Writers' Tips and The Kid Lit Blog Hop #57

Ready for more writing tips from successful authors? This week I showcase the authors I interviewed in March and April of 2014 and share their advice for writers.

If you plan to publish, allow yourself to have big dreams. Writing is an incredibly difficult field in which to get noticed and most authors experience dozens of knock backs before getting anywhere. The skill is not in avoiding rejection, but bouncing back from it. Have a goal in mind and keep working at it. Big dreams will help you keep going.—Rosen Trevithick, author of the Smelly Trolls series

Whilst writing I’ve learnt that I have to be self-critical and be prepared to edit and edit and edit.
I read it out loud, just as if I was reading it to an audience – or a class. And I ask other people to read and criticise it.
BUT I take heart from praise because we all need that!—Rosie Morgan, author of The Camelot Inheritance series

Don’t give up, even if publishers or agents reject you.  Write what you want to write and not what you think would sell. Don’t self-proof read. Get someone you trust to it for you. It is too easy to miss mistakes when reviewing your own work.  Consider self-publishing. These days there is a lot of support and free marketing out here to resource. Use online media platforms to promote yourself.
Converse with other authors, share books and reviews and get yourself noticed. Do book readings and signings if you can. It’s a great way to actually meet readers who might enjoy your work.—

My School Is A Nightmare Series

Welcome to the 57th Kid Lit Blog Hop where we continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists.

On this Hop, Carpinello's Writing Pages interviews

MG Fantasy author H. L. Burke

and

MG Mystery author Shannon L. Brown

So, you are always more than welcome to join us by popping in a post and hopping around to meet some of your fellow Kid Lit bloggers and authors! This week, we are excited to be including a Facebook Linky Party to be held in conjunction with the Kid Lit Blog Hop. These linky parties are designed to give you the opportunity to connect with and grow your network of fellow kid lit bloggers, authors, and parents through your various social media platforms.  

Hostesses:

Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger

Stacking Books

BeachBoundBooks

Pragmatic Mom

Music, Teaching and Parenting

Reading Authors

The Logonauts

A Book Long Enough

Spark and Pook

 

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

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Kid Lit Blog Hop & Linky Party Rules *Please Read*

1. LINKY PARTY: Add the link to your Facebook fan page in the Facebook Linky Party list below. Be sure to visit at least the two links directly before yours as well as your hosts' Facebook fan pages. Be sure to like pages that interest you and show your colleagues some love by liking or sharing one of their posts. 2. KID LIT BLOG HOP: Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.

* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*

* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *

* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*

* Feel free to link more than one post.*

3. KID LIT BLOG HOP: Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS from the Kid Lit Blog Hop directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you! 4. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links! 5. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

Interested in co-hosting the Kid Lit Blog Hop/Linky Party? If you've joined us before, you are welcome to join us again! Please email renee @ motherdaughterbookreviews (dot) com and put Co-Hosting Blog Hop in the subject line.

Happy Hopping!

 

FACEBOOK LINKY PARTY

(Please do not link a blog post here - see below for the Kid Lit Blog Hop)

KID LIT BLOG HOP

Meet MG/YA Author H. L. Burke

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes Middle Grade/YA Fantasy author H. L. Burke.

First, a bit about H. L.:

I'm a military wife and mother of two who has always loved to live in fantasy worlds. I grew up in rural Oregon, accompanied by trees and books, and I am a firm believer in happily ever after.

Why did you pick to write books for MG/YA?

I write where the story takes me. Some of my stories are intended for adults or at the very least older teens because I touch on more sensitive or mature topics, but occasionally I find a story that wants me to write it that is just good fun, as in this new book, Thaddeus Whiskers and the Dragon. It was like something was whispering to me, “Write a book where a kitten makes friends with a dragon!” and with the lightness of that material, middle grade seemed the appropriate audience.

What types of books do you like to read?

I like things that are whimsical and fun, mostly fantasy, but as a mom I read a lot of books aimed at younger audience. My favorite author of all time is J. R. R. Tolkien.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

I play computer games a bit. My favorites being adventure games like the Myst series. I like to be able to explore interesting worlds and flip switches and see what happens.

Tell us about Thaddeus Whiskers and the Dragon and how the story came to be.

Thaddeus Whiskers and the Dragon is a story about a pampered palace kitten who finds the ground ripped out from under him after a fateful birthday party. Thaddeus is a small hero, but he's determined to find his way back to his beloved princess. During his journey he fights rats, outsmarts bears, and befriends a dragon. 
I have a series written for older readers about dragons and also really love cats, so I have a reputation as the “cat and dragon” lady. Some time last year, a friend emailed me a picture of a cat rubbing up against a dragon statue where it looked like the stone dragon was petting it. I loved the idea of a cat and a dragon playing together, so I wrote a short story about it and read it to my daughter. She told me it was too short because she's too old for short stories. It needed to be a chapter book. So I thought, “Why not?” and wrote a chapter book with the same premise and characters.

Here's a peek at Thaddeus Whiskers and the Dragon:

Thaddeus F. Whiskers is a pampered palace pet, a kitten enchanted to never become a cat. Princess Clarice loves him, for in the entire kingdom, for there is no other kitten as cute or as clever. He leads a life of cushions and cream until a wizard's "gift" results in his banishment. Determined to make it back to the princess he loves, he escapes into the wilderness where he discovers the lair of a
dragon.



Grandious, the dragon, doesn't care about anything besides himself. He wants to be left alone with his treasure. However, there is something about Thaddeus that has him entranced. He finds himself opening his home and his heart to the little cat. 



