"Raise him up." The command was curt and held no warmth.
"Look at me boy."
Showing posts with label bloodstone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bloodstone. Show all posts
Monday, January 12, 2015
A Dragon's Menhir - Live Writing
Nate hit the cold dark marble floor as the two guards tossed him forward. His hands were bound behind him, so he was unable to catch himself. The throne room of Jesparian Nethandial was not a welcome place as he managed to pick his head up enough to look about. The pillars, the floor and even the walls were lined with the same black stone. The trimmings were all in blood red and the only brightness to the vast room was the crackling fire behind the dais.
Nate did not dare to pick up his head any higher to look upon that dais. The only sound was the rustling of the two guards, the crackling of the fire, and his own labored breathing. Fear made his heart pound as an additional sound was slowly added; a slow determined step. The sound of boots slowly making their steps down from the dais above him till at last he could see the toes of them shining in the torch light just inches from his face.
"Raise him up." The command was curt and held no warmth.
Nate cried out as his hair was grabbed by one of the two guards and he was jerked to his knees. Despite being fully upright now, he kept his eyes down cast. He wanted to give this man no reason to cause any further harm to him.
"Look at me boy."
"Raise him up." The command was curt and held no warmth.
"Look at me boy."
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Glossary for The Blue Dragon's Geas
Glossary
I have been asked to provide a Glossary for my novel series - The Blue Dragon's Geas.
Since I am about to publish book 3, I took the time to put it in the back and will post it here for all those currently in book 1 or 2.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Mesiande's Story - Chapter One
At reader request, this is Mesiande's story. Please note that while I am proofing, this blog version of Outcast has not gone through much in the way of editing. Enjoy the following tale after the jump.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Outcast in Countdown!
To celebrate the release of The Blackguard which is now in the major edit portion of the publishing process, we are releasing Outcast for .99 cents for the next 36 hours in the USA. There is not an option for Canada or Australia, two other countries that offer me this great support but I will see about dropping their prices manually for the next three days as well.
The United Kingdom will go into Countdown on April 2, 2014. This will run a bit longer over there but again, will celebrate the release of the second book. So if your friend has not bought it yet and you are a follower of my blogs, tell them to hold off till April 2, 2014. Many have said the book is overpriced in the UK but unfortunately, that is the price you have to list it at for at least two weeks prior to and two weeks after a countdown.
I thank everyone that has supported me through this process. My fan base has been growing exponentially and everyone has been supportive. My editors have told me that book two does not disappoint but ultimately, this is for the opinion of the reader.
Alador's story is one I have to tell. It is weird. I used to hear other writers say that and not know what that meant. But once you bring a character to so much depth and life, they take on a life of their own. There has been twice when my fingers have been flying over the keyboard that when I reread what I wrote, I was like how did he get himself into this situation. Well, ultimately, I put him there. It takes another writer to know that in some ways, Alador put himself there. It is a strange feeling of knowing your character has a mind of its own. One such scene is when he decides to get a look of bloodmine stones versus natural bloodstones. Even his father was like, don't start a ruckus. But its Alador, he seems to leave a trail of "ruckus' in his wake.
I promised no spoilers so I will hold to that. I hope you all enjoy book two and for those who have not read Outcast yet, pick it up for e-reading in the next three days. It won't come back down for at least another 3-6 months. Have a balanced day and may your dragons ever be gentle.
The United Kingdom will go into Countdown on April 2, 2014. This will run a bit longer over there but again, will celebrate the release of the second book. So if your friend has not bought it yet and you are a follower of my blogs, tell them to hold off till April 2, 2014. Many have said the book is overpriced in the UK but unfortunately, that is the price you have to list it at for at least two weeks prior to and two weeks after a countdown.
I thank everyone that has supported me through this process. My fan base has been growing exponentially and everyone has been supportive. My editors have told me that book two does not disappoint but ultimately, this is for the opinion of the reader.
Alador's story is one I have to tell. It is weird. I used to hear other writers say that and not know what that meant. But once you bring a character to so much depth and life, they take on a life of their own. There has been twice when my fingers have been flying over the keyboard that when I reread what I wrote, I was like how did he get himself into this situation. Well, ultimately, I put him there. It takes another writer to know that in some ways, Alador put himself there. It is a strange feeling of knowing your character has a mind of its own. One such scene is when he decides to get a look of bloodmine stones versus natural bloodstones. Even his father was like, don't start a ruckus. But its Alador, he seems to leave a trail of "ruckus' in his wake.
I promised no spoilers so I will hold to that. I hope you all enjoy book two and for those who have not read Outcast yet, pick it up for e-reading in the next three days. It won't come back down for at least another 3-6 months. Have a balanced day and may your dragons ever be gentle.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
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.
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.
Friday, August 30, 2013
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!
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!
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!
Monday, August 26, 2013
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"
Sunday, August 18, 2013
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.
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.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
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.
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.
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