This is how you know I'm busy working on the story: the blog suffers! As I mentioned earlier, I had to rewrite about 50% of the story. There are still a few tweaks and additions that need to happen, but I am on the first read through before sending it to Betas. :D
Once I send the book to betas, I'll contact my cover designer and get a cover going. When you see that posted on my facebook page, you'll know that things are getting close.
I appreciate your patience and the time you've spent reading these books. I have enjoyed getting to know Rael, Arianwyn, and those who surround them better as well. It's an amazing thing to have snippets of imagination come alive on a page. Thank you everyone!
I should say, I'm about 1/3 of the way through the read through, so next week I plan on sending the book to betas.
Showing posts with label Arianwyn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arianwyn. Show all posts
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
When Betas Find GIANT Errors...
So, I sent book three of my Totems series to my betas on Monday. Today, I got these fabulous questions: "When and where did Alyssa become a pirate queen and was taken from the castle?" and "Where did Sam come from?!?!"
Confidently, I replied: "They're definitely in book 2, that much I know!"
My wonderful beta did a search of their story and came back with a "Nope! Not there!"
So I started scratching my head and went back to amazon to use the book previewer again. Guess what? THEY WEREN'T THERE!! ARRRRGGGHHH!!! No wonder people were complaining about the book being so much shorter than book 1 because over HALF of the book was missing!
I can't believe people bought the book and left positive reviews. It shows what good and forgiving hearts you people have! Not only that, they then offered to beta number three! Your confidence in my is overwhelming...and possibly misplaced! LoL
Nevertheless, I have uploaded the COMPLETE book two to the kindle (the paperback did not have this problem, thankfully!). Thank you for your patience and I apologize for overlooking that. And beta who caught it, THANK YOU!!
Confidently, I replied: "They're definitely in book 2, that much I know!"
My wonderful beta did a search of their story and came back with a "Nope! Not there!"
So I started scratching my head and went back to amazon to use the book previewer again. Guess what? THEY WEREN'T THERE!! ARRRRGGGHHH!!! No wonder people were complaining about the book being so much shorter than book 1 because over HALF of the book was missing!
I can't believe people bought the book and left positive reviews. It shows what good and forgiving hearts you people have! Not only that, they then offered to beta number three! Your confidence in my is overwhelming...and possibly misplaced! LoL
Nevertheless, I have uploaded the COMPLETE book two to the kindle (the paperback did not have this problem, thankfully!). Thank you for your patience and I apologize for overlooking that. And beta who caught it, THANK YOU!!
Monday, January 18, 2016
Story updates
May, I think. Fingers crossed. I'm hoping that Totems 3 will be ready for the public eye by May. Of course, that means I have some work to do. I mean, I'm still revising. Then I have to edit. Then I have to send out to beta readers. And then I have to edit some more. Hmmm...hopefully, May. ;)
I've also got a new series in the works. I haven't fully decided on a series name, yet, but the first book is called "The War Captain." I probably won't release this series until 2017. But I'm so excited about them. Connor is the protagonist of the story. Oookay, you talked me into it. A little bit of Totems 3 and a little bit of The War Captain. :D
"Hestia
Hestia leaned over the shoulder of her dragon, staring down at the ground. Her lips pursed together in fury. They had kicked her off the island! She clenched her hands.
:They will regret it,: Saphala commented. She swiveled her head, searching the land beneath them.
:I was their source of power. The only reason the mages had come to be respected!: Hestia seethed.
:It is true,: Saphala agreed. :But this is not the end. It is a new beginning for us.:
Hestia took deep breaths. :Yes, I must focus on the opportunity being presented.: It was true. Saphala was right. They were no longer confined to the Isle of the Mages. She could now return to her kingdom and take her rightful place as queen.
:What about Ethelinda?: Saphala asked.
Hestia’s lip curled into a sneer. :The girl will not be difficult to deal with. She couldn’t even take the kingdom on her own, let alone keep it from me,: Hestia said, dismissing the worry of Ethelinda.
