This dark comedic urban fantasy saga follows the reluctant, perpetually-in-over-his-head Barry Frost as he battles demons, fallen angels, celestial politics, and his own questionable life choices. Part horror, part farce, part “how is he even alive right now,” it’s the gift that guarantees laughter and a little bit of existential dread.

Here’s your holiday guide to the series:

Gift Idea #1 – Call for Obstruction (Book 1)

Because nothing says “Merry Christmas” like demon cigarettes and a soul owned by Satan.

Barry Frost might as well legally change his name to Loser. Satan owns his soul. His demon boss, Margery, tortures him with magical cigarettes that burn like divine pepper spray. And somehow he’s the only one standing between humanity and the opening of the Gates of Hell.

No pressure.

Call for Obstruction introduces the ridiculous, ridiculous world of Angels Dark and Dumb: demon couriers, celestial disasters, slapstick exorcism misfires, and a hero who survives more through dumb luck than divine intervention. Winner of the Textnovel Writing Contest for its absurd humor and unforgettable cast, this is perfect for fans of farce, bad taste comedy, and unhinged supernatural hijinks.

Available on Amazon and Other Stores

Gift Idea #2 – Warrant for Damnation (Book 2)

The holidays are for family drama—preferably the kind where your dad is a fallen angel with a nun fetish.

Barry thought things couldn’t get worse after pissing off Satan.

Then he met Azael, the deadbeat celestial father who wants to enslave humanity, strip free will from every living thing, and drag Barry to his side like some kind of demonic “bring your son to work” day.

God’s pissed, Satan’s impatient, and Barry is somehow expected to destroy a fallen angel despite having the self-preservation skills of a damp sock. Angels, demons, and assorted horrors want him dead—or worse, on their payroll.

Warrant for Damnation escalates everything: the danger, the weirdness, the dad issues, and the body count. It’s the perfect holiday read for anyone who likes their apocalypse with a generous dose of slapstick and swearing.

Available on Amazon and Other Stores

Gift Idea #3 – Fall for Freedom (Prequel)

A holiday treat for the friend who loves origin stories, botched deals, and angelic bureaucracy gone wrong.

Pete Sinclair is on the run for a crime he didn’t commit—sabotaging a Hell portal and helping a fallen angel escape a mountain prison. His open warrant has every demonic mercenary on his trail, and his only shot at survival lies in making a deal with an angel apprentice… who expects him to wield the only weapon that can hurt angels.

Too bad Pete doesn’t know how to use a sword. Or how not to panic around celestial beings. Or how to stop running long enough to breathe.

Fall for Freedom is the chaotic, action-packed prequel that sets the stage for everything to come. If you love slapstick supernatural action with heart, this one’s a winner.

Available on Amazon and Other Stores

Bonus Gift – Read Hell & Second Chances Free While It’s Being Written

Barry Frost is back. The world is worse. Your entertainment is guaranteed.

Barry Frost used to deliver evil energy packages. Now he’s absorbed half a fallen angel’s powers and is on a God-given mission to erase his father Azael from existence—permanently.

His powers are unstable. His deadline is closing in. And Satan shows up with a “favor” disguised as a threat: track down rogue demons using a murder book and a molten soul-extracting eggbeater… or watch Hell unravel even faster.

Meanwhile, Barry is still reeling from Margery’s betrayal, absorbing demons like energy drinks, and building a team of rejects who barely qualify as competent. As he hunts dangerous creatures and steals their abilities, one thing becomes clear: in this world, redemption is temporary… and survival is negotiable.

You can read Hell & Second Chances for free while it’s being written on Winnie Jean Howard's website.

Why Angels Dark & Dumb Makes the Perfect Holiday Gift

• Dark humor for anyone who finds horror movies more festive than Hallmark specials
• Wild supernatural action
• Unhinged characters you somehow end up rooting for
• Slapstick violence that would make Santa revoke your nice list privileges
• Celestial and infernal beings behaving badly in Colorado

The Angels Dark and Dumb series is the perfect pick for fans of irreverent humor, high-stakes chaos, and urban fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Give the gift of laughter, demons, and delightful damnation. ’Tis the season for chaos.

