Quote of the Day! Visions

Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.
Napoleon Hill 

Never let anyone tell you that you can't or won't succeed, not even your own thoughts.  The truth is that you just haven't figured out how to succeed yet.  As long as you learn from what didn't work, your dreams will eventually become your reality.  I let my fears of rejection keep me from attempting to publish for so very long.  I would start stories and never finish them so I didn't have to submit them.

The truth is, my mind is full of untold stories that are dying to get out.  Do I want people to read them?  Yes!  But my dream is not to be famous, it is to write what is in my mind's eye.  I have achieved that dream now!  Do not stop on yours.  All things are possible with time, persistence and a willingness to take some risks and learn from them when they don't pan out.

The Trenches of Silverbrook

The trenches of Silverbrook were a mass of activity before the sun even peaked its first rays above the hilltops to the east.   Named for the access to the sewers, the trenches were an area below ground level, although they were open to the air above.   This wide cut around the base of Silverbrook had a trench running through the center of it where bridges crossed back and forth.  The trench held stagnant water, sewage and was flushed by the city’s runoff whenever it rained hard.  And additional main sewage tunnel opened from behind the trenches for the upper levels and fell away into the sea where a small silver stream from the top cascaded down to the sea.  It was this small stream that the city was named after due to the crystals beneath it that made the water shimmer.

Caves had been cut into the hard rock so that shops and houses were underground with only their tented fronts visible from the first tier of the city.  It was a den of destitution, criminal activity and survival.  It housed all those of Silverbrook who had not been able to coax forth a spark of any magic.  It held outlanders who came to trade or were running from their own authority.  It held Daezun outcasts and half breeds.  It did not house kindness, mercy or honesty.  The trenches were a place one did not walk alone and one that was necessary.  Here the pulse of the city’s luxuries began.  Blacksmiths, silversmiths and jewelers sold their wares to upper level merchants and craftsmen. Many women worked in the upper levels as servants but still spent their nights in the trenches.  Others took in laundry and mending for those who could not be bothered by such things.  Each tier fed the next tier but the trenches fed them all. 

With such destitution came crime and with crime a form of structure.  The trenches were overseen by the Trench Lord.  The Trench Lord was not voted upon or appointed, he was the strongest and most influential of the criminal element.  His men muscled those trying to live for protections.  He took a cut of all trade coming in without the High Minister’s approval.  The secret market held many treasures from the outlands that were frowned upon or coveted by the high tiers.  One could find herbals that induced euphoria, buy slaves and even an occasional service of violence.   The Trench Lord lived in almost as grand of style as the High Minister, though to look at him, one knew that to cross this man was to earn death.    The Trench Lord had only two mandates from the council.  Keep the sewage tunnels behind the walls of the trench households flowing, and to insure that basic goods were available to the upper tiers for the craftsmen.  Other than these two purposes, the council did not interfere with who was the Trench lord or what business he was involved within.

copyrighted December 2013 

Publishing with Createspace - What I Did Horribly Wrong!

When I found a company willing to work by email and upload to publish my novel, I was very excited. There are some definite pluses to createspace.com.  However, in my excitement to publish, I proofed with their electronic proof application.  This had worked wonderfully and cut down the time to have my children's book, "How the Dragons Got Their Colors", to the shelf quicker.  I do not recommend this to novelists.  Order the hard copy proof!

The book launched electronically and when my copy of A Blue Dragon's Geas: Outcast arrived, I was so very excited.  My illustrator, Heather Scoggins, had done a beautiful job for me. I loved the concept she chose for the blue dragon.  Later, when I sat down, I was horrified.  On the top of every page, my name is spelled wrong, an error not caught in the header.  My fault.  I stared at it in disbelief.  I have a long name but who would have guessed I would spell my own name wrong.  I got out a highlighter just in case.

As I read through the book, I found where I had left out the word 'that'.  This is a common problem for me as I hear it in my head when I read back and something I watch for in edits.  I found homonyms that spellchecker and I both did not catch.  I had an editor, but he missed it too. Other little errors jumped off that printed page.  I had gone through the electronic version slowly and carefully but there is something different about holding a book in your hand.  I really suggest you order the proof and sit down with a highlighter.

Advantages of Createspace.
Optional packages for publicity and help.
Easy upload system that moves your book straight onto Amazon shelves.
Easy conversion to kindle option at no charge.
No upfront costs.
Good payment systems.
Great commission options

Disadvantages:
If you are on a no frills budget, you are on your own for editing and proofing.
It is easy to miss small errors in electronic print.
No big company helping you get your book on the shelf.
The amount of time spent in having to proof and reproof construction errors with only one set of eyes.

I do recommend this company for any author breaking in.  I have learned a lot having to do it on my own. However, as I finish reading my novel with a highlighter, I know a second edition will be uploaded soon.  For those of you that got a first edition with my name spelled wrong, shelve that copy.  If I ever get rich and famous after I die, who knows, it might be worth something.  At this moment, there are only 15 out there.

Quote of the Day!

Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.
Benjamin Franklin 

Fantasy Quote of the Day!