:What will you do with her?:
:That depends on how she reacts. If she accepts me as the rightful queen, then I may keep her as my heir.: Hestia smiled to herself. That would be the key. If her daughter could bow down gracefully to her or not." "Chapter 1
The nursemaid turned maid bustled through the bedroom, one last time. She took a deep breath, clasping her hands to her chest. It was hopeless. She was going to have to tell High Councilor Elenor. She walked through the corridor, the soft carpet muffling her footsteps. Guards patrolled different sections of the hallway, eyeing her suspiciously before they noted her colors.
She walked to the Councilor’s Hall, heart pounding. This was exactly what the High Councilor told her not to allow to happen. She paused, looking at the guards. “I have an urgent message for her ladyship High Councilor Elenor.” They nodded once, pushing the large wooden door open.
Raised voices assailed her ears. Lady Elenor leaned over the table, jabbing it with her finger for emphasis. “I will not cede another ounce of my land to you! You are already getting my son—“
“Your youngest son. Just because your late husband’s blood flows through his veins—“
“It is because my late husband’s blood—“ she cut off, staring at the maid. “Excuse me,” she said, stalking around the table without waiting for response. She crossed her arms, glaring at the maid. “Well? What is it, Tamissa?”
“I apologize, your Ladyship,” Tamissa whispered. “But he’s done it again.”
“Drat the child,” Elenor muttered.
“What is it, Lady Elenor?”
“You’ll have to excuse me for a moment, Lord Jermaine. I will return presently.” She walked from the chamber, the maid scrambling to keep up. “When did you see him last? He must be presented within the hour!”
“He was at lunch. I went to fetch another pasty for him—he loves them so!—and when I returned he had vanished.”
“I ordered you not to let him out of your sight!”
“I am so sorry, my lady,” she whispered again.
Elenor ignored the maid, leaving the main building for the castle courtyard. A group of men in her colors were drilling to the side, weapons banging noisily against each other and against armor. “Cormick!” she shouted above the sound.
A large man turned from the fray, his eyes falling on his lady. He let out a whistle. The men stopped training, many of them leaning on their knees. “Get a drink, take a rest. When I return, I want every man ready to run.” His announcement was met with groans. He did not stay to hear them. He met Elenor partway across the field and half bowed, eyes never leaving the woman. “My lady?”
“He’s done it again.”
Cormick sighed. “Shall I assemble the men?”
“All of them. He must be found and presentable within the hour.”
Cormick saluted, fist to chest. “It shall be done, my lady.” He turned, striding back to his men. “New orders!” he bellowed. “The first one of you to find Lord Connor will get the rest of this afternoon off.” Jaws dropped and men stared. “Well? Get going!”
Thirty minutes later, a scruffy looking six year old was dragged by the arm into the castle. A trail of mud followed his path. Tamissa scurried to him, sending another to inform Lady Elenor. “Oh my goodness, Lord Connor! What have you done?”
The boy scowled up at the maid through the mud dripping off his chin. “I won,” he muttered, wiping at his dirty face with a dirty sleeve. Mud smeared across his face, only his green eyes seemed free of the ooze.
“What, against pigs? What will your mother say?”
“Damnit!” All three jumped at the curse. “What did I tell you, Connor? This is unacceptable behavior for the son of a High Councilor.” The maid scrubbed futilely at his face with a small handkerchief, making swirls in the mud. “There is no time now. He must meet Idrina. Bring him.”
Connor struggled uselessly against the guard still holding him. He desisted when his mother told him he would lose his training sessions if he did not stop. Sullenly, the boy followed in his mother’s wake. Lord Jermaine’s lip curled at the sight of the boy. “I’m inclined to argue for more land.”
“The contract has been signed,” Elenor snapped. Jermaine sighed and beckoned to a second maid.
“May I present, Lady Idrina.” The maid held a tiny bundle wrapped in cloth out for inspection.
“Well?” Elenor said to Connor. He shrugged up at her. “Go say hello to your bride!”"
I've also got a new series in the works. I haven't fully decided on a series name, yet, but the first book is called "The War Captain." I probably won't release this series until 2017. But I'm so excited about them. Connor is the protagonist of the story. Oookay, you talked me into it. A little bit of Totems 3 and a little bit of The War Captain. :D
"Hestia
Hestia leaned over the shoulder of her dragon, staring down at the ground. Her lips pursed together in fury. They had kicked her off the island! She clenched her hands.
