GUEST BLOG: The Trials and Advantages of Systematic Writing By:  F.M. Deemyad Plus Giveaway!

Perseverance, we are told in not exactly such words, is the key to success. The idea is drilled into our subconscious as we sit hours at a time, five days a week, in classrooms from elementary school all the way through college education and beyond; however, once we decide to establish ourselves as writers, whether fiction or other works, picking up the pen for such an endeavor turns in some cases into a leisurely activity.

We write when we “feel like it.” I am of the belief that the same discipline that was enshrined in our minds through years of education applies to our writing life as well. That is unless we look at writing as some sort of entertainment or hobby. If our aim is to pursue this path seriously, nothing short of perseverance and writing systematically will do.

A lecturer at a university who had become a rather well-known author once said that he had a habit of writing his novel systematically as he rode to work using the metro. The reason being that with two small children in the house, as he put it, there was no time at home to write. Considering that he was full-time employed at an office doing a job he deplored, this was his only means of getting any writing done.

One day, however, after an argument with his wife who happened to be the editor of a well-known newspaper, he found himself in no mood to write and continued to watch the city scene out of the window of the train until he almost reached his destination. Force of habit left him with a strong sense of guilt for having neglected his promise to himself. So he picked up a piece of paper and scribbled a few lines just to have written something on that day before the train stopped.

When he returned in the evening, he left that sheet of paper on his bedroom dresser, for he saw no use in such a rushed work and planned on disposing it after reading it again. His wife, who never said anything positive about his novel-in-progress, glanced at the sheet and, with a big smile on her face, came to him to say, “You finally got it! This novel had to be written in first person all along. Now go back and start over, writing as you have written these few lines.” Well, he did so, and the book became an instantaneous success.

Perseverance in writing and doing so systematically might have its trying days when a headache, presence of guests, or other distractions prevent the writer from maintaining a commitment to persistent writing. In the long-term, however, it is the committed writer who will succeed. Thus, the writer will maintain the connection to the work and would not be forced to remember what his/her initial purpose was and what stage the work is in. The concept, the plot, the scenes will remain fresh in the writer’s mind and continuous growth and expansion of the work will be the natural outcome of such a committed undertaking.

In the year 1398 A.D., Lady Goharshad and her husband, King Shahrokh, come across an ancient manuscript in the ruins of Karakorum, the Mongol capital. The manuscript chronicles the era of Mongol invasions with entries by three princesses from China, Persia, and Poland who are captured and brought to the Mongol court.

After being stolen from her family at the Tangut Emperor’s coronation, Princess Chaka, the Emperor’s youngest daughter is left with no choice but to marry Genghis Khan. Thus, the Tangut join Genghis as allies. She is the first to secretly chronicle the historical events of her time, and in doing so she has the help of an African eunuch by the name of Baako who brings her news from the war front.

Princess Reyhan is the witty granddaughter of the last Seljuk King in Persia. She is kidnapped by Ogodei, Genghis’s son and heir, who falls in love with her. The romance does not last long, however, since a Mongol beauty wins Ogodei’s heart, and Reyhan is sidelined. Reyhan continues the tradition of recording the events in secret, turning her entries into tales.

During the Mongol invasion of Poland and Hungary, Princess Krisztina, niece to Henry the Pious, is taken as a prisoner of war by the Mongols. Reyhan learns about Krisztina’s predicament through Baako and asks Hulagu, Genghis’s grandson, to help free her. Krisztina has a difficult time adjusting to life in Mongolia, and at one point she attempts to run away but is unsuccessful. When the child she is bearing is stillborn, the Mongol court shuns her. She is able to return to her homeland in old age but comes back to Karakorum and writes her final entry in the journal.

Through beautiful language and powerful storytelling, this fact-based historical novel lays bare the once far-reaching and uncompromising Mongol empire. It shows readers the hidden perspectives of the captive, conquered, and voiceless. It brings to light the tremendous but forgotten influence of Genghis Khan and his progeny, while asking readers to reconsider the destruction and suffering of the past on which the future is built.

“The author’s in-depth research is evident throughout The Sky Worshippers. For readers who enjoy a lush blend of historical fact and fiction, this novel details the smells, sights, sounds of a pivotal era in time, uniquely told through the eyes of three captive princesses.” – Gina Wilkinson author of When the Apricots Bloom

“F.M. Deemyad immerses the reader into the 13th Century world of Genghis Khan. It’s an unforgettable story of survival and strong women as we experience life through the eyes of the conquered-and the conquerors. In The Sky Worshipers, history comes vividly alive.” – John DeDakis, Novelist, Writing Coach, and former Senior Copy Editor for CNN’s “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer”, www.JohnDeDakis.com

“In this stunning saga, F. M. Deemyad takes us on a thrilling journey as Genghis Khan and his sons sweep across Asia and Europe, worshiping the sky while they conquer one nation after another and capture women to enslave and marry. The women’s stories, rich with architectural, historical and cultural detail, hold an important message for all of us who have inherited privileges as the result of our ancestor’s atrocities. A great read and a phenomenal debut!” – Raima Larter, Author of Fearless and Belle o’ the Waters

“The Sky Worshipers by F.M. Deemyad draws us into Genghis Khan’s conquests through the eyes of three women ripped from their homes and thrust into royal service. This lyrical novel is a vivid imagining of hearts and minds of women who left their marks on history, despite history’s failure to acknowledge their contributions. It allows us to connect with timeless striving for a world of compassion, equal opportunity, and celebration of diversity. A beautiful novel.” – Lisa L. Leibow, J.D., Co-Founder, Board President, Chief Operating Officer, The Scheherazade Project

“An illuminating telling of Mongol conquest and the people who lived-and died-making decisions that shaped half the world. The broad strokes of time are revealed through the perspectives of single bristles of the brush. Cleverly imagined and carefully rendered, The Sky Worshipers is an engaging, personal look at one of history’s momentous eras.” – Zach Powers, author of First Cosmic Velocity

Enter to win a copy of The Sky Worshipers! Two copies are up for grabs!

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on March 17th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

The Sky Worshipers