Her Ladyship's Quest

Join the Rift Healer fantasy book tour with $50 giveaway drawing

2013-06-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

Rift Healer

Rift Healer is the first installment of the 'Forest Magic' series, a Young Adult Fantasy/Romance set in Central and Western Massachusetts. After a minor earthquake, the enchanted forest in Bidwell, MA, is infested with monster-spewing rifts. Gisele Westerfield's great nephew, the gifted Micah, and his distant cousin, Selena, arrive to assist. Together with Gisele's summer students, twins Haley and Lacey, they will try to heal the magical forest. Much to the consternation of the beautiful Selena, Micah identifies Haley as The One whom he'll share his future. But after witnessing a terrifying display of Micah's Gift, Haley cools to his advances and unexpectedly discovers her own Gift-- she can heal the earth. Monsters, mayhem, and teenage angst follow the small group as they confront evil in the forest and a dangerous prediction that 'one will fall'. Will they heal the rifts in time? Can they save the unicorns? And is Haley really destined to be with Micah?

Amazon

Author Diane M. Haynes

Diane has lived in Massachusetts all her life where early on, her artistic talents were fostered, though her skills as an "excellent report writer" were often noted in previous employment. On her brother Rick's birthday, November 16, 2004, seven months after his death, she woke from an amazing dream which would not fade. She outlined the dream, made a few quick notes and days later produced a 12 page short story. After deciding her story was interesting but incomplete, she began writing her first novel, using her dream as its climax. She now believes the dream to be a 'Spirit Gift,' sent by her brother. Diane continues to reside in Central MA with her husband and a very naughty Basset Hound named Basil and his new adopted sister-Basset, Ruby, both of whom cleverly wreak havoc on the Haynes' formerly well-ordered lives. She spends her time writing, reading books about writing, talking about writing, painting with watercolors, antiqueing and attempting to train a very reluctant Basil and a willing, but highly comedic Ruby.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Book Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 7/4/13 a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Father's Day excerpt from Savage Storm: Rys Rising Book II

2013-06-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

In observance of Father's Day, I'm sharing a little father son reunion from the novel Savage Storm: Rys Rising Book II.

Fantasy novels tend to have father figures who divulge advice, usually garbled with mysteries and prophecies, and then die tragically. In my novels I don't always dispose of my characters' parents. Sometimes I keep them around so I can explore the relationships.

In this scene from Savage Storm, Cruce has come home for the summer after his first seasons of militia training and combat patrols on the frontier. Cruce's father Zehn did not agree with Cruce joining the militia, but perhaps many months of separation will have softened his attitude.

Across the hall, Cruce heard the familiar roll of his father’s wheelchair. He jumped up and his spurs jingled as he rushed out of the room. Viv was pushing Zehn, but she stopped when Cruce appeared. She thought it best to pause and let father and son have their moment of reunion.

Upon seeing Zehn, Cruce wanted to embrace him and nearly cry with happiness as he had with his mother and sister, but something held him back. He had seen a flash of genuine joy and relief in his father’s sunken eyes, but it had quickly been extinguished by his stubborn animosity toward Cruce’s militia career.

“Father,” Cruce said hesitantly.

“Welcome home, Cruce,” Zehn said and as he lifted his hands some of his hostility melted.

Cruce rushed over to him and gave him a tentative hug. “How have you been?” he asked.

Zehn patted his son’s cheek. “That’s a stupid question, son,” he said.

Cruce nodded, a little embarrassed. Of course his father had not been well. Straightening, he stepped aside so that Viv could push Zehn into the parlor.

May all fathers and their children remember to let their disagreements fade.

Happy Father's Day. May your children rain gifts upon you and stay out of your wallets for 24 hours.

Savage Storm: Rys Rising Book II by Tracy Falbe

Ebook

Rys Rising review blog tour with $25 Amazon gift card starting July 8th

2013-06-15T09:26:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to report that all 5 slots on the Rys Rising review-only tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions have been filled.

I'm quite anxious about what the honest reviews from book bloggers will be. People tend to love, hate, or not get my novels. I suppose that range of reactions would apply to most any novels, but I'm still very nervous about it all.

The tour will include a prize drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card. A review of Rys Rising will appear at each of these blogs:

July 8: Writer Wonderland
July 9: Author Rose Wynters
July 10: Lindsay's Scribblings
July 11: Deal Sharing Aunt
July 12: Sharing Links and Wisdom

Visit these blogs to discover new reads anytime.

Follow my blog for updates about my book tour, future tours, and other events and promotions.

Rys Rising is currently a free ebook to introduce the complete 4-book epic fantasy series. It is available worldwide in multiple ebook formats at Brave Luck Books.

Went strawberry picking today and canned jam

2013-06-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

After a quick trip to a local farm, we came home with 8 quarts of fresh strawberries.

Canning season officially opened for me today with my first canning project of the year. June means strawberries, and I can't miss my chance to make homemade strawberry jam. Since I started making my own jam and canning it, nothing from the store tastes as good.

Eleven half pints of strawberry jam are now cooling on my counter.

If you are interested in learning how to preserve delicious food and add the important skill of home canning to your sustainable lifestyle, please read my learn-it-fast guide to home canning.

From Falbe Publishing
Printable PDF ebook $0.99
Audiobook $3.95

Or at your favorite retailer:
Amazon

Cover Art Job Posting for Werelord Thal, a Renaissance Werewolf Adventure

2013-06-11T19:01:00.003-07:00

I have a new novel in development and naturally need cover art.

Technical requirements for deliverable:

300 dpi resolution

Greatly prefer TIFF format but can accept jpeg

Image size approximately 1800 x 2700 pixels or 6 x 9 inches.

This size and resolution will give me the quality and flexibility to produce small digital cover images or produce a cover for print.

The novel will be titled Werelord Thal. It is a werewolf novel set in Renaissance Bohemia. 1561 to be precise. I’m open to either illustration or photo manipulation.

My main idea for the cover (and I am open to suggestions) is to make the main character Thal the focal point. He is a young man with thick reddish brown hair and a goatee. If you look closely his hair color is odd because it contains several colors, like an animal’s coat. And his eyes are a blend of all colors and are strikingly different. He would be depicted in Renaissance garb, but nothing fancy. He’s not wealthy. He would need a wolf hide over his shoulder or around his shoulders. This is his enchanted fur that he must use to cast the spell that changes him into a werewolf. Thal also needs one or two antique looking pistols in his belt, an old sword, and knives in the top of his boots. He is described as an attractive man. His shirt can be open with scratches showing on his chest.

It would also be great to include his dog. He is a scrappy small brown and white dog named Pistol.

The background should blend woodsy mountains and the skyline of a Renaissance city. Perhaps even find a way to faintly work the silhouette of a woman being burned at the stake.

I realize not all of these details might be achievable in the final composition. I’m looking for a clean and striking image to use to design the ebook and book covers. I’d mostly like details to shine on the main figure of Thal, especially his wolf fur and accouterments and have the background be suggestive and abstract. Leaving some blank background space for title and author text is good.

Please let me know your questions. I am still in the process of writing this novel, but it’s my 9th novel so this is a serious production. You can see more about my 8 previously published novels at Brave Luck Books http://www.braveluck.com

I can make available chapters of the manuscript to assist an artist in helping me develop this cover art.

A 4-chapter sneak preview of the work in progress is already available.

Click add to cart to download it for free.