:They will regret it,: Saphala commented. She swiveled her head, searching the land beneath them.
:I was their source of power. The only reason the mages had come to be respected!: Hestia seethed.
:It is true,: Saphala agreed. :But this is not the end. It is a new beginning for us.:
Hestia took deep breaths. :Yes, I must focus on the opportunity being presented.: It was true. Saphala was right. They were no longer confined to the Isle of the Mages. She could now return to her kingdom and take her rightful place as queen.
:What about Ethelinda?: Saphala asked.
Hestia’s lip curled into a sneer. :The girl will not be difficult to deal with. She couldn’t even take the kingdom on her own, let alone keep it from me,: Hestia said, dismissing the worry of Ethelinda.
:What will you do with her?:
:That depends on how she reacts. If she accepts me as the rightful queen, then I may keep her as my heir.: Hestia smiled to herself. That would be the key. If her daughter could bow down gracefully to her or not." "Chapter 1
The nursemaid turned maid bustled through the bedroom, one last time. She took a deep breath, clasping her hands to her chest. It was hopeless. She was going to have to tell High Councilor Elenor. She walked through the corridor, the soft carpet muffling her footsteps. Guards patrolled different sections of the hallway, eyeing her suspiciously before they noted her colors.
She walked to the Councilor’s Hall, heart pounding. This was exactly what the High Councilor told her not to allow to happen. She paused, looking at the guards. “I have an urgent message for her ladyship High Councilor Elenor.” They nodded once, pushing the large wooden door open.
Raised voices assailed her ears. Lady Elenor leaned over the table, jabbing it with her finger for emphasis. “I will not cede another ounce of my land to you! You are already getting my son—“
“Your youngest son. Just because your late husband’s blood flows through his veins—“
“It is because my late husband’s blood—“ she cut off, staring at the maid. “Excuse me,” she said, stalking around the table without waiting for response. She crossed her arms, glaring at the maid. “Well? What is it, Tamissa?”
“I apologize, your Ladyship,” Tamissa whispered. “But he’s done it again.”
“Drat the child,” Elenor muttered.
“What is it, Lady Elenor?”
“You’ll have to excuse me for a moment, Lord Jermaine. I will return presently.” She walked from the chamber, the maid scrambling to keep up. “When did you see him last? He must be presented within the hour!”
“He was at lunch. I went to fetch another pasty for him—he loves them so!—and when I returned he had vanished.”
“I ordered you not to let him out of your sight!”
“I am so sorry, my lady,” she whispered again.
Elenor ignored the maid, leaving the main building for the castle courtyard. A group of men in her colors were drilling to the side, weapons banging noisily against each other and against armor. “Cormick!” she shouted above the sound.
A large man turned from the fray, his eyes falling on his lady. He let out a whistle. The men stopped training, many of them leaning on their knees. “Get a drink, take a rest. When I return, I want every man ready to run.” His announcement was met with groans. He did not stay to hear them. He met Elenor partway across the field and half bowed, eyes never leaving the woman. “My lady?”
“He’s done it again.”
Cormick sighed. “Shall I assemble the men?”
“All of them. He must be found and presentable within the hour.”
Cormick saluted, fist to chest. “It shall be done, my lady.” He turned, striding back to his men. “New orders!” he bellowed. “The first one of you to find Lord Connor will get the rest of this afternoon off.” Jaws dropped and men stared. “Well? Get going!”
Thirty minutes later, a scruffy looking six year old was dragged by the arm into the castle. A trail of mud followed his path. Tamissa scurried to him, sending another to inform Lady Elenor. “Oh my goodness, Lord Connor! What have you done?”
The boy scowled up at the maid through the mud dripping off his chin. “I won,” he muttered, wiping at his dirty face with a dirty sleeve. Mud smeared across his face, only his green eyes seemed free of the ooze.
“What, against pigs? What will your mother say?”
