WeWriWa - Kill me quick!

It's the last WeWriWa of 2013!  This year has been so awesome, and next year will only be better.  If you would like to know more about Weekend Writing Warriors, who they are, what they write, how flipping awesome they are...follow the link right here.  If you've been skulking around and reading...but not joining in on the fun, make a New Years Resolution to get involved.  We'd love to have you.

I resolve to complete the first draft of my book in the month of January.  Augh, I posted that, so now I've gotta make it happen!  But, no more excuses about going back to work shrinking my writing time...or any other excuse I might toss out there.  I will make it so!  And this week, I'm going to share the next eight lines from my WIP with you.  I am continuing with Medina and the young boy from Rasport.  He's still huddled down in the crow's nest of his ship freaked out by the harpy that is eyeing him.  The people from Rasport have outlawed magic and think all things magical are perversions of nature...

Medina dropped into the nest.

“Ahhh,” he cried.  “Kill me quick.  I don’t want to be alive when you eat me.”

“Eat you,” she laughed, “You are nothing but skin and bones, why would I eat you?”  She reached out a gentle hand and patted his back.

He lifted his eyes, peering at her freckled face.  “You aren’t going to eat me?” he breathed.

Enjoy the festivities of the coming week!  My dear hubby's birthday is New Year's Eve, so we will be making some noise on Tuesday night for sure : )

WeWriWa before Christmas - Meet Medina

Father forgive me for I have sinned.  I have missed a week of WeWriWa, and must atone for this transgression.  I will read each snippet twice, absorbing as much fantastic writing as one humble sinner can, for the number I have missed, while I was away last week, cavorting with dragons and hobbits and riding rollercoasters with my family...oh, how I have fallen.  Sniff, sniff.

 

Oh, excuse me (slight blush) I didn't realize the confessional door was ajar.  Well, now you've heard my torrid confession, so we might as well push onward.  I am so happy to have you here at my humble blog.  This is another weekly sabbatical of Weekend Writing Warriors (here's the link) where you can find many interesting styles of writing to study and learn from, as well as be delighted by.   Authors from all over the world, share eight lines of their published work or works in progress.  So many styles to choose from, so many places they'll take you.  Can I get a "Hallelujah?"

 

This week, I have left Ena and Ravyn to fend for themselves back in Aigerach.  This week we shift forward a few years to my WIP, tentatively titled Zelera's Revenge.  I wanted to introduce you to another of my favorite characters.  Her name is Medina, and she's a harpy.  She has been flying over the ocean and checking out the forces from Rasport that are invading Aigerach...

 

 

Medina dropped down into the fog, following the clamor of angry, frightened voices.  She slid along the currents of air, to land on a ship’s yard.  The crow’s nest appeared empty, so she lifted off to land on the lip of the barrel shaped enclosure that perched atop the mast. 

“Ah, what manner of monster are you?”

Medina peered into the barrel - a small lad cowered down, arms over his head.  He poked his head out over his arm to peek at her, then squealed, ducking his head back under. 

“I’m not a monster,” she clucked, “I’m a harpy.”  She chuckled and tossed her head, flipping her auburn hair. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

WeWriWa - It means fiery!

Happy Weekend everyone!  Please join us for another exciting installment of the Weekend Writing Warriors!  If you follow the link here you find a list of many talented authors who are sharing eight lines of their published works, or eight lines from a work in progress.  You might think eight lines isn't much to read, but let me tell you, eight lines can hook you in to the story, and you have to return week after week for a bit more.  It's a powerful addiction. 

This week, I think I'm sharing the last bit from Return of the Crown in this scene.  Who knows what I'll share next week.

 

Ravyn ran up to the dragon throwing her arms around the powerful sinewy neck.  “Oh, that would be so wonderful, it would really speed things up.  You know,” she cocked her head as she looked up into the glowing golden eyes, “I don’t know your name.  Dragons do have names, don’t they?”

“It’s Ena; it means fiery - I’m named for my temper.  Now, gather your belongings.  We must leave at once; I have another egg to care for.  I’ve been gone from it for far too long.”

So feel free to leave comments, I love to hear from you.  I hope your holidays are coming together!  There's never enough hours in the day in the month of December!

WeWriWa - Not today

I decided I'd better post a little something today, since I have been faithfully posting over the past few months with WeWriWa.  But today, I didn't post eight lines from my WIP or from Return of the Crown, because I will be at work all day, and I don't want to feel pressure to get to everyone's posts.  I will get to as many as I can today, just so I can read all the wonderful tidbits and keep up with the stories I've been enjoying each week.  If you are looking for the link list to find all the literary talent...please click ME!

