Tiaera

Realmwalkers Now Available for Kindles

2012-02-28T17:17:00.002-07:00

Sorry for taking so long in posting anything here this month, but I have good news! After much research, hours of reformatting, testing and experimenting, I am pleased to announce that Realmwalkers is now available at Amazon.com as an ebook! I found out that the free conversion process only takes a few minutes. That was the easy part. Preparing the ebook file for conversion was far more difficult. Well, I learned a lot and glad the work is over.

The soft cover book sold here has been available there for months, but now it is also available for Kindle. To help make the ebook very affordable (only $3.99) it only has a couple of illustrations like the world map of Tiaera and the pirate ship, La Sirene Bleu and the front cover. And it doesn't come signed from Amazon. If you want the fully illustrated book you will need to purchase the printed version. You can find the book and ebook using this link: Realmwalkers at Amazon.com

I have also published and converted the ebook into EPUB format and I am now just looking for a safe way to sell it here online and avoid piracy as much as reasonably possible. I will let you all know when it's ready to buy.

Keep on writing and reading, friends!

Realmwalkers Story at Kingman's The Daily Miner

2012-01-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

I went to Kingman last weekend for an interview at The Daily Miner, Kingman's local newpaper. Here is the article which came out in today's issue, just in time for Saturday's Book Signing. I will be at Hastings Bookstore from 11AM - 3PM.

The Daily Miner Newspaper Article

2012-01-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

Book Marketing and Ebooks

2012-01-18T12:30:00.004-07:00

Sorry I have been so quiet here lately. The holidays came and went and I was busy taking down decorations, storing them all for another year. January has been very cold and I find it hard to leave the comfort of my home to go marketing, but I have been. Excuses... excuses.. but I am BACK!!

Recently I arranged to have "Realmwalkers" available at a local store called Crystal Moon which is located at 1850 McCulloch Blvd N. After that I arranged for "Realmwalkers" to be at the Kingman Library. Some time this year, I hope to join a panel of several other local authors for an event called Kabam at Kingman.

I was also at the local Hastings promoting "Realmwalkers" and an anthology called "Offerings from the Oasis" where my artwork was selected for the front cover. Every year the Lake Havasu City Writers Group publishes an anthology and holds a book signing at Hastings. The sand castle sporting several books with a beach background was this year's cover graphic for our anthology. I also have a poem "My Typical Morning" in the book as one of the selections.

It was a fun event. Many members brought their own books to sell, including me. By the way, that large banner

you see in front of the table was also one of my designs. I have been designing almost all our marketing projects and enjoy doing it. We often use the banner for street fairs to promote our club.

I just got off the phone and heard from one of the librarians in Kingman, which is about an hour's drive from Havasu, and she says the book is gaining some interest. It has been checked out three times since it was made available. Hopefully I will be seeing some of those readers later this month when I do my first book signing there at Hastings on the 23rd of this month from 11 - 3.

And lastly, I have been working away at creating my first "Realmwalkers" Kindle ebook. It's been really hard to do as I have literally had to learn how to do it. But thanks to some friends and the Internet and a very patient hubby, I am almost done with it. I hope to have it up and available for sale here at my blog and at Amazon.com. Stay tuned for my announcement in the near future.

Until my next post, take care, keep warm and healthy and KEEP WRITING!

Wynterfest Tour

2011-12-19T12:24:00.003-07:00

"Greetings, my friends," yelled the lovely snow fae, flying eye-level and waving her long brass spyglass to the disembarking passengers who had arrived after a long voyage. The snow fae was dressed in a shimmering pale violet gown with translucent sleeves and skirt. Her white leggings and slippers also shimmered like the gown. Her clear wings were split up into various sections like stained-glass, only without any color. The edges of her wings were frosted and the bottom parts looked like icicles as they moved back and forth to keep her elevated.

Several wooden sailing ships were arriving from various parts of the world, bringing passengers who would normally provoke violence were they not suddenly overcome with a powerful enchantment the moment they stepped on the gangplank to shore. The snow fae waited at the docks, beckoning the travelers to join her when she noted a young minstrel carrying a mystical sword on his back. He stepped down the gangplank like the rest of the travelers, then looked up at her with a charismatic smile. Snoplay suddenly felt strange, and alarmed. Swiftly she drew closer and raise her hand to stop the young man.

