blessed with. Soon after, I had this feeling of emptiness inside of me that I didn’t know how to fill. Being a mother and a wife had become my identity… but who was I? Who was Jessica? Had I lost myself behind the image and role I now fulfilled?
I took a step back and assessed my life. Though being a mother is still the most rewarding and important job I will ever assume, what became of me after my children grew up and began to follow their own passions and aspirations in life?
I began to read. Filling my free time with the stories of fictional characters that became my friends and family. Diving into worlds where the sky was the limit and the possibilities were endless. Then… I began to dream. I’ve always had a very active imagination. Playing scenes and roles in my head like a movie reel. I began to create my own story plots with characters and situations that fascinated me through these intense, magical journeys.
Eventually, the stories overpowered me, forcing me to put the characters and worlds down on paper. Thus, the writing began. Through this craft, I realized I had never felt more fulfilled in my life than when I saw my creations coming to life through literature. The feeling of accomplishment and completion was overwhelming. I had never felt more like myself than I did when I was writing. Not while creating art, dancing, composing music… none of it compares to writing.
At first, the stories were just for me, but then as I began to share them with friends and family, I was encouraged to pursue the potential of having these works published so they could be shared with the world.
My first book was a mess. I didn’t stick to any regulations or requirements agents looked for. Topping out at a whopping 319,000 words, I knew I needed to set that story aside and begin again. Thus, the creation of Awakening the Dark Throne began. I threw myself into research, pulling references from Norse Mythology and history itself. I have always been drawn to the dark; more intrigued by the horrific events in time that helped shape and redefine our civilizations and ways of life. I knew I wanted to add real moments into my story, even if they were sometimes hard to stomach. Even as a child, I enjoyed Grimm’s versions of fairytales more than Disney's.
Writing became my passion. My therapy. A way to escape or work through some of the hardest moments and times of my life. In each book, I incorporate a part of me into the plot. Whether it be a character flaw, a situation they are overcoming, or a personal battle they are forced to deal with within themselves. Some of these elements are extremely personal and painful to relive for me, but writing helps me process through each trauma, whether it was from childhood or more recent. I believe that true artists must incorporate parts of their souls into their work, for if not, how are we to expect people to connect or resonate with the final piece?
Years later, after a million rejection letters, I decided to self publish. As I embarked on this journey, I was offered a publishing deal through my current press house which opened doors I never expected to have access to.
Publishing and getting my name recognized isn’t why I began this process. I write because I need to. I believe all creative souls have this need to exert their creative talents through their craft. I write because I love the stories and characters I've created. I love sharing my excitement with others, and hearing their thoughts and ideas. There is an entire book community that has taken over every mainstream social media platform, flooding the internet with book reviews, book recommendations, fanart, book trailers, swag and more.
People love talking about what they love. Making those connections. Sharing ideas. Learning from one another. Conspiring about plots or what will come next. We, as a species, desire and need those connections. Literature provides a diverse environment where people from different cultures, countries, and backgrounds can come together and share in what they love. How beautiful is that?
My advice to anyone who will ever ask: Don’t EVER stop pursuing what you love. God put those talents and desires inside of you for a reason. And if you aren’t completely satisfied with life. If you feel like you are missing something, then you haven’t found your purpose. You haven’t found that special thing inside of you that only YOU possess. Keep searching. Keep discovering. Don’t stop until you know what it is to love yourself and the talents you possess. Don't stop until you obtain the life you’ve always dreamed of. The life you’ve shaped from your hard work, dedication, and calling.
As a child, I wasn’t your typical loud, obnoxious, get into everything sort. I remember sitting back and watching those around me. How they interacted. The way they used their hands and facial expressions to tell stories or react to those around them. I can recall taking in the scenery around me. Enjoying nature, especially during the summer and fall seasons. The colors always captivated me and the sense of peace the quiet provided was unequivocal.
The world of fantasy was something that was ingrained into me from the start. I am not sure if I even had a choice to whether I liked this genre or not, but it now has become a center stone of my life. My father was the first to introduce me to this fascinating and entrancing universe. Star Wars was and still remains my first love.