Thaddeus is a small creature in a big world. Between him and his beloved Princess stand conniving wizards, would-be-step-mothers, and rampaging rats. However, when danger threatens both Clarice and Grandious, Thaddeus won't allow his size to get in the way of saving his friends.

Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.

I have a series of fantasy romance novels written for older teens and adults (clean, but people kissing and getting married and whatnot). The first book in that series is Dragon's Curse (like I said, I'm the dragon lady), and a young adult novel based in a fantasy world where magic is music you can hear all around you. That one is called Beggar Magic.  I love to take tropes or the expected and twist it into something new. I also like to have characters who readers can look up to and feel better for having spent time with.

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

My next book is another “for grown-ups” piece because it deals with the aftermath of a war, and the loss and anger my characters feel can be pretty visceral at times. I would classify it as epic fantasy, a small band of survivors trying to hang on to what remains of their world after decades of violence. I may also be revisiting either Beggar Magic or Thaddeus Whiskers and the Dragon for a sequel sometime in the near future, but I don't have that plotted out yet.

What advice do you have for other authors?

Write what you want to read because if you want to read it, chances are someone else will too. Markets change. Fads change, but a good story is timeless.

Anything else you want readers to know?

Cats used to be worshiped in ancient Egypt, and they are somehow very aware of this in spite of the fact that they can't read and don't take history classes. That's very important to keep in mind. At all times, we are in danger of an uprising where the cats will take over and demand our servitude once again. Treat them kindly, and when they come to power, they will have mercy upon you.


Where can readers find you and your books?

My Website.
You can purchase my books on Amazon

Spring Ultimate Reading Quest!

Happy Spring from all the Authors in 

The Ultimate Reading Quest!

This year myself, and all the Quest authors, want you to enjoy your reading experiences more than ever! So in 2015, the Ultimate Reading Quest has more, more, more! More authors and more books, means more mystery, more danger, more intrigue and more edge-of-your-seat adventure awaits you! 

We want you, our readers, to be able to fill that Kindle, tablet or E-reader you got for Christmas, with fabulous reads to take you through 2015. The Quest is so much fun! Who doesn't love searching for treasure?

The ULTIMATE READING QUEST is about finding books that are “perfectly” suited to your reading taste by clicking on choices. To thank you for participating, the authors are giving away oodles of prizes for free! Enter your name to win Amazon cards and free books from authors! Plus a whole store of treasured books are just waiting to be discovered by you!

I hope you'll take a look at my Tales & Legends from the Medieval & Ancient Worlds. I write for those reluctant readers you probably know, as well as others and the young-at-heart.

Enjoy your journey as you travel through the QUEST! Don't forget to enter the raffle on the first page of the Quest. And please leave comments or questions for the authors of the Quest. We would love to hear from you. What are you waiting for?

Click on the button below to get started on your QUEST for the next ULTIMATE READ! 

CLICK ON THIS BUTTON TO START YOUR QUEST!

OR,

WATCH THE VIDEO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE READING QUEST.

 

 

 CLICK ON THE BUTTON TO START YOUR QUEST!

Meet YA Author Nancy M Bell

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes back Canadian author Nancy M Bell. Nancy is the author of The Cornwall Adventures, a popular YA series.

First, a bit about Nancy:

Nancy M Bell is a proud Albertan and lives near Balzac, Alberta with her husband and various critters. She has publishing credits in poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Nancy has presented at the Surrey International Writers Conference and the Writers Guild of Alberta Conference. She is currently working on Book 3 of her series The Cornwall Adventures.

Why did you pick to write books for YA?

When I wrote Laurel’s Quest and A Step Beyond, the first two books in The Cornwall Adventures series, the characters presented themselves and compelled me to tell their stories. They were teenagers and so I just sort of fell into the YA genre. I personally like reading the genre so that probably had something to do with it too.

What types of books do you like to read?

Honestly, I’m pretty eclectic. I love fantasy, Charles de Lint, Mercedes Lackey, Anne McCaffrey, and Jonathan Stroud, but I also have all of Patrick Taylor’s Irish Country series, as well as Jack Whyte and Diana Gabaldon. A further inspection of my crowded bookshelf reveals a ton of research books on ley lines, earth energy, megaliths, Irish legends, horse books, a Zane Grey collection…the list goes on.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

I enjoy spending time with my horses and dogs, taking a drive into the mountains, and visiting my grandkids. I’m trying to teach myself to play the tin whistle, without much success I might add, but it’s fun. I love to read and browse through used books stores and antique stores.

Tell us about A Step Beyond and how the story came to be.

A Step Beyond is the second book in The Cornwall Adventures series and is really about a young teenager coming to grips with his past and gaining confidence in himself and others. Gort's—main character—name comes from the Celtic Tree Ogham and is associated with Ivy which represents the search for self. This is exactly what Gort is doing. A secondary character in Laurel’s Quest, I really felt he needed his own story told. I also had quite a few requests from readers who wanted to know what happened to him after Laurel’s Quest ended, so I wrote his story. It involves time travel which the first book did not, but it works for his journey. Gort goes from being a skinny shy kid to Sir Gawain, one of King Arthur’s trusted knights. He learns he has only to look inside to find the courage he needs to face the demons in his present life. I’ll leave it at that, but I do hope you will seek A Step Beyond out and follow Gort on his journey.

Here's a peek at A Step Beyond:

Legend says that land once stretched from Lands End in Cornwall as far as the Isles of Scillies, thirty miles out in the Atlantic. It is to this mythical land that Gort Treliving escapes when his Uncle Daniel beats him senseless. He steps away from his corporeal body and walks into the mist of oblivion, seeking only to escape the pain. To Gort’s surprise, he finds he is Sir Gawain, one of King Arthur’s knights. He is also the partner of a wonderful grey war stallion who can telepathically speak to him.