"Pardon, sir, but no weapons are allowed...," she suddenly said aloud.

"Weapon? I carry no weapon. I am but a minstrel, Snoplay," the young man turned his back to reveal that he was carrying a beautiful gold lap harp.

Click for more

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

2011-12-01T17:05:00.003-07:00

To all my friends and family,

I hope you all enjoy your holidays with loved ones

and may your future be filled with happiness, prosperity
and many blessings! I am feeling very happy
and grateful for this wonderful year

and as a token of my thanks and appreciation
I'll cover the shipping & handling till Christmas.

The Gnomes of Tiaera

2011-11-17T12:53:00.001-07:00

As promised, here is a new drawing of some gnomes. I decided to color this graphic for a change. All the illustrations I did in Realmwalkers are black & white. Tiaeran gnomes are like humans, but shorter and proportionally slender. They are usually about three and a half feet tall with large deep-set eyes, fair skin tones and in some rare cases, slightly pointed ears. Most live in the country of Vawdrey and they are often mistaken for halflings, who are slightly bigger in size. I have added these three gnomes to an image I found on the Internet (not my own) with some human dancers. This way you can see how small they are to humans.

The three gnomes are adult and yet to many they can pass off as human children, something they resent being mistaken for. Many wear wedding rings and grow facial hair to help avoid such embarrassing misunderstandings. From left to right is Tavisan and Audrey Swifter and Audrey's brother, Carlyn Brewer. They appear in Realmwalkers. Carlyn has "Mischief" perched on his shoulder, their pet dragonling.

The Hastings Book Signing Event

2011-11-13T19:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I am pleased to say this was quite an experience. My first official book signing was a success. All my work and crafting paid off. I got to Hastings an hour early and brought the staff some fresh baked cookies. I went to each of them and introduced myself. Sadly, the table for my event was placed in front of a bunch of misc. gifts and toys as part of a display. It was distracting, but I didn't complain, just got to work decorating the table with my homemade garland. To my right, my good friend, Linda, came all the way from Parker to assist me. She was in charge of setup and having the buyers sign a raffle ticket and dropping part of it in a little card treasure chest. The raffle was for a decorated black tote bag with book cover artwork on it I had made the night before.

Although my marketing efforts (flyers, invitations, newspaper, radio, blogs, Facebook) didn't seem to do much good, the pedestrian traffic into Hasting's Book Store was plentiful. So as the customers entered, I stuck out my hand and introduced myself... rather aggressively. This was no time or place to be timid. The daydream of customers lining up at my table, waiting to buy my book was dismissed from my mind. I had work to do. Many allowed me to shake their hands and tell them about my book, but many also just rushed past my table like I was infected with the plague. To those people, I accepted their departure with a forced smile and tight stomach. I understood they weren't there to buy my book and tried not to let it affect me. Rejection, however is still rejection, something I had to accept with grace. They did what they had to do while others, at least, stopped long enough to hear what I had to say. I tried everything I could think of to make buying the book appealing, even handed copies to them to look over while they continued their shopping. Many resisted my sales pitch and politely moved on, but fourteen of them did not. =) When they bought the book and brought it to me, I signed each one with my purple feather pen.

A couple of friends came to visit and see how I was doing. I was so happy they came to show their support. When the first hour came and went without a sale, I felt nauseous. But when zero sales became two, I was relieved. When two became six sales, I was happy. But when six became ten, I was thrilled, too thrilled to stop and get something to eat or drink when lunch time came around. Then at around 3PM, an hour longer than advertised, I made my fourteenth sale to a small patient woman who was accompanied by four active kids. My perseverance paid off.

