COVID-19 Writing Update

Hi everyone,

Sorry it’s been a while since my last post about this book series. As you know, the world is in quite an odd state right now, what with COVID-19 and all. I hope you all are healthy and well, and reading more than ever!

I’ve found that, personally, I have had more time on my hands for writing. I was able to finish writing the sequel to Connection of the Worlds!

Yes, you heard me correctly. (Or read me correctly? Not sure how to write that sentence in a blog.) I have completed the second book, and I am currently in the editing process. Hopefully after that I can get the cover art, which I’ll probably post on this blog.

Here’s a sneak-peak summery of book 2:

In the second book of the Connection of the Worlds series, the four chosen heroes of an ancient prophecy are tasked with an even greater challenge than before: they must bring together the objects of Power. Doing so could result in the greatest battle of all time, or bring complete disaster upon humanity.

The Children of Myth will have to face even worse enemies than before. They previously – and wrongly – assumed that Eris was their worst enemy. They are very much mistaken. There will be new surprises, gods, and demons around their every corner.

In an all-new adventure, the Children of Myth will discover more about each other’s diverse pasts, and about the world, the worlds, they live in.

____

I hope that you enjoyed the quick book summery. I can’t wait to publish the next book!

-Helena K. Hollander

A Short Story Concerning Jessica Anderson

Hello everyone,

I have just published a short story in the Connection of the Worlds series. This is the second book that I have published, and I am thrilled to finally be able to have it available to buy on Amazon.com.

The story is about the younger sister of Tor Anderson. (Tor is one of my four protagonists in the main series Connection of the Worlds.) Jessica Anderson, the sister, has to deal with her brother’s mysterious vanish from the neighborhood. Jessica tries to uncover the truth about why her brother could have left. With the help of her friends and family, will she be able to solve the mystery?

I hope you enjoy this short story that accompanies the series Connection of the Worlds! Be sure to check out the original series as well!

Thank you everyone!

-Helena K. Hollander

Updated: Official COTW Character Quiz

Connection of the Worlds Updated Official Character Quiz:

By, Helena K. Hollander

[This is the updated official character quiz for the series Connection of the Worlds. Enjoy!]

Question 1.

What is the closest description to your personality/traits?

Irritable, bossy, intelligent and/or brave.
Introverted, shy, respectful and/or compassionate.
Withdrawn, sullen, resourceful and/or mysterious.
Loud, playful, adventurous and/or spontaneous.

Question 2.

What is the closest to your role in group assignments?

I take control, and lead with confidence.
I listen to the needs of others, and do my part when necessary.
I watch and decide if it is worth getting involved in.
I try to do my best to help everyone, and pitch in where I can.

Question 3.

How do you greet a stranger?

I analyze them, and try to act normal around them.
I smile and introduce myself.
I judge them, and decide if they are trustworthy
I try to get them to laugh, and I share my name.

Question 4.

What is the most important to you, out of the given answers?

Solving the world’s problems.
My family and friends/loved ones.
My own safety.
Keeping everyone happy.

Question 5.

Which trait do you aspire to be the most?

Intelligent.
Kind.
Honest.
Humorous.

Question 6.

When would you feel most alone, out of the given circumstances?

When I have been neglected from my family/friends.
When I am separated from a family member.
When my guardian has left/vanished.
When I am physically alone, with no one near me.

Question 7.

How would you react if an enemy/bully targeted you?

Glare at them, then pick a fight.
Ask them to leave you alone, then retreat.
Insult them, then run.
Ask them to stop, or you will fight them.

Question 8.

Does your mind wander often?

I get completely distracted by a chain of thoughts about anything and everything.
What was the question again?
Yes, but not all those who wander are lost.
Sometimes I guess, but mostly I’m focused on one thing at a time.

Question 9.

What is the closest to your deepest fear?

The future/death.
Loosing my family/friends/lovers.
My secret slipping out/being who I am.
Natural disasters/certain animals.

Question 10.

What lurks in the dark?

Monsters.
Mystery.
Nothing.
I don’t know.

Question 11.

What is magic?

Something that cannot be defined, at least by those with mortal minds.
Something powerful, that we can only dream of.
Something unproven and not scientific.
Something weird and awesome.

