As Fairydust Settles is Here!

Jansina’s newest book, As Fairydust Settles, is now available!

From the back cover:

“Would you have married me if you had known?”

Mical’s question stays with Davey. He doesn’t have an answer.

Mical was wrong to deceive him, and her apologetic efforts may not be enough to keep them together. Will her spiteful father allow them the chance to find out?

This sequel to Shrouded Jewels continues to follow Mical and Davey as they struggle with deception, temptation, and a sometimes bitter reality.

Will Davey and Mical find their happily ever after?

Praise for the book:

“I think it may be her best yet.” – Gina Marinello-Sweeney, author of I Thirst

“Jansina, once again, brilliantly shows how the fairytale can have a happy ending after all.” – C.M. Stewart.

“It has mystery, humor, sadness, happiness, it’s very descriptive, and more. Jansina is a gifted author!” – Liz Ellertson, author of Liz’s Lefse

As Fairydust Settles is now available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats!

Ebook: ($2.99)

As Fairydust Settles on Kindle

As Fairydust Settles on Nook

As Fairydust Settles on Smashwords

Paperback: ($12.99)

As Fairydust Settles on Amazon

As Fairydust Settles in my CreateSpace store

As Fairydust Settles in the Rivershore Books store (autographed copies available)

Hardcover, casewrap: ($19.99)

As Fairydust Settles on Lulu

Hardcover, dust-jacket ($21.59)

As Fairydust Settles on Lulu

You are welcome to purchase paperback or hardcover editions from the author by emailing her at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com. She is honored to sign any copies purchased directly from her!

Clean Fiction at Great Prices - Today Only!

Today only, these books and more will be available on the Kindle for $0.99 or FREE! Visit www.cleanauthors.com to see which authors are participating.

Jansina's books, Forgotten Memories and Shrouded Jewels, are both available for $0.99 until Monday. If you purchased either book in paperback via Amazon, you can get the Kindle version free! (If you bought the paperback directly from her, please email her by Monday for your free ebook.)

On Monday, Jansina's prices will revert to $2.99 (or $0.99 if you also buy the paperback).

Happy reading, everyone!

Character Interview: Jonathan Benson

Name: Jonathan Benson

Age: 22

What book/s are you in? Shrouded Jewels and As Fairydust Settles

Where do you work? I'm a tutor at my college.

Where do you live? A suburb of Minneapolis, with my father.

Favorite place to relax? Up in a tree.

What would your dream job be? Something where taking things apart to see how they work would be part of my every day duties. Engineer? I don't know what engineers actually do...

How do you get along with your Dad? Mostly, we try to avoid each other. It's pretty easy in a house this size. We get along okay when we do talk, though.

Do you play any instruments? The guitar, kind of.

Describe a typical day in Jonathan's world. Oh, boy. Let's see...get up, make breakfast for Dad and me, and leave his outside his office. Then run back downstairs so I don't have to see him...haha. (Kidding.) Study, head to class, come home and study or cook more. I'm so boring. I like the days Davey comes to fix the security system... I help with that sometimes.

And finally, are you hungry? Always. Are you offering to feed me?

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Questions courtesy of Kateri and Megan. Thank you!

Want a question answered in a future interview? Email me atJansina@rivershorebooks.com or visit the Rivershore Books writing forumto give your input!

Are you an author in need of support? Visit Rivershore Books to learn about proofreading, editing, and publishing options, or email me with any questions. I'm here to help.

Character Interview: Davey Blake

Name: Davey Blake

Age: 27

What book/s are you in? Forgotten Memories, Shrouded Jewels, and As Fairydust Settles

Where do you work? I work at Mr. Benson's, taking care of his security system.

Where do you live? A suburb of Minneapolis, in a cottage with my wife Mical.

Favorite place to relax? Outside, in the shade of the trees.

What does the word 'Irresponsible' mean to you? Knowing what needs to be done, and choosing not to do it.

Do you consider yourself to be an introvert or an extrovert? Extrovert, no question.

Is cooking one of your passions? Not as much as it is for my dad, but I do enjoy it.

Describe your life in 3 words. Unexpected. Frustrating. Blessed.