While he is caught up in a wild chase across the countryside to rescue King Arthur’s kidnapped queen and her lady, Gort as Gawain, tries to puzzle out the strange visions of another life that assail him at the most inopportune times.

Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.

Laurel’s Quest is the first book in The Cornwall Adventures series. That’s the only other book in this genre so far. Some of my other works include No Absolution, a unique retelling of Jack the Ripper's story, and Storm's Refuge, a romance set in the Alberta prairie.

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

Yes! I am half way through a prequel to Laurel’s Quest which tells the story of Laurel’s Gramma Bella and how she came to Canada and southern Alberta. The working title is Arabella’s Secret. It delves a bit deeper into the relationship between some of the older secondary characters in Laurel. Something that readers have asked for as well. There is a fourth book as well in the works, actually the third in the Cornwall series. Laurel returns to Cornwall. Its title is Coming Home.

What advice do you have for other authors?

Keep writing, no matter how discouraged you might get, or how busy life becomes. Nobody can tell your stories but you.

Anything else you want readers to know?

I hope you enjoy my stories, and I’d love it if you let me know what you like, or didn’t like.

Thanks for having me on your blog, Cheryl, and congratulations on your own writing successes. I enjoy reading your stories.

Where can readers find you and your books?

You can links to find my books at http://bookswelove.net/authors/bell-nancy/
I’m on Twitter  @emilypikkasso
Facebook  Author Nancy M Bell
My Blog
I also post on the Books We Love Blog on the 18th of every month.

Authors' Advice and the Kid Lit Blog Hop #56

As writers, it is easy to feel that we are alone with our stories and our problems. This week I showcase the authors I interviewed in January and February of 2014 to share their advice for writers.

Write, write, write! The more you write, the better your writing will become. And remember why you write. This is a challenging and highly-competitive industry. For most, success is a long road. So learn as much as you can about marketing your book, and be patient. And most of all, thrive on the challenges, but don't ever let them take the fun out of your craft!—Elle Jacklee author of The Tree of Mindala

Read a lot. Write a lot. Editing is your best friend. The first draft I did… ok, the first three drafts, were truly terrible. Have people who will read your work and be honest about what you need to change. If they say ‘nothing,’ they’re not being honest. I love Neil Gaiman’s quote, “Remember: when people tell you something’s wrong or doesn’t work for them, they are almost always right. When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they are almost always wrong.”

And finally, don’t give up. Even when it’s hard. Even when you don’t think you’ll ever succeed. The people who succeed are the ones who keep going. It’s what everyone says because it’s TRUE.—J A Blackburn author of Dragon Defender

Read, read, read, not only in your chosen genre, but others as well. Also, be willing to revise as many times as needed, and cultivate a huge amount of patience, perseverance and determination. Everything about publishing, traditional publishing at least, moves slow as molasses. You have to truly love writing in order to stick with it. —Dianna M Winget, author of A Smidgen of Sky

It helps to have a very thick skin and learn not to take rejection personally.

Also, write for the correct reasons. You need to write because it is your passion, not because you think it is a path to riches.

Make sure that your book is ready before jumping into the publishing process. Self-published books need to be professionally edited and of very high quality if you wish to compete with the mainstream books on the market. The book market has been flooded with masses of books in recent years and you really need to deliver a good quality product if you hope to achieve commercial success.—Louise Lintvelt author of Dancing Drama Queen

I think the most important thing is to make writing fun. You must enjoy what you’re doing to do it well. So take a subject you adore and write about it. Every day. Until you know it’s right. On days I don’t feel like writing, I read over the last few chapters and immediate I start to edit and rewrite; since I’m a bit of a perfectionist, that always gets me in the proper mood. —J. C. Whyte author of Karmack

Writing isn't easy! It takes time and dedication, sometimes pushing you to the very edge. Keep working and find something that helps keep your mind in the writing zone so you don't get off track.  For me, it's different types of music or just speaking to my sister so I can bounce my ideas off of her.—Alicia Rivoli author of Mere Enchantment

Keep writing! If you come across an area that is giving you trouble don't dwell in the stuck position but rather make the choice to move on. You can ALWAYS go back later. I am much more productive operating this way.—Crystal Marcos author of Bellyache: A Delicious Tale

And now,

Welcome to the 56th Kid Lit Blog Hop where we continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists.

On this Hop, Carpinello's Writing Pages interviews

Christian Author Cynthia P. Willow 

and 

YA Author Nancy M. Bell

You are always more than welcome to join us by popping in a post and hopping around to meet some of your fellow Kid Lit bloggers and authors! This week, we are excited to be including a Google+ Linky Party to be held in conjunction with the Kid Lit Blog Hop. These linky parties are designed to give you the opportunity to connect with and grow your network of fellow kid lit bloggers, authors, and parents through your various social media platforms. We are pleased to be welcome back Tiffiny from the blog Spark and Pook as co-host this week (two weeks in a row - woot!. Welcome back once again, Tiffiny!  

Hostesses:

Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger

Stacking Books

BeachBoundBooks

Pragmatic Mom

Best 4 Future: Bringing Up Baby Bilingual

Reading Authors

The Logonauts

A Book Long Enough

Co-Host:

Spark and Pook

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

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Kid Lit Blog Hop & Linky Party Rules *Please Read*

1. LINKY PARTY: Add the link to your Google+ profile page in the Google+ Linky Party list below. Be sure to visit at least the two links directly before yours, say hello and "like" or share a post and follow folks as per your interests. If you do not have a Google+ profile, you are welcome to link up a different social media profile (Pinterest, Facebook, etc.). 2. KID LIT BLOG HOP: Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.

* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*

* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *

* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*

* Feel free to link more than one post.*

3. KID LIT BLOG HOP: Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS from the Kid Lit Blog Hop directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you! 4. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links! 5. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

Happy Hopping!

 

GOOGLE+ LINKY PARTY

(Please do not link a blog post here - see below for the Kid Lit Blog Hop)

KID LIT BLOG HOP

Meet Christian Children's Author Cynthia P. Willow

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes Christian Author Cynthia P. Willow. Cynthia writes a variety of stories for all young readers.

First, a bit about Cynthia:

Cynthia loves to spin stories in the shade of the willow tree...when she's not home schooling her teenagers or reading to her toddler. She's also a student in her 5th year with Liberty University. She loves Jesus and has many stories to share about faith. She resides in Georgia with her husband and three children.

Did you pick to write books for children, middle graders, or young adults?

I actually write for all ages. I have one rhyming picture book already published and will have another one out this year. 

What types of books do you like to read?

I like to read all types of books, but fantasy is my favorite. I guess I never left middle school because that’s the section I go to in the library.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

I write in my spare time. It’s my hobby of choice. The rest of the time, I’m parenting, teaching, and doing school work.

Tell us about Letsi and the Labyrinth and how the story came to be.

I began this story years ago as a request from my daughter who was about 11 years old then. She came up with the name and said she wanted it to include a labyrinth. So I began the story and added to it little by little until it was finished.

Here's a peek at Letsi and the Labyrinth:

Fourteen-year-old Letsi wants to know why the labyrinth is forbidden. Tragedy forces her to move in with her wealthy aunt where the labyrinth consumes her thoughts and gives her hope for a new adventure.

Her late uncle created the maze, but only one person alive knows the treasure it holds. Letsi's aunt has warned her to stay away from it, but she is much too curious.

Once she discovers her uncle’s blueprints, she begins a quest to unlock the secrets within the labyrinth. But someone else wants the treasure and will stop at nothing to find it.

Can Letsi solve the puzzle and discover what her uncle meant to stay hidden, or has she put herself in more danger than she can handle?

Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.

Letsi and the Labyrinth is my ninth completed book. I have a middle grade Christian fantasy series called The Kingsley Adventures and an elementary to middle grade fantasy series called The Karini and Lamek Chronicles. Book 1 of that series is permanently free on all platforms. My series The Hell Tales is clean, but probably more enjoyed by YA and adult audiences. It’s Christian fiction / romance.  I also co-wrote a Christian paranormal book called Cat Tales and Whiskers with my dyslexic daughter. It’s been called a Christian version of the Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine. All of my books are featured with full blurbs, trailers, and photos on my website.

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

Yes! I’m currently writing an inspirational Christian story called Saving Private Benjamin. This one will require tissues.

What advice do you have for other authors?

Just get the first book written. Then write more books. Make sure you have a proficient editor and proofreader. Write what you would read. Make it fun. Don’t overthink it!

Anything else you want readers to know?

Some of my books are also available on audio, so be sure to check those options out while on my Amazon page. 

Where can readers find you and your books?

The best place to find my books is my website.
You can also find them all on my Amazon author page.

Dawnflight Tour: Excerpt and Spotlight

 

 

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Dawnflight SERIES – The Dragon’s Dove Chronicles, book 1 AUTHOR – Kim Iverson Headlee GENRE – Myths, Legends, Historical, Spiritual, Romance PUBLICATION DATE – 2013 LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 415 pages/130K words PUBLISHER – Lucky Bat Books COVER ARTIST – Natasha Brown

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Gyan is a Caledonian chieftainess by birth, a warrior and leader of warriors by training, and she is betrothed to Urien, a son of her clan’s deadliest enemy, by right of Arthur the Pendragon’s conquest of her people. For the sake of peace, Gyan is willing to sacrifice everything...perhaps even her very life, if her foreboding about Urien proves true.

Roman by his father, Brytoni by his mother, and denied hereditary rulership of his mother's clan because of his mixed blood, Arthur has followed his father's path to become Dux Britanniarum, the Pendragon: supreme commander of the northern Brytoni army. The Caledonians, Scots, Saxons, and Angles keep him too busy to dwell upon his loneliness...most of the time.

When Gyan and Arthur meet, each recognize within the other their soul’s mate. The treaty has preserved Gyan’s ancient right to marry any man, providing he is a Brytoni nobleman—but Arthur does not qualify. And the ambitious Urien, Arthur’s greatest political rival, shall not be so easily denied. If Gyan and Arthur cannot prevent Urien from plunging the Caledonians and Brytons back into war, their love will be doomed to remain unfulfilled forever.

But there is an even greater threat looming. The Laird of the Scots wants their land and will kill all who stand in his way. Gyan, Arthur, and Urien must unite to defeat this merciless enemy who threatens everyone they hold dear.

 

BUY & TBR LINKS

AMAZON KINDLE US – AMAZON KINDLE CA – AMAZON KINDLE UK – AMAZON PAPERBACK – AMAZON AUDIOBOOK – BARNES & NOBLES NOOK – BARNES & NOBLES PAPERBACK – KOBO E-BOOK – SMASHWORDS – ITUNES E-BOOK – ITUNES AUDIOBOOK – GOODREADS – SHELFARI

EXCERPT: Chapter 1

THE COMBATANTS CIRCLED warily in the churned mud of the practice field, blind to the swelling audience and the chilling autumn rain. One, a giant of a figure, was the teacher. The student was neither as tall nor as well muscled but moved with the speed and agility of youth. The mud splattered on both bodies was mute evidence of the length of the session.