I prefer to work with freelancers through the Guru freelance system. I like to use the escrow system so you can see that the project is funded when you begin work. Also we can use the project messages to track all correspondence, and Guru takes care of the 1099 tax form for me.

To bid on the project please go to Guru.

Please be patient for a response. I will be going on vacation in late June and will not be making a decision until mid to late July.

Thank you in advance for your time.

Fascination with wolves summons both love and the desire to kill them

2013-06-07T10:18:00.001-07:00

Image from Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources.

Because I am in the midst of writing a werewolf novel, I have naturally been doing a lot of research about wolves, their lore, and the lore of their supernatural spawn: the werewolf. Unexpectedly a real world controversy about wolves in my home state of Michigan has impressed upon me the continued relevance of humanity's relationship with wolves. Our ancient love and hate affair with them remains unresolved and is pitting voters against the legislature that ignores them.

Wolves have only recently been removed from the Endangered Species list in my state. According to the organization Keep Michigan Wolves Protected, the wild population is at about 700. In late 2012 during a lame duck session and over the holidays when politicians do things people don't want, the legislature authorized a sport hunt for wolves. By March 2013 Michigan voters had submitted over 255,000 signatures to put the new law to a referendum vote with the hopes of overturning it. Immediately after the petition was submitted, my state government use a regulatory procedure to list wolves as a game species for hunting. This regulatory move is supposed to be beyond the ballot initiative and is therefore a direct assault on democracy. In summary: Many people don't want wolves hunted for sport and government blocks this desire at every turn.

Of course this dodgy democracy-gutting stuff happens across all issues, but this one about the wolves is fascinating on so many levels. Why are hundreds of thousands of people opposed to sport wolf hunting? Why are politicians so dedicated to making a sport hunt happen?

Historically wolves have been feared and demonized in literature. The Big Bad Wolf must die! And yet people have a relationship with wolves that goes far into the past when we co-evolved as hunters. Our dogs came from original wolf stock in prehistoric times. The similarities in social behavior between the species builds a kinship. The beauty of wolves entrances many people. But mostly in this modern day and age when so much of Nature has been beaten down and destroyed, the wolf embodies freedom. Wolves live life. They follow their instincts and their hearts.

Biologists have also learned that wolves function as an important part of their ecosystems. By keeping larger animals in check, like deer and elk, trees and shrubs are able to mature instead of being over-browsed. Studies within Yellowstone National Park where wolves have been reintroduced showed substantial improvement in the woody growth along streams once the elk were thinned by natural predators. Shadier streams were better for fish. The ecosystem was improved from top to bottom because a top level predatory was once again in its natural position in the ecosystem.

Let me tell you that Michigan has lots of extra deer. A viable population of predators, especially in Wilderness areas, is badly needed. I'm not suggesting that people let wolves kill their livestock or threaten their families. Landowners with nuisance wildlife have the right to shoot them. I imagine this unfortunate activity would even train some wolves to shy away from human areas.

But why all this political action for the sake of a sport wolf hunt? It's not to eliminate threatening animals. People in the communities that include wolves can already do this if and when they feel the need. In my judgment only very wealthy and influential people can cause this level of political action. Think of all the important things millions of people want but are told are politically impossible? But magically the Michigan State government will do anything to make a wolf hunt happen even when hundreds of thousands of voters actively oppose it.

I have not heard anything in the news explaining why this wolf hunt is such a priority for the government. The unnamed people behind this unnecessary sport hunt for wolf trophies are making an expression of dominance over the land and people. If wolves are running free, then perhaps the land is too free. If the land is at liberty, then perhaps the people upon it might start to feel free too. Better to squash the freedom, especially its furry symbol. Land populated by a revered species might be harder to log and mine and frack and destroy in all the nasty ways so precious to our hidden rulers. If people can control if and when wolves are hunted, then they might also be able to exert control over their water and minerals and timber and soil.

Always the theme in our young country has been to tame the land. Lay it bare. Mount the heads on the wall. The greed of the few outweighs the spirits of the many. The wolf hunt delivers the message that freedom and self reliance are not to be tolerated. Such wildness must be hunted down and put down.

For centuries as civilizations advanced, the wolf was put forth as a symbol of the dangerous wilderness. The land would not be safe until all the wolves were shot, poisoned, and trapped. If the top level predator of a place is destroyed, then the spirit of the place is broken.

Just Published! My Grandma's Vintage Recipes: Old Standards for a New Age

2013-06-04T10:24:00.003-07:00

People challenged by tight food budgets and busy schedules gain timeless taste from the simple ingredients in 1920s vintage recipes. The new ebook My Grandma’s Vintage Recipes by Tracy Falbe presents recipes for daily enjoyment and delightful holidays.

$2.99 Ebook

Download at Falbe Publishing (choice of 3 formats, available worldwide)

Amazon Kindle

Canada

Etsy (worldwide)

Last year I discovered a handwritten cookbook in a closet that my Grandma had started writing in 1926 when she was in vocational school. She grew up in Chatham, Ontario, Canada and her recipes reflect the food of that time and place. Over the past six months I've been lovingly restoring and updating her recipes. I was able to publish 64 recipes for a modern audience and I believe they have a lot of value and yumminess to offer.

About the Cookbook:

Regain the wisdom and creativity of our ancestors who were experts at whipping up something special with tight budgets and limited supplies. You may not be able to find the “10-cent bag of marshmallows” anymore, but modern cooks can still benefit from this collection of 1920s vintage recipes collected by my late Grandmother. In 2012 I discovered her handwritten recipe notebook from 1926 and developed this cookbook.

While updating the directions for modern cooks, I maintained the vintage charm of her original notes. Generations ago people did not have a bunch of fancy ingredients, but they still came up with a variety of yummy quick breads, cakes, desserts, pies, salads, main dishes, canning recipes, and fruitcakes. This cookbook has a special emphasis on fruitcakes. I share my mood-altering experiences with her fruitcake recipes. Bakers who love the holidays should definitely add a classic Christmas fruitcake to their list. All jokes aside, fruitcake deserves a place among elite holiday desserts.

And people into urban farming and homesteading can harvest delicious value from these vintage recipes meant to use up all the dried fruit and nuts you can pick. Plus find a variety of classic uses for all the tomatoes, cucumbers, and apples you can grow with marvelous canning recipes for sauces, pickles, and chutneys.

My Grandma’s name was Edna Oldershaw Irwin and her recipes reflect the character of the food in 1920s Canada where she grew up in Chatham, Ontario. After months of effort, I’ve prepared 64 of her recipes for publication. I no longer have my Grandma, but I still have her cookbook and now you can read it too.

$2.99 Ebook

Download at Falbe Publishing (choice of 3 formats, available worldwide)

Amazon Kindle

Canada

Etsy (worldwide)

If you are a food or book blogger you can republish the press release about this vintage recipes ebook and get materials including a free recipe from the press kit.

Add your blog to the Rys Rising review tours

2013-05-20T17:53:00.001-07:00

I'm working with two organizations this summer to connect with book reviewers. Book bloggers are invited to join a tour. Each bloggers gets a free ebook copy of my fantasy novel Rys Rising to read and review. Each tour also includes a giveaway drawing prize to encourage visitors to your blog.

Goddess Fish Promotions
Tour includes a $25 Amazon gift card in a random drawing.
Visit the Rys Rising review tour page for sign up details.