“Damnit!” All three jumped at the curse. “What did I tell you, Connor? This is unacceptable behavior for the son of a High Councilor.” The maid scrubbed futilely at his face with a small handkerchief, making swirls in the mud. “There is no time now. He must meet Idrina. Bring him.”
Connor struggled uselessly against the guard still holding him. He desisted when his mother told him he would lose his training sessions if he did not stop. Sullenly, the boy followed in his mother’s wake. Lord Jermaine’s lip curled at the sight of the boy. “I’m inclined to argue for more land.”
“The contract has been signed,” Elenor snapped. Jermaine sighed and beckoned to a second maid.
“May I present, Lady Idrina.” The maid held a tiny bundle wrapped in cloth out for inspection.
“Well?” Elenor said to Connor. He shrugged up at her. “Go say hello to your bride!”"
Monday, November 16, 2015
The Extraordinary Ordinary
I struggle, wondering if I should even tell this story. For some of you, it may completely disenchant you from my heroine, Arianwyn. I hope that for most of you, it draws you closer. I want you to see that YOU are enough. That YOU are amazing, even if you would describe yourself as “ordinary.”
There have been a few questions about Arianwyn (I pronounce it “Are-ee-an-win”). Some people are convinced that something from her past is going to prove pivotal or enlightening about her. And that’s okay that you think that. Just know that you’re wrong.
Arianwyn is an orphan. Her mother died giving birth to her. Her father was driven to drink by grief. Eventually he died from exposure in a ditch while passed out drunk. The villagers took Arianwyn in as the community charity project.
She is from a poor village. The men and women had children of their own they had to feed. Arianwyn was an extra burden that they didn’t need and they slowly grew to resent her. As she grew older, the predators of the village began to notice her. Like a wolf pack that has separated the weak and sick from the herd, Arianwyn became a target.
Arianwyn could have stayed. It is possible that someone in the village would have believed her and protected her. She chose to run away, to a future with far less certainty. Her one act of surviving a leap from a cliff was what she based her ability to survive later. And because she believed she would, she did. And she learned from her circumstances.
There are no prophecies or great secrets to her past. She is an ordinary person struggling to survive in ordinary circumstances (until she meets Parvati, but even then her circumstances become ordinary when she meets Rael). Can you honestly say that any of us are any different?
I grew up reading fantasy and science fiction. They honestly helped shape the way that I view the world. I wanted to be that special person who would one day make a difference in the world. As I got older, I realized there was something separating me from the majorities of heroes and heroines I read about: a prophecy or some other fantastic gift that was unique or better than everyone else’s. I was just an ordinary person living in a non-magical and non-technologically advanced world.
So perhaps my heroes and heroines are wish fulfillment. Or perhaps they are a prophecy for each of us. You see, I believe that you and me, the ordinary, are extraordinary. Heroes come about because ordinary people do what they think needs to be done, not because of any special gifts they are born with or prophecies predicting their greatness.
Think about it. Here’s our situation. We’re a single income family in an area where the cost of living is high (on a social worker's income, I should add). We are constantly told that families today cannot survive on a single income. But we have done it without going into debt (we just paid off our student debt this year!). I don’t tell you to brag, but to make you think about your situation. What are you doing that everyone says is impossible? What's your extraordinary ordinary?
You don’t need magical powers or a prophecy to make you great (although either would be kind of cool, right?). You need to be you, the extraordinary ordinary. I would love to hear your ordinary story in the comments section!
There have been a few questions about Arianwyn (I pronounce it “Are-ee-an-win”). Some people are convinced that something from her past is going to prove pivotal or enlightening about her. And that’s okay that you think that. Just know that you’re wrong.
Arianwyn is an orphan. Her mother died giving birth to her. Her father was driven to drink by grief. Eventually he died from exposure in a ditch while passed out drunk. The villagers took Arianwyn in as the community charity project.
She is from a poor village. The men and women had children of their own they had to feed. Arianwyn was an extra burden that they didn’t need and they slowly grew to resent her. As she grew older, the predators of the village began to notice her. Like a wolf pack that has separated the weak and sick from the herd, Arianwyn became a target.