To celebrate the launch, we’re also unleashing something special—the first three books in the series are completely free on Amazon Kindle from June 5–9. If you’ve somehow missed Call for Obstruction, Warrant for Damnation, or Fall for Freedom, this is your chance to dive headfirst into the chaos without spending a dime (or your soul).

Hell and Second Chances raises the stakes. Barry’s not just dodging his fallen angel father and Hell’s management team anymore. He’s bartering with Satan, wrestling with divine purpose, and trying very hard not to die while using an enchanted eggbeater to suck demon souls out of spines. And yes, it’s somehow funny. And tragic. And weirdly inspiring.

We’re also unveiling the cover for Hell and Second Chances, and it’s everything this chaotic divine comedy deserves. Designed to match the grit, humor, and apocalyptic absurdity of Barry’s journey, the cover blends celestial rebellion with unholy attitude. From the tattered streetwear to the black warriors to the Minotaur at his side, Barry’s back—and he’s not interested in your redemption arc. It’s a visual promise: the war between good and evil is about to get weird, personal, and probably inappropriate.

Where to start:

• Read the first chapters of Hell and Second Chances → Right here
• Grab books 1–3 free on Amazon starting 6/5/25 → Right here

All of the Angels Dark & Dumb covers and characters are done by Rebecca Treadway. You can check out her other cover designs at nekadu.shop. She is so great to work with! She really outdid herself with this new cover and the new characters she's created. Barry looks so badass, as is his role in this final story line where he finally beats Dear Old Dad.

We can’t wait to see where Barry’s bad decisions lead him next.

What is Point of View?

Point of view refers to the perspective from which your story is told. It determines whose thoughts and feelings readers have access to, whose eyes they see through, and whose experiences they share. There are several types of POV, including:

• First Person: The story is told through the eyes of one character using "I" or "we" pronouns. ("I walked into the room and immediately sensed something was wrong.")
• Second Person: The story addresses the reader directly using "you" pronouns. Rarely used in novels. ("You walk into the room and immediately sense something is wrong.")
• Third Person Limited: The story is told using "he," "she," or "they" pronouns, but only reveals the thoughts and feelings of one character at a time. ("John walked into the room and immediately sensed something was wrong.")
• Third Person Omniscient: The narrator knows and can reveal the thoughts and feelings of all characters. ("John walked into the room and immediately sensed something was wrong. Little did he know, Sarah had been waiting anxiously for hours, rehearsing what she would say.") While third person omniscient POV has been used masterfully by classic authors like Tolstoy, Austen, and Dickens, it presents significant challenges for new writers. For one thing, it's easily confused with head hopping. It also creates emotional distance and complicates tension building.

What is Head Hopping?

Head hopping occurs when the narrative jumps between different characters' thoughts and perspectives without a clear transition or break. It's most problematic in third-person limited narratives, where the convention is to stay within one character's perspective for an entire scene or chapter.

Here's an example of head hopping:

Maria entered the conference room nervously, noticing how everyone turned to stare. She wasn't prepared for this presentation. Tom thought she looked especially beautiful today, but he was worried about the quarterly numbers they needed to discuss. Maria approached the podium, feeling her heart race. Susan, sitting in the back row, was annoyed that the meeting was starting late and hoped it wouldn't affect her lunch plans.

In just four sentences, we've jumped from Maria's thoughts to Tom's thoughts to Maria's feelings again, and then to Susan's concerns. This creates a disorienting experience for the reader.

Why Head Hopping is Problematic

1. It creates distance: When readers constantly jump from one character's mind to another, they can't form a deep connection with any single character.
2. It confuses readers: Readers need to know whose perspective they're experiencing at any given moment. Head hopping forces them to constantly reorient themselves.
3. It diminishes tension: Part of what creates tension in a story is limited information. When readers have access to everyone's thoughts, they know too much.
4. It feels amateurish: Most published fiction maintains consistent POV within scenes, so head hopping can signal inexperience to agents and editors.