Earth's Book Nook Tours
Tour includes a $25 Etsy gift card.
Contact Heather Powers and reference my novel Rys Rising if you'd like to participate.

Rys Rising has already received several good reviews from genuine readers at various retailers.

At Amazon it currently has a 4-star rating.

At Barnes & Noble it also has a 4-star rating.

At iTunes, it is enjoying a 5-star rating.

If you're a blogger who would like to read a quality epic fantasy, please join one of the review tours.

Rys Rising jumped into top 20 epic and sword and sorcery at Amazon Kindle

2013-05-19T08:32:00.001-07:00

Rys Rising - A daring epic of complex heroes and villains.

Onja can control what others see. Soon everyone will see things her way.

I noticed a welcome increase in downloads for Rys Rising this weekend at both the US Kindle and UK Kindle stores. As of today it is trending into the top 20 for the fantasy categories of "epic" and "sword and sorcery" in the United States followed closely by a #27 spot in the UK.

Ranks this morning at the US Kindle Store.

Rank this morning at the UK Kindle Store.

Of course these ranks fluctuate hourly and may or may not last long. I hope they keep getting better though! If interested please put Rys Rising on your reading list. It is available at all ebook retailers.

Readers can download a free ebook copy of Rys Rising: Book I at Brave Luck Books http://www.falbepublishing.com/braveluck/free-fantasy-ebook-rys-rising.html

Also find it at your favorite online retailer.

Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/79722

Barnes & Noble Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rys-rising-tracy-falbe/1104808237

UK Nook http://uk.nook.com/ebooks/rys-rising-book-i-by-tracy-falbe/2940011450945

Amazon Kindle US* http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FYSSSC

Amazon Kindle UK* http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005FYSSSC

Apple iBooks US https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/rys-rising-book-i/id458569652?mt=11

Apple iBooks UK https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/rys-rising-book-i/id458569652?mt=11

Apple iBooks Canada https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/rys-rising-book-i/id458569652?mt=11

Kobo http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Rys-Rising-Book-I/book-Wvq-CXnSbESRpk1lFAy6zQ/page1.html

Diesel http://www.diesel-ebooks.com/item/SW00000079722/Falbe-Tracy-Rys-Rising-Book-I/1.html

Sony Reader Store https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/tracy-falbe/rys-rising/_/R-400000000000000473918

Writing Update: I'm working on a new novel

2013-05-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

I make this announcement with some trepidation. Since 1997 I've been writing in my rys world and produced eight novels in that fantasy setting. Now I'm entering new territory. I've selected a historical setting and I'm working on a paranormal adventure. It's a werewolf novel set in 16th century Renaissance Bohemia.

I'm 24 chapters into the first draft. The novel has the working title of Werelord Thal. I might keep the title but it is too early to know for sure.

Readers interested in a sample of this work in progress may download a 4-chapter sneak preview of Werelord Thal.

Free PDF of Werelord Thal preview

It's been very strange for me to write outside my rys fantasy world. That's been my happy safe place for so long, but as an artist I need to aspire to new challenges.

I very much love studying history. The Renaissance or more accurately the Early Modern period is so gripping. So much about our current civilization emerged during this mind-blowing time. Institutions of prosecutorial social control, emerging nation states, global colonization, and resistance to theocracy name just a few of the forces that defined the Early Modern period and shaped our current civilization.

Superstitions common in 16th century Europe also provide a two-level candy box of inspiration. This was a time when people honestly believed in witchcraft. Supernatural forces brushed close to everyone's heart in a world still commonly full of dangerous beasts and lacking electrical lighting.

I'm having a good time studying one of my favorite historical periods more closely and creating new characters. Follow this blog so you'll know when Werelord Thal will be published. To follow, see left sidebar for easy subscribing or like Brave Luck Books on Facebook because this blog feeds into that page too.

Productivity tips video from Sparring Mind

2013-05-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

I'm sharing this video from Sparring Mind because it packs many great points into a short presentation. It proclaims the evils of multi tasking and gives good advice about avoiding time wasting habits. I can attest to the value of working in short productive bursts of 60 to 90 minutes. This is the length of most of my writing sessions. After about 90 minutes I definitely need to take a break to refresh my mind. The video says that this is the general work pattern of successful and creative people. There is no point in trying to power through and work longer without a break. It won't produce better results.

Happy Mother's Day to Me - I bought a Nook HD

2013-05-11T17:04:00.000-07:00

I went shopping this week and bought myself a Nook HD. Barnes & Noble was kind enough to send me an email promoting its sale price for Mother's Day. I got mine with 16 GB for $179.

I've been needing a new ereader since my Sony PRS that I bought in 2008 stopped taking a charge. The Nook HD is lovely. It's my first tablet and I'm still getting used to operating the touch screen. The display is very sharp.

Big selling points for me were the ability to set up profiles for my kids and that I could go talk to a human at the local B&N store for tech support if I wanted. So far I'm not having much trouble finding my way around the system. I sideloaded a pdf file today and that was rather painless. It's important to me that an ereader be easy to add my personal documents to. I'm constantly reading my own manuscripts as I work on them and like them portable. I also get ARCs from other authors sometimes and need to toss those on a reader.

It was also high time I had a tablet that I could watch video on as well as read books. Because the Nook HD has wifi connectivity I'm now suddenly interested in public places with free wifi. This is a strange feeling because I really don't want to become one of the many people staring at little screens, tapping and scrolling. But maybe I do? If I'm to believe what I read, apparently much of our behavior is subconsciously driven. That concept irks me because it makes me wonder about the decisions I make. Not being fully aware of my motivations bothers me.

I saw a fox last night

2013-05-06T17:42:00.001-07:00

Photo from U.S. Fish & Game service

I always get a happy feeling whenever I see a fox. The neighborhood kids have been telling me there was a fox around for about a year. Last night after dark I finally spotted him myself. I looked out a window because my dog was agitated. It's not unusual for her to get excited about something after dark because there are always animals of some sort out there, especially deer.

My lane was quiet and dark except for porch lights. I spotted movement in the yard directly across from my house. At first I thought it might be a cat, but then the thick luxuriant tail was revealed at the end of a lean and dainty body.

The fox sat down in a driveway, back lit by a porch light. He kicked back and scratched an ear. My dog barked at him through the window. He looked at us nonchalantly as if to say "Yeah, I know you're there." I admired him for a few moments until he trotted off into the neighbor's backyard. When he went under the light I saw his brilliant red coat. He was beautiful and had a jaunty attitude just like a fox in a cartoon. Mr. Fox was a delight to see. I wonder if I'll be able to sneak a peek at him again this year. He just might let me. We had a nice and proper introduction last night.

Fantasy ebook giveaway drawing for Judgment Rising

2013-05-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

Win Judgment Rising: The Rys Chronicles Book III by Tracy Falbe

When I wrote Judgment Rising I had conceived of it as a new entry point to The Rys Chronicles series where a reader could begin the story. Although it is the third novel of The Rys Chronicles, it picks up 5 years after the events in the first two novels. New challenges and adventures are set in motion. Some new characters are added.

Most people buy Judgment Rising after reading Union of Renegades and The Goddess Queen, but readers who enjoy epics driven by multiple characters can jump in and start reading with Book III.

Through the end of May, you can enter to win one of three ebook copies of Judgment Rising. Use the Rafflecopter form below. You can enter by leaving a comment here or liking my Brave Luck Books Facebook page.