When it was all over, and Linda had packed up everything, I met with store rep to receive my cut from the sales. After I got my payment, Linda and I drove home to relax and have dinner with my husband, Lee. I felt proud and grateful over the success of my first book signing. It was hard, emotional, and stressful work and I was exhausted afterwards. I wasn't cut out to be a tough saleswoman, just an artistic and sensitive writer. =)

Final Preparations

2011-11-11T08:02:00.002-07:00

It's amazing how much effort can go into preparing for a book signing. It's a one woman event, but it has taken a lot of work publicizing this to the locals and on the Internet. Well, it looks like everything is coming together. I have spent the last two days working on my garland. I printed, cut, pasted and and coated a nice Realmwalkers garland to hang around the table for the book signing. I have made 80 more book markers and postcards. The books are here. Createspace got them all here on time. I also purchased some small pirate decorations and going to have a raffle for a free "Realmwalkers" tote bag. I will be decorating three of those with the book design on them later today. It's been a lot of work talking to many nice strangers for several weeks, trying to tell them about my book and event. Ironically, I have sold some books in doing so.

I know a lot of writers don't go through this much work, some are lucky enough to have an agent or publisher to assist with marketing materials or publicity. I guess you can say I am paying my dues and I am learning a lot. This is nothing special or unique. Authors have been going through this for ages.

The book industry has changed and times are hard with many Americans out of work so I am truly grateful whenever I am able to sell a book. My friends and family have been so supportive and faithful. And I can feel God's support in this also in the way things are all coming together. I often ask if this is what he wants for me. It seems his answer is yes, but I guess what will truly convince me will be the turn-out tomorrow morning at 11AM and the number of books I sell.

And I have only been doing this marketing/selling for 3 months and two weeks. And if I don't lose heart or health this may only be the beginning.

The Next Booksigning

2011-11-04T11:10:00.001-07:00

E.V. Medina will be signing copies of "Realmwalkers."

There will be a raffle and freebies so stop by and visit.

"Realmwalkers" at the WNEA Shopping Extravaganza

2011-10-31T13:48:00.004-07:00

I felt like a realmwalker as I arrived at the Lake Havasu City Convention Center last Saturday for the WNEA's Shopping Extravaganza. I was nervous, but enthusiastic. I only knew a few people there. I accompanied my writer friend, Sharon Poppen, author of "Abby, Finding More than Gold" and other great stories. We sat together the entire day, shaking hands with potential shoppers and signing our books. She was very kind enough to let me come along to share the table. The hall was crowded with eager shoppers and many stopped to look over my drawings and check out the various copies of Realmwalkers I had brought. I smiled a lot and answered their questions and before the event was over I had sold six books. It more than covered the price for the event space and I learned a lot about what to do next time. Some of that profit is going to go right back into buying more books and creating more promotional materials. It was a good event and a good experience overall.

If you are a writer and have any questions about doing a book signing and other promotional events, leave me a comment here. I will do my best to answer your questions. You may even have some tips on how to promote your self published book. Even those of you who have found publishers, like Sharon, may benefit as well. Sorry for the fuzziness of the photos. I guess my new phone camera is REALLY sensitive.

The Jethal Show Interview

2011-10-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

I was interviewed last night on the Jethal Show and here is a recording
for anyone who missed it. I should warn you that there is some profanity.
Click on the graphic below to listen.

The Mother Goddess

2011-10-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

Author’s Note: Long before the realmwalkers ever came to Tiaera, Priestess Azurene V’Nae lived in the country of Sangrey and was a revered priestess and healer. During that time of her life, she made it a point to teach the dark elven children about the world’s goddess. It was important to her even though most of the dark elves felt that the goddess favored humans and light-skinned elves over their dark skinned brethren. This jealousy grew over the decades, but little could be done as Tiaera had only one goddess who often stressed she loved all her children regardless of size, color or race. This is an account of Priestess Azurene’s teaching for your enjoyment.

* * * * * * * *

At the appointed day and time, dark elven children of all ages and their parents entered the great cathedral of Espion and headed slowly down the long aisle. The priestess gestured for them to sit in the pews closest to the altar so they could hear and see her despite the shadowy sanctuary that smelled of incense and death. Acolytes entered from behind the altar to light candles around the area where she stood dressed in her long elegant robe. Facing her audience, Azurene waited until everyone was seated and quiet.