“Keep up your intensity!” Ogryvan swiped at his opponent’s midsection. “Always! Lose your battle frenzy, and you’re dead!”

Neither was fighting in true battle frenzy, but the younger warrior understood. Smiling grimly through the rivulets of sweat, the student danced out of reach, whirled, and made a cut at Ogryvan’s thigh. The blunted practice sword could not penetrate the leather leggings but was sure to leave a bruise precisely over the wound he had taken at Abar-Gleann two months before.

Although the swordmaster gritted his teeth against the pain, his opponent sensed satisfaction in the accompanying nod. The reason for the sign of approval was clear: the student had made an excellent choice of moves. Exploitation of the enemy’s weaknesses was a basic tenet of the warrior’s art. Mastery of this principle would serve Ogryvan’s pupil well in the years to come.

“Strive to outthink your foe. Stay one move ahead,” he advised between feints. The clatter adopted a dancelike rhythm as the opposing blade deftly met each thrust. The onlookers shouted their approval.

The youth answered with a powerful counterattack, silent but for the creak of leather and the hollow thunks as sword met shield. The swordmaster staggered backward. His disciple quickened the attack.

And grew careless. The shield sagged. Ogryvan landed a blow to the unguarded left shoulder. Startled, the youth lost footing in the treacherous mud and fell.

The laughter sparked by the mishap, from teacher and audience alike, was not unkind, yet it did not comfort the mud-painted student.

The Chieftainess of Clan Argyll hated to lose.

The reason rankled like that awful brew Cynda called spring tonic: she’d not done her best. She didn’t need her father to tell her that carelessness had caused the loss.

In battle, such a mistake was fatal.

She began to pick herself up, seething, only to be unceremoniously shoved face-first into the mud. Before she could twitch, her father’s foot pinned her down. His sword at the base of her neck chilled her to the core of her being. It was too easy to imagine what might happen next.

Ogryvan whispered, “Pay attention, Gyan. This is my favorite part.” His rumbling voice poised on the brink of a chuckle. “All hear and beware! The Ogre takes no prisoners!”

Had this been actual combat, her head would have become the newest addition to Ogryvan’s private collection. Such was the Caledonach way. Not only was the foe defeated in death, but to the victor went possession of the soul. Well honored was the warrior who boasted the largest array.

Long years of training had hardened Gyan to this aspect of warfare, yet the prospect of someday ending up on display in an enemy’s feast hall was grisly at best.

By the shifting of his foot on her back, she knew her father was posturing for the crowd. They rewarded his performance with gleeful claps and shouts. The official practice session was over, of course. But she wasn’t quite finished.

Her sword hilt nestled in the palm of her outflung hand. She carefully tightened her grip. In a burst of movement, she writhed and scissored with her legs, twisted free, rolled to her feet, and brought the sword up in both hands. Ogryvan toppled into the mud. The resounding wet thud of his landing was chorused by the guffaws of the audience.

She grinned, holding the point of her sword to his throat. “Neither does the Ogre’s daughter!”

No nectar was as sweet as the joy of winning, and winning before an audience of her clansmen tasted even sweeter. One day, she would lead them into battle; events like today’s added another brick onto the foundation of trust. Their heartfelt adoration warmed her like the summer sun.

She sheathed the sword and offered a hand to her father. “Even?” Her voice was huskier than usual from the exertion of the morning.

Ogryvan took the proffered hand to regain his footing. “Even.”

The crowd drifted back to their various duties around the settlement, but one man remained at the edge of the field. She strode toward him, swatting mud from her thighs and chest.

“Well, Per, how did I look?”

“Like the fen-spirits Cynda used to try to frighten us with.” Her half brother reached for a glob of mud lodged in her braid.

“Ha!” She playfully slapped his hand away. “You know what I mean.”

Per beamed at her. “You did well. I don’t think I could have fooled Father like that. Or held him off for so long.”

She didn’t believe him for an instant. They had sparred with each other often enough to know who was the better swordsman, but she rewarded his flattery with a brilliant smile and a challenge: “Race you to the house!”

She launched herself down the path, bruises forgotten in the autumn mist.

BOOK TRAILER (with older cover by Joe Calkins)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHOESkv-R_c

AUDIOBOOK VIDEO TEASER (Prologue)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdSGhmdeqSo

 

CHARACTER BIOS

I am Gyanhumara nic Hymar, daughter of Hymar and her consort, Ogryvan. My mother, whose name means “song,” named me her “rarest song,” for I was fated before birth to be the only daughter she would ever bear. Those who do not ken the Caledonach tongue call me by many other names: Vennevria ... Guanhumara ... Ganora … Gwenhwyfar ... Guenevara ... Guinevere. I am none of those women.

I am Gyanhumara.

The banner under which I fight is not my own but my clan's: Na Calamaig h’Argaillanaich, which is called in your tongue the Doves of Argyll. Our storytellers tell us of Clan Argyll’s first exalted heir-bearer, who lived countless generations ago. Argaillean was fierce and strong and true to her name, which means “our tempest.” For her valiant battle against those first despised Ròmanach invaders, she chose the doves, for they are the fastest of birds and the strongest for their size. Argaillean and her army had to be fast and strong to defeat the Ròmanaich. She chose two doves to show unity between her and her consort, between her and her clan, and between her clan and Caledon. The silver on the banner represents the natural coloring of doves, but Argaillean also chose it in defiance of the Ròmanaich, who prize silver for their finest armor and adornments. The midnight blue field against which the Doves of Argyll fly represents the vast eternal realm of the Old Ones… or Heaven, as I have learned to call it.