“Well,' the Goddess said, 'your heart didn't heal straight the last time it broke. So we'll break it again and reset it so it heals straight this time.”
― Jane Yolen, The Books of Great Alta

Reistare - The Next of the Gods of Vesta

Reistare is the God of Nature.  She is revered by farmers and those dependent on growth and a good harvest.  Mate of Rian, the two work together to insure that the people of Vesta have what they need to sustain life.  She is often celebrated in the Spring when the first signs of blossoms form.

Reistare was the last to make a dragon type to represent her in the mortal world.  Her indecision is clear in the shy nature of this dragon.  It often stays burrowed deep in the forests.  They are rarely seen unless a hunter blunders upon their den. They tend to hunt at night and prefer to eat fish.  Their breath weapons is a corrosive gas.  It is weak in nature but if  not immediately washed off, tends to rend armor useless and unrepairable after an hour or so.  It burns on exposed flesh.  Green dragons often use their weapon to blind their attacker and leave.  However, they are champions of the weak.  They will overcome their reclusive nature to right a wrong once it is perceived. Once angered they are firm, focused and powerful.

Followers of Reistare tend to revere nature in all its forms.  They tend to be excellent problem solvers. They can read nature well as they mature.  They looks at obstacles as problems to overcome. They are innovative and often find new and better ways to achieve goals. Like their Goddess and the dragons she created, they will go to great lengths to correct a wrong.

Fantasy Quote of the day!

“Fantasy, if it's really convincing, can't become dated, for the simple reason that it represents a flight into a dimension that lies beyond the reach of time.” 

― Walt Disney Company

Fantasy Quote - Torturing C, U, and E

“I often fantasize about torturing some of the lazier letters of the alphabet, like C, U, and E, because together they only manage to accomplish as much as the solitary letter Q.” ― Jarod Kintz, It Occurred to Me

Sunday Promotion - Outcast

Just a heads up to my readers, Amazon is promoting Outcast today and it will be free for Kindle all day.  This is your chance to get my first novel for free to see if you like my writing style or concepts without risking a dime.  All I ask in return is a review, good... bad... or indifferent.

Don't have a Kindle?  Amazon has a kindle app for every major smartphone, tablet and computer.  It means that you can buy a kindle book even if you do not own one and read it on any device you own.   With Whispersync technology, you can automatically save and synchronize your furthest page read, bookmarks and even  make notes.  It has adjustable text size for those smaller devices.   In addition, many of the kindle books have the first chapter up before you download or buy it.   The link is right on this page to my book.

The Blue Dragon's Geas: Outcast (Dragons Geas)

See, no excuses, go get your free copy today!  I am looking forward to your review. Thanks everyone!
Love Cheri

P.S.  Still need gifts, I still have dragon items available at dragonsgeas.com

Fantasy Quote of the Day from Rebel Angels

“Sometimes we seek that which we are not yet ready to find.”
― Libba Bray, Rebel Angels.

Fantasy Quote of the Day:― George R.R. Martin

“They can keep their heaven. When I die, I’d sooner go to Middle Earth. ”
― George R.R. Martin

Rian the Stoneheart - The Next of the Gods of Vesta.

Rian is the god of all things mineral.  He is often paid tribute by miners and blacksmiths as his blessings bring great finds and strong tools.  Almost all recognize the power of Rian in some capacity given that the land they live upon is his domain.  Without his cooperation, the Goddess of Nature, could not function.  It was a natural melding of domains when the two, Rian and Reistare joined forces.  If both were to turn upon a farmer, there would be no redemption for his craft.  

Rian was not to be outdone by his godly kin and formed his own set of dragons to represent him in the mortal world.  Grand beasts with bright bronze scales took to the skies.  They are hard creatures and often isolated.  It is rare to see two together except during mating. They breathe out a mixture of hot sand and pebble as their breath weapon, scouring the prey before them.  A large dragon has been known to have abraded his prey to the point of no fur remaining.

Those that serve Rian are often quiet managers of resources and people.  They are very sensitive to the environment and do their best to insure balance and cooperation, much as Rian works with Reistare.    People who serve the land often are highly empathetic.  They are often hyper-aware of the emotional currents around them.  

The first book of the Dragons' Geas series is on dragonsgeas.com now.

Fantasy Quote of the Day! ~ Peter Pan~

“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.”
― J.M. Barrie,

Fantasy Quote of the Day!

“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions.” ― Albert Einstein

Hamaseic - God of Water

Hamaseic is the God of all things water.  Fishermen and seamen often have emblems of Hamaseic on the prow of their boats.  Even the great masted ships of the Lerdenian fleet have the emblem boldly imprinted with shimmering emblems.  Seen as in control of both the elements of water and storms, Hamaseic is most often followed along the coast villages and cities.

As varied as the bodies of water he rules, Hamaseic's blue dragons come in varying shades with simple commonalities.  They can remain under water for long periods of time and are for more graceful in the water than the air or on land.  Their bodies are more rotund making a buoyant mass upon the bottom of the sea waiting for large fish to swim above them.  Their eyesight is particularly good whether under water or hovering above their prey.  They easily can narrow in on their target and often are the first to notice movement.  Their breath weapon is steam, often preferring to cook their fish in their own breath before they eat it. These dragons are often curious and get into the most trouble as fledglings for they question and explore everything.