Today I will post a 75 word flash that I wrote this month.  It's titled Snow Blanket.

The snow falls fast and thick, the world is void of color.  It’s 25 below zero, I think.  Why am I hot?  I fumble with the zipper before slipping off my jacket.  A nippy wind pulls a tear from my eye.  I sigh, sinking down into the soft white fluff.  I’m not supposed to do this, but it feels so good.  I lay back, letting the snow blanket me.  I snuggle in and drift off... 

Hope your Thanksgiving was fantastic and you ate till your buttons near popped off your pants : )

WeWriWa - "I'm not saying I will..."

Welcome to my humble blog on this fine and wonderful Sunday...or Saturday night if you are sneaking in a little early : )  It's time for that weekly post for Weekend Writing Warriors.  If you don't know what it is, please click right (wait for it....) Here!  When you follow that magical link, it'll lead you to a list.  Not just any list, but a fantastic to read list, by a fantastic bunch of people.  There are snippets from stories from just about any genre you could hope for.  Even some poetry on occasion!  

This week, I am continuing on with Ena and Ravyn.  I'm thinking this might be the last bit from this exchange before I move on to something else...either from Return of the Crown, already published, or it's sequel (Still unpublished and as yet...not even named).  So, we left off with Ena, worrying her baby might already have been killed by Zelera (Ravyn's very evil and nasty aunt).  We start with Rayvn's thoughts on the matter...

“I think she is planning on hatching your baby.  If she wanted to kill it, she would have left your egg smashed in your cave.  So, if you’ll let me, I’ll start working on what’s left of this raft.”  Ravyn sighed.

Ena lifted a taloned foot where the mast and tangled sail lay smoldering.  She crushed some embers out with her tail.  “I’m not saying I will, but suppose I fly you to Aigerach, to the area of Desolation.  You don’t appear to weigh much more than a little lamb.”

I hope those of you who are participating in NaNoWriMo are seeing the finish line before you and have your sights set on victory!  Have a really wonderful weekend, and as always, love to hear what you think : )

WeWriWa - One Scared Momma

Welcome to another installment in the fantastic, exciting, and ever brilliant Weekend Writing Warriors snippets extravaganza!  If you happened upon this humble blog by chance, and want to know who else is involved, and how you can also partake in the fun, please, by all means, click this here link!  The skinny is this...writer's from all over the world, post eight sentences from their published works, or works in progress each and every Sunday.  Then they read each other's splendiferous words, sometimes they laugh, sometimes they cry, and at times read stuff that scares the bejeezus out of them.  A few of those fantastic writer's words are hot stuff, so you might want to keep a fan handy!  They also post words of encouragement, ask questions, offer ideas or gentle critique. 

Okay, so this week I'm continuing on with Ravyn and Ena.  If you remember, we left Ena pondering the girl before her, and the explanations she's been given.  I've been creative with punctuation, which is probably pretty obvious.

 

“How long will this journey take you?”

Ravyn noticed the smoke from the dragon’s nostrils had decreased to a slim plume.  “...I have to get to Aigerach first, and well, you have rather destroyed my transportation.  It’s going to take me a week at least to put together a seaworthy raft to get me across that channel.  A half day of sailing, I’d guess, then it’ll probably take a month or so to cross over the land to get to Veris.  How long till your egg hatches?”

“Over a month, as long as it’s kept warm--this aunt of yours stole it for blood, you think?  Who knows if my baby still lives,” Ena began to sob, hiccupping a puff of smoke.

 

Oh, my.  Don't you just want to give that momma dragon some loving?  Poor girl...

 

Since we are in the month of November, I'd just like to say, I'm thankful I happened upon WeWriWa, and all you amazing and supportive writers.  Please consider yourself truly appreciated!

Guilt? What's to be guilty about?

Welcome to another exciting installment of WeWriWa on my humble little blog.  It is Sunday again, and I share another eight sentences from Return of the Crown this week.  If you enjoy teasing yourself, you should follow the link here to find many talented authors who are sharing their eight sentences as well.  Just know...you'll likely get hooked, and need constant transfusions from their literary minds to feed your hunger. Don't say I didn't warn ya!  

Last week, we left off with Ravyn sort of warning Ena not to go after her evil aunt Zelera, who is one nasty practitioner of the Dark Arts.  After turning her big blue eyes on Ena in a most beseeching way, Ravyn continues the rest of her thought...(I was extremely creative with my punctuation this week...so the thoughts would flow nicely and I wouldn't leave things in mid-thought.  I do hope I have your forgiveness : ) 

“I have to face my aunt, and save my parents.  I’ll find your egg and bring it back to you, if you will spare me.  I know I may not look like much, but I’m the best chance you have of getting your egg back.”