When The Phantom Menace hit the big screen when I was 9 years old, I wanted so desperately to be Queen Amidala. That Halloween, guess who I was? I remember dreaming about being in the scenes, fighting with lightsabers, and having a power and skill set that set me apart from all others. Though some of you may be shocked by this, I never wanted to be on the side of the light. I was always fascinated with the dark power and all the freedoms it seemed to possess.
When I was old enough to read the fan fiction novels in the Star Wars universe, I dove head first into the dark side and all the fun and alluring power the complex characters seemed to acquire. This is where my love for the morally gray characters probably started.
As time went on, Harry Potter captivated me through the world of witchcraft and magic. Anne Rice and her world of vampires and magic was not far behind. This is where my love of incorporating history into my own stories came into play. I admired how Rice researched her content and subject matter in order to foster those connections with her readers and the real world, linking fantasy to reality.
As a teen, Twilight, Charmed, Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Buffy, Angel; all of the classics inspired me to write… and so the journey began when I was 16.
As time progressed, I set my love for writing aside, focusing on choosing a career path that would financially support a family. After sifting through multiple degrees and programs, my love for fine art won out. I had a natural talent for drawing. After four years of honing that talent and falling head over heels in love with ceramics, I graduated with a fine arts degree. My desire to help support and protect children was my next driving force, leading me into the world of education.
Once I began a family of my own, I took a step back from my career and focused on the two beautiful daughters I had been blessed with. Soon after, I had this feeling of emptiness inside of me that I didn’t know how to fill. Being a mother and a wife had become my identity… but who was I? Who was Jessica? Had I lost myself behind the image and role I now fulfilled?
I took a step back and assessed my life. Though being a mother is still the most rewarding and important job I will ever assume, what became of me after my children grew up and began to follow their own passions and aspirations in life?
I began to read. Filling my free time with the stories of fictional characters that became my friends and family. Diving into worlds where the sky was the limit and the possibilities were endless. Then… I began to dream. I’ve always had a very active imagination. Playing scenes and roles in my head like a movie reel. I began to create my own story plots with characters and situations that fascinated me through these intense, magical journeys.
Eventually, the stories overpowered me, forcing me to put the characters and worlds down on paper. Thus, the writing began. Through this craft, I realized I had never felt more fulfilled in my life than when I saw my creations coming to life through literature. The feeling of accomplishment and completion was overwhelming. I had never felt more like myself than I did when I was writing. Not while creating art, dancing, composing music… none of it compares to writing.
At first, the stories were just for me, but then as I began to share them with friends and family, I was encouraged to pursue the potential of having these works published so they could be shared with the world.
My first book was a mess. I didn’t stick to any regulations or requirements agents looked for. Topping out at a whopping 319,000 words, I knew I needed to set that story aside and begin again. Thus, the creation of Awakening the Dark Throne began. I threw myself into research, pulling references from Norse Mythology and history itself. I have always been drawn to the dark; more intrigued by the horrific events in time that helped shape and redefine our civilizations and ways of life. I knew I wanted to add real moments into my story, even if they were sometimes hard to stomach. Even as a child, I enjoyed Grimm’s versions of fairytales more than Disney's.
Writing became my passion. My therapy. A way to escape or work through some of the hardest moments and times of my life. In each book, I incorporate a part of me into the plot. Whether it be a character flaw, a situation they are overcoming, or a personal battle they are forced to deal with within themselves. Some of these elements are extremely personal and painful to relive for me, but writing helps me process through each trauma, whether it was from childhood or more recent. I believe that true artists must incorporate parts of their souls into their work, for if not, how are we to expect people to connect or resonate with the final piece?
Years later, after a million rejection letters, I decided to self publish. As I embarked on this journey, I was offered a publishing deal through my current press house which opened doors I never expected to have access to.
Publishing and getting my name recognized isn’t why I began this process. I write because I need to. I believe all creative souls have this need to exert their creative talents through their craft. I write because I love the stories and characters I've created. I love sharing my excitement with others, and hearing their thoughts and ideas. There is an entire book community that has taken over every mainstream social media platform, flooding the internet with book reviews, book recommendations, fanart, book trailers, swag and more.