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Questions courtesy of Kateri and Megan. Thank you!

Want a question answered in a future interview? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com or visit the Rivershore Books writing forum to give your input!

Are you an author in need of support? Visit Rivershore Books to learn about proofreading, editing, and publishing options, or email me with any questions. I'm here to help.

Character Interview: Mical Blake

Name: Mical Blake (formerly Benson)

Age: 26

What book/s are you in? Forgotten Memories, Shrouded Jewels, and As Fairydust Settles

Where do you work? I don't work...I go to business school at the U of M.

Where do you live? A suburb of Minneapolis, in a cottage with my husband Davey.

Favorite place to relax? There's a student center in the university that's somewhat quiet.

Why don't you trust Jonathan? I trust him enough.

Who do you tend to confide in when you are feeling down? No one, usually. Sometimes Anna, and sometimes Chrissy.

Mira is your older sister, but do you feel like you often act in her place? Not so much now as when we were younger. She seems to be gaining her own strength now.

What is your relationship with your dad like? Nonexistent. That's how it should stay.

Describe your life in 2 words: Messy. Wrong.

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Questions courtesy of Kateri and Megan. Thank you!

Want a question answered in a future interview? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com or visit the Rivershore Books writing forum to give your input!

Are you an author in need of support? Visit Rivershore Books to learn about proofreading, editing, and publishing options, or email me with any questions. I'm here to help.

Review of Shrouded Jewels

Thank you to Claudia Meydrech, a professional book reviewer who recently posted a review of Shrouded Jewels!

Please click here to view the post.

I appreciate the time she invested, and the kind words. (Her blog is also a great resource for authors and readers!)

Thank you, also, to Kateri and Kevin, who have posted well-thought-out reviews on Amazon!

If you have read Forgotten Memories, Shrouded Jewels, or Sansifreeda, thank you! Please consider posting a review on your blog, Facebook, or on Amazon (click on the title above to be directed to the Amazon product page). Your feedback is appreciated!

Book Excerpt: Shrouded Jewels

Shrouded Jewels is available on Amazon, Lulu, the Nook, and Kindle.

      “Who are we spying on today?” Mical Benson asked, dropping to her knees on the floor beside her sister. They peered through the blinds of the massive dining room window.
     Mira shrugged. “I’ve never seen him before.”
     The dark-haired stranger walked up the long driveway to their front door. He was beyond out of place, as he stood next to their manicured lawn and perfectly trimmed bushes. His hair probably hadn’t seen a brush that morning, and his clothes—jeans and a button-up plaid shirt—were more appropriate for a day on a farm than a business meeting with their father.
     “Watch,” Mical said. “Dad will shoo him away. I wonder how he got through the front gate.”
     Mira didn’t respond.
     “Maybe Eduardo left it open.”
     “Oh, I hope not,” Mira said, with sudden concern for the security manager’s welfare.
     “This being your first offense,” Mical said, lowering her voice in a comical rendition of her father, “I won’t kill you. Cross me again…” She let the words linger.
     Mira shook her head. “Don’t joke, Mical.”
     Mical returned her gaze to the approaching young man. “Why is he here?” She watched his stride with a touch of—she didn’t know what. “You’ve at least got to admire his audacity.”

Still want more? Find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Twitter!

Character Interviews: Chrissy Matthias

Name: Chrissy Matthias. Well, Christiana, if you want to be exact.

Significant Other: None, but God's keeping me content.

What is your strongest belief? It's possible to be happy in just about any circumstance.

How do you like to spend your time? With people. I don't care what we're doing, but I have to be with people. (I don't think you understand. It isn't just that I want to be with them. I have to. Otherwise I go a little loopy. You don't want to see that.)

If you could go anywhere, where would you go? Anywhere and everywhere possible. The moon! Think how exciting that would be!

What is your favorite food? I have to pick just one? Oh boy. Well, chicken lo mein is pretty spiffy.

Describe yourself in one word: Carefree. Not always, but it's my goal. Not because I don't think anything's worth concern, but because I know God's taking care of it on His own.