Ena considered the young girl standing proudly before her.  She was brave; she would give her credit for that.  Ena had seen many grown men cower before her over the past centuries, moreover, what she said made sense.  Things had changed in Aigerach, the peasants struggled to survive, fewer cattle grazed the fields.  She felt a tinge of guilt about the sheep she had eaten the night before--but, only a tinge.  

I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday.  If you are participating in NaNoWriMo, you have my most sincere wishes that you have success this month.  I am doing a little fun thing called NaNoFlashMo...30 short stories in 30 days.  I've written two out of 30...hoping to knock a few out of the park today.

Ravyn holds her breath...

Happy WeWriWa to you.  What?  You don't know what that means?  Well, every Sunday, authors from around the globe post eight sentences from their work in progress or from a published work.  Then, they go around to each other's sites and read and comment and commiserate.  Do you have to be an author to participate?  Heck no, you can read all these great snippets even if you don't post your own!  Follow the link here for a list of all the participants.  There's almost every genre imaginable represented!

For my bit of eight this week, we are continuing where we left off last week.  Ena, an angry mother dragon, has listened to Princess Ravyn tell of her evil aunt, unravelling protection spells, quests to return crowns, and rightly asked the question...but what has this to do with my egg?

Here's Ravyn's answer:

“Since the invisibility spell is gone, my aunt is able to locate me through magic, and she’s trying to eliminate me.  I think she stole your egg, hoping you’d kill me, thinking I took your baby.”  She held her breath waiting for the dragon’s reaction.

The dragon appeared to ponder her words.  “Why shouldn’t I kill you, then attack your aunt and take my egg back?  Dragons care nothing of humans or their petty wars and struggles.”

“My aunt is very strong in the use of the Dark Arts.  If you attack her castle, you will be captured or killed yourself.” 

I love your comments, so please feel free to share.  And, have a wonderful, restful Sunday!

Fractured Legacy - Review

I was given an ARC copy of Fractured Legacy to Review.  This debut release by Skye Callahan is just the right type of read for Halloween, and as of today it is #6 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy > Paranormal & Urban!  As of today it is also FREE, not sure how long that'll last, but I recommend you getting your copy right away!  Just click Here!

First, look at that cover!  Creepy!!!!

Now on to my review...

Move over Sam and Dean, Kaylyn and Cole are taking over the Supernatural business.

It’s that time of year for spooks and creepy tales and haunted mysteries.  But, I’d recommend Fractured Legacy for anytime of the year.  Skye Callahan’s debut story is a quick and entertaining read, about two sisters who work for Aicil, a company that involves dealing with things that go bump in the night, things that ordinary folk don’t like to believe exist…things that make you worry about what’s lurking in the shadows.

I enjoyed the interactions between Kaylyn and her new boss.  Can’t wait to see how their relationship will evolve in the future.  Lots of questions are left unanswered, which is so mean of the author.  Please don’t take too long to finish the sequel Skye!

Short and sweet…The story is fast paced.  The writing neat and concise.  The dialogue snarky and entertaining.

Well worth the read in my humble opinion.

"What has this to do with my egg?"

 

Welcome to my eight sentences from Return of the Crown.  I have joined with writers from around the globe, each Sunday, to share just a little morsel of writing for your literary palate.  Check out other writers at WeWriWa for some savory bites.  There's something to satiate near every appetite.

This week I take up where we left off last week, Ravyn is still pleading her case with the dragon. If you need to refresh your memory please click Right Here! 

 

“The King and Queen are dead, Zelera is the Empress now.  Even we dragons know the story.”

“My parents are very much alive, as am I.   My mother cast a spell of protection and invisibility over me when Zelera attacked us.  Now, that spell is unraveling, and I’m trying to get back to Veris to rescue them.”

“A quest-to return the crown.  Noble.  But what has this to do with my egg?”

 

If these snippets are just aren't enough to fill your craving for fantasy, for $2.99 you can spice up your Kindle with Ravyn's adventures by clicking this link.

I hope you all have a delightful Sunday.  I'm looking forward to relaxing, with my feet up, and teasing myself with just a slice of this story and a snack of that one...and a bit of that teaser too!

 

The puzzle piece falls into place...

Oh WeWriWa, Oh WeWriWa, how much I love thee, WeWriWa!  I am so excited for Sunday to roll around.  Even if I can't get myself connected to my writing life any other day of the week, Sunday comes, and I'm in the best of both worlds, I am the author and sharing...and the reader and devouring wonderful literary works of art!  If for some strange reason, you have no clue what I'm talking about, click the link here and find out all the details and see the many amazing authors who are sharing snippets of their work, eight sentences at a time.