Followers of Hamaseic are often innately curious.  They adapt to change easily and are very fluid.  They are people of great compassion and will work hard to repair and restore.  While they can function within structured and ruled environments, they will not hesitate to change the rules or challenge the consensus if they feel it for the greater good of all.   

Seen as the evil seductress, Dethera is the Goddess of Death.  She governs the night and all the creatures that  move solely through its murky depths.  She is often blamed for plagues and lingering illnesses.  She is said to have lured men to their deaths within the bogs and the deep places. Her beauty is contrasting with a pale face and raven black hair.    She is often related or connected to things hidden, secretive and unknown, and as a result, she is the epitome of mystery

Dethera is said to have created the black dragons in contrast to Krona's vivacious red dragons.  Their wing span is shorter and thinner giving them the ability to bank with greater agility.  Their bodies have a more lithe form, and often on a moonless nigh,t one cannot even see them in flight.  Her glorious swarm of deadly children bring weapons of acid to the battle. Like their goddess, prestige and power is important to them and so there is often infighting for the flight leader.

Followers of Dethera are often seen as cold and without true emotions.  They are highly skilled in manipulations and therefore are often used by opposing parties for negotiations.  Long standing followers of Dethera often show great self-control and discipline.  They are often independent with a strong will. Due to the seeking of power, they are often found in leadership positions.

Krona the Destroyer

Krona is the God of Fire, Destruction and Rebirth.  One of the Gods of Vesta, he is the most feared by the majority of the populace.  Wild fires are seen as Krona's handiwork to punish those that have erred.   However, with destruction also comes rebirth.  Typical of wildfires, often the areas affected become more fertile and life recovers quickly.  

Krona is said to have given birth the red dragons of Vesta.  He is fabled to have gifted them with fire and other skills to bring forth his vengeance as well as to inspire the people to passion and beauty.  

Followers of Krona aspire to be full of energy, assertiveness and a passion for life.  Like fire, they often brighten those about them.  When angered, their judgement is swift and often their passions are known to consume them.  They often are leaders in groups and have vibrant personalities.  It is rare to find a shy follower of Krona as they often lulled away by quieter gods and rituals. 

Outcast - It is alive and ready to read!

So today is a day where dreams come true.  All my life I have wanted to be an artist.  When I was 16, I was so advanced in my English classes as far as creativity went, that my English teacher had a writer coming in twice a week to give me private coaching. I loved it.

However, fear is a powerful thing.  I have feared rejection and so I have published some poetry.  I have dabbled in ghost writing.  It wasn't until I met Rebecca and Alex Hunt that I got the courage to put my mother's story out.  After that, I had mentioned my novel half done sitting in my computer.  Alex began to push me.  He pushed and pushed and at times I remember cursing his persistent.  Then he took on the role of editor and ripped it all apart and pushed me to put it back together again.  After all the hours of bemoaning how much I hate editing, the baby was born today.

We finally settled on the first cover though I loved the second one that Heather did as well.  Heather has done her own set of cursing as the file size allowed versus the quality was a dance that was difficult at best.   Heather is a very accomplished artist and each time she creates, I see her grow.  I am so proud to have her as my illustrator.   Right now the book is being added to Amazon Prime, Amazon and Kindle select.  However, for those who have been waiting, it is available now directly from my publisher.

Thank you for all of those that gave me pre-release feedback.  Thank you to my family who has put up with many hours in front of my lap top.  Thank you to Heather for your artwork.  Thank you to Alex who is a wonderful but pushy editor.  Yes, yes, I know.  That is how he was supposed to be!  

For your reading pleasure, I give you:  The Dragon's Geas: Outcast. 

Cover Art Complete for Outcast

My illustrator for Outcast has done  a magnificent job of lining up her artwork to my novella.  The cover will be a wrap around.  The book is scheduled to hit Amazon on December 2nd and the kindle version will be out by the 15th.  I am very excited.  Those who have done a previewfor me have had good feedback and minimal changes were needed.

Now that the editing is done, I will be working on more background content here on the blog. I will be giving short stories and snap shots the paint the world and create a rich backdrop for the novel series.  Thank you all for your patience and support.

Fantasy Quote of the Day!

The gift of fantasy has meant more to me than my talent for absorbing positive knowledge.

Albert Einstein

Dragon Quote of the Day!

Always speak politely to an enraged Dragon.
Steven Brust 

Fantasy Quote of The Day

“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living.”
― Dr. Seuss

A New Reality

Everyone knows that when you write that you have to edit.  From the time we were in school, our teachers have had us at the table rewriting papers:  first draft, second draft and the final draft.  I had shared my first draft with a few closest friends and fed off their excitement. I wanted to launch my book right then and there, I was so excited.