After a silent prayer, the lovely priestess smiled softly and began, “Welcome and listen well. I know some of you were reluctant to come today, but try to open thy hearts and ears to what I have to say. You all know the importance of learning about our history and about our faith, especially those of you who are so young and have thy future before you. Listen well and I will try to make this brief.

“Long ago, before the recordings of our people, there roamed a powerful spirit named Astria. Since she uses a feminine name and has appeared to us as a woman, we Tiaerans refer to her as a goddess. Our historians say that Goddess Astria danced on the stars above and visited many worlds until one day she came upon a world filled with such life and beauty she lingered for a time. This world had been made by a powerful god, known to us as the Hooded Man. When the two deities met, he welcomed her with love. He allowed her to roam and learn about his children and his creation. ‘Tis said this world was called Earth and according to her it was the 15^th century, whatever that means. When she departed that realm a part of her lingered in the memories of the people who began to call her Astria Cloudborne. To honor them, she lovingly accepted the surname.

“Astria then took what she learned about Earth and traveled afar until she came here. With her power and magnificent body, she created Tiaera. Her hands stretched and broke apart to create the countries and her fingers spread to form the mountains and valleys. Her long hair became the oceans and rivers that provide nourishment and pleasure. ‘Tis said she used her eyes to make the two moons above, but witnesses have vowed they have seen her beautiful eyes amongst the clouds. Regardless what some of us think of her, Goddess Astria Cloudborne bestowed on us her essence, which we call magic and to this day she is known as the ‘Mother Goddess.’ to us all. Aye, even those who carry hatred and envy in their hearts.

“Let not thy pride and jealousy cloud thy mind over what is true: we belong to the goddess and owe her all that we are. She and Tiaera are one. This is our home and she is our creator. Serve with humility and love. Heed my words lest thy malice towards her leads you or thy loved ones to death without no hope of resurrection. 'Tis what healers call Eternal Death. Any questions?”

The priestess observed the uneasy silence of those seated before her and hoped with all her heart this would help quell the talk of rebellion and potential violence she had heard about. Only time would tell if her efforts to reach out to her people on behalf of the Mother Goddess helped, especially the young, before it was too late.

2011-10-02T13:07:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is a new illustration for the readers of my blog. This is Orbey, Audrey's pet gazer. He is just over a foot tall from bottom tentacles to the top ones. He does have two ears at either side of his big eye. If you look a little closer, you may notice they have a curvy rim that moves to enhance Orbey's hearing. His teeth are sharp and his appetite is rather similar to that of a goat. In other words, he is capable of eating almost anything that is chewable i.e. cloth, wood, paper, meat, veggies, breads, flowers, etc... This poses a problem for Audrey as he has been known to chew her precious cookbooks. He is very friendly but cries a lot whenever he is forced to spend time in his metal cage. He likes to either walk around on his two bottom tentacles, careful not to hurt his bottom eyes, or hover around magically like a weak balloon. If he eats too much, he is capable of floating up to great heights, even up into the clouds. Tavisan sometimes takes him out for exercise and fresh air, tying a leash to one of his tentacles to keep him from floating away and thus getting lost.

Leave a comment or ask me any questions you may have about this unusual creature. I will answer as I can without giving anything away as he is a character in "Realmwalkers."

Chapter One of "Realmwalkers"

2011-09-22T11:47:00.000-07:00

For those of you who would like to read the first chapter of Realmwalkers, I have created a downloadable PDF file. Click Realmwalkers Preview to read it. Once you are done reading it, to close the PDF window, just click on the Back Arrow button at the top left corner of the browser.

The Goddess and the Minstrel

2011-09-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

(N.B.: E.V. Medina has invited me to contribute stories on this blog that relate to the subject matter of the book Realmwalkers. Here is an attempt to write an “origins story”, a sketch of how Astria Cloudborne and Alain Harper first met. - Jack Shepherd)

Even before Ludovique Firebrand came, the tall elf-woman would’ve been an anomaly in Port Rhinestone. Dark elves, even before their twisting by the Disciple of Wrath, were not to be taken lightly and those were the elves one normally saw in the Dragon Rampant Inn. But this one looked like a high elf, with long white hair, lapis-blue eyes and great dignity in her bearing. Presumably she was on an important errand for someone of her kind, although it was hard to imagine what errand would bring her here.