How to Maintain Consistent POV

Choose the Right POV Character for Each Scene

For each scene or chapter, ask yourself:

• Whose goals and motivations are driving this scene?
• Who has the most at stake?
• Whose emotional journey would be most compelling for readers to experience?

Limit the Number of POV Characters

While some genres (like epic fantasy) can support multiple POVs, most stories work best with a limited number of perspective characters. As a rule of thumb:

• For shorter works, stick to 1-2 POV characters
• For novels, 3-4 POV characters is often plenty
• Each POV character should have their own distinct arc and purpose in the story

Create Clear Transitions Between POVs

When you do switch POV characters, do so with a clear break—typically a new chapter or scene break (often indicated by a line break, asterisks, or other symbol). This signals to readers that a perspective shift is coming.

Deepen Within a Single POV

Instead of giving readers shallow access to multiple characters' thoughts, dive deep into one character's perspective. Show us:

• Their unique voice and way of viewing the world
• Their emotional reactions to events
• What they notice (and what they miss)
• Their biases and assumptions

Techniques for Sharing Other Characters' Thoughts Without Head Hopping

You don't need to be in a character's head to convey their thoughts and feelings. Try these techniques instead:

1. Use dialogue: Let characters express themselves through what they say.
2. Show physical reactions: Describe facial expressions, body language, and actions.
3. Use your POV character's observations: "Maria could tell from Tom's furrowed brow that he was worried about something."

Example: Revising Head Hopping

Let's revise our earlier example to maintain Maria's POV:

Maria entered the conference room nervously, noticing how everyone turned to stare. She wasn't prepared for this presentation. Tom smiled at her from the front row, but the crease between his eyebrows remained—probably worried about those quarterly numbers he'd mentioned earlier. She approached the podium, feeling her heart race. From the back row, Susan checked her watch with an exaggerated gesture and sighed loudly. Great, just what Maria needed: an audience member already annoyed before she'd even begun.

Now we're firmly in Maria's perspective throughout. We still get information about Tom and Susan, but it's filtered through Maria's observations and interpretations.

When Multiple POVs Work

Using multiple POVs can be highly effective when done intentionally. Some successful approaches include:

• Alternating chapters: Each chapter is from a different character's POV (like in Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl")
• Section breaks: Switching POV with clear demarcation within chapters
• Different time periods: Different POVs for different timelines (like in Kate Morton's novels)

Consistent POV doesn't mean limiting your storytelling—it means strengthening it. By giving readers a clear, coherent perspective through which to experience your story, you create the kind of immersive reading experience that keeps them turning pages.

Remember: your goal isn't to tell readers everything about every character, but to make them care deeply about the journey of your focal characters. Choose your POV deliberately, maintain it consistently, and watch as your readers become more engrossed in your fictional world.

If you're looking for personalized advice and guidance to reach your writing goals, we have a solution. It can hone your skills, show you effective writing methods, and give you the inside scoop on the industry.

Imagine getting expert advice that refines your craft and helps shape your story. You could have a writing coach who guides you to better your style and make your characters shine. They'd help you build a plot that keeps readers hooked.

But there's more. Author coaching will also help you understand the publishing world. You'll learn how to submit work, write attention-grabbing query letters, and up your chance of catching the eye of agents and publishers.

Are you ready to up your writing game? Ready to explore and grow your publishing dreams? Author Coaching services are your next step towards success.

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• By taking advantage of these services, authors can refine their skills, craft compelling stories, and increase their chances of getting noticed by literary agents and publishers.

The Benefits of Author Coaching services

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The right coaching can help a writer in many ways.

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Using Author Coaching services gives writers a big boost. They get personalized help from experts who know the writing world well. This advice can push their writing to new heights. It makes reaching their publishing dreams more possible.

Personalized Writing Advice and Coaching Sessions

Getting advice and coaching from an author consultant is very helpful. This is often offered as personalized sessions that meet each author's unique needs. This means one-on-one talks to help authors with their specific writing goals and challenges.

In these sessions, authors investigate many writing areas like plots, characters, and dialogue. A skilled writing coach helps them find what they can improve. They also get tips to make their writing better.