However, I have a very patient but persistent editor.  I am glad I have listened. I have watched what was a fun story to write turn into a book I would want to own.  I can see the world, touch it, feel it and sometimes even smell it.  I know how people live and I know what motivates them.   It has a depth that I thought I had at the beginning, but now realize was nothing but a surface.

Alador has become as real to me as if he stood in the room. His insecurities of having been born an outcast, his fears of growing up,  the uncertainty that moving into adulthood brings for us all. These things swirl about him as he is forced to grow up.

Luthian as become more someone the reader will want to see fall.  His voice and even is manner is such that as a woman, I would never want to meet him and yet my fingers fly across the key board as he plots and schemes in his pursuit of conquest and magic.

Editing is not just about making a story have great grammar, the right spelling and the proper language.   It is about texture and reality.  It is about drawing the writer themselves so deep into the story that when they come up for air, it takes a moment to shake the story loose.  Lately, even when I am at other life tasks, I find my mind drifting back to the Great Isle.  I can feel the wind in my hair and the smell of sage brush on the air.  I can sigh at the mindless plodding of the korpen and the inability to make them hasten.  Editing, the making of a new reality.

A tutorial on how to draw a dragon head. 

Or follow this link and click the image for a larger version. Have fun! Feel free to email us your drawings, with parents permission. 

A Dragon's Lament

I'm tired of being a dragon,

Ferocious and brimming with flame,

The cause of unspeakable terror

When anyone mentions my name.

I'm bored with my bad reputation

For being a miserable brute,

And being routinely expected.

To brazenly pillage and loot.

I wish that I weren't repulsive,

Despicable, ruthless and fierce,

With talons designed to dismember

And fangs finely fashioned to pierce.

I've lost my desire for doing

The deeds any dragon should do,

But since I can't alter my nature,

I guess I'll just terrify you.

~ © Jack Prelutsky!

Fantasy Art

I like to share when I find something cool. This artist does some amazing work and has it on pottery, clocks, posters, and much more. I am World of Warcraft Fanatic and so that is how she drew my attention. I absolutely love this picture below. More of her art can be found at annestokes.com and the things she sells at way reasonable prices is https://www.annestokesshop.com/

Fantasy Quote of the Day!

“Fairy tales do not give the child his first idea of bogey. What fairy tales give the child is his first clear idea of the possible defeat of bogey. The baby has known the dragon intimately ever since he had an imagination. What the fairy tale provides for him is a St. George to kill the dragon.” G.K. Chesterton, Tremendous Trifles

Dragon Corpse Washes Up On Spanish Shore

Just when you thought that dragons did not exist, that man made them up, nature gives you a hint that they really did walk our realms. Recently a sea creature washed up on a Spanish Beach. Its horns are reminiscent of sea serpents or water dragons. Scientists are speculating it is a rotted thresher shark or an oar fish. I like the theory it is a dragon. Read more at Dragon Corpse Washes Up On Spanish Shore

Once They All Believed in Dragons

by Jack Prelutsky (from The Dragons are Singing Tonight)

Once they all believed in dragons When the world was fresh and young, We were woven into legends, Tales were told and songs were sung, We were treated with obeisance, We were honored, we were feared, Then one day they stopped believing - On that day, we disappeared.Now they say our time is over Now they say we've lived our last, Now we're treated with derision Where we once ruled unsurpassed. We must make them all remember, In some way we must reveal That our spirit lives forever - We are dragons!  We are real!

The Joys of Editing

My favorite part of writing is.. well writing.  Watching the story unfold in my mind is like watching a movie.  I totally enjoy the first reread, seeing it in a constant flow rather then broken up over the time it takes me to write and work.  I hate editing.

Do not get me wrong, I totally understand the importance of fleshing out the story, checking grammar and spelling, and insuring no discrepancies, but the whole time I am thinking but I just want to write the next part.

That is where I am now.  I am lost in a round of editing and comments from my editor to correct or 'add more meat'.  I love my editor, don't get me wrong but I just want to see the book release.  I am excited and at the same time, I do want it right the first time.

I dream of the day, like any writer, that my books take off and have popularity.  It would be a crowning day to see something I have written on the best seller's list.  But truthfully for me, what I really dream of is the day I can write all day if I chose.  Right now, I have to squeeze writing and editing around a four day - eleven hour work schedule.  Working these kind of hours often depletes you of any creative energy.

I try to right something every day.  Whether I am doing a little role play on World of Warcraft or just adding a page to a story.  But the true joy is when one can sit and just watch a story fly from your finger tips.   I am a very visual person, so it is like watching a movie.

Thank you for everyone who stops by here and encourages and supports me.  You truly are my family as much as any family by blood.  Remember, never stop dreaming.  The world was built on the dreams of others.

Fantasy Quote of the Day!

“But it is said: Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger. The choice is yours: to go or wait.'

'And it is also said,' answered Frodo: 'Go not to the Elves for counsel for they will answer both no and yes.'

'Is it indeed?' laughed Gildor. 'Elves seldom give unguarded advice, for advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise, and all courses may run ill.”

 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Ring Sets Out

What is a Korpen?