Arianwyn could have stayed. It is possible that someone in the village would have believed her and protected her. She chose to run away, to a future with far less certainty. Her one act of surviving a leap from a cliff was what she based her ability to survive later. And because she believed she would, she did. And she learned from her circumstances.
There are no prophecies or great secrets to her past. She is an ordinary person struggling to survive in ordinary circumstances (until she meets Parvati, but even then her circumstances become ordinary when she meets Rael). Can you honestly say that any of us are any different?
I grew up reading fantasy and science fiction. They honestly helped shape the way that I view the world. I wanted to be that special person who would one day make a difference in the world. As I got older, I realized there was something separating me from the majorities of heroes and heroines I read about: a prophecy or some other fantastic gift that was unique or better than everyone else’s. I was just an ordinary person living in a non-magical and non-technologically advanced world.
So perhaps my heroes and heroines are wish fulfillment. Or perhaps they are a prophecy for each of us. You see, I believe that you and me, the ordinary, are extraordinary. Heroes come about because ordinary people do what they think needs to be done, not because of any special gifts they are born with or prophecies predicting their greatness.
Think about it. Here’s our situation. We’re a single income family in an area where the cost of living is high (on a social worker's income, I should add). We are constantly told that families today cannot survive on a single income. But we have done it without going into debt (we just paid off our student debt this year!). I don’t tell you to brag, but to make you think about your situation. What are you doing that everyone says is impossible? What's your extraordinary ordinary?
You don’t need magical powers or a prophecy to make you great (although either would be kind of cool, right?). You need to be you, the extraordinary ordinary. I would love to hear your ordinary story in the comments section!
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
The Internet
You don't know how much you use the internet until you don't have it anymore! This last month has been a hectic one for my family and me.
We bought a house (Yeah!). Because of how the loan worked, we didn't know until the actual day of signing if we were moving or not. Which means we didn't have anything packed because we still needed most everything for day to day living. So we signed and packed and moved in two days (Not so yeah!). At this point, we're mostly unpacked, but the move did put a bit of a delay on Totems: Clouds of War. Possibly end of November, although I'm still working my tail off.
We have started round 2 of edits. I have to say, I'm excited for this book. There are a few twists that I didn't see coming until I actually wrote the book. Very excited. :)
I'll keep you updated on how the edits are going. Have a good one!
We bought a house (Yeah!). Because of how the loan worked, we didn't know until the actual day of signing if we were moving or not. Which means we didn't have anything packed because we still needed most everything for day to day living. So we signed and packed and moved in two days (Not so yeah!). At this point, we're mostly unpacked, but the move did put a bit of a delay on Totems: Clouds of War. Possibly end of November, although I'm still working my tail off.
We have started round 2 of edits. I have to say, I'm excited for this book. There are a few twists that I didn't see coming until I actually wrote the book. Very excited. :)
I'll keep you updated on how the edits are going. Have a good one!
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Fathers
51,042! I'm very happy with that progress. In about a week and a half, I will do the first read through to smooth out transitions.
Happy Father's Day coming up! Some fun facts about Rael and Arianwyn's fathers.
Arianwyn: Her father had nothing to do with her rearing. Her mother died when she was born and her father descended into drunken grief, eventually dying from exposure when Arianwyn was very young. Arianwyn gets her looks from her father, but her size from her mother. Had she known her father, she would have developed the same temper and passion he had.
Rael: Having spent so much time training to be king, he didn't actually get to know his father very well. But in this book or the next, he's going to learn just how much his father loved him. Rael looks like his father in everything but coloring. Rael inherited his mother's temper and soft heart, his father's protective instincts and love of his people. Like his father, Rael would do nearly anything for those he leads as king.
Whether you like it or not (I do like it), you've inherited something from your father. If you never knew your father, take a moment to think about the person who became the father figure for you. What did you learn from them? There are good men all about us. This coming Sunday (and why not start now?), take a chance to tell them thanks.
Happy Father's Day coming up! Some fun facts about Rael and Arianwyn's fathers.
Arianwyn: Her father had nothing to do with her rearing. Her mother died when she was born and her father descended into drunken grief, eventually dying from exposure when Arianwyn was very young. Arianwyn gets her looks from her father, but her size from her mother. Had she known her father, she would have developed the same temper and passion he had.