Read this short excerpt to see if you like my style and then enter the drawing.

In this scene, Sandin Promentro seeks the favor of his Empire's war god before campaigning into the Wilderness guarded by the magical rys.

The grim statue of the anthropomorphic God of war sat across from Sandin behind the altar. Carved of black basalt, the indifferent face of the harsh God gazed beyond the ceremony taking place at his feet. Driven by desire that could never be fully satisfied, Golan surveyed Ektren with roving eyes that did not blink, not even when confronted by the worst mayhem.
Standing before the altar, the high priest wore a shining black robe and a headdress emblazoned with flames in gold leaf. Sandin approached the elderly lord of the temple, who was bent with great age and a great contradiction to the young men sent to serve Golan’s cravings.
After all the other priests kneeled, Sandin dropped to his knees before the high priest. Despite having a body withered by age and not wounds, the high priest had a strong voice that filled the sanctum.
“Great Golan, brother of civilization, look upon a warrior who comes to honor you. He is the best among the men of your chosen country, but even in his success, he knows that he is just your agent. He knows that your greatness gave him the courage to defeat his enemies.”
The priests responded together. “Golan, giver of victory, hear our praise.”
“And continue to bless Clan Promentro’s finest son with the banner of victory,” the high priest added.
“May my body and mind never waver and thereby prove worthy of Golan’s rewards in this world and in death,” Sandin said.
“Hear the pledge of the warrior and be pleased, great Golan, for there is no higher warrior in all the world,” the high priest declared.
“Golan, giver of eternal paradise, accept our warrior,” the priests intoned.
A gong was struck and the note quivered in the air like a battle cry. When it faded, the high priest continued. “Lord General, rise and present your gift to Golan, the most generous and wanton of Gods.”
Sandin obeyed and drew forth a scroll from the pouch on his belt. Although tied with a golden ribbon, it appeared an insignificant thing next to the treasures that littered the temple. Mere words on parchment seemed unbefitting the extreme appetites of war. But with the document, Sandin delivered up great wealth—an immense prize for both God and temple.
The high priest opened the scroll and after scanning the contents, which he of course already had knowledge of, announced, “Lord General Sandin has given the region of Belesti and the Pandovelari city-state of Koreltia to his patron God. From this moment forth those properties are now in the stewardship of the temple. In the name of Golan, I praise the Lord General for his mighty gift. We shall keep his name in our hearts and on our lips. Atrophane will not forget him or ignore his titles while he is away doing the work of our God.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of Rowena and the Dark Lord by Melodie Campbell

2013-05-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Melodie Campbell visited Her Ladyship's Quest and wrote about Romancing the Villain. I also received a copy of her new release Rowena and the Dark Lord a few weeks ago and I am sharing my review.

Rowena and the Dark Lord by Melodie Campbell presents a fast paced and fun loving romp through a magical fantasy world called Lands End. The snarky female-centric style of the novel mixes a girls-night-out cocktail of independent women tangoing with macho warriors who don't listen to their girlfriends.

The novel continues the story begun in Rowena Through the Wall in which a veterinarian named Rowena who lives in Arizona magically shifts into another fantasy world where she finds romance, a husband, and a devil worshipping lover. No, they aren't all the same person. Women keeping their options open when it comes to men is a theme of the novel as Campbell playfully injects a liberated female attitude into a world where men are "protectors" and think they are in charge of everything.

Rowena is in love with Thane, but they aren't together for most of the story. She's busy avoiding Cedric, the Lucifer worshipping sorcerer who is likely the father of her unborn child. He exerts his power over Rowena to make her want him even though she knows better. She's undeniably attracted to him, but not entirely interested in being his queen if she can avoid it.

Rowena and the Dark Lord is a splendidly complicated and whimsical play date in a fantasy setting. The author tosses in ridiculous twists and turns and pulls it off. The action flows smoothly. In fact Campbell has an enviable ability to maintain an upbeat narrative that strung together scenes effortlessly. Something is always happening, and Rowena's shining personality is pleasant and sympathetic.

Much of the humor of the novel is at the expense of the male gender. It's decidedly a women's novel, and I'll admit to chuckling at the relentless portrayal of men as thoughtless brawlers intent on their next mug of ale, war, and bedroom encounter.

For pleasant fairy tale flavor updated with a modern female outlook, Rowena and the Dark Lord offers unfailing entertainment. It's a madcap comedy and you'll never know what will happen next.

Romancing the Villain! The appeal of Bad Boys…

2013-05-02T06:05:00.001-07:00

Today I welcome Melodie Campbell, who delivers a fun and irresistible blend of humor and fantasy in her brand new release Rowena and the Dark Lord. In her guest post she admits that a villain could make an extraordinary boyfriend.

Romancing the Villain! The appeal of Bad Boys…

by Guest Blogger Melodie Campbell

What is it about the appeal of Bad Boys? A strange thing happened while writing Rowena and the Dark Lord… I appear to have fallen for my villain.

Yes, Thane is the hero, and Rowena is smitten with him, as she should be. But her literary creator has become more and more enamoured with bad boy Cedric – the villain of the piece. Cedric is determined to have Rowena to himself, and he will stop at nothing to get her, including selling his soul to Lucifer. Cedric messes with the black arts.

Cedric can mess with me anytime.

How the heck did this happen? I set out to write a funny and sexy adventure, with good guys, bad guys and spunky heroines. Love that Rowena. She’s everything I would like to be. Clever, beautiful, sexy… a bit daring, but with a strong moral compass. Thane is a terrific match for her; strong, smart, loyal, handsome, and the King to boot. Arch enemy of Cedric of course.

I wanted to make the story rich with characters, so I worked hard to make my villain three-dimensional. He has thoughts, moods, desires just like anyone else. And maybe even some good traits. It’s hard not to be moved by a guy who will risk his life for you.

Something about that Cedric pulls me. He’s not as good-looking as Thane. He probably isn’t as smart. His morals are questionable – maybe nonexistent. But he is cunning. He is dynamic. He is never, ever boring.

Cedric is the typical bad boy.

What it is about men who don’t fit the typical hero mode, but ‘bother’ us, somehow? That’s how Rowena puts it. “I didn’t like his looks – they bothered me.” I’ll say they did. Rowena was rocked to the core! You see, I know that feeling. I’ve felt it myself…

Cedric has long red-gold hair. His eyes are green, and they have an eerie glow when he uses magic. He’s tall, broad and thoroughly masculine, with bands of muscles on his arms. And he draws her like a moth to fire…

Exciting, that’s the word. The bad boys in our past made us feel like we were alive. Living on the edge has its attractions.

So Thane may be the ideal man for Rowena, and for many women. But Cedric will always be there, in the back of her mind, tempting…promising something that will take her beyond the ordinary, something delicious, enticing…

Damn, that’s attractive. I can’t kill him off.

Melodie Campbell achieved a personal best this year when Library Journal compared her to Janet Evanovich. She has over 200 publications, including 100 comedy credits, 40 short stories, and 4 novels. She has won 6 awards for fiction.

www.melodiecampbell.com www.funnygirlmelodie.blogspot.ca

ROWENA AND THE DARK LORD, book 2 in the Land’s End series, is NOW AVAILABLE at the special introductory price of .99! (regular price $3.99, after May 1.)

For Amazon Kindle

And the one that started it all: ROWENA THROUGH THE WALL, book 1 in the Land’s End series. Get it for Kindle.