Korpen are the beasts of burden in the Dragons' Geas series.  Think giant Rhinoceros Beetle, add some spikes on its back, and you would be close.    They are very large pests. Gentle and easily distracted by food, yet if they wander as a herd onto a farm, devastating to the farmer.  They first appear in the novel Outcast.


Excerpt from outcast:

Korpen had originally been slow moving pests that roved in herds and a nuisance to outlying farms. They were single-minded when hungry despite their slow moving methodical pace.  In untamed areas, korpen were wild and yet still would let you walk right up to them as they ate.  Taming them was easy if they knew that a source of food awaited them. Their massive heads had double horns that were oriented vertically. The upper horn curves forward from behind the head, whereas the lower emerges from the head itself.  As a protection from predators such as dragons, their back’s spikes were almost impenetrable.  It was useful to the miners as korpen were strong and a great amount of weight could be attached to each spike.

Dragon Poetry

I found this poem, its author is Unknown.  However.  I love it and wanted to share it with you all.  After all, the day of dragons still lives in our minds and hearts.

When Dragons Ruled the Skies

"The times's long gone" the old man said.

"You've come too late, my son.

You'll see them not in this sad age, their time is long since done

A hundred years ago and more, they've been gone from this land." 

His voice was tough but his voice said "Aye lad I understand."

For I had sailed 'cross half a world to seek the fabled isles

Where I had heard that dragon wings still soared across the skies.

"You must have come from far indeed," he said with knowing eyes.

"The word has gone afar and wide that they have left our skies.

"Sit down a while, young lad. Let me tell you a tale

Of dragons streaming down the wind, sunlight bright on their scales

A tale my grandfather told me when I was but a lad,

For I too know the dragon's draw, I'd fain not leave you sad."

And so I sat down at his feet, upon a tuft of grass,

And listened as he spun a tale of beasts of gold and brass,

With scales brighter than minted coin, wings glinting in the sun,

Higher by far than eagles soar Dragons were wont to run.

He told of glory greater far than any work of men,

Of wisdom born in aeons past and held in trust since then.

His eyes were bright with boyhood's gleam as dusk crept down the sky,

I knew he heard an older voice, from when he, just like I,

Had sat and listened to the tale, hanging on every word

From one who might have seen it true, in a more wondrous world

He told it as much for himself as he told it for me

For his heart knew the yearning too those golden wings to see.

At last his tale drew to a close and with one breath we sighed

Imagining a brighter age before the wonder died

When unicorns roamed in the woods and giants still were seen

And mountain valleys echoed with the griffon's fearless scream

When wizards walked upon the earth with magic in their eyes

When elves lived side by side with men and Dragons ruled the skies.

"Well that's the tale" he said at last. "My grandpa told to me

He said he saw with his own eyes their wings over the sea

The day they flew into the west never again to fly

Above the hills of this green isle." He heaved a heavy sigh

And said to me "Well I must go, the sun is nearly set

My wife will have the dinner done, and home's a long walk yet

Perhaps you'll come and eat with us? There's plenty to go 'round."

Though his offer sore tempted me, I stood and looked around

Then politely I did decline -- "I too must go," said I

And he gave me a knowing look, and briefly caught my eye

I turned and walked back down the hill, towards the little town

That slumbered quietly 'round the bay where I had come aground.

Back to my skiff I made my way, and raised the sail once more

And with the sunset on my face, I turned my back to shore

Ahead lay naught but open sea, I saw no hint of land

But still I set the tiller with a firm and steady hand

For somewhere to the west they soar and westward my course lies,

'Till I have found the fabled land where Dragons rule the skies.

Now I have sailed ten thousand leagues and I'll sail many more

And storm and wreck I'll gladly brave as I have braved before

Though empty is the open sea and bitter winter's storms

Emptier still's a dreamless soul and crueler is the scorn

Of those who do not dare to dream and cling to hearth-fire's glow

I left them without looking back many a year ago.

So now the ocean is my road all through the starlit night

'Till the sun rises at my back and in the dawn's grey light

I see an island long and low a half day's sail away

Hid under heavy looming clouds not yet lit by the day

Yet as dawn brightens in the sky I see a sudden gleam

As the sun's first ray glances from a circling seabird's wing.

But surely no bird could be seen as far afield as this

And no feather could ever gleam so bright in dawn's first kiss

Another shines and still a third, a spark of golden fire

From thirty leagues I see them climb soaring higher and higher

Surely nothing but dragon's scale could so brazenly shine

As they thunder into the air in beauty near divine.

I see them clearly though my eyes are filled with tears of joy

For finally I've found the dream I first dreamed as a boy

My skiff fair flies across the waves, her bow spits spindrift foam

Though never have I seen this shore, I feel I'm coming home

And overhead the sky is gold and glory fills my eyes

The crystal air is wonder pure

And Dragons Rule The Skies.

~ unknown (!)

Fantasy Quote of the Day!

“Fantasy is escapist, and that is its glory. If a soldier is imprisioned by the enemy, don't we consider it his duty to escape?. . .If we value the freedom of mind and soul, if we're partisans of liberty, then it's our plain duty to escape, and to take as many people with us as we can!” 