Last week, Ravyn was still trying to save her skin, and pondering who could be responsible for stealing the egg.

“Oh,” Ravyn exclaimed, piecing together the puzzle.  She put her hands to her lips, staring off in the direction of Aigerach.

Golden eyes stared deep into blue.  “Oh?  Have you just remembered where you left my egg?” she snarled.

“Oh, great dragon, I think inadvertently it is my fault your egg is missing.  But, I swear to you on my father’s throne I didn’t take it.  I am Princess Ravyn of Aigerach...years ago my aunt bound my father, King Bryant and my mother, Queen Lareina in the Darkness.”

I hope you all have a fantastic day!  I am working on creating a haunted house for my daughter's school, and have promised to take the child to the Renaissance Faire for a few hours as well.  This may tie me up a bit today, so if I do not make it to your snippet today, I will find the time over the next week.  You can bet your sweet bippy!

WeWriWa - Dragon hunter or not?

Welcome to my eight sentences for WeWriWa.  Each Sunday, folks from all over post eight sentences from published work, or work's in progress.  Everyone visits each other and posts comments and suggestions.  It's a heap of fun!

This week, I'm continuing on from here.  Ravyn is trying to convince the dragon she did not steal her egg.  Ena said..."You used magic, I smell it on you."

“Oh, I only just did that.  I wanted to talk with you.  I swear, I never even saw your egg.”

The dragon glanced about the small clearing, “Maybe you had help, or you left the egg somewhere planning to return for it later.  I’ve seen the horrible things you dragon hunter’s do for dragon blood.  Using it in your magic potions, evil witch!”  She sucked in a deep breath, readying to flambé Ravyn.

What would convince the dragon she was innocent...who could have stolen the egg? 

I missed you all last week.  My wonderful brother-in-law was getting married, and I gave him and his wonderful bride all my attention last weekend.  I can't wait to catch up on everybody's posts!  Have a really wonderful Sunday!

Feeling Thankful

I am not an overly religious person.  In fact, I don't even know how long it's been since I stepped into a church.  However, I am feeling very grateful to the Lord at the moment.  So, in lieu of a trip to church to say my thanks, I thought I'd just share a quick post, thanking him publicly for keeping watch over my family.

Yup, God is good. 

WeWriWa - The smell of magic

Happy Weekend, my friends.  Put your feet up and relax, and join us in the sharing of eight sentences.  Some posts might scare you, some might tug on your heart strings, and some might make you laugh.  Join all the folks at WeWriWa who are participating and leave some comment love!

Last week, Ravyn and the dragon got the communication ball rolling.  But, is it going very well?  If you'd like to read the entire excerpt you can find it here.  Ena accused Ravyn of stealing her egg, "You admit you've been here a whole day.  You had time..."

...Now you are wasting mine, where’s my egg?”  She snorted a large plume of smoke, stoking her internal fires.

Ravyn thought frantically, “Your egg must be large.  Could I carry it?  You live in those caves I saw on the other side of the island.  Could I get all the way over there and return here with your egg in such a short period of time?”

“Well of course it’s bigger than you are,” snapped the dragon, “but…”  Ena looked puzzled; the hoods over her golden eyes narrowed, “You used magic; I smell it on you.”

WeWriWa - Communication is Key?

It's Sunday!  It's the day of the week, that several talented authors share little snippets of their work for your enjoyment.  Be careful, once you start travelling around to all the sites, you get yourself hooked, on story after story, and you have to come back week after week (whew, what a run-on).  If you'd like to find all the amazing folks listed in one place, please click the link to WeWriWa. 

I'm returning to Return of the Crown, last week, Ravyn did some hoping and gave the dragon some serious praise, hoping it would be enough to keep her from being torched.  If you'd like to refresh, click here.

The dragon cocked its head, puzzled.  It began growling, but Ravyn heard, “Is that why you stole my egg?”

“Stole your egg?  I’ve only been here since yesterday.  How could I have stolen your egg?”

“My egg was missing when I returned from hunting last night.  You admit you have been here a whole day.  You had time..."

I have recently returned to the world of outside the home work...which has been fun, but this past week, kept me very busy.  Today is my only day off...and I'm heading out with the dear husband to watch a matinee performance of Les Miserables.  I will get by as many folks as I can before I need to go, and will catch up with whomever I missed in the next couple days!  Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

WeWriWa - Ravyn takes a stand

I would like to thank the folks at WeWriWa for giving me something to look forward to every Sunday.  I'm not really sure how I happened across it...or finally noticed it, since I had seen blogposts regarding it before.  But, for whatever reason, this summer, I became a part of it.  I feel truly blessed to have happened upon such a wonderful group of talented and supportive writers.  (Okay, sniff sniff, enough mushy stuff)!