Rael: Having spent so much time training to be king, he didn't actually get to know his father very well. But in this book or the next, he's going to learn just how much his father loved him. Rael looks like his father in everything but coloring. Rael inherited his mother's temper and soft heart, his father's protective instincts and love of his people. Like his father, Rael would do nearly anything for those he leads as king.
Whether you like it or not (I do like it), you've inherited something from your father. If you never knew your father, take a moment to think about the person who became the father figure for you. What did you learn from them? There are good men all about us. This coming Sunday (and why not start now?), take a chance to tell them thanks.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Eeek! One More Week!
I can hardly believe how time has flown! Totems: The King's Treasure is now under review with Createspace! Yeah!...yes, I know that's a lot of exclamation points, but I'm super-excited. :D
It's been an interesting process. I've learned a lot that I don't know. For one, I've learned that doing print on demand for a 490 page book is EXPENSIVE! For those looking at this option, just be aware of it. It's not something I was expecting. For another, it helps to have good friends who have done it before. It took me two days and many hours before I finally got the document to upload correctly.
On the other hand, I'm so excited to see my book in a physical copy! I love Rael and Arianwyn so much! I think you will, too, as you get to know them.
And just so it's clear APRIL 25 is the day The King's Treasure will be available. It will be available in print and as an ebook. :) So excited! As part of the release, the ebook will be discounted from the $5.99 price the first week, so make sure to get your copy soon.
Love y'all! Happy reading!
It's been an interesting process. I've learned a lot that I don't know. For one, I've learned that doing print on demand for a 490 page book is EXPENSIVE! For those looking at this option, just be aware of it. It's not something I was expecting. For another, it helps to have good friends who have done it before. It took me two days and many hours before I finally got the document to upload correctly.
On the other hand, I'm so excited to see my book in a physical copy! I love Rael and Arianwyn so much! I think you will, too, as you get to know them.
And just so it's clear APRIL 25 is the day The King's Treasure will be available. It will be available in print and as an ebook. :) So excited! As part of the release, the ebook will be discounted from the $5.99 price the first week, so make sure to get your copy soon.
Love y'all! Happy reading!
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Interview with Arianwyn
JOAL: Today, we have with us Arianwyn, heroine of the Totems book series. Thank you for being here, Arianwyn.
Arianwyn: Thanks for having me.
JOAL: Let's just jump right in. You're engaged to King Rael now, is that correct?
Arianwyn: It is.
JOAL: How did you two meet? I thought you weren't in the nobility.
Arianwyn: Technically, I'm not. Or maybe I am. I Bonded with a dragon, which makes my nobility status hard to place. I first met Rael when Tess had me bring him lunch. I was just a servant at the time. He was meeting with the daughters of his thanes, hoping to choose the best one to be his wife. I accidentally discovered the entrance to the Dragon's Cave, a secret closely guarded, and met his dragon. Rael recognized me...well, his dragon recognized me through Rael's eyes...and Rael threatened to kill me if I tried leaving.
JOAL: Love at first sight, huh?
Arianwyn: Absolutely not. He was serious about killing me. It was one of the more terrifying moments in my life.
JOAL: Speaking of your life, what would you say was the catalyst for putting you where you're at now?
Arianwyn: I didn't accept what others were going to give me. I had grown up an orphan in my village. I made my living doing whatever odd jobs I could find. Unfortunately, one of the men decided he deserved more from me than I was willing to give. I decided that I wasn't going to be the victim any longer and took a leap of faith. Sometimes, fate decides our future. Most of the time, we decide our fate.
JOAL: What's Parvati, your dragon, like?
Arianwyn: She's very independent. She grew up in the wild, after all. She only Bonded with me to save her own skin. She's made up for her selfishness, of course. We're very close now...even without the whole Bond.
JOAL: How has the Bond affected you?
Arianwyn: Well, I had already started down the path of independence. I left my village before meeting Parvati and was just deciding to search for work in a village. Bonding Parvati gave me a boost to have a little more confidence in myself and it made me feel safer. I took work in places I might otherwise have avoided, knowing Parvati could save me if I needed her to.