These sessions are all about you and your writing. The advice is made just for your style and goals. This special help lets authors get better, work on weak points, and raise their writing level.

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By getting personalized advice and coaching, authors get tools to beat their writing challenges. Writing coaches share their knowledge, helping authors move towards success with useful tips.

These coaching sessions are all about helping authors grow. Authors get to work on making their characters, plots, and dialogue more interesting. The personal feedback and attention they get can change their whole writing path.

Benefits of Personalized Writing Advice and Coaching Sessions

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Doing well as a writer means more than just being talented. Personalized coaching and advice sessions give you the help you need. They guide you through the writing road, helping you grow and meet your writing dreams with the help of expert coaches.

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Author Coaching services do more than offer writing tips. They guide you through publishing's twists and turns. These experts share industry knowledge to help authors like you. They make sure you make smart choices, boosting your success odds. Let's dive into how these services can elevate your publishing journey.

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Looking at the help and wisdom they offer, Author Coaching services are a must-have for aspiring authors. They provide a path to success in the competitive world of publishing.

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Conclusion

Are you dreaming of becoming an author? Our professional consultants are there to guide you. They give tailored advice and coach you in writing better. This way, you learn how to make your writing stand out and understand the publishing world better.

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FAQ

What are Author Coaching services?

Author Coaching services give personalized writing tips and coaching. They guide authors to improve their skills and understand the publishing world.

What are the benefits of Author Coaching services?

They provide personal advice and support. Authors get direct feedback on their work and learn how to enhance it. These services also share insights about publishing, helping authors better their chances of success.

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ArmLin House Author Coaching services are here to help. We offer personalized advice and coaching, all tailored to what you need and where you want to go with your writing.

World-building is one of the most exhilarating aspects of fiction writing. Whether you’re crafting a sprawling fantasy realm, a futuristic sci-fi universe, or a richly detailed contemporary setting, the world you create serves as the foundation of your story. A well-constructed world not only grounds your narrative but also captivates readers, drawing them deeper into the lives of your characters and the events that unfold. In this blog post, we’ll explore essential tips for constructing immersive and believable worlds in fiction.

Why World-Building Matters

World-building is more than just setting the scene; it’s about creating a living, breathing environment that shapes the characters, influences the plot, and enhances the overall narrative. A well-built world adds depth and authenticity to your story, making it more engaging and memorable for readers. Whether your world is fantastical, futuristic, or rooted in reality, the attention you pay to its construction can significantly impact how readers experience your story.

Tips for Constructing Immersive and Believable Worlds

1. Start with the Basics: Geography and Environment

The geography and environment of your world serve as the canvas upon which your story is painted. Consider the physical aspects of your setting: landscapes, climates, ecosystems, and natural resources.

• Tip: Create a map, even if it’s just a rough sketch, to visualize your world’s layout. This will help you maintain consistency in your descriptions and provide a clear sense of place.
• Example: In a fantasy world, you might design mountain ranges that separate different kingdoms, deserts that challenge your characters’ journey, or forests filled with mythical creatures. In a contemporary setting, think about the city’s layout, the neighborhoods, and how these environments influence the characters’ daily lives.

2. Establish the Rules of Your World

Every world operates under a set of rules, whether they involve magic, technology, social hierarchies, or natural laws. Defining these rules early on helps create a consistent and believable world.

• Tip: Decide on the limitations and possibilities within your world. If magic exists, how does it work? Are there consequences to using it? If your world is set in the future, what technological advancements exist, and how do they impact society?
• Example: In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the rules of magic are clearly defined—spells require specific words and movements, and there are limits to what magic can achieve. This consistency helps maintain the suspension of disbelief.

3. Develop the Culture and Society

The culture and society within your world shape your characters and influence their actions. Think about the social structures, religions, traditions, and values that define the communities in your world.

• Tip: Consider how history, politics, and economics affect the culture of your world. What are the social norms? What are the sources of conflict? How do different groups interact with each other?
• Example: In George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, the cultures of the different regions—such as the North, the Iron Islands, and Dorne—are distinct and influence the characters’ beliefs, behaviors, and alliances.