So, for this week's eight, I'm continuing right on with where we left off...here.  Last week a large burst of flame shot past Ravyn's head, and the dragon has pretty much trashed her campsite.  Things aren't looking so good...

 

Ravyn fought to suppress rising panic, forcing herself to take a deep breath.  If only I could talk to it.  She felt pulsing warmth deep within her and focused on that place.  Instinctively she held her hands out in front of her palms up.  She now stood facing the angry scarlet beast. 

“Please mighty dragon, hear my words...I have dreamed of seeing a dragon since I was a little girl, you are far more magnificent than I’d imagined possible...you are astonishing.”  She bowed her head.

 

So, I did a little bit of ellipsical (it's a word, I'm sure of it) work to make it all fit.  I hope you don't mind too terribly much!  Have a splendiferous day and I'm looking forward to reading all the wonderful snippets of eight!

WeWriWa -

It's Sunday, fun-day, reading everyone's eight sentence snippets, Gimme another one-day!  I look forward to reading through these short blurbs every week.  After you've read this one...you can head over to WeWriWa and check out all the other wonderful authors!

Last week, I gave you snippets from Return of the Crown, and I showed you the beginning of Ravyn and Ena's acquaintance.  If you remember, Ena came crashing down on Ravyn's campsite and set her raft on fire...

Ravyn shot out from her hiding place. “No!  Stop!  Please!”

The ruby head snapped in her direction, wild golden eyes locking on Ravyn.  Acrid smoke plumed from flaring nostrils.  The dragon threw its head back snarling, before shooting a huge gout of flame at Ravyn.  Ravyn flung herself behind a huge boulder, feeling a hot stream of air roar past, the scent of singed hair greeted her.

Love your comments, they truly make my day! 

WeWriWa - Return of the Crown - When we first meet Ena

Another weekend and more incredible scenes dripped across the pages in eight short sentences!  So many different styles and genre's, it's a literary smorgasbord!  If you are interested in how this whole thing works, visit the folks at WeWriWa (this is a great place to find those other flavors on the buffet today as well!).

Okay, so everyone seems to have been enjoying Ena, and I thought that I'd do something a little different this week.  I'd share some bits from Return of the Crown, which is my first published novel.  I thought you all might like to see how Ena's friendship with Ravyn began.  To sort of set the scene, Ravyn's raft is in need of repairs, and she's landed on Draconis Island, where's she's made a sort of makeshift camp...

A scream woke Ravyn with a start; she rubbed her arms trying to chase away the shivers. She wiped at her eyes, thinking she’d dreamt it, and then the anguished cry ripped through the air again, so she grabbed her things and rushed into the shadows. 

A huge shape flashed in front of the trees, casting shadow over the entire campsite. A monstrous scarlet dragon crashed down in the camp, scattering bits of embers across the sand. Its huge scaly head swiveled left and right, sniffing and growling all the while. It pounced on the raft, snapping the mast like a twig. Ravyn watched in wide-eyed horror as it ripped the sail free of the mast, the ropes snapping like string. A quick blast of fire from its smoking jaws turned everything into a raging bonfire, and the wood crackled and sparked, feeding the hungry flames.

If you are interested in checking out more about Return of the Crown...click here.  I happen to know the author will give folks copies on occasion if they are interested in reading and giving an honest review.  You could always ask for one : )

 

 

Indie Blog Hop - Media Tip

My networking and media tips:

1.  Treat others how you would like to be treated (I think I'm stealing from the good book here, but it sort of covers so many areas).
2.  Try to find balance between networking and writing.  If the balance goes awry, do not beat yourself up over it.  Reset your priorities and start over.  No biggie.  (BTW, if you find a good and permanent way to keep the balance - please share)
3.  Have fun.  If it's not fun, it's not worth doing.

For me, that sort of sums it up.  Oh and give a super big THANK YOU to those who provide you with opportunities to meet others and share your work and insight!  So, Dawna and Fel, you two are my HEROES!!!

I had a great time these past couple weeks meeting you fine folks and reading about your work, your interests, and just the general camaraderie that ensued!  Don't be a stranger, let's keep in touch.  And if I can help you in the future in any way, please don't hesitate to ask!

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My shortest Post Ever - Indie Blog Hop

Writing Tip:  Write what you love and love what  you write.