What type of music could you listen to for hours? Just about anything, really, but I'm partial to Christian contemporary. Jamie Grace is a favorite...if you've ever heard her song Hold Me and it didn't bring a smile to your face, there's something wrong with you. Sorry to be blunt, but it's how I feel.

Favorite color? Green! It's so bright and cheery and natural.

Do you like pets? I like other people's pets. They can be the cutest things ever. I wouldn't want my own. Once I have to start cleaning poop and pee, they lose several points off their adorable factor.

Jonathan...what do you think of him? You just get right to the point, don't you? He's a good friend, and I admire him. I look forward to getting to know him more. Sorry if that's not the answer you were hoping for.

How did you meet Mical? Our parents were at a party, and they stuck us in the same room with instructions to entertain each other. Haha!

Have you ever thought about becoming a teacher? When I was little, that was my dream job. I'm not sure why, but I've moved on since then. Do you think I'd be a good one?


Chrissy, Mical, and Jonathan can be found in the novel, Shrouded Jewels.

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Questions courtesy of Bonnie and Kateri. Thank you!

Want a question answered in a future interview? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com or visit the Rivershore Books writing forum to give your input!

Are you an author in need of support? Visit Rivershore Books to learn about proofreading, editing, and publishing options, or email me with any questions. I'm here to help.

Behind-the-Scenes: Book Formats

My brother refers to my novels as never-ending projects, because when I say, "I finished my book," that's not the end of the publishing journey. All that means is that the writing and editing portion is done.


What else is there? Formatting. Oh, and more formatting.


Both my novels (Shrouded Jewels and Forgotten Memories) are available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover formats. By the time I'm actually done with a novel, I have reformatted it five different times. Six, if you count both hardcover versions--but those are (thankfully) very similar to each other.


Paper Size and Margins


Before I put even one word on paper, I adjust Word's normal settings to fit my book. Since I start with paperback, I change the size of the pages to 5 x 8, and adjust the margins according to CreateSpace's guidelines (for mine, .75 inside and at least .25 outside, top, and bottom). 


For hardcover I use Lulu, but if you find a cheaper option, please let me know! My goal is always to offer my books at the lowest possible price. The typical trade size of hardcover is 6 x 9, so that requires adjusting the page sizes once more. (I wait until the paperback version is finished to begin this.)


Kindle, Nook, and Smashwords (which will make your book available in various ebook formats, including PDF for computer viewing) require regular formatting: 8.5 x 11. That is Word's default size, so you may find that selecting the entire document (ctrl+a) and copy/pasting (ctrl+c, ctrl+v) into a Notepad, then copy/pasting into a new Word will be simplest. This will strip all the formatting, so if you rely on italicizing as I do, changing the size in the current document is better.


Fonts and Sizes 


The fonts and sizes are personal preference. The following is what I use:


Content: 10 pt, Bookman Old Style
Chapter Titles: 20 pt, Garamond, italicized
Title: 45 pt, Garamond, italicized
Title page, 'by': 16 pt, Garamond
Title page, author name: 20 pt, Garamond, italicized
Thank Yous (cover models and photographer): 10 pt, Bookman Old Style, italicized
Copyright Information: 9 pt, Bookman Old Style
Acknowledgments & Dedication: 10 pt, Bookman Old Style
Page Numbers: 14 pt, Garamond
Headings: 14 pt, Garamond, italicized

If you're skipping print, as many authors do, the fonts and sizes in ebooks do not transfer. Ebook readers often give the reader the option to change the font, color, and size to fit their own preferences. Stick to 12 pt, Times New Roman or another system font to avoid complications.

Section Breaks


Regardless which format you use, section breaks are important. These start new pages, and can change the headings and page numbers from one page to the next. They are a complex subject, and this post is already long, but there are helpful guides available on CreateSpace, Smashwords, Kindle, and Nook.


Page Numbers and Headings


Ebook formats do not have page numbers or headings, since devices don't read based on page.


Special to Ebooks


Since ebook formats are clickable, you'll want to create a linked Table of Contents. There are handy instructions for how on Smashwords, Kindle, and Nook.


What Formats Are There?


I said above I reformat my novels six times.