Presumably, such an innocent would also make an easy mark for someone to seduce - or to rob.

The man who hoped to do both before the night was over was human, a pirate, and could hold his liquor well. He and the three burly crewmen who were with him had surrounded the elf-woman in a half-circle, with the bar where the drinks were paid for blocking all retreat. The serving wench on the other side looked concerned, for this bar hadn’t discovered the concept of the bouncer and if it had, few humans were larger and tougher than Captain Cohn Millerson and his men, all of the Handfast of Gentlemen Pirates.

“Gentlemen”, of course, scarcely applied to these particular men; they were mercenaries for no one but themselves, and Cohn had been known simply to rape his female interests if need be. Yet the woman before him acted as if she were merely flattered by the attention, while not trying overmuch to hide her distaste at some of the physical qualities of her “suitors” (like their various ripe odors, for example). One thing all the men had going for them: they were handsome, as far as their rough lifestyle permitted them to be.

“Are these men giving you trouble, milady?” It was a question voiced by many men on many worlds in defense of many women over many centuries, the speaker realized. It was also a question that few men of any kind, and none of his relatively slight stature by comparison, had ever asked of these particular men without paying dearly for his insolence.

“Aye, abundantly, good minstrel,” the woman replied with a merry laugh, “but verily, they are naught but I can deal with them.” She looked upon the minstrel with affection and recognition, before turning her attention back to the others.

The young-looking human minstrel nodded as the men surrounding the elf-woman laughed boisterously. Anyone else of the minstrel’s size and sensitive ears likely would’ve winced at the volume and character of their laughter. That alone caught the attention of more than a few onlookers.

“Aye,” one of the crewmen scowled and looked lecherously at the woman, “so be off with ye, little hooded man! Go back to yer harp and play us a tune! I want ta make this comely wench dance.”

“Believe me, I know what you intend to do with and to her,” the young man replied quietly but severely, “and if you think I’m going to allow that, you’re most sorely mistaken.”

The light-heartedness of the pirates immediately turned to grim anger. “I told you that I can handle these men myself,” the woman chided gently.

“I won’t let them think of you so wantonly, milady,” the minstrel replied forcefully. “I know full well who you are, even if they do not.”

“But consider, dear minstrel: if they knew who either of us truly are, their attitude would be no more loving, only one of feigned submission - we are here not to deal with them anyway. Is that not so?” The high elf smiled knowingly and sent privately to the minstrel: I bid thee welcome, Disciple of Light.

“What be ye then,” Captain Cohn barked in surprise at the woman, “an elf-queen in disguise?”

“Be silent,” the high elf commanded softly, yet like a mother chastising an unruly child. No sooner was the words spoken than the pirate captain found himself mute and stunned. The pirates watched and wondered if this was in truth some powerful sorceress or wizard and reconsidered her as a potential target. They studied her and then watched as the minstrel stepped forward.

The Captain still couldn't speak, but the look in his eyes and on his face said it all, and the minstrel, the elf-woman and the other sailors alike read that look: And what lies under your disguise, youngling?

Nobody in the increasingly interested audience in the room had ever seen anyone draw a straight two-edged sword from its scabbard that fast. And no one, except the elf-woman as she appeared to be, had ever felt a power such as that which emanated from the minstrel as his sword’s transparent blade and his right hand glowed in their own white light and his left hand shone blue like the brightness of the firmament.

“I am known by many names in many Realms,” said the young man with authority and with the full power of his lyric tenor voice. “Alain Harper the Undying Singer I am called as a Realmwalker. Lamb Lionheart is my honorific as a Blademaster. Kit Foxfire is my nickname among the pirates of the Rim Confederacy. I am Gr’ran ho-Kika’u to the Bruins of Gr’rakh, Nestor Miron to the Felines of Markus IV, Michael ben Abram to my wife’s people the Enoshim, and a hundred other names in other languages in other places you know not.”