A Book A Decade...Sort of

I thought a fun way to look at the topic of my top 5 books, would be to choose a book from each decade, that I really enjoyed.  Now, I have not actually hit the big 5-0, nor am I quite there yet...but I'll add a recent book to this list at the end.  Let's start at the beginning, shall we?

1.  When I was just a little bit, in my momma's arms...I couldn't get enough of one author in particular.  The amazing Dr. Seuss!  My favorite - Green Eggs and Ham, which I think is splendiferous!  Did you know that amazing book has a mere 51 different words used?  You do not like them, so you say, try them and you may...try them and you may I say!

2.  Ten year old me loved James and the Giant Peach and any other books of fantasy I could get my hands on.  Roald Dahl delighted me with his outrageous stories, that I oh so wished could really truly happen! 

3.  Young adult me...when not reading books that related to my school education loved Piers Anthony.  He is so punny : )  The Xanth novels are so much fun, and very clever!  Not sure if I could pick a favorite, as they are all equal in silliness...

 

4.  As a young momma, I fell in love with Harry Potter and as you can see, dressed the girls up in homemade costumes and dragged them to the midnight sales!  JK Rowling became an inspiration to me, and always reminded me that I could pursue writing if I chose to.  BTW, I can't pick just one of the Harry Potter novels...nope, and you can't make me.

5.  And, now at this point in my life, I would have a hard time choosing an absolute favorite.  I guess I'd have to say, my favorite book so far, has been reading The Hobbit with my daughter Sierra.  Yup, that'd be my favorite.  It's my precious...

So, I'm guessing you might've noticed a pattern or two.  My top 5 all make their homes in the realm of fantasy!  And, I'm a great big goofball geek that likes to have fun!  Any of the books on this list tickle your literary bone?

 







What's a girl to read? Indie Blog Hop - 5th Post

My current TBR list is enormous!  I have so many things sitting in wait, it's not funny.  Recently, I had the fortune to win three books in a rafflecopter thing-a-ma-jig!  How cool is that?  So, I'm reading the first of my winnings...

I have only just started into it.  Maybe third chapter, but so far, so good.  It is about a girl who hears voices in her head...and they want her help.  Needless to say, she's kind of freaking out, because the voices can be pretty insistent.  Looks like there will be a couple love interest options, sensitive young men who want to help her...we'll see how that all works out. 

So far, it's been good.  Lots of tension and plenty of unanswered questions (I am just a couple chapters in).  So, I'll have to post a full review when I get it finished.

WeWriWa #8: Ena dreams of sushi...

Welcome friends to WeWriWa and the snippets o' eight.  I think this will be my last week to share on this scene...we've had so much fun with Ena, Ardan, Rowan and Ravyn!  

Last week, Ena teased Rowan about trying to use a shillelagh to attack a dragon.  If you've forgotten what happened last week, you can find it here!

Ena sniffed, insulted.  “Princess Ravyn is my friend.  I do not harm my friends.”

“Well then, do ye harm Princess Ravyn’s friends?” 

Ena smiled, her sharp teeth glittering in the afternoon sun.  “I had thought I’d get to try seafood,” she chuckled, “but I suppose I can have it another day.  I’ve never tried Selkie before.”

Ronan gulped and took a half step back.

If you'd like to read loads more snippets, please click the link that will lead you to WeWriWa.  

Indie Block Party - Meet Skye

On this writing journey, it's such a delight to come across fellow travelers that know what its like to travel the literary road.  I feel so privileged to share some information with you on fellow traveler -- Skye Callahan. 

 

So, most of us know that in order to be a good writer, we need to be prolific readers.  What book are you reading now?
Biting Bad by Chloe Neill :) I love my Chicagoland Vampires. Particularly Ethan... and Jonah... and Jeff (who is a shifter not a vamp)... I'll shut up now.

Many of us daydream of being someone else.  If you could be any character from any book, who would you be?
Well, I wouldn't be a character from any of my books, they always end up in heaps of trouble. As do most of the characters I like... but, I would be Diana from Discovery of Witches. She's an intelligent academic, strong-willed, able to time-travel, and she gets Matthew!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Right after I learned to write my name. I've always loved creating stories and fantasy lands—they were usually complete with ghosts and vampires and heroes on motorcycles.


Best time of day to write and why?
There is no hope for me in the morning, I work afternoons, evenings I'm at about 50% but once 9pm rolls around I'm wired to work. I typically go from 9ish to about 2am.
 
What’s the BEST writing advice you ever received?
Just write. It's not the most profound advice... or is it?