Question 12.

What is love?

Love is irrational and foolish.
Love is a magic in itself, and something intertwined with us.
Love is something we don’t fully understand/something that needs research.
Love is an important part of our society.

Question 13.

Why is a raven like a writing desk?

There is no real answer to this riddle.
Both exist.
Both are parts of this question.
I don’t know.

Question 14.

If given the choice, would you leave your homeland?

Only if I am aware of the circumstances.
Maybe, but only if it means helping those who are close to me.
If I had a homeland, perhaps I would feel differently.
If it means a great adventure, then yes!

Question 15.

What is a hero?

A hero is someone brave and courageous, like me.
A hero is someone who puts others before themselves.
A hero is someone who takes risks.
A hero is someone who stands for what they believe in.

Results:

Mostly 1’s.

You are the most like Athena! This means that you likely have a personality that is intelligent, bossy and talented. This means that you feel the urge to take control over situations you are in. You probably are self-motivated and driven to do whatever it is that you are best at. Succeeding is everything to you, and you will do whatever it takes to make your dreams come true. You are an ambitious leader, and you know exactly what you want from life. You are very smart and cunning, and others look up to you.

Mostly 2’s.

You are the most like Luna! You are definitely a kind soul, who cares about the world. You want to please those around you, and aspire to be a better human being. This means that you will always be open to hearing the suggestions and opinions of others. You value other people and their personalities. You are probably very empathetic and compassionate. You strive to learn what you can from the people you surround yourself with. Other people will always admire your appreciation for the world and the people in it.

Mostly 3’s.

You are the most like Seth! You are very thoughtful, and introverted. You strive to make the most out of your situation, and take note of others around you. You are likely to have a very serious and complex personality. It may take you a while to warm up to other people, but around close friends and loved ones, you feel your input is valid. You often try to understand the how and why of everything. Your thoughts are deep, and you like to spend a lot of time thinking to yourself. You do try to help when you think you can, and other people admire your deep intellect and perseverance.

Mostly 4’s.

You are the most like Tor! This means that you have an outgoing personality, and you care a lot about other people. You value friendships very much, and are usually the one joking around to lighten the mood. You are seemingly positive, and always try to look on the bright side of a situation. Your mind is often set on one thing at a time. You try to help out in any situation you can, and you attempt to keep a cheerful attitude. Others admire your sense of humor and your loyalty to those who you surround yourself with.

[Thank you for taking the official Connection of the Worlds character quiz!]

What’s Next for Connection of the Worlds?

Hello everyone!

You might be wondering what I have been up to, as an author. Here’s a brief summery of what I have been working on:

I am currently writing the second book in the Connection of the Worlds series, which I hope to publish later this year. I have been writing constantly these past few weeks.

The second book dives deeper into the pasts of the protagonists, and their personalities develop a lot. They are mainly focused on finding mythical objects, which hopefully, will be able to give them an advantage over their enemies.

The second book also introduces some minor characters, who will be of importance later in the series.

In addition to the second book, I am going to publish a short story on kindle, hopefully in the next few months.

This book is a novella, centered around the character Jessica Anderson, the sister of Tor Anderson in the Connection of the Worlds series.

Jessica has her own problems to deal with at home. With Tor gone, her life has crashed into uncertainty. Even she misses him.

The book will take place during the later part of the first book in the series.

Be sure to look for these books that will hopefully be in Amazon.com shortly!

-Helena K. Hollander

Q’s and A’s

I am very new to being a published author, but I still get asked questions by readers that I’d thought I would answer.

I will answer the questions that have been asked first, and then I will answer any ones that I expect a reader might have.

Most common questions:

How did you become an author?

I have always loved writing and reading. Ever since I read Harry Potter, I have loved fantasy books. I was also inspired by some other books I read to try and write my own book. I would often write down bits of stories in notebooks, and draw comics to go along with them. I think I have always been an author. The only thing that is new to me is the publication of my books.

How long did it take to write Connection of the Worlds?

I started writing my book in 2016, and wrote about ten chapters in about two months. Then, I took a break for a few months, and wrote other ideas. Then I eventually came back to Connection of the Worlds, and I did a major edit. I fixed a lot of errors in my writing, and made the characters much more developed. I didn’t stop writing until I was done with the first book. I edited, got cover art, then used Kindle Direct Publishing to self-publish the first book.

