Home

News

On the Blog

Hello

By Yolandie Horak / 27th July 2020

It's me. I'm still on a high after Friday's release of A Trial of Sparks & Kindling. I honestly still...

Read More

PUBLISHED! 2.0

By Yolandie Horak / 24th July 2020

Folks, the day has finally arrived. A Trial of Sparks & Kindling is out in the world! I can't believe...

Read More

An Update

By Yolandie Horak / 14th July 2020

Friends, it's been a hot minute. My mental state has been especially low, and I've just not had the capacity...

Read More

A Trial of Sparks & Kindling Playlist

By Yolandie Horak / 2nd July 2020

I was a bit disorganised with this, I have to admit. I have this general playlist in which I just...

Read More

A Trial of Sparks & Kindling Playlist

Have a Free Colouring Book

By Yolandie Horak / 25th June 2020

A Trial of Sparks & Kindling is set to land in July! The first ARC's have gone out and are...

Read More

Have a Free Colouring Book

I’ve Been Busy

By Yolandie Horak / 9th June 2020

Friends, I think a great many of us vote to have 2020 struck from the record. It's only June, and...

Read More

Yolandie’s Favourites

ALL

I’m Yolandie – Revisited

I’m Yolandie – Revisited

A few years ago, I had an epiphany–I’m not done… Read More »I’m Yolandie – Revisited

Calgary

Toronto is a city of skyscrapers. Steel and glass. Grey.… Read More »Calgary

A Tribute

This morning, my grandmother passed away. It was a long… Read More »A Tribute

Still want more? Have a random post

ALL

20170708_133313

Saarner Kirmes (Fair)

In the post about those things I love about Germany,… Read More »Saarner Kirmes (Fair)

Just Publish it Already

Just Publish it Already

We’re back to reality today, after a week-long break (if… Read More »Just Publish it Already

20160521_121458

Japan Day (and other stuff) – WIP

Japan Day is a big thing in Düsseldorf every year.… Read More »Japan Day (and other stuff) – WIP

Downtown Calgary

One of our first exploration trips took us into the… Read More »Downtown Calgary

Hello February

Wel, lookie here. A brand new month. I’ve been gone… Read More »Hello February

Revising x 3 (Mini Q&A)

At this stage, I’m unable to think straight, but I’ve… Read More »Revising x 3 (Mini Q&A)

yolandie_horak

STACKED I don't know how to feel about this serie

STACKED

I don't know how to feel about this series. I enjoyed the CRA movie so much, but the book just kinda fell flat for me.

So I started the second one yesterday, but I'm thinking it would be better if I took a break instead.

What are you reading atm?

#kevinkwan #crazyrichasians #chinarichgirlfriend #richpeopleproblems #bookstack #stack #stacksaturday #stacksarethenewblack #bookish #themoviewasbetter #booksandblooms #booksbooksbooks #becauseofreading #bookphotography

PET PEEVES IN FANTASY I asked this over on my Fac

PET PEEVES IN FANTASY

I asked this over on my Facebook page the other day, but I want to know what you think, too.

What are those things you find in speculative fiction, but absolutely hate?

For me, it's when characters don't deal with trauma, physical or emotional. I agreed with all of the comments too! I don't like resurrections, unrealistic travel times, or really weird names either, and unorganised rebellions get under my skin.

Anything to add?

#veronicaroth #carvethemark #bookgram #ya #youngadult #yalover #yabooks #booksandblooms #bookphotography #booklover #bibliophile #bookish #beacuseofreading #booksbooksbooks #southafricanbookstagrammer #scentedcandles #petpeeves #petpeevesinbooks