I know this next question may seem odd, but really I've been told people are dying to hear the answer...Toe socks, tube socks, or dress socks?
I prefer no socks when I can get away with it. Although I also prefer no shoes. If I must wear socks and shoes, then I prefer some nice cotton socks with my Harley-Davidson boots. I guess I have no in-between setting. Hmm, I'm seeing a real love of the two-wheeled vehicle...




Again, I have a question that really must be answered.  It ranks right up there with the socks...Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?
LOL, never Unless I'm putting on new sheets, but that consists of putting on the fitted sheet, new pillowcases and tossing the blanket into a pile in the middle.  Girl after my own heart.



Last one that seems pointless, but I'm sure it has extreme literary value...Do you go out of your way to kill bugs? Are there any that make you screech and hide?
Only mosquitoes, flies, and gnats—they're all pesky little buggers. Aside from that, most bugs don't bother me. I once had a 4-legged spider named Mort that lived in the back of my truck for a month and another spider, Archibald, that lived in the bathroom window for a summer. Mort...as in death? 

Okay, let's get serious here.  What does your protagonist think about you? Would she want to hang out with you, the author, her creator.
Kaylyn is the main protagonist in Fractured Legacy, if not for the awful things she goes through under my pen (many of which I refuse to be blamed for because it's not like I control where the story goes) we could totally hang out and cause chaos together. 3:) There are two other MCs that will be featured through the rest of the series—Kaylyn's sister Cole and their boss Jonah. Cole is almost my opposite, so we would have our moments. And I'm sure that I grate on Jonah's nerves, he spends a lot of time frustrated with the story developments. Poor Jonah!


Start to finish, how long did it take to write Fractured Legacy?
I'm likely going to be “in the process” up until the last minute, but I wrote the first draft in about 3 weeks. That's amazing!

Look at that cover!  It's great, doncha think?  Look for it, coming this fall!
Find Skye:
Blog: skyecallahan.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skye.callahan.16?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Skye_Callahan

Don't go Dragon my Heart Around...

Good day you all!  I'm so excited to be bringing Ena out of Aigerach to meet you, but I'd better get you all prepped before she arrives.  She is probably one of my "favoritest" (yes, I know that's not a real word, but I like the way it sounds) characters (don't tell her that though, it'll go right to her head).  She is a momma dragon.  So, she looks and acts a bit scary, but I promise her smoke is worse than her flame. (Millie cups hand to ears) Ah, here she comes...I recognize those wing beats a mile off.  If you have any loose sheets of paper about, you might want to weigh them down.

THUMP, KERTHUMP!

E:  Well, I'm here.  I'll have you know I passed over a very nice herd of cows on my way here.
M:  (Cringes) Ena, I'm on a budget.  Please tell me I don't owe an angry rancher thousands of dollars...please...
E:  I didn't eat his cows, I did however enjoy his goats!  Did you know that goats can faint?  Funniest damn thing I ever saw.  I swooped down over the herd, and they all started ya-a-a-am-mer-ring then they got all stiff-legged and keeled over.  I had to make three passes, it amused me so much!
M:  (Sigh) How many did you eat?
E:  I ate before I left Aigerach.  Put, your wallet away, I didn't eat a one.  Now, what kind of silly questions did you want to ask me? 
M:  Well, the people following the Indie Blog Hop would like to know a little about you, like how would you describe yourself, you know, what you look like...
E:  Bah, this is ridiculous.  You brought me here for me to boast about my magnificent scarlet scales?  My sleek profile, my glistening white teeth?  You want me to brag about being the most intelligent, brave, and fiery dragon one could ever hope to meet?  Well, too bad.  I just won't do it.  You'll have to tell them about me, that is your job as the author, isn't it?
M:  (Chuckle) Sure thing, Ena likes to come across as a toughie, but she's got a golden heart to go along with her golden eyes.  She is fiercely loyal, and really doesn't despise humans as much as she pretends.
E:  I do too!  You are a chaotic, self-absorbed race that doesn't always pay attention to what your actions have on others and the world around you.  Killing dragons for their skin, their bones.  Stealing eggs.  Tramping around the world, claiming anything that isn't nailed down as belonging to you.  Humans are worthless!
M:  So who's your best friend?
E:  Ravyn...
M:  And she's...
E: (Growl) human.
M:  So, c'mon fess up, what do you like about human's?  There has to be something you like.
E:  I like Ravyn.  She's brave.  The first time I met her, I thought she'd stolen my egg, and I'd set fire to the remains of her raft, and I have to admit, I was a little out of control at the time.  She stood before me, bare before my teeth and talons, a shish kebab before my flame.  She didn't flinch, didn't waver.  She earned my respect that day.  Even took responsibility for her aunt stealing my egg, and promised to return it to me if she could.
M:  That's nice.  Anything else you like about humans?
E:  I like that you keep your herds outdoors!  Fly by dining...so clever!  And in the case of the goats, dinner and a show!
M:  Okay, so let's just change the subject.  If you could flambé' one character from either Return of the Crown or Zelera's Revenge...who would it be and why?
E:  Hmm...interesting question.  Are  you planning on killing someone off, and would like me to do it for you? 
M:  No, just curious who you would be tempted to eat, if I'd let you...
E:  If you'd let me! (Snort) Well, there's that His Nibs character.  I've never eaten a Clurichaun.  They're drunk all the time, so I wonder what that would do to the meat?  Might give it a savory flavor.  Or there's that Selkie lad Ronan.  I've been dying to get a seafood sample.
M:  So you don't want to eat Zelera?  She stole your egg, she's the villain...wouldn't there be some justice in eating her?
E:  Now, if you'd just asked about flambéing and not eating, I'd have said Zelera.  But you then clarified your question by asking who I'd like to eat, and she would taste like crap, so I'd just want to torch her!  But those other two really pique my palate...no?  Not going to eat one of them? 
M:  Nope, not right now...
E:  Well, if that's all, I'd like to get back to Aigerach.  I've got some new skills to teach to Ardan, we've been working on wake turbulence and wind-speed.
M:  Thanks Ena, I think everyone had a good chance to get to know you a little.
E:  Please let your friends know, they look delicious, they're lucky I have no time today.
M:  Alright, get back to your business.  Thanks for taking the time to visit!
So yeah, I promise, you were never really in any danger.  She is completely under my contro--(ducks head as large stream of flame erupts)
E:  Oops, sorry, had a little hiccup!