I also proudly fight under the Scarlet Dragon of Arthur the Pendragon, but I shall defer to him for the explanation of its meaning, if he so chooses to share it with you.

 

AUTHOR BIO

Kim Headlee lives on a farm in southwestern Virginia with her family, cats, goats, and assorted wildlife. People & creatures come and go, but the cave and the 250-year-old house ruins -- the latter having been occupied as recently as the mid-20th century -- seem to be sticking around for a while yet.

Kim is a Seattle native (when she used to live in the Metro DC area, she loved telling people she was from "the other Washington") and a direct descendent of 20th-century Russian nobility. Her grandmother was a childhood friend of the doomed Grand Duchess Anastasia, and the romantic yet tragic story of how Lydia escaped Communist Russia with the aid of her American husband will most certainly one day fuel one of Kim's novels. Another novel in the queue will involve her husband's ancestor, the 7th-century proto-Viking king of the Swedish colony in Russia.

For the time being, however, Kim has plenty of work to do in creating her projected 8-book Arthurian series, The Dragon's Dove Chronicles, and other novels under her new imprint, Pendragon Cove Press.

YouTube video interview: http://youtu.be/DV5iKrEIROk

 

FOLLOW KIM

BLOG – TWITTER – GOOGLE+ - FACEBOOK – PINTEREST – AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – GOODREADS – LINKEDIN – YOUTUBE CHANNEL

NEWSLETTER: mailto:info@dawnflight.com subject=Subscription_Request

 

GIVEAWAY PRIZES

5 e-copies of Dawnflight 10 note cards 1 autographed print copy of Dawnflight

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Organized & Hosted by:

Meet Texas YA Author Susan Royal

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes a Texas daughter, Susan Royal. Susan is a fellow MuseItUp author.

First, a bit about Susan:

Born in west Texas and raised in south Texas, Susan makes her home in a 100-year-old farmhouse in a small east Texas town that comes complete with a ghost who has been known to harmonize with her son when he plays guitar. 
 
She is married and the mother of six (she counts her children’s spouses as her own) and five grandchildren who are all unique and very special. Her family is rich with characters, both past and present. Her grandmother shared stories of living on a farm in Oklahoma Territory with three sisters and three brothers and working as a telephone operator in the early 20th century.  She heard about growing up in San Antonio in the depression from her father, and experienced being a teenager during WWII through her mother’s eyes.

Why do you pick to write books for YA?

There are several reasons. For one thing, I love reading YA, especially when an author makes me remember what it’s like to be that age. Maggie Stiefvater, Ally Condie, Marie Lu and fellow Muse author Barbara Ehrentreu come to mind. YA stories are all about the characters finding strengths they didn’t know they had. That happens in any good book, but because of their youth, it seems they’re more willing to take a step into the unknown.  The sex is there, but it’s subtle, and I like subtle.

What type of books do you like to read?

I like to escape into another world for adventures I never dreamed of having. I love reading time travel, young adult, post-apocalyptic, paranormal and urban fantasy…all with a touch of romance.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

When I’m not writing, I’m thinking about it. I’m working out plots in my head, thinking of scenarios and/or names while I’m out antiquing with my daughter or daughters-in-law, finding things to repurpose, decorating and redecorating my 100 year old house, reading (I read in the tub every day), and sewing. I love going to the movies with my husband, photography and spending time with my 5 grandchildren. 

Tell us about Not Long Ago and how the story came to be. 

I had the opening scene of Not Long Ago written for at least six months before I went any further. It could have gone in a thousand different directions, but the romantic in me knew I had to explore the connection between the man and the woman who saw each other by accident through the coffee shop window. He’s a complete stranger, but she feels like she knows him, knows things about him. As if things between them aren’t complicated enough, I decided to make it a time travel. When my daughter read it, she told me the story wasn’t finished. Turns out, she was right. From Now On takes the story a step further. When Griffin disappears on mysterious Manx Island, Erin will do whatever it takes to find him. Along the way she deals with little people, ghosts and ley lines. My little time travel story has become a series called It’s About Time.

I’ve chosen the following passage to share because I wanted everyone to see Not Long Ago is not just about time travel, nor is it just a love story between two very different people. I tried to make it an adventure that will take the reader to another time and allow them to experience life there as seen through the main character’s eyes. This part was an especially emotional scene for me to write. I attempted to portray some of the emotions each of us experience when we’re faced with losing someone we care about, whether it be father, mentor or friend.

Here's a peek at Not Long Ago:

--> Late the next day, everyone gathered on the banks of the river under a clear sky. On a hill above us, archers waited. Beside them men-at-arms from the castle stood at attention. Clustered below were the castle servants and townspeople. Lady Isobeil, Lady Gwyneth and Kat positioned themselves on opposite sides of Lord John, as far away from each other as possible. He stood at one end of a long, shallow wooden boat filled with brush. Sir Maldwyn’s body had been wrapped in linen and placed inside, his belongings next to him. Water lapped against the boat, a strangely calming sound.

The pain on Sir Griffin’s face was almost more than I could bear. He clenched his jaw and gripped the hilt of his sword until I thought it would break. Faces stoic, the other knights huddled together with their squires. No doubt each of them remembered Sir Maldwyn in his own way. After all, he’d been in service at the castle long enough to train most of the knights when they were still squires. I thought of my parent’s death and the emptiness I felt knowing I’d never see them again. People everywhere stared at the ground, trying to hold back tears.