1. Paperback (CreateSpace--which is connected to Amazon)
2. Hardcover, casewrap (Lulu)
3. Hardcover, dust-jacket (Lulu. The only difference between this and 2 is that the author bio goes on the dust jacket instead of in the last pages of the book.)
4. Kindle (CreateSpace has a helpful link for this once your book is in paperback, but you can also access it directly on Amazon.)
5. Nook (Barnes & Noble)
6. All other ebook formats (Smashwords)

My belief is that the more options I can give readers, the better, but it's up to you how you'd like to do it.


Yes, it's a lot. No, it isn't never-ending. I am happy to say I am done, really and truly, with both my novels. You can be, too.


Not sure where to start? Read about why I chose CreateSpace.


Formatting can be frustrating. I'm always here to answer questions. If you're at the point of giving up, I would be happy to format your book for a small fee. Visit Rivershore Books to learn more, or email me for a personalized quote.

Character Interviews: Joe Blake

Name: Joe Blake

Significant Other: Isn't it obvious? Ella's the girl for me.

What is your strongest belief? True change is possible, but requires time and patience.

How do you like to spend your time? Give me a good-sized kitchen and access to a pantry and fridge, and I'll be content for hours.

If you could go anywhere, where would you go? I'm rather enjoying the atmosphere in Backus. I think I'll stay here a while.

What is your favorite food? Uncle Bruce's milkshakes are unbeatable.

Describe yourself in one word: I try to be funny. Yes, I realize that's five words, but I never was a rule-follower.

What type of music could you listen to for hours? Jazz will never cease to make me smile.


Does the word glitter make you want to put it (glitter) on people? ...I'm going to say no. As tempting as that would be, I have a feeling there would be a lot of angry people on my trail.

If you got to travel back in time which time period would you pick? 0 B.C. Or whenever it was that Jesus was born.

Explain your answer to the above question about why you picked that time period. Can you imagine seeing Jesus grow up? I can't, either, but I'd like to.

Name one of your favorite authors. Mark Twain is a funny man.


Joe Blake and Ella Mitchell can be found in both Forgotten Memories and Shrouded Jewels. (Both novels are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Lulu.)

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Interview questions courtesy of Megan and Bonnie. Thank you!


Want a question answered in a future interview? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com or visit the Rivershore Books writing forum to give your input!

Are you an author in need of support? Visit Rivershore Books to learn about proofreading, editing, and publishing options, or email me with any questions. I'm here to help.

Book Summary: Shrouded Jewels

Mical Benson’s father is guarded, so Davey Blake’s invitation to the Benson’s home is evidence of his good character. Still, Mical knows it is the perfect opportunity for him to work his way into their hearts before stealing her father’s great wealth.

In spite of her suspicions, Mical eventually falls into his 'trap'. As they move beyond mutual loathing, they learn that some things aren’t as obvious as they first appear. Everything is working in their favor, but when Davey’s past returns, all he has built up may be lost forever…

This modern retelling of the 1 Samuel 18 Bible story delves into the motivations and challenges Davey and Mical meet on their journey to trust and faith.

Shrouded Jewels is now available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats!

Ebook: ($4.99)

Shrouded Jewels on Kindle
Shrouded Jewels on Nook
Shrouded Jewels on Smashwords

Paperback: ($12.99)


Shrouded Jewels on Amazon
Shrouded Jewels in my CreateSpace store

Hardcover, casewrap: ($24.00)


Shrouded Jewels on Lulu

Hardcover, dust-jacket ($25.60)


Shrouded Jewels on Lulu

You are welcome to purchase paperback or hardcover editions by emailing me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com. I am honored to sign any copies purchased directly from me!

Character Interviews: Jonathan Benson

Name: Jonathan Benson

Significant Other: I know who I would like it to be. No, I'm not going to tell you. She might be reading this!

What is your strongest belief? There's some good in this world, and it's worth fighting for. (I admit, I stole that from Samwise.)

How do you like to spend your time? I don't really have a preference, as long as I'm with people who mutually care.

If you could go anywhere, where would you go? Backus, just because I like what Davey's told me about it.

What is your favorite food? Macaroni and cheese. You just can't beat cheesy noodles.

