The Old Challenge Passes Away, The New Ones Come

The challenge I took on for May finished up on Friday. I have one photo to share with you from the challenge that didn't get into Friday's blog post. I was able to find the photo prompt I wanted to work with so I shared that instead. I would also like to share it with you.
Then you'll be able to see the four...yes, four...new challenges I'm working on this month. One of them will help me knock out the map for book two. On to the challenges!

#AuthorChallenge2019 June Edition Days 1-2

Day one was another introduction. I kept it simple. My name is Melody. My pen name is Robin McElveen. I have to be honest and say I was uncertain about whether or not to share that particular photo of me. I love to wear scarves on windy days to protect my ears. And this scarf is a favorite. I just had to snap a photo. Day two posed a question regarding digital or paper editing. Once I edited on a paper manuscript, I have to say that became my favorite method, but it's pricey. I can't always work on paper, so I do a little of both.

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#FantasyWIPJune Challenge Days 1-2

Day 2 - Theme Song - I don't have a dedicated theme song for OLUS just yet. I'm actually collabing with a friend to compose one. But this is the type of music that inspires me when I write about Genzet.

Day 1 - Does your WIP have a creation myth? Yep. I haven't fleshed it all out yet, but it's forming as I go. These are some of the creatures, existing and otherwise, that have inspired me so far.

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#TenThingsChallenge for Writers

These are so self-explanatory I don't think I'll elaborate. But for some, number ten might make you nervous. Don't know why, but it seems to be that way for some folks. I write to glorify God by doing the best job I can and keeping my writing within the guidelines He sets for me. So evil is evil and good is good. Even if humans blur the lines, it doesn't change the nature of evil or good. I don't plan to get preachy in my writing. Some characters may because that is the nature of people who think they're doing a good job, who think everyone needs to know about their accomplishment. I mainly want to encourage people and lighten the heavy load of life's burdens with some fun reading.

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#WorldBuildingQuest Challenge Days 1-2

Day one of this challenge gave me a chance to create another inspiration board. I write YA fantasy. "Over Land & Under Stone" is set amid forests, mountains, tunnels, and a garden. Day 2 gave me a chance to get started on my map for book two. I've been trying to set aside time to get it done and it's just not happening...until now. I'll knock it out with this month's challenge prompts and do it in easy portions.

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Author Bio Photo & Persona

First Mate Ananya Volkov

I have a bit of a conundrum when it comes to my author bio. I don't like having my portrait taken. They have a tendency to show up every possible flaw and not everything can be photoshopped away at the price I can afford. So I've been considering using a persona photo instead of an actual "me" photo. One of my personas is a steampunk first mate on an airship. Her name is Ananya Volkov and her new and improved photo is on the left. I'm going to consider cropping the photo and try some other things with it even though I really like how this edit came out.

But what say you?
Most of the writing gurus/marketing gurus say your author photo should show you smiling. But what if you don't much like your smile? Or what if it feels plastic? I mean, couldn't anyone see it's fake? I'd rather be real and in the moment. So for your enjoyment, I'm sharing Ananya's photo with you. (She is me, by the way.) I don't write in the steampunk genre...yet. So this particular photo won't be an actual bio photo. I'll be creating a new persona for Robin McElveen if I decide to go through with this. I have created a poll to collect the proverbial "two cents" from anyone who cares to take part. (For non-US folks, that's a figure of speech. I'm not asking for money from anyone.)

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Thanks so much for taking the time to read. If you also filled in the survey, thank you times 3! You have my sincerest appreciation for taking the time to do it.