TV Tuesday - Let's talk Sons of Anarchy

2013-04-30T16:15:00.003-07:00

Sons of Anarchy is one smoking hot show. I had noticed it in the popular category on Netflix for quite a while. And then I heard that Katey Sagal was in it. I've always admired Katey Sagal famous for the role of Peg Bundy in the hilarious show Married with Children.

So even though Sons of Anarchy is decidedly not a comedy, I still chose to watch because of her. As expected, Sagal is majestic in the role of Gemma, the old lady queen of the president of SAMCRO (Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original). She's married to Clay Morrow (Ron Perlman), who's a frightening gangster. His Sons of Anarchy runs guns and dabbles in all profitable forms of vice and theft. They are based in Charming, California and they keep the meth trade out of the town along with development. Clay likes to be the kingpin of a quaint little town that he can keep under control. He's completely protected by the local sheriff, but there are always enemies sniffing at the edges. Rivalry with other gangs is common, and then there is the threat that Clay considers the most formidable: "Old White Money". He doesn't want developers with deep pockets to come in with their bedroom communities and strip malls. They'll make Charming bigger and more profitable and sooner or later SAMCRO will get cleared out by bigger thugs who don't want any pesky hill bandits around.

Gemma and Clay have an interesting relationship. It's kind of unique because it shows an older couple, which is rare in youth-obsessed TV culture. But nookie with people who definitely don't get carded anymore only takes a show so far, which brings me to Jax, or Jackson Teller (Charlie Hunnam), the heir apparent of the club and a man who billions of women would place into the "yes" category without hesitation. He's quite the attractive individual. Add his roguish outlaw alpha male intensity and he's positively ovulation inducing.

He knows it too and obliges women as necessary.

Jax is also a very complex and carefully crafted character. He's been raised within the club culture. Being a murderous criminal is all he knows, but when he stumbles across a memoir written by his dead father, his mind is opened to other possibilities. His father had wanted the club to move out of gun running and invest in new directions. He'll struggle with his growing realization that being a criminal might be wrong and won't lead to happiness.

Sons of Anarchy also has fascinating subplots. A particularly touching one is the story of Opie, Jax's best friend. After doing prison time he's back with his family and trying not to be a criminal anymore, but he just can't make ends meet working at the mill. It's a heartbreaking commentary on our cruel economy. He can't work all day and make enough money for his family. Crime beckons him not only with a chance for better income but also dignity.

I'm only as far as Season 2 with Sons of Anarchy. It's hard to know what will happen next. Something awful to be sure because it's a violent and gory show worthy of Mongol raiders. It's also a visceral and sexy and exciting show full of thoughtful storytelling that anyone can relate to, especially its illustration of generational dynamics. The elders are slowing down. The youthful are rising, and the tension between them is unavoidable.

Mystical Moonstones in Staurolite by Marsha A. Moore

2013-04-29T04:53:00.002-07:00

Today at Her Ladyship's Quest, I welcome back fantasy romance author Marsha A. Moore. She's been working hard on her Enchanted Bookstore Legends series and is here to announce the release of the fourth novel Staurolite.

Mystical Moonstones in Staurolite: Enchanted Bookstore Legend Four

by Marsha A. Moore

In my new release, Staurolite, the fourth book in the Enchanted Bookstore Legends, I’m expanding and developing the foundation of the magical lore of my fantasy world. The characters find themselves needing the world’s ancient wisdom to solve their own present day problems. The basis of this ages-old magical power is a group of four mystical gemstones that parallel the four Chinese elements of nature: air, earth, fire, and water. These stones serve as four powerful keystones which, together, can empower the good Alliance to overcome the threatening attacks of the evil Dark Realm. There is one controlling master gemstone, the Staurolite, which gives this fourth book its title.

The gem corresponding to air I’ve chosen to work with is the moonstone. When I selected my keystone which corresponds to air, I considered many attributes that would make it an empowering symbol.

I’ve long been fascinated with blue-white opalescence of the stone, sometimes described as ‘billowy light’ gliding over the smooth cabochon surface. Gemologists refer to this characteristic as adularescence, and a synonym for the stone is adularia. Moonstone can be colorless, white, yellow, green, brown, orange, pink, or grey, but it always has a white or blue sheen. The best moonstone is colorless with a blue sheen. The colored varieties mainly come from India.

The mystical connections of the gem intrigue me. Moonstone is considered a birthstone for February, a mystical birthstone for June, an astrological birthstone for the star sign Cancer, and the Ayurvedic birthstone for September. I’ll be studying Ayurvedic yoga during my teacher training this year and am eager to learn how this stone is used in that science.

Traditionally, some believe moonstone can be used to balance a one's yin and yang. The gemstone is thought to soothe and balance emotions and evoke calm responses. Called a visionary stone, moonstone brings inspiration, strengthens intuition and sensitivity, enhances creativity, allows the wearer to see situations from different angles, and helps one to see things more clearly. It has even been said that moonstone has the power to grant wishes. Some believe this stone will build self confidence, enhance compassion, and promote happiness and longevity. It is also thought to be a stone of protection, especially for travel at sea, pregnancy, and childbirth.

It is also considered an ideal stone for lovers, since moonstone is reputed to bring forth tender feelings, protect true love, support a person's emotional and dreamy tendencies, and increase sensitivity to others. It’s said to attract friendship and loyalty to the wearer, encourage personal attachments, help obtain romance, and arouse tender passion.

In Heritage Avenged (book two), a large rainbow moonstone is used as the focal point of an instrument which interprets information hidden in the stars. The device is called the Spheres of Sidus. It helps the reader find an answer a chosen question from the his or her past. Three onyx balls are positioned according to current positions of the birth stars of specific ancestors. When, at last, the focal moonstone rondure is placed and given sufficient power, it conjures an answer in the form of a hologram-like image.

In my latest release, Staurolite (book four), Lyra again uses rainbow moonstone of the Spheres of Sidus to help her discover clues about the locations of the four missing keystones. Additionally, through her studies of ancient texts, she learns about the air keystone, a moonstone originally from Aria, the sky world above Dragonspeir. Centuries ago, when the second Scribe was forced into Aria by attacks from the Dark Realm, she recovered the lost moonstone. It was enchanted by the queen of the sky world, to keep the folks in the Alliance safe until they could reclaim their lands. A riddle within the Queen’s poem gives Lyra clues about the location of that precious moonstone keystone.

Learn about the enchanted moonstone and all the keystones in Staurolite: Enchanted Bookstore Legend Four. Lyra must learn how to find all four in time to save the Alliance from the attacking Dark Realm.

Photo credit for moonstones: By Memecry2 (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Staurolite: Enchanted Bookstore Legend Four by Marsha A. Moore

Genre: Epic Fantasy Romance

Description:

Lyra McCauley, current Scribe of the Alliance, is the only one who can decode magic hidden in the recently retrieved ancient texts written by her ancestors, the first four Scribes. Information in those writings can help Lyra locate the four missing keystones, which will restore power to the Alliance and allow overthrow of the Dark Realm. With peace restored, she and her beloved, Cullen, could finally marry.

Time is short with the Black Dragon’s Dark Realm increasing attacks to avenge the death of his heir. Many innocent lives are lost. Alliance residents are forced into hiding. Magicals and blue dragons follow leadership of the Imperial Dragon and the other three Guardians into battle to defend the Alliance.