― J.R.R. Tolkien

Fantasy Thought of the Day!

“He who lives for nothing costs the lives of many, but he who lives for something greater than himself preserves those he loves.”
                                         Christopher Hopper

Coming Soon!

Every reader has felt that moment where they did not belong.   Some of us know what it is like to grow up with bullies and suffer at their hands.  Even fewer of us know what it is like when you realize you grew up bigger than the bully that tormented you.  Outcast follows the life of a young Daezun who is suddenly gifted with a power he has yet to learn to control.  Follow the life of Alador as he struggles to find his place in the world.

For your sneak peak, we have given you a glance of young Alador's uncle.  Enjoy!

Sneak Peak

The trader unlocked the chest in excitement for with this find; he would not have to go out in the winter seasons.  He would be able to stay home with his small ones and housemate.   He uncovered the pure glass stone with a flourish and stepped back for he had seen  the desire on the minister’s face. 

 Yet instead of the pleasure and anticipation he had expected, he saw fury.  The trader’s eyes flew open with alarm.

“Do you think me a fool.” Hissed Luthian as he turned around to fully face the trader.   “ Who did you sell its magics too?” Luthian tone was ominous, and his hands began to glow an ominous yellow.

The trader stepped back as if that fury was palpable. “N...no one s..sir. It...it was like that when I bought it. I...I did not think it would hurt the value.  I swear. It has been locked within since I purchased it.” The trader squeaked, dropping to his knees in fear.   He had never seen the Minister angry, but he had heard the tales of those that had crossed him.  He had never heard of any leaving such ire unscathed.  The pulse of the trader’s rapid heartbeat was visible in his neck.

“Bought it where? What other mages were present? “  Luthian demanded of the groveling man.  He slowly circled the man upon the ground much as a wolf circles his injured prey.

“S...smallbrook m..my lord.  The Daezun village of Smallbrook and there weren’t no mages there.”  He put his face to the floor in hopes of appeasing the Minister.     “I.. it was a fair stone, and I will give it to you. I won’t want nothing of it.”  He offered in a panic.  His voice muffled against the floor.

“You fool!”  Shouted Luthian.  “Are you really so stupid?” The sneering loud tone brought a visible wince from the trader upon the floor.   “It is clear because it’s magic has been given.  What miner sold the stone?  I want a name.” Luthian kicked the trader over as hard as he could.  “A name!” He demanded. Luthian's tone suddenly softer, cold, and definitely vicious. Luthian’s hand crackled with the power of the fire he could wield.

“Alador...it was a lad named Alador. Still a middlin and didn’t even know what he had.  I swear it.”  The man was practically sobbing now for even he could feel the power radiating from the Minister though he dared not look.

Luthian paused, his foot now on the Trader’s chest who lay beneath him on the floor. . 
 Smallbrook….. Alador.. Alador.. why did he know that name?  Then it dawned on him. That was one of his brother’s spawn from the project.  The boy had come into his power.  By blood, he had come into power with that stone?  He looked back at the chest with alarm.

He removed his foot and moved to the chest gazing down at it’s contents.  The empty stone now beautiful but powerless.  Who knew how much power the boy had absorbed?   Did the boy even know how to use it?  It was not good that such power was uncontrolled.  However, one benefit of the treaty was if any of Lerdenian blood was found on Daezun lands, the Council had the right to demand they be turned over.   This had suited the Daezun well for they distrusted magic.

His anger cooled some as he stared at the stone in calculation.  The whimpering of the trader still lying where he had left interrupted Luthian’s thoughts. He cursed softly and with a fluid motion turned and released the spell at the groveling man.  He did not even stay to if the trader lived beneath the column of fire that had risen up from his writhing form, the music of his screams pleasing enough.    At the door,  he paused to look at the guard.  “Clean it up and put all the bloodstones in the vault.”  He did not acknowledge the guard's chest salute.  Such response was expected.  Besides, he had more important things on his mind.

He strode down the empty hall in anger and frustration. So much power that had been so nearly his and his nephew had it.  His half-breed, tierless nephew who probably did not even know what gift had been given him.   The stark white halls resounded with the steps of his boots as he strode in anger. “Get me my brother …. Now!”  He bellowed.   The words echoed down the vast empty hall. He did not care who heard. He did not care who acted.  He knew someone would see it done.  If he could not have the power, then he would control the boy!

Thought of the Day!

“There can be as many wrong reasons to do the right thing as there are stars in the sky. There might even be more than one legitimate right reason. But there is never a right reason to do the wrong thing. Not ever.”
                                           Donita K. Paul, DragonKnight

UPDATES!

First!  The picture for the novel coming out is complete. We had to change the subtitle due to so many Bloodstone books on the market. So it will be coming out as The Blue Dragon's Geas: Outcast.

You can see some of Heather's other awesome work at:

http://blacklockbandit.deviantart.com/gallery/24957701

She is an amazing artist!