All those words were intended to have a specific effect, and they did. Who were these two beings? And why were they here? Despite their uneasiness at the “magical” Starblade unsheathed before them, and their lack of comprehension of most of what they’d just heard, all the pirates stepped closer, looking to their captain who remained mute and very angry.

“Arrr!” yelled the others as they put their hands on the hilts of their swords.

“I have neither need nor desire to fight you,” quipped the minstrel with a mirthless grin. A quick flip of his sword to his left hand, a quick wave of his ring-bearing right hand, and the pirates were...elsewhere.

In another moment, so were the elf-queen, the minstrel and his harp.

Astria grinned, still in her high elf form. Being the pantheist goddess of the Realm of Tiaera, she was always physically omnipresent, and in bodily form she could also teleport herself as quickly and still remain embodied. But this little feat only assured her that this was the minstrel she was expecting. The couple was in the midst of a ruined castle on a hilltop on one of the Bazaar Islands, standing about twenty feet away from a tall standing mirror framed with what appeared to be beveled emerald-green glass.

“Welcome to Tiaera. I saw you arrive and have been waiting for a good time to meet. Please give the Hooded Man my warmest regards,” said the goddess.

“He already knows of this, I’m sure. Thank you, milady.”

“You are unlike any creature I have ever known or conceived of being. ‘Tis for this reason I have decided to allow you and your kind this portal on Tiaera. Thy Lord and I discussed this matter at great length and you are here only with my knowledge and approval,” Astria said frankly as the personage before her commanded some strange entity named Raphael to open another mirror in mid-air. Quickly the minstrel carried his harp through the mirrored surface, causing it to ripple like water as he did. In a few moments he returned and commanded that the “closet” behind the mirror be closed. The mirror disappeared on that command.

“I would have it no other way, O Most Serene Lady Astria,” the minstrel replied with a wave and a bow, “and I look forward to exploring and learning about your realm, as well as developing a strong alliance and friendship among your people.”

Astria found the minstrel’s combination of respect and playfulness charming, and she laughed gently at it. “Quick are you to find employment, if you came to play at the Dragon Rampant Inn.”

“I welcome such a challenge from time to time, just for the fun of it. So you and my Lord have spoken? Then you must know why he wanted to send me here.”

“Indeed. He will have told you his part of the story; this is mine. Never had I conceived the notion of anyone or anything outside the Great Loop on which my children and I walk. Then came the Great Line, tangent to the Loop, and the Hooded Man’s Presence with it. Once I understood his way of walking through time, he revealed that other beings, walking in like fashion, would find me and seek to subdue me and my children, thus breaking the Loop. He offered to send someone to aid me against them. I agreed, on the condition that he would never try to take away my sovereignty in the process. He gave me his word and I gave him mine. If I ever sense any reason that the Lord Davidson poses a threat...” The goddess pointed at the portal and made it disappear. “I will cut off access to my realm.”

The minstrel smiled slightly at her need to assure him that she could protect her Realm from anyone like him. It was so unnecessary under the circumstances, but how was she to know when they’d only just met? He could’ve made the portal re-appear very easily, but such a demonstration of his power would’ve caused more harm than good just then.

Remember who and what you are by nature and by calling, the minstrel’s Lord had warned him before he came to Tiaera. You are a diplomat first and foremost – not a magician-sage as she may perceive you to be, and not a warrior or even a guildsman. That above all is why I send you and not another.

“My Lord is Love, and Love never simply imposes its will on anyone,” he replied smoothly. “You have nothing to fear from the Portal of Twilight, from me, or from him who sent both. The Locus’ Ring and all my tools are meant to deal with my Lord’s enemies and with yours - including any that might get past spells like that one and enter your realm. If you ever change your mind, milady, and don’t want me in your realm, you have but to ask and I'll leave, taking the portal with me. You have my word. Such is my commission here - not a further test of wills and powers which would violate the terms of our alliance.”