DON'T MESS WITH JEANITA LE MERLE⁠ ⁠ Nita is ba

DON'T MESS WITH JEANITA LE MERLE⁠
⁠
Nita is basically the big sister everyone wants. She'll give you a cute nickname, encourage you to fight for your dreams, make sure you packed your sweater, and murder anyone who messes with you.⁠
⁠
This quote from A Trial of Sparks & kindling is my favourite from her, and is basically Nita in a nutshell. Fierce, this one.⁠
⁠
You can still read ATOSAK over on Kindle Unlimited. Booyah!⁠
⁠
⁠
#atrialofsparksandkindling #atrialofsparks&kindling #atosak #fallofthemantle #book2 #writersofig #indiewriters #indieauthor #independentauthor #writingcommunity #writerscommunity #writersofinstagram #southafricanauthor #southafricanwriter #speculativefiction #newadult #na #sequel #onelinewed #onelinewednesday #debutauthor #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #booksandblooms #writerslife

I HAD POSTS SCHEDULED ALL LAST WEEK⁠ ⁠ But whe

I HAD POSTS SCHEDULED ALL LAST WEEK⁠
⁠
But when the time to post them came, I chickened out. It was an anxious week for me. I don't really know why. There was a lot to do, so maybe that was a part of it.⁠
⁠
One of the things I struggle with most as an indie author is marketing. So, I enrolled in two marketing courses, and am trying to learn more about connecting with people via the internet.⁠
⁠
It's hard sometimes. Though it's not that difficult for me to connect with people one on one IRL, the internet scares me. I have to force myself to comment on FB or Insta, and it often takes a few minutes pep-talking myself before I even have the guts to do that.⁠
⁠
Does anybody else struggle with this?⁠
⁠
Anyway, I bought Tess of the Road because a friend recommended it. Have you read this one?⁠
⁠
#tessoftheroad #rachelhartman #booksandblooms #bookish #booksbooksbooks #becauseofreading #prettycovers #ya #yalove #yabooks #anxiety #realtalk #socialmedia #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booklover #booknerd #fangirl

WRITING, WRITING, WRITING⁠ ⁠ After the insanit

WRITING, WRITING, WRITING⁠
⁠
After the insanity of being unable to get anything worthwhile on a page, it's just such a relief to be able to write again. Of course, this means I'm not really getting to anything else, but it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.⁠
⁠
I read SoT at the beginning of the lockdown period and really enjoyed it. I think the best thing was the breaking down of typical gender roles. She swings the sword, while he does the magic. In every other RPG or fantasy book, the women are the ranged fighters and the men the warriors.⁠
⁠
I did this too, with my axe-wielding Varda and archer Frank. It's so much fun to change things up, don't you think?⁠
⁠
#sorcery of thorns #sot #margaretrogerson #teatime #teaandtales #bookish #booksbooksbooks #gorgeouscovers #coverlove #charliebowater #allthebooks #bookphotography #bookstagram #bookgram #bibliophile #readersofig #lovereading #instareads #instabooks #booksandblooms

THE COVER MADE ME BUY IT⁠ ⁠ I have no idea WHA

THE COVER MADE ME BUY IT⁠
⁠
I have no idea WHAT The Merciful Crow is about, but I've been drooling over the cover since it first came out. In fact, I rarely ever read a blurb or reviews about books before I buy them, so most of what ends up on my shelf is random.⁠
⁠
How I buy books:⁠
* I love the author.⁠
* Someone recommended it.⁠
* I want to support an indie author (we really appreciate this one. Check out the links to my books in my linktree--they're on kindle unlimited!!).⁠
* I saw Insta hype, fan art, or a meme about it.⁠
* The cover is pretty.⁠
⁠
I'm a simple woman. I like pretty things. :)⁠
⁠
What was the last you book you bought simply for the cover?⁠
⁠
⁠
#themercifulcrow #margaretowen #blueandred #crow #booksbooksbooks #gorgeouscovers #coverlove #allthebooks #bookphotography #bookstagram #bookgram #bibliophile #readersofig #lovereading #instareads #instabooks #booksandblooms #graphicdesign #illustratedcover #bookie

IT'S SPARKS AND KINDLING DAY! My second book is o

IT'S SPARKS AND KINDLING DAY!

My second book is officially out today. I've been running around in preparation for this moment for months, and despite some issues along the way, it's finally here.