Second!  We now have dragons on the website.  T-shirts, steins, figurines, eggs and more.

http://dragonsgeas.com/dragonsgalore.html

If you have not checked out the website, you should.  It is getting better everyday.   It has been great to team up with the Amazon team to become truly a business in partnership with them.  While the returns are still small, we are looking at a bright future ahead!  Thanks to all of you for your support. 

A favored Quote

“Follow your heart, Ithilnin," Albirich repeated. "Time is precious. Don't waste it living someone else's life.”
   Jess C. Scott, The Darker Side of Life

I love this quote.  I watch to many people dwelling on things outside their control.  Or, trying to live vicariously through another.  Life is precious. The world is beautiful.  Our time in it is short.  I truly believe in living life to the fullest.

What is a Geas?

I have been asked numerous times to explain what a geas is. I thought I would put up an explanation.  This word is more commonly known as a geis.  I did not spell it wrong.   This spelling is actually a Scottish Gaelic form.  It is also commonly used.

A geas is very similar to a spell or vow.  Usually in literature, this geas is forced upon the unsuspecting hero or villain.   Therefore it can be either a curse or a blessing.  Sometimes both because when under a geas, the individual cannot help themselves.    For example, if the hero does not want to help the villain but the villain words his demand in a way that activates the geas, he may be forced to do so.

In literature, a geas is often the downfall of a hero when they try to act against it.  Another common storyline is having more then one that are counter-productive and compelled to both.   Villains sometimes hide behind them and consider themselves invincible. However, such geas are only given because they can come true.  Shakespeare is a great example of this. Macbeth believes himself safe because "no man of woman born shall harm Macbeth." Macduff, an enemy, was "from his mother's womb untimely ripp'd" (i.e., born by Caesarean section) and was therefore not "of woman born".

In the case of the Dragons' Geas novels, it is the dragons that are imposing these vows or spells.  What do I mean?  Well now, you will have to read one to find out.  Coming soon:  Dragons' Geas - "Bloodstone"

Short Story: The Scent Of Elsewhere

I totally support other authors, who like me, write for the sheer pleasure of the task.  This sight has a lot of talent.  Many of yet have not made it to the main stream reading lists.  This particular story is awesome.  I hope you will find the time to read it.   I was turned on to it by my good friend Andrew.

Darkest night.

Sheets of rain descend on the thatch of the inn and seek to breach its ancient barrier. Most of the water is carried down the slope and splashes on the stone and mud below. Some however finds gaps in the woven reed and forms into rivulets that twist as they descend. They steer an erratic course to penetrate through to the room below.

The pretty girl hitches up her skirt and moves from behind the bar carrying a bucket to catch the latest of many such intrusions. One thin stream falls from the thatch and finds an oak beam. It drips suddenly onto the back of a small mouse that shakes itself and scurries along the beam to a more secure perch. The creature’s bright eyes regard the scene below and its nose twitches as it peers through the candlelight and studies the old man.

Read more: Short Story: The Scent Of Elsewhere | Shortbread 

Meet Becky! Our Children's Book Illustrator.

Rebecca Hunt - Click to see other artwork

Hello, I am Rebecca, though most of my friends call me Becky. I am a twenty-something mom of one adorable little boy and wife to an amazing husband. I have been born and raised in Minnesota my whole life and love it here.

As a child and young adult, I loved to draw, color and paint. I was rarely without some kind of drawing utensil and something to draw on. During junior high, I was drawn to the kids show Veggie Tales, not only for their cute stories, but also the computer animation. I decided then that I wanted to work at Big Idea, the creators of Veggie Tales, and so that fed my passion for art. Throughout junior high and high school I took all the art classes I could, trying to focus on my drawing and computer skills. After high school, I went to college for graphic design and got a diploma in that field. I worked in the field for a short time before I discovered that it was not what I really had wanted to do. But, the good news is that my college experience gave me the skills to do what I am doing today, which is illustrating books for my good friend Cheri.

After over 5 years of hardly touching the hobby I called a passion, Cheri inspired me to draw up her story, so I did. And now, after all that time, I am a published illustrator. My passion for fantasy art and culture fuels my creativity in my drawing. Now as we work on our second book together, I am inspired to  draw so much more. I cannot wait to see more of our books hit the shelves, and I look forward to getting more of my art out to the masses.

The World is a Mystical Place

“We do not want merely to see beauty... we want something else which can hardly be put into words- to be united with the beauty we see, to pass into it, to receive it into ourselves, to bathe in it, to become part of it. That is why we have peopled air and earth and water with gods and goddesses, and nymphs and elves.” 

― C.S. Lewis

This is one of my favorite quotes.  It is truly my belief that fantasy brings us closer to the very things that we separate ourselves from.  Life has become about the next gadget, the highest building, the commute and so much more that truly has no meaning.

When was the last time you watched the sun rise in the cool morning air?  When did you last sit upon a rock in the midst of a rushing brook and just see the world as it is outside man's influence?  The fantasy of mystical gods to explain our sorrow and our joy,  the grasping of life upon a pirate ship to add adventure in a mundane existance; these are but fleeting respites from the world we have chosen. These escapes take us too a simpler time that really does exist in our world.     Our world is a mystical place.  We have just forgotten how to see it for its true power, mystery and beauty.