People love talking about what they love. Making those connections. Sharing ideas. Learning from one another. Conspiring about plots or what will come next. We, as a species, desire and need those connections. Literature provides a diverse environment where people from different cultures, countries, and backgrounds can come together and share in what they love. How beautiful is that?
My advice to anyone who will ever ask: Don’t EVER stop pursuing what you love. God put those talents and desires inside of you for a reason. And if you aren’t completely satisfied with life. If you feel like you are missing something, then you haven’t found your purpose. You haven’t found that special thing inside of you that only YOU possess. Keep searching. Keep discovering. Don’t stop until you know what it is to love yourself and the talents you possess. Don't stop until you obtain the life you’ve always dreamed of. The life you’ve shaped from your hard work, dedication, and calling.
April 10, 2024
Feelings After Book Release: From a First time Author
Awakening the Dark ThroneWow! This journey has been insane. My debut novel, Awakening the Dark Throne, is official out into the world. From editing, rewrites, speaking with ARC and BETA readers, and finally... choosing a cover. It has all been a whirlwind.
Writing a book takes a lot out of you but it is so worth it. I am proud and love the story I have created and I am excited to share it with others. As a first time author, I have learned very quickly about the 80/20 rule. I know my book isn't for everyone and that is okay. It doesn't take away the accomplishment and joy I receive from hear the positives about the story. Yet, I will never understand why some feel the need to be hateful towards others. Regardless of me feelings or thoughts about someone's work, I would never be disrespectful or cruel. This world is already hard enough. Leave the hate out of it.
As many of you know, I did a lot of research into Norse Mythology when creating this book. Alfar, for example, is the original name for elves. I researched different religions and creatures to create a unique blend of cultures, timeframes, and folklore.
Because this is a 5 book series, I did leave a lot of holes in the book to be flushed out at another point within the series. I set up a lot of characters and events that will be explained as you begin to dive more into the world of the fae in book 2 and then especially in book 3 and 4.
Remember, in book 1, Genevieve is a slave. She isn't going to have access to roam freely or go as she pleases. This is why at times, you might feel the world building is slower. I assure you, once she has the freedom in book 2, you will begin to see the world unfold. I tried to make the information she gathered in book one realistic when it came to just how much and what she was told. She learned the most about the fae from Levos and then a little from Gaelin.
As Levos speaks to her about how the alfar were split into the light and dark courts, he begins to explain how their powers are different. All light court members are connected to the earth. The can control the elements. Yet, the dark alfar's powers vary. You learn about the dark courts powers such as pheromone manipulation, paralyzing shock, shape shifting, seers, and more. When Gen begins to experience her own power first hand, she knows it can't be from the light, based off what Levos has explained.
This book is full of real historical references that you can find in books and texts dating back B.C.E. You will have to pay close attention to small details scattered throughout in order to understand future discoveries later on in the series.
Religion also is a common theme throughout. Depending upon the creature and mythology they are based from, their gods and affiliations will differ. Lily, for example, is a human, so she follows the Catholic God which is stated in Chapter 1. Gen however, is a half-breed. She states in the beginning of the book that she loves the nun who takes care of her and she is thankful to her, but she doesn't necessarily follow the Catholic religion. That is why she will use Gods, in her speech, while Levos and Gaelin follow Norse gods. They will use Thor, Loki, etc..
Some people stated this was an inconsistency, but it's not. You just have to pay close attention to who is talking and what religion they follow. I was very precise with the dialog and use of historical religions throughout. This is something I have educationally studies and personally enjoy.
And let's not forget our bad boy Erendrial. He is the character we automatically love to hate. He comes off as arrogant and cocky, yet in book two, you will get to see a whole other side of him that I believe will set him a part from any other morally gray character we've seen yet in the fantasy world. You will watch him strive for power yet fail. You will learn about his background and his rise to power and what he had to sacrifice to acquire the station he has.