“And I am all for love, which is why I agreed to this. I seek not to test thy powers but thy heart and so far, I sense in you nothing but good will and wisdom,” Astria blushed and smiled back, feeling more at ease now. She stepped closer and waved her hand so the emerald-framed portal would reappear.

She’s a Fi’ne for certain, the minstrel mused, summarizing her basic thought pattern after the fashion of his people. She can be a very close friend to a Ne’fi like me, but only once she’s assured that we’re on the same page with regard to free moral agency and value judgments.

Indeed, and I read minds as you do, milord, including thine. Astria smiled warmly.

“Understood. This Realm,” he said directly, “like others I’ve walked in, has powers and potentials forbidden in the Realm from which I come. In some of those Realms, the Hooded Man has brought his dominion in due time, when their inhabitants are ready and willing. In others, he has allowed its natives to walk in their own ways and use their own powers, yet not without a herald of his ways and powers. Your Realm is a special case, heretofore separate from our Metacosmic Tree - what that implies I don’t yet understand - but still he wishes to send here a herald as an emissary and an ally. Now and henceforth on Tiaera, I am that Herald; and as such, I’ll aid you and yours where I’m needed, no more, no less.”

“And you are once again welcomed as such. As you already know, I am Astria Cloudborne, the Mother Goddess of Tiaera. You will not see me thus very often, for I prefer to be eyes in the sky, the grass in the fields, the flowers that bloom and deep blue sea. I am Tiaera and my way of guarding this world is more... subtle. I prefer this form only when truly needed. But you should already know that, my friend.” The elf-woman who was no elf-woman at all visibly relaxed as she said that. “By what name shall I and my children call you chiefly? Ah, of course,” Astria said with a smile, reading the Herald’s thoughts.

The young-looking barley-blond thought as cryptically as ever, and with a warm smile: I am as I ever was. Outside of my native Realm, I am Alain Harper the Undying Singer.

"Realmwalkers" is now at Hastings Book Store!

2011-09-21T07:59:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy August and September. Between selling books, I went on vacation for two weeks and then I went on a four day retreat to a guest ranch. But now I am back home again and ready to continue promoting and selling Realmwalkers. I hope you all have been enjoying a terrific summer!

Last Monday, I went to my local Hastings Book Store and made a deal there to sell Realmwalkers. So many people have asked me if the book was at Hastings that I made it a point to take several copies there and sign a contract. These copies are only available at the Lake Havasu City branch but later this month, I will be driving up to Bullhead City with more books to sell at the Hastings branch there. Kingman is a bit of a drive, but if sales go well in Bullhead City and in Lake Havasu, I may expand.

And more good news! On November 12th (from 10 - 2pm), I will be at the Lake Havasu City Hastings for my very first Book Signing! I am already working on making flyers and postcards to promote the event and I will be giving away free Realmwalkers bookmarkers and candy to everyone who comes to say hello. Another shipment of books is on its way so I have plenty on hand to sell and autograph to those who can make it. I know many of you won't be in the area, but keep me your thoughts and prayers for a successful event anyway. If you have any advice on how to prepare for a book signing, please leave me comments here. I would really appreciate it.

Response to the book has been limited so far, but positive! Marketing takes a lot of time and work but someone has to do it. Thank you all for your support and encouragment. I welcome any helpful feedback to improve my writing for any future stories whether they be in book form or online.

Marketing and Future Plans

2011-08-10T19:38:00.000-07:00

The books have been selling nicely as many friends and fellow writers have stepped up to buy a book. Such support has been very touching and exciting as I continue to promote wherever I can. Most of my marketing supplies are homemade, but effective in getting the word out locally. I also found out that some online book sellers like Amazon.com are now selling Realmwalkers. I can't sign those, but they are fast and in a few cases even less expensive than I can sell here at my blog.

One day soon, I hope to get back to writing my short stories featuring some of the characters in the book which I will post here. There will be more maps here soon, as well as a glossary to help out with some of the archaic words used in the book. I also plan to draw some more illustrations to post here along with the stories. Stop by and subscribe here for future updates.