Excitement Builds with the Dragons' Geas Team

So while doing a search to see how my Amazon listing was ranking in the search engines, I came across a big surprise.  We have been picked up on Barnes and Noble on their online site.

Barnes and Noble Link

This was exciting news for us as we were automatically placed in the Amazon arena by the publisher we are working with to promote this children's book.  To have it picked up by other suppliers and book companies was up to us.  Due to the size of Barnes and Noble, we had not pitched it to them yet.  It got picked up on its own.

So today, our little team at Dragons' Geas celebrates!

Where do Elves Fit In?

I have been asked by those that have pre-read "Bloodstone" to explain where the elves fit in if I was a DM for so long.  I had originally planned like all fantasy to have the typical dwarves and elves within the very first book.  However, I quickly came to realize to write a truly timeless being such as an elf and not merely make them human was difficult.  There are still elves in the world of Vesta.

A truly great article on the challenges of writing elves can be found at a Lord of the Rings Fan Fiction site:  http://www.lotrgfic.com/viewstory.php?sid=2213 .  This well researched article shares the many flaws that even brought Tolkien, himself, to dismay.

The ‘Elves’ are ‘immortal’, at least as far as this world goes: and hence are concerned rather with the griefs and burdens of deathlessness in time and change, than with death. (The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Humphrey Carpenter and Christopher Tolkien, 131 To Milton Waldman)

I found, for myself, that creating my own races was much more exciting and allowed for twists and turns that truists would have taken exception too if I had used dwarves and elves.   Later, for those that find the World of Vesta an interesting realm for their own campaigns and roleplay, I will post their stats and racial abilities.  

Take a moment to read this article for those of you that write.  The researcher did a fine job of insuring the sources and makes some great points in writing the timeless Tolkien elf.

How did The Dragon Geas Get Started?

The Dragon Geas came about almost unintentionally.  I have been roleplaying and reading fantasy for years.  In High School, due to my writing skills, I was given an extra class with a writer as I was just racing through all my English assignments. I have been writing ever since that one to one experience.

My first book was a children's book that was originally a story of my mother's.  I edited it for a younger age group several years ago but then could not find an illustrator that I could afford AND who had a vision of a children's dragon that seemed to fit.

One day a good friend of mine, Alex Hunt, told me that his wife's favorite thing to draw was dragons.  I contacted her, and she sent me some sample dragon sketches.  They were exactly what I was looking for to bring How Dragon's Got Their Colors to life.  We collaborated and published the first book.  We had so much fun that we immediately started into the second one.

"Not An Egg!" is still in illustration.  It is the tale of a little dragon whose mother lays an egg.  She doesn't want to share her mother and father.  It is a story that relates to the angst that a first child often goes through when expecting a new baby in the home.  Told from a dragon's view point, it is a sweet tale of sadness, surprises and love.

At the same time, the first of the Dragons' Geas Novels was completed. It is currently in edit.  Expect both "Bloodstone" and "Not An Egg" to launch in the near future.

Becky has become my dearest friend.  She and her husband have supported the effort to build websites, blogs and all the time it takes to have a successful launch of a book.   We formed The Dragons' Geas website to keep our fans informed of upcoming work.  It is a place to see what is going on behind the scenes, get a glimpse of upcoming work and just be a part of the World of Vesta.  After all, what better way to enjoy, learn and grow, than through a dragons' view.

The Importance of Dragon Colors

There is a site called the Circle of the Dragon that goes into great depth into the meanings of color and how we assign them. Specifically it goes into each color of the dragons represented through myth and fiction.  Below is an except from http://www.blackdrago.com/colors.htm

For example, the first of the Dragons' Geas novels involves a Blue Dragon.  The writings about Blue Dragons specifically were influenced by this website.



"Blue is a common color for sea serpents. Light blue dragons represent the vastness of the sky and flight, while dark blue dragons represent still, deep waters. Blue dragons are highly protective creatures and magical.

Blue Chinese dragons are of the purest azure colors. They are a symbol of the East and are pacifying."
                                                                 Kylie 'drago' McCormick

This is a great site to visit and I encourage you to explore it as a writer and lover of dragons.

How Dragons Got Their Colors

This book is available wholesale as well. Please contact me if you would like multiple wholesale copies.
Content Preview:

The first of the Dragons' Geas' books is published on April 24, 2013 by Writer Cheryl Matthynssens and Illustrator Rebecca Hunt.
Featured on Amazon and Made the top 20 Large Print Children's books on May 4, 2013.
Get your Copy today!  How Dragons Got Their Colors



One day, a little gray dragon decided that being gray was just not right when the world was so full of colors. Follow the little dragon on his journey to gain color for his scales. Being kind-hearted, he makes sure all the dragons have a fitting color. Find out happens when the little dragon runs out of color for himself?

The great sea dragon spread out his wings and blew a plume of steam into the air.  The steam glistened on his scales like sparkling ocean waves …it was just the way it should be.