JOAL: What's one thing about the world you would change if you could?
Arianwyn: Child abuse. I was orphaned, and subsequently abused, as a child. In my world, there isn't anyone who champions the orphaned or abused children. I plan on changing that as soon as I'm queen.
JOAL: Where do you see you and King Rael headed in the relationship department?
Arianwyn: Well, we're getting married, aren't we? (chuckles) We seem to get along with each other fairly well. So long as Rael keeps his temper and I don't get into more trouble, I think we'll make an effective team ruling our kingdom.
JOAL: Is it true that there was an attempt on your life?
Arianwyn: It seems to be the only constant in my life, the possibility of death. There was a deliberate attempt, however. Thankfully, Rael employs a very skilled healer and I'm doing fine now. We're still working on tracking down the ones responsible.
JOAL: Let's end this interview on a lighter note, shall we? Tell me about the friends you've made since becoming the king's fiancé.
Arianwyn: First there's Lady Alyssa. She's going to be my lady-in-waiting after we are married. For now, she is my main advisor. She's a sweet little girl, eager to please. We get along really well. Next would be Lady Blythe. She's the daughter of the northern thane. She's one of the most honest, straight-forward people I know. And she makes me laugh. Finally, I would have to put Sigurd, Wymond, Edmund, and Halvard on the list. Those four are my body guards. You don't spend that much time with someone without getting to either like them or hate them. Luckily, I enjoy having them around. They don't just watch my back from physical danger, but they've helped me navigate some of the political dangers as well.
JOAL: Thank you again for joining us, today! It's been nice getting to know you better. Can't wait to meet you in your story.
Arianwyn; Thank you for having me.
Arianwyn: Thanks for having me.
JOAL: Let's just jump right in. You're engaged to King Rael now, is that correct?
Arianwyn: It is.
JOAL: How did you two meet? I thought you weren't in the nobility.
Arianwyn: Technically, I'm not. Or maybe I am. I Bonded with a dragon, which makes my nobility status hard to place. I first met Rael when Tess had me bring him lunch. I was just a servant at the time. He was meeting with the daughters of his thanes, hoping to choose the best one to be his wife. I accidentally discovered the entrance to the Dragon's Cave, a secret closely guarded, and met his dragon. Rael recognized me...well, his dragon recognized me through Rael's eyes...and Rael threatened to kill me if I tried leaving.
JOAL: Love at first sight, huh?
Arianwyn: Absolutely not. He was serious about killing me. It was one of the more terrifying moments in my life.
JOAL: Speaking of your life, what would you say was the catalyst for putting you where you're at now?
Arianwyn: I didn't accept what others were going to give me. I had grown up an orphan in my village. I made my living doing whatever odd jobs I could find. Unfortunately, one of the men decided he deserved more from me than I was willing to give. I decided that I wasn't going to be the victim any longer and took a leap of faith. Sometimes, fate decides our future. Most of the time, we decide our fate.
JOAL: What's Parvati, your dragon, like?
Arianwyn: She's very independent. She grew up in the wild, after all. She only Bonded with me to save her own skin. She's made up for her selfishness, of course. We're very close now...even without the whole Bond.
JOAL: How has the Bond affected you?
Arianwyn: Well, I had already started down the path of independence. I left my village before meeting Parvati and was just deciding to search for work in a village. Bonding Parvati gave me a boost to have a little more confidence in myself and it made me feel safer. I took work in places I might otherwise have avoided, knowing Parvati could save me if I needed her to.
JOAL: What's one thing about the world you would change if you could?
Arianwyn: Child abuse. I was orphaned, and subsequently abused, as a child. In my world, there isn't anyone who champions the orphaned or abused children. I plan on changing that as soon as I'm queen.
JOAL: Where do you see you and King Rael headed in the relationship department?
Arianwyn: Well, we're getting married, aren't we? (chuckles) We seem to get along with each other fairly well. So long as Rael keeps his temper and I don't get into more trouble, I think we'll make an effective team ruling our kingdom.
JOAL: Is it true that there was an attempt on your life?