While Lyra unlocks the ancient magic, she opens herself up to scribal powers from her ancestors. She alone can fight the deadliest of the Dark Realm’s forces—the cimafa stealth dragons—but at a cost. The energy flux threatens her health and ability to learn where to find the missing keystones. Can Lyra overcome this shrewd tactic of the Black Dragon to decimate the Alliance?

Purchase link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CCW98P2

Enchanted Bookstore Legends (series description):

The Enchanted Bookstore Legends are about Lyra McCauley, a woman destined to become one of five strong women in her family who possess unique magical abilities and serve as Scribes in Dragonspeir. The Scribes span a long history, dating from 1200 to present day. Each Scribe is expected to journey through Dragonspeir, both the good and evil factions, then draft a written account. Each book contains magic with vast implications.

Lyra was first introduced to Dragonspeir as a young girl, when she met the high sorcerer, Cullen Drake, through a gift of one of those enchanted books. Using its magic, he escorted her into the parallel world of Dragonspeir. Years later, she lost that volume and forgot the world and Cullen. These legends begin where he finds her again—she is thirty-five, standing in his enchanted bookstore, and Dragonspeir needs her.

When Lyra reopens that enchanted book, she confronts a series of quests where she is expected to save the good Alliance from destruction by the evil Black Dragon. While learning about her role, Lyra and Cullen fall in love. He is 220 years old and kept alive by Dragonspeir magic. Cullen will die if Dragonspeir is taken over by the evil faction…Lyra becomes the Scribe.

Excerpt from Staurolite:

From Chapter One: Ancient Scribal Magic

Lyra propped her head with an elbow against the low library table and rubbed her eyes, paging through the last chapter. She rearranged her weight on the floor cushion and twisted the end of her long braid.

The Tortoise Guardian’s wide, craggy cheek brushed against her forearm.

She jotted a few lines in a notebook and carefully closed the cover of the ancient copy. Her gaze rested on the faded embossed symbols—TheBook of Dragonspeir authored by Elisabeth Walsh, the first Scribe.

“Good work. We’ve previewed two of the lost volumes you recovered. One more remains.” The Tortoise retracted his head halfway into his shell. “Take a break. My neck is aching.”

“I want to keep going and skim Scribe Brigid’s book too.” Lyra flipped through her notes.

The heavy wooden door to the lair library banged open. In two strides, the Imperial Dragon stood before them. “We’re under attack! Cimafa stealth dragons have stolen auras of a high order wizard and souls of three non-magicals. They also killed one of our blue sentry dragons.” His flared nostrils were ringed with fire and seeped smoke. A yellow color of concern flashed in the irises of his eyes.

“How?” Lyra rolled off the plush floor cushion, forced her stiff legs to stand, and grabbed her wizard’s staff. “I thought they only went after higher magicals?”

“Attacks from the Dark Realm?” The Tortoise pushed his front legs against the table edge to lift his shell higher.

The Head Guardian nodded. “They’re attacking in small groups for increased strength. Several pairs and trios have simultaneously flown over our Alliance before retreating to the Steppe of Ora into Silva Nocens. Those four people were taken in different places all over the Alliance during the past thirty-six hours. One cimafa attacks the victim, while the others fight our blues. Several sentries are required to battle one cimafa, and we don’t have enough squadrons. They typically sneak over our borders singly to pursue auras that will boost their power—higher magicals, like you said, Lyra. Never have they purposely attacked non-magicals.”

“Can the Guardians fight the cimafa better than sentries?” Lyra asked.

“Yes. We can do more by using our auras, but I will not ask the other three to fight. I’m on my way out to join a patrol, since I’m the most capable. Losing a Guardian would be a tremendous danger. To break the balance of the four elements would seriously harm the strength of the Alliance.” He clasped his foreclaws against his massive chest. “Even I must use control; the great expenditure of Guardian power required to kill a cimafa would temporarily weaken our governance. The blues primarily fight with physical strength, hurling lightning bolts. Unless injured, they can recoup quicker. I alone have the advantage of using both magical and physical means in battle.”

“Do you want me to help?” Lyra asked.

“No. It’s best for all if you continue your studies to unlock the clues from each Book of Dragonspeir. That will reveal a way for the Alliance to overthrow the Dark Realm. As the Scribe, you are the only one who can read the hidden magical code in those texts.” The leader turned toward the door. “I’ll check with you later, when I return.”

“Head Guardian, are the higher magicals helping?” Lyra’s voice caught in her throat. “Is Cullen safe?”

He stooped to miss the upper arch of the door threshold and glanced over his shoulder. “Most are riding the senior sentries to offer additional strike force. Sire Drake will accompany Yord in my squadron.”

Lyra stepped forward, but the Imperial Dragon gave her no chance for discussion, bolting down the stone corridor with tremendous strides. She stared after him, immobilized by the shock of his news and concern for her love. After all that she and Cullen had risked and accomplished, hoping to reach their goal of living together…this didn’t seem possible. Moments ago, a happy life seemed within their grasp. She stared at the gray stone floor, dumbfounded. Their future together, once again, hung by a thread. Her mind filled with a blur of their hard victories won over the past year.

Purchase Links for previous books in the series:

Heritage Avenged: Enchanted Bookstore Legend Two

Seeking a Scribe: Enchanted Bookstore Legend One

Lost Volumes: Enchanted Bookstore Legend Three

Author Bio:

Marsha A. Moore is an author of fantasy romance. Much of her life feeds the creative flow she uses to weave highly imaginative tales.

The magic of art and nature often spark life into her writing, as well as watercolor painting and drawing. After a move from Toledo to Tampa in 2008, she’s happily transformed into a Floridian, in love with the outdoors. Marsha is crazy about cycling. She lives with her husband on a large saltwater lagoon, where taking her kayak out for an hour or more is a real treat. She never has enough days spent at the beach, usually scribbling away at stories with toes wiggling in the sand. Every day at the beach is magical! She’s been a yoga enthusiast for over a decade and is excited to be taking part in a Kripalu yoga teacher training program during 2013. That spiritual quest helps her explore the mystical side of fantasy.

Author Links:

Website: http://MarshaAMoore.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MarshaAMoore

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/marshaamooreauthorpage

Fantasy Faction staff page: http://fantasy-faction.com/staff-members?uid=38

Goodreads author page http://www.goodreads.com/marshaamoore

Google + https://plus.google.com/u/0/100564214132835514192/posts

Two guest bloggers visiting next week

2013-04-27T17:10:00.001-07:00

On Monday April 29th Marsha A. Moore author of the Enchanted Bookstore Legends series will present an article about moonstones and the use of stones in the magical system of her fantasy romance series.

Her blog: Illusions of Intimacy

Then on Thursday May 2nd Melodie Campbell author of Rowena Through the Wall and Rowena and the Dark Lord will contribute her thoughts on why bad guys can be so darn attractive.

Her blog: The Author of Bad Girl Comedy

Following Campbell's guest post, I will add a review of Rowena and the Dark Lord on Friday. She just did a cover reveal at her blog for this new release and it's a good one.

Please follow this blog so you don't miss these excellent writers' appearances.

I gave a writing presentation to third graders and they liked it

2013-04-26T18:00:00.003-07:00

Because I'm a novelist I was invited to speak at my neighborhood's school on writing day. I addressed all the third graders. There were about 70 of them, including my son. I was a little intimidated. Kids can be a tough audience. You can lose them to total squealing pandemonium in a heartbeat. Luckily I had three teachers working the perimeter to maintain containment.