4. Focus on Details That Enhance the Story

While it’s tempting to develop every aspect of your world, focus on the details that directly enhance your story. These can be cultural customs, historical events, or even unique flora and fauna that add richness to your narrative.

• Tip: Introduce details gradually through the characters’ experiences, rather than overwhelming readers with exposition. Show how the world impacts the characters’ lives and choices.
• Example: In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, the existence of Elvish languages, intricate histories, and detailed lineages enrich the world but are revealed through the characters’ journey, making the world feel lived-in and authentic.

5. Integrate the World into the Plot and Character Development

Your world should not just serve as a backdrop; it should be integral to the plot and character development. The challenges and opportunities presented by the world should influence the characters’ decisions and the story’s direction.

• Tip: Use the world to create conflict and tension. How do the characters adapt to their environment? How do they navigate the social or political landscape? How does the world change them?
• Example: In Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, the dystopian world of Gilead is central to the plot. The strict societal rules and oppressive regime shape the protagonist’s experiences and drive the story forward.

6. Consider the Passage of Time

Time plays a crucial role in shaping worlds. Consider how the passage of time affects your world’s history, technology, and social structures. Time can bring about changes in leadership, natural disasters, or revolutions that alter the landscape of your world.

• Tip: Develop a timeline of significant events in your world’s history. This will help you understand the context in which your story takes place and provide depth to your narrative.
• Example: In Frank Herbert’s Dune, the history of the various factions and the long-standing feud over the desert planet Arrakis are key to understanding the motivations of the characters and the unfolding of the plot.

7. Create a Sense of Atmosphere

Atmosphere is the emotional tone or mood of a setting, and it can greatly enhance the reader’s experience. Whether it’s the eerie silence of a haunted forest or the bustling energy of a futuristic city, atmosphere helps immerse readers in your world.

• Tip: Use sensory details—sights, sounds, smells, and textures—to build atmosphere. Consider how weather, lighting, and architecture contribute to the overall mood.
• Example: In Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere, the underground world of London Below is depicted with a dark, mysterious atmosphere that contrasts with the mundane reality of London Above, making the setting feel otherworldly and dangerous.

World-building is an essential aspect of fiction writing that requires careful thought and creativity. By focusing on geography, rules, culture, details, and how these elements integrate with your plot and characters, you can create immersive and believable worlds that captivate readers. Whether you’re crafting a fantasy epic, a sci-fi adventure, or a contemporary tale, a well-built world will make your story more engaging and memorable. So dive deep into your imagination, build worlds that resonate, and watch as your readers are drawn into the universe you create.

A reader assessment for authors is a tool or process used to gather feedback from readers about a manuscript or published work. It provides authors with insights into how readers perceive their storytelling, what aspects are engaging or need improvement, and how effectively they communicate their message to a reader. Here are some common components of a reader assessment:

Plot and Structure: Feedback on the overall plot, pacing, and structure of the story. This includes the coherence of the storyline, the flow of events, and any plot holes or inconsistencies.

Characters: Insights into character development, relatability, and depth. Readers may comment on whether characters are well-developed, believable, and engaging.

Writing Style: Comments on the author's writing style, including clarity, tone, and readability. This can also encompass the use of language, dialogue, and descriptive passages.

Engagement: Feedback on how engaging the book is. This includes whether the reader was hooked from the beginning, found the book hard to put down, or felt bored at any point.

Themes and Messages: Evaluation of the themes and messages conveyed in the book. Readers might discuss whether these were effectively communicated and resonated with them.

Emotional Impact: Insights into the emotional response elicited by the book. Readers may comment on whether the book evoked strong emotions, such as joy, sadness, fear, or excitement.

Marketability: Feedback on the potential market appeal of the book. This includes how likely readers would be to recommend the book to others and their perception of the target audience.

Cover and Title: Opinions on the cover design and title, and whether they are appealing and appropriate for the content.

Authors use reader assessments to refine their work before publication, understand their audience better, and improve future writing projects. These assessments can be gathered through beta readers, writing groups, or professional editorial services.