It feels surreal. Two books. Now I have no more excuses when it comes to the third book. 🤣

Anyway, thank you to everyone who helped me reach this point. I'm so grateful. ❤️

You'll find store links in my linktree. Both A Study of Ash & Smoke and A Trial of Sparks & Kindling are available on kindle and kindle unlimited! So have a read, and please leave an honest review if you don't mind. Happy reading!

#atrialofsparksandkindling #sparksandkindling #newbook #atosak #fallofthemantle #yolandiehorak #newadult #na #sequel #outnow #book2 #booktwo #gaslampfantasy #ya #youngadult #steampunk #indieauthor #amazonauthor #indiewriters #southafricanwriter #southafricanwriter #butfirstaselfie #selfie #selfietime #celebrate

IF MAGIC WERE REAL⁠ ⁠ So, this book is set in

IF MAGIC WERE REAL⁠
⁠
So, this book is set in my country of origin, South Africa. I haven't been in or around Cape Town in like ten years, but Keyflame transported me back there within a few pages. And just for that reason (you know, not counting the incredible story and amazing characters), I recommend this book to every international friend I've ever made.⁠
⁠
We've all read fantasy books set in pseudo-Europe, the UK and USA--hell, I write those books--but so few speculative stories show readers South Africa. I think KF does a fantastic job of breaking the mould.⁠
⁠
I CANNOT WAIT for my softcover to arrive so I can read it again.⁠
⁠
Have you read an sff book set somewhere other than the usual?⁠
⁠
#tallulahlucy #keyflame #southafricanbookstagram #southafricanbookstagrammer #southafricanwriter #southafricanwriter #paranormalromance #ya #youngadult #yalover #yabooks #bookphotography #bibliophile #booksandblooms #bookie #newbook #booknerd #fangirl

Follow on Instagram

yolandie_horak_art

So, I have this thing for stained glass. While we

So, I have this thing for stained glass. While we lived in Europe, few things excited me as much as cathedral hopping in pursuit of stained glass. Well, the bread excited me too. 😛
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I'm absolutely obsessed with the textures and colours, the patterns and how they fit together, and the realism on the faces and clothes of the subjects in the artworks. It's fascinating to explore different stained glass styles and to compare the evolution of the medium through the ages. As you can no doubt tell, I'm really geeky about this. I mean, even the covers of my books feature stained glass panels (check out my writing at @yolandie_horak).
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
So, it's no shock that I jumped on the chance to experiment with digital stained glass art. These are all characters from my series, Fall of the Mantle. If you've read A Study of Ash & Smoke and would maybe like one of these as a print, they're all available in a variety of prints over on my Society6 store, and will find the link in my bio.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The second book, A Trial of Sparks & Kindling, is officially available for pre-order and will launch on July 24th. Exciting times! Also, I'll make more character art as the bug bites, but I am open for commissions at the moment. Send me a DM if you'd like details.

Anyway. The line art was vectorised in Illustrator and I painted the rest in Photoshop. Each artwork took me between 10 and 14 hours.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#stainedglassart #stainedglass #stainedglassinspired #astudyofashandsmoke #atrialofsparksandkindling #fallofthemantle #southafricanartist #digitalart #society6 #artist #artistsofinstagram #bookart #fangirl #bookish #oc #originalcharacters #artlover #artgeek #artistsofinstagram #bookcharacters #fanart #indieauthor #newadult #youngadult #fantasy #gaslampfantasy

FINALLY FINISHED ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I sta

FINALLY FINISHED
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I started this baby about 8 months ago, but was unable to finish it because of a busted wrist. I'm so happy that my wrist is okay for art-making again, and I was finally able to complete my skull diagram last week.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
So, here you are. The original artwork is in a variety of pens (Bic ballpoint, Postca paint, Uniball fine, and Sakura Jellyroll--which is now my favourite), but the text, lines and vintage effects were all added afterwards with Photoshop.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This print is available as a variety of prints in my Society6 store. You'll find the link to that in my bio.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Working on kidneys next, but shoot me requests for other medical diagrams in the comments. 🙂 #art #artist #southafricanartist #medicaldiagram #medical #medicalart #vintage #antique #oldtimey #vintageart #digitalart #ink #ballpointpen #fineliners #poscapaintpens #posca #uniball #jellyroller #inkdrawing #inkart #skull #skullart #humanskull #skulldiagram