All except for Deroc. I can think of nothing more poignant than the sight of him standing over his father’s body while tears ran down his face. Over and over, the boy repeated the same words. “I am sorry Father, I am so sorry.” The overbearing bully who confronted me in the paddock had vanished. All that remained was a pitiful little boy, one who mourned a relationship with his father he’d never had, and now, one he would never experience.

Sir Maldwyn’s body lay on the funeral pyre, in the custom of the Vikings, while Father Alford conducted the service in Latin in a calm and soothing monotone, appearing completely undisturbed by all the pagan customs surrounding him. When he said his last amen, Lord John nodded at Sir Griffin. He began to ease the boat into the water. When it resisted, first Sir Edevane and then the other knights joined him. Together, they gave one last push, and the boat floated free.

Sir Sion remained on the bank, alone in his guilt. He didn’t join the rest, likely because he knew they held him responsible for Sir Maldwyn’s death. Sir Sion’s decision made in haste and in anger had ended someone’s life. No wonder he couldn’t bear to meet anyone’s eyes.

Have you written any other books?  If so, tell us a bit about them.

I’ve written a YA fantasy, In My Own Shadow. Talk about the worst day ever! Lara lets her friend Carrie talk her into a blind date, only it turns out the handsome stranger waiting for Lara after work isn’t Carrie’s cousin after all. And, when they’re chased through a portal to another world, Lara realizes Rhys really is out of this world.

I have a fantasy coming out in the fall, titled Xander’s Tangled Web. After a late night visit to Battington’s marketplace, Princess Mena has vanished without a trace. Merchants are frantic because King Leander has called for a curfew and postponed the spring festival. Certain his former constable is the man for the job, the mayor hires Xander to investigate, hoping he can solve the mystery in a hurry so things can go back to normal. But Xander’s not so sure that’s possible because there’s romance involved, and he knows when that happens, folks who are normally very sensible seem to lose all reason. In addition to sorting out truths, half-truths and outright lies, he must deal with gypsies, love potions and an illegal moonshine operation before he gets to the bottom of things.

What’s next for your writing?  Are you working on a new story?

Currently I’m working on book 3 in my series. Erin and Griffin’s story is still not complete. I told the story of how they met and fell in love. Now we’ll find out how two people from different worlds learn to live together.

What advice do you have for authors?

Join a critique group. Write your story. Research. Learn. Edit. Submit your story. Last, but not least, never ever give up.


Anything else you want readers to know?

I’d love to hear from any of you. Email me at ssn_royal@hotmail.com.

Where can readers find you and your books?

Susan:

http://susanroyal.moonfruit.com 
http://susanroyal.wordpress.com 

Her Books:

In My Own Shadow (fantasy, adventure, romance)
Not Long Ago (time travel, adventure, romance)

Not Long Ago book trailer

All books available at MuseItUp, Amazon, B&N, Goodreads


Sneak Peek: Guinevere Book II and the Kid Lit Blog Hop 55.

This week's post is a celebration of sorts. Last month I finished the first draft—read that as a very rough first draft—of Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend—Cedwyn's Story. A lot of work still needs to be done before the manuscript makes its way to the first of many editor visits. Bear this in mind as you read the first pages of this story. If you have read Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend, then you may be a bit surprised at this reading. So, here goes nothing. I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 1 - State of Affairs

A strong north wind rushed down the valley, scattering leaves already yellowed and blown down earlier by another north wind. Already the smell of winter filled the air, crisp and sharp with the promise of early snow instead of the mild fall usually seen.

It also carried another winter on its breath. A light dusting of ash lay upon the castle parapets and floated down on the roofs turning them a grayish-white. These days ashes covered every level surface and every nook, inside and outside. On days like today when the wind raced through, people tried to breathe shallow to avoid inhaling the acrid smoke carried from the winter up north.

Throughout the spring and summer, conflict ripped through the northern country bringing death to many and sending the ashes of whole villages, burnt to the ground instead of surrendering, south into the lands loyal to the one king. In response, legions of men rode north, knights of those shires pledged to and supporting one land, one king. The land being Britain; the king being Arthur Pendragon.

A slender young woman, chin resting on her hands, gazed north, almost oblivious to the gusts whipping the brown hair escaping from the cowl of her dark green cloak. Days seemed to have passed since the sun last smiled on her land. Then a nasty gale raised up and whipped the hood off her head, revealing underneath the innocent but lined face of a young princess, just past fifteen years. A princess who should have been a queen.

A sigh escaped her blood-spotted lips, cracked and sore from a week of standing on this parapet while the wind destroyed the summer in her land. She waited each day for movement through the trees that would signal the coming home of the knights from the north. No sign of her father or King Arthur.

Months overdue was her marriage. Another change because of the fighting, the refusal of the northern clans to give up their freedom for a different freedom under Arthur. Two months ago, her father had left with a contingent of knights to bolster Arthur’s troops. Two months and no word, just ashes and smoke.

And now,

Welcome to the 55th Kid Lit Blog Hop where we continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists.

On this Hop, Carpinello's Writing Pages interviews

MG/YA author Sara Stinson

and

fellow MuseItUp YA author Susan Royal.

You are always more than welcome to join us by popping in a post and hopping around to meet some of your fellow Kid Lit bloggers and authors! This week, we are excited to be including a Goodreads Linky Party to be held in conjunction with the Kid Lit Blog Hop. These linky parties are designed to give you the opportunity to connect with and grow your network of fellow kid lit bloggers, authors, and parents through your various social media platforms. We are pleased to welcome as co-host this week Tiffiny from the blog Spark and Pook. Welcome and bienvenue to Tiffiny.  