But the kids were good and only slipped into gleeful chaos a few times. Happily a good portion of them appeared interested in what I had to say about writing.

One boy in particular appeared utterly enraptured by what I had to say. I kept looking back to him during my presentation. His focus never wavered. He was hanging on my every word. Trust me, when a child is paying attention it is shockingly apparent. To be honest he looked like I was blowing his mind, but in a good way. He was hearing information that delighted him.

He reminded me of how excited I was about writing when I was that young. I've always loved writing. Learning it was a pleasure and words have been my toys ever since. Although that particular young man was likely the most excited, I saw a dozen or so other boys and girls lit up with enthusiasm for the topic. They were genuinely interested in developing their writing skills. They loved stories and found joy in both their creation and consumption.

Despite all the setbacks and challenges of developing my writing career, my youthful excitement about writing has not faded a bit. I realized this during my presentation. It was good to be reminded that writing is my calling. I've always wanted to spend my life doing it.

Satirical video review about female authors

2013-04-26T14:56:00.000-07:00

Now that I think about it, I have been feeling systemically underrepresented lately.

2 more chapters of The Goddess Queen audiobook released

2013-04-24T05:21:00.001-07:00

The closer Dreibrand gets to Jingten and the final confrontation with Onja, the worse things get. He reunites with his old master Lord Kwan who is thinking about killing him. Then his rival the young King Kalek has definitely decided to kill him.

In Chapter 19 The Judgment of Lord Kwan, Quylan seduces the sympathies of Shan. Meanwhile Dreibrand suffers the consequences of his old master’s anger at the worst possible time.

In Chapter 20 King Kalek, Miranda is taken hostage by the young Temu King who then is able to capture Dreibrand. Occupied with the lovely Quylan, Shan is unaware of the vicious squabbling among his allies.

The audiobook production is getting closer to completion. Support its recording and buy episodes now. It only cost $1.50 to start listening.

See all episodes at The Goddess Queen audiobook page at Brave Luck Books.

This fantasy novel is also available as an ebook if you want to start reading.

I also started advertising this audiobook on the Functional Nerds. You can hear an audio excerpt from the novel in my ad in this week's episode.

Michael Corleone and the power of an unforgettable anti hero

2013-04-21T06:50:00.001-07:00

At first thought a writer might think that the protagonist of a novel needs to be likable. Readers should be able to relate to the character and care about what happens to him or her because they like that person.

This is not necessarily the case. Some exceedingly famous novels are dominated by characters that are neither likable nor admirable. But they are entirely unforgettable.

I believe that it is most important for a protagonist to be interesting. Readers aren't always looking for a main character like them. They want someone who can take their imagination to new places and experiences. And they hope for that rare character who can reveal profound truths.

A preeminent example of a famous character from a smash hit novel is Michael Corleone from the Godfather by Mario Puzo. He is basically a reprehensible person that most people would pray they never cross paths with. Yet, he's a great literary figure. I read the Godfather by Mario Puzo nearly 20 years ago, and I still think about it. That is the hallmark of a powerful novel.

What is so interesting about Michael Corleone?

In many ways his appeal comes from his willingness to be the bad guy for the sake of others. He will take the risks. He will make the hard decisions. He will do the killing. In his mind he justifies his actions because he is protecting his family and providing for them. He's defending his father's legacy.

He pledges to Kay that he'll make his business empire legitimate, but does he really mean it? Is that goal even important to him? If being a legitimate business person was so enticing to him, why does he keep threatening rivals and killing people? Why does he even go so far as to kill his lack-wit brother Fredo instead of forgiving him? He could have exiled him to someplace where he could do no more harm.

Maybe Puzo's point with Michael Corleone is that a powerful man will do anything to keep his power. And he'll tell himself it's all right because he's doing it for his family.

Michael expects his wife to be grateful for how well he provides for her and the family. In his mind she should just accept the life of privilege that he gives her. The story as portrayed in the films shows that Kay's conscience ultimately guts her ability to play the role. She wants to believe him when he lies to her, but eventually she can't accept that she and her children are the so-called justification for his brutality.

Eventually, she can support him no longer and aborts their child. All of Michael's power evaporates when Kaye declares that she will bring no more of his flesh and blood into the world.

Michael ends up alone and stripped of his supposedly sacred motivation. He's still a wealthy and powerful man, but his justification for his actions abandons him. He's deserted by the woman that was supposed to blindly appreciate his ruthless efforts.

I consider him a metaphor for a world ruled by men supposedly for the benefit of others. These powerful men let their women have no say in what goes on yet claim that what they do is for their benefit. Michael actually does what he does for the sake of being powerful. It's all about what he wants.

Literary figures such as Michael Corleone illustrate the power of fiction to create people that are unforgettable, and memorable is more powerful than likable.

What anti heroes have struck a chord with you? Comment about characters that you found more memorable than likable. How do such figures make books better?

Watcha Reading? Blog Hop - The Future and Furies

2013-04-18T06:20:00.001-07:00

I'm one of those people who reads more than one book at a time. The two nonfiction titles that I am currently into are The Future by Al Gore and Furies: War in Europe 1450 - 1700 by Lauro Martines.

Interestingly the books are rather complementary. Furies focuses on the awful wars that tormented Europe during the Early Modern period, and The Future often cites developments in civilization from the Early Modern period that are still having impacts today.

What have I gotten so far from Furies?

During the Early Modern period in Europe nation-states were emerging as the main entity of political power. The power wielded by nation-states stimulated a voracious appetite for war that drove ever rising taxes, the creation of new taxes, the impressment of unwilling people into the ranks of armies, and a wholesale disregard for the common good.

The details about killing deserters, sacking cities, peasants having their gruesome revenge on pillaging soldiers, raping, and plagues of disease are quite alarming. No wonder so many people chose to take their chances crossing the Atlantic in a sail boat to get to the New World.

Out of this war torn period the elites of the ruling class developed a heightened disregard for the victims of their wars. Drafted soldiers tended to come from the lowest classes and the homeless. Shoveling these starving souls and nasty rogues in front of guns and canons was seen as cleansing for society by many rulers.

So how's the Future looking?

In Al Gore's remarkably well researched tome The Future, I am receiving a vast quantity of information that basically everyone on the planet needs to digest and deal with.

Here's some main issues:

- Most stock and other financial transactions are performed by software. Humans have less involvement and less control of global finance than ever before. This system has developed because machines can do the trades faster and this gives competitive advantage to financial transactions on vast scales. Oh, and many of these financial instruments that software are so frantically playing at the speed of light are not based on reality and likely defy human comprehension. It's basically Skynet from the Terminator.

- Unemployment will continue to worsen. Outsourcing and robosourcing (machines are replacing you) boost productivity and profits for companies but lessen employment of actual human beings. At some point the inability of millions upon millions of people to obtain income will collapse demand for products and services.

- The Internet is creating a Global Mind in which people are able to share information and identify with each other beyond cultures and natiions. This aspect is hopeful for humanity, but the Internet is also another powerful media tool for manipulating societies, so it's power can serve both humanity and evil.

- Colossal amounts of data are being collected on everything we do and being stored for perpetuity to be used potentially for purposes ranging from benign to oppressive.