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WIP - Zelera's Revenge (At least that's what I'm calling it now)

My WIP is the sequel to Return of the Crown, released last July.  It is Ravyn's tale and that of Aigerach four years after the Return of the Crown.  I write in an old quest style, and the world is populated with all kinds of fantastic and mythological creatures.  I don't care where they come from either...I'll borrow from the Greek to pay the Celts.  In addition to the Wolves, Dragons, Harpies, and Unicorn that were in ROTC, the WIP contains a Mara, Selkies, a Clurichaun, and more...since it's still a WIP, who knows who else might show up!

Here's the first draft opening of Zelera's Revenge:

Ravyn squeezed her eyes tight, the silky fabric fell over her shoulders, caressing her as it slid down her skin.  Her dreams came true today.  Today she'd marry Blade. 
 

The door crashed open, and Queen Lareina burst into the room.
 

Ravyn glimpsed her mother in the mirror, eyes wide at the unexpected intrusion.  Her normally calm and patient mother rushed into the room, her hands clutching the dresser for support.  Her breath came in ragged gasps.  "Kes, Kestrel!  Where are you?"  Her voice rose into a shriek.  Her stormy blue eyes devoured the room, hungry for her son, but it was empty save for Ravyn and Lady Angelique.
 

"Mom, Kes isn't here, he's with Nurse Mayweather."  She took a step toward her wide-eyed mother, shivers of fear danced along her spine setting her senses tingling.
 

Lareina stared past her daughter, sinking to the floor.  "They're gone," she whispered, "gone."
 

"That makes no sense.  Where would they have gone?  Today of all days.  Kes is the ring bearer."  Ravyn dropped to her knees and put her arms around her mother.  "Surely they’re just working off some of his energy," she patted her mother's hand and kissed her pale cheek.  Lareina began rocking back and forth, muttering Kes' name, frantic eyes scanning the room.
 

Ravyn turned a nervous eye to her Lady in Waiting.  "Angelique, go get my father, please."
 

Angelique nodded before she raced out the door, her slippered feet sliding across the polished tile in the hallway.
 

Ravyn slid her legs out to the side, her silky dress twisting and crumpling beneath her.  "Mom, shh, it's okay.  I'm sure they're just out in the gardens."
 

Lareina lifted a trembling hand and turned it palm up.  Her eyes carried a weight of guilt that threatened to drown her in a sea of culpability.   A crumpled piece of parchment emerged from her tight grasp.
 

"What is it?"  She reached for the note, but her mother’s fingers still gripped it tight.
 

"No, no, it can't be," Lareina murmured.  She stared past Ravyn still searching for signs of Kes.
 

Ravyn unclenched her mother's fingers and the paper scraped across her skin further grating Ravyn's nerves.  Her stomach knotted and she spread the parchment out across her lap.  You should have killed me when you had the chance. -Z