REPOST ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I sketched this

REPOST
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I sketched this brain last year for Inktober, then added the text in Photoshop to create a diagram. I promptly lost that file. Don't ask me how, but here we are.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
So, I redid the diagram and made it look a bit vintage. This diagram is available in my Society6 store (link in my bio). I'm quite happy with how it turned out!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#art #artist #southafricanartist #medicaldiagram #medical #medicalart #vintage #antique #oldtimey #vintageart #digitalart #ink #ballpointpen #fineliners #poscapaintpens #posca #inkdrawing #inkart #brain #humanbrain #thebrain #diagram

A CHANGE IS GOOD ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Hello

WATERCOLOUR WEDNESDAY ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

WATERCOLOUR WEDNESDAY
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Have I made any new art? No, friend, not by a long shot. I've been up to my eyeballs in editing my manuscript, A Trial of Sparks & Kindling. Now that I'm done, though... Oh, who am I kidding? I'm going to work on Book 3. 😛
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Meanwhile, though, here's an oldie but goodie. I LOVE painting birds. Their shapes are so easy to master, and there's something so totally relaxing in painting them.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Do you have a favourite thing to paint?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#watercolourwed #watercolorwed #watercolourwednesday #watercolorwednesday #watercolour #watercolor #artist #indieartist #artistsofig #instaart #painter #watercolourpainting #artlover #southafricanartist #artstagram #artsy #chikadee #littlebird #watercolourbird #birdie

THROWBACK ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I've been MI

THROWBACK
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I've been MIA from social media, especially on this page, for ages. I had a wrist injury that kept me from making art, which sincerely sucked.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The good news is I've been able to ease back into art-making, and I hope to keep making stuff to share with you here.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
These are old paintings I made of my main character, Cara. I write novels, if you didn't know. Check out my main page @yolandie_horak if you're interested! Anyway, I hope to do fragments like these of all my characters in the near future.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Anyway, what have you been up to in self-isolation/lockdown?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#watercolour #watercolor #artist #indieartist #artistsofig #instaart #painter #watercolourpainting #artlover #southafricanartist #artstagram #artsy #blueeyes #oc #originalcharacter #bookishart #bookart #cara #fallofthemantle #bookone #astudyofashandsmoke #asoaas#tbt #throwback #throwbackthursday #oldiebutgoodie

STARRY SKIES ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This litt

STARRY SKIES
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This little watercolour is one of my personal favourites (and is actually available for purchase too). I just love how vibrant the colours came out.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I think this is around the time I finally figured out how to paint pretty skyskapes, and I became stuck in painting them.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What do you think?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#watercolourwed #watercolorwed #watercolourwednesday #watercolorwednesday #watercolour #watercolor #artist #indieartist #artistsofig #instaart #painter #watercolourpainting #artlover #southafricanartist #artstagram #artsy #skyscape #starryskies #nebula #pinkandblue #sparkly #landscape

WATERCOLOUR WEDNESDAY ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

WATERCOLOUR WEDNESDAY
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This is an old watercolour, part of a series inspired by Inktober a few years back. I tried to catch an emotion in each of the paintings in the series, and this one is my take on anxiety. It's called Sometimes Growth Hurts.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
As someone who struggles with intense anxiety, this was the painting in the series that most resounded with me. Sometimes, in order to grow, you must face changes. For me, change is incredibly scary and often sends me into inescapable thought spirals.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I painted this right in the belly of that change, when we were looking for ways to leave Germany. Immigrating for the second time, after we were so sure we would stay in Germany forever, was scary as hell.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Looking back now, it was an important part of my personal growth journey, but at the time, I pretty much felt like this painting.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#watercolourwednesday #watercolourwed #watercolourpainting #watercolour #throwback #greenhair #greenhairdontcare #anxiety #anxietyjourney #painting #artist #immigrant #southafricanartist #southafricanlivingabroad #artistsoninsta #artistsofinsta #instaart #artistsofig

Follow on Instagram