- The tools of mass communication and mass marketing coupled with the unlimited wealth of multinational corporations manufacture consent on a vast scale across societies and undermine democracy. The power of gigantic multinationals goes beyond the power of nation states. If you've heard of too big to fail, these companies are too big for laws made by representative democracies. They make the laws in various countries to suit their narrow profit-driven interests and override the self interest of citizens. All democracies are seriously threatened by the removal of governance by the people for the people. The United States is a shining example of this process in action.

- Vast increases in human population and consumption are hitting the limits of natural resources, especially metals and food. Serious issues like climate change and loss of topsoil will greatly impact food supplies.

Very cheerful stuff isn't? When I picked up The Future by Al Gore, I had meant to skim through it, but I've ended up reading it very carefully. I even study all the meticulous details in the charts at the start of each chapter. It's an astouding work and everyone should read it. I'm only a quarter way in. It's been fascinating so far. It's actually refreshing to see serious issues presented instead of totally ignored like in mainstream news.

I expect that some of the other reading material being presented on the Watcha Reading? Blog Hop will be of a little lighter nature than mine, but I wanted to let my readers know about some of the tough material I tackle. No wonder I like writing fantasies where magic can solve so many problems.

Please hop around the other blogs during this event. You might find a reading recommendation that fits your taste and you'll find some great blogs that you can start following.

Bloggers - Join the blog hop and get the linky widget.

Sponsored by Her Ladyship's Quest

Ebook Giveaway

During this blog hop I am giving away 3 ebook copies of my novel Judgment Rising: The Rys Chronicles Book III.

Although it's the third novel in the series, new readers can jump in because it's a new point of entry into the saga. It starts five years after the events in the last novel and starts new adventures.

Please comment on this blog to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway form.

This is an international giveaway.
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A Near Death Experience and the Magic of Fantasy

2013-04-17T06:07:00.004-07:00

Her Ladyship's Quest welcomes today guest contributor Omon Hart, an accomplished therapeutic bodywork professional in the Pacific Northwest. Hart is touring blogs to promote the release of his novel PureLights of the Ohm Totem.

A Near Death Experience and the Magic of Fantasy

Many years ago an extremely good friend of mine had a Near Death Experience. When I first met her, she explained to me that there was nothing “near” about it. She was as dead as a door nail until someone revived her back to life several minutes later.

I had met her when I was getting into the throes of writing. Little did I know she was about to change my life forever, especially in the writing field (not to mention every other field I entered into).

Her name is Deborah B. Gregg, and this is how she died.

She was standing at the edge of a river, looking down at the water, feeling the gentle breeze across her body as she pondered if she should take a dive or not. The instant she jumped, she saw something that the algae in the water had masked moments earlier—a large boulder inches below the water's surface.

As her arms splashed into the water, she felt her hands hit the boulder. She pushed against the boulder in an attempt to guide her body away from it. Her hands slipped and she hit her forehead against the large rock, splitting her head open, tearing several ligaments in her neck, and temporarily paralyzing her.

She said she did the dead man's float—face down, bobbing up and down, unable to move. All she could do was watch the flurry of tiny fish swimming around, observe the busy water bugs moving about, and look at the beautiful sand stirring into a cloud, then settling to the bottom; all along not being able to do anything except wait to die.

And it wasn't a terrible death. It wasn't ghastly, horrific, or terrifying. No demons came out of the ground and snatched her, taking her to the depths of an unforgivable hell. It was the opposite. It was peaceful and the most loving experience she had ever had.

When the last seconds of her life started to fade, she popped out of her body, went up a tunnel, had a life review where she felt the wrongs and rights she did to others, then spoke with someone she called her “guide”—all in a place where time doesn't exist. She was told wondrous things and given many insights.

When she came back, it was to a very broken body. A body she had to learn to live with in order to cope with the horrible pain that accompanied such a tragic accident.

It was years after her Near Death Experience when I met her. Fifteen years later we're still friends.

[Get her story and experience at www.deborahbgregg.com]

As I've stated above, she learned a great deal during her Near Death Experience, most of which I've been able to listen to and incorporate into my own life, leading me to success in many endeavors. In fact, I've learned just about everything I know through her Near Death Experience, even writing.

Yes, writing.

I'm a writer, or at least that's what I told her when I first met her. I had no idea at the time that I had to be a “good” writer in order for others to understand what I was trying to communicate. She pointed that out many times, making me practice and practice this sacred art. It helped that she was a damn good teacher and a literary genius to boot—something her “guide” also told her during her death experience.

Then it happened. A day I won't ever forget. A writer's dream come true.

I was walking into my bedroom after a long day of work when an inspiring idea, or rather a story, exploded in my mind. The detail, the story line, the characters—everything—was so vivid and real. I don't know how long I was standing in my room, silent, staring at nothing but the book showing itself in my mind, but when it stopped I immediately wrote down the summary of what I saw, thinking that I'd get writing as soon as possible.

Two years later, I had the summary and a couple of completed chapters. Life had gotten in the way and I hadn't written much.

Then it happened again. This time I was asleep, dreaming.

I was dreaming of the book, the characters, the dialogue, the landscape, the map, and much more—for months! This prompted me to start writing and writing. Everywhere I went—to work, the park, a restaurant, you name it—I carried a pad and pencil, jotting down the story as I saw it, weaving Deborah's words and wisdom of her Near Death Experience into it. I even made a character with her personality. I named her “Snow Tree”, using her voice to carry us into the profound texture of my book. When I got deeper and deeper into the story, I realized that Nova, one of my main characters, was taking on a portion of my friend's disposition. Nova's dialogue was very similar to Deborah's, almost mimicking the way she spreads her sage-like advice and important messages.

It wasn't until the middle of the book that I realized the name of it, “The PureLights of Ohm Totem”. It made perfect sense. You'll understand its title when you read it. It's a fantasy built in a world like none other, with characters like nowhere else, simply because it originated from a unique point, the point where the story exploded in my mind, offering itself to me on a silver platter, finishing with a series of dreams, and combined with fifteen years of study and friendship with my Near Death Experience friend, Deborah.

A reader at Amazon in his review said it magically:

“I couldn't put it down. I liken this book to doing yoga—it allows your mind to escape the daily trials and tribulations of life while simply being reminded to breathe. It is as much a spiritual retreat as it is a great fantasy adventure. I loved this book as it took old themes of warring groups and put a completely new twist on it. The book becomes a philosophical journey around fears and insecurities and what the usual physiological responses are but then explores creating new responses and a different way of being. All the while the author has crafted a book with all the tension, drama, humor and excitement of any great fantasy book.

“The main characters are siblings named Zoey and Coda who happen to wander into a mystical world of spirit animals. The reader is quickly thrown into the action as conflict erupts between the Dims and Sihu Tribe. As the story develops, the characters struggle with their responses to conflict while being gently guided to respond in new ways.”

By combining the insights of a Near Death Experience with the magic, intrigue, and plot of fantasy, you come away with a very rich experience. One that I think you'll love and enjoy.

If you feel drawn to my book, “The PureLights of Ohm Totem”, then I hope you feel transported to a new, incredible world where adventure mixes with a myriad of important life lessons, taking place in a world where dreams and reality merge into one—the world we call Fantasy.

Thank you very much,

Omon Hart,
www.thepurelights.com

Purchase The PureLights of Ohm Totem at: http://goo.gl/a2Uoy