Arianwyn: It seems to be the only constant in my life, the possibility of death. There was a deliberate attempt, however. Thankfully, Rael employs a very skilled healer and I'm doing fine now. We're still working on tracking down the ones responsible.
JOAL: Let's end this interview on a lighter note, shall we? Tell me about the friends you've made since becoming the king's fiancé.
Arianwyn: First there's Lady Alyssa. She's going to be my lady-in-waiting after we are married. For now, she is my main advisor. She's a sweet little girl, eager to please. We get along really well. Next would be Lady Blythe. She's the daughter of the northern thane. She's one of the most honest, straight-forward people I know. And she makes me laugh. Finally, I would have to put Sigurd, Wymond, Edmund, and Halvard on the list. Those four are my body guards. You don't spend that much time with someone without getting to either like them or hate them. Luckily, I enjoy having them around. They don't just watch my back from physical danger, but they've helped me navigate some of the political dangers as well.
JOAL: Thank you again for joining us, today! It's been nice getting to know you better. Can't wait to meet you in your story.
Arianwyn; Thank you for having me.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Totems
I just finished the first revision of Totems: The Sword and The Shield! Ended up adding about three new chapters...Revisions don't end there, though! I've gone back to the beginning and will be working through again. Writing a book, I've learned, is only half the battle. Maybe even just a quarter of the battle. There's so much work that goes on after you type out the proverbial 'the end' that it's a wonder anything ever gets published! In a week or two, I plan on sending Totems to a proofreader. I'm excited and will talk more about the proofreader later. This will be the first time I've had another professional look at one of my books (okay, I've only published one so far, give me a break!). On the bright side, I'm still happy to be writing. I love Rael and Arianwyn! And, I have to admit, Arianwyn's name has been growing more and more on me. I would absolutely name a kid Arianwyn! Whether or not my husband agreed would be another story...
Monday, July 15, 2013
Busy!
It all happened so suddenly...one minute, we were living in one city, the next we had packed up, picked up, and moved out! We only just got our internet back (Phew!).
I've been working like mad on revisions/editing to Totems: The Sword and The Shield. I think Rael and Arianwyn are happy about that. I hope to finish this first round in about 3 weeks from today. Then I'll be sending it off to a proofreader (more on that person to follow!).
Guardians: Revenge has been coming along nicely as well. Eddy and April are quite demanding when it comes to getting their story told. April's had enough upheaval in her life that she isn't interested in sitting around. And let's not forget that Jason is still running around, causing havoc in the world. April definitely wants to stop that and Eddy is determined to help her.
On a more personal note...Argentine beef skewers with chimichurri sauce (all of it homemade) were delicious! Highly recommend finding out how to make it for dinner during these hot summer months. We added some corn on the cob and rice to go with it. Yum! Tonight is Chinese. Asian Mama's Chicken (it's like an orange chicken recipe). I love food!
I've been working like mad on revisions/editing to Totems: The Sword and The Shield. I think Rael and Arianwyn are happy about that. I hope to finish this first round in about 3 weeks from today. Then I'll be sending it off to a proofreader (more on that person to follow!).
Guardians: Revenge has been coming along nicely as well. Eddy and April are quite demanding when it comes to getting their story told. April's had enough upheaval in her life that she isn't interested in sitting around. And let's not forget that Jason is still running around, causing havoc in the world. April definitely wants to stop that and Eddy is determined to help her.
On a more personal note...Argentine beef skewers with chimichurri sauce (all of it homemade) were delicious! Highly recommend finding out how to make it for dinner during these hot summer months. We added some corn on the cob and rice to go with it. Yum! Tonight is Chinese. Asian Mama's Chicken (it's like an orange chicken recipe). I love food!
Saturday, June 8, 2013
New Pages
If you haven't already, take a moment to notice the new pages. :) I figure that if I'm going to be an author, I better give you a place to find what I've written and to keep track of what's coming up! It's also an easier way for me to keep track of what's going on. After teaching junior high for a bit, I know that having a lot of names in your head can get confusing...imagine having entire WORLDS stored up in your head! So, here's my little bit of organization. Hopefully I'll get to add more pages to my blog as more worlds come into being.
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