Describe yourself in one word: Flexible.

What type of music could you listen to for hours? Irish is pretty cool.


Do you think that you should have your own TV show on re-designing rooms? Haha, I don't know that I should, but I definitely would enjoy it.

If you answered yes to the above question, what would you call it? Room Designs by JB? I'm no good at naming things. 

Do you like the idea of dragons being real? That would be so cool!

What is your least favorite food? Orangutans. Can you imagine trying to eat one of those? Gross.

Describe your relationship with Mical: Complicated. Does that count as an answer? She's a caring big sis, and I love her and am grateful for everything. She thinks I'm still fifteen. Not really, but she acts like it sometimes.

Do you think Davey is good? Of course. I don't know how anyone could think otherwise.

Are you in college? Yes, I'm studying electrical engineering, and am a year away from graduation.


Jonathan Benson (and Davey Blake) can be found in the novel Shrouded Jewels (soon to be available on Amazon, Lulu, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords). Davey Blake can also be seen in Forgotten Memories.

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Interview questions courtesy of Bonnie and Kateri. Thank you!


Want a question answered in a future interview? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com or visit the Rivershore Books writing forum to give your input!

Are you an author in need of support? Visit Rivershore Books to learn about proofreading, editing, and publishing options, or email me with any questions. I'm here to help.

Character Interviews: Davey Blake

Name: Davey Blake

Significant Other: Still waiting on that one.

What is your strongest belief? God heals all.

How do you like to spend your time? With people... I really don't care what we're doing, as long as we're together.

If you could go anywhere, where would you go? Germany, and Ireland, and Japan, and South America, and Israel, and... I love to travel.

What is your favorite food? Caramel rolls, when my dad makes them. I don't make them quite as well as he does.

Describe yourself in one word: Oblivious.

What type of music could you listen to for hours? Acappella singing melts my heart.

Do you like glitter? Interesting question. I wouldn't say I like it. That stuff tends to get everywhere--and then people ask why you sparkle, and it's just awkward.

Why did you take Mical with you to the vault? Honestly, I thought she was joking when she acted like she didn't know about it. By the time I realized she was serious, I kind of got caught up in proving her wrong. I'm embarrassed, now.

What was your first impression of Mira? She is so kind. I don't remember having a first impression, though, except that she seemed quiet. I knew I wanted to get her talking somehow. 

Do you think that Jonathan needs to re-do your room for you? No...I think he needs to re-do my entire house! That boy is brilliant.

How's Backus these days? Same as ever, so I hear. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Davey Blake and Mical Benson can be found in the novel, Forgotten Memories. They are also the main characters of the nearly released Shrouded Jewels! (Watch for SJ on Amazon later this week!)

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Interview questions courtesy of Kateri and Bonnie. Thank you!


Want a question answered in a future interview? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com or join the writing forum to give your input!


Need something edited? Learn about my proofreading and editing business, Rivershore Books.

Character Interviews: Mical Benson

Name: Mical Benson


Significant Other: No one, thank you very much.


What is your strongest belief? There has never been a reason for me to believe in something. Everything and everyone has failed me, so why would I?


How do you like to spend your time? Reading, because it lets me forget...things.


If you could go anywhere, where would you go? Anywhere my father couldn't follow.


What is your favorite food? A cheeseburger--when it's cooked correctly.

Describe yourself in one word: Broken.

What type of music could you listen to for hours? Classical piano.

Why do you hate Davey so much? It's not hatred, it's facing facts. I don't trust him, and I would be stupid if I did.

Do you like unicorns? They're not real, therefore I do not like or dislike them.

What does the word, "sullen" mean to you? I don't appreciate the implication in that question.

How long do you want your hair to be? It's fine as it is--shoulder length.

Do you think that you are too good for Davey? Obviously.


Mical Benson and Davey Blake can be found in the novel, Forgotten Memories. Their story is explored further in the novel, Shrouded Jewels--watch for it on Amazon within the next week!

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Interview questions courtesy of Kateri and Bonnie. Thank you!
Want a question answered in a future interview? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com or join the writing forum to give your input!

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Need something edited? Learn about my proofreading and editing business, Rivershore Books.