Hostesses:

Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger

Stacking Books

BeachBoundBooks

Pragmatic Mom

Music, Teaching and Parenting

Reading Authors

The Logonauts

A Book Long Enough

Co-Hostess:

Spark and Pook

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

<div align="center">
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Kid Lit Blog Hop & Linky Party Rules *Please Read*

1. LINKY PARTY: Add the link to your Goodreads profile page in the Goodreads Linky Party list below. Be sure to visit at least the two links directly before yours as well as your hosts' Goodreads pages. Be sure to friend or follow some folks with similar interests and like any reviews that catches your eye.
2. KID LIT BLOG HOP: Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.

* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*

* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *

* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*

* Feel free to link more than one post.*

3. KID LIT BLOG HOP: Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS from the Kid Lit Blog Hop directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you! 4. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links! 5. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

Interested in co-hosting the Kid Lit Blog Hop/Linky Party? If you've joined us before, you are welcome to join us again! Please email renee @ motherdaughterbookreviews (dot) com and put Co-Hosting Blog Hop in the subject line.

Happy Hopping!

 

GOODREADS LINKY PARTY

(Please do not link a blog post here - see below for the Kid Lit Blog Hop)

KID LIT BLOG HOP

Meet MG/YA Author Sara Stinson

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes retired teacher/author Sara Stinson and her series, The Finger Bones.

First, a bit about Sara:

Hello! Hope everyone is doing well. My name is Sara Stinson, and I am a middle-grade to Young Adult author. I started writing when I retired in 2009. I taught school for twenty-five years and continue to substitute for nearby schools. I am married to Donnie Stinson. We have two grown children, one precious Yorkie, Addie, and two cats, Lexie and Amy.

Why did you pick to write for middle-grade to Young Adult?

I chose the Middle-Grade and Young Adult because I have worked with this age group for over twenty-five years. One day I may try an adult book. For now, I enjoy children books. I can let my imagination run wild. I love creating different worlds and characters. Adventure books are exciting! I enjoy watching the children’s eyes brighten as they sink their minds into a great story.

What type of books do you like to read?

 
I was talking to an author about this today. I am an eclectic reader. If the book is good, I’m going to read it! Since I write for the middle-grade and Young Adult, I read many books in this area.  Don’t limit yourself.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

I love to read. My family kids me all the time. When I read, I write notes. It’s a habit. My brain is always churning. I love spending time with my family, and my husband and I enjoy fishing!

Tell us about The Finger Bones Series books and how the story came to be.

In my hometown, an elder man named Charlie Porter use to walk to town every day. The trip was over six miles round trip. He was an African American who was born a slave. He died a free man. It was rumored he was between 113 to 122 years old when he died. I wanted him to be one of my ideas for a character. 

I went to the library and started flipping through books.  I came across the word Boney Fingers. I decided to flip the name to Finger Bones. A 122-year-old ghost named Finger Bones became a character in my book. I added three adventurous kids and the stories came to life!

So far, Finger Bones and Wendy and Finger Bones and the Ghost Dog have been published.

Here's a peek at Finger Bones and Wendy:

When ten-year-old Wendy Dee Winkelmann needs to do some serious thinking she likes to chew bubblegum. While sitting on a bench in town reading, she becomes friends with an old man the townspeople call, Finger Bones. Some locals consider him odd and spread rumors about the ghastly man who lives up a dirt road in an old ramshackle cabin. Yet Wendy knows different. She soon discovers that this old man, who walks to town with a burlap bag tied to a stick, has a special job. He sends ghosts to their next destination, and the stick and burlap bag he carries are magical.

Now Wendy chases the lingering spirits, and her two best friends, Claire and Henry, are determined to help her. Soon she finds herself caught up in a devious plan of a dark sinister power, and if it means hurting someone, or worse, it will do whatever is necessary to succeed. It’s all up to Wendy to save Bridgeville before the evil power takes over the town.

When The Bridgeville Clipper announces Finger Bones is dead at 122-years of age, Wendy is not upset. He will be back. Finger Bones and Wendy have unfinished business in this small town.

Have you written any other books?  If so, tell us a bit about them.
 
Yes. I have just published Book One of The Hally Witch of Magic Hollow Series. The name is Forever Changed. A teenage girl named Skyla Hally discovers she has magical powers on the night of her seventeenth birthday. This fantasy has fun creatures and lots of action throughout the book.  

What’s next for your writing?  Are you working on a new story?
 
Yes. I’m researching and planning for the next Finger Bones book. I’m also writing ideas and an outline for Book Two of The Hally Witch books. I also have several ideas written down for books.  Authors are weird like this!

What advice do you have for authors?

My advice is to write every day. Practice may not make perfect, but it will improve your writing skills. When the draft is complete, edit, edit, and edit. When you think you are finished, read it again.  Also, leave the book alone for a few days, or weeks. It helps to take a break and return to it later.

Anything else you want readers to know?
 
I do hope you will join The Finger Bones family on my site! Join the family and read the books. I guarantee the books will bring the kid out in you! It’s for third grade and up.  

Forever Changed is more for seventh grade and up. It’s a fantasy, adventure, and paranormal romance. Please read and enjoy this adventurous magical book. Learn what Cruggles are. Meet the Jiffles and discover what the Box of Rigspul’s purpose is. Like on the cover, read about The Hally Book of Shadows. You may think it’s alive!

Where can readers find you and your books?

Me:

Sara Stinson website
Facebook

My books:

Facebook
Amazon (Finger Bones and Wendy)
Amazon (Finger Bones and the Ghost Dog)
Amazon (Forever Changed)
Createspace
Barnes and Nobles