Who are your characters inspired by?

This is a question that I definitely wonder when I read fiction books. My four main characters are based on me, on my different aspects and personalities, past and present. Of course, not all of the things about them are true to me. I mostly just got my inspiration from how I think my personality is.

Other questions readers might have:

What did you change in your book since you started writing it?

I mostly changed the dialog of the book, and fixed a lot of sentences that didn’t make any sense. I also changed a few descriptions of places my characters visited. One main thing that affects my story is the year it was set in. Instead of being set in 2016 like it was originally, I changed it to be 2017.

What kinds of research do you do for your books?

I do a lot of online research about places my characters go. Even though I have been to quite a few of the cities and places they have been, it really helps me to know more about things such as transportation, and how long it normally takes to get somewhere. I also have tons of books at home that I use for research. Most of these are history, and I have tons on Greece, Egypt and a few on China, Rome, Norway and World History.

Do you have notebooks you use for character information, or do you use a computer?

I have about three notebooks that are full of Connection of the Worlds character profiles, concept art, weapon descriptions and family trees. I also use a lot of loose notes. I basically write down anything related to the series that I think might be important. I also write down scenes that I might one day use, or that have good dialog. I do use the computer to store my really important information on my characters, in case something were to happen to my notes.

Conclusion:

I hope this was helpful and answered any questions you might have about the series. Please comment or let me know if you have any more questions you would like to be answered!

Thank you for checking out this website, and I hope you have enjoyed by book!

Connection of the Worlds Character Quiz

Connection of the Worlds Official Character Quiz: What character are you most like?

Question 1: If you were to choose a favorite season, which would it be?

a. Summer

b. Fall

c. Winter

d. Spring

Question 2: If you see a group of people fighting, you…

a. Join the fight

b. Try to stop the fight

c. Run away

d. Let someone else stop the fight, but stay in case things get messy

Question 3: Which of these weapons do you wish you could have?

a. A spear

b. A halberd or polearm

c. A dagger

d. All of the above

Question 4: Which two subjects are your favorite?

a. I love all school subjects!

b. History and English

c. Math and science

d. I hate school!

Question 5: Which personality description fits you best?

a. Bossy and intelligent

b. Considerate and Passionate

c. Serious and resourceful

d. Funny and determined

Question 6: Which genre is your favorite?

a. Historical fiction

b. Mystery

c. Nonfiction

d. Science-fiction and fantasy

Question 7: Which of these landscapes do you like best?

a. Countryside

b. Forest

c. Large city

d. Beach

Question 8: Which colors are your favorites?

a. Red and gold

b. Purple and blue

c. Black and grey

d. Green and orange

Question 9: If you daydream, it is usually about…

a. Heroic deeds

b. Music and books

c. Real-world problems

d. Food

Question 10: If you had to choose a mythological enemy, who would it be?

a. Eris, the Greek goddess of discord

b. Shen, a Chinese shape-shifting dragon

c. Set, the Egyptian god of Chaos

d. Loki, the Norse trickster god

Question 11: Are you a hero?

a. Most definitely

b. Maybe

c. No

d. I want to be

Quiz complete! Continue for results!

Mostly a’s: You are the most like Athena! You are highly intelligent, and can usually come up with a plan on the spot. You can be bossy sometimes, but your good friends know you are more than that. You are a very knowledgeable person, who can be relied on for information. You have a sense of regalness about you, and are a natural leader.

Mostly b’s: You are the most like Luna! You are extremely nice to everyone, and love to help people. You might be shy and quiet, but you have a lot to say when it comes to the things you like to do. You are a peacemaker, and can help very different people get along. You have a thoughtful outlook on life, and are always willing to help a friend in need.

Mostly c’s: You are the most like Seth! You are serious, and might not be very open about your internal feelings. But despite that, you are willing to do what others say, as long as you can share the leadership. With your closest friends, you can be yourself. You have a mysterious air to you, and always think about all the scenarios that could happen at the moment.