More than a Novel

2011-08-04T09:59:00.000-07:00

Book Cover Design

Realmwalkers is a 6" X 9" softcover book that weighs just under 2 lbs. It has 460 pages of text and graphics and is just over 1" thick. It has 21 full page illustrations and 10 small images, artwork and graphics that took me hours to draw and enhance by computer. This is no pocket size novel and I chose this size so you wouldn't have to squint to read it. The cover is printed on 10pt stock, full color and laminated for durability. The interior paper is not the cheap, thin greyish newspaper used in many novels on the market. It is library-quality with professional trade paperback binding and sturdy 60 lb. bright white paper.

Title Page

World Map and First Chapter

The Books are Here!

2011-07-31T06:49:00.000-07:00

This is a very exciting time for me as I pack the books received into their large bubble-wrapped packages. I have sold several by internet and even more locally to friends and neighbors. I have decided to cover the loose page ends with cardstock so that while it is in transit, it will be protected from bending or folding. It's important to me that the book arrives in perfect condition. And while this shipment lasts, if anyone orders a book here, I will be able to package and mail it the following day. Their book should arrive in 2 - 7 working days.

Order your books now!

2011-07-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

I am taking orders now. The book shipment will be here by Aug 2nd and I will autograph any orders and mail them out to you as soon as possible. Click on the scroll to the left and use the secure Paypal order form. I will be notified of your payment and order and send you "Realmwalkers" as soon as I can.

Realmwalkers Shipment due August 2nd!

2011-07-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

I spent the last week finalizing the second proof copy of Realmwalkers. It has a new background that looks a little darker but clearer than the first background. My first shipment is due next Aug. 2nd and so I shall be bringing a few books to sell at the following LHCWG meeting. Most of this order is already "spoken for", but books will still be available though this blog and through my eStore online. If you don't live in Lake Havasu City, Laughlin or Bullhead City, you may want to use this blog site to place an order.

I will be putting up a "BUY ME" button here very in the next few days. Come back soon and look for it. The "Buy Me" button is from Paypal who will accept major credit card and Paypal payments. I will get your payment from Paypal and will send you an autographed copy of the novel directly to you.

Realmwalkers will also be available at Amazon.com and other outlets. I am currently looking into doing a booksigning at Hastings.

Leave any questions or comments if you are interested. If you want a chapter sample, I can email you a copy of that.

Thanks again to my friends and family who have been so supportive. Very excited! =D

Preview "Realmwalkers" Now

2011-05-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

Appearing mysteriously in a medieval world of magic and beauty, a young woman pulls herself from a secluded lake and discovers she has lost her memory. In order to survive, she struggles to find work and learns about the world of Tiaera until she meets three immortal realmwalkers and a “sentry” of incredible futuristic technology. Led by a powerful lightchild, Alain Harper, the realmwalkers reveal they come from a realm light years away, on a mission to help Tiaera’s goddess, Astria, and her people fight the devastating attacks from monstrous creatures and evil god-like beings. When the realmwalkers try to restore Solita’s memory, they soon realize that she is not just a cosmically displaced woman with amnesia, but also a key figure in the ultimate battle to save Tiaera from total destruction.

Click the link here to get to the Preview site and feel free to leave us some feedback. It's free and NO registration needed. Just read and enjoy!

Thanks to all our friends and fans for your constructive criticism and encouragement. I hope you like this preview.

Preview of Realmwalkers

2011-04-18T08:58:00.000-07:00

Book Piracy and Realmwalkers

The World of Tiaera

REALMWALKERS is Coming Soon!

2011-03-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

Audrey and Carlyn stand outside a bookseller shoppe and see the new book being displayed. The book cover features a bow and quiver, a strange looking 'window' with the image of Tiaera inside it and a long sword.

"Hmmm... a book about welmwalkeos?" says Audrey, pointing with her little gnomish finger. "I wondeo if Masteo Alain knows 'bout dis."

Carlyn isn't impressed. "I thought we were going to the tavern. I can't read anything while I am thinking about a nice cold brew."

" Okies, I doubt we will be in da book anyways. Let us away. I wanna a dwink too."