Many people are surprised when they hear I write children’s fantasy books. They take one look at me, hear I’m an accountant and an attorney, and immediately assume that I either write boring tax books or some sort of legal thriller. When they learn that I don’t, their jaw drops and the eyes bug out like they just noticed I have two heads. I just nod and smile, after all, I know why I write what I do.
Up until my book was published, I wrote middle grade fantasy because it’s what I like to read. It’s light, funny, and normally has a really good story. Also, it appeals to the kid in me. I don’t know about you, but part of me still has the curiosity of a tween/early teen. That could be why I enjoy being around and coaching ten to fourteen year olds. You didn’t snarf your coffee at the thought I like kids that age, did you? (If you didn’t know, snarfing is when you laugh hard enough to make your drink come out your nose).
When Worthy of Song and Story came out, any questions I had about writing for kids disappeared. The reactions from the kids were amazing and completely unexpected. Parents posted pictures on Facebook with their kids holding my book and smiling. I couldn’t believe it, but they actually looked excited about a book. My book. How often does that happen? Pretty much never. And it got even better. When my son brought a copy to school, other kids wanted to see the cover and read it. To quote him “It was a little annoying, everyone trying to grab it.”
That is why I write what I do. If one kid discovers a love for reading from one of my books it is all worth it.
Worthy of Song and Story
Up until my book was published, I wrote middle grade fantasy because it’s what I like to read. It’s light, funny, and normally has a really good story. Also, it appeals to the kid in me. I don’t know about you, but part of me still has the curiosity of a tween/early teen. That could be why I enjoy being around and coaching ten to fourteen year olds. You didn’t snarf your coffee at the thought I like kids that age, did you? (If you didn’t know, snarfing is when you laugh hard enough to make your drink come out your nose).
When Worthy of Song and Story came out, any questions I had about writing for kids disappeared. The reactions from the kids were amazing and completely unexpected. Parents posted pictures on Facebook with their kids holding my book and smiling. I couldn’t believe it, but they actually looked excited about a book. My book. How often does that happen? Pretty much never. And it got even better. When my son brought a copy to school, other kids wanted to see the cover and read it. To quote him “It was a little annoying, everyone trying to grab it.”
That is why I write what I do. If one kid discovers a love for reading from one of my books it is all worth it.
Stian the Viking Series
Book One
Neal Chase
Middle Grade Fantasy
Publisher: Fiery Seas Publishing
Winter 2016
Book Description:
Twelve year-old Stian’s plans to be The Greatest Viking Ever appear to be over before they even begin. He’s captured by Dahlia—a dark elf and a girl. If that wasn’t bad enough, he discovers he may be the son of Loki, the greatest enemy of the Viking gods and the one foretold to bring about the end of the world.
Knowing he is meant to be extraordinary, Stian decides to discover the truth for himself and free Loki from the clutches of Odin. Only then, will he discover who he is and what he is meant to do.
Stian must out-think, misguide, and defeat Thor’s children. To do this he will need the power of Gram—a sword with magical powers. There is one catch, only one pure of heart with the desire to help others, is worthy of wielding it. If Stian succeeds, he will become the world’s most famous Viking, but if he fails he will fall victim to the gods’ merciless justice.
About the Author:
Neal Chase lives in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife, two children, two dogs, and a bird, which strangely has the same name as his dad. He is a member of SCBWI and the Writers’ League of Texas. When he is not writing and reading, you can find Neal coaching football or adventuring with the help of his PlayStation.
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