Mostly d’s: You are the most like Tor! You are very funny and humorous, and can often act as the comic relief. You are usually joking around. You always try to be the best person you can be, even if you are sometimes clumsy or messy. You are always willing to pitch in to a project, and love to share your ideas with the rest of the world. You are eager to help people, and are a great friend.

Thank you for taking the Connection of the Worlds character quiz!

Characters in the Series

Hello readers!

Today I thought I’d share some facts about my characters. If you read my book, you might know most of these, but I always love learning more about who I am reading about.

Personalities:

Tor Anderson:

Tor absolutely loves superheroes. He is actually very artistic, and draws his own comics. He collects action figures of the superheroes, and his collection takes up two long shelves in his bedroom at home. He also really enjoys surfing at the beach with his best-friend, Josh Robinson. He’s from California, and hates cold weather. Tor also enjoys making jokes, which don’t always have the best timing. Still, he enjoys playing the comic relief in times of crisis. Tor wishes he could have a power of his own. He doesn’t. Yet.

Athena:

Athena might be the most like me. She loves reading, reading and more reading. If she was a Harry Potter character, she’d be Hermione Granger. Athena talks very fast, while saying a lot of useful information. She also really likes being a goddess, and all the perks that come with it: flying, shape-shifting, reading minds, etc. She has a habit of muttering under her breath. Her favorite expression: “Mortals.” Athena has two magical spears, which teleport her to different places around the world. She’s always battling some sort of monster. Speaking of which, that gorgon just got out. Excuse me for a moment…

Luna Wong:

Luna is a very quiet person, and enjoys hobbies, like riding her horses, or writing letters to her brother, John. She is sometimes very shy, but can easily get along with lots of different people. Luna can also see well in the dark, a given, since her mother is a moon goddess. Luna uses a bag of Moondust, a special powder that obscures the vision of her enemies. Only she and her mother can see through the dust. Luna is a nice, friendly person, but she lacks physical strength. She is determined to get stronger.

Seth Frederick:

Seth is probably the most mysterious of my characters. His background is hidden from the others, and he lives in Chicago, homeless. He also likes reading, and enjoys learning about anything from biology, to mythological pantheons. He is stealthy, observant, and strong. His power is strength. Despite the pain that comes with it, the power of punching through solid materials like cement is a great one. Seth analyzes situations carefully, and tries to decide who to trust. He is cautious around other people. When he does answer questions, he’ll speak the truth, no matter how harsh it is. Sometimes, if you ask him a question, he won’t respond, but that’s because he’s trying to decide all your possible moves.

Analysis:

I love my characters.

I love what drives them, and what makes them unique. They each have individual aspects, and similarities.

Athena and Seth both love reading and clever strategies. Seth and Luna are both quiet and don’t speak up as much as the others. Tor and Athena are more comical characters, who tend to say funnier things. Tor and Luna are the nicest to strangers and random people.

While working on my first book, I realized some of my characters would talk almost identically to each other. I needed more distinction, so I wrote some revised profiles for them. This helped me figure out how to make them unique. The profiles talked about the characters’ lives before they met each other, and also what their personalities are.

When I wrote the profiles, I also transitioned away from what I called my first ‘draft’. (Really, it was the first half of the book.) I didn’t change that much, except different ways of saying the same thing. This made the book clearer.

Overall, I think my characters are good people: they try hard to do the right thing. I hope in the next two books, I will develop more backstory and character growth. From what I’ve written so far, I think I’m on the right track.

You can now get my book in paperback, on Amazon.com! I am looking forward to reading the reviews on the story, and thinking about what I should write next.

-Helena K. Hollander

About Connection of the Worlds Series

Hi.

I never thought I’d publish a book. Why? Because maybe I was afraid I’d have a hard time getting a specialized editor. Perhaps I thought I wouldn’t find a publisher. The worst part was wondering if people would even read my book.

But yet, here I am.

What it is:

Connection of the Worlds is a fantasy book about four kids, (Specifically Children of Myth.) who are all part of a destiny greater than anything they have ever known.

They each live in a different part of the United States, and have never met each other. That is, until one of them, a Greek goddess named Athena, travels around the country, on a mission to slay a woman called Medusa.

After many tests and trials, the four kids will have to decide: Will they group up to save the universe? Or, will they fight against each other, in a battle to end all time.

-Helena K. Hollander