His childhood was tragic and he was forced to make hard decisions along the way. He becomes one of Gen's closest friends and shares his pain with her in order to help her heal. Even though he has a coveted power, his mind is his greatest strength. He was not born to power, station, or money. Everything he has, he has earned.
Book 1 of the series is the shortest book due to the limited access Gen has to the world based on her station. As we continue through the series, you will get to see how every race and court live. I am excited to share my research and imagination with each of you!
Thank you to those who have supported me throughout this journey and are excited for what's to come. I hope to do the characters justice and take you on an emotional roller-coaster.
If you thought book 1 had some trigger warnings, hang on and get ready. Book 2 is intense!
~Author Jessica Ann Disciacca
Writing a book takes a lot out of you but it is so worth it. I am proud and love the story I have created and I am excited to share it with others. As a first time author, I have learned very quickly about the 80/20 rule. I know my book isn't for everyone and that is okay. It doesn't take away the accomplishment and joy I receive from hear the positives about the story. Yet, I will never understand why some feel the need to be hateful towards others. Regardless of me feelings or thoughts about someone's work, I would never be disrespectful or cruel. This world is already hard enough. Leave the hate out of it.
As many of you know, I did a lot of research into Norse Mythology when creating this book. Alfar, for example, is the original name for elves. I researched different religions and creatures to create a unique blend of cultures, timeframes, and folklore.
Because this is a 5 book series, I did leave a lot of holes in the book to be flushed out at another point within the series. I set up a lot of characters and events that will be explained as you begin to dive more into the world of the fae in book 2 and then especially in book 3 and 4.
Remember, in book 1, Genevieve is a slave. She isn't going to have access to roam freely or go as she pleases. This is why at times, you might feel the world building is slower. I assure you, once she has the freedom in book 2, you will begin to see the world unfold. I tried to make the information she gathered in book one realistic when it came to just how much and what she was told. She learned the most about the fae from Levos and then a little from Gaelin.
As Levos speaks to her about how the alfar were split into the light and dark courts, he begins to explain how their powers are different. All light court members are connected to the earth. The can control the elements. Yet, the dark alfar's powers vary. You learn about the dark courts powers such as pheromone manipulation, paralyzing shock, shape shifting, seers, and more. When Gen begins to experience her own power first hand, she knows it can't be from the light, based off what Levos has explained.
This book is full of real historical references that you can find in books and texts dating back B.C.E. You will have to pay close attention to small details scattered throughout in order to understand future discoveries later on in the series.
Religion also is a common theme throughout. Depending upon the creature and mythology they are based from, their gods and affiliations will differ. Lily, for example, is a human, so she follows the Catholic God which is stated in Chapter 1. Gen however, is a half-breed. She states in the beginning of the book that she loves the nun who takes care of her and she is thankful to her, but she doesn't necessarily follow the Catholic religion. That is why she will use Gods, in her speech, while Levos and Gaelin follow Norse gods. They will use Thor, Loki, etc..
Some people stated this was an inconsistency, but it's not. You just have to pay close attention to who is talking and what religion they follow. I was very precise with the dialog and use of historical religions throughout. This is something I have educationally studies and personally enjoy.
And let's not forget our bad boy Erendrial. He is the character we automatically love to hate. He comes off as arrogant and cocky, yet in book two, you will get to see a whole other side of him that I believe will set him a part from any other morally gray character we've seen yet in the fantasy world. You will watch him strive for power yet fail. You will learn about his background and his rise to power and what he had to sacrifice to acquire the station he has.
His childhood was tragic and he was forced to make hard decisions along the way. He becomes one of Gen's closest friends and shares his pain with her in order to help her heal. Even though he has a coveted power, his mind is his greatest strength. He was not born to power, station, or money. Everything he has, he has earned.
Book 1 of the series is the shortest book due to the limited access Gen has to the world based on her station. As we continue through the series, you will get to see how every race and court live. I am excited to share my research and imagination with each of you!
Thank you to those who have supported me throughout this journey and are excited for what's to come. I hope to do the characters justice and take you on an emotional roller-coaster.
If you thought book 1 had some trigger warnings, hang on and get ready. Book 2 is intense!
~Author Jessica Ann Disciacca
